1) ESA’s Euclid Telescope Captures Rare Einstein Ring Around NGC 6505

GS 3: Science and Technology: Einstein Ring

Why is it in the news?

• The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid space telescope has captured a rare astronomical phenomenon known as an Einstein ring. This ring of light was found around the galaxy NGC 6505, which is nearly 590 million light-years away from Earth.
• The photos, taken in September 2023 but released recently, reveal a bright central light surrounded by a luminous, cloudy ring. NGC 6505 was first discovered in the 19th century, and this new observation marks a significant moment in space research.

What is an Einstein Ring?

• An Einstein ring is a circular ring of light formed around a galaxy, dark matter, or a cluster of galaxies due to gravitational lensing.
• Gravitational lensing occurs when a massive celestial object bends and amplifies light from a more distant galaxy located behind it, aligning with the observer’s line of sight. According to NASA, the massive object that distorts the light is known as a gravitational lens.
• In this particular case, NGC 6505 acted as the gravitational lens, bending light from a distant, unnamed galaxy located 4.42 billion light-years away. Given that one light-year equals 9.46 trillion kilometres, this highlights the immense cosmic scale of the phenomenon.

Origin and Rarity of Einstein Rings

• Einstein rings are named after physicist Albert Einstein, whose general theory of relativity predicted the bending and brightening of light due to massive celestial objects.
• The first Einstein ring was discovered in 1987, and several more have been found since, but their exact number remains unknown. They are considered extremely rare, with less than 1% of galaxies exhibiting this phenomenon.
• Not visible to the naked eye, Einstein rings can only be observed through advanced space telescopes like Euclid.

Scientific Significance of Einstein Rings

• Einstein rings provide crucial insights into the study of dark matter, which is believed to constitute 85% of the total matter in the universe but has never been directly detected. According to experts, gravitational lensing allows scientists to infer the presence of dark matter through its gravitational effects, despite its inability to interact with light.
• Additionally, these rings help astronomers study distant galaxies that would otherwise be difficult to observe.
• They also contribute to understanding the expansion of the universe, as the space between Earth and other galaxies continues to stretch over time, providing valuable data on cosmic evolution.

2) Debating the Right of Convicted Persons to Contest Elections

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Decriminalisation of Politics

Why is it in the news?

• The Supreme Court is reviewing petitions filed by Ashwin Upadhyay and others, advocating for a lifetime ban on convicted individuals from contesting elections.

Legal Provisions Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951

• Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act, 1951), disqualifies a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for at least two years from contesting elections. The disqualification extends for six years after their release.
• Section 8(1) further mandates disqualification for individuals convicted under laws related to heinous crimes, such as rape, untouchability under the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, unlawful association under the UAPA, and corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
• Such individuals remain disqualified irrespective of their sentence duration and for six years after their release.

Supreme Court Judgments on Decriminalisation of Politics

• The Supreme Court has issued several landmark rulings to curb criminalisation in politics. In the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) case (2002), the court mandated the disclosure of candidates’ criminal records.
• In CEC vs Jan Chaukidar (2013), it upheld the Patna High Court’s interpretation that since under-trial prisoners are ineligible to vote as per Section 62(5), they should also be disqualified from contesting elections. However, Parliament amended the RP Act in 2013 to allow under-trial prisoners to contest elections.
• In Lily Thomas (2013), the Supreme Court struck down Section 8(4) of the RP Act, which had permitted sitting legislators to continue in office if they filed an appeal against their conviction. The ruling ensured that legislators are immediately disqualified upon conviction.

Questionable Role of the Election Commission

• Section 11 of the RP Act, 1951, grants the Election Commission (EC) the authority to remove or reduce the disqualification period of a convicted individual.
• The EC exercised this power in 2019 when it reduced the disqualification period of Prem Singh Tamang, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, from six years to 13 months, enabling him to contest and win a by-election.
• This decision was controversial, especially given the EC’s repeated recommendations to curb criminalisation in politics.

Current Petition for a Lifetime Ban

• The present petition seeks a lifetime ban on convicted individuals contesting elections. Petitioners argue that if convicted individuals are ineligible for even junior government jobs, they should not be allowed to become lawmakers merely six years after serving their sentence.
• However, the Central government, in a 2020 affidavit, argued that MPs and MLAs are not bound by service conditions like government employees, and the existing six-year disqualification period is sufficient. The Supreme Court has now sought fresh responses from the Central government and the EC.

Need for Electoral Reforms

• According to a report by ADR, 251 (46%) of the 543 MPs elected in 2024 have criminal cases against them, with 171 (31%) facing serious charges, including rape, murder, and kidnapping.
• The report also found that candidates with criminal records had a 15.4% chance of winning, compared to just 4.4% for candidates with a clean record.
• The Law Commission (1999, 2014) and the EC have repeatedly recommended that individuals charged with offences punishable by over five years should be barred from contesting. However, political parties have not reached a consensus, fearing potential misuse of such provisions.

