UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 May (2025)
• LibTech India Report on MNREGA
LibTech India Report on MNREGA
GS Paper 3:
• India’s Spatial Infrastructure for National Security
India’s Spatial Infrastructure for National Security
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• India’s Science Museum Movement
India’s Science Museum Movement
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Operation Olivia
Operation Olivia
• Kandha Tribe
Kandha Tribe
• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010
Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010
• High-Altitude Platform (HAP) Prototype
High-Altitude Platform (HAP) Prototype
• Atomiser
Atomiser
• Super-Fast Charging Sodium-Ion Battery
Super-Fast Charging Sodium-Ion Battery
Mapping:
• South Australia
South Australia
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –20 May 2025
#### GS Paper 2:
LibTech India Report on MNREGA
Syllabus: Government Schemes
Source: TH
Context: A LibTech India report on MGNREGA for FY 2024–25 highlights a stark mismatch between rising registrations (increase by 8.6%) and declining employment delivery (decline by 7.1%), mainly due to delayed payments and budget shortfalls.
About MGNREGA:
• What it is: A social security and livelihood assurance program guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
• Launched in: 2005 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
• Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
• Objective: Enhance livelihood security by providing employment in unskilled manual labour and building rural assets.
• Key Features: Demand-driven, legal entitlement to work, time-bound wage payment (within 15 days), compensation for delays, emphasis on transparency via MIS and social audits.
Key Data on MGNREGS:
• Registrations: Increased from 13.80 crore (FY24) to 14.98 crore (FY25), a rise of 8.6%.
• Employment Delivery: Dropped by 7.1%; only 7% of households got 100 days of work.
• Person-days: Fell from 52.42 to 50.18 days per household (↓4.3%).
• Fund Utilisation: ₹82,963 crore spent (106% of ₹86,000 crore budgeted).
• State Trends: Decline in Odisha (−34.8%), TN (−25.1%), Rajasthan (−15.9%). Increase in Maharashtra (+39.7%), Bihar (+13.3%).
About MGNREGA Wage Payment System:
• Stage 1 (State): Must complete muster roll, measurement, wage list, and FTO generation in 8 days.
• Stage 2 (Centre): Central government processes FTO and credits wages within 7 days post Stage 1.
• Formula for Delay Compensation: 0.05% of wage/day beyond 15 days from muster roll completion.
• Payment Types: Aadhaar-based (APBS): Routed via NPCI mapper, prone to rejections if Aadhaar-bank mapping fails. Account-based: Direct to bank account, easier resolution of errors.
• Aadhaar-based (APBS): Routed via NPCI mapper, prone to rejections if Aadhaar-bank mapping fails.
• Account-based: Direct to bank account, easier resolution of errors.
• LibTech 2021 Data: 71% Stage 2 payments were delayed. SC: 80% payments in 15 days, ST: 63%, Others: only 51%. Chhattisgarh had highest rejection (11.4%), affecting 21,537 job cards.
• 71% Stage 2 payments were delayed.
• SC: 80% payments in 15 days, ST: 63%, Others: only 51%.
• Chhattisgarh had highest rejection (11.4%), affecting 21,537 job cards.
Issues Surrounding MGNREGA:
• Delayed Wage Payments: Workers are not getting paid on time, which goes against the law. A report shows 71% of central government payments were delayed.
• Lack of Funds: The government gave ₹86,000 crore, but this is not enough as more people are asking for work.
• Caste-based Payment Delays: Payments are being split by caste. SC/ST workers are paid first, while others have to wait longer.
• Payment Failures: Over ₹4 crore worth of payments failed, mainly due to Aadhaar-related technical problems.
• Low Compensation for Delays: Even when payments are late, workers rarely get compensation. Only 3.76% of dues were paid.
Way Ahead:
• Give More Funds: Increase the budget to ₹1.5–2 lakh crore to meet rising demand for work.
• Simplify the Payment System: Use simple bank transfers instead of Aadhaar-based payments to avoid delays and confusion.
• Ensure Timely Compensation: Automatically pay compensation to workers if their wages are delayed.
• Improve Monitoring: Use real-time tracking systems to check payment status and fix problems faster.
• Treat All Workers Equally: Stop separating payments based on caste. All workers should be treated the same under the law.
