Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 03-01-2025

Sree Narayana Guru

• Context: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticized attempts to associate social reformer Sree Narayana Guru with Sanatana Dharma, specifically Varnashrama Dharma, during the 92nd Sivagiri pilgrimage.
• Guru’s Philosophy:
  • Advocated “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind,” promoting equality regardless of social divisions.
  • Emphasized inner purity and education for social progress.
• CM’s Argument: Vijayan equated attempts to portray Guru as a supporter of Sanatana Dharma as undermining his humanist values and work against caste oppression.
• Political Reactions:
  • BJP accused Vijayan of insulting Sanatana Dharma.
  • Congress echoed the CM’s concerns regarding attempts to co-opt Guru’s legacy.
  • Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan critized the CM equating Sanatana Dharma to Varnashrama Dharma.
• Significance of Sivagiri Madhom: Founded by Guru, it became a center for social reform. The Madhom is a major pilgrimage site for the Ezhava community.
• Political Implications:
  • Ezhava community (23% of Kerala’s population) is a key voting bloc.
  • BJP is attempting to gain influence within the community, prompting responses from the Left and Congress.
  • SNDP Yogam, historically associated with the community, has been critical of the Left.
• Sivagiri Madhom’s Stance: Maintains a neutral position, engaging with all political parties and advocating against Brahminical dominance in temple priesthood.

VSSC Sundial

• VSSC Designs Polar Sundial: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) designed and showcased a polar sundial at the ‘Rocket Garden’ of the Space Museum in Thumba, Kerala.
• Educational Tool: It serves as an educational tool, demonstrating astronomical concepts engagingly.
• IST and Date: Unlike conventional sundials, it accurately displays Indian Standard Time (IST) and the date.
• Analemmatic Correction: It replaces straight hour lines with inverted analemma curves, converting local solar time to mean solar time.
• Polar Configuration: Aligned parallel to Earth’s polar axis, affixed to a structure based on Thumba’s latitude.
• Rocket Integration: Features a 1.6 ft tall, 3D-printed miniature of the Rohini series RH200 sounding rocket.
• Uniqueness and Science: ISRO chairman encourages VSSC to explore setting up replicas of the sundial in other places
• Potential Software Kit: VSSC director suggests developing a software kit for educational institutions and museums to install the sundial with adjustments for latitude and longitude.
• Team Effort: Developed by teams from VSSC’s Space Physics Laboratory, Technology Transfer and Documentation Group, and Construction Management Group.

Why it’s News:

• Innovation in Education: Offers a unique and visually engaging way to understand complex astronomical concepts.
• Accurate Timekeeping: Overcomes limitations of traditional sundials by providing IST and date.
• ISRO’s Outreach: Showcases ISRO’s commitment to public education and engagement.
• Replicability Potential: Opens possibilities for wider dissemination of astronomical knowledge through replicas and software.
• Integration of Space Technology: Combines sundial design with space technology elements like the rocket miniature.

The Melatonin Key

• Melatonin & Parkinson’s Disease: Scientists have discovered that a nano-formulation of melatonin could be a potential therapeutic solution for Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

• Parkinson’s Disease Basics: PD is a neurological disorder caused by the death of dopamine-secreting neurons due to synuclein protein aggregation. Existing treatments manage symptoms, but a cure is lacking.

• Melatonin’s Potential: Melatonin, a hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles, shows promise as an inducer of mitophagy (removal of dysfunctional mitochondria), which reduces oxidative stress in PD.

• Nano-formulation Advantage: Researchers at INST Mohali used human serum albumin (HSA) to create a nano-formulation for targeted melatonin delivery to the brain, enhancing bioavailability and sustained release.

• Improved Outcomes: Nano-melatonin exhibited enhanced antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, improving mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis to counteract toxicity in a PD model.

• BMI1 Role: The study revealed that nano-melatonin overexpresses BMI1, an epigenetic regulator, which induces mitophagy and protects neurons from degeneration.

• Mitophagy & Oxidative Stress: Melatonin-mediated BMI1 regulation and its induction of mitophagy are crucial for reducing oxidative stress in PD, making melatonin a potential therapeutic candidate.

• Wider Applications: This approach could also be used for other diseases where dysregulated mitophagy is critical.

