Today in History (November 12th, 1954)
On Nov. 12, 1954, Ellis Island officially closed as an immigration station and detention center. More than 12 million immigrants arrived in the United States via Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954.
Let’s Revise
1. What is the main cause of lightning?
A) High pressure in the atmosphere
B) The buildup of static electricity in clouds
C) Radio waves in the atmosphere
D) Earth’s magnetic field
Answer: B)
Explanation: Lightning occurs when static electricity builds up in clouds, and the electrical discharge happens when the potential difference between charged areas in the clouds or between the cloud and the ground becomes too large.
2. Which part of a thunderstorm cloud is typically positively charged, and which part is negatively charged?
A) Top is positively charged; bottom is negatively charged
B) Top is negatively charged; bottom is positively charged
C) The entire cloud is neutrally charged
D) The cloud is positively charged at both the top and bottom
Answer: A)
Explanation: In a thunderstorm, the top of the cloud usually builds a positive charge, while the bottom accumulates a negative charge. This creates the potential for lightning between the cloud and the ground or between regions within the cloud itself.
3. What is the purpose of a lightning rod?
A) To absorb lightning and prevent it from striking
B) To divert the lightning to a safe ground to prevent damage
C) To reflect lightning away from buildings
D) To increase the chances of lightning striking the building
Answer: B)
Explanation: A lightning rod is a metal conductor mounted on buildings, designed to safely direct the electrical discharge from lightning to the ground, minimizing the risk of fire or damage to the structure.
4. What is the typical duration of a lightning strike?
A) A few milliseconds
B) A few seconds
C) A few minutes
D) A few hours
Answer: A)
Explanation: A lightning strike typically lasts only a few milliseconds but can involve extremely high amounts of energy.
5. Which of the following is the most effective way to stay safe during a lightning storm?
A) Stand under a tree for shelter
B) Stay inside a building or car
C) Use electrical appliances to discharge static
D) Swim in a pool to avoid the storm
Answer: B)
Explanation: The safest place during a lightning storm is inside a solid building or a car with a metal frame. Trees and water conduct electricity, making them dangerous during storms, while being inside provides shelter from the lightning.
6. NTPC’s Vindhyachal plant recently became the first in the world to produce methanol from Co2 and Hydrogen, it is located in which state?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Uttarakhand
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Jharkhand
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station is located in Singrauli district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. One of the coal-fired power stations of NTPC, it is the largest power station in India, and the 10th largest coal-fired power station in the world, with an installed capacity of 4,760 MW.
7. What is the chemical formula of methanol?
A) C₂H₆O
B) CH₃OH
C) C₃H₆O
D) CH₄O
Answer: B)
Explanation: Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, has the chemical formula CH₃OH. It consists of one carbon (C) atom, four hydrogen (H) atoms, and one oxygen (O) atom.
8. Which of the following is a common use of methanol?
A) As a solvent in paints and coatings
B) As a refrigerant in air conditioning systems
C) In the production of ozone layer-depleting compounds
D) As a food preservative
Answer: A)
Explanation: Methanol is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial applications, including paints, coatings, and cleaning products due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.
9. Methanol can be toxic when ingested. Which of the following is a major effect of methanol poisoning?
A) Kidney failure
B) Increased heart rate
C) Skin rashes
D) Impaired vision, potentially leading to blindness
Answer: D)
Explanation: Methanol poisoning primarily affects the optic nerve, causing impaired vision and potentially leading to blindness. Methanol is metabolized in the liver to formaldehyde and formic acid, both of which are toxic to the visual system.
10. Which of the following is a major industrial use of methanol?
A) Production of plastics and synthetic fibers
B) Production of ammonia for fertilizers
C) As a fuel in gasoline engines
D) In the manufacture of sulfuric acid
Answer: A)
Explanation: Methanol is a key feedstock in the production of formaldehyde, which in turn is used to produce plastics, synthetic fibers, and resins. It is not typically used directly in gasoline engines or in the production of sulfuric acid.
Summary of Today’s News
UN raises alarm as climate talks begin in Azerbaijan
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev said, “This will be a game-changing tool to direct resources to the developing world.
• COP-29 Begins in Baku, Azerbaijan:
The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP-29) opened in Baku on Monday, with heightened concerns about global climate progress.
• UN Warning About Paris Agreement Goals:
The United Nations raised alarms that the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement are in jeopardy. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlighted that the period from 2015-2024 is on track to be the warmest decade ever recorded, with 2024 expected to break temperature records.
• Current Global Warming Trends:
New WMO data shows global warming is currently about 1.3°C higher than the 10-year average, up from 1.2°C last year. 2024 is already hotter by 1.54°C compared to the previous year.
• Impact of U.S. Politics:
The re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President looms over the conference. Trump’s history of skepticism towards climate change and threats to withdraw from the Paris Agreement could undermine progress on global climate goals. He previously withdrew the U.S. from the accord, a move reversed by President Biden.
• Focus on Climate Financing:
One of the primary topics at COP-29 is climate financing—determining who pays, how much is needed, and how the funds will be used for climate adaptation, mitigation, and loss/damage.
• Tensions from geopolitical crises, such as wars in West Asia and Ukraine, may further strain diplomatic efforts to reach agreements on funding and policy.
• COP-29 as “Finance COP”:
The conference is being referred to as the “finance COP” due to its focus on addressing the financial aspects of climate change, including securing increased climate finance and establishing clearer rules around its distribution and use.
Religion does not encourage polluting activities: SC on bursting firecrackers
• Religion and Pollution:
The Supreme Court stated that no religion encourages activities that cause pollution, such as bursting firecrackers, which adversely affect citizens’ fundamental right to health.