Conclusion:
Despite its shortcomings, MGNREGA remains a cornerstone of rural resilience, particularly post-COVID. Addressing payment delays, ensuring adequate funding, and simplifying systems are essential to uphold its constitutional promise of livelihood with dignity.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 May 2025 GS Paper 3:
India’s Spatial Infrastructure for National Security
Syllabus: National Security
Source: DH
Context: China’s Beidou satellite navigation system is under scrutiny after reports suggested it may have been used by militants during the Pahalgam terror attack in India, raising serious national security concerns for India.
About India’s Spatial Infrastructure for National Security:
About Spatial Infrastructure:
• Definition: Spatial infrastructure includes satellite-based systems for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), such as GPS, India’s NavIC, and China’s Beidou.
• Governing Rules: Governed by international treaties (e.g., ITU, COPUOS) and domestic space/telecom regulations like India’s Satcom Policy.
• Core Features: High-precision real-time tracking and location services. Integration with communication networks and AI-based surveillance tools. Offers Short Messaging Services (SMS), encrypted communications, and location analytics (as in Beidou).
• High-precision real-time tracking and location services.
• Integration with communication networks and AI-based surveillance tools.
• Offers Short Messaging Services (SMS), encrypted communications, and location analytics (as in Beidou).
Role in National Security:
• Tactical Military Operations: Enables secure communications and troop coordination in surveillance-heavy or mobile-network-denied regions.
E.g. Beidou SMS capability was likely used in Pahalgam attack to evade detection.
• Border Monitoring & Drone Navigation: Crucial for precision drone strikes and patrol management.
• Disaster Management & Infrastructure Security: Used in coordination with telecom networks and IoT sensors for early warning systems.
• Cybersecurity Backbone: Supports encryption, network resilience, and secure data routing through quantum-safe protocols.
India’s Spatial Infrastructure Initiatives for National Security:
• NavIC & GAGAN Systems:
• NavIC offers indigenous navigation services across India and nearby regions. GAGAN augments GPS signals for high-precision use in aviation and defense sectors.
• NavIC offers indigenous navigation services across India and nearby regions.
• GAGAN augments GPS signals for high-precision use in aviation and defense sectors.
• Defence Space Agency (DSA): Coordinates space-based assets for military use, enhancing surveillance, navigation, and secure communications.
• RISAT & EOS Satellite Series: Provide real-time radar imaging for border monitoring, terrain mapping, and disaster response.
• Samvad & Netra Projects:
• Samvad secures military satellite communication. Netra tracks space threats and enemy satellites, strengthening space situational awareness.
• Samvad secures military satellite communication.
• Netra tracks space threats and enemy satellites, strengthening space situational awareness.
• Quantum Satellite Communication: ISRO-DRDO initiative to develop quantum-encrypted communication for tamper-proof defence networks.
Key Issues Surrounding Spatial Infrastructure:
• Foreign GNSS Dependence: Overreliance on external systems like GPS or Beidou compromises sovereignty and data integrity.
• Use by Non-State Actors: Beidou’s high-accuracy services may be exploited by terrorists in border regions (e.g., Pakistan & J&K).
• Geo-Tech Dominance by China: China’s promotion of Beidou in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh may reduce India’s regional tech leverage.
• Lagging Indigenous Systems: NavIC lacks global coverage and commercial adoption remains low.
• Spoofing and Signal Jamming: Limited real-time capabilities to counter satellite spoofing or jamming threats.
Way Ahead:
• Upgrade NavIC Infrastructure: Expand NavIC’s global coverage and integrate it into smartphones, vehicles, and defense platforms.
• Strengthen Space Surveillance: Accelerate RISAT-type missions to track cross-border movements in real-time.
• Deploy Counter-Interference Tech: Invest in signal spoofing detection, jamming devices, and GNSS firewalls near sensitive zones.
• Promote Regional GNSS Adoption: Offer technical and financial support to neighbors to adopt NavIC as a strategic alternative to Beidou.
• Raise Multilateral Concerns: Use forums like UN COPUOS and ICG to flag the dual-use nature of satellite systems being misused by non-state actors.
Conclusion:
The misuse of spatial infrastructure like Beidou by state and non-state actors poses new security risks for India. Strengthening indigenous capabilities like NavIC and deploying proactive countermeasures will be crucial for securing national sovereignty and ensuring strategic autonomy in a rapidly evolving digital battlespace.
• Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC-2016)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
India’s Science Museum Movement
Context: Saroj Ghose, the visionary behind India’s science museum movement and founding Director-General of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), passed away at 89.
