PSLV-XL Proba-3 Mission

• This mission marks a significant collaboration between ISRO and ESA, aiming to study the Sun''s corona using innovative formation flying techniques.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Space Agency''s Proba-3 mission on December 4, 2024.
• The spacecraft will lift off at 4:08 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• Proba-3 consists of two spacecraft: the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), which will be launched together in a stacked configuration. After launch, the two satellites will separate and fly in formation approximately 150 meters apart, creating an artificial solar eclipse.
• This unique setup will allow the CSC to capture detailed images of the Sun''s faint corona, which is crucial for understanding solar dynamics and space weather phenomena.

PSLV-XL PROBA-3 LAUNCH

• The flight sequence will unfold as follows:
• Launch Sequence: The PSLV-C59 rocket will lift off, carrying the Proba-3 satellites into a highly elliptical orbit with an apogee of 60,530 km and a perigee of 600 km.
• This mission represents the 61st flight of PSLV and the 26th using the PSLV-XL configuration.
• Separation: Approximately 18 minutes after liftoff, the satellites will separate from the launch vehicle
• Formation Flying: Once in orbit, the CSC and OSC will maneuver into their designated positions and begin their precision formation flying, maintaining millimetric accuracy to ensure effective solar observations.
• Data Collection: The mission aims to continuously observe the Sun''s corona for up to six hours per orbit, significantly extending observation time compared to natural solar eclipses.
• Developed at an estimated cost of 200 million euros, Proba-3 is expected to enhance our understanding of solar phenomena and advance technologies for future multi-satellite missions.

ADB appoints Masato Kanda as its 11th president

·         The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors has elected Masato Kanda as ADB’s 11th president.

·        Kanda, 59, currently serves as Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. He will assume office on February 24, 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, who will leave office on  February 23, 2025. 

·        He is known for his heavy-handed intervention to combat sharp yen falls that earned him the nickname “Mr. Yen”.

·         With nearly four decades of experience, Kanda has held key leadership roles at the Ministry of Finance of Japan, including Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs. 

 He has extensive experience in financial sector policy and macro-fiscal policy, having served as Deputy Commissioner at the Financial Services Agency, Deputy Director-General of the Budget Bureau, and Deputy Vice-Minister for Policy Planning and Coordination. He is also a leading expert in education and science policy as well as university reform.    

Asian Development Bank

·         The Asian Development Bank (ADB) envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in the region.

·         From 31 members at its establishment in 1966, ADB has grown to encompass 68 members — of which 49 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.

·        ADB assists its members, and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.

·         ADB maximises the development impact of its assistance by facilitating policy dialogues, providing advisory services, and mobilising financial resources through co-financing operations that tap official, commercial, and export credit sources.

·        Committed to pursue a differentiated approach for states at different stages of development, ADB prioritises projects on basic services, critical infrastructure and services, institutional strength, and private sector development through sovereign operations in low-income states.

·         Support for more developed states focuses on transformational programmes with policy and knowledge advice, combined with non-sovereign operations.

History of ADB

·        ADB was conceived in the early 1960s as a financial institution that would be Asian in character and foster economic growth and cooperation in one of the poorest regions in the world.

·        A resolution passed at the first Ministerial Conference on Asian Economic Cooperation held by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East in 1963 set that vision on the way to becoming reality.

·         The Philippines capital of Manila was chosen to host the new institution, which opened on December 19, 1966, with 31 members that came together to serve a predominantly agricultural region. Takeshi Watanabe from Japan was ADB’s first president.

ADB and India

·         India was a founding member of ADB in 1966 and fourth largest shareholder.

·        ADB started operations in India in 1986.

·         As of December 31, 2023, ADB has committed 623 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $55.3 billion to India. ADB’s current sovereign portfolio in India includes 67 loans worth $14.15 billion.

·         Cumulative sovereign and non-sovereign loan and grant disbursements to India amount to $43.45 billion. These were financed by regular ordinary capital resources and other special funds.

·         ADB said it will continue to focus on projects and programmes that accelerate India''s structural transformation, create jobs, address infrastructure gaps, promote green growth, and foster social and economic inclusiveness while deploying smart technologies and innovations.

