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Global Risks

• About the Report: The Global Risk Report, first published in 2006, analyzes global risks across economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal, and technological domains.

• Methodology: The report is based on the Global Risks Perception Survey 2024-2025 (GRPS). It assesses risks over short-term (1-2 years) and long-term (10 years) horizons to aid policymakers in addressing both immediate and future challenges.

• Top Short-Term Risks: Misinformation/disinformation, extreme weather events, and state-based armed conflict are identified as the most pressing concerns over the next two years.

• Top Long-Term Risks: Extreme weather events, biodiversity loss & ecosystem collapse, and critical changes to earth systems are the dominant threats in the longer term.

• Driving Forces: Technological, geostrategic, climatic, and demographic forces are converging to create a more complex and interconnected risk landscape. This convergence is expected to intensify over the next decade.

• Climate Focus: The report emphasizes the importance of mitigating short-lived climate pollutants like black carbon, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons due to their significant impact on the environment and public health.

• Why it Matters: The Global Risks Report helps leaders identify, understand, and prepare for present and future risks, offering practical guidance for strategic planning and confident navigation of complex challenges.

Musi River: Key Facts

• About Musi River: Flows through Telangana, India. A tributary of the Krishna River.

  • Why: Provides geographical context and its importance as part of a larger river system.

• Origin: Anantagiri Hills near Vicarabad, Rangareddi district. Formed by the confluence of Esi and Musa rivulets.

  • Why: Details the river’s source and formation.

• Course: Flows into the Krishna River near Wazirabad in Nalgonda district.

  • Why: Describes the river’s path and where it ends.

• Dams: Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar are built on the river.

  • Why: Highlights human intervention and water management efforts.

• Hyderabad: Divides the city between the old and the new.

  • Why: States the river’s significant role in shaping the city’s structure.

• Other Names: Also known as Musinuru, Moosa, or Muchukunda.

  • Why: Provides alternate names for recognition.

• Historical Water Source: Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar were previous water sources for Hyderabad.

  • Why: Explains the historical significance of dams as source of water for Hyderabad

T. indotineae

• Novel Fungal Species: Trichophyton (T.) indotineae is a newly identified fungus causing difficult-to-treat skin infections.

• Drug Resistance: Infections caused by T. indotineae are often resistant to common antifungal treatments.

• Global Spread: The fungus has been detected in over 40 countries, despite its initial identification in patients from India and Nepal.

• Controversial Nomenclature: The name “indotineae” (referencing India) has drawn criticism.

• Stigma and Misinformation: Critics argue the region-specific naming could lead to stigma and inaccurate information.

• Violation of Naming Guidelines: The naming convention contradicts guidelines from organizations like the WHO, which advocate for descriptive names based on symptoms, severity, or characteristics instead of geographical locations.

• Historical Precedents: Critics highlight past examples like “Spanish flu” as harmful consequences of location-based disease names.

Glacier Year 2025

• 2025: International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation: The UN has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, highlighting the urgency of addressing glacier loss.

• World Day for Glaciers: Starting in 2025, March 21st will be observed annually as World Day for Glaciers.

• Glaciers’ Importance: Glaciers provide drinking water, support nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems, regulate climate via the albedo effect, contribute to energy production (hydroelectric power), and support tourism.

• Melting Glaciers: Rising GHG emissions are causing glaciers to melt at an alarming rate, with projections indicating over a third could disappear by 2100 even with emission cuts.

• WGMS Data: The World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) shows a large-scale deglaciation between 1976 and 2023.

• Hindu Kush Himalayas: This region is warming at twice the global average, making it highly vulnerable to glacial disasters like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

• Sea Level Rise: Melting glaciers contribute to sea level rise, threatening coastal regions. A complete melt could raise sea levels by over 60 meters.

• Weather Pattern Disruptions: Melting ice disrupts ocean circulation and weather patterns, potentially leading to more extreme weather events.

• Impacts on Humans and Wildlife: Melting glaciers affect fisheries, food security, and livelihoods and force wildlife displacement, potentially leading to species extinction (e.g., polar bears).

• Proposed Activities: Global outreach, international conferences, capacity building, research & monitoring, policy integration, and funding initiatives are planned to support glacier preservation.

• Focus on GHGs: GHGs reduction to reduce melting of glaciers.

• Cross Border impacts of glacier retreat: To be addressed by local and indigenous Knowledge System(LINKS).

• Inclusion of Glacier Preservation: Into the National and Regional Climate strategies.

Aden Gulf Facts

• Strategic Location: Connects the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, crucial for international shipping routes. Why: Acts as a vital link between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, facilitating trade between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
• Geographic Boundaries: Situated between the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen) and the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Djibouti). Why: Its location influences regional geopolitics, maritime security, and environmental factors.
• Key Waterways: Connected to the Red Sea via the Strait of Bab el Mandeb and to the Somali Sea via the Guardafui Channel. Why: These straits are chokepoints, making the Gulf of Aden a strategic area for naval operations and anti-piracy efforts.
• Size and Terrain: Approximately 900 km long and 500 km wide, featuring the Sheba Ridge. Why: The size and underwater terrain influence navigation, marine life, and resource exploration.
• Salinity: Lower saline content compared to the Red Sea. Why: Affects marine ecosystems and oceanographic conditions.
• Major Ports: Aden (Yemen), Berbera and Bosaso (Somalia). Why: These ports serve as important hubs for trade, fishing, and regional development.
• Suez Canal Route: Critical part of the Suez Canal shipping route; ~11% of seaborne petroleum passes through it. Why: High volume of traffic makes it economically and strategically significant, affecting global energy markets and supply chains.

Gravity Storage

• Gravity Energy Storage (GES) is gaining traction as a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to traditional battery energy storage. Addresses key challenge of renewable energy intermittency.

• How it works: Stores energy by lifting heavy masses (e.g., a piston in a fluid-filled cylinder) when excess energy is available. Releasing the mass drives a turbine/generator to produce electricity when needed. Based on potential energy.

• Environmentally sustainable: Avoids chemical-based storage unlike batteries, leading to reduced environmental impact and longer lifespan.

• Advantages:

  • Site Flexibility: Can be deployed in diverse locations, unlike pumped hydro.
  • Scalability: Adaptable to different energy capacities, suitable for grid-scale storage.
  • Longevity: Minimal degradation, decades of operation with low maintenance.

• Addressing Renewable Energy Challenges in India:

  • Intermittency solution: Stabilizes the grid by balancing supply and demand fluctuations of solar and wind power.
  • High Energy Capacity: Can store large amounts of energy, bridging the gap during low renewable production.
  • Low Environmental Impact: Minimizes chemical impact, supporting India’s green energy transition.

• Supporting India’s Renewable Energy Goals: GES can provide reliable, cost-effective storage for large-scale solar and wind projects, crucial for achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

What’s Lokpal?

• What is Lokpal? A statutory body established in 2013 to inquire into corruption allegations against public functionaries.

• Structure: Consists of a Chairperson (ex-CJI or SC Judge, or eminent person) and eight members (50% from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Women), with four judicial members (ex-SC Judge or HC Chief Justice).

• Appointment: Appointed by the President based on recommendations from a selection committee including the Prime Minister, Speaker, Leader of Opposition, CJI nominee, and an eminent jurist.

• Term: Five years or until age 70, whichever is earlier. Salaries equivalent to the Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court.

• Jurisdiction: Investigates corruption allegations against the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, MPs, and Union government officials (Groups A, B, C, D), as well as officials of bodies funded by the Union or State. Includes societies/trusts receiving foreign contributions exceeding Rs 10 lakh.

• Complaint Process: Complaints must relate to offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Lokpal can order a preliminary inquiry or refer to the CBI, referring Central govt servant cases to the CVC.

• Exceptions for PM: Inquiries against the PM are limited to those not relating to international relations, security, etc., requiring approval from at least 2/3 of the Lokpal bench.

• Powers: Superintendence over CBI (approval needed for CBI officer transfers in Lokpal-referred cases), search and seizure powers via CBI, civil court powers for the Inquiry Wing, asset confiscation, authority to recommend transfers/suspensions, and prevent record destruction.

• Reporting: Submits an annual report to the President, which is then presented to Parliament.

• First Lokpal: Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, appointed March 19, 2019.

UNICEF 2025: Child Futures

UNICEF’s “Prospects for Children in 2025” Report:

• Escalating Global Crises: Warns of global crises impacting children, necessitating stronger national support systems.

• Conflict Zones: Over 473 million children (1 in 6 globally) live in conflict zones, almost double the 1990s proportion, facing displacement, starvation, disease, and trauma.

• Debt Crisis: Nearly 400 million children live in debt-burdened countries, limiting investments in education, healthcare, and social services; debt servicing often exceeds social spending.

• Climate Change: Only 2.4% of global climate finance targets child-responsive initiatives, weakening essential social services.

• Digital Divide: Significant digital inequality exists, impacting access to education, healthcare, and social protection; adolescent girls and disabled children are especially affected.

• Recommendations: Additional climate recovery financing, inclusive systems prioritizing children’s rights, and integrating child rights in digital initiatives are needed.

• India’s Challenges:

  • Climate Hazards: High climate risk, with escalating threats from heat, floods, and air pollution.
  • Child Trafficking: Widespread exploitation for labor, begging, and sexual services.
  • Child Labor: Millions of children working despite laws, with concerns about exploitation in family enterprises.
  • Juvenile Crimes: Crimes by minors driven by poverty and lack of education.
  • Child Marriage: Ranks high in South Asia, limiting education and health opportunities for girls.
  • Gender Inequality: Girls face higher risks of dropping out of school, early marriage, and inadequate healthcare.
  • Disadvantaged Children: Rural, slum, and poor families face deprivation.
  • Population Growth: India will have 350 million children by 2050, requiring climate-resilient urban planning.

• India’s Way Forward:

  • Healthcare access and family planning.
  • Child-friendly cities.
  • Climate strategies prioritizing children.
  • Digital literacy and rights-based governance for technology.
  • Strengthened schemes for nutrition and income security.
  • Anti-trafficking law enforcement.
  • Improved government school infrastructure.
  • Rehabilitation programs for juveniles.
  • Vocational training to reduce child marriage.

Hyperspectral Eye

• Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI): Analyzes a wide spectrum of light (hundreds of wavelengths) to “spectrally fingerprint” the Earth, providing significantly more data than traditional RGB imaging. Each pixel contains a complete spectrum.

• Problem Detection: Designed to detect problems invisible to current satellites by analyzing spectral signatures.

• Global Coverage: The satellite constellation aims for global coverage with a 24-hour revisit time.

• Firefly Constellation: India’s first commercial hyperspectral satellite constellation.

• High Resolution: Offers 5-meter resolution, six times sharper than existing hyperspectral satellites with 30-meter resolution, enabling capture of finer details.

• Advanced Sensors: Capable of capturing data across more than 150 spectral bands.

• Applications: Detects subtle changes in chemical compositions, vegetation health, water quality, and atmospheric conditions.

• Hyperspectral vs. Multispectral: Hyperspectral satellites detect thousands of bands compared to multispectral satellites, aiding in the identification of specific minerals or objects based on their spectral properties.

Sanchar Saathi App

• Sanchar Saathi App Launched: Aims to empower citizens and improve telecom security by combating fraud and securing telecom resources.

• Chakshu Feature: Enables users to report suspected fraudulent calls and SMS directly through the app and from their phone logs.

• Know Your Connections: Allows users to identify and manage mobile connections issued in their name, preventing unauthorized use.

• Lost/Stolen Handset Blocking: Provides a mechanism to quickly block, trace, and potentially recover lost or stolen mobile devices.

• Handset Authenticity Check: Offers a way to verify the genuineness of mobile handsets, ensuring users buy legitimate devices.

• Sanchar Saathi Goal: Empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security, and increase awareness about citizen centric initiatives.

UPI for PPI Wallets

• RBI Allows UPI Transactions for Full-KYC PPI Holders: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has modified regulations to permit holders of Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) with complete KYC verification to conduct UPI transactions through third-party applications.

• Objective: Increased Flexibility and Digital Payment Adoption: The goal is to enable PPI users (digital wallets, gift cards) to make and receive UPI payments via apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm, rather than being restricted to the issuer’s app. This enhances user convenience and encourages broader participation in the digital payment ecosystem.

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• PPIs Defined: PPIs are digital wallets and payment instruments enabling users to purchase goods/services, transfer funds, and access financial services using pre-loaded value. There are over 1.14 billion PPIs in India.

• UPI Dominance: UPI is a real-time payment system developed by NPCI, facilitating inter-bank transactions via mobile phones. It accounts for 70% of India’s digital transactions in 2023-24.

• Significant UPI Growth: In October 2024, UPI processed Rs 23.49 lakh crore across 16.58 billion transactions, a 45% increase from 2023. The Indian government actively promotes UPI and RuPay cards internationally.

Bharathapuzha

• Kerala’s Second Longest River: Bharathapuzha is the second longest river in Kerala, flowing for 209 km.

• “Nile of Kerala”: It’s also known as the “Nile of Kerala,” and other names include Nila, Kuttipuram Puzha, and Ponnaniyar.

• Origin: Originates in the Annamalai hills (Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu).

• Course: Flows northwesterly through Tamil Nadu (Pollachi), enters Kerala (Palghat gap), and discharges into the Arabian Sea near Ponnani, Kerala.

• Drainage Area: Two-thirds of the drainage area (4400 sq. km) is in Kerala, with the rest (1786 sq. km) in Tamil Nadu.

• Rainfall: The basin receives significant rainfall during the southwest monsoon.

• Major Tributaries: Gayathripuzha River, Kannadipuzha River, Kalpathipuzha River, and Thuthapuzha River.

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• Malampuzha Dam: Several dams exist, with Malampuzha being the largest.

• Significance of “Nila”: “Nila” represents the river’s cultural influence in South Malabar, Kerala. It has nurtured the culture and life of the region.

Blood Bargains

• Indian Nurse Case in Yemen: The case of an Indian nurse facing a death sentence in Yemen for murder, with blood money (diya) efforts for acquittal, highlights the complexities of this practice.

• Blood Money (Diya): It is compensation paid in Sharia law for unintentional murder or culpable homicide, or when families waive retribution (qisas). The state can still impose penalties even after reconciliation.

• India’s Stance on Blood Money: India does not officially recognize blood money.

• Plea Bargaining in India: Indian law provides for ‘plea bargaining’ as a negotiation tool, where the accused pleads guilty for concessions, possibly including victim compensation.

• Limitations of Plea Bargaining: Plea bargaining is unavailable in India for crimes against women or children below 14, and heinous crimes like murder or rape.

• Scope of Plea Bargaining: Plea bargaining can be taken up only for offences that are penalised with imprisonment of less than 7 years.

• Historical Context (India): Ancient Indian texts like Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Manusmriti mention fines and reparations as legal remedies.

Why it’s in the news:

• The Indian nurse’s case brings international attention to blood money practices.
• It prompts discussions about the intersection of different legal systems (Sharia vs. Indian law).
• It raises questions about the fairness and applicability of plea bargaining in the context of serious crimes and international legal disputes.

Information Ratio?

• Definition: Information Ratio (IR) measures a portfolio’s performance relative to a benchmark (e.g., Nifty 50), adjusted for the volatility (tracking error) of its returns.
• Purpose: It shows how well a portfolio matches and exceeds a benchmark’s returns, and how consistently it does so. A low tracking error signifies more consistent performance.
• Calculation: IR = (Portfolio Return – Benchmark Return) / Tracking Error
• Usage:
  • Fund managers use it as a performance measure.
  • Investors use it to compare fund managers with similar strategies and assess their ability to generate sustained excess returns.
  • Some funds use it to calculate performance fees.
• Interpretation: An IR below 0.5 suggests the manager may not be effectively utilizing their skills to outperform the market. Investors generally prefer IRs above 0.5 for better risk-adjusted returns.
• News Significance: The IR is important for investors as it allows them to understand if a fund manager is skillfully and consistently generating returns above a relevant benchmark, taking into account the risk (volatility) involved. A higher IR generally indicates better risk-adjusted performance and may influence investment decisions.

Twigstats

• Why in News: Twigstats, a new genetic analysis tool, significantly improves the precision of tracing individual-level ancestry using ancient DNA samples from northern and Central Europe (500 BC to 1000 AD).

• What is Twigstats: An advanced analytical tool for ancestry analysis with high precision, designed to enhance the understanding of population dynamics. It reconstructs genetic family trees by analyzing shared genetic mutations between individuals.

• Key Features:

  • Time-Stratified Ancestry Analysis: Improves accuracy by studying ancestry evolution across historical periods.
  • Integration of Genetic Techniques: Combines haplotypes, rare variants, and SNPs for comprehensive ancestry analysis and insights into demographic transitions.
  • Compatibility with R: Uses statistical languages R and C++ for precise genetic data analysis.

• Techniques Used for Genetic Analysis:

  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs): Identifies DNA sequence differences between individuals to reconstruct genetic histories and ancestry models.
  • Haplotypes Method: Analyzes inherited genetic marker combinations to understand disease patterns and population genetics.
  • Genealogical Tree Inference: Traces ancestry and genetic relationships by constructing family trees using modern and ancient genomes.

Fiscal Federalism

• Increased Central Dependence: States’ reliance on Central transfers and grants has significantly risen (23-30% of total revenue, up from 20-24% in the 2000s), indicating a growing dependence on the Centre.
• Declining Tax Collection: States’ own tax revenue remains below 50% of total revenue, with declining efficiency in tax collection efforts (own tax revenue to GSDP ratio declined in major states). Share of non-tax revenue in total revenue is projected to fall below 24% in FY25, the lowest in 25 years.
• Fiscal Stress: State debt levels exceed the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management committee’s recommended debt-to-GDP ratio of 20%, highlighting the unsustainable debt burden faced by states. States’ revenue expenditures increased by 14% during the Covid pandemic
• Erosion of Fiscal Autonomy: Heavy reliance on Central funding restricts states’ fiscal independence and ability to tailor policies to local needs.
• Developmental Constraints: Inefficient tax mobilization hampers states’ ability to meet developmental demands, potentially widening regional disparities.
• Political Tensions: Centralized decision-making in tax policies can lead to disagreements between the Centre and states.
• Recommended Solutions:
  • Increase states’ share in revenue through Finance Commission recommendations.
  • Enhance tax collection efficiency through technology and modernized systems.
  • Explore new revenue sources like environmental taxes.
  • Boost earnings from State public sector enterprises.
  • Utilize Central schemes for economic activity.
  • Tighten fiscal discipline and prioritize reliance on own-source revenues.
• Why it Matters: The trend threatens fiscal federalism, limits states’ developmental capacity, and can create political friction. Collaborative efforts are needed for sustainable growth and reduced regional disparities.

CROPS: Orbital Plant Research

• ISRO’s CROPS Module: ISRO has successfully tested the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS).

• Germination Success: Lobia (black-eyed pea) seeds have been germinated in space.

• CROPS Functionality: The module acts as a mini-greenhouse. It includes controlled air, temperature, simulated sunlight (LEDs), and an Earth-operated water system.

• Methods: CROPS utilizes hydroponics (nutrient-rich water), aeroponics (misted nutrients), and soil-like mediums with slow-release fertilizer for plant growth.

• Ideal Space Plants: Leafy vegetables, beans, peas, radishes, carrots, wheat, rice, tomatoes, and strawberries are deemed suitable for space cultivation.

• Significance: CROPS aims to establish a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. Plants will also contribute to air quality and closed-loop life support by recycling carbon dioxide.

Kokborok

• Protests for Roman Script: Members of the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) protested for the adoption of the Roman script for Kokborok in textbooks and official work, leading to detentions. This highlights the ongoing debate and tension surrounding the script used for the language.

• Kokborok Language: It is the mother tongue of the Borok people and other tribal communities in Tripura, including Debbarma, Reang, and Jamatia. This shows the language’s significance to the cultural identity of these communities.

• Etymology: “Kok-Borok” literally means “the language of man” or “the language of the Borok people,” emphasizing its central role in the Borok identity.

• Script Debate: Historically used the Koloma script, but now lacks a native script and is primarily written in Bengali script. The current debate revolves around adopting the Roman script, supported by tribal groups. This is important due to the cultural and linguistic identity implications for the speakers.

• Historical Significance: Kokborok’s existence dates back to at least the 1st century AD. The Rajratnakar, a chronicle of Tripuri kings, was initially written in Kokborok and Koloma script. This emphasizes the language’s historical and cultural importance.

• Official Language Status: Recognized as an official language of Tripura in 1979 (spoken by 23.97% of Tripura’s population as of the 2011 Census), second to Bengali. This underscores its official importance within the state’s linguistic landscape.

• Script Preferences: Tribal organizations oppose the Bengali and Devanagari scripts, fearing cultural imposition and identity disruption. This highlights the cultural sensitivities surrounding script adoption.

Abd-al-Kuri

• Location & Geography: Abd-al-Kuri is an island in the Indian Ocean, part of the Socotra Archipelago. It’s closer to the Horn of Africa (Somalia) than mainland Yemen. This geographical position may be strategically important, though the provided context doesn’t elaborate further.

• Yemeni Territory: Despite its proximity to Africa, Abd-al-Kuri belongs to Yemen. This raises questions about Yemen’s territorial reach and potentially its maritime influence in the region.

• Sparse Population: The island has a very small population (under 500). This suggests limited infrastructure and potential vulnerability.

• Subsistence Fishing: The primary livelihood is fishing. This makes the island’s economy highly dependent on marine resources and susceptible to environmental changes or disruptions.

• Unique Flora: The island is home to the endemic Euphorbia abdalkuri, a unique plant species. This highlights the island’s biodiversity importance, especially for conservation efforts.

• Yemen’s Borders: Yemen shares land borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman. Maritime borders are shared with Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia. This contextualizes Abd-al-Kuri within Yemen’s broader geopolitical environment.

South Korean Martial Law

• Impeachment & Martial Law: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on January 15, 2025, following his impeachment due to declaring martial law in December 2024. The political turmoil stemmed from public outrage, mass protests, and legislative action after the declaration.

• What is Martial Law: Martial law is the temporary imposition of military rule over a civilian population, suspending ordinary law and government. The military assumes control of civil administration and security.

• Martial Law in South Korea: The South Korean President can declare martial law during war or national emergencies to mobilize military forces for public safety and order, under Article 77 of the Constitution. Martial Law also enables government to suspend or alter regular judicial and executive powers

• Martial Law in India: Article 34 allows for restrictions on fundamental rights during martial law. There is no specific provision in the Constitution that authorises the executive to declare martial law. Parliament can indemnify actions taken during martial law, protecting officials from legal challenges related to maintaining order, and also allows taking action under extraodinary conditions of war, invasion or violence.

• India-South Korea Relations:

  • Diplomatic relations established in 1973; a “Special Strategic Partnership” since 2015.
  • Strong historical ties including ancient royal marriages.
  • India’s role in the Korean War: provided medical assistance and helped broker a ceasefire.
  • Economic ties: Bilateral trade in 2023 was USD 24.4 billion, ROK’s FDI to India until June 2023 stands at USD 8.02 billion.
  • Defense: Increased cooperation including joint exhibitions.
  • Cultural Exchange: Active cultural center and festivals.

Namdhari Sikhs

• Namdhari Sect/Kukas: Founded in 1857 by Satguru Ram Singh, advocating social reform and resisting British rule. Known as “Kukas” due to their loud recitation of Gurbani.

• Core Beliefs: Respect Guru Granth Sahib as supreme Gurbani, but believe in a living Guru. They revere cows, abstain from alcohol, tea, and coffee.

• Headquarters: Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana, near Raiyaan, the birthplace of Ram Singh.

• Kuka Martyrs’ Day (History): Commemorates the events of January 1872, when Namdharis protested cow slaughter in Malerkotla.

• Malerkotla Incident: A group of Namdharis reached Malerkotla after a cow slaughter incident, advocating for a ban.

• Clashes and Retribution: Clashes with government officials followed. Attacks on Malaudh Fort led to severe British retaliation.

• Executions: Deputy Commissioner John Lambert Cowan ordered the execution of 49 Kukas on January 17 and 17 more on January 18.

• Guru Granth Sahib: Primary holy book of the Sikhs, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev from hymns of Sikh Gurus and other saints.

Ending Honour Killings

• News: Honour killing in Madhya Pradesh highlights ongoing issue.
• What is Honour Killing?: Murder of family member (often woman) for perceived dishonor, rooted in cultural norms regarding marriage, relationships, and female behaviour.
• Statistics: NCRB data underreports actual cases (25 in 2019 & 2020, 33 in 2021).
• Causes: Caste system (inter-caste marriage threat), patriarchal norms (denying women’s choice), Caste Panchayats (imposing punishments), gender imbalance, prioritisation of ascribed social status.
• Consequences: Violation of human rights, gender inequality, psychological trauma, governance challenges (perpetrators evading justice), cultural backwardness, and global human rights scrutiny.
• Legal Provisions: IPC/BNS Sections 299-304 (murder/culpable homicide), 307 (attempt to murder), 308 (attempt to culpable homicide), 34 & 35 (common intention).
• Judicial Stand: Supreme Court cases (Lata Singh, State of UP vs Krishna Master, Arumugam Servai, Shakti Vahini) condemn honour killings, stress accountability, and direct state protection for inter-caste couples.
• Way Forward (Reforms):
  • New Legislation: Dedicated anti-honour killing law for targeted protection and accountability.
  • Electoral Disqualification: Bar convicts from elections to reduce social legitimacy.
  • Fast Track Courts: Ensure swift justice.
  • Amend Special Marriage Act: Shorten registration period to one week to enhance protection.
  • IPC Amendment: Define honour killing and specify punishments to deter crimes.

Ending Teenage Pregnancy in India

• Why in News: A recent study highlights the persistent challenge of adolescent pregnancies in India.

• Key Findings:

  • Teenage pregnancy is linked to child marriage and gender inequality.
  • Despite declining child marriage rates, teenage pregnancies remain high in some states (West Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan).
  • Poverty, societal norms, and lack of reproductive education are significant drivers.
  • Teenage mothers face stigmatization, limited support, and exclusion from welfare schemes.

• Impacts:

  • Increased maternal health risks (anaemia, preterm labor, maternal mortality).
  • Higher risk of low birth weight, stunting, and infant mortality for children born to teenage mothers.
  • Limited economic and educational opportunities for young mothers.
  • Unsafe abortions are common among unintended pregnancies in adolescent girls.
  • Perpetuates gender inequality and increases domestic violence.

• Government Schemes:

  • PMMVY & JSY incentivize maternal health for women 19+, indirectly discouraging adolescent pregnancy.
  • RKSK addresses adolescent health (10-19 years), including reproductive health.
  • BSY promotes girl child education, delaying marriage.
  • ICDS provides nutrition and health support for children and pregnant/lactating women.
  • School Health and Wellness Program focuses on adolescent health education.
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aims to empower girls and improve the child sex ratio.

• Way Forward:

  • Integrate comprehensive reproductive education into school curriculums.
  • Scale up programs like Kanyashree Prakalpa (financial incentives to delay marriage).
  • Engage local communities to monitor and prevent child marriages.
  • Strengthen enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006.
  • Establish a national database on teenage pregnancies for targeted interventions.
  • Mobilize ASHA, Anganwadi workers, and Police Sakhi to tackle child marriage.

Beyond BMI

• BMI Limitations: The traditional Body Mass Index (BMI) is being reevaluated due to its inaccuracies in assessing obesity. It can misclassify muscular individuals as obese and underestimate obesity in those with low muscle mass but high body fat.

• Alternative Metrics Recommended: The Lancet suggests using waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, and waist-height ratio as better indicators. These take into account factors like gender, age, and ethnicity, providing a more nuanced assessment.

• Obesity Classification Shift: Obesity classification should move beyond just BMI and consider physiological impact. The Lancet advocates classifying obesity as either pre-clinical (no organ dysfunction) or clinical (organ dysfunction and activity impairment present).

• Indian Obesity Statistics: A significant 70% of India’s urban population is considered obese or overweight, according to The Lancet. India ranks third globally in the number of obese individuals, following the US and China.

• Focus on Body Fat: Obesity is defined as a condition characterized by excessive body fat. The traditional BMI threshold for obesity is a BMI of 30 or higher, but the focus is shifting to direct measurements of body fat distribution.

IV Fluids: Basics

• What are IV Fluids? Specially formulated liquids injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration in people of all ages due to illness, injury, exercise, or surgery.
• Why in News? Routine medical procedure used for rehydration, with a low risk of complications.
• Composition: Typically contains water, glucose (sugar), and electrolytes (potassium, sodium, chloride). Multiple fluids can be administered simultaneously.
• Types:
  • Crystalloid Solutions: Most common type. Contain small molecules that easily pass into tissues and cells (e.g., normal saline, D5W, Lactated Ringer’s). Lactated Ringer’s is used for aggressive fluid replacement.
  • Colloid Solutions: Contain large molecules that remain in the blood vessels (e.g., albumin, hetastarch).
• Injection Site: Forearm (wrist, elbow), back of the hand are common sites. Foot veins can be used. Neck veins might be used in emergencies.

