UPSC: Section 27, UNESCO's IOC, Tantalum, IEPFA and More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 2

Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act

News: The Supreme Court has held that the disclosure made by an accused under Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act is irrelevant if the fact was previously known to the police.
Overview of Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act:
- - Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act creates an exception to the general rule prohibiting the admissibility of confessions made by an accused to a police officer while in custody.
  - This section allows such confessions to be admissible if they lead to the discovery of new facts.
Admissibility of Confessions in Police Custody:
- - Sections 25 and 26 of the Indian Evidence Act protect against self-incrimination and potential abuse of police authority by declaring that confessions made to police officers while in custody, without the presence of a magistrate, are inadmissible in court.
  - However, Section 27 provides an important exception to this rule.
Exception Provided by Section 27
- - According to Section 27:
  - “Provided that, when any fact is deposed to as discovered in consequence of information received from a person accused of any offence, in the custody of a police officer, so much of such information, whether it amounts to a confession or not, as relates distinctly to the fact thereby discovered, may be proved.”
  - In simpler terms, this means that if an accused, while in police custody, makes a confession that leads to the revelation of a previously unknown fact, that confession is considered admissible in court.
Conditions for Admissibility
- - Discovery of New Facts: The confession must provide information that was not previously known to the police and must lead to the recovery of evidence or the identification of witnesses.
  - Direct Relevance: The information in the confession must be directly related to the fact discovered. The confession must be specific and pertinent to the discovery made.
  - Voluntary Confession: The confession must be made voluntarily, without any coercion or threat from the police.
Doctrine of Confirmation by Subsequent Events:
- - Section 27 is based on the doctrine of confirmation by subsequent events.
  - This principle holds that every part of a statement made by the accused while in police custody must be corroborated by subsequent events related to the discovery for it to be admissible in court.
Case Law Interpretation:
- - In the case of Asar Mohd. v. State of U.P, the Supreme Court clarified that the term “fact” under Section 27 is not limited to physical objects alone but also encompasses essential psychological or mental facts that may be directly relevant to the case.
Limitations on Using Confessions:
- - It is important to note that a confession made under Section 27 cannot be used solely to prove the guilt of the accused. It must be corroborated by other evidence to establish the accused’s guilt.

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UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

News: Recently, three underwater structures in the Indian Ocean were named as Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru, which reflect India’s growing influence in marine science and its commitment to exploring and understanding the Indian Ocean.
UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
- - The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is dedicated to promoting international cooperation in marine sciences with the goal of improving the management of oceans, coasts, and marine resources.
Purpose:
- - The IOC aims to advance marine science and enhance the sustainable management of ocean and coastal environments.
Membership:
- - The IOC includes 150 Member States. India has been a member since 1946.
Key Activities:
- - The IOC coordinates various programs related to capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science, tsunami warning systems, and ocean literacy.
Ocean Decade:
- - The IOC is responsible for coordinating the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030, known as the “Ocean Decade.”
Key Facts about Underwater Structures in the Indian Ocean:
- - Raman Ridge (Accepted in 1992): Discovered in 1951 by a US oil vessel, this ridge was named in honor of Physicist and Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman.
  - Panikkar Seamount (Accepted in 1993): Discovered by the Indian research vessel Sagar Kanya, it is named after NK Panikkar, a renowned oceanographer.
  - Sagar Kanya Ridge (Accepted in 1991): This seamount is named after the research vessel Sagar Kanya.
  - DN Wadia Guyot (Accepted in 1992): Named after geologist DN Wadia, this underwater volcanic mountain, or guyot, was discovered by Sagar Kanya.
Recent Discoveries: Three recently named structures were discovered by oceanographers from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa during an international survey exploration program.
- - Ashoka Seamount
  - Chandragupt Ridge
  - Kalpataru Ridge
  - These structures are located along the Southwest Indian Ridge area of the Indian Ocean.

UPSC GS 3

Tantalum

News: The Central Government has notified a list of 24 minerals including Tantalum, in Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act, 1957 as Critical and Strategic minerals.
Overview of Tantalum:
- - Tantalum is a rare metal with the chemical symbol Ta and atomic number 73.
  - It is known for its unique properties and applications across various industries.
Occurrence:
- - Tantalum is not found in its pure form in nature.
  - Instead, it is usually extracted from the ore columbite-tantalite, commonly known as coltan.
  - Major sources of tantalum include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Brazil, and Nigeria.

