7th March 2024
- Published
07 March 2024 -
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ASML’s chip-making machine, a scientific marvel?
Context
Advancements in technology have led to the continuous miniaturization, increased speed, and enhanced efficiency of semiconductor chips. ASML's High NA EUV machine represents the cutting edge in semiconductor manufacturing, revolutionizing the production of these essential components.
1: Dimension - Introduction to Semiconductor Lithography:
- Semiconductor chips and computing: Semiconductors, the building blocks of modern computing, store and manipulate data using intricate circuits. Semiconductor lithography, the process of printing these circuits with precision, is fundamental to semiconductor manufacturing.
- ASML's dominance: ASML, headquartered in the Netherlands, stands as the sole producer of semiconductor lithography machines, holding a monopoly in a market valued at $125 billion.
2: Dimension - The Innovation of High NA EUV Technology:
- Introduction of High NA EUV machine: ASML's latest innovation, the High NA EUV machine, represents a significant leap forward in semiconductor manufacturing. Priced at $350 million each, these machines rival Intel's capabilities in producing advanced semiconductors.
- Utilization of EUV photolithography: The High NA EUV machine utilizes extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography to fabricate semiconductor circuits with unparalleled precision. This technology involves transferring circuit patterns onto silicon wafers coated with a light-sensitive material, enabling the creation of intricate transistor structures.
3: Dimension - Overcoming Physical Limitations:
- Rayleigh scattering criterion: The smallest feature size achievable in semiconductor manufacturing is constrained by the Rayleigh scattering criterion, which dictates that feature size is inversely proportional to the wavelength of light used. ASML's EUV technology operates at 13.5 nm, pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible.
- Continuous innovation: Throughout history, chip manufacturers have strived to increase transistor density by reducing the size of individual transistors. ASML's High NA EUV machine represents the culmination of decades of innovation in lithography technology.
4: Dimension - Precision and Engineering Marvels:
- EUV light production: ASML's machine generates EUV light by rapidly heating liquid tin droplets to extreme temperatures, resulting in ionized gas that emits EUV radiation. This intricate process occurs at a rate of 50,000 times per second, highlighting the machine's precision and efficiency.
- Mirror technology: The mirrors used in the High NA EUV machine, crafted by Zeiss, exhibit unprecedented levels of smoothness and precision. These mirrors reflect EUV light with remarkable accuracy, ensuring precise patterning of semiconductor circuits on silicon wafers.
5: Dimension - Strategic Implications and Future Prospects:
- Technological leadership and geopolitical considerations: ASML's lithography machines are pivotal in maintaining technological leadership and geopolitical influence. Restrictions on the sale of these machines to certain countries such as China underscore their strategic significance in shaping global technological trends.
- Continued innovation and societal impact: Semiconductor technology continues to evolve, driving advancements in artificial intelligence, digital communication, and space exploration. ASML's contributions to semiconductor manufacturing pave the way for further innovation and societal transformation.
2023 El Niño: Climate Impact and Forecast
Context
The 2023-2024 El Niño event has emerged as one of the most powerful on record, with significant implications for global climate patterns. Despite a weakening trend, its influence is expected to persist in the coming months, impacting various regions worldwide.
1: Dimension - Intensity and Duration:
- Exceptional strength: According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the ongoing El Niño event ranks among the top five strongest on record. Its peak intensity, observed between November 2023 and January 2024, saw temperatures rise approximately 2 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
- Persistence: Although the El Niño is gradually weakening, there is still a 60% chance of its continuation during March-May, with a subsequent shift towards neutral conditions (neither El Niño nor La Niña) from April-June. The event's lingering effects are expected to influence global weather patterns in the months ahead.
2: Dimension - Climate Impact:
- Global temperature anomalies: The prevailing El Niño conditions have contributed to above-normal temperatures across the globe. The WMO forecasts continued warmth over nearly all land areas from March to May, exacerbating existing climate challenges.
- Regional climate effects: El Niño typically results in varied climate impacts across different regions. While it may bring increased rainfall to the Horn of Africa and the southern United States, it often leads to dry and warm conditions in Southeast Asia, Australia, and southern Africa, affecting agricultural productivity and water resources.
3: Dimension - Societal and Economic Implications:
- Environmental and economic consequences: El Niño events significantly influence societies and economies worldwide. By disrupting weather patterns, they can pose risks to agriculture, water resources, and public health. Accurate seasonal forecasts provided by organizations like the WMO help countries prepare and mitigate the impacts on vulnerable sectors.