ISRO’s New Launchpad

• ISRO’s Third Launch Pad (TLP) Project: Aims to establish new launch infrastructure at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• Supports Next-Gen Launch Vehicles (NGLV): Primarily designed for ISRO’s future NGLV and adaptable to LVM3 vehicles.
• Standby for Second Launch Pad: Serves as a backup for the existing Second Launch Pad.
• Boosts Launch Capacity: Increases the frequency of launches and supports human spaceflight missions.
• Universal and Adaptable Design: Accommodates various vehicle configurations, including scaled-up NGLV.
• Industry Participation: Emphasizes maximum industry involvement, leveraging ISRO’s experience.
• Timeline: Project targeted for completion within 48 months (4 years).
• Funding: Requires a total fund of Rs. 3984.86 Crore.
• Enhances Space Ecosystem: Boosts India’s space capabilities, including human spaceflight and exploration.
• Reduces Reliance: Currently, ISRO relies on two launch pads (FLP & SLP).
• FLP History: First Launch Pad (FLP) operational for 30 years, supporting PSLV & SSLV.
• SLP Role: Second Launch Pad (SLP) supports GSLV & LVM3, and acts as a standby for PSLV.
• India has three rocket launching sites : Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Satish Dhawan Space Centre and Dr Abdul Kalam Island

Tungabhadra

• Green Water Alert: The Tungabhadra River water has turned green in certain areas of Gadag district, causing concern among local residents. This unusual phenomenon has triggered anxiety as typically, the river water turning green is associated with stagnant puddles during the dry season, not flowing water.

• River Significance: The Tungabhadra is a major South Indian river, a crucial tributary of the Krishna River. Its health and appearance directly impact the surrounding communities.

• Geographical Importance: It originates in the Western Ghats (Karnataka) and flows through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, covering a substantial basin area.

• Economic & Infrastructure Significance: It’s vital for irrigation (supporting over 1.25 million hectares), hydroelectric power generation, and general water supply. The Tungabhadra Dam is a key infrastructure component.

• Historical Context: Historically significant, the river supported the prosperity of the Vijayanagara Empire, with Hampi situated on its banks.

Bharat Ranbhoomi.

• “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” Launched: A joint initiative by the Defence and Tourism Ministries to open iconic Indian battlefields to the public.
• Purpose: To boost connectivity, tourism, and socio-economic growth in border regions. Also to promote understanding of India’s wartime history.
• Features: Virtual tours, historical narratives, interactive content, and travel planning assistance. “Incredible India” campaign will spotlight sites.
• Selected Sites: 75 forward locations, including Galwan and Doklam, along the LAC and LOC, locations of past conflicts such as 1962 & 1971 Indo-Pak war.
• Doklam: Tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China, near the Siliguri Corridor (“Chicken’s Neck”), a strategically vital area.
• Significance: Allows visitors a first-hand understanding of soldiers’ experiences in remote, strategically important regions.
• Collaboration: The Army is working with local authorities to facilitate tourism while maintaining operational readiness.

Huntington’s Disease: Overview

• Genetic Brain Disorder: Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an inherited condition causing brain cells to deteriorate, impacting movement and memory.

• Inheritance Risk: If a parent has HD, there’s a 50% chance their child will develop it. This highlights the direct genetic link and risk for offspring.

• HTT Gene Mutation: HD stems from a mutated HTT gene, leading to a faulty huntingtin protein that damages neurons. This explains the root cause of the disease.

• Brain Regions Affected: Damage occurs in the basal ganglia (movement control) and brain cortex (thinking, memory). This specifies where the disease manifests neurologically.

• Prevalence: Affects 3-7 per 100,000 people, mostly those of European descent. This shows demographic risk factors.

• Key Symptoms: Includes uncontrollable movements (chorea), abnormal postures, behavioral changes, and cognitive decline. Emphasizes the diverse and debilitating symptoms.

• Progression and Prognosis: Symptoms worsen over time, requiring constant care, with death typically occurring 15-20 years after symptom onset. Illustrates the severity and life-limiting nature of the disease.

• No Cure, Symptom Management: No cure exists, but medications like haloperidol and tetrabenazine can manage movement issues. This emphasizes current treatment limitations but also available supportive care.

• Average Onset: Symptoms typically start around age 45, though onset can be later. This highlights age-related aspects of the disease and diagnostic challenges.

Tungabhadra River: Key Facts

• Significant Peninsular River: Tungabhadra is a major river in southern India and a key tributary of the Krishna River. This highlights its geographical importance.
• Sacred River: Considered sacred by Hindus and mentioned as “Pampa” in the Ramayana, showcasing its cultural and religious significance.
• Formation: Formed by the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers originating in the Western Ghats. This explains its origin and composition.
• Course: Flows for 531 km, traversing Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh before joining the Krishna River. This defines its path and regional coverage.
• Catchment Area: Has a catchment area of 69,552 sq. km, predominantly influenced by the southwest monsoon. This indicates its water source and area of influence.
• Major Tributaries: Includes Varada and Hagari (Vedathy) rivers, illustrating its broader river system.
• Dams and Reservoirs: Several dams like Tunga Anicut, Bhadra, Hemavathy, and Tungabhadra Dam are built on it. This emphasizes its importance for irrigation and water management.
• Hampi’s Location: The Vijayanagara Empire’s capital, Hampi, is located on its banks, linking it to historical significance.
• Drinking and Irrigation Source: Provides drinking water and irrigation to numerous towns and cities, underlining its essential role in regional water supply.
• Flood Protection Walls: King Krishnadevaraya constructed flood protection walls (1525-1527 AD), indicating historical efforts to manage the river’s impact.

Gaddi Dog

• Recognition: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR) has officially recognized the Gaddi dog. This acknowledgement is crucial for conservation efforts.

• Indigenous Breed: It’s the fourth indigenous canine breed registered in India, highlighting the country’s diverse canine heritage. The other three breeds are Rajapalayam, Chippiparai and Mudhol Hound.

• Origin and Purpose: Named after the Gaddi tribe of Himachal Pradesh, these dogs traditionally guard livestock (sheep and goats). Their function is essential to the livelihoods of these communities.

• Nickname: Nicknamed the ‘Indian Panther Hound’ or ‘Indian leopard Hound’ due to their ability to protect livestock from predators like snow leopards. It demonstrates their strength and protective abilities.

• Physical Attributes: Massive, arched neck and robust muscular body, typically with a black coat and occasional white markings. Defining characteristics for breed identification.

• Population Crisis: The Gaddi dog population is under 1000 and faces extinction due to gene pool dilution and lack of breeding programs. Highlighting the urgent need for conservation.

• Conservation Goal: The recognition aims to aid in the conservation of the Gaddi breed. A step towards protecting this valuable and unique breed.

• Kennel Club Status: The breed is not yet acknowledged by major kennel clubs. Further recognition and support are needed.

River Links

• Context: India faces uneven water distribution despite having a large population, with 17% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater resources.

• Project Goal: To address water inequality and challenges related to topography, climate, natural disasters, and water scarcity.

• What is River Interlinking?: It involves transferring water from surplus areas to water-scarce regions using canals, reservoirs, and pipelines.

• Historical Background: The idea dates back to 1858 with Captain Arthur Cotton. The National Perspective Plan (NPP) was formulated in 1980 to address inter-basin water transfer.

• Key Project: Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP): This is the first project under the National Perspective Plan. It aims to transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, providing irrigation, drinking water, and generating power in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

• Significance:

  • Transfer of about 200 billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of water annually.
  • Irrigation for 34 million hectares.
  • Generation of 34,000 MW of hydropower.
  • Improved water access for agriculture, drinking, and industry.
  • Flood mitigation.

• Concerns: Environmental and social impacts are significant.

  • Changes in river morphology and water quality.
  • Disruption of ecosystems and species habitats.
  • Displacement of populations.
  • Inter-state water disputes.
  • High costs, potential for time and cost overruns.
  • Environmentally friendly alternative like rainwater harvesting.

Semi-Dirac Fermions

• Discovery of Semi-Dirac Fermion: Physicists have discovered a unique particle called a semi-Dirac fermion in zirconium silicon sulphide (ZrSiS).

• Unique Properties: Semi-Dirac fermions have mass when moving in one direction but behave as if they have no mass in a perpendicular direction.

• Dirac vs. Semi-Dirac Fermions: Dirac fermions have mass and are distinct from their anti-particles, while semi-Dirac fermions exhibit direction-dependent mass.

• Quasiparticle Nature: The semi-Dirac fermion is a quasiparticle, behaving like a single particle but composed of multiple energy packets.

• Fundamental Particles Overview: Fundamental particles are the basic building blocks of matter (fermions) and energy (bosons), explained by the Standard Model.

• Fermions: Matter particles like electrons, neutrons, protons and quarks, obeying the Pauli Exclusion Principle. Fermions have half-integer spins.

• Bosons: Force-carrying particles like photons, gluons, and the Higgs boson, not subject to the Pauli Exclusion Principle. Bosons have whole number spins.

• Applications of Fundamental Particles: Medical imaging, nuclear energy, quantum computing, particle therapy, and electronics.

Why in News:

• New Insights: The semi-Dirac fermion discovery offers fresh insights into the properties of fundamental particles.
• Quantum Physics Implications: The finding has potential implications for quantum physics research.

State Symbols

• Tripura’s State Emblem: Tripura unveiled its first official state emblem after approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

  • Why in News? The approval was granted under Rule 4(2) of the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007, signifying official recognition of Tripura’s unique identity.

• State Symbols – Provisions: India does not have uniform legislation but the Act regulates various components like flag, emblem, and song.

• State Flag: States can have flags, as long as they adhere to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

  • SC Ruling: The Supreme Court, in S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994), affirmed states’ right to have flags, provided they don’t dishonor the national flag. State flags must be flown below the national flag.

• State Emblem: Regulated by the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005. States need Union Home Ministry approval for state symbols.

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  • Usage: Authorized for official purposes (seals, stationery, vehicles, buildings). Unauthorized use is prohibited.

• State Song: No central law exists. State songs are usually approved by state legislatures/executives.

  • Example: West Bengal declared Poila Baisakh as State Day and “Banglar Mati Banglar Jal” as State Song.

• Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950: Prevents the unauthorized commercial use of national and state emblems and names.

  • Scope: Extends to state symbols, preventing their misuse without authorization.
  • Prohibition: Section 3 prohibits using scheduled names/emblems for trade/business without Central Government approval.

PM Surya Ghar Yojana

• Operational Guidelines Issued: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released operational guidelines for the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

  • Why: To facilitate implementation using RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) and Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) models, supplementing the existing consumer-driven approach.

• Two Installation Models:

  • RESCO Model: Third-party investment; consumers pay only for consumed electricity, selling excess to DISCOMs.

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    • Why: Reduces upfront costs for consumers.

      • ULA Model: DISCOMs/state entities install systems for households.

    • Why: Streamlines installation process through established power distribution channels.

• Payment Security Mechanism (PSM): A Rs 100 crore fund is established to de-risk RESCO investments.

  • Why: Encourages private sector participation by mitigating financial risks.

• Scheme Overview: Launched in February 2024, targeting one crore households with rooftop solar.

  • Why: Aims to provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month.

• Budget and Timeline: Total budget of Rs 75,021 crore, implemented until FY 2026-27.

  • Why: Demonstrates significant government commitment to solar energy adoption.

• Financial Assistance: Subsidy covers up to 40% of installation costs.

  • Why: Makes solar installations more affordable for homeowners.

• Implementation Agencies: National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIA) at the state level.

  • Why: Ensures structured execution and monitoring.

• Model Solar Village: One village per district to be selected and promoted. Highest RE capacity village to receive Rs 1 crore.

  *   **Why:** Incentivises community-level adoption and showcases success.
  

• Expected Outcomes: Reduction of 720 million tonnes of carbon emissions, 17 lakh direct jobs, and 30 GW of solar capacity.

  • Why: Highlights the scheme’s environmental and economic benefits.

  • Income Generation: Households can sell surplus electricity to DISCOMs.

  • Why: Creates an additional revenue stream for participating households.

Bee Threats

• High Risk to Wild Bees: Over 70% of wild bee species face threats from pesticide residues in the soil. Wild bee populations are threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.
• Pesticide Impact: Common pesticides like cyantraniliprole negatively affect wild bee survival and reproduction, endangering future bee generations. Current pesticide risk assessments primarily focus on honeybees and overlook wild bee species.
• Vulnerability: Wild, solitary bees lack the social detoxification strategies of honeybees, making them more susceptible to pesticide damage.
• Pollination Importance: Bees are crucial pollinators for numerous food crops, directly impacting global food security. A third of global food production relies on bee pollination, as reported by the FAO.
• Threat to food production: The decline in bee populations threatens plants that rely on them for pollination, impacting global food security.

PM-WANI Explained

• Launched in December 2020 by the Department of Telecommunication: A government initiative aimed at boosting digital connectivity.

• Objective: Proliferation of public WiFi hotspots, especially in rural areas: Aims to create robust digital communications infrastructure nationwide.

• Target: Increase employment and low-cost internet: Focused on benefiting small entrepreneurs and underserved communities.

• Licence-free Wi-Fi Provision: Encourages local businesses to offer Wi-Fi without needing a licence or paying registration fees.

• Access via App: Users find and connect to PM-WANI hotspots using a dedicated app.

• PM-WANI Ecosystem:

  • Public Data Office (PDO): Establishes and operates the Wi-Fi hotspots (no licence required).
  • Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): Manages authorization, accounting, and user interface.
  • App Provider: Develops apps for hotspot discovery and connection.
  • Central Registry: C-DoT maintains records of all PM-WANI participants.

• Wi-Fi vs. Internet: Wi-Fi provides local connectivity, while the internet is a global network.

Pay Commission

• 8th Pay Commission Announced: The Union government has established the 8th Pay Commission to review salaries and benefits. This is a current event.

• Purpose of Pay Commissions: They determine the compensation, including salaries, allowances, and pension benefits, for central government employees and pensioners. This impacts millions of people.

• Process: The commission consults with central and state governments and other stakeholders to formulate its recommendations.

• Focus on Inflation: The commission suggests revisions for dearness allowance and relief to counteract the effects of inflation.

• Recommendations are not binding: The government is not legally obligated to accept the commission’s suggestions.

• Timing: The 7th Pay Commission concludes in 2026. Starting the process now allows for sufficient time to implement changes, with a usual cycle of approximately ten years between commissions.

Global Risks 2025

• WEF’s Global Risks Report 2025 Released: The World Economic Forum (WEF) issued its 20th annual report identifying pressing global risks.
• India’s Top Risks: Water supply shortages, misinformation/disinformation, erosion of human rights/civic freedoms, pollution, and labor/talent shortages are highlighted for India.
• Immediate Global Risks (Next 2 Years): Misinformation/disinformation tops the list, followed by extreme weather events and state-based armed conflict. Why: These pose immediate threats to social stability, human security, and international relations.
• Long-Term Global Risks (Next 10 Years): Extreme weather events, biodiversity loss/ecosystem collapse, and critical changes to Earth systems are the main concerns. Why: These represent fundamental threats to the planet’s health, human survival, and long-term prosperity.
• Geopolitical Bridges: India and Gulf countries are seen as potential mediators amid US-China rivalry. Why: They can foster cooperation and reduce tensions by connecting the West and East.
• Trade Protectionism: Initiatives like the US’s Inflation Reduction Act and India’s Make in India demonstrate a trend towards geoeconomic confrontation. Why: Non-tariff barriers (subsidies, industrial policy) are fueling protectionism and disrupting global trade.
• Multilateral Solutions Needed: Rising geopolitical tensions, fractured global trust, and the climate crisis demand cross-border collaboration. Why: These challenges are too complex for any single nation to address effectively.

Pench Tiger Reserve

• Location: Southern Satpura hills, Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh, bordering Maharashtra.
• Establishment: National Park in 1983, Tiger Reserve in 1992.
• Area: 1,180 sq.km (including 768 sq.km buffer zone).
• Named After: Pench River.
• Components: Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, Pench Mowgli Sanctuary, and a buffer zone.
• The Jungle Book: The area is the real story setting of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”.
• Vegetation: Mosaic of moist valley to dry deciduous forest. Teak forests cover ~25% of the area. Bamboo near water banks.
• Flora: Teak, saag, mahua, grasses, shrubs.
• Fauna: Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Wild boar. Predators include tiger, leopard, wild dogs, wolf. Over 325 bird species (Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta etc.).
• India’s First Dark Sky Park: Pench Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) is India’s first and Asia’s fifth Dark Sky Park.
• Dark Sky Park Significance: Recognised for protecting night sky quality, preventing light pollution, and promoting astronomy.

Why in News (for UPSC):

• Dark Sky Park Status: The designation as India’s first Dark Sky Park highlights PTR’s commitment to conservation beyond just flora and fauna, addressing light pollution and its impact on the ecosystem. This can be a case study for environmental management.
• Location and Ecological Significance: PTR’s location in the Satpura hills makes it ecologically important. Understanding its biodiversity, vegetation, and faunal composition, along with conservation efforts, is relevant for UPSC Environment & Ecology syllabus.
• Tiger Conservation: As a Tiger Reserve, PTR’s role in tiger conservation efforts in India is crucial. UPSC may ask about tiger conservation projects, challenges, and successes in PTR.
• “The Jungle Book” Connection: The link to Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” offers a cultural and historical context to the region, which can be relevant for UPSC’s art and culture or history sections.

Cabo Verde: Key Facts

• Island Nation: Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, is an African country consisting of 10 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Location: Situated off the northwest coast of Africa, near Senegal. Islands divided into Barlavento (windward) and Sotavento (leeward) groups.
• Climate: Moderate climate with stable temperatures but extreme aridity.
• Terrain: Varied terrain, with flatter, older islands in the east and mountainous, newer islands in the west.
• Population: Predominantly mestiço or Crioulo, of mixed European and African descent.
• Capital: Praia
• Languages: Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole.
• Vulnerable to Climate Change: Highly susceptible to extreme heat, floods, droughts, storms, landslides, volcanic eruptions, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise.
• Exacerbating Factors: Rapid urbanization and land degradation intensify vulnerability to natural hazards.
• Economic Challenges: Heavy reliance on tourism, imported fuel/goods (80% of food consumption), and high public debt.
• Main Industry: Service-oriented economy, with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services contributing roughly 75% of GDP.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam

• Annual Cultural Exchange: Kashi Tamil Sangamam is an annual program organized by the Ministry of Education to celebrate and rediscover the historical and cultural links between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi.

• Theme: The third edition’s central theme is Rishi Agastya, highlighting his contributions to Siddha medicine, Tamil literature, and national cultural unity.

• Dates: The upcoming event is scheduled from February 15 to 24, 2025.

• Participants: Approximately 1000 participants across five categories (students, teachers, farmers/artisans, professionals/entrepreneurs, and researchers) will take part.

• Selection Process: Selection will be based on a quiz conducted via an online registration portal.

• Activities: The program includes seminars, cultural performances, and visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and the Maha Kumbh.

• Objectives: The event aims to strengthen cultural bonds, promote knowledge exchange, and boost tourism and educational interactions between the two regions.

Interpol Silver Notice

• Interpol’s Silver Notice Launched: Introduced in 2023 (pilot phase until 2025), involving 52 countries including India.

• Purpose: To identify and recover criminal assets (properties, vehicles, financial accounts, businesses) linked to illegal activities (fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, environmental crimes) across borders.

• Mechanism: Enables member countries to request information about assets related to criminal activities.

• CBI’s View: Considered a more effective tool than Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) for tracing illicit assets.

• Interpol Notices: Silver Notice is one of eight types of international alerts used by police in member countries to share crime-related information. These notices can be requested by member countries (via their INTERPOL National Central Bureau, BHARATPOL in India), the UN, International Criminal Tribunals, and the International Criminal Court.

• BHARATPOL: India has launched this portal to improve the efficiency of its investigative agencies.

• Interpol Background: Global police organization founded in 1923, headquartered in Lyon, France. India became a member in 1949.

Siachen: The Frozen Battleground

• Strategic Location: Siachen Glacier is strategically vital for India due to its location in the Karakoram Range.

• Division between POK and China: The Saltoro Ridge within the Siachen region prevents a direct geographical link between Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) and China. This thwarts potential military alliances between the two.

• Observation of Gilgit-Baltistan: Siachen provides India with a vantage point to monitor Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan territories.

• Control over Key Routes: It dominates the Shaksgam Valley (ceded to China by Pakistan), controls routes from Gilgit Baltistan to Leh, and overlooks the Karakoram Pass.

• Source of Nubra River: The glacier is a major source of the Nubra River, a tributary of the Shyok River.

• Operation Meghdoot: India established control over Siachen in 1984 through Operation Meghdoot.

• “Third Pole” Significance: The region is part of the “Third Pole,” holding significant freshwater reserves, second only to the polar ice caps.

Sydney Funnel-Web

• New Funnel-Web Spider Species Discovered: Scientists have identified a new, large funnel-web spider species, Atrax christenseni, nicknamed “Big Boy,” near Newcastle, Australia.

• Distinctive Features: This spider, reaching 9cm in length, has shiny, dark brown to black coloring, finger-like spinnerets, larger venom glands, and longer fangs.

• Venomous Males: As with other Sydney funnel-webs, only the male’s venom is deadly to humans.

• Habitat: These spiders inhabit bushy suburban areas and forests, favoring shady, sloped areas.

• Dangerous Arachnid: Funnel-web spiders are considered among the world’s most dangerous. Their venom contains approximately 40 toxic proteins.

• Antivenom Source: Raw venom is crucial for producing life-saving antivenom.

• Most Dangerous: The Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus) holds the Guinness World Record for being the most dangerous spider to humans.

Deccan Volcanism & India’s Drift

• News: New study shows tropical flora resilient during Deccan Volcanism, while fauna suffered mass extinctions.

• Deccan Volcanism:

  • Massive volcanic eruptions forming Deccan Traps in India, linked to a mantle plume.
  • Contributed to Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event (66 million years ago), impacting ammonoids and dinosaurs globally.
  • Supported diverse tropical flora due to fertile habitats, warm climate and plate movement.

• Indian Plate Movement:

  • India part of Gondwanaland, breaking off around 215 million years ago.
  • Separated from Africa (~165-150 Ma) and Antarctica-Australia (~130-120 Ma).
  • Réunion hotspot (mantle plume) caused Deccan Traps formation as India moved north.

• Collision with Asia:

  • Collided ~50-35 Ma ago, forming Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau.
  • Closed Tethys Sea.
  • Altered global climate, established Indian monsoon.

• Key Impacts:

  • Volcanism and plate movement shaped global biodiversity.
  • Indian Plate movement created the Himalayas.
  • Significant climate changes.

Neuralink Implants

• Neuralink’s Third Implant: Elon Musk’s Neuralink has implanted its brain-computer interface (BCI) in a third person.

• Expansion of Trials: Neuralink aims to implant its devices in 20-30 more people in 2025, indicating a move towards broader testing.

• BCI Technology: BCI allows direct brain-device communication, bypassing nerves and muscles, using sensors to translate brain activity into commands.

• Potential Applications: The technology has potential applications for treating neurological conditions (epilepsy, Parkinson’s), enabling prosthetic control, restoring communication, and enhancing VR/AR.

• Key Difference: Neuralink’s approach is distinct from brainoware’s organoid neural networks (ONNs), which integrate living brain tissue into computing.

Retail Inflation: Trends & Woes

• Retail Inflation Eases: Retail inflation fell to 5.22% in December 2024 from 5.48% in November 2024, driven by lower food inflation.
• Low Food Inflation: Decline in Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) to 8.39% in December 2024 due to good harvests and reservoir levels.
• Fuel Prices in Contraction: Fuel prices declined (-1.39%), easing inflationary pressure.
• Stable Core Inflation: Core inflation, excluding food and fuel, fell to 3.5%.
• Regional Disparities: Seven states exceeded RBI’s 6% inflation target, highlighting localized inflation challenges.
• Imported Inflation: Rupee depreciation increases the cost of imported commodities, impacting domestic prices.
• Global Interest Rates: High global interest rates may deter foreign investment, impacting financial stability.
• Consumer Price Index (CPI): Measures price changes of a basket of goods and services, used for policy targeting.
• CPI Components: Food and beverage (45.86%), housing (10.07%), fuel and light (6.84%), clothing and footwear (6.53%), and miscellaneous (28.32%) are key components.

Why in News: The decrease in retail inflation driven by food price decreases is important because it affects monetary policy decisions, cost of living, and purchasing power. However, regional inflation disparities, a weakening rupee, and international interest rates could negatively affect inflation management and investment flows.

IMD@150 & Mission Mausam

• 150th Foundation Day of IMD: Celebrated on 15th January 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Indian Meteorological Department.

• Mission Mausam Launch: A government initiative to enhance weather forecasting, modeling, and dissemination capabilities.

  • Budget: ₹2,000 crore allocated for the first two years.
  • Objectives: Improve forecast accuracy (5-10%), enhance air quality prediction, extend predictions to the panchayat level (10-15 day lead time).
  • Technology: AI, machine learning, high-performance computing to be used.
  • Weather Management: Exploration of weather modification techniques like cloud seeding.
  • Phases: Two phases over five years, focusing on expanding observational networks (Doppler radars, etc.) and introducing satellites/aircraft.

• IMD Vision-2047 Document: A strategic document setting targets for weather forecasting and disaster management by 2047.

  • Key Objectives:
    • 100% detection of severe weather at the village/household level.
    • Forecast Accuracy: 100% (3 days), 90% (5 days), 80% (7 days), 70% (10 days).
    • Zero deaths from weather events through early warnings.

• WMO Participation: The Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) participated in the event.

Turmeric Board

• National Turmeric Board (NTB) Launched: The Ministry of Commerce & Industry established the NTB, headquartered in Nizamabad, Telangana.

• Purpose: To boost turmeric cultivation, production, processing, marketing, and farmer income.

• Expanded Board Portfolio: The Ministry now oversees six product-specific boards, including tea, coffee, rubber, spices, and tobacco.

• Board Composition: Includes a Chairperson (appointed by the Central Government) and representatives from various ministries and state governments.

• Objectives:

  • Farmer welfare across 20 states.
  • Research, new product development, and value addition for domestic and international markets.
  • Raising awareness of turmeric’s health benefits.

• Turmeric Facts:

  • Underground stem of the Curcuma longa plant (ginger family).
  • Curcumin is the active compound.
  • India grows over 30 varieties.

• India’s Dominance: Largest producer, consumer, and exporter globally (75% of world production, 62% of exports in 2022-23).

• Export Value: In 2022-23, India exported 1,53,400 tonnes of turmeric products, valued at USD 207.45 million.

• Key Export Markets: Bangladesh, UAE, the US, and Malaysia.

• GI Tags: Several varieties of turmeric have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, including Lakadong, Kandhamal, Erode, and Armoor turmeric.

• Medical Properties: Curcumin offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive health benefits.

Data Havens

• India is in advanced discussions to host the UAE’s first data embassy, likely in Andhra Pradesh. This is significant because it establishes a framework for international data storage and sovereignty.

• Data embassies allow nations to store copies of their sovereign data in another country, maintaining control over the data. This is crucial for data continuity in the event of disasters or geopolitical instability.

• India intends to create special strategic zones for data centers, hosting sovereign data for multiple countries. These zones will function similarly to consular divisions, managing privacy and access. This is important as it positions India as a secure global data storage hub.

• Estonia pioneered the concept of data embassies, storing its data in Luxembourg after a cyberattack in 2007. This demonstrates the real-world need and application of data embassies for national security.

• Data embassies enable data localization without being subject to foreign data regulations. This provides countries with greater control and flexibility over their data.

• Setting up data embassies will enhance India’s geopolitical standing as a stable location for data storage amidst global uncertainties. This contributes to India’s growing influence in the digital realm.

Indian Agriculture: Evolving

• Evolutionary Crossroads: Indian agriculture faces challenges despite its long history, including climate change, land scarcity, water depletion, and rising costs.

• Shifting Economic Contribution: Agriculture’s share of Gross Value Added has decreased (61.7% in 1950 to 16.3% in 2020), but a significant portion of the workforce (46.5%) still relies on it, reflecting its importance but also indicating a need for diversification.

• From Subsistence to Market-Oriented Farming: Initially, farmers focused on family needs. This progressed into practices that are increasingly profit driven.

• Dominance of Small Landholdings and Monsoon Dependence: Over 86% of landholdings are small or marginal, and a significant portion of cultivated land relies on the monsoon.

• Profit-Driven Practices: There is a shift to high-value crops (horticulture, etc.) and capital-intensive methods, indicating specialization and market orientation.

• Challenges and Solutions: Soil degradation, lack of infrastructure (storage, roads), and limited credit for small farmers are critical issues. Government initiatives like PM-KISAN and FPO promotion are aimed at addressing these problems, including technology adoption and infrastructure development.

Lokpal Day

• Event: Lokpal Foundation Day observed annually on January 16th. In 2025, Anna Hazare, Justice (retd) N. Santosh Hegde, and Attorney-General R. Venkataramani will be felicitated.

• Significance: Commemorates the enforcement of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, aimed at combating corruption and promoting accountability.

• Lokpal’s Role: An independent statutory body to investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries. Acts as an “ombudsman.”

• Limitations:

  • 7-year limitation period for filing complaints may exclude older cases.
  • Severe penalties for false complaints might deter genuine complainants.
  • Concerns exist regarding the Lokpal’s independence from political influence.
  • Lokpal is yet to initiate prosecution against any individual for corruption despite handling many complaints.
  • Exemptions for matters of national security and international relations limit its scope.
  • Lack of a robust oversight mechanism for the Lokpal’s own functioning.