Properties:

- - Classification: Tantalum is classified as a transition metal and is solid at room temperature.
  - Appearance and Texture: It is a shiny, silvery metal that is soft when in its pure form.
  - Chemical Resistance: Tantalum is almost immune to chemical attack at temperatures below 150°C. Its resistance to corrosion is attributed to an oxide film that forms on its surface.
  - Ductility: In its pure state, tantalum is ductile, meaning it can be stretched, pulled, or drawn into thin wires or threads without breaking.
  - Refractory Metal: Tantalum is part of the refractory metals group, characterized by their strong resistance to heat and wear. It has an extremely high melting point, surpassed only by tungsten and rhenium.
Applications:
- - Electronics: Tantalum is most prominently used in the electronics industry. Tantalum capacitors, known for their ability to store more electricity in smaller sizes with minimal leakage, are ideal for portable electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras.
  - Substitution for Platinum: Due to its high melting point, tantalum is often used as a substitute for the more expensive platinum.
  - Industrial Components: It is utilized in making components for chemical and nuclear power plants, as well as in aeroplanes and missiles.
  - Medical Applications: Tantalum does not react with bodily fluids, making it suitable for surgical equipment and implants, including artificial joints.
  - Cutting Tools: A composite of tantalum carbide (TaC) and graphite is among the hardest materials known and is used in the cutting edges of high-speed machine tools.

Smithophis Mizoramensis

News: In a groundbreaking discovery, Mizoram zoologist Professors have discovered a new species of snake in Mizoram called Smithophis mizoramensis.
Smithophis Mizoramensis: Smithophis mizoramensis is a newly identified species of snake discovered in Mizoram.

Discovery: This species was identified after a 15-year study due to its close resemblance to related species. It is named Smithophis mizoramensis after its place of discovery in Mizoram.
Local Name: The snake has been given a Mizo name, “Tuithiangrul” or “Mizo Brook Snake”.
Global Species Count: The discovery of Smithophis mizoramensis increases the total number of known Smithophis species worldwide to five.
Related Species: Two other species from the Smithophis genus, Smithophis atemporalis and Smithophis bicolor, were previously recorded in Mizoram.
Genetic Analysis: Genetic studies reveal that Smithophis mizoramensis has a 10-14% DNA difference from its nearest relatives, highlighting its distinctiveness.
Physical Characteristics: The new species is noted for its unique coloration and scale patterns, setting it apart from other species in the genus.
Habitat: It inhabits both lowland and highland areas of Mizoram, particularly near rivers and their surrounding environments.

Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)

News: In order to resolve the grievances of claimants and stakeholders, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) is testing a new five-digit short-code, which will be used to resolve queries, regarding claim status of investors.
Establishment and Legal Framework:
Foundation: The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) was established under Section 205C of the Companies Act, 1956, through the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1999.
Legal Update: The Fund is now governed under the Companies Act, 2013, and is managed by the Investor Education Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), which was established in 2016.
Sources of Funds: The IEPF comprises amounts that remain unpaid and unclaimed for seven years from the date they became due for payment, including:
Unpaid Dividend Accounts: Amounts in the unpaid dividend accounts of companies.
Application Money: The application money received by companies for allotment of any securities that is due for refund.
Matured Deposits: Deposits with companies that have matured.
Matured Debentures: Debentures with companies that have matured.
Grants and Donations: Contributions given to the fund by the Central Government, State Governments, companies, or any other institutions.
Investment Income: Interest or other income generated from investments made using the fund.
Management:
- - Authority: The Fund is managed by the Investor Education Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA).
  - Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is the nodal ministry responsible for overseeing the IEPF.

Silicosis

News: Engineered stone has been banned in Australia since July after a rise in silicosis cases.
Overview:
- - Silicosis is a respiratory disease characterized by the hardening and scarring of lung tissue due to the inhalation of silica dust.
  - This condition primarily affects workers exposed to silica-containing materials over extended periods.
Causes:
- - Silica Dust: Silicosis is caused by inhaling fine particles of silica, which are found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
  - Occupational Exposure: Common in industries such as construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting. Workers in these fields are at higher risk due to daily exposure to silica.
Development:
- - Latency Period: Silicosis can take a long time to develop, typically 10 to 20 years of occupational exposure to silica dust.