About India’s Science Museum Movement:
• What is the Science Museum Movement?
• A nationwide initiative to promote scientific temper through interactive, experiential learning in museums. Led by Saroj Ghose and institutionalized under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). Focuses on decentralized science centres to make science accessible beyond textbooks.
• A nationwide initiative to promote scientific temper through interactive, experiential learning in museums.
• Led by Saroj Ghose and institutionalized under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).
• Focuses on decentralized science centres to make science accessible beyond textbooks.
• Key Features:
• Interactive Exhibits: Encourages hands-on learning rather than passive observation. Decentralized Model: Established 26 science museums across India, including rural areas. Innovative Outreach: Mobile science exhibitions, workshops, and digital initiatives. Global Recognition: Ghose served as President of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
• Interactive Exhibits: Encourages hands-on learning rather than passive observation.
• Decentralized Model: Established 26 science museums across India, including rural areas.
• Innovative Outreach: Mobile science exhibitions, workshops, and digital initiatives.
• Global Recognition: Ghose served as President of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
• Significance: Promotes Scientific Temper: Aligns with Article 51A(h)of the Indian Constitution. Informal Education: Bridges gaps in formal education through engaging displays. Inspires Future Scientists: Sparks curiosity among students and researchers.
• Promotes Scientific Temper: Aligns with Article 51A(h)of the Indian Constitution.
• Informal Education: Bridges gaps in formal education through engaging displays.
• Inspires Future Scientists: Sparks curiosity among students and researchers.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper I (Indian Heritage & Culture) – Science museums as part of India’s cultural and educational infrastructure.
• GS Paper II (Governance & Constitution) – Role of NCSM (autonomous body under Ministry of Culture) in promoting scientific temper (Article 51A(h)).
• GS Paper III (Science & Technology) – Importance of informal science education, innovation, and public engagement in R&D.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Operation Olivia
Source: NIE
Context: The Indian Coast Guard, under Operation Olivia, successfully protected a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during their mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha.
About Operation Olivia:
• What it is: A flagship marine conservation initiative launched annually by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) from November to May to protect Olive Ridley turtles during their mass nesting season.
• Organisation Involved: Indian Coast Guard in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards, NGOs, and local fishing communities.
• Objectives: Prevent illegal fishing during turtle breeding season. Ensure safe nesting along Odisha’s key beaches (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi). Promote use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) among fishing communities.
• Prevent illegal fishing during turtle breeding season.
• Ensure safe nesting along Odisha’s key beaches (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi).
• Promote use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) among fishing communities.
• Key Features: 5,387+ surface patrol sorties and 1,768+ aerial missions since inception. Extensive community outreach, educational awareness, and MoUs with NGOs. Use of modern surveillance systems and inter-agency coordination for enforcement.
• 5,387+ surface patrol sorties and 1,768+ aerial missions since inception.
• Extensive community outreach, educational awareness, and MoUs with NGOs.
• Use of modern surveillance systems and inter-agency coordination for enforcement.
About Olive Ridley Turtles:
• Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Habitat & Distribution: Found in warm waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. Major nesting sites in India: Odisha (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi), Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Found in warm waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.
• Major nesting sites in India: Odisha (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi), Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Biological Features: Smallest sea turtle species, weighing up to 45 kg, olive-coloured, heart-shaped carapace. Arribada (mass nesting): Thousands of turtles nest simultaneously, especially from Nov–Apr. Omnivorous diet: Feeds on crustaceans, jellyfish, algae, molluscs.
• Smallest sea turtle species, weighing up to 45 kg, olive-coloured, heart-shaped carapace.
• Arribada (mass nesting): Thousands of turtles nest simultaneously, especially from Nov–Apr.
• Omnivorous diet: Feeds on crustaceans, jellyfish, algae, molluscs.
Kandha Tribe
Source: TH
Context: Kandha women in Odisha’s Kandhamal district are increasingly abandoning the centuries-old tradition of facial tattooing, once practiced as a form of protection against exploitation.
About Kandha Tribe:
• Who are the Kandha?
• Kandha (or Khond) is the largest tribal community in Odisha, mainly residing in Kandhamal, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput districts. They speak Kui or Kuvi — both Dravidian languages. The term “Kandha” is derived from Telugu “Konda” meaning hill, denoting their origins as forest dwellers.
• Kandha (or Khond) is the largest tribal community in Odisha, mainly residing in Kandhamal, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput districts.