• Way Forward:

  • Review the limitation period for filing complaints.
  • Implement balanced penalties for false complaints.
  • Strengthen safeguards to ensure Lokpal’s independence.
  • Streamline processes and improve operational efficiency based on ARC recommendations.
  • Clarify Lokpal’s supervisory powers over other agencies like CBI, ED, and CVC.
  • Incorporate international best practices, including whistleblower protection.

The AEC

• Governing Body: The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is the governing body of India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

• Historical Context: First established in August 1948 within the Department of Scientific Research. The DAE itself was formed on August 3, 1954, directly under the Prime Minister. The AEC was later established within the DAE in 1958.

• Broad Mandate: The DAE, overseen by the AEC, handles all aspects of atomic energy, including power and non-power applications.

• Nuclear Power Focus: This includes uranium exploration and processing, fuel fabrication, heavy water production, nuclear power plant construction and operation, fuel reprocessing, and waste management.

• Research & Development: DAE, steered by the AEC, also engages in R&D for advanced reactors, fusion, accelerators, electronics, materials science, and biological sciences.

• Non-Power Applications: Covers isotope and radiation technologies for healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental applications.

• Policy Formulation: The AEC is responsible for formulating the policy of the DAE.

• Leadership: The Secretary of the DAE is the ex-officio Chairman of the AEC. Other members are appointed annually based on the Chairman’s recommendation and the Prime Minister’s approval.

• Headquarters: Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• First Chairman: Homi Jehangir Bhabha was the first Chairman of the AEC (1948-1966).

Electrokinetic Mining

• Electrokinetic Mining: A Sustainable Alternative: This novel technique uses electric fields to extract valuable resources, offering a more sustainable approach compared to conventional methods.
• Problem with Current Rare Earth Mining: Current heavy rare earth element (HREE) extraction from ion-adsorption rare earth deposits (IADs) relies heavily on ammonium-salt leaching, leading to significant environmental damage. This method is also inefficient.
• Reduced Leaching Agent Usage: Electrokinetic mining significantly reduces the need for harmful leaching agents by 80%, minimizing the environmental impact.
• Lower Energy Consumption: The process requires 60% less energy than conventional methods, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.
• High Recovery Rate: Electrokinetic mining boasts a recovery rate exceeding 95%, making it a highly efficient extraction method.
• Environmental and Economic Benefits: Electrokinetic mining offers a pathway to simultaneously reduce environmental damage and improve the recovery rate of rare earth elements (REEs).
• Electrolysis Comparison: While electrokinetic mining uses electric fields to accelerate migration, electrolysis uses direct electric current to create a chemical reaction for metal purification, such as in copper extraction.

Diego Garcia

• Fishermen Arrest: Ten Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by the British Navy near Diego Garcia for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). This highlights ongoing issues faced by Indian fishermen.

• Diego Garcia’s Location: Diego Garcia is a strategically located coral atoll in the central Indian Ocean, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Its position is crucial for international trade routes.

• Military Base: Diego Garcia hosts a joint UK-US military base, a key logistical hub for operations in the Indo-Pacific region. This underscores its geopolitical significance.

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• Sovereignty Dispute: Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. The UK plans to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius in the future while retaining a long-term lease for the military base. This is a long standing and ongoing dispute.

Whiplash Weather

• Definition: Hydroclimate whiplash is a rapid transition from extreme wet to extreme dry conditions, or vice versa.

• Cause: Global warming intensifies the water cycle. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to longer dry periods and more intense rainfall when precipitation eventually occurs.

• Mechanism: Warmer atmosphere has the capacity to hold more water for a longer time leading to dry spells and intense rainfall when it occurs.

• Impacts:

  • Increased frequency of droughts and floods.
  • Fires exacerbated by dry conditions lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
  • Flooding creates conditions for waterborne diseases (e.g., cholera, leptospirosis).

• Frequency Increase: Sub-seasonal (3-month) hydroclimate whiplash has increased by 31-66%, and inter-annual (12-month) whiplash by 8-31% since mid-20th century globally.

• Hydroclimate Definition: The study of the interaction between hydrology (water cycle) and climate, and their respective impacts on each other.

Bharat Ranbhoomi

• Historic Initiative: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” on January 15, 2025, during Army Day celebrations, marking a significant step in showcasing India’s military heritage.

• Joint Effort: This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism.

• Focus on Key Battlefield Sites: It highlights iconic war zones like Siachen, Galwan, Longewala, Kibithoo, and Bum La Pass, offering insights into India’s military history and sacrifices.

• Digital Platform: A dedicated app and website provide virtual tours, historical narratives, and travel information to enhance visitor experience and understanding.

• Economic and Educational Benefits: The initiative aims to boost local economies through tourism, offer educational opportunities, and instill patriotism. This aligns with the “Incredible India” campaign.

• Strategic Significance: Many sites are located along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, areas with a history of conflict.

• Understanding LAC and LoC: The article provides a context for understanding the LAC (unagreed demarcation with China) versus the LoC (defined by the 1972 Shimla Agreement with Pakistan).

FTI-TTP Explained

• The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) speeds up immigration for Indian Nationals and Foreign Nationals holding OCI Cards.
• Launched at Delhi’s IGI Airport in 2024, and will be expanded to 21 major airports across India. Currently being introduced at 7 major airports in addition to Delhi—Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.
• Aims to facilitate faster, smoother, and more secure international mobility.
• Enrollment requires online registration, authentication via OTP and email, and a passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Eligible applicants provide Biometrics (fingerprint and face image) for identity verification, captured at FRRO or the airport.
• Registered passengers scan their boarding pass and passport at e-gates for clearance.
• Registration validity is for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
• The Bureau of Immigration is the nodal agency, managing the program through an online portal.
• FTI-TTP membership provides faster, easier, and more secure immigration clearance.
• Significant step under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ 2047 initiative to provide world-class immigration facilities.
• Initially free of cost for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.

India’s Demographic Shift

• News: India faces a demographic shift, potentially becoming an “aged” economy like developed nations by the 2050s, according to a McKinsey & Company report.

• Why: India has only 33 years to capitalize on its demographic dividend. A declining working-age population relative to the elderly could lead to slower growth, rising dependency, and increased fiscal pressure.

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• Key Points:

  • Declining Support Ratio: Projected to fall from 10:1 in 2023 to 4.6:1 by 2050 and 1.9:1 by 2100.
  • Rising Financial Pressure: Seniors will account for 15% of total consumption by 2050 (up from 8%), straining pensions and healthcare.
  • Low Labor Participation/Productivity: Low female participation and lower productivity compared to high-income countries.
  • Birth Rate Decline: Global trend impacts GDP, labor markets, pensions, and consumer behavior.
  • Demographic Transition Stage: India is in Stage 3, moving from high to low mortality and fertility rates; TFR is below replacement rate.
  • Challenges of Aging Population: Workforce decline, healthcare system strain, lower productivity, and impact on family structures.

• Recommendations:

  • Increase female labor force participation.
  • Boost productivity through technology, innovation, and investments in infrastructure, education, and skill development.
  • Strengthen public finances and social support systems for the elderly.
  • Skill development for aging workforce
  • Intergenerational Inclusion

Kokborok

• Kokborok Defined: Kokborok is the language of the Borok (Tripuri) people and one of the official languages of Tripura (declared in 1979).

• Historical Significance: It’s a Sino-Tibetan language with records potentially dating back to the 1st century AD in the Raj Ratnakar. The term “Kokborok” appeared as early as 1897/98.

• Etymology: The name “Kokborok” combines “Kok” (verbal) and “Borok” (people/human).

• Linguistic Diversity: Historically referred to as Tipperh, Tipura, or Tipra Language by British officials.

• Current Speakers: As of the 2011 Census, there are 880,537 Kokborok speakers, representing 23.97% of Tripura’s population.

Suspect Registry

• Central Suspect Registry (CSR): A database of 1.4 million cybercriminals linked to financial fraud and cybercrimes.

• Purpose: To strengthen fraud risk management by providing a registry of identifiers of known cybercrime suspects.

• Source of Data: Built upon the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

• Developer: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

• Access: Available to states, UTs, central investigation, and intelligence agencies.

• Collaboration: Developed in collaboration with banks and financial institutions.

• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Established by MHA to tackle cybercrime in a coordinated manner. Located in New Delhi.

• I4C Functions: Nodal point for fighting cybercrime, R&D for cybercrime technologies, preventing misuse of cyberspace by extremist/terrorist groups.

• Samanvaya Platform: A web portal for data repository of cybercrime, data sharing, crime mapping, data analytics, cooperation and coordination platform for Law Enforcement Agencies across the country.

Gangasagar Fair

• Gangasagar Mela being held in West Bengal: The annual religious festival is underway at Sagar Island, at the Ganga-Bay of Bengal confluence.

• State government initiatives to enhance the experience:

  • Bandhan Initiative: Pilgrims receive certificates in multiple languages.
  • e-Anushandhan: System to access mela facilities.
  • e-Parichay: QR code identity bands to prevent missing persons.
  • Why:These initiatives aim to improve pilgrim safety, convenience, and overall organization of the event.

• Demanding “National Mela” status: The West Bengal government has been advocating for national recognition for several years.

  • Why: National status could lead to increased central government funding and support for infrastructure and management.

• Religious Significance: Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Ganga, offer “Arghya” to the Sun God, and perform “Deepdan.”

  • Why: These rituals are believed to bring liberation and spiritual upliftment on Makar Sankranti.

• Historical Significance: The fair is referenced in the Mahabharata and Raghuvamsa, with evidence dating back to 1500-2000 BC.

  • Why: It underscores the mela’s deep roots in Indian religious tradition.

Blood Money

• Definition of Blood Money (‘Diya’): It is a compensation, usually monetary, paid by the offender to the victim or their family, rooted in Islamic Sharia law. Primarily applies to unintentional murder or homicide, and when victim’s family waives ‘qisas’ (retribution).

• Purpose: Aims to ease the hardship and income loss for the victim’s family, not to equate human life with a price. Punishment may still be given even after.

• Global Application: Practiced in Islamic countries, with variations based on victim’s gender, religion, and nationality. E.g. mandatory in Saudi Arabia for road accident deaths, with imprisonment in addition to blood money.

• India’s Stand: Blood money is not formally recognized in India. ‘Plea bargaining’ allows negotiation for a lighter sentence in return for a guilty plea, with limitations unlike blood money. Compensation to victim can be given.

• Plea Bargaining Limitations: Applicable only for offenses punishable by less than 7 years imprisonment, not for repeat offenders, crimes against women/children, or heinous crimes. Must be voluntary.

• Diya Amount in Islam: Varies, based on Sharia, but is generally calculated at 100 camels, 200 cows, or 1,000 gold dinars (approximately 4.25 kg of gold), or 12,000 silver dirhams (approximately 42.5 kg of silver).

Nag Missile

• Successful Field Trials: India successfully tested the Nag Mk 2 ATGM at Pokhran Field Firing Range. Why: Demonstrates progress and validation of indigenous defense technology.

• Developed by DRDO: The missile is indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Why: Highlights India’s push for self-reliance in defense.

• Third-Generation, Fire-and-Forget: It’s an all-weather, fire-and-forget missile with lock-on after launch capability. Why: Emphasizes advanced technological features and autonomous targeting.

• Neutralizes Modern Armour: Designed to defeat modern armoured vehicles, including those with ERA, using a tandem HEAT warhead. Why: Showcases its effectiveness against advanced enemy tanks.

• Extended Range: Has a range of 7 to 10 km, an upgrade from the Nag Mark 1’s 4 km range. Why: Significantly increases the engagement distance and tactical advantage.

• Top-Attack Capability: Features a top-attack mode to target the vulnerable upper surface of tanks. Why: Maximizes damage potential by exploiting a weak point in tank armour.

• NAMICA Launcher: Launched from the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) Version 2, an anti-tank armored vehicle. Why: Specifies the delivery platform for deployment in the field.

MAUSAM Mission

• Mission Mausam Launched: A new initiative launched by PM Modi on the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

• Upgrading Weather Forecasting: The mission’s primary goal is to improve India’s weather forecasting capabilities across all time scales (short-term to seasonal). This includes developing high-resolution models for better monsoon predictions.

• Infrastructure Enhancement: Mission Mausam will bolster observational networks with advanced technologies such as Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs), Automated Weather Stations (AWS), and rain gauges.

• Sector-Specific Advisories: The mission aims to provide actionable weather advisories to crucial sectors including agriculture, water resources, energy, health, and disaster management.

• Research & Collaboration: Mission Mausam emphasizes capacity building through research collaborations with national and international institutions like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

• Financial Investment: The initiative has a substantial budget of Rs 2,000 crore allocated for its initial two years of implementation.

• Multi-Pronged Approach: The mission incorporates infrastructure development, leveraging high-performance computing systems, collaborative research, and public outreach via mobile apps and other channels.

• Cloud Chamber Development: India is establishing a cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, for advanced study of cloud physics, aiming to understand and potentially manage weather events like rainfall, hail, and fog.

• Weather Modification Research: Cloud chamber research is critical to study cloud formation to enhance and suppress weather events.

INSA: India’s Science Academy

• Foundation & Purpose: INSA was established in 1935 (formerly NISI) to promote science in India and apply scientific knowledge for national welfare. This highlights its role as a key scientific institution.

• Objectives: Key goals include promoting scientific knowledge, coordinating scientific bodies, representing Indian scientists internationally, undertaking scientific work of national/international importance, publishing scientific material, and fostering collaboration between science and humanities. These objectives define its broad mandate.

• Role as Advisor: INSA acts as a link between scientists and policymakers, advising the government on science and technology issues. This underscores its importance in shaping national science policy.

• Recognition & Support: INSA recognizes scientists through awards and fellowships, and provides financial support for research. This demonstrates its commitment to nurturing scientific talent.

• International Collaboration: INSA has exchange programs with overseas academies and was designated as the adhering organization in India to the International Council for Science (ICSU). This emphasizes its role in fostering international scientific cooperation.

• Leadership: Founded as the National Institute Of Sciences Of India with Sir Lewis Fermor as the founder President (1935-36). Prof. Meghnad Saha was elected as the first Indian President (1937-38).

Mud Volcanoes Explained

• Mud Volcano Definition: Cone-shaped formations of mud and clay, typically smaller than true volcanoes.

• Formation Varied: Can be created by hot spring activity (gas reacting with rocks) or, more commonly, in oil-field regions due to methane and hydrocarbon gases forcing mud to the surface under compactional stress.

• Not True Volcanoes: Mud volcanoes are not of igneous origin and considered less hazardous than real volcanoes due to the emission of warm mud locally.

• Potential Hazards: The large volume of erupted mud can cause flooding, displacement, and damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

• Global Distribution: Found in various regions globally, including Europe, Asia, North and South America with ~1000 known formations.

• Mud Volcanoes in India: Present in Baratang Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and Tinsukia District (Assam). Reports also exist for Arunachal Pradesh, though less prominent.

Rupee’s Slide

• Rupee at All-Time Low: The Indian Rupee (₹) has reached a record low against the US Dollar ($), currently trading at approximately 86.63. This indicates a significant decline in the rupee’s value.

• Recent Depreciation: The rupee has depreciated by roughly 3.2% against the dollar in the past three months.

• Causes of Depreciation:

  • A strong US dollar, fueled by robust economic data.
  • Rising global crude oil prices.
  • Selling by foreign investors in the Indian equity market, leading to capital outflows.

• Economic Impacts:

  • Increased Import Costs: A weaker rupee makes imports more expensive, which increases the import bill. This can drive up inflation, especially impacting sectors dependent on imported goods (like energy, electronics).
  • Trade Deficit: A higher import bill worsens the trade deficit.
  • Impact on Exports: Export-oriented sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT can benefit from improved revenues in rupee terms, making exports more competitive.
  • Sectoral Impacts: Import-dependent industries face negative impacts. Companies with foreign debt see increased servicing costs.
  • Other Impacts: Higher education costs abroad become more expensive for students. The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) efforts to control inflation become harder and the chances of rate cut reduces due to slump in GDP.

NBFGR Explained

• National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR): Established in December 1983 under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Permanent infrastructure developed in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 1999.
• Mandate: Research on conservation of fish germplasm resources in India.
• Vision: Assessment and conservation of fish genetic resources for intellectual property protection, sustainable utilization and future generations.
• Activities: Identification, documentation, and conservation of genetic diversity of fish species to maintain healthy fish populations.
• Capabilities: Database development, genotyping, registration of aquatic germplasm, gene banking, and evaluation of endangered and exotic fish.
• Gene Banks: NBFGR operates gene banks for long-term conservation of genetic resources, especially for threatened or endangered fish species, for future use.
• Why it matters (in news): NBFGR plays a crucial role in preserving India’s fish biodiversity, which is essential for sustainable aquaculture and food security, especially in light of the increasing importance of aquaculture globally (supplying over half of seafood consumed).

Sada: A Deep Dive

• What is Sada? Flat-topped, eroded landforms in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, similar to plateaus. Local name for a large, flat area.

• Monsoon Transformation: Sada are barren for most of the year, but they transform into biodiversity hotspots during the monsoon season.

• Unique Flora: Rocky terrain supports unique, endemic plant life that flourishes during the monsoon.

• Water Conservation: Lateritic soil acts as a rainwater catchment, recharging groundwater.

• Rich Biodiversity: Sada harbor diverse wildlife, including plants (459 species, 105 endemic), reptiles (31 species), amphibians (13 species), birds (169 species), and mammals (41 species).

• Geoglyphs: The area contains ancient geoglyphs, estimated to be around 10,000 years old, indicating historical significance.

C. elegans Unveils Biology

• C. elegans: A Nobel Prize Powerhouse: The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has been instrumental in multiple Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, significantly advancing biological understanding.

• 2024 Nobel Prize: Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun won for discovering microRNAs and their role in gene expression. This highlights the importance of small RNAs in regulating biological processes.

• GFP Revolution: Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie, and Roger Tsien’s work on Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) enabled live-cell imaging, transforming how scientists visualize and study biological processes within living organisms.

• RNAi Breakthrough: Andrew Fire and Craig Mello’s discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) provided a powerful gene-silencing tool, leading to potential therapeutic applications by targeting specific genes.

• Programmed Cell Death: Sydney Brenner’s research using C. elegans contributed significantly to understanding the mechanisms of programmed cell death (apoptosis), a crucial process in development and disease.

• About C. Elegans: It is a tiny invertebrate , measuring just 1 mm in length , and transparent nematode that are unsegmented, cylindrical, and often microscopic organisms and a major component of soil and sediment ecosystems.

India Army Day 77th

• Significance: Celebrated annually on January 15th to mark the appointment of General K.M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, succeeding British General Sir F.R.R. Bucher. This event symbolized India’s post-independence military leadership transition.

• Theme: The theme for the 77th Army Day (2025) is “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena” (Capable India, Empowered Army), reflecting the army’s role in India’s development.

• Venue: Pune hosts the Army Day parade for the first time, highlighting its importance as a military hub, home to Southern Command, the National Defence Academy (NDA), and DRDO facilities. This represents a shift in venue to showcase military strength beyond Delhi.

• Year of Defence Reforms (2025): The government has designated 2025 as the “Year of Defence Reforms.” This initiative aims to integrate theatre commands, improve tri-services collaboration, simplify military procurement, and foster indigenous defense capabilities, indicating a focus on modernizing and strengthening the armed forces.

Shikari Devi Sanctuary

• Location and Altitude: Situated in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, covering altitudes from 1,800 to 3,400 meters in the Himalayas.

• Ecological Transition: Exhibits a diverse range of vegetation, transitioning from pine forests to oak forests and ultimately to alpine meadows.

• Sacred Significance: Named after the goddess Shikari Devi, with a temple dedicated to her at 2850m. The site is considered sacred by Hindus.

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• Sanctuary Establishment: Declared a sanctuary in 1962, encompassing an area of 7,200 hectares around the temple.

• Floral Diversity: Boasts seven distinct forest types due to altitudinal variation: Alpine Pasture, Sub-alpine Forest, Moist Temperate Deciduous Forest, West Himalayan Upper Oak/Fir Forest, Kharsu Oak Forest, Western Mixed Coniferous Forest, and Ban Oak Forest.

• Faunal Richness: Home to a variety of animals and birds, including goral, monal, black bear, barking deer, musk deer, and cat leopard. Other species include Himalayan palm civet, marten, Indian porcupine, Kashmiri flying squirrel, common langur, leopard, and potential snow leopard presence.

• Temple History: The temple is believed to date back to the Mahabharata era, dedicated to Shikari Devi, the Goddess of hunters. Historically, hunters would seek her blessings for successful hunts.

Indian Genome Data

• Launch of Indian Genomic Data (IGD) Set: India launched a comprehensive genomic data set of 10,000 whole genome sequencing samples under the GenomeIndia Project (GIP).

• Accessibility: The dataset is archived at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) and accessible to global researchers.

• FeED Protocols: Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures ethical and secure sharing of genomic data under Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines.

• GenomeIndia Project (GIP): Aims to map the genetic diversity of India by sequencing genomes from diverse population groups. The second phase focuses on disease-specific genome sequencing.

• Significance of GIP: Addresses India’s unique genetic makeup, including rare diseases and mutations not found in global databases.

• Personalized Medicine: IGD enables tailored healthcare solutions that account for India’s genetic diversity, improving treatment effectiveness.

• Bioeconomy Growth: IGD fuels India’s bioeconomy, reducing dependence on foreign databases and positioning India as a genomic innovation hub.

• Enhanced Genetic Tools: Facilitates the creation of genomic tools and diagnostic tests specific to regional genetic variations.

• Agricultural and Environmental Research: Provides insights into genetic diversity for improved crop breeding and environmental sustainability.

• Other Initiatives: India has various biotechnology development initiatives like the BioE3 Policy, National Biopharma Mission, and Biotech-KISAN Scheme. IndiGen Project is another initiative mapping genetic makeup for disease susceptibility.

India’s Warming Crisis

• Record Global Temperature: 2024 is confirmed as the warmest year on record, with global average surface temperature 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. The past decade is the warmest on record.
• Ocean Heat: Oceans absorbed record heat, highlighting their crucial role in storing excess heat from global warming.
• India’s Warming: India’s temperature increase (0.65°C above normal in 2024) is lower than the global average (1.55°C), but still significant (1.2°C higher than 1901-1910 average). Concerns exist about the accuracy of global climate models for India.
• Reasons for Lower Warming in India: Geographic location in the tropics, the cooling effect of aerosols and pollution, altitude variations, and less pronounced albedo effect contribute to relatively lower warming.
• Consequences of Rising Global Temperatures: Sea level rise, intensified droughts and heatwaves, biodiversity loss, disrupted food production, worsened air quality, and increased disease spread.
• Improving Observation in India: Expansion of weather stations, enhanced computing capabilities, regular impact assessments, strengthening Mission Mausam, and localized impact studies are needed.
• Way Forward: Six-sector approach to cut emissions, reforestation and afforestation, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture are essential.

People on the Move

• Significant Internal Migration: 37% of India’s population were internal migrants in 2011, increasing from 31% in 2001. A recent report indicates a slowing trend.

• Rural-Urban Dominance: The primary migration flow is from rural to urban areas, driven by better employment in the informal sector, and pushed by issues like poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation in rural regions.

• Destination States: States with higher per capita Net State Domestic Product, like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab, attract more migrants.

• Source States: States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Odisha send a significant number of migrants.

• Regional Patterns: Kerala, similar to the Gulf countries, now attracts internal migrants. Uttarakhand shows significant emigration from hill districts due to lack of opportunities, creating “ghost villages”.

• Remittances and Left-Behind Women: Remittances from migrants improve the lives of those left behind. Studies are also focusing on the experiences of women in migrant households and the “feminisation of agriculture/labor”.

• Challenges in Receiving States: Increasing in-migration strains resources like housing, water, sanitation, health, and education. Urban poverty and the informal economy require active management.

• Limited Upward Mobility: Caste and class hierarchies from source regions often persist, making upward mobility difficult for marginalized migrant groups. They often lack social protection.

• Policy Initiatives: Existing policies like the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act 2008, aim to improve opportunities and protection for migrant workers, but require effective implementation.

Rat-Hole Mining

• What it is: Rat-hole mining is an unsafe and rudimentary coal extraction method. It involves digging narrow tunnels where workers crawl to extract coal. There are two types: side-cutting (following coal seams on slopes) and box-cutting (digging pits and horizontal tunnels).

• Why it’s banned:

  • Safety: Extremely hazardous, with risks of flooding, collapse, and poor air quality.
  • Environmental Damage: Leads to land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution (acidification, heavy metals).
  • Lack of Regulation: The government has limited control, especially in Sixth Schedule states like Meghalaya where the Coal Mines Nationalisation Act doesn’t apply. Landowners often own the mineral rights.
  • Child Labor & Human Trafficking: Historically associated with exploitation of vulnerable workers.

• Context: The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the situation, with ongoing rescue efforts after a mine flooding in Assam. The practice was banned in Meghalaya in 2014, yet the state government faces pressure to legalize it.

• Economic Factors: In Meghalaya, thin coal seams make rat-hole mining more economically appealing than open-cast mining. Low-cost labor from Assam, Nepal and Bangladesh is used.

• History: The practice boomed after Meghalaya’s statehood. The ban followed environmental and human rights concerns highlighted by NGOs and the National Green Tribunal.

AEC Reconstitution

• Reconstitution: The government has recently reconstituted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).

• Key Personnel: Ajit Kumar Mohanty (Secretary, DAE) is the Chairman. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is a key member.

• AEC’s Role: Formulates policies for peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Promotes advancements in nuclear technology, healthcare, food security, and energy independence.

• Historical Context: Established in 1948 and restructured in 1958 under the Prime Minister’s direct charge.

• Leadership Structure: The Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) serves as the ex-officio Chairman, with other members appointed annually with Prime Ministerial approval.

Pavana River

• Location: Pavana River is in Pune District, Maharashtra, dividing Pune City and Pimpri-Chinchwad. This geographical significance makes it crucial for the region’s water supply and development.
• Origin & Course: It originates in the Western Ghats near Lonavala, flows eastward then southward through Dehu, Chinchwad, Pimpri, and Dapodi. Its path through populated areas highlights its direct impact on local communities.
• Confluence: It joins the Mula River, which later merges with the Mutha River, forming the Mula-Mutha. The Mula-Mutha then drains into the Bhima River, a tributary of the Krishna River. This connection to larger river systems emphasizes its role in the regional water network.
• Length: Approximately 60 km long. Its limited length, combined with its importance as a water source, emphasizes the need for sustainable management.
• Pavana Nagar Dam: A dam is built on the river at Pavana Nagar, called “Pavana Nagar Dam”. This dam is crucial for water storage. It’s an earth fill gravity dam of 1,329 m long and 42.37 m high, holding 30,500.00 km3. This is vital for water management and supply.
• Purpose of Dam: The dam provides drinking water to Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Its role in supplying drinking water makes it critical for public health.
• Pawna Lake: Created in 1972 by the Pawana Dam for irrigation and hydroelectric power. This emphasizes its multipurpose use.
• Wagheshwar Temple: Located on an island within Pawna Lake. This adds a cultural or tourism aspect to the river’s significance.

FRA 2006: Tribal Ministry Directive

• Ministry Directive: The Tribal Ministry directed states to establish mechanisms for Forest Rights Act (FRA) compliance in tiger reserves, addressing unlawful evictions.
• FRA Compliance: Evictions are prohibited without legal recognition of rights under FRA and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Consent for Relocation: Relocation requires free, informed consent of Gram Sabhas; settlement rights must be provided. States must report on tribal villages and forest rights claim status in tiger reserves.
• Grievance Redressal: States must establish systems to address eviction-related grievances.
• Implementation Challenges:
  • Resistance to Rights: Forest Department resists FRA, seeing it as a threat to their control.
  • Technological Issues: Poor internet and low literacy hinder digital platform (VanMitra) use.
  • Conflicting Laws: FRA clashes with the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Wildlife Protection Act,1972.
  • High Rejection Rates: Claims rejected due to inadequate documentation without appeal opportunities.
  • Underperforming Gram Sabhas: Lack capacity, resources, training; local elites dominate.
  • Development Conflicts: Development projects lead to evictions.
• Way Forward:
  • Address Resistance: Form tribal bodies, foster dialogue with forest departments, align conservation with FRA. Amend conflicting laws.
  • Improve Tech: Enhance connectivity, training, and simplify documentation.
  • Balance Development: Respect community rights in development projects. Promote co-management.
  • Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensure Gram Sabha inclusion for marginalized groups.
  • Enhance Awareness: Launch FRA awareness campaigns. Build Gram Sabha capacity.

The directive is significant because it aims to protect the rights of forest-dwelling communities against unlawful evictions, particularly in tiger reserves, reinforcing the FRA’s provisions and addressing concerns over its implementation.