·         In 2023, ADB approved additional funding to support India’s national industrial corridor development programme to enhance its manufacturing competitiveness along with a loan for Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor Development.

·        Two policy-based loans were committed to support the government’s urban reforms agenda at the state level and power sector reforms to facilitate the shift to renewable energy.

·        In addition, ADB provided funding for expanding urban services in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Tripura, improving road connectivity in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, expanding Delhi-Meerut rapid rail transit corridor and boosting horticulture development in Himachal Pradesh.

Conference on climate change gets underway in Guwahati

·         The Union minister of textiles Giriraj Singh on Sunday inaugurated the international conference on nature-based solutions for sustainability and climate change in Assam’s Guwahati.

·        The event has been organised by the textiles ministry’s National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and the Indian Jute Industries Research Association (IJIRA).

·        The conference focused on addressing global challenges such as environmental pollution and climate change through sustainable practices. It emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in various sectors.

 Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

·        Nature-based solutions refer to strategies that use natural processes to tackle societal challenges.

·        These solutions can enhance biodiversity and improve ecosystem services. NbS can help in carbon sequestration, water management, and disaster risk reduction. They are essential for achieving sustainability goals.

Government Commitment to Sustainability

·        The Government of India is committed to promoting sustainable practices across all sectors. The textile sector is a major focus due to its environmental impact. The government aims for carbon neutrality and pollution reduction through innovative practices and collaboration.

Role of Northeast India

·        Northeast India plays important role in the global sustainability agenda. The region is rich in biodiversity and has unique ecological resources. Local knowledge can be harnessed to implement nature-based solutions. This can drive sustainable development and contribute to climate action.

Conference Objectives and Activities

·        The conference aimed to share knowledge and best practices in sustainability. It featured presentations from experts, researchers, and industry leaders. Networking opportunities allowed participants to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions. The event promoted collaboration for future advancements in sustainability.

Global Cooperation and Future Directions

·        The conference served as a platform for enhancing global cooperation. It aligned with India’s vision for a sustainable future. Participants discussed strategies to limit global warming and promote sustainable practices across various industries. The collective effort is vital for addressing climate change effectively.

Importance of Collaborative Community

·        Fostering a collaborative community among stakeholders is essential. The conference encouraged participants to build connections for future advancements. Sharing research findings and exploring innovative solutions can lead to progress in sustainability.

Knowledge Dissemination and Networking

·        Knowledge dissemination was a key component of the conference. Participants engaged in discussions that brought into light innovative approaches to sustainability. Networking opportunities facilitated partnerships and collaborations for future projects.

Impact on Policy and Industry

·        The outcomes of the conference can influence policy and industry practices. By adopting nature-based solutions, industries can reduce their environmental impact. Policymakers can leverage insights from the conference to formulate effective sustainability strategies.

 Gujarat’s Gharchola gets GI tag

• The government has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the gharchola, a traditional sari worn during weddings.

What is Gharchola?

•  Originating from the Khambhat (Cambay) region of Gujarat, Gharcholas have been used for years in Gujarati weddings. Khambhat was a very popular port and centre of trade in India, till about the 16th century. Merchants from all over the world visited this important trading centre that was also famous for silk manufacturing. The weaving of Gharcholas is traced back to this port city.
•  Gharcholas are traditionally used as wedding sarees. It has been a significant outfit in weddings, especially in North India. 
• The name “Gharchola” means “Outfit for Home”, which symbolises a newly wedded bride joining her new home. This variety of silk sarees has earned much popularity among the people from other regions of this country as well.
• Gharchola (also known as Ghatchola and Gharcholu) is woven on cotton or silk fabric in large checks using silk and zari threads. Bandhani work is then done on them or they are block-printed. These sarees are famous for the refined technique of weaving that is used. 
• The making of a Gharchola is an intricate and a time-consuming process. The weaver needs about a week’s time to arrange the looms ready for weaving and go ahead with the designing process. It takes about three days for a plain body weave. If a check pattern is to be made then it takes about a week.
•  The most popular variety of these Gharchola sarees comes in a combination of red and white or red and green. Other than these, a Gharchola saree with 12 squares is known as ‘Bar Bagh’, while the one with 52 squares is known as ‘Bavan Bagh’. 
• Motifs like elephants, parrots, flowers and dancing girls are generally found in each compartment. Designs of peacocks, lotus, human figures, floral patterns are some of the most commonly used ones.

