Casimir Effect
Why in News: Scientists have recently figured out how to manipulate the Casimir Effect to enhance the performance of tiny machines.
About Casimir Effect:
Definition:
- The Casimir Effect is a physical phenomenon in quantum field theory where two uncharged conducting plates placed very closely together experience an attractive force known as the Casimir force.
- This force results from quantum vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field between the plates.
Quantum Field Theory Context:
- In quantum field theory, the vacuum is not truly empty but filled with virtual particles and fluctuations in electromagnetic fields.
- Despite the apparent emptiness between the plates, virtual particles constantly appear and disappear, influencing the electromagnetic field and causing a net attraction.
Historical Background:
- The effect was first predicted in 1948 by Dutch physicist Hendrik Casimir during his research on colloidal solutions.
- It has been experimentally verified and is applicable in various fields like nanotechnology and condensed matter physics.
Impact and Applications:
- Contributes to our understanding of fundamental physics, including the nature of vacuum energy.
- Recognized by experimental physicists for its impact on micromachined devices.
- Advances in instrumentation have enabled more accurate measurements of the Casimir force.
Example of Casimir Effect:
- Colloidal particles suspended in a vacuum experience the Casimir force due to their proximity to other surfaces.
- This force can be either attractive or repulsive, depending on the separation distance and the dielectric properties of the surrounding medium.
- For instance, if two particles are close enough, they may experience an attractive Casimir force that pulls them together, leading to aggregation.
e-Shram Portal
Why in News: The Indian delegation to the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Labour & Employment presented the e-Shram portal and its current integrations and accomplishments during the ILC event in Geneva, Switzerland.
About e-Shram Portal:
Purpose:
- Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in 2021 to establish a comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers.
Registration:
- Allows unorganized workers to self-register in the portal under 400 occupations across 30 broad sectors.
- Registration is fully Aadhaar verified and Aadhaar seeded.
Benefits:
- Serves as a “One-Stop-Solution” for unorganized workers.
- Aims to facilitate access to various social security schemes managed by different Ministries and Departments.
Integration:
- The portal is integrated with the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), myScheme portal, and the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhaan (PMSYM) scheme.
Delos Island
Why in News: A notable ancient site on the small Greek island of Delos faces imminent “disappearance” within a few decades due to rising sea levels and geological activity, an expert has warned.
About Delos Island:
Historical Significance:
- One of the most important sanctuaries of the ancient Greek and Roman world.
- Settled in the 3rd millennium B.C., playing a crucial role in the ancient Mediterranean culture.
Geographical Location:
- Part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea.
- A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Environmental Concerns:
- Rising sea levels and geological processes pose a significant threat to its preservation.
- Experts warn that the island could “disappear” within a few decades due to these factors.
About Aegean Sea:
Location:
- Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin.
- To the west lies the Greek peninsula, while to the east is Anatolia (Asian side of Turkey).
- The Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits connect the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, respectively.
Island Possessions:
- The majority of the Aegean Islands belong to Greece.
- Turkey owns a few sizable islands in the northeastern part of the Sea, including Imbros (Gökçeada) and Tenedos (Bozcaada).
Climate:
- Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- The northern part of the Aegean Sea experiences a cold semi-arid climate with cooler summers.
- The Etesian wind significantly influences the weather in the Aegean Basin.
5G Intelligent Village Initiative
Why in News: Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced two initiatives: 5G Intelligent Village and Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA), aimed at boosting innovation and technological progress in the telecom industry.
About 5G Intelligent Village Initiative:
Purpose:
- Designed to promote equitable technological advancement by leveraging 5G technology to benefit rural communities.
Key Components:
- Utilizes Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) to enhance connectivity.
- Focuses on sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, governance, and sustainability to showcase the advantages of 5G technology.
About Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA):
Purpose:
- Aimed at developing an India-specific Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA) for secure digital communication using quantum mechanics.
Features:
- Unparalleled Security
- Advanced Encryption Capabilities
- Ultrafast and Efficient Encryption
Funding:
- These proposals will be funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the DoT.
About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF):
- Established under the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) by the Department of Telecom (DoT), Government of India.
- Supports research, design, prototyping, proof of concept testing, IPR creation, field testing, security, certification, and manufacturing of products.