Purulia Observatory

• New Observatory in Purulia, West Bengal: A new observatory has been established on Panchet Hill in Purulia, equipped with a 14-inch telescope.
• Strategic Location: The observatory is situated at 600 meters above ground level, around 86° E longitude.
• Filling a Longitudinal Gap: There are few observatories along the 86° East longitude globally, making this observatory significant. This strategic location will enhance observational coverage.
• Focus on Scientific Observation and Training: It will facilitate astronomical observations and provide hands-on training to students in telescope operation and data recording.
• Major Observatory: The observatory has the potential to become a major scientific hub not only in eastern India but globally as well.
• Other Indian Observatories: The article mentions other major observatories in India, including ARIES Observatory (Nainital), Vainu Bappu Observatory (Kavalur), and the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle.
• IAO Hanle is the Highest: The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, Ladakh, is the second-highest optical telescope in the world, situated at 4,500 meters.

Chimp Conservation

• Cameroon Sanctuary in the News: Papaye International, a chimpanzee sanctuary in Cameroon’s Douala-Edea National Park, is highlighted for its work with orphaned chimpanzees. This draws attention to the ongoing conservation efforts needed for this species.

• Endangered Status: Chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ) are classified as Endangered by the IUCN, with the Western chimpanzee subspecies considered Critically Endangered. This underscores the urgency of conservation actions.

• Subspecies Diversity: Four recognized subspecies exist (Central, Western, Nigeria-Cameroon, and Eastern chimpanzees), each facing unique threats and requiring tailored conservation strategies.

• Cultural Significance: Chimpanzees exhibit culturally learned behaviors, including tool use and communication, demonstrating the importance of preserving not only their genetic diversity but also their cultural heritage.

• Threats to Chimpanzees: Habitat destruction and hunting are identified as major threats to both genetic and cultural diversity, emphasizing the need for habitat protection and anti-poaching measures.

• Cameroon’s Role: Cameroon’s diverse geography and location in Central Africa make it a critical area for chimpanzee conservation, but also puts chimpanzees at the risk of mining as mining can lead to habitat destruction

Power DISCOM Privatization

• SC Upholds Privatization in Chandigarh: The Supreme Court supported the government’s decision to privatize power distribution in Chandigarh, reinforcing the push for privatization.
• High AT&C Losses: India’s Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses remain high (17.6% in FY24), pointing to theft and unbilled supply issues. This impacts DISCOM financial health.
• Systemic Inefficiencies: Billing (87%) and collection (97.3%) inefficiencies reduce revenue and worsen DISCOM finances.
• Escalating Financial Strain: The gap between the average cost of supply (ACS) and average realizable revenue (ARR) is widening, increasing debt and reliance on subsidies.
• Subsidy Burden: The power distribution sector deficit widened significantly, reflecting unsustainable financial management.
• Rising Power Demand & Costs: Increased power demand and reliance on costly fuel imports strain public DISCOMs.
• Demonstrated Success: Delhi’s privatization led to a significant reduction in AT&C losses, saving the government money.
• Ineffectiveness of Public Reforms: Schemes like UDAY have had limited success; private involvement is seen as necessary for improvements.
• Employee Resistance: Job security concerns lead to resistance from DISCOM employees.
• Legal & Regulatory Complexities: Compliance with laws and uncertainty surrounding privatization creates challenges.
• Tariff Concerns: Post-privatization tariff hikes can lead to consumer backlash.
• Lack of Transitional Support: Insufficient financial and operational support can lead to privatization failures.
• Government Support Schemes: UDAY and RDSS aim to improve DISCOM finances and reduce losses. IPDS focuses on urban infrastructure.
• Collaborative Engagement Needed: Governments must engage with stakeholders to address concerns for smooth transitions.
• Strengthen Regulatory Framework: Empowering regulatory commissions to enforce transparent tariffs is crucial.
• Gradual Tariff Rationalization: Phased tariff adjustments and subsidies can maintain affordability.
• Infrastructure Upgradation: Modernizing grids and introducing smart metering is essential for improved service.

Falcated Duck

• What: Falcated Duck (also called falcated teal, Mareca falcata) is a gadwall-sized dabbling duck.
• Distribution: Native to eastern Siberia, Mongolia, and northern Japan, wintering in Southeast Asia and eastern India. Rare sightings reported in America, Poland, and Thailand.
• Habitat: Freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes near forests.
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous; vegetable matter, seeds, rice, aquatic plants. Occasionally eats invertebrates and mollusks.
• Breeding: May to early July. Nests on the ground near water.
• Indian Sightings: Irregular and rare.
• Threats: Hunting for food and feathers.
• Conservation Status: IUCN Near Threatened.
• Etymology: Named for its long, curved (“falcated”) feathers.
• Relation to Gadwall: Closely related to the Gadwall duck due to similarities.
• Breeding Site: Lake Baikal, Siberia.

India on UN Big Data Panel

• India Joins UN-CEBD: India has become a member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD).
• Significance: This signifies India’s growing influence in global statistical frameworks, following its induction into the United Nations Statistical Council (UNSC).
• What is UN-CEBD: A specialized UN body established in 2014 to leverage Big Data and data science for strengthening global statistical systems.
• Objectives of UN-CEBD:
  • Explore Big Data’s role in monitoring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Address challenges in using non-traditional data sources for official statistics.
• Key Functions of UN-CEBD:
  • Strategic Coordination: Provide vision for utilizing big data in official statistics, including tracking SDG indicators.
  • Promotion of Big Data Use: Encourage practical applications of big data, including cross-border data, while addressing challenges.
  • Capacity Building: Enhance capabilities through training, experience-sharing, and technical assistance to modernize statistical systems.
  • Building Public Trust: Establish public confidence in the use of big data for official statistical purposes.
• What is Big Data: Large, complex datasets that traditional systems cannot efficiently handle, enabling improved decision-making and enhanced development.
• India’s Big Data Initiatives: National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP), Big Data Management Policy, National Data Warehouse on Official Statistics.
• Why this matters: India can now contribute to and benefit from global efforts to improve official statistics using big data, particularly for tracking progress on the 2030 Agenda.

Golden Langur

• Why in News: A Golden Langur was killed in an accident on National Highway 117 in Assam, highlighting the increasing dangers faced by the species.

• Endangered Status: The Golden Langur is listed as Endangered by the IUCN and protected under CITES Appendix I and Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (Amendment) 2022.

• Geographic Range: Found exclusively in a small region of Assam (India) and Bhutan, bordered by the foothills of Bhutan, the Manas River, the Sankosh River, and the Brahmaputra River.

• Habitat: Subtropical and temperate broadleaf forests, from near sea level to over 3,000 meters.

• Physical Description: Golden-orange fur (changes with seasons), black hairless face with a pale beard, and a protective hair whorl on the crown. Males are larger than females.

• Behavior: Diurnal and arboreal, living in troops of 3-15 individuals (typically one male with multiple females, or all-male groups).

• Subspecies: Possibly two subspecies based on coat color (northern Bhutan and southern Bhutan/India), but the northern one isn’t formally described.

• Threats: Habitat fragmentation due to road construction, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict is a major concern, leading to isolated populations and impacting the species’ long-term survival. Absence of all-male groups due to fragmentation is worrisome.

• Conservation Measures: Crucial to create corridors to connect fragmented habitats, build canopy bridges, and implement long-term strategies to mitigate human impacts.

Turmeric Board

• National Turmeric Board Established: A new board will provide leadership and coordination for the turmeric sector.

• Objectives: Focuses on R&D, value addition, promoting medicinal properties, improving yield, supply chains, and exploring international markets. Ensures quality and safety standards.

• Composition: Includes representatives from government ministries (AYUSH, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Commerce), top turmeric-growing states (Maharashtra, Telangana, Meghalaya), research institutions, farmers, and exporters. A Chairperson will be appointed by the Central Government, and a Secretary by the Department of Commerce.

• Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana.

• India’s Turmeric Dominance: India produces over 70% of the world’s turmeric with 30 varieties grown. Key producing states include Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

• Key Export Markets: Bangladesh, UAE, USA, and Malaysia.

• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Commerce will provide funds and infrastructure.

• Why It Matters: Turmeric has significant economic potential for Indian farmers. The board aims to boost demand, production, research, market linkages, and exports.

Bhargavastra Explained

• Bhargavastra: India’s first indigenous micro-missile system designed to counter swarm drone threats.

• Developer: Economic Explosives Ltd.

• Capabilities:

  • Mobile deployment, 2.5 km range.
  • Detects small drones beyond 6 km.
  • Uses guided micro-munitions for takedown.
  • Simultaneously fires 64+ micro-missiles.
  • All-terrain, including high-altitude, operation.

• Target User: Designed for Army Air Defence. It is the first counter-drone system utilizing micro-missiles.

• Swarm Drone Threat: Addresses the growing threat of drone swarms (Smart War-Fighting Array of Reconfigured Modules). Swarms coordinate multiple drones for cooperative missions with minimal human control.

• Swarm Drone Advantage: Efficient and robust due to parallel task completion, continued operation despite individual drone failure.

• Swarm Drone Control: Can be preprogrammed, centrally controlled, or use distributed control through drone-to-drone communication.

• Why It Matters:

  • Indigenous solution enhances India’s defense capabilities against emerging drone warfare tactics.
  • Addresses the increasing threat posed by coordinated drone swarms which could cripple important Indian Defence and strategic intallations.
  • It is first of its kind micro-missile based counter-drone system, for Indian Armed forces.

Telecom Tech Fund

• What: Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

• Parent Organization: Established under the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecom (DOT), Government of India.

• Aim: To promote R&D in the telecom sector, particularly for rural-specific communication technology applications. It also aims to foster collaboration between academia, startups, research institutes, and industry players to strengthen the telecom ecosystem.

• Objectives:

  • Funding research, design, prototyping, testing, IPR creation, security, certification, and manufacturing in telecom.
  • Promoting indigenous technology ownership and manufacturing.
  • Encouraging technology co-innovation.
  • Reducing telecom imports and increasing exports.
  • Creating intellectual property in the telecom domain.

• Eligibility:

  • Domestic companies focused on telecom R&D.
  • Startups / MSMEs
  • Academic and R&D institutions
  • Section 8 companies/Societies
  • Central & State government entities/PSUs/Autonomous Bodies/SPVs/Limited liability partnerships – with a focus on telecom research and development

Utricularia

• Discovery in Rajasthan: A rare carnivorous plant, Utricularia, has been found in significant numbers in Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan.

• Rarity and Habitat: Typically found in regions like Meghalaya and Darjeeling, this indicates a shift in habitat or a previously undetected presence.

• What it is: Utricularia, or bladderworts, are carnivorous plants from the Lentibulariaceae family.

• Diverse Habitats: They thrive in various environments, including freshwater, wet soils, and tropical rainforest canopies.

• Unique Trapping Mechanism: Lacking a root system, they use small bladder-like traps to capture prey. When triggered, the bladder rapidly sucks in water and the prey.

• Diet and Nutrient Acquisition: They feed on small invertebrates like protozoa, rotifers, and even mosquito larvae, extracting nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from them, which are scarce in their habitats.

• Attractive Flowers: Utricularia species are known for their attractive and often colorful flowers.

Army Day 2025

• Significance of the Day: Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15th to commemorate the day General K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.

• 2025 Parade Location: Pune will host the Army Day parade, a historic first, reflecting the government’s decision to hold national events outside Delhi.

• Context of Pune as Host: Pune’s selection highlights its strategic importance as the home of the Southern Command and major defense training institutions.

• Military Training Hub: Pune houses key defence establishments such as the National Defence Academy, Armed Forces Medical College, and College of Military Engineering, among others, positioning the city as a global hub for military training.

• 2025: Year of Defence Reforms: India has declared 2025 the Year of Defence Reforms, emphasizing integrated theatre commands to improve tri-services coordination and streamlining military procurement for a technologically advanced force.

Zombie Deer Disease Explained

• Zombie Deer Disease (Chronic Wasting Disease – CWD): A fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and reindeer.
• Cause: Infectious, misfolded proteins called prions, which induce misfolding in other brain proteins, leading to brain damage and spongy holes in brain tissue.
• Transmission: Highly contagious via bodily fluids (saliva, feces, blood, urine) through direct contact or environmental contamination. Prions persist in the environment (soil, water, plants) for years.
• Symptoms: Long incubation period (18-24 months). Later signs include: progressive weight loss, decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, loss of fear of humans, increased drinking/urination, excessive salivation.
• Treatment: No vaccine or treatment exists; CWD is always fatal.
• Human Risk: No confirmed cases of human transmission, but experts advise caution.
• Prion Destruction: Requires extreme heat (900°F and above) for sustained periods to denature the prion and prevent further misfolding of proteins.

India-Cuba Aid

• Humanitarian Aid: India provided humanitarian assistance to Cuba after Hurricane Rafael, demonstrating its “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” philosophy (the world is one family).

• Historical Ties: India recognized Cuba early after the 1959 revolution. Both nations have supported each other in international forums like the UN, NAM, and WTO. Cuba supports India’s UNSC bid.

• Economic Relations: In FY23, India’s exports to Cuba were USD 79.04 million (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles), while imports were USD 4.87 million (tobacco, pharmaceuticals).

• Disaster Relief: India has given aid after previous hurricanes (2008, 2016, 2017).

• India-Cuba Knowledge Centre: Established in 2010, training over 1900 Cuban professionals.

• Covid-19 Assistance: India provided life-saving medicines during the pandemic.

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Cuba is a member, receiving Indian help for energy projects.

• Lines of Credit (LoCs): India extended USD 243 million in LoCs for agriculture, agro-food, and renewable energy.

• Cultural Links: Indian culture is appreciated in Cuba. Figures like Gandhi, Nehru, and Tagore are celebrated. Yoga and Ayurveda are popular. Bust of Rabindranath Tagore donated by ICCR unveiled in Old Havana in May 2007.

Makran: Iran’s New Capital?

• Iran Capital Shift: Iran plans to move its capital from Tehran to the Makran coast due to overpopulation, pollution, water scarcity, and energy shortages in Tehran.

• Makran’s Significance: Makran’s strategic location on the Gulf of Oman aims to boost Iran’s maritime economy via ports like Chabahar and the Chabahar Free Trade Zone.

• Alexander’s Retreat: Makran is historically significant as the area where Alexander the Great faced severe losses during his retreat from India.

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• Alexander’s India Invasion Background: NW India divided into monarchies, Taxila ruler Ambhi allied with Alexander. Khyber Pass gave entry.

• Battle of Hydaspes: Alexander defeated Porus but admired his bravery, restoring his kingdom and making him an ally.

• Retreat from India: Alexander’s army, exhausted and facing the Nanda army, refused to advance past the Beas River.

• Makran Desert Disaster: During retreat through the Gedrosian (Makran) Desert, a large portion of Alexander’s army perished due to harsh conditions.

• Direct Contact: Alexander’s invasion was the first major encounter between ancient Europe and India, fostering cultural, geographical, and trade exchanges.

• Trade Routes and Settlements: The invasion opened land and sea routes and led to the establishment of Greek settlements in India.

• Geographical Exploration: Nearchus led Alexander’s fleet to explore coast to Euphrates river, providing historical records.

• Social and Economic Details: Alexander’s historians provided details on the sati system, and the sale of girls in marketplaces and the oxen breed of NW India.

• Mauryan Empire: Alexander’s defeat of North-western states paved the way for the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.

• Greek Influence: Greek culture influenced Indian society, seen later in Gandhara art.

SC on Same-Sex Marriage: Dismissed

• SC Dismissed Review Petition: The Supreme Court rejected review petitions against its October 2023 ruling refusing to legalize same-sex marriage in India.
• Original Ruling: The October 2023 judgment, a 3:2 split decision, denied constitutional validity to same-sex marriages.
• No Fundamental Right: The SC held that there’s no fundamental right to marriage under the Indian Constitution.
• Parliamentary Jurisdiction: The court stated that it’s up to Parliament and state legislatures to formulate laws on same-sex marriage.
• Equal Rights for Live-in Partners: SC upheld the right of same-sex couples to enjoy equal rights and benefits as live-in partners, guaranteed under Article 21.
• SMA Inapplicable: The Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954, was ruled not applicable to same-sex couples.
• Arguments For: Equality, human rights, international principles.
• Arguments Against: Religious beliefs, societal impact, and legal challenges.
• Way Forward: Legal reforms (amendments to SMA, contract-based agreements), dialogue, judicial reform, and collaboration.

Shastri’s Death Anniversary

• 59th Death Anniversary: January 11th marked the 59th death anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister.
• Key Contributions: Shastri was a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. He held significant ministerial positions, demonstrating his dedication and moral accountability.
• Prime Ministership: As Prime Minister (1964-1966), he provided decisive leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
• Legacy: Shastri is remembered for his slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” highlighting the significance of soldiers and farmers.
• Death: He died unexpectedly in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, soon after signing the Tashkent Declaration, with his death circumstances remaining a subject of speculation.
• Tashkent Declaration: The declaration, signed in January 1966, aimed to establish peace and resolve issues stemming from the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

Diego Garcia

• Geostrategic Importance: Diego Garcia is a vital US military base in the Indian Ocean, leased from the UK since 1966. It serves as a crucial logistics and support hub.

• Territorial Dispute: Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, arguing it was illegally separated during decolonization.

• Forcible Removal: The UK forcibly removed the island’s inhabitants (Chagossians) to enable the US military base construction, a point of ongoing contention.

• International Condemnation: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2019 issued a non-binding advisory opinion stating the UK’s decolonization of Mauritius was unlawful, citing Chagossian claims.

• UN Resolution: A UN General Assembly vote in 2019 demanded the UK end its “colonial administration” of the Chagos Archipelago and return it to Mauritius.

• No Permanent Population: Diego Garcia has no permanent civilian population. It is currently inhabited by around 4,000 US and British military and contract personnel.

Why is this news? The ongoing dispute over sovereignty, the historical injustice of the Chagossians’ removal, and the island’s strategic importance create continued legal, ethical, and geopolitical debates.

Landslide Prevention

• Why in News: A study in Nature Natural Hazards highlights the need for better disaster management in landslide-prone areas after the July 2024 Wayanad landslides.

• Study Focus: Understanding debris flow behavior using run-out modeling and RAMMS to improve disaster management.

• Key Findings:

  • Debris accumulates at lower elevations, creating future hazards.
  • Detailed vulnerability maps are vital for identifying high-risk zones.
  • 2024 debris flow mirrored past events (1984, 2019).
  • Early warning systems require rainfall and soil moisture monitoring.

• Landslide Basics: Downward movement of earth materials on a slope, triggered by rain, earthquakes, or human activities.

• Landslide Prone Areas (India): Significant portions of the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Eastern Ghats are at risk (12.6% of land area)

• Landslide Causes:

  • Heavy rainfall increases soil moisture and weakens slopes.
  • Deforestation removes stabilizing vegetation.
  • Mining and construction disrupt drainage.

• Landslide Impacts:

  • Loss of life and property.
  • Damage to infrastructure (roads, railways).
  • Cascading effects like debris dam formation and flooding.
  • Economic disruption.
  • Ecosystem damage.

• Government Initiatives (India):

  • National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (2019): hazard mapping, monitoring, early warning, and awareness.
  • Landslide Risk Mitigation Scheme (LRMS): financial support for prevention and research.
  • Landslide Atlas of India: ISRO’s record of landslide events.

• Preventive Measures:

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  • Engineering solutions: Slope stabilization, grading, drainage systems.
  • Natural solutions: Vegetation control, water management.
  • Early warning systems: Inclinometers, rainfall monitoring, LiDAR.
  • Land Use: Avoiding altering slopes , limiting impervious surfaces, designing proper drainage systems.

• Conclusion: Improved disaster management is crucial. Engineering, natural methods, early warning systems, and land use practices are essential.

Makar Sankranti

• Celebration: Makar Sankranti was celebrated on January 14th.
• Significance: It signifies the start of the harvest season and the end of winter.
• Uttarayan Transition: Marks the Sun’s northward journey, also called Uttarayan, after reaching its southernmost point. This is in contrast to Dakshinayana.
• Ancient Festival: Considered one of the most ancient Hindu festivals and is dedicated to the sun god.
• Regional Names and Celebrations:
  • North India: Celebrated as Makar Sankranti.
  • Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Rajasthan: Makar Sankranti is observed.
  • West Bengal and North-east region: Observed as Poush Sankranti.
  • Tamil Nadu: Celebrates Pongal.
  • Kerala: Observes Makara Vilakku.
  • Assam: Celebrates Magh Bihu.
  • Punjab: Celebrates Maghi.
• Associated Traditions: Kite flying and taking holy dips in rivers are common traditions.

Ranthambore Tigers

• Location: At the junction of Aravali and Vindhyan ranges in Rajasthan.

• Historical Significance: Former royal hunting ground for Jaipur Maharajas.

• Size: One of the largest tiger reserves in northern India.

• Tiger Monitoring: Climatic and vegetation features make it ideal for tiger observation.

• Rivers: Bounded by the Chambal River in the South and the Banas River in the North.

• Ranthambore Fort: A World Heritage Site, located within the reserve.

• Vegetation: Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests, with dominant Dhok trees.

• Fauna: Diverse wildlife including leopard, caracal, jungle cat, sambar, chital, chinkara, and wild boar.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March (winter) due to pleasant weather (10°C to 30°C).

Mission Mausam Explained

• Mission Mausam: Aims to transform India into a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation. This is important because it addresses the growing need for accurate and timely weather information in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.
• Budget: Rs 2,000 crore outlay over two years. This signifies the government’s commitment to modernizing weather forecasting capabilities.
• Key Implementing Agencies: IMD, IITM, and NCMRWF. These are the primary institutions responsible for executing the mission’s goals.
• Focus on Enhancing Forecasting Accuracy: The mission strives for more precise and localized weather forecasts. This is crucial for effective disaster management and informed decision-making across various sectors.
• Technological Upgrades: Includes advanced weather surveillance technologies, high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars/satellites, and high-performance computers. These upgrades are fundamental to improving data collection, analysis, and prediction models.
• Climate Change Focus: The mission aims to understand weather/climate processes and provide air quality data. This will aid in addressing the long-term challenges of climate change and strategizing interventions.
• Stakeholder Empowerment: It seeks to equip citizens and last-mile users with the information needed to tackle extreme weather events. This is vital for building community resilience and minimizing the impact of natural disasters.
• IMD’s Role: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the main agency which will also provide current and forecast meteorological information and warnings against severe weather phenomena.

Indian Naval Inductions

• Commissioning: The Indian Navy will commission INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer on January 15, 2025, in Mumbai.

• INS Nilgiri (Project 17A): Lead ship of Project 17A frigates. Significantly upgraded from Shivalik-class, featuring advanced stealth and weapon systems, enhancing naval defense capabilities.

• INS Surat (Project 15B): Fourth and final destroyer of Project 15B. An enhanced version of the Kolkata-class, equipped with long-range missiles and indigenous weapon systems, boosting offensive power.

• INS Vaghsheer (Project 75): Sixth Scorpene-class submarine. A quiet diesel-electric submarine with anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and special operations capabilities, strengthening underwater warfare capabilities.

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL): All three vessels (Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer) were built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

• Project 15B: An initiative by the Indian Navy to design and construct four advanced guided-missile destroyers.

• Project-75 (India): Aims to build 18 conventional submarines and six nuclear-powered submarines for the Indian Navy.

India-Bangladesh Border

• Context: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed Bangladesh’s concerns about border fencing.
• Why it matters: This reflects ongoing border management and diplomatic discussions between the two nations.
• Background: Bangladesh raised concerns about construction by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the border.
• Key Facts:
  • India-Bangladesh border is the longest India shares, spanning ~4,096.7 km.
  • It touches West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
  • The border was established during India’s partition (Radcliffe Line).
• The Issue: Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) objected to fencing in West Bengal.
• The Dispute:
  • The 1975 agreement prevents defense structures within 150 yards of the border.
  • India doesn’t classify wire fencing as a defense structure, while Bangladesh and Pakistan do.
  • Bangladesh objects due to the 1975 agreement and the inconvenience to border residents.

Bharat Cleantech Mfg

• Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform Launched: Aims to boost India’s cleantech value chains, specifically in solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage.

• Focus on Collaboration & Innovation: Designed for Indian firms to collaborate, co-innovate, share ideas, technologies, and resources.

• Financing Platform: Provides a platform for financing cleantech initiatives.

• Significance: Global Leadership: Aims to make India a global leader in sustainability and cleantech.

• India’s Clean Energy Target: Supports India’s goal of 500 GW of clean energy by 2030.

• Meeting Climate Goals: Reinforces India’s commitment and progress in achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

• Renewable Energy Target Achieved: India has achieved its renewable energy installation target for 2022, eight years ahead of schedule.

• Largest Interconnected Grid: India has the largest interconnected grid globally.

• Gujarat as Pioneer: Gujarat was one of the first states to adopt solar power.

• Cleantech Defined: Products/services that enhance performance, productivity, or efficiency while reducing costs, energy consumption, waste, or pollution.

Why it’s in the news: This initiative is crucial for India to achieve its ambitious clean energy targets, attract investments in the cleantech sector, and position itself as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Hysterectomies in India

• Disparate Prevalence: Hysterectomy rates in India vary significantly based on socioeconomic status.
• Reasons for Agricultural Workers: Poor hygiene, taboos, lack of access to care, and physically demanding labor contribute to higher rates among low-income agricultural workers. An example is the Beed district in Maharashtra, showing a high number of hysterectomies in sugarcane workers.
• Reasons for Affluent Women: Affluent women opt for the procedure due to better affordability, access to healthcare, and sometimes, financial incentives like those in schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) that may lead to unnecessary procedures.
• Hysterectomy Defined: A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus, performed for conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, and pelvic inflammatory disease when other treatments haven’t worked. It’s also used in cancer treatment and for severe pelvic pain.
• National Prevalence: National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 data indicates that 3% of Indian women aged 15-49 have undergone a hysterectomy.
• Regional Variations: Andhra Pradesh (9%) and Telangana (8%) have the highest prevalence, while Sikkim (0.8%) and Meghalaya (0.7%) have the lowest. The Southern region has the highest prevalence at 4.2%, followed by the Eastern region at 3.8%, with the Northeast having the lowest rate at 1.2%.

Deccan Traps

• Deccan Volcanism Overview: A major volcanic event ~66 million years ago in present-day west-central India, forming the Deccan Traps (massive flood basalts). It covered ~500,000 sq km, up to 2,000 meters thick.

• Key Features: Involved massive eruptions through fissures, creating step-like hills. The eruptions lasted 600-800,000 years, linked to a mantle plume and the Réunion hotspot.

• Impact on Earth’s History: A key factor in the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction, wiping out non-avian dinosaurs. Released greenhouse gases and sulfur aerosols, altering the climate and causing warming and acid rain.

• New Study Findings: The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) research indicates that while devastating for fauna, Deccan Volcanism had less impact on tropical flora.

• Flora’s Response: Deccan Volcanism provided nascent, undisturbed habitats which positively affected development of hyper-diverse tropical flora by eliminating the large faunal community of dinosaurs and gymnosperms.

PMKSY-WDC 2.0

• News: The Ministry of Rural Development approved 56 new Watershed Development Projects under PMKSY-WDC 2.0 across 10 states.
• States Involved: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
• Area Covered: Approximately 2.8 lakh hectares of degraded land will be covered by these projects.
• PMKSY-WDC 2.0 Overview: A sub-component of PMKSY focused on water and soil conservation through watershed management.
• Historical Context: Evolved from the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in 2009-10. Became part of PMKSY-WDC in 2015-16. Revamped for 2021-2026.
• Objectives:
  • Improve productivity of rainfed and degraded lands.
  • Strengthen community involvement for sustainable livelihoods.
  • Enhance project efficiency through knowledge sharing.
• Targets: Aims to cover 49.50 lakh hectares of degraded land from 2021-2026. Includes springshed rejuvenation.
• Approach: Prioritizes water productivity over quantity and biological measures over mechanical treatments. Encourages crop diversification and integrated farming (horticulture, fisheries, apiculture, animal husbandry).

Why it Matters: These projects are crucial for improving land productivity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities in areas facing water scarcity and land degradation. The focus on community involvement and integrated farming systems is intended to create more resilient and sustainable ecosystems.

CATS Programme

• Leap in Air Combat: The CATS Programme signifies a major advancement in manned-unmanned aerial combat systems, aiming to minimise risk to human pilots.
• Key Goal: Creation of advanced aerial platforms for high-altitude surveillance and autonomous precision strikes from safe distances.
• Long-Term Objectives: Deep-strike precision, enhanced battlefield awareness, and secure communications for improved operational efficiency.
• CATS-Warrior (Stealth UCAV): A stealthy, loyal wingman drone designed to accompany manned fighter jets on missions. It can carry smart weapons internally and penetrate deep into enemy territory (around 700 km) for strikes. The HAL CATS Warrior is in detailed design phase.
• CATS-Hunter (Cruise Missile): An air-launched, low-observable cruise missile for precision strikes deep within enemy territory, similar to the SCALP missile.
• ALFA-S Swarm Drones: Launched from pods carried by aircraft like the Tejas and Su-30MKI, these swarm drones can perform air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, including neutralising enemy air defences.
• CATS-Infinity Pseudo Satellite: A solar-powered, ultra-high-altitude pseudo satellite operating at 70,000 feet with 90-day endurance. It provides surveillance, tracks targets, coordinates missions, and supports military communication (4G/5G).
• Tejas as Mothership: The Tejas LCA is envisioned as the “mothership” controlling the network of autonomous platforms.

Dikeledi Slams Mayotte

• Cyclone Dikeledi hit Mayotte: A French territory in the Indian Ocean. This establishes the immediate event.