• They speak Kui or Kuvi — both Dravidian languages.
• The term “Kandha” is derived from Telugu “Konda” meaning hill, denoting their origins as forest dwellers.
• Sub-Groups: Include Desia Kandha, Dongria Kandha, Kutia Kandha (the latter two classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups – PVTGs).
About Facial Tattoo Tradition among Kandha Women:
• Origin and Purpose:
• Began as a protective practice: Women tattooed their faces with dark, geometric patterns to appear unattractive and avoid sexual exploitation by local landlords and colonial forces. It later evolved into a cultural identity marker — tattoos became essential for marital eligibility and community acceptance.
• Began as a protective practice: Women tattooed their faces with dark, geometric patterns to appear unattractive and avoid sexual exploitation by local landlords and colonial forces.
• It later evolved into a cultural identity marker — tattoos became essential for marital eligibility and community acceptance.
• Painful Ritual:
• Girls, usually around 10 years old, endured hours of facial piercing with crude tools. The painful process led to severe swelling and infection, lasting weeks. Silver ear-rings were also worn to denote marital status.
• Girls, usually around 10 years old, endured hours of facial piercing with crude tools.
• The painful process led to severe swelling and infection, lasting weeks.
• Silver ear-rings were also worn to denote marital status.
• Current Status:
• Practically vanished among women under 40, due to awareness campaigns and educational interventions since the 1990s. The practice is no longer seen as necessary or relevant by younger generations.
• Practically vanished among women under 40, due to awareness campaigns and educational interventions since the 1990s.
• The practice is no longer seen as necessary or relevant by younger generations.
Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010
Source: NIE
Context: The Government is considering amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010 to allow private sector participation in nuclear power and streamline supplier liability norms.
• India is aiming to produce 100 GW nuclear energy by 2047.
About Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010:
What is it?
A legislation enacted to ensure prompt compensation to victims of nuclear incidents through a no-fault liability regime, aligned with international standards.
Key Features:
• Legislated in: 2010
• No-fault liability: Operator held liable irrespective of fault.
• Channelling of liability: Only the operator is liable to pay compensation to victims.
• Right of recourse: Operator can claim compensation from supplier in case of faulty equipment or services.
• Supplier liability clause: Introduced ambiguity and deterred foreign/private suppliers.
• Compensation cap: ₹1,500 crore from operator (mandatory insurance/security). Additional ₹2,100–₹2,300 crore from government if damage exceeds ₹1,500 crore.
• ₹1,500 crore from operator (mandatory insurance/security).
• Additional ₹2,100–₹2,300 crore from government if damage exceeds ₹1,500 crore.
• Restriction on private entry: Private firms avoided entry due to expansive and unclear supplier liability clauses.
About Atomic Energy Act, 1962:
• What is the Atomic Energy Act, 1962? The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 is India’s principal legislation governing the development, control, and use of nuclear energy. It replaced the earlier Atomic Energy Act of 1948 and provided the legal foundation for centralized control over atomic energy resources, technology, and research in India.
• The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 is India’s principal legislation governing the development, control, and use of nuclear energy. It replaced the earlier Atomic Energy Act of 1948 and provided the legal foundation for centralized control over atomic energy resources, technology, and research in India.
• Objective of the Act:
• National Development: Promote the peaceful use of atomic energy for the welfare of the people and industrial progress. Regulatory Oversight: Establish a robust legal framework to regulate radioactive substances, plants, and nuclear safety. Strategic Control: Ensure state monopoly over nuclear resources to safeguard national security and sovereignty.
• National Development: Promote the peaceful use of atomic energy for the welfare of the people and industrial progress.
• Regulatory Oversight: Establish a robust legal framework to regulate radioactive substances, plants, and nuclear safety.
• Strategic Control: Ensure state monopoly over nuclear resources to safeguard national security and sovereignty.
• Key Features of the Act:
• The Central Government is the sole authority to control production, use, disposal, and research in atomic energy. Any discovery of uranium/thorium must be reported. Mining, disposal, or possession of these minerals needs prior government authorization. The government can carry out mineral exploration on private land with notice and compensation. Only licensed individuals/entities can conduct atomic energy-related activities. Breach of license, obstruction of authority, or false declarations are punishable.
• The Central Government is the sole authority to control production, use, disposal, and research in atomic energy.
• Any discovery of uranium/thorium must be reported.