• Study Publication: The findings were published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

Soviet Collapse

• Anniversary: December 25th marks the anniversary of the Soviet flag’s removal from the Kremlin, signifying the USSR’s end.

• Formation: The USSR formed in 1922 after the 1917 Russian Revolution, led by Lenin and the Bolsheviks. It was the world’s first communist state.

• Economic Stagnation: By the 1970s, the Soviet economy lagged due to overemphasis on military spending and inefficiencies, leading to consumer shortages and dissatisfaction.

• Gorbachev’s Reforms: Gorbachev’s policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) weakened the Communist Party’s authority and fueled nationalist movements.

• Cold War Pressures: The arms race with the US, defeat in Afghanistan, and the fall of the Berlin Wall undermined Soviet control and exposed economic weaknesses.

• Nationalist Movements: Nationalist movements and secessionist desires in republics like Lithuania and Ukraine contributed to the USSR’s dissolution. Boris Yeltsin and the rise of Russian nationalism further weakened the USSR

• Unipolar World Order: The USSR’s collapse ended the Cold War, leaving the US as the sole superpower and reshaping global alliances. NATO expanded eastward.

• Capitalism’s Dominance: Western institutions promoted liberal democracy and free-market capitalism in former socialist states.

• Contemporary Conflicts: Unresolved territorial disputes and ethnic tensions from the Soviet era fuel conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

• India’s Response: India diversified its economy, strengthened ties with other nations (Look East/Act East, Act West policies), and adapted its defense relationships. Joint production like the BrahMos missile bridged the gap between importer and exporter.

• Internal Faultlines: Gorbachev’s reforms exposed internal contradictions, and the Eastern Bloc countries transitioned to democracy.

• Final Blow: An attempted coup by Communist hardliners in August 1991 further destabilized the country, leading to the dissolution of the USSR in December 1991.

Digital DILRMP

• 98.5% of rural land records digitized: A major milestone achieved under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
• DILRMP Objective: To digitize and modernize agricultural land records, increasing accessibility and reducing disputes.
• ULPIN (“Bhu-Aadhar”): 14-digit alphanumeric code for each land parcel; implemented in 29 States/UTs, to streamline transactions and improve disaster management.
• NGDRS (e-Registration): Uniform process for online deed/document registration; adopted by 18 States/UTs.
• e-Court Integration: Linking land records with e-Courts for faster case resolution; cleared in 26 States/UTs.
• Transliteration: Land documents translated into any of the 22 languages in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution.
• Bhoomi Samman: 168 districts achieved “Platinum Grading” for completing core DILRMP components.
• Why Digitization is Needed:
  • Ensure Equity: Empowers vulnerable groups, securing land rights.
  • Reduce Litigation: Minimizes land disputes.
  • Promote Development: Encourages investments and credit access.
  • Improve Transparency: Addresses outdated records and benami properties.
• Benefits of DILRMP:
  • Improves record quality and accessibility.
  • Reduces litigation and fraud via conclusive land-titling.
  • Promotes development and growth by enabling credit access and efficient land markets.
• Challenges:
  • Language barriers hinder understanding.
  • Community shareholdings complicate digitization.
  • Lack of awareness among stakeholders.
  • Quality of existing land records is poor.
  • Complexity of land management systems.
  • Insufficient resources and capacity.
• Way Forward:
  • Integrate land records with other services.
  • Update records with technology (drones, satellites).
  • Public awareness campaigns.
  • Dispute resolution mechanisms.
  • Comprehensive policy framework.
  • Public-Private Partnerships.
  • Research and Development.

