28 Feb 2025; Daily Current Affairs Updates

National Science Day; GS-1 (Personality in the News) ▪️Why in the News:

Every year on February 28, India celebrates National Science day to honour Dr CV Raman's discovery of the Raman effect in 1928.

> Theme 2025: The Theme for National Science Day 2025 is "Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat.'

• Who was CV Raman?

o Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli. o In 1902, he enrolled at Presidency College, Madras, and graduated with a BA in 1904 securing the first rank and a gold medal in physics. He earned his MA degree in 1907 with highest distinction.

o Raman's initial research in optics and acoustics

—the two fields he dedicated his career to-began during his student years.

o In 1930, Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the 'Raman effect.' With this award he also became the first Asian to receive his honour in science.

o He was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in

1954. On November 21, 1970, at the age of 82, he passed away in Bangalore.

o In 1926, he established the Indian Journal of Physics and served as its editor.

Petrification; GS-3 (Environment and Ecology) ▪️Why in the News: Geologists and forest officials have unearthed a rare and well preserved petrified fossil at Rajmahal Hills near Barmasia village in Pakur district.

> Definition and Process:

The term petrification originates from the Greek word "petros," meaning stone.

It occurs when organic material is entirely replaced by minerals, transforming the fossil into stone.

• This process generally takes place through mineral infiltration, where pores, intercellular, and intracellular spaces of the tissue are filled with minerals.

• Over time, the organic matter dissolves and is replaced by minerals, resulting in detailed preservation of the original tissue.

• This form of fossilization can occur in both soft and hard tissues.

> Conditions for Petrification:

• The process commonly occurs when organic material is buried under sediment for long periods.

• Exposure to mineral-rich water facilitates the gradual replacement of organic components with minerals.

> Significance and Examples:

• Petrification plays a crucial role in fossilization, preserving intricate details of ancient organisms.

• It has resulted in the formation of many well-preserved and visually striking fossils.

Caspian Sea ; GS-1 (Geography) ▪️Why in the news: Environmental activists are quite concerned and alarmed over the rapidly declining water levels of the Caspian Sea.

> Geographical Overview:

• The Caspian Sea holds the distinction of being the largest enclosed water body in the world, entirely surrounded by land

• It is situated at the intersection of Asia and Europe, forming a natural boundary between the two continents.

• The name "Caspian" originates from the Kaspi people, who historically inhabited Transcaucasia to the west of the sea.

• It is classified as an endorheic basin, meaning it has no natural outflow and retains water within its boundaries.

• Bordering Nations: It shares its borders with five countries:

• West: Russia and Azerbaijan

• North and East: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan

. South: Iran

• Major Rivers Draining into the Caspian: Several rivers contribute to the Caspian's water inflow, with the three most significant ones originating from the north:

Volga River Ural river Terek river

Spices Board; GS-3 (Economy) ▪️Why in the news:

Reaffirming its commitment for export promotion of Indian spices, the Spices Board recently celebrated its 38th Foundation Day at its headquarters in Kochi.

• Establishment and Structure:

• The Spices Board is a statutory body established on 26th February 1987 under the Spices Board Act, 1986.

• It was formed through the merger of two existing entities: the Cardamom Board

(1968) and the Spices Export Promotion Council (1960).

• It functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry as one of the five Commodity Boards of India

> Roles and Responsibilities:

• The Board is tasked with the overall growth and regulation of the cardamom industry in India.

• It is responsible for export promotion of 52 different spices, as listed under the Spices Board Act, 1986

• The Board's key functions include:

• Development of small and large cardamom cultivation.

Facilitating the promotion, growth, and quality control of spices for export.

Regulating and overseeing the export of Indian spices.