Symptoms: The main symptoms of silicosis are: a persistent cough, persistent shortness of breath weakness and tiredness etc.
Types of Silicosis:
- - Acute Silicosis: Cough, weight loss, and fatigue within a few weeks to years of high-level exposure.
  - Accelerated Silicosis: Occurs within 10 years of high-level exposure to silica dust.
  - Chronic Silicosis: Develops 10 to 30 years after exposure, primarily affects the upper lungs and can cause extensive scarring.
Prognosis:
- - Progressive Nature: Silicosis is a progressive disease with no cure. The condition worsens over time, even if exposure to silica is halted.
Prevention:
- - Workplace Safety: Implementing safety measures such as proper ventilation, use of protective equipment, and regular health screenings can help reduce the risk of developing silicosis.

Grain ATM

News: India’s first round-the-clock grain ATM was inaugurated recently at Mancheswar in Bhubaneswar.
Annapurti Grain ATM
Overview: The Annapurti Grain ATM, designed and developed by the World Food Programme India, is an automated multi-commodity dispensing solution that aims to streamline the distribution of food rations.
Key Features:
- - Universal Access: The ATM provides access to anyone with a valid Public Distribution System (PDS) ration card, regardless of the State or Union Territory in India.
  - Efficiency: Capable of dispensing up to 50 kilograms of grain in just five minutes, operating 24 hours a day. This feature significantly reduces waiting times by 70%.
  - Automated Dispensing: It offers a fast, clean, and precise method for dispensing commodities such as rice, wheat, and other grains.
  - Biometric Authentication: Beneficiaries must undergo biometric authentication to access their full food ration, ensuring secure and accurate distribution.
  - Modular Design: The ATM’s modular design allows for easy assembly and adaptation to various spaces.
  - Energy Efficiency: It is energy-efficient and can be connected to solar panels for automatic refilling, enhancing its sustainability.

Benefits:
- - Reduces Queues: Eliminates long queues typically found at traditional distribution points, improving convenience for beneficiaries.
  - Minimizes Theft and Black Marketing: Reduces issues related to theft and black marketing of food rations.
  - Accurate Weight: Ensures accurate weight measurements and helps prevent potential cheating.
  - 24/7 Access: Provides round-the-clock access to essential grains, greatly reducing waiting times and improving food security.

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NEOWISE Telescope

News: NASA has ended the mission of the Neowise space telescope after more than ten years.
Overview: The NEOWISE Telescope, initially launched by NASA in 2009 as the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), has played a significant role in observing and studying celestial objects.
Initial Launch and Mission: Launched in 2009, WISE was designed to survey the sky in infrared, detecting asteroids, stars, and some of the faintest galaxies.
Primary Mission Completion: The primary mission of WISE was completed in February 2011.

Re-Purposing and NEOWISE Project: In December 2013, WISE was taken out of hibernation and re-purposed as the NEOWISE project. Its new mission focused on studying near-Earth objects (NEOs) and more distant asteroids and comets.
Current Status:
- - Orbital Position: NEOWISE was originally orbited at an altitude of 310 miles but now orbits approximately 217 miles above Earth’s surface.
  - The descent has been influenced by increasing solar activity.
Scientific Achievements:
- - Detection of Minor Planets: During its primary mission, NEOWISE detected over 158,000 minor planets, including 34,000 that were previously unknown.
  - Data Significance: NEOWISE data have been instrumental in setting limits on the numbers, orbits, sizes, and probable compositions of asteroids in our solar system. It also enabled the discovery of the first known Earth Trojan asteroid.
Impact:
- - Asteroid and Comet Studies: NEOWISE’s observations have significantly advanced our understanding of asteroids and comets, contributing to both solar system science and planetary defense efforts.

Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project

News: India’s largest floating solar project in central and north India, generating 90 MW, has been commissioned at Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh.
Site: Omkareshwar, District Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India
Water Source: Developed on the backwaters of the Omkareshwar Dam, a gravity dam on the Narmada River.

Project Details:
- - Capacity: 90 MW, making it the largest floating solar project in central and north India and the biggest solar park in India.
  - Cost: ₹646 crores
  - Developer: SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), a wholly owned subsidiary of SJVN, which is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
  - Development Mode: The project was developed through competitive tariff bidding on a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) basis for 25 years at a tariff rate of ₹3.26 per unit.
Operational Projections:
- - Initial Year Output: Expected to generate 196.5 million units of electricity.
  - Cumulative Output: Projected to produce a total of 4,629.3 million units over 25 years.
Environmental Impact:
- - Carbon Emission Reduction: On commissioning, the project will reduce carbon emissions by 2.3 lakh tons, supporting India’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
  - Water Conservation: Helps in water conservation by reducing evaporation from the reservoir.
Significance:
- - Renewable Energy Contribution: Contributes significantly to the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in India and aligns with national sustainability goals.