NEWS:300 kg drugs worth ₹1,800 crore seized off Gujarat coast

GS-3: Internal Security – Drug trafficking, Maritime security

1. Massive Drug Haul

• Over 300 kg of methamphetamine valued at ₹1,800 crore seized in a joint operation by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• Drugs were dumped into the Arabian Sea by Pakistani smugglers during a mid-sea chase.

2. International Route and Smuggling Plan

• The contraband was sent from Pasni port, Pakistan, and was supposed to be moved mid-sea and later delivered to Tamil Nadu.
• Operation took place near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between India and Pakistan off Gujarat coast, specifically near Jakhau in Kutch.

3. Nature of Drug

• Seized drug: Methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice” or “crystal meth,” a highly addictive synthetic stimulant.

 Methamphetamine

 Chemical Structure

• Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug derived from ephedrine or pseudoephedrine substances found in decongestants.
• It exists in two forms:
• D-methamphetamine (highly addictive and psychoactive).
• L-methamphetamine (found in some over-the-counter medications, less addictive).
• Mechanism of Action
• Methamphetamine primarily acts by increasing the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
• Dopamine release: It triggers an abnormal surge of dopamine leading to euphoria and increased energy.
• Inhibition of dopamine reuptake: Meth prevents dopamine from being reabsorbed prolonging its effects.
• Neurotoxicity: Chronic use damages dopamine neurons, leading to reduced brain function and cognitive impairments.
• How is Meth Used?
• Meth can be used in various ways:
• Swallowed as a pill.
• Snorted up the nose as a powder.
• Smoked in a glass pipe.
• Injected by mixing it with liquid.
• Each method delivers the drug quickly to the brain, making its effects strong but also increasing the risk of addiction and harm​.
• Effects on the Body and Mind
• Meth causes a quick feeling of happiness, energy and alertness, but it has harmful side effects:
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• High body temperature, which can cause fainting.
• “Meth mouth” (damaged teeth and gums).Severe itching and skin sores.
• Anxiety, anger, and paranoia.
• Long-term use can lead to addiction, mental health problems and life-threatening conditions like strokes and heart attacks​.

NEWS:Unnecessary change: RTI Act amendment

GS-2: Governance – Transparency, Accountability, RTI Act

1. Context of the Amendment

• Govt amended Section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act via Section 44(3) of Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023.
• Original RTI clause allowed withholding of personal info unless public interest overruled privacy.
• New change removes this safeguard, allowing authorities to deny public info solely citing ‘personal’ nature.

2. Background

• The amendment stems from K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) case on privacy rights.
• Govt claims it balances RTI misuse and right to privacy.
• Critics argue it contradicts intent of RTI Act, which focused on public scrutiny.

3. Concerns Raised

• Public servants’ info (e.g., fake caste certificate cases) could now be classified and hidden.
• Section 44(3) dilutes transparency provisions essential for citizen oversight.

4. Opposition & Civil Society Stand

• Letter by Jairam Ramesh calls amendment unwarranted and regressive.
• Transparency activists warn it may lead to reduced public accountability

NEWS:Miniature laser grown onto silicon chip could revolutionise computing

1. Context: Shift from Electrons to Photons

• Traditional chips use electrons to carry information.
• Researchers have now embedded lasers directly onto silicon chips to use photons for computing.
• This marks a major shift towards silicon photonics, which is faster, more energy-efficient, and allows higher data capacity with less heat loss.

2. Research Innovation

• Published in the journal Nature, the US-AmberWave Systems team grew miniature lasers directly onto silicon wafers.
• A fully monolithic laser diode was demonstrated on a standard silicon chip — a first-of-its-kind breakthrough.

Scientific & Technical Aspects

1. Why This Is Revolutionary

• Overcomes mismatch problems in atomic crystal structures of laser materials and silicon.
• Prior attempts needed separate laser integration, which was costly and less efficient.

2. Working Principle of the Laser

• A laser works by exciting electrons to a higher energy state and forcing them to emit photons when they drop energy levels.
• Indium gallium arsenide was used as the laser material, layered over nano-ridges etched on silicon to trap crystal defects and maintain laser functionality.

3. Fabrication Process

• Involves depositing layers of indium gallium arsenide, phosphide, and gallium phosphide.
• Chips produced were compatible with standard CMOS semiconductor lines, making them industry-ready.

Significance

• Speed & Efficiency: Light-based data transfer is much faster and reduces energy losses.
• Compact Integration: Photonic chips can replace larger laser components, making devices smaller and more powerful.
• Thermal Efficiency: Chips function well at room temperatures, reducing cooling costs.

Applications & Impacts

• Data centers: Reduces power demand and increases data transmission rates.
• Quantum computing: Opens up potential in optical-based processing.
• Telecommunications: Enables ultra-fast broadband speeds.

NEWS:ASI seeks to shed new light on Dwarka through explorations

GS 1: Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms

• A nine-member team of the Underwater Archaeology Wing of the ASI has undertaken onshore and offshore expeditions at Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka to search, document, and study submerged archaeological remains as well as ascertain their age
• About Dwarka
• Source- The Indian Express
• 1. It is located on the western side of the State of Gujrat.
• 2. The submerged city of Dwarka has been the focus of marine excavations and research endeavors.
• 3. It is one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities (Sapt Puris). Dwarka is believed to have been reclaimed from the sea by Lord Krishna after he relocated from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh to Dwarka in Gujarat.
• 4. In the Vishnu Purana, mentions indicate that Dwarka was a city adorned with stunning gardens, moats, ponds, and palaces
• 5. Legend holds that Dwarka was submerged under the Arabian Sea as Lord Krishna departed from the world, marking the beginning of the Kali Yuga.
• Present day Dwarka
• 1. It is a coastal town situated at the entrance of the Gulf of Kutch, facing the Arabian Sea.
• 2. It serves as a significant point along the Krishna pilgrimage route, connecting Vrindavan, Mathura, Govardhan, Kurukshetra, and Puri.
• 3. Dwarka is renowned for its 13th-century Dwarkadheesh temple, devoted to Lord Krishna.
• 4. It is one of 12 heritage cities chosen nationwide by the Government of India for civic infrastructure development under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme.