Today’s Articles for The Hindu Daily Digest
1. Intercontinental clock comparison sets stage to redefine the second
GS-II-SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Because they can enumerate one second up to 18 decimal places, scientists expect optical clocks will become the world’s new time standard around 2030. Until then, however, optical clocks will have to pass rigorous tests attesting to their ability to work in step from different parts of the world.
In India, the National Physical Laboratory maintains five Cs atomic clocks. Their output is disseminated around India via satellites, telecommunication signals, and fibre links.
2. Organic molecules survive in space thanks to energy release ‘valve’
GS-III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Researchers studying the indenyl cation, C9H7+, a fragment of a PAH called indene (C9H8), found that the ions have a mechanism to cool rapidly, letting them accumulate in TMC1 over time.
3. How can cat bonds plan for a natural disaster?
GS-III-DISASTER MANAGEMENT, ECONOMY
How do catastrophe bonds operate? Who issues and sponsors them? Why should a financial investor add catastrophe risk to their portfolio? Can cat bonds offer financial relief during extreme weather events? Could India be a lead sponsor for a South Asian cat bond?
THE GIST
Cat bonds are a unique hybrid insurance-cum-debt financial product that transforms insurance cover into a tradable security.
In these times of climate change, disaster risk can become unprofitable for insurers and re-insurers, as is increasingly evident in the U.S. with hurricanes and forest fires. This causes premiums to rise and demand to fall, leading to risk ratcheting back to the harried victim of disasters. This is where governments can step-in, sponsoring instruments like cat bonds.
A defectively designed cat bond could lead to no payout despite a significant disaster.
4. How did Himachal achieve a high rank on the NAS?
GS-II-SOCIAL JUSTICE
How was Himachal Pradesh able to reach the top five States of the National Achievement Survey?
The NAS is a nationwide assessment conducted every three years by the Ministry of Education, measuring the learning outcomes of students in government and government-aided schools in Classes 3, 5, 8, and 10.
THE GIST
Himachal’s rise on the list is significant because it signals a reversal of decline.
Since taking office, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government has pursued a mix of rational restructuring and renewed commitment to public education.
5. Building resilience
GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATION
The Rio declaration underlined the cohesion within BRICS.
6. Israel has failed to solve the Persian puzzle
GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATION
The 12-day conflict has not destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities; this is a war that is far from over.