Mains – 30th Nov 23
Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope
Why in News?
The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), developed by Pune’s Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), has been delivered to the ISRO.
- This unique space telescope will be integrated with ISRO’s Aditya L-1 Mission, set to launch in mid-August 2023.
What is SUIT?
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- SUIT aims to study the Sun’s UV emissions and capture high-resolution images of the Sun’s atmosphere, known as the corona, in various UV wavelengths.
- It will operate in the far and near ultraviolet regions, covering wavelengths of 200-400 nanometers.
- It will observe the hotter and more dynamic regions of the Sun’s atmosphere, such as the transition region and the corona.
- Significance of SUIT:
- The Sun is one of the most difficult things to study outside Earth due to its high emissions and radiation.
- SUIT will enable scientists to unravel the secrets of the Sun and its impact on Earth and other planets.
- SUIT will also measure the UV radiation hazardous for skin cancer.
- SUIT will monitor the Sun’s activity and provide early warning of potential Solar Flares and Coronal Mass Ejection (CMEs), which can affect satellites, communication systems, power grids and human health on Earth.
- The Sun is one of the most difficult things to study outside Earth due to its high emissions and radiation.
What is Aditya-L1 Mission?
The ADITYA-L1 mission will be dedicated to studying the Sun and will fly approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth to the Lagrange point 1 (L1), one of the five favorable spots for observing the Sun.
The mission is expected to be launched using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket.
It will provide regular images and updates on the Sun’s surface phenomena and space weather.
Features:
ADITYA-L1 will carry seven different payloads capable of studying various phenomena on the Sun across the electromagnetic spectrum and solar wind. The 7 payloads include:
- Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC)
- Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT)
- Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS)
- Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX)
- High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS)
- Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA)
- Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers
E-Waste Generation
Why in News?
International E-Waste Day has been observed on 14th October since 2018
- The aim of the day is to raise awareness about the millions of tonnes of e-waste generated worldwide each year, which has a negative impact on the environment and natural resources.
- Earlier this year, the Principal Bench of National Green Tribunal issued direction for the implementation of E-Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Key Points
- E-Waste:
- E-Waste is short for Electronic-Waste and the term is used to describe old, end-of-life or discarded electronic appliances. It includes their components, consumables, parts and spares.
- It is categorised into 21 types under two broad categories:
- Information technology and communication equipment.
- Consumer electrical and electronics.
- Laws to manage e-waste have been in place in India since 2011, mandating that only authorised dismantlers and recyclers collect e-waste. E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016 was enacted in 2017.
- India’s first e-waste clinic for segregating, processing and disposal of waste from household and commercial units has been set-up in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Originally, the Basel convention (1992) did not mention e-waste but later it addressed the issues of e-waste in 2006 (COP8).
- The Nairobi Declaration was adopted at COP9 of the Basel Convention on the Control of the Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Waste. It aimed at creating innovative solutions for the environmentally sound management of electronic wastes.
- E-waste Generation:
- This year’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) will total about 57.4 million tonnes (MT) and will be greater than the weight of the Great Wall of China, Earth’s heaviest artificial object.
- According to the Central Pollution Control Board, India generated more than 10 lakh tonnes of e-waste in 2019-20, an increase from 7 lakh tonnes in 2017-18. Against this, the e-waste dismantling capacity has not been increased from 7.82 lakh tonnes since 2017-18.
- Challenges Related to Management of E-Waste in India:
- Less Involvement of People:
- A key factor in used electronic devices not being given for recycling was because consumers themselves did not do so.
- However, in recent years, countries around the world have been attempting to pass effective ‘right to repair’ laws.
- A key factor in used electronic devices not being given for recycling was because consumers themselves did not do so.
- Involvement of Child Labor:
- In India, about 4.5 lakh child laborers in the age group of 10-14 are observed to be engaged in various E-waste activities and that too without adequate protection and safeguards in various yards and recycling workshops.
- Ineffective Legislation:
- There is absence of any public information on most State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/PCC websites.
- Health hazards:
- E-waste contains over 1,000 toxic materials, which contaminate soil and groundwater.
- Lack of incentive schemes:
- No clear guidelines are there for the unorganized sector to handle E-waste.
- Also, no incentives are mentioned to lure people engaged to adopt a formal path for handling E-waste.
- E-waste Imports:
- Cross-border flow of waste equipment into India- 80% of E-waste in developed countries meant for recycling is sent to developing countries such as India, China, Ghana and Nigeria.
- Reluctance of Authorities’ involved:
- Lack of coordination between various authorities responsible for E-waste management and disposal including the non-involvement of municipalities.
- Security Implications:
- End of life computers often contain sensitive personal information and bank account details which, if not deleted leave opportunity for fraud.
- Less Involvement of People:
Way Forward
- There are various startups and companies in India that have now started to collect and recycle electronic waste. We need better implementation methodologies and inclusion policies that provide accommodation and validation for the informal sector to step up and help us meet our recycling targets in an environmentally sound manner.
- Also, successfully raising collection rates required every actor to be involved, including consumers.