Prelims Focus 28th August 2024

Sonoluminescence

Details: Sonoluminescence is the process of generating light from the acoustic cavitation process which involves collapsing of gas bubbles in a liquid medium by means of sound waves.

• Definition and Mechanism
  • Definition: Sonoluminescence is defined as an optical phenomenon which occurs when liquids which are exposed to high frequency sound waves or ultrasonic waves of certain suitable intensity emits light.
  • Mechanism: This phenomenon happens when a sound wave of proper intensity takes place and produces a gaseous cavity in the liquid and the latter suddenly collapses and emits light. When the bubble collapses the conditions become very hot and compressed in pressure and therefore emits light.
• Types of Sonoluminescence

1. 1. Single-Bubble Sonoluminescence (SBSL): A star consisting of a single bubble that periodically expands and contracts while releasing light when it contracts. The stability of SBSL is higher and the intensity of light emission is higher than in the case of multi-bubble sonoluminescence. The bubble is located in a pressure node of a standing acoustic wave which causes the bubble to expand and collapse continually.
   2. Multi-Bubble Sonoluminescence (MBSL): Former employs the creation of many oscillating and collapsing bubbles. The SBSL is relatively more stable and produces a much brighter light as compared with the MBSL owing to inter-bubble interference.

Right to Disconnect

In News: Australia has recently passed what is probably the world’s first ever legislation to uphold the so-called right to disconnect, which empowers workers to ignore work-related messages once their working day is over.

Australia’s Right to Disconnect

• The new law, which commenced on the 26th of August, 2024, grants Australian employees the right to decline monitoring, reading or reciprocating employer communications when off duty unless such a response could be classified as unfair.
• This legislation addresses the increasing problem of unpaid overtime, as many Australians are said to work an additional 5(days) free gratis. Four hours a week of uncompensated work that adds up to significant stress and burnout.

Key Features of the Law:

• Protection from Punishment: It is unlawful to discipline the employees for deciding to avoid receipt of work-related messages at certain times.
• Reasonable Exceptions: Despite that, the right not to have connectivity interference has its limitations, especially when the non-response could be regarded as unrealistic, for example, when it concerns emergent situations or important assignments.
• Cultural Shift: The law aims at creating a culture shift within organizations to recognize personal time and personal mental health.

Lakhpati Didi Sammelan

In News: 

Recently, the Prime Minister participated in ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ at Jalgaon, Maharashtra.

• • It is an inspiring gathering that recognises and celebrates the achievements of women who have emerged as ‘Lakhpati Didis’ – individuals who earn an annual sustainable income of at least ₹1 lakh (about $1,350).
  • This profits is calculated for at least four agricultural seasons and/or business cycles, with an average monthly profits exceeding Rupees Ten Thousand (Rs. 10,000), so that it’s sustainable.

• Lakhpati Didi Yojana

• • It aims to uplift women in rural areas by offering them with talent improvement, training programmes, and monetary help, organised under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
  • It allows different livelihood activities, by ensuring convergence across all Government departments/ Ministries, Private area and Market gamers. The method consists of targeted planning, implementation and monitoring in any respect ranges.
  • The government disburses price ranges to self-help groups (SHGs) through a revolving fund.
  • Since the inception of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, one crore women have already achieved Lakhpati fame, and the government has set a target of three crore Lakhpati Didis, reflecting its commitment to women’s economic empowerment.

Plea Bargaining

In News: According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, only 0.11% of cases were resolved through plea bargaining in 2022.

• A “plea good deal” is a practice wherein the accused forgoes his proper to plead not guilty and demand a full trial and as an alternative uses a right to bargain for a benefit.
• Plea bargaining became incorporated into the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in 2005 with the expectation that it’d streamline the judicial method by permitting accused persons to admit guilt in turn for leniency in sentencing. 
• It applies only to offences punishable with the aid of as much as seven years of imprisonment, with similar regulations except for cases regarding crimes against women, children, or socio-economic offences.

Download as PDF