• Location: Mayotte is in the Mozambique Channel. This provides geographical context.

• Mayotte’s Composition: It consists of two islands: Grande Terre and Petite Terre. This helps understand the area affected.

• Socioeconomic Status: Mayotte is the poorest territory in France and the EU. This highlights potential vulnerability to the cyclone’s impact.

• Historical Context: France colonized Mayotte, and the Comoros archipelago. This provides background on its current status.

• Past Cyclone Impact: Cyclone Chido, the worst storm in 90 years, previously struck Mayotte. This indicates a history of vulnerability and sets a benchmark for potential damage from Dikeledi.

• Current Status: Mayotte is still ruled from Paris.This highlights that the damage will be handled by french administration.

Odisha & Ayushman Bharat

• Odisha Joins Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY: Odisha becomes the 27th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

• Coverage Details: The scheme offers health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually, with an additional Rs 5 lakh specifically for women. This will benefit 1.03 crore families in Odisha.

• Scheme’s Scale: AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health coverage scheme, covering roughly 45% of India’s population (55 crore individuals from 12.3 crore families) and providing free treatment to senior citizens aged 70 and above.

• Existing Scheme Integration: AB PM-JAY will operate alongside Odisha’s existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), aiming to provide healthcare services to the economically disadvantaged.

• Funding and Coverage: The scheme is centrally sponsored, with a cost-sharing ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and states (90:10 for certain regions).

• Hospital Network: AB PM-JAY has a vast network of 30,985 empaneled hospitals, including 12,881 private hospitals, providing over 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties.

Nankai Trough

• What it is: The Nankai Trough is an undersea subduction zone off the coast of Japan, extending about 900 km.
• Why it matters: It’s where the Philippine Sea Plate slides under the Eurasian Plate, creating accumulating tectonic strain.
• Key Risk: The Nankai Trough is known for generating powerful megathrust earthquakes.
• Recent Event: A strong earthquake in southern Japan on Monday increases the focus on the Nankai Trough.
• Historical Significance: Significant earthquakes occur roughly every 100-150 years; the last major one was in 1946 (magnitude 8.0).
• Geological Context: Part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region with high seismic activity.
• Seismic Activity Trigger: Strong quakes nearby are seen as a potential indication that a megaquake could be more likely.

Makaravilakku Explained

• Makaravilakku is a significant annual festival at Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, coinciding with Makara Sankranti.
• It marks the end of the annual pilgrimage season.
• The festival’s highlight is the sighting of the “Makarajyothi” or “Makaravilakku,” a celestial light on the horizon of Ponnambalamedu hill.
• The Thiruvabharanam, Lord Ayyappa’s royal ornaments, are brought to the temple from Pandalam Palace on this day.
• Makaravilakku is not supernatural; it’s the light from camphor lit during a ritualistic Aarti performed at Ponnambalamedu temple.
• The Travancore Devaswom Board now manages the rituals, continuing the age-old traditions.
• The festival extends for seven days, concluding with the ‘Guruthi’ ritual.
• Traditionally, the Mala Arayan tribe lit the Makara Vilakku.
• Currently, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has been lighting the Makara Vilakku for over half a century.

Clouded Leopard Basics

• Clouded leopards are wild cats found in the dense forests of the Himalayas through Southeast Asia and into South China. There are two species: mainland clouded leopard ( Neofelis nebulosa) and Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi).

• They are an ancient cat species but are neither true great cats nor small cats, as they cannot roar or purr.

• They inhabit a range of environments, from lowland tropical rainforests to mangrove swamps, and have been found at high altitudes in the Himalayas. In India, they are found in the northeast region. They are the state animal of Meghalaya.

• Clouded leopards are medium-sized cats with distinctive “cloud” markings on their coat and exceptionally long tails for balancing. Their short legs and broad paws make them excellent climbers. They can climb down trees headfirst.

• They are solitary animals with a lifespan of 12-15 years.

• Both species are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.

• The main threats are habitat loss due to deforestation for agriculture like palm oil plantations and hunting for their teeth, pelts, and bones for traditional medicine. Loss of habitat due to agriculture is a major factor because they require large tracts of forest for hunting.

Indian Fishermen Detained

• Indian Fishermen Detained: Fifteen Indian fishermen were detained by the British Navy near Diego Garcia.

• Reason for Detention: They were detained for allegedly crossing the maritime boundary.

• Broader Issue: This incident highlights a recurring problem for Tamil Nadu fishermen who are frequently detained by the Sri Lankan and British navies.

• Impact: These detentions negatively impact the fishermen’s livelihood and safety.

• Diego Garcia’s Location: Diego Garcia is in the Indian Ocean and is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago.

• Diego Garcia’s Administration: It’s administered by Britain and leased to the US for military purposes, serving as a key military base.

• Political Context: Britain agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius in October 2024, but will retain control of Diego Garcia.

Amrit Bharat 2.0

• Objective: Amrit Bharat Trains 2.0 aims to provide comfortable rail travel for low and middle-income families.

• Manufacturing & Upgrade: 50 upgraded trains will be produced at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) within the next two years.

• 12 Key Enhancements: The upgraded trains include features such as semi-automatic couplers, modular toilets, ergonomic seating, emergency talk-back systems, Vande Bharat-style continuous lighting, advanced pantry cars, and IoT-based water level indicators.

• LHB Push-Pull Design: These trains are designed with locomotives at both ends, enabling quicker acceleration.

• Passenger Amenities: Enhanced amenities for passengers include aesthetically designed seats, improved luggage racks, mobile charging points, LED lighting, CCTV surveillance, and public information systems.

• First Version Launch: The initial version of the Amrit Bharat Train was introduced in 2024.

• Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS): The ABSS, launched in February 2023, is an ongoing Indian Railways initiative by the Ministry of Railways to redevelop railway stations nationwide. It is for the long term development of the railway stations.

Enzymatic Plasticiser Breakdown

• Bacterial Enzyme Degradation of Plasticisers: IIT Roorkee has successfully used esterase enzyme from Sulfobacillus acidophilus to degrade Diethyl Hexyl Phthalate (DEHP), a common plasticiser.

• Environmental and Health Concerns Addressed: This addresses rising environmental and health concerns linked to plasticisers.

• Esterase Mechanism: The esterase enzyme breaks down DEHP into modified phthalate and alcohol compound, which are further degraded into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide by other enzymes.

• Structural Insights via X-ray Crystallography: X-ray crystallography reveals the active sites on the esterase, clarifying how it targets and degrades DEHP. This aids in optimising degradation strategies.

• Sustainable Degradation: Integrating enzymes into bacteria ensures prolonged degradation without frequent enzyme replacement and cost-effectiveness.

• High Efficiency: Lab experiments demonstrate high efficiency in degrading high molecular weight plasticisers, showing better performance than previous methods.

SLMs: A Quick Intro

• Definition: Small Language Models (SLMs) are AI models specialized for Natural Language Processing (NLP), designed to process and generate human language.

• Size Matters: They are “small” due to having fewer parameters compared to Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-3. SLMs are trained on smaller datasets.

• Compact & Efficient: SLMs are characterized by their compact architecture and lower computational power requirements. This makes them more efficient and suitable for applications with limited resources.

• Task-Specific Focus: SLMs are engineered to efficiently perform specific language tasks, demonstrating a higher degree of efficiency and specificity than LLMs. They use curated, selective data.

• Adaptability: SLMs can be tuned and adapted for specialized conversational tasks.

• Examples: Potential applications include: programming support agents for specific languages or libraries, and vision models interacting with radiologists for medical image analysis.

• Why in the News: SLMs offer a balance between performance and resource efficiency, making AI language processing more accessible for applications where LLMs might be impractical due to their size and computational demands. They provide task-specific solutions with greater efficiency.

Hindi Day ’25

• Celebration Date: World Hindi Day is celebrated annually on January 10th.

  • Why: To promote Hindi on the international stage.

  • Historical Significance: The date marks when Hindi was first spoken at the UNGA in 1949.

  • Why: Acknowledges a key moment in Hindi’s global journey.

  • First World Hindi Conference: Inaugurated in 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

  • Why: Signified a major step towards global recognition of Hindi.

  • Designation: World Hindi Day was designated on January 10th, 2006.

  • Why: Formalized the annual celebration of the language’s global importance.

  • Distinction from Hindi Diwas: Different from Hindi Diwas (September 14th).

  • Why: Hindi Diwas marks Hindi’s adoption as an official language of India, while World Hindi Day focuses on its global presence.

  • Global Language: Hindi is the third most spoken language globally, with over 600 million speakers.

  • Why: Highlights Hindi’s significant reach and influence worldwide.

  • Awareness: The day aims to raise awareness of Hindi as a global language of communication.

  • Why: Encourages the use and learning of Hindi internationally.

  • World Hindi Day 2025 Theme: “A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride.”

  • Why: Focuses on promoting linguistic exchange and cultural identity through Hindi.

  • Constitutional Status: Recognized as an official language of India under Article 343.

  • Why: Ensures its use in official government matters, alongside English.

  • 8th Schedule: Listed in the 8th Schedule, recognizing it for official use.

  • Why: Reinforces Hindi’s importance within India’s linguistic landscape.

Nag Mk 2

• Nag Mk 2 Missile: India’s indigenously developed third-generation anti-tank guided missile.

• Fire-and-Forget Technology: Allows for precision targeting with minimal operator input after launch, increasing efficiency and reducing operator workload.

• Versatile Performance: Designed to defeat modern armored vehicles, even those equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA), showcasing its advanced capabilities.

• Platform Compatibility: Successfully integrated with NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier version-2), enhancing battlefield mobility and deployment options for the Indian Army.

• Successful Field Trials: Achieved direct hits on targets at both maximum and minimum ranges during testing at Pokhran, validating its firing range and accuracy.

• Ready for Induction: Following successful field evaluations, the entire Nag Mk 2 weapon system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army, strengthening India’s defense capabilities.

• Major Step for Indian Defence: Successful trials at Pokhran field range mark a significant advancement in India’s indigenous defense technology and production.

NLM: Livestock Mission

• NLM’s Goal: To comprehensively develop the livestock sector. Why: This ensures a sustainable and productive livestock industry benefiting farmers and the economy.

• Key Objectives: Focus on employment, productivity, production, feed/fodder availability, risk management, and research. Why: These address core challenges in livestock rearing, promoting growth and efficiency.

• Focus Areas: Small ruminants (sheep, goats), poultry, piggery, and fodder sectors. Why: These areas offer high potential for entrepreneurship and productivity gains, especially in rural areas.

• Entrepreneurship Focus: Promoting entrepreneurship development in livestock-related areas is a major focus. Why: Encourages private investment, creating jobs and driving innovation.

• Sub-Missions: Breed development, feed and fodder development, and innovation/extension. Why: These are specific strategies to achieve the overall goals of increased productivity and sustainability.

• Funding: NLM utilizes both Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Why: This allows for broad financial support to individuals, groups, and state governments.

• Government Schemes: The National Livestock Mission (NLM) and Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF). Why: These are key government initiatives to enhance livestock infrastructure.

SERS

• SERS Definition: Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) enhances Raman scattering by molecules adsorbed on rough metal surfaces (typically gold or silver).

• Signal Amplification: SERS amplifies the Raman scattering signals of molecules close to nanostructured metallic surfaces due to intense local electromagnetic fields created by these surfaces.

• Technique Type: SERS is a surface-sensitive technique, meaning it’s particularly effective for analyzing molecules at or near a surface.

• Information Provided: SERS provides the same information as standard Raman spectroscopy but with a significantly stronger signal.

• Raman Spectroscopy Basics: Raman spectroscopy is used to study vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency modes in a system, based on inelastic scattering of light.

• Raman Effect: Raman scattering (or Raman effect) is the inelastic scattering of photons from a molecule. Discovered by C.V. Raman in 1928.

• Application Areas: SERS is a powerful tool in chemical, material, and life sciences.

Z-Morh Tunnel

• Inauguration: Inaugurated to improve all-weather connectivity between Ladakh and Kashmir.
• Location: 6.5 km long in Ganderbal, Kashmir, at 8,650 feet, bypassing avalanche-prone zones on Srinagar-Leh highway (NH-1).
• Renaming: Now called Sonamarg tunnel, built under the Thajiwas glacier.
• Cost & Development: Built at Rs 2,400 crore, initially by BRO, later by NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited). Started in 2015.
• Strategic Partnership with Zojila: Improves road access to Ladakh, reducing Srinagar-Ladakh route by 6 km. Works in conjunction with the Zojila tunnel.
• Zojila Tunnel Significance: The 14.15 km Zojila tunnel, Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel, will ensure year-round connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh.
• Strategic Importance: Ensures year-round connectivity to Ladakh for both military and civilian purposes.

Vivekananda’s 162nd

• 162nd Birth Anniversary: Celebrated as National Youth Day on January 12th, commemorating Swami Vivekananda.
  • Why: Highlights his enduring influence on Indian youth and his relevance to national development.
• Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2047: Prime Minister participated in an event engaging youth in nation-building.
  • Why: Aligns with Vivekananda’s emphasis on youth empowerment and their role in shaping India’s future.
• Swami Vivekananda’s Core Teachings:
  • Philosophical: Introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the West, advocating for a blend of spirituality and material progress.
  • Spiritual: Emphasized self-realization, compassion, and selfless service, drawing from Upanishads, Gita, Buddha, and Jesus.
  • Revivalism: Promoted man-making, character-building education for national regeneration.
  • Why: His philosophies advocate comprehensive advancement, merging cultural and spiritual values with modern progress.
• Vivekananda’s Values for Youth:
  • Dedication to goals, mental and physical strength, and ethical conduct.
  • Rationality, supporting science and reason, and a humanistic, universalistic nationalism.
  • Why: Encourages holistic development focused on moral strength.
• Associated Organizations:
  • Founded the Ramakrishna Mission (1897) for service, education, and spiritual upliftment.
  • Established Belur Math (1899) as his permanent residence.
  • Why: Institutionalized his teachings for sustained impact.
• International Recognition:
  • Addressed the Parliament of Religions in Chicago (1893), representing Hinduism.
  • Addressed the London Hindu Association (1896).
  • Why: Showcased Indian philosophy on a global stage.
• National Youth Policy 2014: Defines youth as 15-29 age group, comprising nearly 40% of India’s population.
  • Why: Highlights the demographic significance of youth in India’s development.
• Conclusion:
  • Vivekananda’s teachings and initiatives like Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue prioritize youth empowerment, ethical leadership, and holistic development.
  • Why: Essential for equipping youth to shape India’s future while honoring its heritage.

Neptune Missile Explained

• Ukrainian-Developed Cruise Missile: The Neptune is a Ukrainian-designed subsonic cruise missile.
• Anti-Ship and Land-Attack Role: Initially designed as an anti-ship missile, it was later modified for land attacks.
• Based on Russian Design: It’s based on the Russian Kh-35 cruise missile (NATO: AS-20 Kayak).
• In Service Since 2021: Entered service with the Ukrainian Navy in March 2021.
• Key Specs: Weighs 870 kg, 5.05 m long, speed up to 900 km/h, altitude 10-300m (down to 3m on approach), max range 400 km, 350 kg combat weight (150 kg anti-ship).
• Guidance System: Uses satellite positioning during flight and infrared homing for final approach.
• Why it matters: This missile is significant due to its Ukrainian origin, its versatility in targeting ships and land, and its potential impact on regional conflicts.
• India has Cruise Missiles: India possesses BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and BrahMos-II a hypersonic missile also Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile with range of 1,000–1,500 km.
• Why it matters for India Because India is developing its cruise missile and may enhance relations with Ukraine in the future to improve or get inspiration for new features and designs.

Kumbh Mela 2025: Mobile Access

• Seamless Mobile Connectivity: The government is ensuring uninterrupted mobile connectivity for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.

• Unprecedented Scale: The event anticipates 40 crore devotees over 44 days, potentially creating the highest tele-density ever.

• Infrastructure Deployment: Over 100 km of optical fibre has been installed, alongside enhanced radio capacity towers. 78 transportable towers and 150 small cell solutions will be used in crowded areas.

• Emergency Communication: Special centres will be established to support emergency communication and coordinate with local authorities.

• Event Details: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025.

• Significance: Uttar Pradesh has designated the Maha Kumbh area as a new district for four months.

Henley Passport 2025

• India’s Passport Rank: India has dropped to 85th place in the Henley Passport Index 2025. This is down from 80th in 2024.
  • Why: This ranking reflects a decrease in visa-free access for Indian passport holders.
• Visa-Free Access: Indian passport holders now have visa-free access to 57 countries.
  • Why: This shows the limited international mobility for Indian citizens compared to higher-ranked countries.
• Historical Fluctuations: India’s ranking has varied over time, reaching a high of 71st in 2006 and a low of 90th in 2021 (due to the pandemic).
  • Why: Highlights the impact of global events and policies on passport power.
• Global Leaders: Singapore (195 destinations) and Japan (193) are at the top, with several EU nations and South Korea in third.
  • Why: Illustrates the best passport access globally.
• Falling Rankings: Notable shifts include the US dropping from 2nd to 9th and the UK from 1st to 5th.
  • Why: Indicates changing geopolitical dynamics and visa policies.
• Bottom Rankings: Pakistan, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan have the lowest rankings.
  • Why: Reflects significant limitations in international travel for citizens of these countries.
• Cost-Effective Passport: India’s passport is highlighted for providing the best “cost per year” value.
  • Why: This is an additional positive aspect, emphasizing affordability despite the lower ranking.

Sovereign AI

• Why in News: India invests in semiconductors and AI to achieve AI sovereignty, crucial for its USD 1 trillion digital economy goal by 2028.
• What is Sovereign AI: A nation’s ability to develop, control, and deploy AI using its own infrastructure, data, workforce, and business networks.
• National Control: Aligns AI development with national laws, regulations, and ethics.
• Data Sovereignty: Ensures data control within borders, protecting privacy and national security.
• AI in Governance: Generative AI is transforming markets, governance, and industries, with AI copilots enhancing productivity.
• Ethical Considerations: Allows nations to set security protocols and ethical standards for AI usage.
• Strategic Autonomy: Reduces dependence on foreign AI technologies, fostering domestic AI capabilities.
• Economic Competitiveness: Essential for industrial innovation; lacking it risks India’s global competitiveness.
• Various Applications: Used in critical sectors like defense, healthcare, and transportation.
• India’s Position: Tata Group and Reliance are developing AI infrastructure and LLMs.
• IndiaAI Mission: USD 1.2 billion allocated for a sovereign AI project, including an AI supercomputer.
• Global AI Cooperation: A proposed Global AI Compact suggests sharing AI resources globally for equitable access.

What is UAN?

• What is UAN? A 12-digit number for salaried employees contributing to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF).
• Who issues it? The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), authenticated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Why is it important? It remains constant throughout an employee’s career, even when jobs change. It acts as a central umbrella for multiple Member Ids (EPF accounts) across different employers.
• How does it work? When an employee changes jobs, the new employer links the new Member Id to the existing UAN.
• Benefits for Employees: Allows employees to view details of all their linked EPF accounts in one place.
• Benefits for EPFO: Helps track job changes of employees.
• EPF Basics: EPF is the main scheme under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Act, 1952.
• EPF Contribution: Both employee and employer contribute 12% of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance.
• EPF Applicability: Compulsory for establishments with 20 or more employees; also applies to some smaller organizations.

Pink Fire Retardant

• Pink fire retardant, commonly Phos-Chek, is an ammonium phosphate-based slurry used to combat wildfires.
• It contains salts like ammonium polyphosphate, which persist longer than water, inhibiting fire spread.
• The pink color aids firefighters in creating visible fire lines, protecting lives and property.
• Spraying fire retardant from planes is considered by some environmental experts to be ineffective and a source of pollution.
• Phos-Chek contains toxic metals like chromium and cadmium, which can lead to cancer, kidney, and liver diseases in humans and harm aquatic life.
• Since 2009, approximately 850,000 pounds of toxic metals from fire retardants have been released into the environment.
• Fire retardant gels are different from Phos-Chek, being short-term suppressants applied by ground equipment. They are also used to protect stunt people from flames.

Harvest Celebrations

• Why in News: The President of India greeted citizens on the eve of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, highlighting these harvest festivals’ diverse celebrations across India.

• Harvest Festivals’ Meaning: These festivals mark the end of the harvesting season in India.

• Astronomical Significance: They celebrate the Sun’s transition into the Capricorn zodiac (Makara) and the start of Uttarayan (northward journey), signifying the end of winter and a move towards warmer months. They follow the solar cycle, occurring on January 14th.

• Cultural Significance: Rituals include bathing in sacred rivers, offering food (Naivedhya) to Lord Surya, charity, and breaking fasts.

• Regional Celebrations:

  • Tamil Nadu (Pongal): A four-day rice harvest festival with home decorations using rice powder kolams.
  • Karnataka: Sharing sesame and jaggery (harmony), cattle dressing and fire-jumping (‘Kicchu Haisodu’).
  • Punjab (Lohri): Bonfires, folk songs, and offerings of groundnuts and popcorn.
  • Bihar: ‘Khichdi’ festival, preparing the dish Khichdi (rice and lentils), distributing sesame and jaggery sweets.
  • Rajasthan & Gujarat: Kite-flying competitions, including the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, and sky lanterns.
  • Assam (Magh Bihu): Celebrates the annual harvest and the Assamese new year.

Community Notes vs. Fake News

• Meta’s Shift: Meta replaces professional fact-checkers with a Community Notes program, similar to X (formerly Twitter).

• Reasoning: Meta cites partisan behavior of fact-checking organizations.

• Community Notes: Aims to combat misinformation using user-generated context. Users add notes to posts requiring clarification, visible only with diverse agreement.

• Concerns in India:

  • Increased misinformation due to untrained users.
  • Potential for biased content to dominate.
  • Delays in addressing misinformation as responsibility shifts to users.
  • Risk of political skew and polarization.
  • Challenges due to India’s diversity and complex issues.

• Why Fact-Checking Matters:

  • Ensures fair journalism, transparency, and combats misinformation.
  • Protects political integrity during elections.
  • Essential for investigating deepfakes and manipulated media.

• Challenges in Tackling Fake News:

  • Lack of a clear legal definition.
  • Balancing regulation with free speech.
  • Unintentional sharing by passive re-sharers.
  • Limited platform accountability.
  • Language and regional diversity in India.
  • Rise of deepfakes.

• Provisions in India:

  • Press Council of India (PCI) can censure media outlets.
  • News Broadcasters Association (NBA) self-regulation.
  • Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections for inciting violence or unrest.
  • Defamation laws.
  • IT Act, 2000 for cybercrimes.

• Way Forward:

  • Multilingual moderation using AI.
  • Platform accountability for social media companies.
  • Ethical journalism and independent content audits.
  • Public awareness campaigns.
  • Media literacy programs in schools.

RoDTEP Explained

• Objective: To refund embedded taxes/duties on exported goods that aren’t refunded through other mechanisms, boosting exports.

  • Why: Makes Indian exports more competitive by reducing the tax burden.

  • Effective Date: Implemented January 1, 2021, amending the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20.

  • Why: Provides a defined starting point for businesses to adapt and benefit.

  • Administered By: Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

  • Why: Ensures governmental oversight and proper implementation.

  • WTO Compliance: Adheres to global principle against exporting taxes/duties.

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  • Why: Avoids trade disputes and maintains international trade harmony.

  • Replaces MEIS: Superseded the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme.

  • Why: Addresses WTO concerns about India’s export subsidies.

  • Tax Reimbursement: Refunds taxes, duties, and levies at central, state, and local levels incurred during production and distribution.

  • Why: Reduces the overall cost of exporting goods and makes products more competitive.

  • Eligibility: Open to all export sectors, including merchant and manufacturer exporters, provided goods are made in India and directly exported.

  • Why: Broad eligibility allows diverse businesses to benefit.

  • Priority Sectors: Labor-intensive sectors (like marine, leather, gems & jewellery, agriculture) receive priority. SEZ & EOU Units and E-commerce exports are also eligible. Re-exported products are not eligible.

  • Why: Focuses support on sectors with high employment potential and strategic importance.

  • Refund Mechanism: Rebates issued as transferrable e-scrips (electronic certificates) based on a percentage of FOB value. E-scrips can be used to pay basic customs duty or transferred.

  • Why: Streamlines the refund process and provides flexibility in utilizing the benefits.

Indravati

• Location: Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh.

• Establishment: Established in 1981.

• Tiger Reserve: Declared a tiger reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger.

• Name Origin: Named after the Indravati River, which forms its northern boundary with Maharashtra.

• Topography: Undulating hilly terrain.

• Vegetation: Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest (with & without Teak) and Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest. Key tree species include Teak, Achar, Karra, Kullu, Shisham and Semal.

• Fauna: Home to rare wild buffalo, Nilgai, Black Buck, Sambar, Gaur, Tiger, Leopard, Chital, and Sloth bears.

• Largest National Park in Chhattisgarh: Guru Ghasidas National Park.

UN WESP 2025

• Global Growth Stagnant: The UN projects global economic growth to remain at 2.8% in 2025, the same as in 2024. Why: This signals a lack of significant improvement in the global economic outlook.

• Infrastructure Investment Key: Capital expenditure on infrastructure development is expected to have strong positive effects on economic growth. Why: Infrastructure projects create jobs and stimulate demand across multiple sectors.

• Manufacturing & Services Drive Growth: Expansion in the manufacturing and services sectors will be major contributors to economic activity. Why: These sectors are often key drivers of innovation, productivity, and employment.

• Export Growth to Help: Strong export growth in services, pharmaceuticals, and electronics will support economic activity. Why: Increased exports bring in revenue and boost domestic production.

• Favorable Monsoon Boosts Agriculture (India): Good monsoon rains in 2024 are expected to increase agricultural output in 2025. Why: Agriculture remains a significant sector in many developing economies, influencing food security and rural incomes.

• South Asia’s Robust Growth: South Asia’s economic growth is projected to remain strong, primarily driven by India. Projected growth is 5.7% in 2025 and 6% in 2026. Why: Highlights the region’s economic dynamism and India’s pivotal role.

• Critical Minerals Opportunity: Resource-rich developing countries like India can leverage rising demand for critical minerals to boost growth, create jobs, and increase public revenue. Why: This presents a pathway for sustainable economic development.

Delft Island

• Location & Size: Neduntheevu, also called Delft Island, is the largest island in the Palk Strait, belonging to Sri Lanka. It spans 50 sq. km, with dimensions of 8 km in length and 6 km in width.
• Unique Geography: The island is notably flat, oval-shaped, and wind-swept, lacking streams. Freshwater comes from surface water collected in depressions and ponds. It has dry shrubs, semi-arid tropical plants, and palm trees.
• Historical Significance: A Dutch fort, built from coral, is located on the island.
• Demographics: Home to 4,800 Tamil people, residing primarily in the northern part of the island.
• Language: Sri Lankan Tamil is the primary language.
• Why in News: The provided content does not indicate any current news events related to Neduntheevu Island. The information focuses on the island’s geographical features, history, demographics, and language, establishing a general profile rather than a specific news angle.

Hollongapar Sanctuary

• Location: Jorhat district, Assam, India.
• Unique Distinction: Only sanctuary in India named after a gibbon and known for high gibbon population density.
• Key Fauna: Home to India’s only gibbon species (Hoolock gibbons) and Northeast India’s only nocturnal primate (Bengal slow loris). Other notable species include elephants, tigers and leopards.
• Flora: Dominated by Hollong trees in the upper canopy and Nahar in the middle canopy.
• River: The Bhogdoi River borders the sanctuary.
• National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): Important because its approval is required for construction within the sanctuary and alteration of boundaries as per Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• NBWL Composition: Headed by the Prime Minister, with the Environment Minister as Vice Chairperson.
• Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is significant due to its diverse flora and fauna, making it a vital habitat.

Cryo-Coral Babies

• Cryo-Born Corals Introduced: The world’s first corals created using cryopreserved sperm have been successfully introduced to the Great Barrier Reef.

• Cutting-Edge Cryopreservation: Australian scientists used cryopreservation techniques to fertilize coral eggs with frozen sperm.

• Grown in National Sea Simulator: The resulting coral larvae were nurtured in a controlled environment (National Sea Simulator) before reef deployment.

• ‘Coral Cradles’ for Protection: Transferred corals were placed in specially designed structures (‘coral cradles’) on the Reef for initial protection.

• Climate Change Resilience: The project’s goal is to introduce heat-tolerant coral varieties to enhance the reef’s resilience to rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change.

• CryoDiversity Bank: Australia maintains a large collection of frozen coral sperm from 32 species collected since 2011, called CryoDiversity Bank, providing genetic diversity for restoration efforts.

• Coral Basics: Corals are invertebrates (Anthozoa, Cnidaria) that build reefs using limestone skeletons secreted by polyps and symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) for nutrients.

• Hard vs. Soft Corals: Only hard corals, not soft corals, create the massive calcium carbonate structures that form coral reefs.

• Why it matters : It’s a breakthrough conservation effort to use cryopreservation to improve reefs’ climate resilience.

NPOP

• Foundation and Purpose: Launched in 2001, it systematically develops India’s organic agriculture sector. It strengthens the organic certification system.

• Goals: Promotes sustainable farming, creates opportunities for farmers/exporters, and boosts India’s global organic market competitiveness.