- Historical significance: The prolonged duration and intensity of the 2023 El Niño underscore its historical significance. While El Niño events are cyclical phenomena, their severity and duration can vary, requiring proactive measures to address their consequences.
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El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, often leading to disruptive weather patterns worldwide. La Niña, its counterpart, involves cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, typically resulting in opposite climate effects. |
Importance of INS Jatayu and MH-60R Squadron Commissioning
Context
The recent commissioning of INS Jatayu at Minicoy islands marks a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, reinforcing its presence in the strategically vital Lakshadweep region. Concurrently, the commissioning of the first MH-60R multi-role helicopter squadron, INAS 334 'Seahawks', in Kochi signifies a substantial enhancement in the Navy's rotary fleet and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
1. Dimension- INS Jatayu: Strengthening Maritime Surveillance
- Expansion Strategy: INS Jatayu stands as a pivotal element in India's strategic expansion plan, aiming to fortify surveillance and security in the Lakshadweep islands. Positioned strategically near the Nine Degree channel and crucial sea lanes of communication, its commissioning heralds improved maritime domain awareness (MDA) and enhanced tracking of maritime traffic.
- Enhanced Capabilities: With plans for infrastructure development including radar surveillance and jetty enhancements, INS Jatayu signifies a significant boost in facilities and capacities. The increased presence of naval units and radar surveillance capabilities will substantially bolster India’s maritime security posture, fostering better understanding and monitoring of maritime activities in the region.
2. Dimension-MH-60R Squadron: Advancing Rotary Fleet Capabilities
- Operational Significance: The commissioning of INAS 334 ‘Seahawks’ marks a substantial advancement in India’s rotary fleet capabilities. Led by Captain M. Abhisheik Ram, the squadron comprises highly skilled personnel poised to enhance anti-submarine warfare operations and overall operational reach in the region.
- Historic Moment: The ceremony, graced by naval dignitaries, was a spectacle marked by a fly-past of Seahawks and a traditional water cannon salute, symbolizing the historic significance of this momentous occasion. The induction of MH-60R helicopters underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its naval arsenal and safeguarding maritime interests effectively.
3. Dimension- Implications for Regional Security and Development
- Strategic Impetus: The commissioning of INS Jatayu and the MH-60R squadron not only strengthens India’s foothold in the Lakshadweep islands but also extends its operational reach and capacity-building efforts in the region. The Navy’s proactive stance in conducting anti-drone and anti-piracy operations underscores its commitment to safeguarding maritime trade and ensuring regional stability.
- Developmental Agenda: Beyond security concerns, these developments hold promise for the overall development of the islands. Improved infrastructure and connectivity initiatives will not only facilitate naval operations but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the region, aligning with India’s broader strategic and developmental objectives.
Italian Court's Ruling on Sea Migrants from Libya
Context
The Italian top court’s recent ruling regarding sea migrants from Libya brings attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and legal complexities surrounding the rescue and treatment of migrants at sea.
1. Dimension- The Case
Background: Libya is deemed unsafe for migrants due to prevalent human rights abuses, making it unlawful to forcibly return rescued migrants to its shores. Italy's highest court upheld this stance in a February ruling.
Case Details: The case involved the ship Asso 28, which rescued 101 migrants, including pregnant women and minors, from a dinghy in July 2018 and returned them to the Libyan coastguard. The ship's captain was prosecuted for violating international humanitarian and refugee laws, as per the principle of non-refoulement.
2. Dimension- Legalities of sea rescues
International Obligations: According to international maritime law, shipmasters are obligated to assist individuals in danger at sea. Coastal states are also required to conduct search and rescue operations, coordinating with other nations when necessary. However, countries like Italy and Malta have been criticized for delaying arrivals and disregarding disembarkation requests.
3. Dimension- What’s happening in Libya?
Human Rights Abuses: Libya, plagued by war and militia rule since 2011, has seen widespread human rights violations, including torture and sexual slavery, especially in detention centers. Militias often profit from human trafficking, facilitated by cooperation with entities like the Libyan coastguard, funded and trained by Italy and the European Union.
Italy's Involvement: Italy's cooperation with the Libyan coastguard has been criticized for contributing to human rights violations, as highlighted by the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights. Despite acknowledging Libya's unsafe conditions, Italy has continued its cooperation with the Libyan authorities, exacerbating the plight of intercepted migrants.
