Comparative Analysis of Past Delimitation Exercises & Their Impact on Governance

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                          Comparative Analysis  Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure fair representation based on population changes . In India, it is conducted by the Delimitation Commission , an independent body established under Article 82 (for Lok Sabha) and Article 170 (for State Assemblies) after every Census . Key Objectives of Delimitation ✔ Equal Representation – Ensures constituencies have uniform voter strength , preventing overrepresentation or underrepresentation.  ✔ Electoral Integrity – Adjusts boundaries to reflect demographic shifts , maintaining fair political representation .  ✔ Reservation Adjustments – Determines SC/ST reserved seats based on population distribution. Historical Timeline of Delimitation in India 📌 1952 – First delimitation based on the  1951 Census .  📌 1963 – Adjustments after state reorga...

Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

                            Hubble Space Telescope (HST) 

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is one of the most significant astronomical observatories ever launched. Since its deployment in 1990, it has transformed our understanding of the universe by capturing breathtaking images and making groundbreaking discoveries.

Key Features of Hubble

  • Launch Date: April 24, 1990, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.

  • Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 537 km altitude.

  • Primary Mirror: 2.4 meters in diameter.

  • Scientific Instruments:

    • Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) – Captures high-resolution images.

    • Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) – Studies distant galaxies.

    • Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) – Maps cosmic structures.

    • Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) – Observes infrared light.

Recent Discoveries

  • Cotton Candy Clouds in the Large Magellanic Cloud – Hubble captured a stunning view of a dwarf galaxy, revealing wispy gas clouds.

  • Wandering Black Hole – Detected a rogue supermassive black hole outside its galaxy.

  • 35th Anniversary Celebrations – NASA and ESA released new images showcasing Hubble’s legacy


The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), launched by NASA in collaboration with ESA, has revolutionized astronomy and deep-space observation. It aligns with multiple topics relevant to UPSC preparation, particularly in GS Paper 3 (Science & Tech, Space Research).

UPSC Key Areas

Scientific Contributions – Expanded knowledge of the universe’s age, black holes, exoplanets, and dark matter

Technological Innovation – Development of adaptive optics, infrared astronomy, and spectroscopic analysis

International CollaborationNASA-ESA partnership in space research, crucial for India’s collaborations with ISRO and ESA. 

Future Space Missions – Comparison with James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and India’s ASTROSAT mission.


                   Hubble vs. James Webb – UPSC Significance

 

Feature

Hubble (HST)

James Webb (JWST)


Launch Year

                 1990
            2021

Primary Mirror
                 2.4m            
           6.5m

Observation Range
     
      UV, Visible, Near-Infrared
           
          nfrared

Orbit
     
     Low Earth Orbit
       
    Lagrange Point (L2, 1.5M km from Earth)
Objective 
Deep-space imaging,
star formation, cosmic expansion
       

        Early universe study,
        Exoplanet  atmosphere analysis


UPSC Themes Linked to Hubble

GS Paper 1 – Evolution of the Universe, impact of astronomical discoveries on history. 

GS Paper 3 – Space technology advancements, ISRO’s future missions like Gaganyaan & ASTROSAT

Current Affairs – Role of HST in recent discoveries like rogue black holes and exoplanet atmospheres.

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