• Mining, disposal, or possession of these minerals needs prior government authorization.
• The government can carry out mineral exploration on private land with notice and compensation.
• Only licensed individuals/entities can conduct atomic energy-related activities.
• Breach of license, obstruction of authority, or false declarations are punishable.
• Restrictions on Private Sector Entry:
• The Act bars private players from engaging in atomic energy activities unless specifically permitted by the Central Government. Only public sector entities like NPCIL are authorized to own and operate nuclear facilities.
• The Act bars private players from engaging in atomic energy activities unless specifically permitted by the Central Government.
• Only public sector entities like NPCIL are authorized to own and operate nuclear facilities.
High-Altitude Platform (HAP) Prototype
Source: TOI
Context: India’s indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAP) prototype, designed by NAL, successfully completed pre-monsoon flight tests using a certified autopilot system.
About High-Altitude Platform (HAP) Prototype:
• What is HAP? A High-Altitude Platform (HAP) is a solar-powered, unmanned stratospheric aircraft that operates at 17–22 km altitude, bridging the gap between terrestrial systems and satellites.
• A High-Altitude Platform (HAP) is a solar-powered, unmanned stratospheric aircraft that operates at 17–22 km altitude, bridging the gap between terrestrial systems and satellites.
• Developed By:
• National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru under CSIR. Supported by Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka.
• National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru under CSIR.
• Supported by Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, Karnataka.
• Objectives:
• Border patrolling and surveillance over sensitive and remote terrains. To provide persistent aerial coverage for military and civil applications. Serve as a telecommunication relay and meteorological platform.
• Border patrolling and surveillance over sensitive and remote terrains.
• To provide persistent aerial coverage for military and civil applications.
• Serve as a telecommunication relay and meteorological platform.
• Key Features of India’s HAP:
• Solar-Powered Platform: Enables extended, high-endurance flight. Certified Autopilot System: Fully autonomous flight with fail-safe algorithms and redundant control sensors. Altitude Achieved: Up to 24,000 ft (FL240) in recent tests and full-scale version can operate at 65,000 ft (20 km). Payload Capacity: Subscale – 1kg and Full-scale – 10kg (including radiosondes, 5G base stations). Endurance: 8.5+ hours in test flights and longer duration planned in final model. Wingspan: 12 metres (subscale model) and light-weight under 22kg.
• Solar-Powered Platform: Enables extended, high-endurance flight.
• Certified Autopilot System: Fully autonomous flight with fail-safe algorithms and redundant control sensors.
• Altitude Achieved: Up to 24,000 ft (FL240) in recent tests and full-scale version can operate at 65,000 ft (20 km).
• Payload Capacity: Subscale – 1kg and Full-scale – 10kg (including radiosondes, 5G base stations).
• Endurance: 8.5+ hours in test flights and longer duration planned in final model.
• Wingspan: 12 metres (subscale model) and light-weight under 22kg.
• Applications of HAP:
• Defence: Border surveillance, intelligence gathering, disaster response. Meteorology: Radiosonde deployment, monsoon cloud measurements (IITM, Pune use case). Telecommunications: Temporary or mobile 5G connectivity in remote or disaster-hit areas. Geoinformatics: Real-time mapping, environmental monitoring. Crowd Monitoring: Public safety during large events or protests.
• Defence: Border surveillance, intelligence gathering, disaster response.
• Meteorology: Radiosonde deployment, monsoon cloud measurements (IITM, Pune use case).
• Telecommunications: Temporary or mobile 5G connectivity in remote or disaster-hit areas.
• Geoinformatics: Real-time mapping, environmental monitoring.
• Crowd Monitoring: Public safety during large events or protests.
Atomiser
Source: TH
Context: The atomiser, a vital yet overlooked device, has come under focus for its vast industrial, medical, and environmental applications, especially in fields ranging from aerosol medicine to spray-drying and firefighting.
About Atomiser:
• What is an Atomiser?
• An atomiser is a device that breaks a liquid into fine droplets (spray) for even distribution over a surface or space. It allows conversion of liquid storage into mist delivery, balancing ease of handling and maximum surface coverage.
• An atomiser is a device that breaks a liquid into fine droplets (spray) for even distribution over a surface or space.
• It allows conversion of liquid storage into mist delivery, balancing ease of handling and maximum surface coverage.
• How Does an Atomiser Work?