• Key Activities: Includes accreditation of Certification Bodies, sets organic production standards, and promotes organic farming and marketing.

• Implementing Agency: APEDA (Ministry of Commerce & Industries) manages the programme.

• 8th Edition Highlights: Amendments focus on ease of operations and transparency.

• Simplified Certification: Organic grower groups now have legal status, replacing the Internal Control System (ICS).

• NPOP Portal: Provides visibility and operational ease for organic stakeholders.

• Organic Promotion Portal: Helps farmers/FPOs/exporters showcase products, generate trade leads, connect with buyers, access training, and get information on trade events.

• TraceNet 2.0: Upgraded organic traceability system for seamless operations and better regulatory oversight.

• APEDA & AgriXchange Portals: Redesigned for improved user experience and data accessibility for stakeholders and the public.

• Objectives: Evaluates and certifies organic agriculture and products based on government-approved criteria.

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Denotified Tribes: Issues

• News: Discontent among Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) due to persistent challenges despite government schemes like SEED.
• Historical Injustice: Stigma from the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 continues, hindering social and economic inclusion.
• Unclassified Communities: Many DNTs remain unclassified under SC, ST, or OBC categories, preventing access to welfare schemes. Lack of caste certificates in 29 states further exacerbates the problem. Estimates suggest over 25 crore individuals lack basic identity recognition.
• Implementation Gaps: Idate Commission recommendations (permanent commission, caste census) remain unaddressed. SEED scheme faces delays and lacks sufficient outreach, overlapping benefits with existing schemes.
• Lack of Representation: Scarce leadership positions and no full-time chairperson in the DWBDNC.
• Who are DNTs, NTs, and SNTs?: Communities denotified from the Criminal Tribes Act, often nomadic, with diverse cultural practices. Approximately 10% of India’s population.
• SEED Scheme: Aims for economic empowerment via coaching, health insurance, livelihoods, and housing. Rs. 200 crore expenditure over five years.
• Way Forward:
  • Expedite DNT classification (SC/ST/OBC), issue caste certificates (e.g., SC-DNT).
  • Strengthen SEED through NGO participation, simplify eligibility.
  • Conduct caste census, encourage community representation in policymaking.
  • Establish a permanent commission, district-level complaints committees.
• Why this matters: Addresses historical injustice, promotes inclusion, and ensures equitable access to resources for marginalized communities.

Illegal E-ticket

• E-ticket reselling illegal: The Supreme Court declared the unauthorized business of procuring and supplying railway e-tickets illegal, deeming it a social crime.
• Legal Basis: This ruling stems from Section 143 of the Railways Act, 1989, which penalizes unauthorized ticket sales and procurement (online and offline).
• Case Precedent: The court referenced the Mathew K Cherian Case, 2025, and extended the applicability of the Railways Act to modern technologies like online ticketing, referencing the English case of Comdel Commodities Ltd. v. Siporex Trade SA Case, 1990.
• Previous Misinterpretation Corrected: The Supreme Court overruled the Kerala High Court, which had limited the applicability of the law to offline ticket sales.
• Circumventing Limits: The accused, Mathew, was found to have violated the Act by creating multiple unauthorized user IDs to bypass IRCTC’s ticket reservation limits.
• Significance: The Indian Railways is crucial infrastructure, serving approximately 673 crore passengers annually, making fair ticketing practices vital.

California Ablaze

• Devastating Wildfires: Los Angeles is battling intense wildfires causing fatalities and structural damage. Fire retardants are being deployed.
• Increased Frequency: Wildfires are occurring more often and outside normal wildfire seasons.
• Causes of Wildfires:
  • Natural:
    • Lightning strikes igniting dry vegetation.
    • Climate change, specifically unusual wet/dry cycles, creating fuel for fires.
    • Strong Santa Ana winds spreading flames rapidly.
  • Human Intervention:
    • Unattended campfires, sparks from vehicles, faulty power lines, arson, etc.
• Impacts:
  • Economic loss from destruction.
  • Air pollution from particulate matter, acids, and other chemicals.
  • Land degradation, loss of nutrients and vegetation.
  • Loss of biodiversity.
• Pink Fire Retardant:
  • Chemical mix containing ammonium phosphate slurry and potentially toxic metals (chromium and cadmium in some formulations).
  • Phos-Chek contains ammonium phosphate fertilizers and a red dye.
  • Coats vegetation to prevent combustion by cutting off oxygen.
  • Pink color chosen for visibility.
• Retardant Concerns: Toxic metals pose health risks (cancer, organ damage) and environmental risks to aquatic life.

NOTTO: Organ & Tissue Network

• NOTTO’s Role: Apex national organization in India for organ and tissue transplant, operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

• Legal Basis: Implements the National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) and adheres to the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) 1994 and its 2011 Amendment.

• Main Functions: Organ procurement and distribution, maintenance of a national registry of donors and recipients.

• Key Divisions:

  • National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network: Coordinates nationwide organ and tissue procurement, distribution, and registry. Mandated by the 2011 Amendment.
  • National Biomaterial Centre (National Tissue Bank): Aims to bridge the gap between tissue demand and supply while ensuring quality.

• Tissue Bank Activities: Coordination, screening, removal, storage, preservation, lab screening, tracking, sterilization, records, data protection, quality management, patient information, guideline development, training, and assisting in tissue bank registration.

• Establishment Timeline: The 2011 Amendment of THOA 1994 laid the foundation for NOTTO, with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Registry (NOTTR) established in 2015. NOTTO has improved all transplant outcomes.

Hattis: Who Are They?

• Identity: The Hattis are a close-knit community named after their traditional occupation of selling crops at local markets (“haats”).
• Location: They reside along the Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand border, in the Giri and Tons river basins.
• Clans: Divided into two main clans, one in Himachal Pradesh and the other in Uttarakhand, sharing similar customs and intermarrying.
• Governance: Governed by a traditional council called ‘khumbli’ that handles community affairs.
• Economy: Primarily agricultural, relying on cash crops. Benefited from tourism in Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti.
• Population: Estimated at around 3 lakhs.
• ST Status: The Indian government granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh in 2023. Jaunsar-Bawar region was granted tribal status in 1967.
• “Pahadi” Definition: ‘Pahadi’ refers to mountain dwellers, associated with Himalayan regions of India and Nepal.

Why in the news:

• Granting of ST status to the Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh in 2023.

Silver Notice Explained

• New Interpol Alert: The Silver Notice is a new color-coded alert from Interpol.
• Purpose: To help countries track and recover assets obtained through criminal activities (fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, environmental crimes, etc.).
• Focus: Tracing assets laundered across international borders.
• Pilot Project: Currently a pilot project involving 52 countries, including India, running until at least November 2025. 500 notices are available to the participating countries.
• How it Works: Countries request information on properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses linked to criminal activities.
• Facilitates Identification: Helps identify and locate assets for potential seizure or confiscation (subject to national laws).
• India’s Role: India participates and may benefit from tracing and recovering assets from fugitive economic offenders and unaccounted black money.
• Interpol’s broader role: Interpol supports law enforcement with operational activities in priority crime areas, including financial crime.
• Initiation: The initiative was launched following a request from Italy to locate assets of a senior mafia member.

T. indotineae

• Emergence of Trichophyton indotineae: A fungal pathogen causing difficult-to-treat skin infections, widely reported in India and globally.
• Origin and Naming: Named after India in 2020 by a Japanese group, based on isolates from India and Nepal, following the practice of naming pathogens after their initial sighting country.
• Global Spread: Documented in over 40 countries, indicating significant dissemination.
• Type of Fungus: Belongs to the dermatophyte group, causing dermatophytosis (superficial skin, hair, and nail infections).
• Symptoms: Causes inflammatory and itchy dermatophytosis, often widespread, affecting groins, gluteal region, trunk, and face.
• Transmission: Spreads through direct skin contact and contaminated objects.
• Drug Resistance: Resistant to terbinafine, a first-line antifungal agent, posing treatment challenges.
• Treatment Options: While terbinafine resistance is a concern, other oral antifungal agents like griseofulvin, itraconazole, and allylamines can be considered.

Utricularia Explained

• Utricularia (Bladderwort): A diverse genus of approximately 220 species of carnivorous plants within the family Lentibulariaceae. They are the most widespread and diverse genus of carnivorous plants.

• Carnivorous Mechanism: They capture tiny animals (insect larvae, worms, water fleas) using small, active bladders with trap doors that open rapidly (in milliseconds) when triggered by hairs, sucking in prey.

• Habitat: Found in various aquatic and waterlogged environments globally, including lakes, streams, and waterlogged soils. Some species are invasive.

• Plant Structure: Bladderworts lack roots and have horizontal, floating stems with simple or divided leaves. The small carnivorous bladders are produced along the stem and range from dark to transparent.

• Keoladeo National Park Connection: Information about Keoladeo National Park is context for Utricularia, highlighting its biodiversity and importance as a wetland habitat. It’s a Ramsar site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to various flora, fauna, and migratory birds.

• Traditional Medicinal Uses: Dried leaves are used to make medicinal tea, for treating urinary tract disorders (kidney stones, UTIs), spasms, fluid retention, swelling, stimulate gallbladder secretions and promote weight loss.

UN Big Data Statistics

• UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD): Established in 2014 (with Australia as the initial Chair) to explore Big Data’s potential for official statistics and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) monitoring.

• Governance Advisory Board: Manages the UN-CEBD, meeting ~4 times/year to provide strategic guidance and review progress.

• UN Bureau: Handles day-to-day operations of the UN-CEBD.

• Mandate of UN-CEBD:

  • Strategic vision and coordination for Big Data use in official statistics, including for the 2030 Agenda (SDGs).
  • Promote practical application of Big Data sources (including cross-border data), addressing challenges.
  • Capacity-building, training, and experience sharing.
  • Advocacy for Big Data use in policy, especially SDG monitoring.
  • Building public trust in Big Data’s use for official statistics.

• UN Statistical Commission’s Primary Function: The highest decision-making body for international statistics. It sets statistical standards and develops concepts and methods for national and international implementation.

Why is this newsworthy?

• The UN-CEBD plays a crucial role in leveraging Big Data for official statistics, particularly for tracking progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Its work is essential for ensuring that data-driven policies are based on reliable and trustworthy information.
• The UN Statistical Commission, which oversees these efforts, holds significant authority in the global statistical landscape.

Blue Flag

• Blue Flag Certification: A globally recognized eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) in Denmark. Started in France (1985), expanded outside Europe in 2001.
• Purpose: Promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas.
• Criteria: Focuses on four key areas: water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety.
• Mission: To foster sustainability in the tourism sector through environmental education, protection, and sustainable practices.
• Indian Beaches: Several beaches in India have achieved Blue Flag status, including Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod & Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Odisha), Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar), Kovalam (Tamil Nadu), Eden (Puducherry), Minicoy Thundi & Kadmat (Lakshadweep).
• First in Asia: Chandrabhaga beach (Odisha) was the first beach in Asia to achieve Blue Flag certification.
• Significance: Indicates a beach is environment-friendly, clean, and maintained with international-standard amenities for tourists.

Generation Beta

• Generation Beta Defined: Children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2039, will be classified as Generation Beta. This marks a new generational cohort.

• Succession: Generation Beta succeeds Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024), also known as the iPad Generation.

• Naming Conventions: Generational names have evolved, initially tied to societal events (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials) and now using the Greek alphabet (Alpha, Beta).

• Historical Context: Previous generations (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, Gen Alpha) were shaped by specific historical events, economic conditions, and technological advancements, influencing their values and characteristics.

• Generation Alpha Characteristics: Tech-savviness, social media immersion, formative experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, environmental awareness, and focus on mental health are key traits of Generation Alpha.

• Projected Gen Beta Traits: Generation Beta is expected to be even more digitally integrated, experience a seamless blend of digital and physical realities, and prioritize sustainability due to inheriting challenges like climate change, population shifts, and urbanization. They will view sustainability as an expectation.

• Significance: Understanding generational shifts provides insights into evolving values, priorities, and potential societal impacts driven by new cohorts.

Shastri: The Man of Peace

• 59th Death Anniversary: January 11 marked the 59th death anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, making it a significant date for remembrance.

• Tashkent Declaration: Shastri passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, shortly after signing the Tashkent Declaration, with the cause of death reportedly cardiac arrest.

• Early Life & Education: Born in 1904, Shastri dropped his surname to oppose the caste system. He earned the title ‘Shastri’ (scholar) upon graduating from Kashi Vidyapeeth.

• Role in Independence Struggle: Shastri dedicated his youth to India’s independence movement.

• Ministerial Roles: Post-independence, he served as Minister of Police and Transport (introducing women bus conductors and water jets for crowd control), and later as Union Minister for Railways and Transport.

• Resignations on Moral Grounds: Shastri resigned twice as Railway Minister following train accidents, accepting moral responsibility – highlighting his integrity.

• Home Minister & Language Policy: As Home Minister, he addressed language concerns by ensuring English would continue as an official language alongside Hindi.

• Addressing Food Shortages: During food crises in the 1960s, Shastri introduced the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and established the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

• “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”: Shastri coined this slogan during the Indo-Pakistan War era to boost morale and address food scarcity. This slogan is also one of the reasons in news.

Youth Day!

• What: National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti or Rashtriya Yuva Diwas.
• When: Celebrated annually on January 12.
• Why: To commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
• Significance: Acknowledges the potential of youth in nation-building, inspires young people to contribute positively to society, honors Swami Vivekananda’s contributions to Indian society through his teachings.
• History: Declared by the Government of India in 1984; first celebrated in 1985.
• Youth Demographics: Youth (15-29 years) comprise nearly 40% of India’s population.
• Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue: A new initiative introduced for National Youth Day 2025. A merit based competition to identify and nurture young talent and provide a platform for innovative ideas and perspectives.
• Viksit Bharat Challenge: competition involves quizzes, essay writing, and vision presentations, with finalists presenting their ideas.
• Focus: Focuses on harnessing youth’s potential and innovative ideas for national development.

Punatsangchhu-II Hydro

• Project: Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-II).
• Type: 1020 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric power-generating facility.
• Location: Wangdue Phodrang district, Bhutan, on the right bank of the Punatsangchhu River.
• Developer: Punatsangchhu II Hydroelectric Project Authority, under an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between Bhutan and India.
• Infrastructure:
  • 91m-high and 223.8m-long concrete gravity dam.
  • 877.46m-long, 12m-diameter diversion tunnel (1118 cubic metres/second discharge).
  • Upper and downstream cofferdams.
  • Underground powerhouse with six 170 MW Francis turbines.
• Power Generation: Expected annual generation of 4,357 million units of electricity.
• Funding: Government of India (GoI): 30% grant and 70% loan at 10% annual interest (repayable in 30 equated semi-annual installments, starting one year after the project’s mean date of operation).
• Power Export: All surplus power will be exported to India.

Why in the News:

The Punatsangchhu-II project is significant due to its large capacity (1020 MW) and its role in Bhutan-India energy cooperation. The project will boost electricity generation for Bhutan and provide power to India. The GoI funding highlights India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s hydropower sector.

Esterase Enzymes

• A novel esterase enzyme, produced by the soil bacterium Sulfobacillus acidophilus, has been structurally characterized.

• This enzyme efficiently degrades the common plasticizer diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) into MEHP and 2-ethyl hexanol.

• The esterase, combined with three other enzymes from Comamonas testosteroni, can potentially break down high molecular weight phthalate plasticizers into water and carbon dioxide.

• Integrating the esterase and other enzymes into bacteria significantly extends their active lifespan for continuous plasticizer degradation.

• Using the enzymes independently requires the production of fresh batches for sustained degradation.

• Phthalates, like DEHP, are common plasticizers used in various products, posing a health risk through skin absorption.

Voter Lists

• Context: Accusations of electoral roll manipulation in Delhi elections (AAP vs. BJP) have renewed the debate about linking Voter IDs (EPIC) with Aadhaar.

• Background:

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  • EC previously launched NERPAP to remove duplicate voter entries by linking EPIC with Aadhaar.
  • SC interim order (2015) limited mandatory Aadhaar use to welfare schemes and PAN linking, halting NERPAP.
  • Post-Puttaswamy judgement (2018), EC sought amendments to enable voluntary EPIC-Aadhaar linking.

• 2021 Amendments:

  • RP Act, 1950 and The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 were amended to permit EPIC-Aadhaar linking.
  • The use of the word “may” ensures linking remains voluntary.
  • Inability to provide Aadhaar due to ‘sufficient cause’ cannot result in application denial or entry deletion, with alternate documents accepted.

• Pros and Cons of Aadhaar Linking:

  • Cons: Errors in Aadhaar database may cause wrongful deletions from electoral rolls. Aadhaar is a proof of residence, not citizenship.
  • Cons: Potential misuse of electoral rolls despite back-end linking to happen.

• Way Forward: Public awareness campaigns are needed to highlight benefits of linking (removing duplicate entries, strengthening electoral process). Concerns about vote secrecy compromise must be addressed.

Vaghsheer Submarine

• INS Vaghsheer Commissioning: The INS Vaghsheer is the sixth Kalvari-class submarine to be commissioned into the Indian Navy, marking a significant boost to India’s naval power.

• Kalvari-Class Submarines (Project 75): INS Vaghsheer is part of the Project 75 initiative, which involves the construction of six Scorpene-class submarines. The other five are INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, and INS Vagir.

• Advanced Stealth Technology: Vaghsheer incorporates advanced stealth technologies, including reduced noise levels and hydrodynamic design, making it difficult to detect.

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• Combat Capabilities: It’s equipped with precision-guided weapons such as torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, enhancing its offensive and defensive capabilities.

• Mission Versatility: Designed for diverse missions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and operations in various maritime environments.

• Indigenous Systems: It features indigenously developed systems like the air-conditioning plant, internal communication network, and Ku-Band SATCOM system, promoting self-reliance in defense technology.

• Named After Sand Fish: The submarine is named after the sand fish, a deep-sea predator of the Indian Ocean.

• Extensive Trials: It underwent extensive trials after its launch in April 2022, testing its endurance, stealth features, and combat efficiency.

Genome India

• Genome India Project – Phase 2 Launch: Following the completion of the first phase, which sequenced 10,000 genomes to create a baseline map of the Indian population, the project is now moving into its second phase.

• Focus on Disease Sequencing: The second phase will include sequencing the genomes of individuals with specific diseases, expanding the database to one million sequences.

• Goal of Phase 2: Comparing healthy and diseased genomes to identify targets for developing treatments and diagnostics, advancing personalized medicine.

• Diseases of Interest: Includes cancers, diabetes, neurological/neurodegenerative diseases, and rare diseases prevalent in Indian populations.

• Project Overview: Aims to decode the genetic blueprint of India’s diverse population and develop a reference set of genetic variations from 10,000 samples across 99 communities

• Key Institutions Involved: More than 20 research institutions across India are involved, including IISc, CSIR-CCMB and NIMHANS.

• Key Objectives: Develop a biobank of 20,000 blood samples, make genomic data publicly accessible, design genetic chips for low-cost diagnostics, and promote genomic research.

• Significance: Aims at developing genome-based precision medicine in India and inspire young researchers in the field of genomics.

Silver Nanowire Ink

• Indigenous Development: India has developed its own Silver Nanowire-Based Conductive Ink technology, funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Why: Reduces reliance on foreign imports and strengthens domestic manufacturing.

• Versatile Applications: The ink is usable in flexible electronics (foldable devices, touchscreens), wearables, solar panels, RFID tags, and more. Why: Showcases a broad applicability, highlighting the potential for widespread adoption across various industries.

• Market Opportunity: The global market for this ink is projected to exceed $16.87 billion by 2032. Why: Indicates significant economic potential and growth opportunities for India’s domestic production.

• Import Substitution: India currently imports conductive ink worth $1.572 million annually. Why: Illustrates the immediate potential for import substitution and cost savings for the country.

• Radio Frequency (RF) Information: RF refers to electromagnetic radio wave oscillations in the range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz, used for communications and broadcasting. Why: Important to understanding the technology’s applications in areas like RFID tags and wireless communication.

Uncharted Territory

• 10th Anniversary of NITI Aayog: Celebrated on January 1, 2025, marking a decade since its inception on January 1, 2015. This signifies a significant milestone in India’s shift towards a more market-oriented and adaptable economic planning approach.

• Shift to Policy Advisory: NITI Aayog transitioned from financial allocation to policy recommendations. This emphasizes a move away from centrally controlled resource distribution to a more strategic and advisory role in shaping national policies.

• Promotion of Federalism: Strengthened competitive and cooperative federalism via data-driven indices like the SDG India Index. This fostered healthy competition and collaboration among states for improved development outcomes.

• State Institution support: Aided states in establishing State Institutions of Transformation (SITs). This promoted better governance and policy implementation at the state level, decentralizing development efforts.

• Aspirational Blocks Programme: Targeted 500 underdeveloped blocks for comprehensive scheme coverage. This initiative aimed to address regional disparities and ensure equitable access to government programs.

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Trained over 1 crore students and expanded innovation ecosystems. This promoted entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in underserved regions and local languages.

• Conceptualization of Key Initiatives: Played a crucial role in conceiving initiatives like e-Mobility, Green Hydrogen, and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. This highlights its contribution to shaping India’s future in sustainable development and manufacturing.

CAG of India

• Context: The CAG is currently in the news due to a political dispute over its audit report on the Delhi CM’s office renovation. This highlights the CAG’s role in scrutinizing government spending.

• Constitutional Basis: Articles 148-151 of the Constitution outline the CAG’s appointment, duties, and audit reports. The President appoints the CAG.

• Functions and Audits: The CAG audits government finances, public sector undertakings, and assesses compliance with rules and regulations. They conduct compliance, performance, and financial audits.

• Audit Selection: The CAG uses a risk assessment procedure, considering factors like project size, media reports, and international guidelines, to choose audit subjects. They also consult an Audit Advisory Board.

• Audit Process: The CAG conducts entry and exit conferences, shares draft reports with the audited department for a response, and then submits the final report to the government.

• Report Tabling: Article 151 mandates that CAG reports be laid before Parliament or state legislatures. There’s no time limit, leading to delays. The report becomes public only after it’s laid in the House.

• Impact of Reports: CAG reports can influence policy by highlighting financial losses, suggesting procedural changes, and leading to changes in rules and procedures. The Public Accounts Committee examines the reports and seeks government action.

Copernicus C3S Explained

• C3S Overview: The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) is a key part of the EU’s Copernicus Earth Observation Programme, implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

• Purpose: C3S provides accessible, authoritative information about past, present, and future climate, globally and in Europe, to support society.

• Data Access: C3S offers free and open access to climate data and tools via the Climate Data Store.

• Climate Data Store (CDS): The CDS provides high-quality, up-to-date datasets on climate change impacts, updated with observations, reanalyses, forecasts, and model projections. It also has tools to create visual products from complex data.

• User Support: C3S provides user support, training, and guidance to scientists, policymakers, media, and the public.

• Reliance on Research: C3S utilizes climate research from the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and responds to user needs defined by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS).

• Copernicus Programme: The EU’s Earth observation program using satellites and in-situ data. Free and open data access is a key element.

• Copernicus Infrastructure: Relies on Sentinel satellites and contributing missions to gather data. Funded and managed by the European Commission.

• WCRP: An international initiative coordinating global climate research to improve understanding of the Earth’s climate system and support climate predictions.

• Why it matters: C3S offers essential climate data and tools to support decision-making, research, and public understanding of climate change. The information available through C3S can enable users to tackle climate change and its impacts at a local level.

La Niña Explained

• Emergence of La Nina: The long-anticipated La Nina has emerged in the tropical Pacific, but its cooling effect is mild. Its delayed arrival may be connected to warmer global ocean temperatures.
• What is La Nina: Part of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), La Nina is characterized by colder-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
• Mechanism: Strengthened trade winds push warm water west, causing cooler waters to rise in the eastern Pacific.
• Cycle: La Nina occurs every two to seven years, often following El Nino. The most recent La Nina lasted from 2020-2023.
• Climate Change Impacts: Anthropogenic climate change intensifies the impacts of La Nina, such as extreme weather.
• Regional Impacts:
  • Asia: Above-average monsoon rainfall in India (possible decrease in pulses, increase in rice), flooding in Southeast Asia.
  • South America: Drought in Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and northern Argentina; wetter conditions in Northern Brazil.
  • Africa: Drier conditions in East Africa; above-average summer rainfall in Southern Africa.
  • Oceania: Above-average rainfall and flooding in Australia.
  • North America: Drier conditions in the southern US; wetter weather in the north.
• El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): A climate pattern involving temperature changes in the Pacific Ocean that affects global weather. El Nino (warming), La Nina (cooling), and Neutral are the phases.
• Prediction: Scientists use climate models and observational data (sea surface temperatures, wind strength, satellites, ocean buoys) to predict ENSO events.
• Oceanic Nino Index (ONI): Compares 3-month average sea surface temperatures to a 30-year average.
• Nino-3.4 Index: Identifies thresholds for El Nino and La Nina events.
• Forecast Lead Time: La Nina can be predicted up to two years in advance after a strong El Niño.
• Conclusion: La Nina influences global weather, rainfall, and agriculture. Accurate forecasting is crucial to mitigate its impacts, which are amplified by climate change.

Manis Indoburmanica

• Discovery of Manis Indoburmanica: A newly identified pangolin species, genetically distinct from Chinese and Indian pangolins, found in India.

• Indo-Burmese Pangolin: Officially named Manis Indoburmanica, or Indo-Burmese pangolin.

• Genetic Difference: Exhibits a 3.8% genetic difference from the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).

• Evolutionary Divergence: Diverged from Chinese pangolins approximately 3.4 million years ago, likely due to climate and geological shifts during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs.

• Geographic Distribution: Believed to inhabit Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and potentially extend into Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Found at elevations of 180-1830 meters.

• Physical Characteristics: Features dark brown and olive-brown scales with a pinkish face, consistent with other Asian pangolins.

• Pangolin Overview: Mammals in the family Manidae, found in Africa and Asia, known for their keratin scales.

• Unique Traits: Covered in protective keratin scales, myrmecophagous (ant and termite eaters), and fossorial (adapted for digging burrows).

• Conservation Status: Among the most trafficked animals globally, driven by demand for scales in traditional medicine and as luxury items.

Desert National Park

• Location and Size: Desert National Park (DNP) is located in the Thar Desert near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It’s one of India’s largest national parks, covering over 3160 sq. km.

• Arid Environment: The park experiences extreme heat, aridity, and very low rainfall (under 100mm).

• Topography: The terrain is sandy and undulating, with craggy rocks, compact Salt Lake bottoms, and fixed dunes (sand dunes make up about 20%). It contains three main lakes: Rajbaugh Lake, Malik Talao Lake, and Padam Talao.

• Jurassic Fossils: DNP is notable for the presence of fossils from the Jurassic Period.

• Vegetation: The flora is sparse, characterized by open grassland, thorny bushes, plantations, and dunes, categorized as thorn forest type. Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) is common and protected by local communities like the Bishnois.

• Fauna: The park is home to animals like Chinkara, Desert fox, Bengal Fox, Indian Wolf, Desert Cat, and Hare. Reptiles are abundant.

• Great Indian Bustard (GIB): The park is a crucial habitat for the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB).

• GIB Status: Only 100-150 GIB individuals are estimated to survive in India, with around 100 residing in the Thar Desert (mainly in Rajasthan)

Modweth Celebration

• Why in News: The Toda tribe of Tamil Nadu celebrated their traditional ‘Modhweth’ festival, marking their New Year.

• What: The ‘Modhweth’ festival is an annual celebration held on the last Sunday of December or the first Sunday of January.

• Where: Celebrated at the Moonpo temple in Muthanadu Mund village, Nilgiri district. The Moonpo temple is significant for its unique architecture, featuring a vertical spire, thatched roof, and flat stone.

• Rituals: Prayers are offered to the deity Thenkish Amman for health, rain, and a good harvest. Participants perform a dance outside the temple.

• Unique Customs: Toda youth demonstrate their strength by lifting a greased boulder. Women traditionally do not participate.

• Toda Tribe: A pastoral tribe of the Nilgiri Hills, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tamil Nadu. Their language is unique within the Dravidian family.

• Significance: Toda lands are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

• Religion: Their religious beliefs center around gods like Tökisy (goddess) and Ön (god of the underworld).

India-US Defence & Nuclear Ties

• US NSA Visit & New Initiatives: The US National Security Advisor visited India, leading to the signing of new initiatives in technology and defence.

• Civil Nuclear Cooperation Boost: The US will ease restrictions on supplying US nuclear reactors to Indian entities like BARC, facilitating the India-US civil nuclear agreement. This is significant as it deepens cooperation in the critical energy sector and recognises India’s responsible nuclear program.

• Sonobuoy Co-Manufacturing for Enhanced ASW: India and US will co-manufacture Sonobuoys to strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to detect underwater threats, especially submarines. This is crucial for maritime security given the increasing underwater activity in the Indian Ocean region.

• MTCR Updates & Space Collaboration: The US briefed India on updates to missile export controls under the MTCR, potentially leading to enhanced space cooperation. India’s membership in MTCR since 2016 has opened new avenues for technology collaboration.

• Advancing iCET Cooperation: Both countries reiterated their commitment to collaboration in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, telecommunications, and space through the iCET framework. This is vital for maintaining a competitive edge in cutting-edge technologies.