Conclusion

• While a lifetime ban on all convicted individuals may be excessive, there is a strong case for permanently disqualifying those convicted of heinous crimes or corruption-related offences, given the direct impact on public trust and governance.
• Additionally, the Supreme Court should review the constitutional validity of the EC’s power to reduce the disqualification period of convicted individuals.

3) Supreme Court Directs Election Commission on EVM Data Preservation

GS 2: Polity and Governance: EVM Data Verification

Why is it in the news?

• On February 13, 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that the poll data stored in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) is not deleted while the EC conducts checks and verification of the memory/microcontrollers in the EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs).
• This directive comes in light of the Court’s earlier order on April 26, 2024, mandating that the runners-up in an election be given the option to verify the burnt memory of up to 5% of EVMs and VVPATs in each Assembly segment to check for any tampering.

The Court’s Order on EVM Data Verification

• While hearing a petition filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the Court requested the Election Commission to submit an affidavit explaining its process for checking and verifying EVMs.
• ADR representative argued that the EC’s current method of conducting mock polls was insufficient for verifying the software and hardware of EVMs and that an in-depth examination was needed to check for potential manipulation. The next hearing has been scheduled for March 3, 2024.

Election Commission’s Process for Checking and Verification

• Following the Supreme Court’s April 2024 order, the Election Commission introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in July 2024 for the checking and verification of EVMs and VVPATs.
• Candidates finishing second or third in any constituency can apply for the verification of up to 5% of the machines in each Assembly segment. For each request, the EC charges Rs 40,000 plus GST.
• The EC’s technical SOP outlines that a mock poll with up to 1,400 votes per machine is conducted, and the results are compared with the VVPAT slips. If the results match, the machines are considered to have passed the test.

Data Preservation and Deletion Guidelines

• EC sources clarify that the data from the EVMs and VVPATs is preserved for 45 days post-election, as this is the period during which candidates can file an election petition. If an election petition is filed, the relevant machines are stored and are not used for future elections until the case is resolved.
• If no petition is filed, the data is deleted, and the machines can be used in future elections. The process of checking and verification can only commence after the 45-day period.
• The Association for Democratic Reforms has raised concerns that the EC’s SOP does not allow for actual verification of the microchips in the EVMs and VVPATs. ADR argues that, if requested, an engineer should be able to examine the software and hardware of the machines to ensure there is no tampering or manipulation.
• The petitioners have emphasized the need for a thorough check beyond mock polling to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

Progress of EVM Checking and Verification

• Following the Supreme Court’s order, candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and state Assembly elections, including those in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, applied for checking and verification of EVMs and VVPATs. A total of 83 applications have been received for the verification process.
• The Election Commission reported that no mismatches have been found in the results of the checking and verification so far. The EC clarified that the process would begin after the 45-day period for filing election petitions has passed.

Conclusion

• As the verification process continues, the Election Commission and petitioners await further developments. The Supreme Court’s emphasis on preserving data and ensuring transparency in the verification of EVMs and VVPATs aims to strengthen public trust in the electoral system.
• The ongoing legal scrutiny highlights the importance of ensuring that the integrity of the voting process is maintained at every stage, from pre-election testing to post-election verification.

4) Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Report on Corruption

Why is it in the news?

• India was ranked 96th out of 180 nations in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024.
• Corruption remains a growing global challenge that hampers development and has a broader impact, contributing significantly to the decline of democracy, rising instability, and human rights violations.

About the CPI

• The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024 sheds light on how corruption is obstructing global efforts to address climate change. The index evaluates 180 countries and territories based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption.
• It uses a scale from zero to 100, where a score of “zero” indicates extreme corruption and “100” denotes a corruption-free environment. The report is compiled by Transparency International.

Key Findings of CPI 2024

• A staggering 85% of the global population resides in countries with a CPI score below 50.
• India scored 38 out of 100, which is one point lower than its score in 2023, placing it at 96th position.
• Countries with the lowest corruption levels include Denmark, Finland, and Singapore.
• The countries facing the highest levels of corruption are South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela.

Impact of Corruption on Climate Action

• Weakens Climate Policies: Corruption often serves the interests of a select few powerful groups, undermining effective climate policies and prioritizing their needs over the common good.
• Erodes Governance and Law Enforcement: Lack of proper governance and transparency diminishes accountability in climate decision-making processes.
• Mismanagement of Climate Funds: Many countries vulnerable to climate change that score below 50 on the CPI face an increased risk of misappropriating funds designated for climate-related initiatives.
• Exacerbates Inequality: Corrupt practices contribute to ineffective policies, leaving marginalized communities to suffer the worst consequences of climate change.
• Undermines Global Cooperation: Corruption can influence international climate negotiations, empowering industries like fossil fuels and reducing the transparency of the process.