The GEAC Explained

• What it is: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is a statutory body in India.
• Legal Basis: Established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, specifically the “Rules, 1989”.
• Role: It appraises activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from an environmental perspective. This includes the environmental release of genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) and products, including experimental field trials.
• Power: GEAC has the authority to take punitive action under the Environment Protection Act.
• Scope: It regulates the use, import, and export of genetically modified (GM) organisms and crops. GEAC clearance is mandatory for the environmental release of GM crops.
• Structure: Chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), comprising experts from various ministries and institutions.
• Conflict of Interest Rules: New rules mandate expert members to disclose any “interest” that could conflict with their duties and recuse themselves from meetings if necessary, unless specifically requested to stay.
• Disclosure of Affiliations: Members must disclose their professional affiliations for the past decade.
• Supreme Court Order: These changes come after a Supreme Court order in July 2023 requiring a national policy on GM crops and highlighting the need for addressing conflict of interest concerns within the GEAC.
• Context of GM Mustard: The new rules are partly a response to allegations of conflict of interest in a previous GM crop approval case (GM mustard), where concerns were raised about a committee member’s ties to a biotech company.
• Genetic Modification: GM involves inserting DNA into an organism’s genome, typically by transferring new DNA into plant cells and growing them in tissue culture.

DAP

• Subsidy Extension: The Union Cabinet extended the special subsidy on Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer at ₹3,500 per metric tonne. This extension is effective from January 1, 2025, until further notice.
• Purpose: The primary goal is to maintain stable DAP prices for farmers and to mitigate the impact of global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions on fertilizer costs.
• Financial Implications: The extension will require a tentative budgetary allocation of approximately ₹3,850 crore. The total special package approved for DAP since April 2024 would be more than Rs. 6,475 cr
• Significance of DAP: DAP is a widely used fertilizer in India, second only to urea, crucial for plant growth as it provides nitrogen and phosphorus.
• Availability: The government aims to ensure the continued availability of DAP to farmers at affordable and subsidized prices.
• Domestic Production & Imports: India produces DAP domestically but also imports it to meet the high demand from the agricultural sector. In FY2023, India produced about 4.3 million metric tons of DAP.
• Additional Uses: DAP is also used as a fire retardant and in various industrial processes like metal finishing.

Awards Night!

• Major Awards Announced: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the recipients of India’s sports awards.
• Khel Ratna Winners: D. Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, Praveen Kumar, and Manu Bhaker will receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.
• Arjuna Awardees: A total of 32 athletes, including 16 Paralympians, will receive the Arjuna Award. Noteworthy recipients include Swapnil
  Join Our Telegram Channel
  Kusale, Sarabjot Singh, and Aman Sehrawat.
• Dronacharya Award: Deepali Deshpande, Sandeep Sangwan, and Subhash Rana are among the recipients of the Dronacharya Award for coaches.
• Controversy and Inclusion: Manu Bhaker’s initial exclusion from the Khel Ratna list sparked controversy, but she was later included.
• Award Ceremony Date: The President will present the awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 17.
• Additional Awards: The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy went to Chandigarh University.
• Paralympic Recognition: A significant number of Arjuna Awards were given to Paralympians, reflecting India’s success in the Paris Paralympics.
• Arjuna Award (Lifetime): Murlikant Petkar was selected in this category.

Cow Killer Ant

• Brazilian Velvet Ant Identification: These are actually parasitic wasps, often wingless, named for their dense, velvety hair. Distinctive black and white markings are a key identifier.

• Habitat: Found in the Caatinga shrub desert of Brazil.

• Activity: They are active throughout the day, with peak activity in early morning and late afternoon when sunlight is subdued. They cover significant distances searching for hosts.

• Ultrablack Pigmentation Discovery: The black areas on female velvet ants have been found to be ultrablack, absorbing nearly all visible light.

• Significance of Ultrablack: Ultrablack pigmentation is rare in the animal kingdom.

• Possible Functions of Ultrablack: It is thought to aid in predator avoidance, body temperature regulation, or attracting mates through high contrast.

• Parasitic Nature: Velvet ants are parasitic, living on or in a host organism and obtaining nutrients from it.

SCOTUS Advocates

• Concerns over Quality: Recent designation of 116 Senior Advocates in the Supreme Court (SC) in 2024 has raised concerns about the quality and potential dilution of the Bar’s standards.
• Definition of Senior Advocates: Designated by SC or High Courts based on legal acumen, experience (10+ years), and special knowledge. They primarily argue legal points and are briefed by an Advocate-on-Record (AoR).
• Role and Influence: Senior Advocates play a crucial role in high-stakes cases and significantly influence case admission in the SC, with higher success rates at the admission stage. They effectively serve as “gatekeepers.”
• Restrictions: They cannot directly take instructions from clients or handle tasks like drafting pleadings.
• 2017 Reforms: Following Indira Jaising’s PIL, objective criteria were introduced for designation, aiming for transparency and inclusivity.
• Criticism of Current System: Concerns exist that too many designations may devalue the title and that the process could be a “populist move.” The government has sought reconsideration of the guidelines.
• Inclusivity: Supporters argue the reformed system is more inclusive, allowing greater representation for women and first-generation lawyers.
• Market Forces: Ultimately, the market and the quality of work will determine a Senior Advocate’s success, as AoRs will choose who to brief based on competence.