Benefits of GI tag

• A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is used for an agricultural, natural, or a manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.
• The GI tag helps producers get the premium price of the product as no other producer can misuse the name to market similar goods.
•  Darjeeling tea, Tirupati laddu, Kangra paintings, Nagpur orange, and Kashmir Pashmina are among the registered GIs in India.
•  The other benefits of GI registration include legal protection to that item, prevention against unauthorised use by others, and promoting exports.
• There is a proper process of registration of GI products which includes filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and registration.
• It is a legal right under which the GI holder can prohibit others from using the same name.
•  Geographical Indications Registry is a statutory organisation setup for the administration of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force on September 15, 2003.
• Under Articles 1(2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of Intellectual Property Rights. 
• They are also covered under Articles 22 to 24 of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which was part of the agreements concluding the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations.

Ratapani Tiger Sanctuary

• The Madhya Pradesh government has notified Ratapani forest as a tiger reserve in the state.
• It is the eighth tiger reserve in the state after Kanha, Satpura, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Sanjay Dubri, Panna and Veerangana Durgavati.
• It will be the 57th tiger reserve of the country. 
• As per the ‘Status of Tigers: Co-predators & Prey in India-2022’ report released by the NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India, the tiger population in Madhya Pradesh is estimated to be 785, the highest in the country, followed by Karnataka (563) and Uttarakhand (560).
• With the formation of the tiger reserve, wildlife can be managed in a better way by receiving a budget from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Ratapani Tiger Sanctuary

• Ratapani Tiger Sanctuary is situated in the Vindhya Mountain Range across Raisen and Sehore districts of Madhya Pradesh, adjoining state capital Bhopal.
• The sanctuary was first notified in 1976 and then extended in 1983. 
• The sanctuary encompasses a World Heritage Site ‘Bhimbetka Rock Shelters’ and many other historical and religious destinations like Ginnorgarh Fort, Keri Mahadeo, Ratapani dam, Jholiyapur dam etc.

 The total area of the Ratapani Tiger Reserve will be 1,271.465 square kilometres.

• It has a core area of 763.812 sq km and buffer area of 507.653 sq km.
• Nine villages, geographically located in the tiger reserve, are not included in the core area in the notification of the sanctuary.

 With the formation of the Ratapani Tiger Reserve, its entire core area is within the boundary of the Ratapani Tiger Sanctuary. This will not change the current rights of the villagers. 

Project Tiger

• In 1973, the Project Tiger was established with the objective of utilising the tiger’s functional role and charisma to garner public support and resources for preserving representative ecosystems. 
• Project Tiger is an ongoing centrally sponsored scheme of the ministry of environment, forests and climate change providing central assistance to the tiger states for tiger conservation in designated tiger reserves.

 Since its inception, the project has expanded from nine tiger reserves to 57.

• The tiger reserves are constituted on a core/buffer strategy. The core areas have the legal status of a national park or a sanctuary, whereas the buffer or peripheral areas are a mix of forest and non-forest land, managed as a multiple use area.
• Most tiger reserves and protected areas in India are existing as small islands in a vast sea of ecologically unsustainable land use, and many tiger populations are confined to small protected areas. Although some habitat corridors exist that allow tiger movement between them, most of these habitats are not protected areas, continue to deteriorate further due to unsustainable human use and developmental projects, and thereby are not conducive to animal movement.
•  Project Tiger aims to foster an exclusive tiger agenda in the core areas of tiger reserves, with an inclusive people oriented agenda in the buffer.
•  The conservation of tigers in India can be divided into two phases. The first phase starting in the 1970s, involved the enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act and the establishment of protected areas that helped conserve tigers and tropical forest ecosystems.
• However, in the 1980s, the trade in tiger parts began to decimate the population, leading to a shocking revelation of local extinction of Tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve in 2005 and thus began the second phase. 