Recommendations

• Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts: Safeguards should be integrated into climate finance systems and policies to minimize corruption risks.
• Enhance Transparency in Climate Policy: Governments should implement regulations on lobbying and ensure climate finance records are accessible to the public.
• Boost Investigations and Safeguards: Protect whistleblowers and environmental advocates who expose corruption and malpractice.
• Encourage Public Involvement: Ensure that communities affected by climate change are actively involved in the decision-making processes that impact them.

5) PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Turns One

GS 3: Economy: PMSGMBY

Why is it in the news?

• On February 13, 2025, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) completes its first year, marking a major milestone in India’s transition towards renewable energy.
• Launched by PM Modi, this initiative aims to provide free electricity to households by promoting rooftop solar panel installations. As the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, it envisions supplying solar power to one crore households by March 2027, reshaping India’s energy landscape.

Progress

• As of January 27, 2025, the scheme has already benefited 8.46 lakh households, with rooftop solar installations expanding rapidly. Monthly installations have surged tenfold, reaching 70,000 per month, surpassing pre-scheme levels significantly.
• The initiative provides up to 40% subsidy, making solar energy affordable. So far, ₹4,308.66 crore has been disbursed as Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to 5.54 lakh residential consumers, with an average subsidy of ₹77,800 per household.
• Notably, 45% of beneficiaries now receive zero electricity bills, depending on their energy usage.

Top 5 states with the highest number of households benefiting under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

Key Benefits

The PMSGMBY offers multiple advantages:

• Free Electricity for Households: Subsidized rooftop solar panels drastically cut energy costs for households.
• Reduced Government Electricity Costs: The scheme is expected to save the government ₹75,000 crore annually by reducing power subsidies.
• Boost to Renewable Energy: The initiative accelerates India’s transition to clean energy, ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Lower Carbon Emissions: The scheme helps cut carbon emissions, aligning with India’s climate commitments.

Subsidy Structure

• The subsidy is determined by the household’s monthly electricity consumption and the appropriate rooftop solar plant capacity:

• Additionally, collateral-free, low-interest loans at approximately 7% interest are available for residential rooftop solar (RTS) systems up to 3 kW, ensuring financial accessibility.

Impact

1) Household Savings and Income Generation

• Households will experience significant savings on electricity bills as they transition to solar power. Additionally, they can generate extra income by selling surplus electricity to DISCOMs.
• A 3-kW solar system can produce over 300 units per month, ensuring a steady energy supply and potential revenue generation. This initiative not only reduces dependence on traditional power sources but also encourages self-sufficiency among consumers.

2) Expansion of Solar Capacity

• The scheme is projected to add 30 GW of solar capacity in the residential sector through widespread rooftop installations. This substantial increase will play a crucial role in achieving India’s renewable energy targets and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• By encouraging solar adoption at the household level, the scheme contributes to long-term energy security and sustainability.

3) Environmental Benefits

• Over the 25-year operational lifespan of these solar rooftop systems, it is estimated that they will generate 1,000 billion units (BUs) of electricity while reducing CO₂ emissions by 720 million tonnes.
• This shift towards clean energy significantly supports India’s commitment to mitigating climate change and lowering its carbon footprint, making a lasting positive impact on the environment.

4) Job Creation and Economic Growth

• The initiative is expected to generate approximately 17 lakh direct jobs across various industries. Employment opportunities will arise in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain management, sales, installation, operations, and maintenance (O&M).
• By boosting job creation, the scheme will strengthen the solar energy sector, promote local businesses, and drive economic growth.

Model Solar Village Initiative

• To further encourage renewable energy adoption, the scheme includes a Model Solar Village component, aimed at creating one Model Solar Village per district.
• This initiative seeks to empower rural communities by making them energy self-reliant. A total budget of ₹800 crore has been allocated, with ₹1 crore provided to each selected village.
• To qualify, a village must be a revenue village with a population of over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special category states). Selection is based on a competitive process, where villages are evaluated on their distributed renewable energy capacity six months after identification by the District Level Committee (DLC).
• The village in each district with the highest renewable energy capacity will receive the ₹1 crore financial grant.
• The State/UT Renewable Energy Development Agency, under DLC supervision, will oversee implementation, ensuring that these villages successfully transition to solar energy and serve as models for others.

Conclusion

• The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is set to revolutionize India’s energy sector by empowering millions of households with solar power. By March 2025, installations are expected to exceed 10 lakhs, reaching 20 lakhs by October 2025, 40 lakhs by March 2026, and ultimately achieving the one crore target by March 2027.
• This initiative will result in annual savings of ₹75,000 crore in government electricity costs, reinforcing India’s leadership in clean energy innovation.
• By accelerating India’s transition to a greener and more energy-efficient future, the programme cements the country’s position as a global leader in renewable energy adoption.