Gomti River: Key Facts

• Tributary of the Ganges: The Gomti River is a significant tributary of the Ganges (Ganga), Uttar Pradesh. (Important for understanding its place in the larger river system)

• Origin and Course: Originates from Gomat Taal (Fulhaar Jheel) in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, and flows through several districts. (Defines its geographical start and path)

• Districts Traversed: Flows through Lucknow, Barabhanki, Sultanpur, Faizabad, and Jaunpur before joining the Ganges. (Highlights its importance to these regions)

• River Length and Basin: Extends approximately 900 km and drains a basin of about 18,750 square km. (Provides scale of the river’s reach and impact)

• Perennial River: The Gomti is a perennial river, with significant flow increases during the monsoon season. (Indicates it’s a continuous water source)

• Key Tributaries: Notable tributaries include the Sai, Chowka, Kathina, and Saryu Rivers. (Shows interconnectedness with other waterways)

• Ganga’s Tributaries: The Gomti is one of many tributaries, including Ramganga, Ghaghara, Yamuna, Son and others, that feed the Ganges. (Contextualizes its role within the Ganges River system).

UPI Cap Deadline Extended

• Deadline Extended: NPCI extended the deadline for UPI apps (TPAPs) to comply with the 30% transaction volume cap to December 31, 2026.

• Impacts Major Players: The extension affects PhonePe and Google Pay significantly, as they control over 80% of UPI transactions.

• Cap Requirement: TPAPs exceeding the 30% limit must stop onboarding new customers to comply.

• Original Cap Rationale: NPCI introduced the 30% cap in November 2020 to reduce concentration risk and promote a balanced UPI ecosystem.

• Previous Extension: An earlier deadline extension was granted in December 2022.

• Cap Calculation: The 30% cap is calculated based on the average UPI transaction volume over the preceding three months.

• NPCI’s Role: NPCI was established by the RBI and Indian Banks’ Association to oversee payment and settlement systems.

• TPAP Definition: TPAPs are entities offering UPI-based services through mobile apps, acting as intermediaries between users and banks.

Defence Reforms: 2025

• 2025: ‘Year of Reforms’: Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ to transform the Armed Forces.

• Objectives: Transform Armed Forces into technologically advanced, combat-ready force for multi-domain integrated operations. Ensure India’s security and sovereignty.

• Key Areas of Focus:

  • Jointness & Integration: Strengthen inter-service cooperation, establish Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs).
  • Emerging Technologies: Focus on Cyber, Space, AI, Machine Learning, Hypersonics, and Robotics, and associated tactics.
  • Streamlined Acquisition: Simplify and expedite acquisition procedures.
  • Defence Exports: Position India as a credible defence exporter, promote R&D, and partnerships.
  • Veteran Welfare & Indigenous Culture: Ensure veteran welfare, leverage their expertise and foster pride in Indian culture.
  • Civil-Military Coordination: Aim to eliminate inefficiencies and optimise resources.

• Why Reforms are Needed:

  • Lack of NSS: Absence of a National Security Strategy.
  • Cyberwarfare: Rise of cyber threats.
  • Import Dependence: Reduce reliance on arms imports.
  • Cultural Resistance: Overcome resistance to jointness.
  • Insufficient Funding: Limited modernization due to funding constraints.
  • Ad-hoc Procurements: Need for strategic readiness.

• Way Forward:

  • Institutional Reforms: Clarify responsibilities within the CDS and DMA.
  • Integrating Technologies: Focus on autonomous systems, cyber warfare, and AI.
  • Boost Domestic Defence Industry: Foster public-private partnerships.
  • Maximise Defence Cooperation: Expand cooperation with regional and global powers.
  • National Defence University (NDU): Establish NDU for advanced training.