• Sonobuoys Defined: Sonobuoys are expendable acoustic sensors used to detect, classify, and track underwater sounds, primarily in anti-submarine warfare. This highlights the importance of co-manufacturing these devices for India’s naval capabilities.

The Gulf

• Location & Connectivity: The Gulf of Mexico borders the southeastern coast of North America, connected to the Atlantic via the Straits of Florida and to the Caribbean Sea via the Yucatán Channel.

• Geographic Significance: It’s the world’s largest gulf, often called the “Mediterranean of the Americas,” formed by seafloor subsidence due to tectonic plate movement.

• Depth: It’s relatively shallow, averaging 1,615 meters in depth, particularly along the continental shelf.

• Climate: Experiences a tropical to subtropical climate and is prone to severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms.

• Major Rivers: The Mississippi and Rio Grande rivers drain into the Gulf.

• Natural Resources: The Gulf’s continental shelf contains significant petroleum and natural gas deposits.

• Yucatán Peninsula Location: The Yucatán Peninsula is a northeastern projection of Central America, situated between the Gulf of Mexico (west and north) and the Caribbean Sea (east). It is mostly made of porous limestone rocks.

• Why in News: Given the provided content there is no information regarding the Gulf of Mexico in news.

Trinidad & Tobago Emergency

• Emergency Declaration: Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency.

  • Why: Due to a significant surge in gang violence, leading to the highest annual death toll since 2013.

• Context of Violence: The country, with a population of 1.5 million, has a high murder rate.

  • Why: Highlights the severity of the security situation that prompted the emergency declaration.

• Previous Emergencies: Past states of emergency were declared in 2014 (gang violence) and 2021 (COVID-19).

  • Why: Provides context to the recent declaration, indicating a recurring issue with gang violence.

• India’s Connections: Trinidad and Tobago is the first Caribbean country to adopt India’s UPI platform. Bilateral trade with India reached a record USD 368.96 million in FY 2023-24, and the Indian Diaspora constitutes about 42% of the total population.

  • Why: Indicates the economic and cultural ties with India. It provides the information that it is first country in caribbean to adopt India’s UPI platform and showcases a key aspect of relationship.

• Location and Independence: The island nation, located in the southeastern West Indies, gained independence from the UK in 1962 and is a CARICOM member.

  • Why: Provides background information about the country.

Veer Gatha

• Project Veer Gatha commemorates India’s 75th Independence anniversary (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav): Launched in 2021 to honor the nation’s milestone.

• Raises Awareness of Gallantry Awardees: Aims to publicize the brave acts and life stories of India’s war heroes.

• Instills Patriotism and Civic Values: Designed to cultivate patriotism and responsible citizenship in students.

• Joint Initiative: Collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education.

• Varied Topics in Veer Gatha 4.0: Students wrote essays/paragraphs on Gallantry Award recipients, freedom fighters like Rani Laxmibai, the 1857 War, and Tribal Uprisings.

• Gallantry Awards Recognize Bravery: Awarded by the Indian Government to Armed Forces, other forces, and civilians for acts of courage and sacrifice.

• Announced Twice Annually: Gallantry Awards are announced on Republic Day and Independence Day.

Tibet-Nepal Quake

• Earthquake Event: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Tibetan region of China and parts of Nepal, with the epicenter in Tingri County near Mt. Everest.
• Tectonic Cause: The quake is attributed to the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, a process occurring for about 50 million years. The Indian plate pushes into the Eurasian plate at roughly 60 mm per year, causing stress buildup.
• Qixiang Co Fault (QXCF): Research identifies the Qixiang Co Fault as a significant factor. It facilitates the eastward movement of the Tibetan Plateau, increasing seismic activity. The QXCF is a sinistral (left-lateral) fault.
• Seismic History: The Lhasa terrane has a history of seismic activity with over 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher recorded since 1950.
• Lhasa Terrane Significance: The earthquake occurred in the Lhasa terrane, which contains significant infrastructure, including a large hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra). Raises concerns for India regarding water flow in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• Environmental Risks: The Tibetan Plateau is a critical water resource (‘third pole’). Earthquakes can destabilize glaciers and alter river courses, increasing flood risks.
• Himalayan Seismicity: The Himalayan region is seismically active due to the continued convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates (40-50 mm/year), plate subduction, and numerous fault lines (e.g., Main Himalayan Thrust).
• Complex Interactions: Other tectonic features, like the subduction of the Eurasian plate beneath the Pamir Mountains, also contribute to the region’s high seismicity.

WMO

• UN Specialized Agency: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). Why: Highlights WMO’s role within the UN system and its mandate.

• Origin: Evolved from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO) founded in 1873. Established in 1950. Why: Provides historical context and evolution of the organization.

• Mandate: UN’s authoritative voice on the Earth’s atmosphere, ocean interactions, climate, and water resources. Why: Defines WMO’s core expertise and influence.

• Goal: Facilitates international cooperation in meteorology, climate, hydrology, and related environmental fields. Why: Emphasizes WMO’s commitment to global collaboration.

• Governance: World Meteorological Congress (policy), Executive Council (implementation), Secretariat (administration). Why: Outlines the organizational structure and decision-making processes.

• Membership: 193 members (187 states, 6 territories). Why: Shows global reach and participation.

• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. Why: Identifies the location of the organization’s central operations.

• Meteorology Definition: Scientific study of atmospheric phenomena, particularly in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. Why: Briefly explains the scientific discipline at the heart of WMO’s work.

Tidal Tail

• Discovery: IIA researchers found an ultra-diffuse galaxy at the end of the longest tidal tail known, linked to galaxy NGC 3785.

• Tidal Tail: It’s a stream of stars and gas pulled from galaxies during interactions/mergers by gravity. This specific tail is associated with NGC 3785.

• NGC 3785: A lenticular galaxy in the Leo constellation, 430 million light-years away. Its northern location makes it easier to observe from the northern hemisphere.

• Significance of Tidal Tails: They are indicators of past galaxy interactions and contribute to understanding galaxy evolution. They also show how gravitational forces affect galaxies.

• Star Formation: A small fraction of a galaxy’s star formation occurs within these tidal tails, showing their role in galaxy dynamics.

Yuva Utsav

• National Youth Festival (NYF) Commemoration: Celebrated annually in January to mark Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary (January 12th), designated as National Youth Day. Observed since 1985.

• Duration: The NYF takes place every year from January 12th to 16th.

• Organizers: Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in collaboration with a host State/UT. Expenditure is shared between the Centre and the host State.

• Purpose: Promotes national integration through the ‘Promotion of National Integration’ component of the National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD).

• Activities: Includes cultural programs (competitive and non-competitive), youth conventions, exhibitions, adventure programs, and thematic displays.

• Participation: Attracts approximately 7500 youth delegates from across India.

• NYF 2025 Theme: Innovation in Science and Technology.

• NYF 2025 Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• Swami Vivekananda’s Significance: A highly influential Hindu monk and spiritual leader, disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. He advocated for combining Indian spirituality with Western progress and emphasized service to others. Founded the Ramakrishna Order in 1897. Presented Hinduism at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions.

CEC Appointment

• New Appointment Process: The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023, introduces changes to the selection process.

• Wider Candidate Pool: The Act allows consideration of a broader range of candidates, not just the senior-most Election Commissioner, as it was traditionally. Candidates can now be current or former Secretary-level officers.

• Search Committee: A Search Committee, chaired by the Law Minister, will create a panel of five names for the Selection Committee.

• Selection Committee Composition: The Selection Committee comprises the Prime Minister, a Cabinet minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. They can select from the Search Committee’s panel or consider other individuals.

• Background – Supreme Court Intervention: The Act was enacted after the Supreme Court intervened due to challenges regarding the government’s exclusive power in the appointment process. The court had initially suggested a committee including the Chief Justice of India.

• Controversial Change: The final law excludes the Chief Justice of India from the Selection Committee, as initially recommended by the Supreme Court, making the government’s influence stronger.

2024: Global Warming Breach

• 2024 Breached the 1.5°C Limit: 2024 is the first year in history where the mean global temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

  • Why: This is a significant threshold outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to limit warming.

• 2024 is the Warmest Year on Record: With a warming of 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels, 2024 surpasses 2023 (1.45°C) as the warmest year ever recorded.

  • Why: Highlights the accelerating pace of global warming.

• Significance of the 1.5°C Threshold: While exceeding 1.5°C doesn’t definitively mean the goal is unattainable, it’s a critical indicator. Long-term trends, not just yearly variations, determine if the target is breached.

  • Why: The 1.5°C and 2°C limits are long-term goals.

• Exceptional Warming in 2023 & 2024: Both years are notably warmer, even within a rapidly warming trend.

  • Why: Underscores the urgency and severity of climate change.

• Factors Contributing to Warming: The unusual warming is possibly due to a combination of factors: mild El Niño events, unprecedented El Niño-like systems in other oceans, the 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption, decreased sulfur dioxide emissions from the shipping industry, and the Sun’s solar maximum phase.

  • Why: Provides context and potential causes for the record-breaking temperatures.

Haryana Sex Ratio Dips

• Key Point: Haryana’s sex ratio at birth dropped to 910 in 2024, the lowest in eight years, after peaking at 923 in 2019.

• Why: This decline is concerning, as it reverses progress made after the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign launched in 2015.

• Key Point: The drop is attributed to factors such as loosened enforcement of the PNDT Act and changing societal attitudes.

• Why: Relaxed enforcement allows access to sex determination services, especially in wealthier families.

• Key Point: Societal pressures, including dowry and economic constraints, contribute to the preference for fewer children, often favoring males.

• Why: This preference is fueled by the need to reduce costs, impacting family size decisions.

• Key Point: The government acknowledges the dip as a slight fluctuation, highlighting improvements from 2014 to 2023 and various schemes promoting the girl child.

• Why: This perspective contrasts with activists’ concerns, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.

Swiss Burqa Ban

• Switzerland Burqa Ban: Switzerland’s nationwide ban on face coverings like burqas and niqabs took effect January 1st, 2025, stemming from a 2021 referendum.
• Global Debate: This ban mirrors ongoing debates globally, including in India, about the wearing of hijabs and burqas.
• India’s Hijab Issue:
  • Indian court cases show differing views, balancing religious freedom with school dress codes and institutional rights.
  • Split Supreme Court verdict on Karnataka hijab ban awaits a larger bench ruling.
• Arguments for Bans:
  • Promote uniformity, discipline, and integration.
  • Counter gender inequality concerns associated with hijabs/burqas.
  • Address security concerns and prevent anonymity.
• Arguments Against Bans:
  • Infringe on freedom of religion (Article 25 of the Indian Constitution) and personal choice.
  • May negatively impact education for girls from conservative backgrounds, as evidenced by lower school attendance rates among Muslim girls in some Indian states.
• Balancing Act: The debate highlights the need to balance individual freedoms, societal values, and institutional discipline. Religious rights aren’t absolute and must align with public order and equality.

ICEGATE

• ICEGATE Established: Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) was established in 2007.

• National Portal: It is the national portal of Indian Customs, under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

• E-filing Services: Provides e-filing services electronically to traders, cargo carriers, and other trading partners.

• Centralized Hub: Serves as a central hub for electronic interactions between Indian Customs and the trading community.

• Trade User Connection: Main infrastructure connecting trade users with the Indian government’s customs department.

• Information Exchange Hub: Acts as a hub for information exchange between external trading partners in international trade.

• Linked to Partner Agencies: Internally linked with RBI, Banks, DGFT, DGCIS, Ministry of Steel, Directorate of Valuation and other Partner Government Agencies.

• Streamlines Procedures: Streamlines customs procedures and enhances trade facilitation.

• Promotes Transparency: Promotes transparency and efficiency in cross-border trade activities in India.

• Key takeaway points: ICEGATE is important because it simplifies trade, increases efficiency, and makes cross-border transactions more transparent for businesses in India. It also connects various government and financial institutions involved in EXIM.

Jobs 2025: Outlook

• Report: World Economic Forum’s (WEF) ‘Future of Jobs Report 2025’ anticipates significant shifts in the global job market by 2030.

• Net Job Creation: Projects a net increase of 78 million jobs by 2030.

• Driving Forces: Technology, economic shifts, and the green transition are key drivers.

• Fastest-Growing Roles: Frontline roles (farmworkers, delivery), care economy, tech roles, and green transition jobs.

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• Declining Roles: Clerical roles (cashiers, data entry clerks, bank tellers) are expected to decline.

• Technological Advancements: AI, information processing, robotics, and automation are in high demand.

• Green Transition: Climate change mitigation drives demand for renewable energy engineers, environmental engineers, and electric/autonomous vehicle specialists.

• Demographic Shifts: Aging populations drive demand for healthcare. Growing workforces in low-income nations boost demand for educators and talent managers.

• Geoeconomic Fragmentation: Geopolitical tensions are prompting business model changes and boosting demand for security roles and cybersecurity skills.

• India: Leading in AI skills enrollments. Indian employers expect faster tech adoption than the global average. India, along with Sub-Saharan Africa, will supply nearly two-thirds of new workforce entrants.

• India’s Challenges: Job displacement due to automation, skill mismatch, uneven technology adoption, and challenges in the informal sector.

• Way Forward: Upskilling initiatives, DEI programs, AI adoption for workforce improvements, talent retention strategies, and public policy support are needed.

• Conclusion: Upskilling, adapting to technological shifts, and prioritizing diversity are essential for resilient labor markets.

PBD

• What: The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

  • Why: It recognizes the Indian diaspora’s contributions to India.

• When & Where: Held from January 8-10, 2025, in partnership with the Odisha government.

  • Why: To facilitate government interaction with overseas Indians and strengthen ties.
  • Why: First PBD held in Eastern India.

• Significance: Celebrated annually, later becoming a biennial event.

  • Why: It Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India on January 9, 1915, symbolizing returning Indians.

• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA): The highest honor given by the Indian government to overseas Indians.

  • Why: To acknowledge and recognize contributions to India, like promoting India’s image, supporting India’s causes, building links, and social/humanitarian work, among others.

Foot and Mouth Disease?

• What is it? Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock (cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants). It’s not related to hand, foot, and mouth disease in humans.

• Economic Impact: FMD is a transboundary animal disease (TAD) causing significant economic losses by disrupting livestock production and international trade.

• Global Presence: The disease circulates in a large percentage of the global livestock population, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and some areas of South America.

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• Not a Human Threat: FMD poses no risk to human health or food safety.

• Cause: Caused by an aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae, with seven strains (A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1). Immunity to one strain doesn’t protect against others.

• Transmission: Found in excretions and secretions. Infected animals exhale the virus, spreading it through the air (respiratory/oral routes).

• Symptoms: Fever and blisters on tongue, lips, mouth, teats, and hooves. Leads to lameness, reluctance to move/eat, hypersalivation, appetite loss, weight loss, reduced growth, and decreased milk production. Can be high mortality in young animals.

• Disease Impact: Causes production losses, often leaving animals weakened even after recovery.

• WOAH Significance: FMD was the first disease recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), highlighting its global importance.

• Vaccination: Vaccines are available but must match the specific viral type/subtype causing the outbreak.

GOBARdhan Initiative

• Lack of Transparency: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) points out missing data on the GOBARdhan portal regarding operational Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants. This makes it difficult to assess the program’s progress and address challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

• Slow Adoption: Only 115 CBG plants are currently operational (as of December 2024). This is significantly behind the scheme’s goal of establishing 5,000 plants by 2030, raising concerns about achieving the set targets.

• Information Gaps: A crucial deficiency is the absence of detailed information on the types of organic waste (feedstock) used by individual CBG plants listed on the GOBARdhan portal. This information gap hinders comprehensive analysis.

• Operational Transparency Deficit: The portal lacks a dedicated section providing regularly updated information on operational CBG plants. This lack of transparency makes it harder for policymakers to understand and resolve operational issues and entrepreneur challenges.

• GOBARdhan Scheme Overview: The GOBARdhan scheme, spearheaded by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to convert waste into wealth through Biogas /CBG/Bio-CNG plants. It supports the circular economy and sustainable growth. CBG helps replace fossil fuels, manage waste, and reduce open burning.

India-Taliban Relations

• High-Level Talks: India’s Foreign Secretary met with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister in Dubai, marking India’s highest-level engagement with the Taliban for national and security interests.

• Expanding Aid and Cooperation: India will increase development projects alongside humanitarian aid (wheat, medicine, vaccines). Cooperation will grow, particularly in cricket.

• Chabahar Port Importance: Both sides agree to boost the use of Chabahar Port for trade, commerce, and humanitarian aid delivery to Afghanistan.

• Security Assurances: The Taliban recognized India’s security concerns and pledged continued contact at various levels.

• Changing Global Dynamics:

  • Taliban-Pakistan Tension: Strained relations between the Taliban and Pakistan prompted India’s engagement to protect its interests.
  • Iran’s Focus Shift: Iran is preoccupied with the Israel conflict, leaving a gap in dealing with the Taliban.
  • Russia’s Alignment: Russia sees the Taliban as an ally against ISIS.
  • China’s Influence: China’s economic interest in Afghanistan through the Belt and Road Initiative worries India and India trying to prevent China’s dominance in Afghanistan.
  • US Re-engagement: Anticipating potential US re-engagement, India wants to ensure its interests remain central.

• Security Concerns (India): India wants the Taliban to control anti-India elements (LeT, JeM, ISKP).

• Development Benefits: Taliban officials valued India’s $3 billion projects and want continued investment.

• Afghanistan’s Strategic Importance:

  • Central Asia Access: Afghanistan provides a route to Central Asian resources via Chabahar.
  • Countering Pakistan: India strengthens its regional position.
  • Counter-Terrorism: India asserts its leadership against terrorism.
  • Mutual Benefits: Continued projects benefit both Afghan people and India.

• Challenges:

  • Terrorism: Extremist groups in Afghanistan pose a threat to India.
  • Pakistan’s Role: Pakistan sees India’s presence as a threat.
  • Diplomatic Recognition: India hasn’t officially recognized the Taliban.
  • Refugee Crisis: Afghan refugees strain resources.

• Way Forward: Focused small projects, support for civil society, SAARC for trade, narrative building on people’s concerns and student visas.

IOM: The Basics

• Established in 1951: IOM is a leading intergovernmental organization for migration.

  • Why: Highlights its long history and established role.

• Part of the UN system: IOM is a related organization of the United Nations.

  • Why: Shows its close ties with the UN.

• Mandate: IOM promotes humane and orderly migration benefiting migrants and society.

  • Why: Outlines IOM’s core principle and mission.

• Key functions: Manages migration, promotes international cooperation, finds migration solutions, and provides humanitarian assistance.

  • Why: Explains IOM’s main activities and areas of focus.

• Focus on Labour Mobility: UN agency in charge of labour mobility and migration in general.

  • Why: Explain IOM responsibility in labour mobility, diaspora and migrant integration.

• Coordinator for the UN Network on Migration: IOM plays a central coordinating role within the UN system.

  • Why: Highlights its leadership in migration-related efforts.

• Supported the UN Global Compact for Migration: IOM supported the agreement for international migration adopted in 2018.

  • Why: Emphasizes IOM’s involvement in shaping global migration policy.

• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

  • Why: Provides location information.

• Membership: 175 member states and 8 observer states.

  • Why: Shows its widespread international presence.

• UN Global Compact for Migration: A non-legally binding agreement for international migration under the UN.

  • Why: First inter governmentally negotiated agreement to cover all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner.

PBD: Connecting Diaspora

• What: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), a biennial event celebrating the Indian diaspora’s contributions to India.

• Why in News: The 18th PBD Convention will be organized by Odisha from January 8th to 10th, 2025, themed “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

• Historical Significance: Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915.

• Objectives: Acknowledging diaspora contributions, fostering understanding of India abroad, supporting Indian causes, and providing a platform for engagement.

• PBD Convention: Established in 2003. The 2025 convention will focus on diaspora’s role in India’s development.

• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA): Highest honor for NRIs, PIOs, or diaspora-run organizations for their contributions.

• Diaspora Defined: NRIs (resident abroad), PIOs (foreign citizens with Indian heritage, category abolished in 2015), and OCIs (eligible for Indian citizenship on Jan 26, 1950).

• Diaspora’s Contribution to Viksit Bharat: Economic empowerment, promoting global trade, supporting innovation, tackling global challenges (climate change), and enhancing cultural linkages.

• Challenges Faced by Diaspora: Identity issues, integration difficulties, politicization, religious bias, legal and citizenship concerns, and remittance challenges.

• Way Forward: Legal protection, stronger consular support, social integration, economic engagement, and skill development/knowledge transfer.

• Vision 2047: Involves structured diaspora engagement, especially the youth, to achieve a developed India by 2047.

Polar Vortex Explained

• What it is: A large, rotating area of low pressure and cold air around Earth’s poles.
• Location: Extends high into the atmosphere, from the tropopause through the stratosphere and into the mesosphere.
• Seasonal Changes: Always present, weakens in summer, strengthens in winter.
• The “Vortex” Effect: Refers to the counter-clockwise air flow that keeps cold air near the poles.
• Winter Expansion: In the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex expands during winter.
• Cold Air Outbreaks: Expansion sends cold Arctic air southward via the jet stream.
• Jet Streams: Strong, upper-level winds that carry the cold air.
• Geographic Impact: Affects the United States, Europe, and Asia.
• Primary Danger: The extreme cold temperatures resulting from the southward surge of Arctic air.
• Southern Hemisphere: Antarctic polar-front jet stream is more stable. Cold air outbreaks are less frequent and less impactful on populated areas.
• Stratosphere Defined: The layer of Earth’s atmosphere above the troposphere, containing ozone that absorbs UV radiation and causes temperatures to rise with altitude.

Nimesulide: An NSAID

• Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation relief.

• It works by reducing inflammation-causing chemicals in the body, prescribed for fever, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, and similar conditions.

• Nimesulide is primarily used in veterinary medicine for animals like cattle, pigs, and horses.

• Nimesulide is found to be toxic to vultures’ kidneys, leading to visceral gout and population decline. This poses a significant threat to vulture conservation.

• Due to safety concerns, Nimesulide is banned for pediatric use in several countries and is not suitable for humans as well.

• Banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

Anji Khad Bridge

• India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge: The Anji Khad Bridge in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, marks a significant achievement as India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
• Part of USBRL Project: It’s a vital component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, aimed at improving connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
• Connects Katra and Reasi: The bridge directly links Katra and Reasi, easing transportation challenges in the region.
• Overcomes Himalayan Challenges: Constructed in difficult Himalayan terrain, it addresses complex geological conditions, including seismic activity.
• Collaboration with IITs: Indian Railways collaborated with IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi for site-specific studies, ensuring stability and safety.
• Asymmetrical Design: The bridge is an asymmetrical cable-stayed structure balanced by a central pylon, a unique design element.
• Impressive Dimensions: Spanning 725.5 meters, it features a 193-meter-tall pylon rising 331 meters above the riverbed.
• High Wind Resistance: Engineered to withstand wind speeds up to 213 km/h.
• Operational Speed: Designed to safely support train operations at speeds of 100 km/h.
• Key Sections: Composed of approach viaducts, approach bridge, cable-stayed segment and central embankment.

Genome India

• Genome India Project (GIP) Progress: Successfully sequenced genomes of 10,074 individuals from 99 ethnic groups.
• Goal: To map the genetic diversity of India’s population, create a reference genome, and establish a biobank.
• Key Achievement: Creation of a genetic database, securely stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana. It will be available to researchers worldwide.
• Funding: Supported and funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
• Phase 1 Analysis: Uncovered rare, unique genetic variations within Indian populations after detailed quality checks and joint genotyping of 5,750 samples.
• Significance: Potential to advance treatment of genetic and infectious diseases through precision medicine. Findings revealed unique genetic variations, some with clinical relevance.
• Genetic Screening Connection: The genetic data aids in identifying individuals at higher risk of specific disorders, a practice known as genetic screening.
• Aims To create an exhaustive catalog of genetic variations, create a reference haplotype structure for Indians, design genome-wide arrays for research and diagnostics at an affordable cost.

Oceanic Mycota

• Marine Fungi’s Significance: Marine fungi, making up 5% of ocean biomass, are vital for ocean ecosystems, inhabiting diverse environments. This highlights their substantial contribution to the marine food web and overall ecosystem health.

• Roles of Marine Fungi: They are essential for decomposition, symbiosis, and producing bioactive compounds. This emphasizes their multifaceted roles in marine environments beyond just decomposition.

• Types of Marine Fungi: Two types, Obligate (exclusively marine) and Facultative (adapted from terrestrial), exist. Understanding these categories provides insights into their evolutionary origins and adaptations.

• Survival Adaptations: Marine fungi employ strategies to survive feast-famine cycles, like changing cell forms. An example being Paradendryphiella salina digesting seaweed using bacteria-derived enzymes. This exemplifies their remarkable adaptive capabilities in challenging marine conditions.

• Ecological Importance: Marine fungi are critical for nutrient cycling and ecosystem stability. Lichens, symbiotic relationships between fungi and algae, also support marine ecosystems. These functions directly impact the health and productivity of marine environments.

• Fungi Characteristics: They are heterotrophic eukaryotes that function as saprophytes or parasites, reproducing via spores. This information classifies them within the biological world and describes their nutritional strategies.

• Dual Nature of Fungi: While beneficial in medicine, food, and industry, they can also cause diseases and produce mycotoxins. This acknowledges the potential risks associated with fungi, necessitating further research and management.

Gaddi Dog: Himalayan Guardian

• Indigenous Breed Recognition: The Gaddi Dog, used by Gaddi shepherds in the Himalayas, has gained official recognition as an indigenous canine breed. This follows recognition for the Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, and Mudhol Hound.

• Guardian of Flocks: Gaddi Dogs traditionally guard sheep and goat flocks from predators in the Himalayan region.

• “Indian Panther Hound”: They are also known as the “Indian Panther Hound” or “Indian Leopard Hound” due to their ability to fight off carnivores like snow leopards.

• Appearance: Primarily black with occasional white markings. A key feature is their large, arched neck providing protection. They are medium-sized with a muscular build.

• Benefits of Recognition: Recognition helps maintain the purity of the breed, which is well-suited to the Himalayan environment.

• ICAR’s Role: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) plays a crucial role in this recognition by coordinating and managing research on animals and agriculture in the country.

India-Maldives Defence Ties

• Commitment to Enhanced Defence Capabilities: India is committed to bolstering the Maldives’ defence by providing equipment and platforms, reflecting India’s “Neighborhood First” policy.

• Historical Defence Partnership: India has historically been a crucial defence partner, exemplified by Operation Cactus (1988) and assistance during the 2004 tsunami, underlining its role as a first responder.

• Defence Infrastructure Projects: India supports projects like the Composite Training Centre (CTC), the Coast Guard “Ektha” MNDF Harbour, and has provided a coastal radar system (10 stations with USD 15.8 million grant).

• Training and Capacity Building: India caters to around 70% of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) training needs, training over 1,500 personnel. Bilateral (Ekuverin, Ekatha) and trilateral (Dosti) exercises enhance interoperability.

• Strategic Location: The Maldives’ location in the Indian Ocean, near key shipping lanes, is critical for regional security, monitoring maritime traffic, and is significant for India as 50% trade and 80% energy import transits through these routes.

• Countering External Influence: Defence cooperation aims to counterbalance China’s growing influence (BRI, “String of Pearls”) and maintain India’s regional leadership.

• Geopolitical Rivalries: China’s growing presence, including investments like the Sinamale Bridge, challenges India’s strategic dominance.

• Internal Political Changes: The “India Out” campaign reflects anti-Indian sentiments, impacting defence priorities and foreign policy alignment.

• Security Threats: The rise of radical Islamist groups in the Maldives poses a security threat to India.

• Multilateral Collaboration: Encouraging Maldives’ participation in IORA and strengthening trilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka are important.

• Infrastructure Projects: Expediting projects like the Great Male Connectivity Project offers alternatives to Chinese investments.

• People-Centric Initiatives: Focusing on civil-military projects, cultural exchanges, and educational programs to strengthen public diplomacy.

NPOP 8th Edition

• 8th Edition of NPOP Launched: Highlights India’s organic farming potential with a goal to reach Rs 20,000 crore in exports in three years.
• NPOP Focus: Accreditation, organic production standards, and promotion of organic farming to boost India’s global competitiveness.
• Recognition for Grower Groups: Simplified certification, granting legal status to grower groups, replacing Internal Control System (ICS).
• Technological Advancements: NPOP Portal, Organic Promotion Portal (connects farmers with global buyers), TraceNet 2.0 (farm-to-market compliance), AgriXchange Portal (data analysis).
• Organic Farming Status: India ranks 2nd in the world in terms of organic agricultural land and has the largest number of organic producers, with 2.3 million farmers.
• Top Organic States: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan account for 76% of India’s organically cultivated area.
• Key Organic Products: Flax seeds, sesame, soybeans, tea, medicinal plants, rice, and pulses.
• Unified India Organic Logo: Launched by FSSAI and APEDA to standardize organic regulations under NPOP.
• Challenges: High certification costs, lack of infrastructure, limited awareness, low productivity, market access issues, trade barriers, climate and pest challenges, lack of R&D.
• Way Forward: Strengthen certification, promote market linkages via FPOs and e-commerce, invest in R&D, increase consumer awareness, and provide policy support (risk mitigation, tax incentives).