4. Dimension- Importance of the ruling
Recognition of Unsafe Conditions: The Court of Cassation's ruling reinforces the acknowledgment that Libya is not a safe place for disembarking rescued migrants, aligning with warnings from UN agencies. However, concerns persist that Italy's political stance may hinder rescue efforts and escalate risks for migrants, particularly under the current government's anti-immigration policies.
Jim Corbett National Park
Context
The Supreme Court condemned the illegal felling of over 6,000 trees to construct buildings, ostensibly for “eco-tourism” at the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, as a “classic case” of nexus between politicians and officials working to ransack the environment for short-term commercial ends.
About
- The Jim Corbett National Park is a part of the largest Corbett Tiger Reserve.
- Established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park, Corbett has the glory of being India’s oldest and most prestigious National Park.
- It is also being honoured as the place where Project Tiger was first launched in the year 1973.
- This Unique tiger territory is best known as the father who gave birth to Project Tiger in India to safeguard the most endangered species and the Royal wild animal of India called Tigers.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards
Context
President of India conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (AkademiPuraskar) for the years 2022 and 2023 to 91 eminent artists (two joint award).
About
- The Akademi Awards are being conferred since 1952.
- These honours not only symbolize the highest standard of excellence and achievement, but also recognize sustained individual work and contribution.
- The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs.3, 00, 000/- (Rupees three lakhs) while the Akademi Award carries a purse money of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
Terms of the day
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S. No. |
Term |
About |
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1. |
State-specific disaster |
A state-specific disaster refers to an emergency or catastrophe that primarily affects a particular region or state, often requiring local or state-level response efforts. The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), constituted under Section 48 (1) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, is the primary fund available with State Governments for responses to notified disasters. The Central Government contributes 75% of SDRF allocation for general category States/UTs and 90% for special category States/UTs (NE States, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir). |
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2. |
ASML |
ASML is a Dutch multinational company specializing in photolithography equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing. It produces advanced machines that project patterns onto silicon wafers, crucial for creating integrated circuits. |
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3. |
EUV Photolithography |
Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography is an advanced semiconductor manufacturing technique used to create intricate patterns on silicon wafers. It utilizes extreme ultraviolet light with a short wavelength to achieve finer resolution, enabling the production of smaller and more complex integrated circuits, essential for next-generation electronic devices. |
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4. |
Upper-Middle income country |
upper middle-income economies are those with a GNI per capita between $4,466 and $13,845 |
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5. |
Softpower |
Soft power is the ability to influence others without coercion. It involves shaping the preferences of others through appeal and attraction. Soft power is non-coercive, using culture, political values, and foreign policies to enact change. |
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6. |
Critical Minerals |
Critical minerals are metallic or non-metallic elements that are essential for modern technologies, economies, or national security. They also have a risk of supply chain disruption. |
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7. |
Lobbying |
Lobbying is a public relations discipline that involves influencing public policy and law. It can also be defined as an attempt to influence legislation by communicating with a legislative body member or employee. |
Editorial
The Thin-Fat Indian
Context:
The Global Burden of Disease study published in The Lancet, focused on the simultaneous burden of undernutrition and obesity worldwide, particularly in India.
Evolution of Health Concerns:
- Unique challenge: The Global Burden of Disease study highlights India's unique challenge of combating both early life undernutrition and the rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity.
- Long-standing issues of undernutrition, reflected in stagnant height growth compared to other populations, underscore the country's historical health disparities.
- Prolonged deprivation: While recent generations show slight improvements in height, rapid development after prolonged deprivation poses risks of malnutrition, presenting a complex health scenario.
Impact of Maternal Health and Nutrition:
- The juxtaposition of "obesity day" and "women's day" underscores the interplay between early life undernutrition, diabetes, and obesity, emphasizing the need for prioritizing the health of young mothers.
- Importance of prevention: Research suggests that addressing maternal nutrition and health during pregnancy can mitigate the risk of diabetes and obesity in offspring, highlighting the importance of preventive measures over reactive approaches.
- The concept of "thin-fat" Indians, characterized by metabolic challenges despite low body mass index, underscores the intergenerational effects of undernutrition and intrauterine programming, shaping individuals' predisposition to future health risks.
Epigenetics and Developmental Origins of Health:
- Insights from the study reveal how adverse intrauterine experiences, including undernutrition and maternal diabetes, increase the risk of future diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease through epigenetic mechanisms.