Pallas’s Cats: Wild & Secret

• First Photographic Evidence in Himachal Pradesh, India: The elusive Pallas’s cat has been photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh, India, specifically in the Kinnaur area, during a snow leopard population survey.
• Elevation: The cats were found at elevations between 3,900 and 4,100 meters, inhabiting rocky habitats.
• Significance for India: This discovery expands the known range of the Pallas’s cat and highlights the biodiversity of the Indian Himalayas.
• Conservation Data: The finding will provide crucial data for conservationists and researchers to develop strategies for protecting the Pallas’s cat and its habitat.
• Focus on Lesser-Known Species: The documentation of this cat will bring attention to the importance of conserving lesser-known species, which are often overshadowed by megafauna like snow leopards.
• Research Opportunities: It opens new avenues for scientific research into the cat’s behavior, interactions, and ecology within India.
• About Pallas’s Cat: It’s a small wild cat found in Central Asia, adapted to high-altitude, cold climates with its thick fur and distinct flat face.
• Conservation Status: The IUCN lists the Pallas’s cat as “Near Threatened” due to habitat loss, prey depletion, and hunting.
• Similar Threats to Snow Leopards: The discovery is relevant because snow leopards and other large felines are facing habitat loss, poaching, and climate change, making the conservation of all wild cat species critical.
• First described: The cat was first described in 1776 by Peter Simon Pallas.

National Sports Honors

• National Sports Awards 2024 Announced: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the recipients of the National Sports Awards 2024. The awards recognize excellence in sports and will be presented by the President of India on January 17th, 2025.

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Winners:

  • Shri Gukesh D (Chess)
  • Shri Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
  • Shri Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
  • Ms. Manu Bhaker (Shooting)

• Arjuna Award Winners: Includes athletes from Athletics, Boxing, Chess, Hockey, Para-Archery, Para-Athletics, Para-Badminton, Para-Judo, Para-Shooting, Shooting, Squash, Swimming, and Wrestling.

• Arjuna Award (Lifetime):

  • Shri Sucha Singh (Athletics)
  • Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Para-Swimming)

• Dronacharya Award (Coaches):

  • Regular Category: Shri Subhash Rana (Para-Shooting), Ms. Deepali Deshpande (Shooting), Shri Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey)
  • Lifetime Category: Shri S Muralidharan (Badminton), Shri Armando Agnelo Colaco (Football)

• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: Physical Education Foundation of India

• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy:

  • Winner: Chandigarh University
  • 1st Runner Up: Lovely Professional University, (PB)
  • 2nd Runner Up: Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

• Selection Process: Applications

  Subscribe on YouTube
  were submitted online and reviewed by a committee headed by Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian and including eminent sportspersons, sports journalists, and administrators.

• About Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: He was a theologist and a leader of the Indian independence movement known for his high moral integrity. The trophy in his name is awarded to the overall top performing university in Khelo India University Games.

Ramesh Chand Panel

• Panel Purpose: The Ramesh Chand Panel is tasked with revising the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23.

• Key Mandates:

  • Propose a revised commodity basket for WPI and Producer Price Index (PPI) using 2022-23 as the base year.
  • Review and improve the current price collection system.
  • Decide on the computational methodology for WPI and PPI.

• Composition: The panel comprises economists from government, rating agencies, asset management companies, banks, the Reserve Bank of India, and other government representatives.

• Report Deadline: The panel is expected to submit its final report within 18 months to the Office of the Economic Adviser at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

• WPI vs. PPI: WPI measures wholesale prices, excluding services and having potential for double counting. PPI measures prices from the producer’s perspective, includes services, and aligns with international standards (System of National Accounts). PPI is more inclusive, covering services which represent a substantial portion of GDP.

• Why Revise WPI? To reflect structural changes in the economy and align with international best practices, potentially shifting towards a greater emphasis on PPI.

• Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation tracks the change in retail prices of goods and services which households purchase for their daily consumption.

Fading Voices: PMBs in India

• Decline in Time Allocation: The 17th Lok Sabha allocated minimal time (9.08 hours) to Private Members’ Bills, while the Rajya Sabha spent 27.01 hours. In the 18th Lok Sabha (two sessions), only 0.15 hours were spent in the Lower House and 0.62 hours in the Upper House.

