[Science] Blue Moon : Meaning and Occurrence

1. 2. 3.
What is Blue Moon? Why Blue Moon? Why in news?

What is Blue Moon?

Blue moon is the second full moon in appearing in the same month. By the way Blue Moon is just a term used to describe the second moon, otherwise, the date of a full moon, all by itself, doesn't affect the moon's color. So, second moon in the same month, will be pearly-gray, as usual and not of blue color.

Why Blue Moon?

The Moon is not actually blue. However, greenish- and bluish-tinted Moons are sometimes observed just before sunrise or just after sunset when large quantities of dust or smoke particles are concentrated high in the atmosphere, filtering out the longer wavelengths of colours such as red and yellow. Smoke from forest fires and volcano eruption can cause blue moons.

Why in news?

Because In the month of August 2012, The first full moon was seen on 2nd August and second full moon was seen on 30th August 2012. Next Blue Moon will be sighted in 2015. On average, a blue moon occurs once every 33 months. Ref

1. 2.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1672923/blue-moon http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2004/07jul_bluemoon/ Previous Posts

[Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 3 of 3): Space research, Electronics, Saturn Opposition, Herschel, Cartosat, GSLV MK3 & more [Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 2 of 3): Healthcare, Medical Research: Gene Patenting, Angelina Jolie, Double Mastectomy, H7N9, 3Nethra, Eye-PAC & more [Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 1 of 3): Agriculture, Environment-Biodiversity, Silage, Salt Pump, Sagar Nidhi, El Nino Modoki & more [EnB] 100 Mock MCQ Questions on Science Tech, Environment and Biodiversity [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Government schemes, Policies, Yearbook stuff (Part 1 of 3) [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Diseases, Drugs and Research (Part 2 of 3) [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Mock Questions (Part 3 of 3) [Space Tech] Current Affairs Compilation 2012-13 for SSC CGL, UPSC CSAT [Policy] Science Technology & Innovation (STI) Policy 2013: Salient features, highlights, criticism [Defense] Current Affairs compilation 2012-13: missiles, joint exercises, operations, organizations

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9 comments to [Science] Blue Moon : Meaning and Occurrence

CA. Amit lath

Reply to this comment @HALA- PLEASE SHARE THE ARCHIEVE

tanu
Reply to this comment

the smurfs inspired article?

pachiyappan p
Reply to this comment plz suggest book for ancient india for prelims

ias aspirant
Reply to this comment read ncert of class 11 for ancient India

santy
Reply to this comment sir please guide us about the time management in optioals(60m,30m,20m) and gs(30m,20m,12m,5m,2m) and as well as the word limit in mains and aaproximate pages for each question typeas i m preparing in isolated taluk place i have no idea abt t his..

Deeps
Reply to this comment Sir explain about supermoon.we will witness on 23 June 13

Ankur
Reply to this comment @Deeps there are 2 things:1. Full moon or new moon 2. Moons elliptical orbit around earth, in this elliptical orbit there is a point known as perigee ( this point is closest to earth) so when both these 2 conditions occur together i.e. 1+2=> supermoon means 1st condtn is that earth-moon-sun should be in a strght line 2nd moon must be closest to earth In supermoon moons aparent size is little bit larger than normal moon

Vibhu
Reply to this comment Thanks Mrunal sir, please suggest Ancient India topics, their pattern and important topics.

Sajjan
Reply to this comment However, greenish- and bluish-tinted Moons are sometimes observed just before sunrise or just after sunset when large quantities of dust or smoke particles are concentrated high in the atmosphere, filtering out the longer wavelengths of colours such as red and yellow. the above statement is incorrect i feel. the longer wavelenghts dont get filtered. only the shorter wavelengths get filtered in early morning and sunset.

[Science] Mobile Tower Radiation and Steps taken by Government

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
What is Mobile tower radiation Why is it in news? Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on EMF Radiation. Timeline ICNIRP guidelines What is SAR? How and why does Mobile Radiation affect humans? Animals and Mobile Radiation? Steps taken by Environment Ministry

What is Mobile tower radiation

Mobile phone towers hold antennas and other communications equipment. They flood the area for miles around with powerful high frequency radio waves to support the use of cell phones. This radiation allegedly causes health problem. Im using the word allegedly because our Government said in parliament that mobile tower radiation doesnt cause health problems.