- The concept of "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease" offers hope by emphasizing the modifiable nature of epigenetic inheritance through interventions targeting maternal health, nutrition, and metabolism.
- National policies targeting the health of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age aim to improve future generations' health outcomes, reflecting India's significant contribution to research in this field.
Editorial
Free of Guilt
Context:
The recent exoneration of former Delhi University professor G.N. Saibaba and five others of charges related to Maoist links, sheds light on the application of stringent laws and procedural safeguards under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Acquittal and Procedural Safeguards:
- Need for evidence-backed prosecution: The Bombay High Court's acquittal of G.N. Saibaba and five others highlights the importance of procedural safeguards against the stringent provisions of the UAPA, emphasizing the need for evidence-backed prosecution rather than mere suspicion or association.
- Procedural lapses: The judgment underscores the inadequacy of evidence and procedural lapses in the prosecution's case, including invalid sanctions under UAPA and a lack of direct evidence linking the accused with terrorist activities or Maoist organizations.
- Flaws: It exposes the flaws in the bail-denying features of the law that allow suspects to be incarcerated for extended periods based on doubtful or flimsy evidence, with some of the accused spending years in prison before their acquittal.
Court's Repudiation of Prosecution Case:
- Lack of proof: The court's complete repudiation of the prosecution case highlights the failure to prove the seizure of incriminating evidence and the lack of material linking the accused with terrorist acts or Maoist organizations.
- Invalid sanctions under UAPA and procedural irregularities, such as taking cognisance of charges before receiving sanctions, further undermined the prosecution's case and raised questions about the fairness of the legal process.
- Importance of adhering to procedural safeguards: The judgment emphasizes the importance of adhering to procedural safeguards, particularly in cases involving stringent laws like UAPA, and reiterates that possession of literature or publicity material alone cannot be grounds for conviction without direct evidence of involvement in terrorist activities.
Emphasis on Procedural Safeguards and Legal Principles:
- Necessity of independent review: The court's discussion on the use of UAPA underscores the necessity of independent review and adherence to procedural safeguards in cases involving stringent laws, emphasizing the principle that stricter laws require greater scrutiny and adherence to due process.
- Procedural fairness: It reaffirms the principle that procedural fairness is essential in ensuring justice and protecting individuals' rights, particularly in cases where the accused face serious charges and potential long-term imprisonment.
- Balance national security concerns and individual liberties: The case prompts reflection on the balance between national security concerns and individual liberties, highlighting the need for a robust legal framework that upholds both security and fundamental rights.
Editorial
Slow and unsteady
Context:
The delay in declaring the Tirukkoyilur Assembly constituency vacant following the conviction and disqualification of former Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy in a disproportionate assets case contrasts with the prompt declaration of the Vilavancode constituency as vacant after the legislator resigned.
Delay in Declaration of Vacancy:
- Questioning process: The Tirukkoyilur Assembly constituency remained vacant for an extended period despite the conviction and disqualification of former Minister K. Ponmudy, raising questions about the legislative process.
- Notable delay: While other cases, such as the Vilavancode constituency, saw swift action after the resignation of the legislator, the delay in Tirukkoyilur's case is notable, especially considering the lack of a stay order from the Supreme Court on the High Court's conviction order.
- Questioning response: Despite calls from political leaders urging unbiased action, the delay in declaring the vacancy raises concerns about the legislative response to convictions under Section 8(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Need for Judicial-Legislative Cooperation:
- Coordination between judiciary and legislature: With a renewed focus on anti-corruption cases by the judiciary, there is a call for better coordination between the judiciary and the legislature to ensure timely and effective action.
- Cooperation: Cooperation between the branches of government is essential to uphold democratic principles and instill confidence in the justice system's ability to combat corruption in public life.
- Balanced roles: However, it is crucial for both the judiciary and legislature to balance their roles in upholding the rule of law while respecting dissent and avoiding any perception of authoritarianism or judicial overreach.
Ensuring Fairness and Democratic Values:
- Transparent procedure: Upholding democratic values requires adherence to fair and transparent procedures by all branches of government, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
- Prevention of erosion of trust: It is imperative for institutions to abide by the rules and principles of democracy to prevent the erosion of trust and to safeguard against abuses of power.
- Balance between accountability and protecting: Striking a balance between accountability and protecting individual rights is essential for maintaining the integrity of democratic governance and ensuring justice for all citizens.
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