NEWS:Auction of Mars meteorite sparks debate on ownership
GS-3 science and technology
Niger investigates $5.3M Mars meteorite auction, alleging illicit trafficking amid ownership debate and ethical concerns over scientific heritage.
- A 25-kilogram Martian meteorite, NWA 16788, was auctioned for $5.3 million at Sotheby’s in New York in 2023.
- The meteorite, the largest Martian meteorite found on Earth, was discovered in the Saharan desert in Niger in November 2023.
- The government of Niger has launched an investigation into the auction, suspecting illicit international trafficking.
- Niger has suspended exports of precious stones and meteorites.
Types of Martian Meteorites
Most belong to three main groups:
- Shergottites – volcanic rocks, most common (~75% of Martian meteorites).
- Nakhlites – rich in augite (a type of pyroxene mineral).
- Chassignites – rare, made mostly of olivine.
Together, they’re often called the SNC meteorites (after Shergotty, Nakhla, Chassigny – the first finds of each type).
🔹 Rarity
- Fewer than 400 confirmed Martian meteorites are known (as of 2025).
- That’s less than 0.5% of all meteorites discovered on Earth.
- Most are found in deserts (Sahara, Antarctica) where dark rocks are easier to spot.
🔹 Scientific Importance
- Provide direct samples of Mars without needing space missions.
- Help scientists study Mars’s geology, volcanic history, and water activity.
- Some meteorites (like Allan Hills 84001, found in Antarctica) stirred debate about possible fossilized microbial life.
🔹 Famous Martian Meteorites
- NWA 16788 – Largest Martian meteorite (25 kg), found in Niger in 2023, sold in 2025 for $5.3M (currently controversial).
- Shergotty (India, 1865) – First recognized Martian meteorite.
- Nakhla (Egypt, 1911) – Witnessed fall; pieces are preserved in museums.
- Allan Hills 84001 (Antarctica, 1984) – Famous for possible microfossils.
NEWS:Ethanol blending (E20) faces vehicle compatibility concerns despite emission reduction benefits experts suggest component replacements and recalibration for older models
GS-3 economy
- The Indian government aims for 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) by 2025 to cut emissions and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
- E20-compatible vehicles were introduced in April 2025, raising concerns about the impact on older vehicles and maintenance costs.
- Ethanol, a biofuel made from plant waste, acts as an oxygenate in petrol blends for better combustion.
- Concerns exist regarding corrosion in older vehicles due to ethanol’s hygroscopic nature, potentially clogging fuel lines.
Ethanol Blending
- Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) involves mixing ethanol (ethyl alcohol, usually from sugarcane, maize, rice, damaged food grains, etc.) with petrol.
- Objective: Reduce dependence on imported crude oil, cut pollution, and support farmers.
- Implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), with oil marketing companies (OMCs) blending ethanol into petrol.
Benefits of Ethanol Blending
- Economic:
- Saves foreign exchange (reduces oil imports).
- Boosts income of farmers (sugarcane, maize, surplus grains used).
- Environmental:
- Lower carbon monoxide & particulate emissions compared to petrol.
- Helps India meet Paris Agreement commitments.
- Strategic:
- Enhances energy security.
- Diversifies fuel sources.
NEWS:UNEP’s sixth attempt to forge a global plastic pollution treaty faces resistance over production cuts and trade concerns
GS-3 environment
- The sixth UNEP attempt since 2022 to create a treaty addressing plastic pollution faced opposition due to disagreements on eliminating plastic production.
- India generates about 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, recycling only around 30%.
- Globally, over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced yearly, with two-thirds becoming waste.
- In 2019, plastic production contributed to 1.8 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, about 3.4% of the global total.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
🔹 Background
- Established: 5 June 1972 (after the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment).
- HQ: Nairobi, Kenya (only major UN body headquartered in Africa).
- Governing Body: UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) – world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment.
- Current Executive Director (2025): Inger Andersen (Denmark).
🔹 Mandate / Functions
- Global Environmental Leadership – coordinates UN’s environmental activities.
- Climate Action – supports Paris Agreement implementation.
- Biodiversity Conservation – hosts Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and CITES secretariat.
- Pollution Control – works on air quality, marine litter, chemical waste.
- Assessment & Reporting – publishes Global Environment Outlook (GEO), Emissions Gap Report, Adaptation Gap Report.
- Capacity Building – helps developing nations with technology, green finance, policy support.
🔹 Key Initiatives & Programmes
- Montreal Protocol (1987) – ozone layer protection.
- Minamata Convention (2013) – mercury reduction.
- UNEP Finance Initiative – promotes green investment.
- Clean Seas Campaign – against marine plastic pollution.
- Billion Tree Campaign / UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
NEWS:India aims for lunar landing by 2040 Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035 and Gaganyaan mission in 2027
GS-3 science and technology
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced India aims to have an astronaut on the moon by 2040.
- The announcement was made during a Lok Sabha discussion on astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s upcoming visit to the International Space Station.
- Space sector reforms began in 2014, and private sector involvement started in 2020.
- India’s space economy is currently at $8 billion and is projected to reach $45 billion in the next decade.
- An uncrewed mission with robot Vyommitra is planned for 2026, followed by the Gaganyaan mission in 2027.
- India plans to establish its own Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035.
Vyommitra – India’s Humanoid Robot Astronaut
🔹 What is Vyommitra?
- Name meaning: “Vyoma” (space/sky) + “Mitra” (friend).
- A female-looking humanoid robot, developed by ISRO.
- Designed to simulate human functions and assist in space missions.
🔹 Purpose
- Part of Gaganyaan Mission (India’s first human spaceflight programme).
- Will fly in uncrewed test flights (before astronauts are sent).
- Functions as a pre-cursor astronaut to ensure safety systems work.
Gaganyaan Mission – India’s First Human Spaceflight Programme
🔹 Overview
- Announced: August 2018 by PM Narendra Modi (Independence Day speech).
- Implementing Agency: ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
- Objective: To send 3 Indian astronauts (Vyomnauts/Gagannauts) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO, ~400 km) for 3 days and bring them back safely.
- Budget: ~₹9,000 crore.
- Launch Vehicle: HLVM3 (Human-rated LVM3) – modified GSLV Mk III with crew safety systems.
🔹 Components of the Mission
- Orbital Module (OM) – carries astronauts.
- Crew Module (CM): Pressurised capsule for astronauts (life support, navigation, thermal control).
- Service Module (SM): Contains propulsion & support systems.
- Human-Rating of Systems – ensures reliability & safety of rocket, crew escape system, avionics, and parachute recovery.
- Life Support System – oxygen supply, CO₂ removal, temperature regulation.
MAINS MOCK QUESTION
Critically examine the prospects and challenges of the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) in India. How can it contribute to energy security and climate goals?”