 The second phase began in 2005-06, with the government adopting a landscape-level approach and implementing strict monitoring for tiger conservation.

Challenges for tiger conservation

• Despite efforts to conserve tigers, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. 
• One of the major challenges is aligning the aspirations of large-scale economic development while safeguarding forests and their wildlife and mitigating human-tiger conflict. 
• Other silent and surmounting threats are climate change-related impacts on habitats and the loss of the quality of forests over time. 

 Out of the approximately 400,000 sqkm of forests in tiger states, only one-third are in relatively healthier condition. 

• Another significant challenge is the illegal wildlife trade. Even though poaching is illegal, the demand for tiger products remains high, and poachers continue to kill tigers for profit. 
• To combat this, the Indian government has implemented strict laws and increased surveillance to prevent poaching and illegal trade.
• To ensure the long-term survival of tigers in India, a multi-faceted approach is needed, including protecting and expanding tiger habitats, preserving population connectivity, minimising human-tiger conflicts, and combating threats like habitat loss, poaching, and illegal trade. 
• It is important to restore habitats, increase ungulate populations, and plan reintroduction of tigers in low density areas to tackle conflict issues. 
• The involvement of various stakeholders, such as governments, NGOs, local communities, and businesses, is crucial. 
• Strategies like increased patrolling, monitoring, and law enforcement, focus on “Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM)” along with promoting eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods for local communities, can help achieve this goal.

More than 50 dead and dozens missing after boat sinks in Niger River in central Nigeria.

 This is just the latest in a long series of boat accidents on the country’s inland waterways. Despite safety recommendations being made, rules are rarely followed and few are held accountable. The boat was travelling from Kogi state, central Nigeria, to a weekly market in neighbouring Niger state when it went down.

Rivers of Africa:

National Circular Economy Framework to drive sustainable growth, resource efficiency

• The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently unveiled the second edition of the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF) during its 9th International Conference on Waste to Worth.
• This updated framework aims to guide India’s transition to a sustainable and resource-efficient economy by promoting innovative business models in waste management.
• Originally introduced in 2023, the NCEF serves as a collaborative effort involving government, industry, and communities to adopt circular economy principles
• The framework emphasises resource conservation, waste reduction, and climate resilience, aligning with India''s commitments to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
• The 2024 edition builds upon this foundation, expanding its focus on resource security, carbon reduction, and energy efficiency.
• The NCEF 2024 articulates CII''s plans for advancing the circular economy through a heightened emphasis on life cycle assessment.
• This approach aims to enhance understanding of circular principles among stakeholders, addressing challenges while fostering innovation and technological advancement
• The framework now encompasses sixteen sectors, promoting cross-sector collaboration and strengthening data management for consistent progress tracking
• Chairman, CII National Committee on Waste to Worth Technologies stated that renewable energy alone cannot achieve our net zero goals, as over 40% of our carbon footprint is embedded in materials such as steel, glass, wood, concrete, and plastics.
• The NCEF is structured into two main sections.
•  Part 1 outlines a comprehensive framework applicable to all focus materials, detailing objectives for reducing virgin material use and enhancing competitiveness.
• It includes criteria for material selection based on environmental impact and resource value potential, guided by principles such as prevention, upcycling, recycling, and energy recovery.
• Part 2 presents material-specific action plans that expand on the previous edition''s focus by including liquid waste, scrap metal, lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, hazardous waste, and textiles. These plans aim to target materials with high potential for waste reduction and resource recovery.
• The NCEF not only provides a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth but also reinforces India’s commitment to a resource-resilient circular economy.
• By fostering collaboration, education, and targeted actions, it positions India as a leader in sustainable development initiatives.

Nuclear-powered attack submarine will be ready by 2036.

• Indian Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi said that India''s submarine fleet serves as a crucial counterbalance in the face of growing maritime activities by China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
• The Indian Navy''s nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) programme has been approved by the government and the first such submarine will be ready by 2036
• The program will also galvanise the defence ecosystem, creating opportunities for Indian industry and advancing self-reliance.
• The Navy Chief further said that the recent commissioning of INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), marked a critical milestone in the Navy''s nuclear deterrence capability.
• “INS Arighat is currently undergoing trials, including missile tests, to ensure its readiness for deterrence patrols”.
• Notably, the first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, has already completed multiple deterrence patrols, providing India with a credible second-strike capability, a key component of its nuclear doctrine.
• Admiral Tripathi said that the deal for three more Scorpene-class submarines, built in collaboration with France''s Naval Group under Project-75, is in the final stages, with contracts expected to be signed within two months.
•  A total of five Scorpene submarines have already enhanced India’s conventional underwater warfare capabilities

Background of Submarine Development

• India’s submarine programme began over 30 years ago. Initially, the goal was to induct 24 conventional submarines by 2030. However, only five have been commissioned to date.
• The sixth Scorpene submarine is expected to join the fleet soon under Project 75. The delay in the submarine programme has prompted recent adjustments to the original plans.

Indigenous Design and Development

• The Indian Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, emphasised that the design of the SSNs will be entirely indigenous. This approach is intended to boost domestic capabilities and confidence in the Indian defence industry. The move is seen as step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Future Submarine Projects

• The Indian Navy will build six SSNs as part of its future submarine projects. These will complement the existing nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) which operate under the Strategic Forces Command.
• The approval for these SSNs indicates a shift in focus towards enhancing underwater combat capabilities.

Current Naval Expansion Efforts

• Currently, 62 ships and a submarine are under construction in India. This effort is part of a strategic push to strengthen naval power.
• The Navy aims to induct at least one new ship every month. Additionally, a deal for three more Scorpene submarines is expected to be signed soon, alongside a contract for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets.

Strategic Implications

• The development of indigenous nuclear attack submarines has strategic implications. It enhances India’s deterrence capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. The move also reflects India’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defence and its aspiration to play a more prominent role in regional security dynamics.

Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduces Coastal Shipping Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha

·        The legislation has been brought given the challenges arising in the regulation of coasting trade and to strengthen the regulation of vessels engaged in coasting trade by adopting the best global practices and meeting the present and future requirements of the maritime coastal shipping sector.

·        The Bill seeks to promote coastal trade and encourage the participation of Indian-flagged vessels owned and operated by Indian citizens for national security and commercial needs

·        The Bill empowers the Director-General of Shipping to issue a license after taking into consideration certain factors including citizenship of the crew and building requirements of the vessel to create more jobs for Indian seafarers and to promote shipbuilding in the country.

·        Besides, the legislation also seeks to create a National Database of Coastal Shipping.

·        The Bill seeks prohibition of trade in the coastal water without licence by vessels other than Indian vessels and permitting Inland vessels to engage in coastal trading subject to certain conditions.

For uniform regulation of coastal maritime sector 

·        Coastal shipping in India holds great potential owing to its vast coastline of around 7,500 kilometers and proximity to important global shipping routes. 

·        It has been recognised that maritime transportation, particularly coastal shipping is cheaper compared to other modes of transportation. 

·        There is a need to improve transport connectivity and supporting infrastructure in the coastal maritime transport sector. 

·        The cost of transportation and logistics directly impacts the production cost and there has been a concerted policy effort to improve efficiencies in this regard.

·        The regulation of the coastal maritime sector in India lacks uniformity. Non-mechanised vessels engaged in coastwise trade are governed by the Coasting Vessels Act, 1838 which only provides for registration of such vessels. 

·        The mechanised vessels on the other hand fall under the purview of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.

·        The measures pertaining to regulation, safety, security and pollution prevention also need to be addressed. 

·        The present regulatory framework under Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, requires Indian ship as well as ships chartered by Indian citizens and foreign vessels to obtain licence before taking ship to sea, including for coasting trade. 

·        However, the licensing requirement for all vessels including Indian vessels and exclusion of foreign flag non-propelled vessels from the coasting trade has proven to be a hindrance to competition and efficiency of the sector. 