• Scheduling Issues: Private Members’ business is typically scheduled for Friday afternoons, leading to poor attendance due to MPs leaving for their constituencies.

• Lack of Seriousness: Indifference from MPs, with many skipping discussions, contributes to the decline.

• Pending Bills: Bills can remain pending for over 15 years without discussion, effectively silencing parliamentarians’ voices.

• Significance of Private Members’ Bills: They allow MPs to express themselves independently on important issues and serve as a medium for political messaging. Only 14 Private Members’ Bills have been passed and received assent till date, and none since 1970.

• Constitutional Importance: These bills provide a crucial space for individual parliamentary expression and should be protected.

• Proposed Solutions: Shifting Private Members’ Bills to midweek could improve participation and discussions.

Incineration Explained

• Definition: Incineration is burning hazardous materials at very high temperatures to destroy contaminants within an incinerator (a specialized furnace).

• Material Versatility: Handles diverse hazardous materials like soil, sludge, liquids, and gases.

• Contaminant Destruction: Effective against solvents, PCBs, and pesticides.

• Metal Limitation: Does not destroy metals (e.g., lead, chromium).

• Waste-to-Energy Potential: Heat from incineration can generate electricity.

• Process Overview: Hazardous materials are prepared (excavated, ground, dewatered), then heated in a combustion chamber to volatilize and destroy contaminants.

• Combustion Enhancement: Air or oxygen may be added to aid burning.

• Secondary Combustion: Remaining gases undergo further heating for complete destruction.

• Emission Control: Air pollution control equipment removes particulate matter and acid gases.

• Combustion Defined: Rapid chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizer (typically oxygen), releasing heat.

India-LatAm Trade

• Growing Focus: Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) is a key foreign policy focus for India, aiming to diversify ties.

• Historical Ties: Rich history with figures like Pandurang Khankhoje & M.N. Roy; literary exchange via Octavio Paz, Tagore. High-level engagements began in the 1960s.

• Economic Push: Post-1990s liberalization led to trade growth. FOCUS LAC program launched in 1997. 2023 trade volume reached $43.22 billion, targeting $100 billion by 2028.

• Key Partners & Products: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia are primary partners. India imports petroleum, gold, soybean oil; exports petroleum (non-crude), cars.

• Political Shift: Enhanced engagements; Foreign Minister visits. Brazil has strong political linkages via BRICS, IBSA, G20. PTAs with Chile & Mercosur.

• Strategic Autonomy: Shared non-alignment approach, evident in Ukraine war stance.

• LAC Importance: Rich in resources (minerals, oil), a $6 trillion+ market, vital for energy/food security. Counterbalances China’s influence.

• Cooperation Sectors: Pharmaceuticals, energy (lithium exploration in Bolivia), agriculture, infrastructure.

• Challenges: Lack of regional engagement framework (SICA, CELAC, Mercosur), narrow PTAs, China’s dominance, geographical/language barriers, outdated stereotypes.

• Strategies: Reactivate FOCUS LAC, pursue FTAs (technology, agriculture, clean energy), promote P2P/B2B connections, diplomatic engagement, export promotion, advocate for LAC interests in global forums, enhance service trade.

Front-Running

• What Happened: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) uncovered a “front-running” scam in the Indian securities market. 22 entities, including stock brokers (Rohit Salgaocar and Ketan Parekh) were debarred. SEBI impounded ₹66 crore in wrongful gains.

• What is Front-Running: Front-running is an illegal practice where a broker or individual uses non-public information (NPI) about large client orders to trade for their own benefit before the client’s order is executed. This exploits anticipated price movements.

• How it Worked:

  • Stock broker (Salgaocar) obtained information about the trades of a major U.S.-based fund house (FPI, or “big client”).
  • He shared this information with another stock broker (Parekh).
  • Parekh, using his network, placed trades based on this information.
  • These trades were then matched with the big client’s orders, allowing them to profit from price fluctuations. This went on for almost 2.5 years.

• The Players: Rohit Salgaocar and Ketan Parekh were the primary orchestrators. Parekh has been earlier debarred for 14 years for a stock market scam in 2000.