Why is it in news?
Because an MP asked in parliament whether radiation emitted from base stations are hazardous?, the Government replied,

From all evidence accumulated so far, no adverse short or long term health effects have been shown to occur from the RF signals produced by Mobile tower base stations.

But (just to be safe) well bring down the exposure limit of radio frequency fields (mobile tower base station emissions) to one-tenth of the existing level from September 1, 2012.

Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on EMF Radiation.

EMF=electromagnetic field. Government had setup this Committee in 2011 to study the hazards of Mobile radiation. The Committees findings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. most of the laboratory studies were unable to find a direct link between exposure to radio frequency radiation from mobile towers and health; scientific studies as yet have not been able to confirm a cause-and-effect relationship between radio frequency radiation and health. The effect of emission from cell phone towers is not known yet with certainty. However, as a precautionary measure, the IMC recommended reduction of mobile tower base station emissions to one-tenth of the present limit. It suggested stricter SAR limits (1.6 watt per kg) for mobile handsets. Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 should be amended so that only mobile handsets satisfying radiation standards (SAR) should be permitted for import / manufacture or sold in the country.

Timeline

2008 2010

DoT has decided to adopt the International Commission on Non-Iodizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)* guidelines in the telcom sector. Government sets up Interministerial Committee on Electric and Magnetic Field (EMF) radiation and its effects on health.

2011 Committee submits report. 2012 DoT made rules to mandate to all mobile phone manufacturers to comply with the specific and absorption rate (SAR)*.
ICNIRP guidelines
In short, they suggest that based on scientific research, if mobile radiation is below xyz level then there is no harm to humans or animals. So all the Governments across the world should make laws and rules to keep mobile radiation below xyz level.

What is SAR?

specific and absorption rate it is a measure of the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the human body while using a mobile phone) so that radiation does not affect human health. Presently, Indias SAR limit is 2 watt per kg The Inter-ministerial Committee wants SAR to be 1.6 watts per kg. and that all the mobile manufacturers gives specific information about SAR on their product packages. This new SAR limit would not affect the mobile manufacturer because almost all of them already adhere to the US standard. However, itd increase the production cost for cheap mobile phone manufacturers (Chinese type) because theyll have to use better quality material to comply to the new SAR limits.

By the way, if mobile radiation doesnt affect health then why is all the hue and cry by activists and PILs in Highcourts etc.? So,

How and why does Mobile Radiation affect humans?

Human body is itself is electromagnetic (very low around 10 hertz frequency). Each of our cell has its own electromagnetic field when we exposed to the cellular tower frequency which is very high our bodys EMF (electromagnetic field) disturbed and thus caused very serious types of damages to our cells, brains etc human body consists of 70% liquid. It is similar to that of cooking in the microwave oven where the water in the food content is heated first.

Microwave absorption effect is much more significant by the body parts which contain more fluid (water, blood, etc.), like the brain which consists of about 90% water.

Animals and Mobile Radiation?

You have ever seen a bee, sparrow, pigeon, or any bird flying and staying near the cell tower?. I think No. The reason is surface area of a bird which is larger than human body, so they absorb more radiation. Since fluid content is small due to less weight, it gets heated up very fast and also the magnetic field disturbs their navigational skills.

Steps taken by Environment Ministry

The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Not to allow new mobile towers to be constructed within a one-kilometer radius of the existing towers. New towers should not be permitted within a radius of one kilometer of the existing towers. Any new towers do not obstruct the flight path of birds, or increase the combined radiation of all towers in the area. Put in GIS mapping to help monitor the population of birds and bees or the welfare of animals in protected wildlife areas. Do not install any towers near zoos or any wildlife protected zones without consulting Forest Dept. Ref Inputs from Shobhit Avasthi http://www.jtbl.org/index.php/blog/12-indian-government-to-set-new-sar-limits-for-mobile-handsets-and-towers Previous Posts

[Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 3 of 3): Space research, Electronics, Saturn Opposition, Herschel, Cartosat, GSLV MK3 & more [Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 2 of 3): Healthcare, Medical Research: Gene Patenting, Angelina Jolie, Double Mastectomy, H7N9, 3Nethra, Eye-PAC & more [Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 1 of 3): Agriculture, Environment-Biodiversity, Silage, Salt Pump, Sagar Nidhi, El Nino Modoki & more [EnB] 100 Mock MCQ Questions on Science Tech, Environment and Biodiversity [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Government schemes, Policies, Yearbook stuff (Part 1 of 3) [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Diseases, Drugs and Research (Part 2 of 3) [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Mock Questions (Part 3 of 3) [Space Tech] Current Affairs Compilation 2012-13 for SSC CGL, UPSC CSAT [Policy] Science Technology & Innovation (STI) Policy 2013: Salient features, highlights, criticism [Defense] Current Affairs compilation 2012-13: missiles, joint exercises, operations, organizations