·        It is felt necessary to bring foreign flag non-propelled mobile offshore drilling units, accommodation barges, etc also within the purview of the regulatory requirements.

·         In view of the challenges arising in the regulation of coasting trade, it is considered necessary to strengthen the regulation of vessels engaged in coasting trade by adopting the best global practices, to meet the present and future requirements of the maritime coastal shipping sector.

Key provisions of the Bill:

·        Include the term “service” in the definition of “coasting trade” so as to bring offshore vessels which generally provide services without engaging in transportation of goods and passengers, within the ambit of the Bill.

 Prohibition of coasting trade in the coastal water without licence by vessels other than Indian vessels and permitting Inland vessels to engage in coastal trading subject to certain conditions.

·         Empowering the Director-General to issue licence after taking into consideration certain factors including citizenship of the crew and building requirements of the vessel so as to create more jobs for Indian seafarers and to promote ship building in India.

·        Requirement of licence by vessels chartered by Indian entities for purposes other than coasting trade.

·        Creation of a National Database of Coastal Shipping so as to ensure transparency of procedure and aid in information sharing.

·        Preparation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan for development, growth and promotion of coastal shipping.

The Koraga tribals to receive land titles in Kerala.

• Intiative aimed at addressing longstanding issues of missing land documents and undefined boundaries, which have hindered Koraga community’s access to government housing schemes and left their lands uncultivated and forest-covered.

The Revenue department in Kerala, utilising the corpus fund of the Scheduled Tribes Development department, has initiated steps to provide land titles (patta) to the Koraga community, a scheduled tribe (ST) group in Kasaragod and Manjeswaram taluks. The initiative comes under a project called Operation Smile.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)

·        PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups. Due to this factor, more developed and assertive tribal groups take a major chunk of the tribal development funds, because of which PVTGs need more funds directed for their development. In this context, in 1975, the Government of India initiated to identify the most vulnerable tribal groups as a separate category called PVTGs and declared 52 such groups, while in 1993 an additional 23 groups were added to the category, making it a total of 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes, spread over 17 states and one Union Territory (UT), in the country (2011 census).

What is Operation Smile:

·        The initiative is launched by the Kerala government to rehabilitate and support homeless people. The initiative is aimed at addressing longstanding issues of missing land documents and undefined boundaries, which have hindered the Koraga community’s access to government housing schemes and left their lands uncultivated and forest-covered. Operation Smile will involve surveyors and officers from the gram panchayat, tribal extensions, and village offices, as well as community elders and promoters.

What do we know about the highest energy cosmic rays discovered recently

•  The recent discovery at the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) observatory in Namibia has brought attention to the highest-energy cosmic rays ever recorded reaching up to 40 teraelectronvolts (TeV).

Highlights of the Discovery

• Detected cosmic rays exhibited energies as high as 40 TeV: 40,000 times the energy of visible light. These represent the highest-energy electrons and positrons ever recorded.
• The source of these rays is likely within a few thousand light years of Earth relatively close on a galactic scale. This proximity is crucial because cosmic rays lose energy as they interact with light and magnetic fields during their journey.
• Alongside electrons, their antimatter counterparts, positrons were also detected. Positrons share the same mass as electrons but carry a positive charge emphasizing the energy intensity and unique nature of these cosmic rays.
• The findings hint at powerful processes such as exploding stars (supernovas), rapidly rotating pulsars and black hole activity.

What Are Cosmic Rays?

• High-energy particles including protons, electrons and atomic nuclei originating from cosmic sources.
• First detected in 1912 by Austrian physicist Victor Hess using high-altitude balloon experiments.

Sources

Known Sources:

• The Sun: Produces lower-energy cosmic rays.
• Supernovas: Explosions of dying stars.
• Pulsars: Rapidly spinning neutron stars.

Unknown Sources:

• The origin of high-energy cosmic rays like those discovered recently remains largely unexplained.

Effects

• Cosmic rays create showers of secondary particles upon entering Earth''s atmosphere.
• They can interfere with electronics, satellites and other technologies.