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  Muon g–2: New physics governing the laws of nature Part of : GS Prelims and GS – III – Sci & tech  In news Newly published results of an international experiment hint at the possibility of new physics governing the laws of nature. The experiment, called Muon g–2 (g minus two), was conducted at the US Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). Key takeaways  The experiment studied a subatomic particle called the muon.  Its results do not match the predictions of the Standard Model, on which all particle physics is based.  The results instead reconfirm a discrepancy that had been detected in an experiment 20 years ago. Concluded in 2001, the Brookhaven experiment came up with results that did not identically match predictions by the Standard Model. The Muon g–2 experiment measured this quantity with greater accuracy. What is the Standard Model? The Standard Model is a rigorous theory that predicts the behaviour of the building b...

  Facts for Prelims: U.K. to set up fund for migrants from Hong Kong: The British government is setting up a £43 million ($59 million) fund to help migrants from Hong Kong settle in the country as they escape increasing political repression in the former colony. The offer extends to holders of British National (Overseas) passports who have been offered special visas, opening a path to work, residency and eventual citizenship to up to 5 million of Hong Kong’s 7.4 million people. Gyanvapi Mosque: A local court in Varanasi has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a survey of  the Gyanvapi Mosque,  adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, to find out whether it was a “superimposition, alteration or addition or if there is structural overlapping of any kind, with any other religious structure”. What’s the issue? The order came on a petition demanding restoration of the land on which the Gyanvapi Mosque stands to the Hindus, claiming that Mughal Emperor ...

  Civil defence volunteers: Context: The Delhi Police recently issued a statement, pointing out that  civil defence personnel,  also known as  Delhi Civil Defence (DCD) volunteers,  have no power to stop people using police barricades and prosecute them for violation of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour such as not wearing masks. What’s the issue? From being lauded for their work during the pandemic to facing allegations of high-handedness, the role of the civil defence volunteers in the national capital has come under intense scrutiny in the recent past. One such incident recently turned into a full blown fist-fight between a group of civil defence personnel and general public near IIT-Delhi. So, who are these civil defence volunteers? In Delhi, these are men and women who  work under the command of the district magistrates. The  overall command lies with the divisional commissioner,  to which the DMs report. These volunteers are  governed by t...

  Incentives for solar energy sector: Context: The Union Cabinet has approved two production-linked incentive schemes for: White goods (air-conditioners and LED lights). High-efficiency solar photovoltaic modules. About the PLI scheme: The prime objective of the PLI scheme is to make manufacturing in India globally competitive by removing sectoral disabilities, creating economies of scale and ensuring efficiencies. It is designed to create complete component ecosystem in India and make India an integral part of the global supply chains. The scheme would extend an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales of goods made in India for five years. Benefits: Additional 10,000 MW capacity of integrated solar PV manufacturing plants. Direct investment of around Rs.17,200 crore in solar PV manufacturing projects. Demand of Rs.17,500 crore over 5 years for ‘Balance of Materials’. Direct employment of about 30,000 and Indirect employment of about 1,20,000 persons. Import substitution of arou...

  RBI extends fresh support of ₹50,000 cr. to NABARD: Context: To help mitigate the impact of the pandemic and aid economic revival, the RBI said it would extend  fresh support of ₹50,000 crore to the All India Financial Institutions for new lending in FY22.   Details: Accordingly,  NABARD will be provided a special liquidity facility (SLF)  of ₹25,000 crore for one year to support agriculture and allied activities, the rural non-farm sector and non-banking financial companies-micro finance institutions. An SLF of ₹10,000 crore will be extended to the National Housing Bank for one year to support the housing sector. SIDBI will be provided ₹15,000 crore under this facility for up to one year for funding of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). About NABARD: It is an apex development and specialized bank established on 12 July 1982 by an act by the parliament of India. Its main focus is to uplift rural India by increasing the credit flow for elevation of ag...

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