[Science] Bio Fertilizers & Green Manure: Meaning, use, advantages, disadvantages
For GS (Mains) Paper II. 1.
Biofertilizers

1. 2. 2.
Green Manure

Examples of BioFertilizers: Pros and Cons Examples of Green Manure Pros and Cons of Green Manure? Advantages Disadvantage

1. 2. 3. 4.

Biofertilizers

a substance which contains living microorganisms when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, it promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients (nitrogen, Phosphorous etc.) to the host plant.

Examples of BioFertilizers:
1. 2. 3. 4. Rhizobium, Azotobacter, blue green algae (BGA) Azospirillum

Pros and Cons

Advantages 1. It increases crop yield by 20-30%, 2. replaces chemical nitrogen and phosphorus by 25%, and stimulates plant growth. 3. It can also provide protection against drought and some soil-borne diseases. 4. Bio-fertilizers are cost-effective relative to chemical fertilizers. They have lower manufacturing costs, especially regarding nitrogen and phosphorus use. 5. environmentally friendly also helps to some extent cleanse the plant from precipitated chemical fertilizers.

Disadvantages

1. Their effects are is slower compared to chemical fertilizer. 2. Difficulty to store: theyre sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. 3. much lower nutrient density requires large amounts to get enough for most crops 4. requires a different type of machine to apply than chemical fertilizers 5. sometimes hard to locate/purchase in faraway rural areas

Green Manure

green manure is a type of cover crop grown primarily to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Typically, a green manure crop is grown for a specific period of time, and then ploughed under and incorporated into the soil while it is green or shortly after flowering. Government of India provides subsidy Subsidy on the purchased of seeds & cost on production of seeds for green manure plants.

Examples of Green Manure plants

Leguminous plants

Non-leguminous plants

Example

Cowpeas, soybeans

sudangrass, millet, sorghum, and buckwheat.

Why are they used?

for weed suppression and for their nitrogen addition of fixing abilities biomass to the soil.
Pros and Cons of Green Manure? Advantages

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

soil improvement and soil protection. provides forage for pollinating insects. Root systems of many green manure crops to efficiently penetrate compact soils thus increasing the aeration of the soil. The deep rooting properties of many green manure crops make them efficient at suppressing weeds They fix nitrogen in soil, thus Less chemical fertilizers are required. provide habitat for predatory beneficial insects, they kill and eat the pests / harmful insects thus less pesticides are required.

Disadvantage
1. 2. Leguminous plants require good amount of irrigation. The time factor: you cannot plant the primary marketable crop during green manuring phase. Previous Posts

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[Science] Genetically Modified Crops, Bt-Brinjal, Cartagena & Nagoya Protocol: Meaning, Issues
A guest article by Manikandan Soundararajan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
What are DNA and Gene? What do we need here? What is the necessity for GM technology? Current issue: Recommendations of the committee: What is this GEAC: Procedure to accord approval: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

What are DNA and Gene?

Always a human gives birth to humans, and a baby is said t o inherit his/her parents characters. This is made possible only because of the so called genes. Genes are the books where all your personal, family characters are coded passed on to you from your parents. DNA is a polymer of nucleic acid specifically deoxyribonucleic acid which is in turn is comprised of sugar component and nitrogenous base.there are 4 type of nitrogenous base that is adenine , guanine, cytosine and thiamine. It is the sequence of theses nitogenous bases that determine our genetic charecter. [courtsey- Ritesh's comment] DNA aids in protein synthesis. Their expression gives you characters.

What do we need here?

Scientists have now mapped, analyzed these genes of various plants and animals. i.e., understood the ABC of gene make up Here now they are capable of manually rearranging these genes, inserting a part, deleting one changing the way one behaves, like stunted coconut trees giving coconuts at your arms stretch. Such organisms are called TRANSGENICS, transformed genetic make-up.

What is the necessity for GM technology?

Already a population of 7 billion and growing energetically. 3% increase in agri production needed to ensure food security to this population, while current growth rate is only 2%. Stress on land resource already huge- use of insecticides, pesticides. 27% of worlds undernourished people proudly are Indians- Urgent need to feed those hungry mouths. Else National shame will be the result- as our PM remarked on the HUNGAMA report.