• Delhi Government’s Delay in Implementing Ban:
The Delhi government issued a firecracker ban only two days after Dussehra (October 14), potentially allowing stockpiling before Deepavali. The Court noted the delay and questioned the timely enforcement of the ban.
• Delhi Police’s Compliance Concerns:
The Delhi Police expressed concerns about not having enough time to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban for Deepavali.
• Perpetual Year-Round Ban Proposal:
The Court explored the idea of a year-round ban on the sale and use of firecrackers. However, the Delhi government appeared hesitant, citing the need for consultations with “stakeholders,” including residents’ welfare associations, many of whom opposed the ban.
• Court’s Deadline for Decision on Year-Round Ban:
The Court gave the Delhi government time until November 25 to decide whether to implement a perpetual year-round ban on firecrackers.
• Pollution as a Fundamental Right Violation:
The Court reaffirmed that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right. The use of firecrackers in an uncontrolled manner was seen as a direct threat to public health.
• Ban on Sale and Manufacture of Firecrackers:
The Court issued an order for a complete ban on the sale and manufacture of firecrackers in Delhi, including online sales.
• Implementation and Compliance:
The Delhi Police was directed to form a special cell to ensure the effective implementation of the ban. The Delhi Police Commissioner was ordered to file a personal affidavit by November 25, detailing the steps taken for compliance.
Germany’s Political and Economic Crisis
Context:
Germany is facing a political meltdown as Chancellor Scholz’s coalition collapses under internal disagreements and economic strain.
Political Instability:
• The collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition (Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats) has plunged Germany into deeper political and economic turmoil.
• The coalition had been struggling with internal divisions for the past year, particularly over economic recovery strategies.
Economic Crisis Deepens:
• Germany’s economy, already in recession, has been further strained by the coalition’s infighting and inability to present a unified response.
• Key differences emerged on economic recovery:
• Social Democrats and Greens advocated for more public spending, modernisation, and investment in environmental energy.
• Finance Minister Christian Lindner (Free Democrats) pushed for austerity measures and lower taxes.
Infighting Leads to Minister’s Dismissal:
• Chancellor Scholz sacked Finance Minister Christian Lindner after increasing tensions within the coalition over economic policies.
• Following Lindner’s dismissal, members of the Free Democratic Party quit the government, exacerbating political instability.
Loss of Popularity:
• The infighting and economic challenges have made the coalition government increasingly unpopular.
• All three coalition parties have lost support, while opposition groups, including the Conservatives and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), have gained ground in recent polls.
Chancellor Scholz’s Diminished Power:
• With the coalition’s parliamentary majority lost, Scholz will rely on opposition parties to pass key measures, including the 2025 budget.
• Scholz has resisted calls for an immediate vote of confidence, planning to run a minority government for a few more months.
Concerns About Governance:
• Critics argue that a minority government led by an unpopular Scholz is unlikely to address Germany’s pressing issues, leaving the country rudderless.
• The government’s inability to act decisively could prevent any meaningful solutions to Germany’s challenges.
Economic and Geopolitical Challenges:
• Ukraine war: The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to hurt Germany’s economy, which is expected to contract for the second consecutive year.
• Migration: Germany has seen a significant influx of migrants (over 6 million in a decade), which has fueled far-right populism, particularly through the AfD.
• Donald Trump’s Return: Scholz faces concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO, especially if Trump, who is skeptical of NATO, returns to power in the U.S.
Call for Policy Shifts:
• Germany’s Ukraine Policy: A shift in policy is necessary, focusing on bringing the war to an end through negotiations rather than continued military support.
• Economic Stimulus: The government needs measures to boost the economy, including strategies to address the immigration challenge in a humane way.
Call for Immediate Confidence Vote:
• Many believe that Scholz, as a lame-duck Chancellor, will not be able to make decisive changes and should face an immediate vote of confidence.
• Snap elections may be the only way to resolve the political deadlock and restore stability.
Trial reforms, promoting mediation among new Chief Justice’s priorities
• Justice Sanjiv Khanna took office as the 51st Chief Justice of India on Monday.
• He emphasized the core principles of the judiciary: equal treatment, fair opportunity for justice, and unbiased adjudication for all citizens, irrespective of status, wealth, or power.
Judiciary’s Constitutional Duty:
• The Chief Justice stressed that judges have a constitutional duty to ensure easy access to justice for all citizens.
• The judiciary plays an integral, distinct, and independent role in governance, acting as the guardian of the Constitution and protector of fundamental rights.
Judiciary as a Protector of Rights:
• The judiciary’s role includes being protectors of citizens’ rights and dispute resolvers.
• Chief Justice Khanna described the judiciary as the “third wing of democracy”.
Top Priorities for Tenure:
• Making judgments comprehensible to the public.
• Promotion of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution.
• Reforms in criminal case management, focusing on reducing trial duration.
• Efforts to simplify legal procedures and make litigation less burdensome for citizens.
Swearing-in Ceremony:
• The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• The ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Chief Justices, and Supreme Court judges.
Tenure and Succession:
• Justice Khanna succeeds Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and will serve as Chief Justice until May 13, 2025.
Acknowledging Legacy:
• Justice Khanna acknowledged the legacy of his uncle, Justice H.R. Khanna, known for his stance on personal liberty during the 1977 Emergency. His principled stand against the government cost him the Chief Justiceship, but his legacy remains a symbol of judicial independence and courage.
Key Challenges Identified:
• Case backlogs and the need to reduce delays.
• Making litigation affordable and accessible.
• Simplifying complex legal procedures to improve the judicial system’s efficiency.
