28th FEBRUARY, 2025 A.) National Science Day Why in News? National Science Day is celebrated on February 28 each year to recognize the contributions of Indian scientists. It marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928, for which he won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. Background India has a rich scientific heritage, with significant contributions from ancient times in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, metallurgy, and engineering. National Science Day is an occasion to honor these contributions and promote scientific awareness. Details • The Indian Origin of Zero: o Brahmagupta (6th–7th century C.E.) first defined zero and its properties. o Introduced negative numbers and basic rules for their calculations. • Decimal System: o India developed the decimal numeral system, which later spread through Arab scholars to Europe. o Arabs referred to mathematics as “Hindisat” (Indian Art). • Kanad’s Atomic Theory: o Kanad, a 6th-century philosopher, proposed that matter is composed of kanas (atoms). o He stated that these particles are indivisible and indestructible, similar to modern atomic theory. • Earthquake Cloud Theory: o Varahamihira (6th century) in Brihat Samhita explained earthquakes based on:  Planetary movements  Underground water and activities  Unusual cloud formations and animal behavior • Heliocentric Theory: o Aryabhata (5th century) identified the position of nine planets and that they revolve around the Sun. o He contributed to the place value system and trigonometry. • Cyclic Method in Algebra: o Bhaskaracharya introduced the Chakrawat Method (Cyclic Method) for solving algebraic equations. • Medicine & Ayurveda: o Charaka (Charaka Samhita) described numerous diseases, their causes, and treatments. o First to emphasize digestion, metabolism, and immunity in maintaining health. • Metallurgy: o Iron Pillar of Delhi—evidence of advanced metallurgy, showing rust-resistant iron. o Wootz steel, known for durability and strength, originated in India. • Surgery: o Sushruta, known as the "Father of Surgery," contributed extensively to surgery, including plastic surgery and human anatomy (Sushruta Samhita). • Yoga: o Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Conclusion National Science Day serves as a reminder of India’s scientific achievements and aims to promote a scientific temper among students and researchers.   B.) NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer and IM-2 Mission Why in News? A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket recently launched NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer orbiter as a secondary payload, while the primary payload was Intuitive Machines' lunar lander mission (IM-2). Background • IM-2 Mission: Aims to land on the Moon and drill beneath the surface to search for water ice. • Lunar Trailblazer Mission: A NASA-led mission designed to study the distribution and nature of water on the Moon. Details Lunar Trailblazer Mission • Objective: o Orbit at 100 km altitude to capture high-resolution images of targeted areas. o Study the form, distribution, and abundance of water on the Moon. o Understand the lunar water cycle for future exploration. • Significance: o Helps guide future human missions to locate and extract water resources. • Key Instruments: 1. Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM) – Maps and measures lunar surface temperature. 2. High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3) – Detects water presence through light patterns. Importance of Lunar Water 1. Drinking Supply – Can be processed into drinkable water for astronauts. 2. Breathable Oxygen – Water molecules can be split into oxygen for breathing. 3. Rocket Fuel – Hydrogen from water can be used as fuel for rockets. 4. Deep Space Exploration – Availability of lunar water enables missions to Mars and beyond. Conclusion The IM-2 and Lunar Trailblazer missions are crucial steps in lunar resource utilization and long-term space exploration.   C.) Curbing Proxy Leadership in Panchayati Raj Why in News? A panel constituted by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has recommended “exemplary penalties” for cases of proxy leadership (e.g., ‘Pradhan Pati,’ ‘Sarpanch Pati,’ ‘Mukhiya Pati’) to ensure women’s effective participation in local governance. Background • India has 2.63 lakh panchayats across three tiers: o Gram Panchayat (village level) o Panchayat Samiti (block level) o Zila Parishad (district level) • Out of 32.29 lakh elected representatives, 46.6% (15.03 lakh) are women. • Despite high representation, many women face proxy leadership, where male relatives (husbands, fathers, or brothers) exert control over decision-making. Details Key Recommendations of the Panel 1. Structural Reforms to Ensure Women’s Leadership o Gender-exclusive quotas in panchayat subject committees and ward-level committees (e.g., Kerala model). o Annual awards for Anti-Pradhan Pati Champions. o Women’s Ombudspersons to address complaints. o Public swearing-in ceremonies for women leaders. o Federation of Women Panchayat Leaders for collective support. o Gender Resource Centres for leadership training, legal advice, and support networks. 2. Technological Interventions o Virtual Reality (VR) simulation training for women leaders. o AI-powered governance guidance in vernacular languages. o WhatsApp groups linking Women Elected Representatives (WERs) with panchayat and block officials. o Panchayat Nirnay Portal to allow citizens to track elected pradhans’ participation. 3. Accountability & Oversight Mechanisms o Helplines and watchdog committees for confidential complaints. o Whistleblower rewards for verified cases of proxy leadership. Conclusion The panel’s recommendations aim to strengthen women’s actual leadership in Panchayati Raj institutions by eliminating proxy participation and ensuring effective governance at the grassroots level. D.) Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Map and Key Discoveries Why in News? Researchers from ISRO and other institutions have created the first detailed lunar map using data from the Pragyan rover, which was deployed by Vikram lander during Chandrayaan-3's nine-day mission. Background • Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander successfully landed near the South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the largest impact craters in the Solar System. • The mission provided valuable insights into the Moon’s geology and history. Details Key Findings from Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar South Pole Exploration 1. Terrain Types o The region consists of an undulating landscape with highlands and flat plains. 2. Confirmation of Subsurface Magma Ocean o Evidence suggests the Moon once had an ancient ocean of molten lava spread across its surface. 3. Age of the Lunar South Pole o Estimated to be around 3.7 billion years old, roughly when microbial life first emerged on Earth. 4. A Common Origin with Earth o The Moon’s geochemical composition is similar to Earth’s, supporting the theory that:  Both formed from the same molten material.  Possibly resulted from a massive collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body (~4.5 billion years ago). Significance of Lunar Craters • Preserved History: Lunar craters remain unchanged for billions of years due to the lack of atmosphere. • Insight into Solar System Evolution: Craters provide clues about the early history of the Solar System. • Dating Geological Features: They help in estimating the age of planetary surfaces across the Solar System. • Time Capsules: Lunar craters act as records of asteroid impacts, helping us understand how cosmic events shaped planets. Conclusion Chandrayaan-3’s findings enhance our understanding of the Moon’s history and its connection to Earth, paving the way for future lunar exploration and resource utilization.   E.) COP16 Agreement on Global Biodiversity Financing Why in News? World leaders at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rome have reached a historic agreement on financing global conservation goals. Background • COP16 resumed in Rome on February 25, 2025, after being paused in Cali, Colombia, in 2024. • Officials finalized an agreement following intense negotiations on biodiversity conservation funding. Details Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) • Established in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and entered into force on December 29, 1993. • Ratified by 196 parties, including 195 countries and the European Union, making it one of the most widely accepted environmental agreements. Three Pillars of the CBD 1. Conservation of Biological Diversity o Protects ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity from threats like habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. 2. Sustainable Use of Biological Resources o Ensures that biological resources (forests, fisheries, wildlife) are used responsibly to prevent depletion. 3. Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from Genetic Resources o Ensures that countries and communities providing genetic resources (used in medicines, agriculture, biotechnology) receive fair compensation. Supplementary Agreements under the CBD 1. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2003) o Regulates the safe handling, transport, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to prevent risks to biodiversity. 2. Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (2010) o Provides a framework to fairly distribute benefits from genetic resources, ensuring recognition and compensation for resource providers. 3. Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) o Adopted at COP15 in Montreal, setting ambitious goals for 2030 and 2050 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. o Key Targets:  Protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030.  Restore degraded ecosystems worldwide.  Increase global financial support for conservation efforts. Conclusion The COP16 agreement strengthens global financial commitments for biodiversity protection, aligning with the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all. F.) Centre Withholds Funds for Tamil Nadu Over Three-Language Policy Why in News? The Central Government has withheld funds for Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha scheme and India’s maritime infrastructure scheme due to the state's refusal to implement the three-language policy mandated by the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Background • Tamil Nadu follows a two-language policy (Tamil and English), rejecting the three-language formula. • The state's resistance is rooted in its long-standing opposition to Hindi imposition, a sentiment dating back to the anti-Hindi agitations of the 1960s. About the Three-Language Policy Objective • Promotes multilingualism and enhances national integration. • Students must learn three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages. • States and students can decide the specific languages. Evolution of the Policy 1. University Education Commission (1948-49) o Led by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, it laid the foundation for the three-language formula. 2. Kothari Commission (1964-66) o Formally proposed the three-language formula to balance regional and national linguistic needs. Tamil Nadu’s Stand • The state follows a two-language formula (Tamil and English). • Successive Tamil Nadu governments have opposed Hindi as a compulsory subject. • The policy has been a key political issue in the state, shaping language-based identity politics. Implications of Withholding Funds • Could affect the state's educational development, especially in school infrastructure and maritime education. • May escalate Centre-State tensions over language policy and federalism. Conclusion The Centre’s move underscores the continued debate over language policy in India. While the three-language formula aims to promote linguistic diversity, Tamil Nadu’s opposition reflects deeper historical and political concerns over language imposition and regional identity.