• Works on pressure-drop, turbulence, or external force to shatter liquid into droplets. Types of atomisers include: Pressure-swirl atomisers: Create a vortex, ejecting liquid in conical patterns. Air-assisted atomisers: Use compressed air to tear the liquid into fine mist. Ultrasonic atomisers: Use high-frequency vibrations to generate nano-droplets. Narrow-channel atomisers: Use geometric constriction to break fluid into a spray.
• Works on pressure-drop, turbulence, or external force to shatter liquid into droplets.
• Types of atomisers include: Pressure-swirl atomisers: Create a vortex, ejecting liquid in conical patterns. Air-assisted atomisers: Use compressed air to tear the liquid into fine mist. Ultrasonic atomisers: Use high-frequency vibrations to generate nano-droplets. Narrow-channel atomisers: Use geometric constriction to break fluid into a spray.
• Pressure-swirl atomisers: Create a vortex, ejecting liquid in conical patterns.
• Air-assisted atomisers: Use compressed air to tear the liquid into fine mist.
• Ultrasonic atomisers: Use high-frequency vibrations to generate nano-droplets.
• Narrow-channel atomisers: Use geometric constriction to break fluid into a spray.
• Key Features of Atomisers:
• Drop Size: Smaller drops for aerosols, larger ones for surface coating. Spray Pattern: Can be flat, circular, or conical. Application Angle: Tailored for maximum efficiency and coverage. Relative Span Factor (RSF): Indicates drop size uniformity (closer to 1 is better). Customisation: Atomisers are tuned for pressure, particle size, and spray geometry.
• Drop Size: Smaller drops for aerosols, larger ones for surface coating.
• Spray Pattern: Can be flat, circular, or conical.
• Application Angle: Tailored for maximum efficiency and coverage.
• Relative Span Factor (RSF): Indicates drop size uniformity (closer to 1 is better).
• Customisation: Atomisers are tuned for pressure, particle size, and spray geometry.
• Applications of Atomisers: Industrial Use: Used in fuel injection, machinery lubrication, and spray drying in food and pharma sectors. Agriculture: Essential for efficient spraying of pesticides, fertilizers, and precision irrigation in poor-soil areas. Healthcare: Enables drug delivery via nasal and aerosol sprays; used in disinfectants and pain-relief sprays. Disaster & Safety Management: Supports fire suppression with foam sprays and public health safety during pandemics. Household & Environment: Found in deodorants and cleaners; also used in climate studies for aerosol modelling.
• Industrial Use: Used in fuel injection, machinery lubrication, and spray drying in food and pharma sectors.
• Agriculture: Essential for efficient spraying of pesticides, fertilizers, and precision irrigation in poor-soil areas.
• Healthcare: Enables drug delivery via nasal and aerosol sprays; used in disinfectants and pain-relief sprays.
• Disaster & Safety Management: Supports fire suppression with foam sprays and public health safety during pandemics.
• Household & Environment: Found in deodorants and cleaners; also used in climate studies for aerosol modelling.
Super-Fast Charging Sodium-Ion Battery
Source: PIB
Context: Indian scientists at JNCASR, Bengaluru, have developed a super-fast charging sodium-ion battery that can reach 80% charge in just 6 minutes and last over 3,000 cycles, potentially revolutionising India’s energy storage sector.
About Super-Fast Charging Sodium-Ion Battery:
• What it is: A next-generation sodium-ion battery (SIB) designed to charge ultra-fast and offer extended durability, using indigenous materials and nanotech-based design.
• A next-generation sodium-ion battery (SIB) designed to charge ultra-fast and offer extended durability, using indigenous materials and nanotech-based design.
• Developed by: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt of India.
• How It Works?
• NASICON-type Material: Provides a stable crystal framework for fast sodium-ion movement in both cathode and anode. Anode Composition (Na₁.₀V₀.₂₅Al₀.₂₅Nb₁.₅(PO₄)₃): This specially engineered compound enhances energy storage and improves ion conductivity. Nanoscale Particle Engineering: Reducing particle size increases surface area, allowing sodium ions to travel faster during charge and discharge. Carbon Coating: A thin carbon layer on particles boosts electrical conductivity and protects from degradation. Aluminium Doping: Adding small amounts of aluminium improves structural integrity and helps maintain battery performance over time.
• NASICON-type Material: Provides a stable crystal framework for fast sodium-ion movement in both cathode and anode.
• Anode Composition (Na₁.₀V₀.₂₅Al₀.₂₅Nb₁.₅(PO₄)₃): This specially engineered compound enhances energy storage and improves ion conductivity.
• Nanoscale Particle Engineering: Reducing particle size increases surface area, allowing sodium ions to travel faster during charge and discharge.
• Carbon Coating: A thin carbon layer on particles boosts electrical conductivity and protects from degradation.
• Aluminium Doping: Adding small amounts of aluminium improves structural integrity and helps maintain battery performance over time.
• Key Features:
• Rapid Charging (80% in 6 minutes): Enables ultra-fast energy refill, ideal for high-demand applications like electric vehicles. Long Life (3,000+ cycles): Provides high durability, lowering the need for frequent replacements and reducing lifecycle costs. High Safety: Reduces risk of thermal runaway and fire, unlike lithium-ion batteries which are heat-sensitive. Tested Reliability: Proven using advanced techniques like electrochemical cycling and quantum simulations for real-world readiness.
• Rapid Charging (80% in 6 minutes): Enables ultra-fast energy refill, ideal for high-demand applications like electric vehicles.
• Long Life (3,000+ cycles): Provides high durability, lowering the need for frequent replacements and reducing lifecycle costs.
• High Safety: Reduces risk of thermal runaway and fire, unlike lithium-ion batteries which are heat-sensitive.
• Tested Reliability: Proven using advanced techniques like electrochemical cycling and quantum simulations for real-world readiness.
• Superiority Over Lithium-Ion Batteries:
• Abundant Resource: Sodium is plentiful and cheap in India, unlike lithium which is imported. Self-Reliance: Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing battery import dependency. Eco-Friendly: Less environmentally invasive mining processes. Scalable Applications: Ideal for EVs, drones, solar grids, and rural electrification. Geopolitical Independence: Reduces reliance on volatile lithium supply chains.
• Abundant Resource: Sodium is plentiful and cheap in India, unlike lithium which is imported.
• Self-Reliance: Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing battery import dependency.
• Eco-Friendly: Less environmentally invasive mining processes.
• Scalable Applications: Ideal for EVs, drones, solar grids, and rural electrification.
• Geopolitical Independence: Reduces reliance on volatile lithium supply chains.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 May 2025 Mapping:
South Australia
Source: DTE
Context: Southern Australia, including South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, is facing one of the worst droughts in decades, raising alarm about the region’s climate vulnerability and water security.
About South Australia:
• Located in south-central Australia.
• Borders: Western Australia (west), Northern Territory (north), Queensland (northeast), New South Wales & Victoria (east).
• Southern coastline faces the Great Australian Bight (Southern Ocean).
• Capital: Adelaide.
• Key Features of South Australia:
• Geographic Profile: Covers an area of 983,482 sq. km (approx. one-eighth of Australia). Mostly flat plains and deserts, with over 80% of land <300m above sea level. Highest point: Mount Woodroffe (1,435 m) in the Musgrave Ranges.
• Covers an area of 983,482 sq. km (approx. one-eighth of Australia).
• Mostly flat plains and deserts, with over 80% of land <300m above sea level.
• Highest point: Mount Woodroffe (1,435 m) in the Musgrave Ranges.
• Water Resources: Murray River is the only major perennial river, vital for drinking and irrigation. Major water supply: Pipelines from Murray River & Desalination Plants. The Great Artesian Basin supports remote pastoral and mining operations.
• Murray River is the only major perennial river, vital for drinking and irrigation.
• Major water supply: Pipelines from Murray River & Desalination Plants.
• The Great Artesian Basin supports remote pastoral and mining operations.
• Climate: Driest state in Australia. Southern parts have a Mediterranean climate – wet winters, dry summers. Prone to droughts and bushfires, particularly in summer months. Temperature extremes due to contrasting air masses from inland and ocean.
• Driest state in Australia.
• Southern parts have a Mediterranean climate – wet winters, dry summers.
• Prone to droughts and bushfires, particularly in summer months.
• Temperature extremes due to contrasting air masses from inland and ocean.
• Natural Resources: Features include Lake Eyre (below sea level), Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island, and Flinders Ranges. Rich in minerals, particularly uranium, copper, and gold — Olympic Dam is a major mining hub.
• Features include Lake Eyre (below sea level), Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island, and Flinders Ranges.
• Rich in minerals, particularly uranium, copper, and gold — Olympic Dam is a major mining hub.
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