• Tools Used: WhatsApp, mobile phones under fake names and money was transferred using ngadiyas. SEBI’s investigation involved search and seizure operations and examining Bloomberg and WhatsApp chats.

• Regulatory Action: SEBI’s order prohibits fraudulent and unfair trade practices and aims to prevent such illegal activities.

WPI vs. PPI

• Expert Panel Formation: A panel has been formed by the Centre to revise the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and develop a Producer Price Index (PPI).
  • Why: The panel aims to update the WPI to reflect economic changes since the 2011-12 base year, transitioning to a 2022-23 base year.
• Panel Composition: The panel comprises Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand, government officials from various ministries, representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Goods and Services Tax Network, and private sector economists.
  • Why: Includes diverse expertise from different sectors to ensure a comprehensive review and the development of reliable indices.
• Panel Objectives for WPI: Review current price collection, suggest improvements, and determine computation methodology.
  • Why: To ensure WPI accurately reflects wholesale price changes.
• Panel Objectives for PPI: Evaluate composition, methodology, and suggest improvements. Crucially, it will propose a roadmap for India’s transition from WPI to PPI.
  • Why: PPI is considered a more comprehensive measure of inflation that includes the service sector and better reflects supply-side dynamics. It also aligns with international best practices.
• Deadline: The panel has 18 months (until June 30, 2026) to submit its final report.
  • Why: To ensure a timely and efficient process.

RCIC Scheme Explained

• The Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC) is a new Canadian immigration program launched in December 2024 by IRCC.
• It aims to address labor shortages and stimulate development in smaller, rural communities. This helps counteract the “brain drain” effect of skilled workers leaving for larger cities or other countries.
• The program attracts foreign nationals, including students, who commit to living and working long-term in designated rural areas outside major cities.
• Eligibility includes varying education levels (10+2, graduation, etc.), with relaxed requirements for students who have studied at least 18 months in a designated community.
• A job offer from a designated employer in the community is required, potentially in any job category (including non-skilled). The community issues a certificate supporting the PR application.
• While work experience is generally required, it may be waived for qualifying international graduates.
• Applicants must meet specific Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores based on their job’s NOC TEER level.
• Proof of sufficient funds (at least half the low-income threshold for rural areas) to support oneself for one year is mandatory.
• Applicants must provide genuine evidence of their intention to reside in the designated rural community.
• It offers a valuable PR pathway for international students, especially those whose Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs) are expiring and who are struggling with CRS scores or high-paying jobs.
• Indian students, who comprise a large portion of international students in Canada, can benefit from reduced competition in rural areas compared to larger cities.

Kanlaon

• Mount Kanlaon Eruption: The active 2,435-meter Mount Kanlaon in the Philippines recently erupted, expelling ash and gases.

• Location: Mount Kanlaon is a stratovolcano located in the north central part of Negros Island, Philippines.

• Significance of Location: The Philippines, including Mount Kanlaon, sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire.

• Pacific Ring of Fire: The Ring of Fire is a seismically active zone around the Pacific Ocean, known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanoes, due to the interaction of tectonic plates.

• Volcano Basics: A volcano is a weak spot in the earth’s crust that releases gases, lava, ash, and steam during eruptions.

Banana Farming

• Banana is a major tropical crop in India: Second most important fruit after mango, highlighting its significance in Indian agriculture.

• Ideal growing conditions: Temperatures between 15ºC – 35ºC, high humidity (75-85%), and elevation up to 2000m. This emphasizes the need for specific climate for optimal yield.

• Soil requirements: Deep, rich loamy soil with good drainage, fertility, and moisture, and a pH of 6.5-7.5. This details the soil composition critical for banana cultivation.

• Unsuitable soils: Saline and calcareous soils are not preferred. This highlights the limitations of soil types.

• Variety Adaptability: Can be grown in diverse climates through selecting appropriate varieties.

• Key Banana Varieties in India: Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Monthan, Poovan, Nendran, Red banana, etc. This showcases the range of banana types cultivated in the country.

• Major Banana Producing States: Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala. Lists the regions where banana cultivation is most prevalent.

• APEDA’s Role: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority established in 1985 under Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This points to government support for export promotion.