Jupiter saved Earth from Spiraling into the Sun

Context: 

Recently, Rice University scientists in research showed that Jupiter’s rapid early growth shaped the Solar System and prevented Earth from plunging into the Sun.

More on the News

• The researchers used advanced computer simulations to model Jupiter’s growth in the early Solar System and its effect on the dusty gas disc surrounding the young Sun.
• The study revealed that Jupiter’s immense gravity created ripples in the disc, forming rings and gaps that disrupted the inward flow of gas and dust.
• This process prevented smaller rocky particles and young planets from spiraling into the Sun and instead allowed them to gather and form the terrestrial planets, including Earth, Venus, and Mars.
• The scientists described this gravitational disturbance as creating “cosmic traffic jams,” which led to the clustering of material that became planetary seeds.
• Jupiter’s rapid growth divided the Solar System into inner and outer regions, separating materials and shaping distinct isotopic fingerprints found in meteorites today.
• The formation of these gaps also explains the delayed birth of certain meteorites, known as chondrites, which formed millions of years after the earliest solids.

How Jupiter Saved Earth from Destruction

• Jupiter’s strong gravity blocked gas and dust from flowing toward the Sun, stopping young planets from being dragged inward.
• The planet’s formation created a gravitational barrier that stabilized the inner Solar System and protected emerging worlds like Earth.
• By halting the inward migration of material, Jupiter preserved a warm, safe zone around the Sun where Earth could form and thrive.
• The gas giant’s influence ensured that Earth remained in the Sun’s habitable zone, allowing liquid water and life-supporting conditions to exist.

OCI e-Arrival cards facility

Context: 

Recently, the Government of India has introduced a new facility allowing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders to submit e-Arrival cards online up to 72 hours before their arrival in India.

More on the News 

• The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that OCI cardholders can now complete and submit the e-Arrival card online or through the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app.
• The earlier practice of distributing physical e-Arrival forms on flights will continue for a maximum of six months or until further notice.
• This facility enables passengers to fill out arrival details before travel, saving time during immigration clearance upon landing.
• Passengers are required to bring original documents uploaded during submission for verification at arrival, without needing printouts or physical copies.
• The move aligns with the government’s digital initiatives to simplify travel formalities and improve convenience for the Indian diaspora.
• Alongside this update, the Ministry has also tightened OCI rules, allowing cancellation of OCI registration if a cardholder is convicted of certain criminal offences carrying imprisonment of two years or more.

Comparison of Procedures for OCI e-Arrival Submission

About Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

• The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card Scheme was launched in August 2005 to facilitate the Indian diaspora’s connection with India through long-term visa benefits and simplified travel.
• The scheme is available to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on 26 January 1950 or later, or who were eligible to become citizens on that date except those who are or had been citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Central Government through notification in the Official Gazette.
• OCI registration is provided under Section 7A of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015 by the Government of India.

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

Context: 

India’s largest hydropower project, Subansiri Lower HEP on the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam border, has begun its test run, marking a major step in India’s clean energy progress.

More on the News

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has commenced the wet commissioning of the first 250 MW unit of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project.

• Wet commissioning involves testing turbines with water flow to ensure technical readiness before power generation begins.

The project consists of eight units of 250 MW each, four of which are ready for test runs, with power generation to start once two units are synchronised with the grid.

The project is located at Gerukamukh on the inter-State boundary, was launched in January 2005. 

Work on the project was suspended in 2011 following protests by anti-dam activists in Assam and concerns over downstream environmental impacts..

Lokpal

Context: 

The Lokpal has recorded a sharp fall in complaints received and granted very few prosecution sanctions, raising questions about its effectiveness and public trust.

More on the News 

• The Lokpal received a total of 6,955 complaints since its inception, and the majority of these were filed in its first four years.
• The Lokpal recorded 2,469 complaints in 2022–23 but received only 233 complaints up to September 2025, indicating a sharp decline in public engagement.
• The Lokpal has ordered preliminary inquiries in only 289 cases out of all complaints received so far.

Key issues and implications 

• This low number of preliminary inquiries raises concerns about case screening procedures and accessibility of the complaint mechanism.
• This minimal record of prosecution sanctions suggests weak conversion of complaints into enforceable action and undermines deterrence against public corruption.
• This pattern of declining complaints could reflect public disengagement due to perceived ineffectiveness or procedural barriers that discourage complainants.

Lokpal

The Lokpal is an anti-corruption ombudsman in India with the power to investigate allegations of corruption against public functionaries, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, and Members of Parliament. 

It was established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, enacted by Parliament following the Jan Lokpal movement led by social activist Anna Hazare in 2010. India got its first Lokpal in 2019.

Under the 2013 Act, the Lokpal should consist of a chairperson and such number of members, not exceeding eight, of whom 50% should be judicial members. 

The Act further states that not less than 50% of the members of the Lokpal should be from among persons belonging to the SCs, the STs, OBCs, minorities and women.

The Chairperson and the Members are appointed by the Hon’ble President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.

Section 7 of the Lokpal act provides that the Salaries, allowances, and service conditions of the Lokpal chairperson is same as those for the Chief Justice of India; those for other members is same as those for a judge of the Supreme Court.

The tenure of the Chairperson and members is 5 years from the date on which they enter upon the office or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

The jurisdiction of the Lokpal covers a wide range of public servants — from the Prime Minister, ministers and MPs, to groups A, B, C and D employees of the central government. Even Lokpal’s own members are under the definition of “public servant”.

In case of allegations or charges against the Prime Minister, there are certain conditions. Lokpal can’t inquire if the allegation against the Prime Minister relates to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy, and space. 

• Also, complaints against the Prime Minister are not to be probed unless the full Lokpal bench considers the initiation of inquiry and at least 2/3rds of the members approve it.
• Such an inquiry against the Prime Minister (if conducted) is to be held in camera and if the Lokpal comes to the conclusion that the complaint deserves to be dismissed, the records of the inquiry are not to be published or made available to anyone.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025

Context: 

The Government of India has announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 to honour exceptional contributions in science, technology, and innovation across multiple domains.

More on the News

• The Ministry of Science and Technology announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, the nation’s highest recognition for excellence in science, technology, and innovation. 
• The award honours scientists, technologists, and innovators for their outstanding achievements and contributions to national development.
• The Puraskar is conferred in four categories — Vigyan Ratna (VR), Vigyan Shri (VS), Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB), and Vigyan Team (VT).
• Awards are distributed across 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, and Space Science and Technology.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025