To address above problems GM aids the development of specific traits in crops like: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Herbicide resistance Pest resistance Viral resistance slow-ripening Fungal and bacterial resistance Quality improvement (protein and oil) Value addition (Vitamins, micro-and macro-elements)

Ok then let us move quick into this akshayapaatra Hold on, every coin has one more side:

Biosafety first concern Direct health effects (toxicity) The stability of the inserted gene Nutritional effect associated with genetic modification Any unintended effects which could result from the gene Insertion. Autonomy of farmers affected because the seeds of these tech crops are monopolized and are marketed by big private firms. If he is unable/does not provide us the requisite seeds, we have a problem. Genetic erosion of our local varieties.

Bt Brijnal

Current issue:

In India it all started with Bt cotton and Bt Brinjal, regarding control, regulation, marketing production, safety of such crops. Here the Bt refers to Bacillus thuringenesis soil bacterium from which the genes are introduced in to the native cotton and brinjal varieties. The gene gave an expression in cotton which produced a protein in the cotton crop that was toxic to the boll worms and stem borers (pests) i.e., pest resistant variety. Now the issue with us already with many political parties, farmers complaining introduction such GM cotton, Brinjal(stopped after initial intro) as the cause for increasing farmer suicides in Karnataka, Vidharbha region. High input cost of seeds, genetic erosion of local varieties, farmers dependence on private seed cos are said to be the reasons.

In this scenario our parliamentary committee on Agriculture has submitted a report on CULTIVATION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD CROPS PROSPECTS AND EFFECTS

Recommendations of the committee:

No GM food trials, till a stronger regulatory system is established. Current regulation by GEAC (Genetic Engineering appraisal committee) flawed, GEAC under dept. of Biotech which has one of its aims to spread modern biotech. One cannot regulate his own product is the reports view. Farmers of cotton already under strain, new Bt cotton seeds are expensive, input costs high, yet farmers are left with zero choice. Strict labeling giving choice for consumers to know what they buy is must. Especially imported foods are now a concern.

What is this GEAC:

Established under MoEF, GEAC is the apex body to accord approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. GEAC is also responsible for granting approvals relating to release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials. The GEAC also has the powers to prohibit, revoke, supervise and take punitive action in case of non-compliance, furnishing of wrong information or in case of any damage to the environment.

Procedure to accord approval:

laboratory and greenhouse experiment,

open field trials for generation of biosafety data, commercialization and market approval Large scale production. International conventions related to this: The committee report passes references to all these conventions.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

CBD is a legally binding agreement adopted during Rio Earth Summit in 1992. India signed the CBD and ratified it. USA is not a party to this Convention. While reaffirming sovereign rights of nations over their natural resources, this Convention establishes three goals: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. India is hosting CoP-11 to the CBD to be held in Hyderabad in October 2012, which is the year of 20th anniversary of Rio Earth Summit is an added information.

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB)

The CPB, the first international regulatory framework for safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs(living modified organisms) signed on 2000. India has acceded to this Biosafety Protocol. Difference between LMO and GMO is that GMO is a broader term including LMOs within it, all organisms live, dead whose genes are modified are GMOs but LMO as the name suggests are living organisms which are genetically modified. The objective of the Protocol is to contribute to ensuring an adequate level of protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health, and specifically focusing on trans-boundary movements. As a Party to the Protocol, the first and foremost requirement is the setting up of a National Biosafety Regulatory Framework India has introduced the national biosafety rules even before the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted at Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Even though the text of the Protocol has been adopted, several critical issues such as risk assessment, liability and redress, documentation and identification of LMOS for Food Feed and Processing etc., are still under discussion.

Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

The CoP-10 to the CBD held in Nagoya, Japan in October 2010 adopted the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing .India is a megadiverse country rich in biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. Hence, implementation of the ABS provisions of CBD is of special interest to us. The objective of Nagoya Protocol is the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from utilization of genetic resources. The Protocol establishes a clear framework on how researchers and companies can obtain access to genetic resources and to associated traditional knowledge, and how benefits arising from the use of such material or knowledge will be shared with locals. The ABS Protocol is expected to address the concerns of biodiversity rich countries such as India relating to misappropriation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. Reference:

CULTIVATION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD CROPS PROSPECTS AND EFFECTS-BASUDEB ACHARIA (chairman) Previous Posts

[Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 3 of 3): Space research, Electronics, Saturn Opposition, Herschel, Cartosat, GSLV MK3 & more [Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 2 of 3): Healthcare, Medical Research: Gene Patenting, Angelina Jolie, Double Mastectomy, H7N9, 3Nethra, Eye-PAC & more [Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 1 of 3): Agriculture, Environment-Biodiversity, Silage, Salt Pump, Sagar Nidhi, El Nino Modoki & more [EnB] 100 Mock MCQ Questions on Science Tech, Environment and Biodiversity [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Government schemes, Policies, Yearbook stuff (Part 1 of 3) [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Diseases, Drugs and Research (Part 2 of 3)

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[Science] RITSAT, PSLV, Agni V, ICBM and Mars Mission

A guest article by Mr. Manikandan Soundararajan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Risat I: PSLV: Advantage of PSLVs Agni V: What is ICBM: Mars Mission:

Risat I:

Radar Imaging Satellite-I first of its kind in India. Launched using PSLV-C19. Microwave Remote sensing satellite with a Synthetic Aperture Radar payload. Advantages and Applications:

Imaging surface feature during both day and night conditions. All weather monitoring. Microwave remote sensing helps cloud penetration. Applications in paddy monitoring, disaster management during floods, cyclone. Orbit:

Polar sun synchronous, solar powered. Sun Synchronous satellites are those which follow solar time i.e you can find the satellite over one country at same local time every day, follows the clock of sun essentially to harness the solar power. Such satellites are used mainly for remote sensing, spy satellites.

PSLV:

Polar satellite launch vehicle- normally carries a payload of 1600kg. Puts satellites in sun synchronous orbits of 620km above earths surface. Workhorse of Indian satellite programs- Earned the name following 20 continuous successful missions of its total 21 flights. PSLV-XL a variant of PSLV was used to launch Chandrayaan-I.(India only nation to use PSLV for moon missions, normally Geo synchronous launch vehicles(GSLV) are used for such missions).

Advantage of PSLVs

they are economic compared to GSLVs, but payload of PSLVs is around 1600kg, while GSLV has a payload capacity of 2500kg. Next addition to our launch vehicles GSLV mark III with payload capacity of 5000kg, This will boost India to commercial market launches.

Agni V:

Agni V a surface to surface Inter-continental ballistic missile developed by DRDO of India. Only 5 other nations of the world have such capability.( US,UK,France,China,Russia) Agni series of India has 5 versions starting from 700Km to 5000Km target distance. Agni 5 capable of traveling 5000+ Kms has capability to attack multiple targets( called MIRV system) on ground, making anti-missile shields inadequate.

What is ICBM:

ICBM = Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile a range of missiles traveling a distance more than 3500 Km and attacking specified Targets. Ballistic missiles are those following a parabolic trajectory. They mainly rely on using the gravitational force during their downward flight. Cruise missiles on the other hand are guided throughout their travel path to attack targets effectively and accurately. But ballistic missiles compact and less expensive.

Mars Mission:

India planning a mars mission similar to Curiosity mission of NASA, to be launched by November 2013. Official announcement was made in Independence day speech of the PM. Already sanction to the tune of Rs.125 crores has been made. Technical details of this mission are still not revealed. ISRO is in-charge of this mission. Previous Posts

[Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 3 of 3): Space research, Electronics, Saturn Opposition, Herschel, Cartosat, GSLV MK3 & more [Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 2 of 3): Healthcare, Medical Research: Gene Patenting, Angelina Jolie, Double Mastectomy, H7N9, 3Nethra, Eye-PAC & more [Science-Tech] TheHindu (March2May) (Part 1 of 3): Agriculture, Environment-Biodiversity, Silage, Salt Pump, Sagar Nidhi, El Nino Modoki & more [EnB] 100 Mock MCQ Questions on Science Tech, Environment and Biodiversity [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Government schemes, Policies, Yearbook stuff (Part 1 of 3) [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Diseases, Drugs and Research (Part 2 of 3) [Public Health] Current Affairs 2012-13: Mock Questions (Part 3 of 3) Some insights on medical tests /checkup for UPSC IAS/IPS civil service exam [Space Tech] Current Affairs Compilation 2012-13 for SSC CGL, UPSC CSAT [Policy] Science Technology & Innovation (STI) Policy 2013: Salient features, highlights, criticism