Vortex Chill

• News: A severe winter storm impacted over 60 million people across 30 US states. This is attributed to the southward expansion of the polar vortex.

• Why: The polar vortex’s expansion caused frigid temperatures and severe storms in the US.

• What is the Polar Vortex: A large area of low-pressure and cold air that rotates around the Earth’s polar regions, containing colder air near the poles. It exists year-round, weakening in summer and strengthening in winter.

• Types: Tropospheric (lower atmosphere) and Stratospheric (upper atmosphere, strongest in autumn).

• Mechanism of Extreme Cold: A strong polar vortex keeps the jet stream stable, confining cold air. When the vortex weakens, the jet stream becomes wavy, allowing Arctic air to flow south, causing extreme cold, storms, snowfall, and freezing rain.

• Global Warming Connection: Arctic amplification (Arctic warming faster than the rest of the planet) reduces the temperature gradient between the poles and mid-latitudes, weakening the polar vortex.

Kilauea Erupts

• Kilauea Erupts Again: Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano, a very active volcano, has started erupting. This is significant because Kilauea is known for frequent eruptions.

• Location: Situated in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island, USA. Its location makes it a point of interest and potential hazard for the surrounding environment and population.

• Active History: Kilauea is the youngest and most active Hawaiian Shield Volcano, having erupted more than 30 times since 1952, highlighting its consistent volcanic activity.

• Proximity to Mauna Loa: Kilauea’s slopes merge with Mauna Loa, another active volcano. This proximity raises concerns about potential interactions between the two volcanoes and combined hazards.

• Volcano Definition: A volcano is an opening allowing warmer material to escape from a planet’s interior. Understanding this definition is important for comprehending the nature of volcanic activity.

• Barren Island (India): India has only active volcano.

Ebola Explained

• What is Ebola?: A severe, often deadly disease caused by orthoebolaviruses (formerly ebolavirus). Discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• Origin: Named after the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. Affects humans and other primates.

• Transmission: Thought to originate in fruit bats. Spreads to humans through contact with infected animals’ fluids (bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, etc.). Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.

• Symptoms: Appear 2-21 days post-infection. Include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding, and potentially death. High fatality rate, averaging around 50%.

• Treatment: No known cure. Experimental treatments (monoclonal antibodies like Inmazeb and Ebanga for the Zaire strain) exist, but haven’t been fully tested for efficacy and safety. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining fluid/electrolyte balance, and controlling bleeding. Recovery depends on viral load, early treatment, patient’s age, and immune response.

• What is a Virus?: Microscopic organisms with genetic material (DNA or RNA) inside a protective shell (capsid). Some have an envelope. Require a host to reproduce.

Henley Passport Index ’25

• Singapore Leads Again: Singapore retains the top spot in the Henley Passport Index 2025, offering visa-free access to 195 destinations. This highlights Singapore’s strong diplomatic relations and global standing.

• EU Nations Compete: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea share 3rd place (192 destinations), showcasing the consistent travel freedom enjoyed by EU citizens and key Asian economies. The drop of two places indicates a shift in global mobility dynamics compared to previous years.

• Indian Passport: Indian passport holders can access 57 destinations visa-free, sharing the rank with Equatorial Guinea and Niger. This reflects India’s current standing in terms of visa agreements and international relations.

• Top 5 Dominated by Europe: European countries heavily populate the top five positions, demonstrating the strength of EU passports and their citizens’ ease of travel. The UK’s presence within the top 5, alongside New Zealand as the only non-European nation, further illustrates this trend.

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• Henley Passport Index Data Source: The index relies on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for accuracy. IATA’s comprehensive travel information database makes the index a reliable measure of passport power.

Z-Morh Tunnel

• Z-Morh Tunnel Location: Situated on the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Jammu and Kashmir, between Gagangir and Sonamarg.
• Purpose: Provides all-weather road connectivity to Sonamarg, which is typically cut off during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
• Key Specs: 6.5 km long, 2-lane road tunnel with a parallel 6.426 km escape tunnel and a 0.6 km ventilation tunnel. Designed for 1,000 vehicles/hour at 80 km/hour, with no toll. Intelligent Traffic Management System installed.
• Strategic Importance: Ensures year-round access to Ladakh for civilian and military purposes. Enhances military capabilities along the Line of Control (LOC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Zojila Tunnel Link: Complements the under-construction 14.15 km Zojila Tunnel, which will connect Sonamarg and Drass. Together, they aim to establish all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Sonamarg, Kargil, and Ladakh.

Miyawaki Method

• Miyawaki Technique Explained: A rapid afforestation method developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, creating dense, native forests in small areas. Sometimes called the “pot plantation method.”

• Accelerated Growth: Plants grow up to 10 times faster compared to traditional methods, making it suitable for urban environments.

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• Mimics Natural Forests: Involves densely planting a variety of native tree and shrub species.

• Advantages: Improves soil quality, biodiversity, and speeds up forest development. Trees absorb more carbon.

• Urban Applications: Transforms polluted and barren areas into green spaces, addressing issues like industrial waste, dust, odors, and pollution.

• Environmental Restoration: Helps prevent soil erosion and promotes overall ecological balance.

• Ecology Defined: The study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment, emphasizing connections between plants, animals, and their surroundings.

Anthem Debate

• TN Governor’s Walkout: The Governor of Tamil Nadu exited the Legislative Assembly due to the National Anthem not being played before his address, sparking a debate over ceremonial practices.

• Varied State Practices: States have different conventions for playing the National Anthem during legislative sessions. Nagaland introduced it in 2021; Tripura in 2018.

• Tamil Nadu’s Protocol: Tamil Nadu plays the State Anthem (Tamil Thai Vazhthu) before the Governor’s address and the National Anthem at the end, a practice started in 1991.

• Constitutional Duty: Article 51A(a) of the Constitution mandates respect for the National Anthem.

• PINH Act, 1971: The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act penalizes disrespect to the Anthem with imprisonment (up to 3 years) or a fine, or both.

• Electoral Disqualification: Conviction under the PINH Act for offenses like preventing the Anthem disqualifies a person from contesting elections for 6 years.

• MHA Guidelines: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mandates playing the full National Anthem during specific events like investitures, parades, and arrival/departure of high-ranking officials.

NCAP’s India Impact

• Overall PM Reduction: India achieved a 26.84% reduction in nationwide Particulate Matter (PM) levels from 2019-2024. Why: Shows progress of national efforts in improving air quality.

• NCAP City Improvement: Cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) demonstrated a 24.45% reduction in PM levels. Why: Highlights the impact of targeted interventions under NCAP.

• Top Performing Cities: Varanasi, Moradabad, and Kanpur saw the most significant pollution reductions. Why: Recognizes successful strategies that can be replicated.

• Major City Improvements: Kolkata showed a notable 21.5% reduction due to stricter regulations and better transport. Why: Illustrates the effectiveness of specific policies in large urban areas.

• Southern and Western City Progress: Bengaluru and Chennai steadily reduced pollution. Why: Demonstrates consistent efforts in maintaining and improving air quality in these regions.

• Persistent Pollution Hotspots: Delhi and Byrnihat remain highly polluted, requiring further action. Why: Identifies areas where current measures are insufficient and need reinforcement.

• Problematic NCR Cities: Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad need urgent interventions. Why: Focuses attention on specific areas with critical pollution levels.

• Pollution Sources: Industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and stubble burning are major contributors, especially in northern India. Why: Pinpoints key areas for targeted mitigation strategies.

• NCAP Goals: The NCAP aims for a 40% reduction in PM10 levels (or meeting national standards) by 2025-26, using 2017 as the baseline. Why: States the revised targets and timeline for achieving cleaner air in India.

Indonesia in BRICS

• Indonesia Joins BRICS: Indonesia will officially become the 10th member of the BRICS group in January 2025.
• BRICS Expansion: The BRICS group, originally Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has expanded to include South Africa, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Saudi Arabia’s membership is pending.
• Economic Significance: Prior to Indonesia joining, BRICS represented 35% of global GDP and 46% of the world’s population, highlighting its considerable economic influence.
• Counterbalance to G7: BRICS seeks to challenge the dominance of Western-led global financial systems, such as the G7, by amplifying the voice and influence of emerging economies.
• Future Goals: Key agendas include reducing dependence on the US dollar in international trade, promoting the use of local currencies, and advocating for reforms in global institutions like the IMF and UN to foster greater equity and inclusivity.

DPDP Rules, 2025 Draft

• Draft DPDP Rules, 2025 Released: The Ministry of Electronics & IT has issued draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, to enforce the DPDP Act, 2023. The aim is to protect digital personal data while encouraging digital economy growth and innovation in India.

• Data Transfer: The rules permit government-approved transfer of specific personal data outside India.

• Citizen Empowerment: Citizens gain rights to data erasure, digital nominee appointment, and user-friendly data management tools provided by Data Fiduciaries.

• Data Retention: Data retention is permitted for up to three years after the user’s last interaction or the rules’ effective date. The Data Fiduciary must inform the user at least 48 hours before data erasure.

• Digital-First DPBI: The rules establish a “digital by design” Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) for consent and grievance redressal, enabling swift online resolution.

• Graded Responsibilities: Compliance burdens are scaled based on entity size, with startups and MSMEs facing lower requirements and Significant Data Fiduciaries bearing higher obligations.

• Consent Managers: Consent can be collected through Consent Managers, which are companies incorporated in India with a minimum net worth of two crore rupees that handle user consent for data privacy and digital interactions.

• DPBI Powers: The draft rules outline a framework for the DPBI, granting it civil court powers to address personal data breach complaints.

UDISE+ 2023-24 Data

• Significant Enrollment Decline: The UDISE+ Report 2023-24 reveals a notable drop in India’s overall school enrollment, decreasing by 1.55 crore students from the 2018-2022 average to 24.8 crore in 2023-24. This is newsworthy due to its potential implications for the education sector and future workforce.
• Drop in Both Government and Private Schools: Both government (5.59% decline) and private schools (3.67% decline) experienced a decrease in enrollment. This suggests that factors affecting enrollment are not limited to one type of institution and the reason is important to investigate.
• Gender-Wise Decline: Enrollment decreased for both boys (6.04%) and girls (5.76%), highlighting a broad trend rather than a gender-specific issue and requires a reason analysis.
• State-Wise Disparities: The largest enrollment declines were observed in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. This points to regional challenges that need targeted intervention and demands attention.
• Level-Wise Impact: The decline is present across primary, upper primary, and secondary levels. This indicates a systemic issue affecting multiple stages of education and is concerning.
• Improved Data Accuracy: Enhanced data accuracy, due to Aadhaar-linked student records, likely contributed to the reported decline by removing duplicate entries. This signifies a positive step towards reliable data, though it also raises questions about previous enrollment figures and the reasons behind the duplicates.
• UDISE+ Importance: As one of the largest Management Information Systems for education in India, UDISE+ data informs policy decisions and resource allocation. The enrollment decline warrants careful analysis and strategic responses at the national level.

ISRO’s New Chief: Narayanan

• New ISRO Chairman: Dr. V. Narayanan will take over as ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS) on January 14th, 2025, for a two-year term.
• Succession: He succeeds S. Somanath.
• Key Missions Overseen: Narayanan will oversee significant missions like the NVS-02 launch, the unmanned Gaganyaan mission (with Vyommitra), and the Indo-US NISAR satellite launch (March 2025).
• S. Somanath’s Achievements: Somanath led successful missions like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, XpoSat and INSAT. He also spearheaded important projects such as the SSLV, RLV-LEX and Gaganyaan abort missions.
• DoS Initiatives by Somanath: As Secretary of DoS, Somanath initiated the National Space Policy 2023, IN-SPACe, and promoted collaboration between ISRO and private space ventures.
• ISRO’s History: ISRO was formed on August 15th, 1969, succeeding INCOSPAR. The DoS was established in 1972, bringing ISRO under its control.
• Location: ISRO headquarters and the Secretariat of DOS are located in Bangalore.

Info Commissioner Delays

• Supreme Court Criticism: The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Centre and States for chronic delays in appointing Information Commissioners (ICs) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
• Undermines Right to Information: Delays obstruct citizens’ ability to exercise their right to information, leading to thousands of pending cases. This undermines the RTI Act’s core purpose of transparency and accountability.
• Vacancies and Pending Cases: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has 8 IC vacancies and 23,000 pending appeals (as of 2024). Some State Information Commissions are defunct or have stopped accepting RTI petitions.
• Dissatisfaction with Responses: Poor responses from Public Information Officers (PIOs) often lead citizens to file appeals.
• Subordinate Rules: Inconsistent state-level implementation of the RTI Act, due to varying rules, such as a lack of online portals.
• Lack of Transparency in Appointments: Predominantly appointing former bureaucrats as ICs raises impartiality concerns. Supreme Court wants diverse backgrounds represented.
• Personal Data Disclosure: Conflict between the RTI Act (allowing disclosure in public interest) and the DPDP Act, 2023 (complete ban), shielding officials from accountability.
• Unilateral Amendments: The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019, granting the central government sole authority over ICs’ tenure and salaries compromises their autonomy.
• RTI Act, 2005 Key Facts:
  • Empowers citizens to access information from public authorities.
  • Promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance.
  • Allows disclosure of information when the public interest outweighs confidentiality (Section 8(2)).
  • Takes precedence over inconsistencies with other laws (Section 22).
• Exemptions: The Official Secrets Act (OSA), 1923, and other laws allow officials to restrict information.
• Way Forward:
  • Expedite appointments to fill vacancies.
  • Broaden selection criteria for ICs.
  • Include PPPs, sports bodies, and cooperatives under the RTI Act for greater transparency.
  • Encourage all states to adopt a unified, NIC-designed RTI portal.

Karnataka HC Quashes Power Rules

• Karnataka HC Strikes Down Electricity Rules, 2022: The Karnataka High Court invalidated the Central Government’s Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 (GEOA Rules, 2022) and Karnataka’s corresponding regulations.
• Reason: The court found that the central government lacked the authority to frame such rules under the Electricity Act, 2003, as these powers are delegated to State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.
• Petitioners’ Argument: Hydroelectric companies argued that GEOA Rules, 2022 infringed on the state commission’s powers to frame rules under the Electricity Act, 2003.
• Central Government’s Defence: The Central Government cited its powers to meet international treaty obligations under COP26 Commitments at the Glasgow Summit 2021.
• GEOA Rules, 2022 Aim: These rules aimed to promote renewable energy by ensuring access to affordable and sustainable energy through open access.
• Key Features of GEOA Rules: Included promoting green energy (including Waste-to-Energy), lowering open access transaction limits, consumer rights to demand green power, uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), and green certificates.
• Implications: The ruling highlights the balance between central policies and state autonomy in India’s energy sector governance.
• Importance of Electricity Act, 2003: The judgment emphasizes the need for adherence to the Electricity Act, 2003, which ensures regulatory powers remain with State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.

Her Biz Power

• EmpowHER Biz Initiative Launched: Aims to empower aspiring women entrepreneurs in retail through mentorship and training.
• Comprehensive Training: Covers retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development.
• Collaboration with New Shop: Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) partners with New Shop to build a supportive retail ecosystem.
• Target Participants: Fifty women aged 18-35 will be selected from Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat via online application.
• Franchise Fee Waiver: Top twenty participants receive a 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees, lowering barriers to business ownership.
• WEP’s Role: WEP, incubated in NITI Aayog, acts as an aggregator platform providing support across finance, market access, training, mentoring, and compliance.
• Public-Private Partnership: WEP transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022, fostering collaboration with over 30 partners.
• “Award to Reward” Initiative: Under WEP, this provides a framework for stakeholders to create impactful programs since 2023.
• NITI Aayog’s Purpose: India’s policy think tank established in 2015, focusing on inclusive development and sustainable growth.

Jobs 2025

• Published by WEF: The World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2025” analyzes data from over 1,000 global companies, representing 14 million workers across 22 industries and 55 economies.

• Job Disruption is significant: Expect 22% job disruption by 2030. While 170 million new jobs will emerge, 92 million will be displaced, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs.

• Key Drivers of Change: Technological advancements (especially AI), geoeconomic shifts, economic instability, demographic changes, and the green transition are major forces reshaping the labor market.

• Fastest Growing Jobs: AI/ML specialists, software developers, and FinTech engineers will see rapid growth. Frontline roles (farmworkers, drivers, construction, sales, care economy) will grow in absolute volume.

• Declining Roles: Graphic designers and administrative assistants face potential decline due to automation.

• Skills Gap is the problem: The skills gap is the biggest hurdle for business transformation. Nearly 40% of future job skills will be new or evolving.

• Reskilling/Upskilling Imperative: 59% of the global workforce needs reskilling/upskilling by 2030 to stay competitive.

• Top Skills: AI/Big Data, networks/cybersecurity, technological literacy, creativity, and resilience/flexibility/agility are the fastest-growing skills.

• Automation and Workforce Reduction: Companies are increasingly using AI to automate tasks. 41% of companies anticipate workforce reductions due to automation.

AnemiaPhone Explained

• AnemiaPhone: A rapid, affordable iron deficiency test. Developed by Cornell University and transferred to ICMR for integration into Indian health programs.
• Addresses widespread anemia: Iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia, affecting a significant portion of pregnant women in India.
• Simple and accessible: Uses a finger prick, test strip (like a COVID-19 test), and mobile phone connectivity.
• Point-of-care diagnosis: Enables healthcare workers to quickly assess, triage, and treat iron deficiency on-site.
• Importance: Anemia is a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells, leading to fatigue and other symptoms, and can be life-threatening.
• Significance: Allows for timely intervention and management of iron deficiency, particularly beneficial for women’s and children’s health programs in India.

Gravitational Lensing: Explained

• Gravitational Lensing: Light from a distant source bends, distorts, and magnifies as it passes a massive object due to the curvature of spacetime. This curvature is caused by the mass of the intervening object.

• Einstein’s Prediction: Albert Einstein predicted this effect in 1915 in his general theory of relativity. The theory states that mass curves spacetime, thus affecting the path of light.

• Observable Effects: Gravitational lensing can cause a background object to appear shifted, multiplied into multiple images (sometimes in rings or crosses), and/or amplified in brightness.

• Cosmic Magnifying Glass: Galaxy clusters act as natural “cosmic magnifying glasses,” amplifying light from distant, faint objects, including early galaxies.

• Tool for Early Universe Study: Astronomers use gravitational lensing to study the early universe, making galaxies that would otherwise be too faint visible to telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Hubble.

• James Webb Space Telescope: The JWST, launched in December 2021, is the largest and most powerful space telescope, designed to observe the universe primarily in the infrared spectrum to further study and observe gravitational lensing.

AEWs and Climate Change

• News: A study in Communications Earth & Environment forecasts climate change will worsen extreme flooding in the Sahel due to changes in African easterly waves (AEWs).

• Increased AEW Activity: The study predicts more AEWs over the Sahel-Sahara by the late 21st century.

• Driving Factor: Intensification is due to greater baroclinicity caused by a stronger temperature difference between the Guinea Coast and the Sahara.

• Enhanced Monsoon Flow: Warming at lower levels strengthens monsoon flow, increasing air convergence and vertical motion along the intertropical discontinuity (ITD), which changes AEW formation.

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• Saharan Dust: Strong winds from AEWs can transport Saharan dust, which impacts tropical cyclone formation in the Atlantic.

• Connection to MCSs: AEWs are linked to Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that cause extreme rainfall; increased AEW activity may lead to more frequent and intense Sahel flooding.

• AEW Definition: AEWs are weather systems forming over northern Africa in summer, moving west towards the Atlantic.

• AEW Significance: AEWs bring vital rain to drought-prone areas, transport Saharan dust, and can develop into Atlantic hurricanes.

• AEW Influence: AEWs significantly impact the Sahel’s hydroclimate, making understanding their behavior under global warming crucial.

Energy for People + Planet

• GEAPP’s Mission: Accelerates clean energy transition in emerging/developing economies, promoting universal energy access and economic growth while supporting global climate goals. Aims to cut 4 gigatons of carbon emissions, provide clean energy access to 1 billion people, and create 150 million jobs.

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• ISA Partnership: GEAPP strengthens its partnership with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by signing ISA’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund. GEAPP will support ISA by providing governance oversight, facilitating fundraising efforts, and leveraging its expertise in energy transition planning, financing, and project implementation to mobilize $100 million to fund high-impact solar energy projects.

• DUET Program: GEAPP’s “Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition” (DUET) program focuses on digitalizing grid systems by digitally capturing all grid assets and integrating them with smart sensors for real-time data analysis. This aims to reduce transmission and distribution losses through load flow analysis and real-time tracking of voltage, current, and phase data.

• ENTICE 2.0: The “Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge” (ENTICE) 2.0 will begin in January 2025 to identify, nurture, and scale innovative solutions for India’s energy transition. Building on the first edition, it will focus on supporting and scaling investable opportunities through funding, market linkages, and mentorship.

ITBP

• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): A Central Armed Police Force of India.
• Role: Guards the 3,488 km long India-China border.
• Establishment: Raised in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War.
• Initial Legal Basis: Initially raised under the CRPF Act.
• ITBPF Act: Parliament enacted the ITBPF Act in 1992, with rules framed in 1994, providing a dedicated legal framework.
• Full-fledged CAPF: Declared a full-fledged central armed police force in 2004.
• Motto: “Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha” (Valour – Determination – Devotion to Duty).
• Deployment: Operates 197 Border Outposts (BOPs) at high altitudes (9,000 ft to 18,750 ft).
• Specialization: Specialized mountain force with trained mountaineers and skiers.
• Leadership: Headed by a Director General.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

Why in the news (based on provided context):
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Chhattisgarh’s Green GDP

• Chhattisgarh Pioneers Green GDP Linkage: Chhattisgarh is the first Indian state to link its forest ecosystem to Green GDP, highlighting the economic and environmental value of forests.
• Green GDP Defined: A modified version of traditional GDP, accounting for environmental costs like natural resource depletion and pollution.
• Why Green GDP Matters: Traditional GDP ignores sustainability; Green GDP aligns economic growth with environmental well-being, reflecting the true cost of environmental damage.
• Chhattisgarh’s Forest Significance: The state has the highest increase in forest cover and forests cover 44.2% of its area, crucial for climate change mitigation.
• Implications for Chhattisgarh: Prioritizes natural resource preservation and sustainable development. Supports tribal livelihoods dependent on forest products and safeguarding cultural heritage.
• Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encourages sustainable practices.
  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Supports renewable energy adoption.
  • SDG 15 (Life on Land) & SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Promotes biodiversity conservation.
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Incentivizes green investments and jobs.
• Challenges:
  • Forest Cover Definition: Including plantations like palm oil as forests can be misleading.
  • Political Manipulation: States may prioritize plantations for funding, causing ecological harm.
  • Local Integration: Lack of awareness at the grassroots level.
  • Benefit Clarity: Unclear how benefits reach forest-dependent communities.
  • Methodological Differences: Lack of a universally accepted calculation method.
• Way Forward:
  • Clear Framework: Consistent methodology for calculating Green GDP.
  • Public Scrutiny: Transparent data to prevent manipulation.
  • Prioritize Quality: Restore native forests for better biodiversity.
  • Public Awareness: Educate communities.
  • Incentivize Protection: Reward local communities for forest conservation.

Garudakshi: Forest Crimes

• Garudakshi Portal: Aimed at curbing wildlife and forest crimes through an online FIR system. It models the online FIR system to tackle wildlife and forest crimes more efficiently.

• Pilot Implementation: Initially being tested in Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi, and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary divisions in Karnataka.

• Compulsory FIR Registration: Once implemented, FIRs for forest crimes will have to be registered via Garudakshi.

• Online Handling of Cases: Facilitates the management of forest crime cases under the Forest and Wildlife Protection Acts digitally.

• Automated Reporting: The portal auto-generates formats for reports and complaints.

• Key Modules: Includes Legacy Case Registration, Online Forest Offence Registration, Investigation, and Reporting & Analytics.

• Public Complaint Mechanism: Allows the public to report forest offences via mobile or email.

• Collaboration with WTI: Developed in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). WTI is a non-profit conservation organization focused on protecting India’s wildlife, founded in November 1998.

Soapstone: India & Uses

• What is Soapstone: Also called Steatite, it’s a metamorphic rock primarily composed of talc, a naturally occurring mineral.
• Formation: Forms at convergent plate boundaries through metamorphism of rocks like peridotites, dunites, and serpentinites, or via metasomatism involving hot fluids altering siliceous dolostones.
• Properties: Soft, dense, and heat-resistant.
• Major Producers: China, India, Brazil, USA, and Finland.
• Indian Reserves: Rajasthan (57%) and Uttarakhand (25%) hold the largest soapstone reserves in India.
• Applications:
  • Baby powder (powdered form).
  • Thickening agent and lubricant.
  • Ingredient in ceramics, paint, and roofing materials.
  • Cosmetics (talc).
  • Pharmaceuticals (talc).
• Minerals: Naturally occurring homogeneous solid with a defined chemical composition and atomic structure formed inorganically.

Diaspora Day

• Flagship Event: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is the Ministry of External Affairs’ primary event, showcasing India’s diversity.
• Biennial Celebration: Held every two years since 2015, with theme-based conferences in intervening years.
• January 9th Significance: Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915. This marks the involvement of the Indian diaspora in India’s independence struggle.
• Key Objectives:
  • Recognize the diaspora’s contributions to India’s growth.
  • Improve global understanding of India.
  • Support Indian causes and diaspora welfare.
  • Provide a platform for engagement between overseas Indians and India.
• Impact: Fosters connections and knowledge exchange between India and its diaspora.
• 2024 Theme: “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat ” (Developed India) which emphasizes their role in India’s progress.
• Person of Indian Origin (PIO): A foreign citizen (excluding nationals from specific countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) who held an Indian passport at any time, or whose parents/grandparents/great-grandparents were born in India.

WTO at 30

• 30th Anniversary: January 1, 2025, marked the 30th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

• Formation and Purpose: The WTO was established to regulate global trade rules among nations, superseding the GATT.

• Key Date and Agreement: Formed under the Marrakesh Agreement (1994) after the Uruguay Round negotiations, officially starting operations in 1995.

• Scope of Coverage: WTO covers trade in goods, services, and intellectual property, unlike its predecessor GATT which focused on goods.

• Membership and Location: It has 166 member countries, representing 98% of global trade, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

• Key Bodies: The Ministerial Conference (MC) is the highest decision-making body, and the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) resolves trade disputes.

• Key Agreements: TRIMS (trade-related investment measures), TRIPS (intellectual property rights), and AoA (agriculture) are crucial WTO agreements.

• Significance: The WTO’s role in facilitating global trade makes this anniversary significant.

Neuroptera Diversity

• Rediscovery of Glenochrysa zeylanica: This green lacewing, a Neuroptera species, was rediscovered in Wayanad district, Kerala, after 111 years. Previously considered endemic to Sri Lanka, this marks its first report from India.

• Indophanes barbara Antlion: This antlion species, belonging to the Myrmeleontidae family within Neuroptera, is unique because its larva doesn’t build pit traps. They live under the surface in loose soils.

• Neuroptera vs. Damselflies: Adult Indophanes barbara are often mistaken for damselflies (Order Odonata) by non-taxonomists. They can be differentiated by their long, distinct antennae. Neuroptera are holometabolous (complete metamorphosis), while Odonata (damselflies) are hemimetabolous (incomplete metamorphosis).

• What are Neuroptera? They are insects, often called lacewings, known for their intricate wing vein patterns. Adults are terrestrial and typically found on plants, hunting for prey.

• Ecological Significance: Neuroptera, especially Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, and Coniopterygidae families, are important biological control agents in agriculture and horticulture due to their predatory behaviour on pests. Their larvae actively search and voraciously feed on prey.

Ending Scavenging

• Why in News: NHRC held an open discussion on the rights of manual scavengers, highlighting issues of dignity and liberty.

• Major Challenges:

  • Health: Exposure to pathogens leads to diseases like Hepatitis, tetanus, and cholera; poisonous gases cause asphyxiation and death (377 deaths from 2019-2023).
  • Social Stigma: Untouchability reinforces social exclusion and the caste system.
  • Economic: Meager wages, contractual/daily-wage basis, and lack of job security trap workers in poverty.
  • Double Discrimination: Women face gender inequality, sexual harassment, and exploitation.
  • Psychological Issues: Stigma leads to anxiety and depression.
  • Drug Use: Coping mechanism exacerbates health problems.

• Supreme Court Guidelines (Dr. Balram Singh Case, 2023):

  • Eradicate manual sewer cleaning through phased measures.
  • Rehabilitate sewage workers with compensation (death: ₹30 lakhs, disabilities: ₹10-20 lakhs), employment for next of kin, and education for dependents.
  • Accountability for outsourced work (contract cancellations, penalties).
  • NALSA to manage compensation disbursement.
  • Portal to track deaths, compensation, and rehabilitation.

• Way Forward:

  • Mechanization: Automated equipment for safer sanitation work.
  • OHS Standards: Recognize sanitation work as hazardous under OSH Code 2020.
  • Health Screenings: Regular health checks for sanitation workers.
  • Expand SBM: Include health and dignity of sanitation workers.
  • Capacity Building: Training, safety gear, and financial assistance for technological innovation.
  • Incentivize mechanization, train workers, and empower women-led SHGs.