Feb-2025

Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 08-02-2025

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Cascade Mountains

  • The Cascade Range, located in the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada, is a prominent mountain range known for its stunning scenery including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and lush forests.

  • It’s a geologically active region formed by the subduction of the Juan de Fuca Plate under the North American Plate. This ongoing process fuels volcanic activity.

  • The range contains both non-volcanic mountains and a series of volcanoes known as the High Cascades. Stratovolcanoes are the most common type found here.

  • Mount Rainier, at 4,392 meters, is the highest peak.

  • The Cascades are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and all historically recorded eruptions in the contiguous US have originated from Cascade volcanoes.

  • Recent research highlights that long-dormant Cascade volcanoes still possess significant magma reservoirs beneath them, making them newsworthy due to the potential for future volcanic activity. This underscores the ongoing geological activity within the range.

Swavalambini

  • Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Northeast India: Swavalambini aims to equip female students in Northeastern HEIs with entrepreneurial skills, resources, and mentorship.

  • Collaboration and Launch: Launched by MSDE in collaboration with NITI Aayog, the program involves 9 colleges and universities across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary inaugurated the program.

  • Structured Stage-wise Approach: A multi-stage process, starting with awareness programs (EAP for 600 students), followed by intensive training (EDP for 300 students), mentorship, and funding support.

  • Comprehensive Training: The EDP includes 40 hours of training covering business aspects like finance, market linkages, legal support, and networking. Six months of mentorship follows the training.

  • Faculty Development: A 5-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) will upskill HEI faculty to better mentor students.

  • Recognition and Awards: Successful ventures will be recognized and awarded to inspire others, aiming for 10% of EDP trainees to launch successful enterprises.

  • Alignment with National Policies: Builds upon the National Education Policy 2020’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and skill development.

  • Government Support: The program complements other government initiatives promoting women entrepreneurship, such as Startup India and Stand-Up India.

  • Focus on Sustainability: The program aims to create sustainable women-led enterprises through workshops, mentoring, and seed funding.

Swavalambini

Bhimgad Sanctuary

  • The Karnataka government’s plan to open Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) for a wildlife safari is facing strong opposition from environmentalists.

  • BWS, declared a sanctuary in 2011, is located in Belgaum district, Karnataka, and is near other significant sanctuaries and national parks. It’s situated in the Western Ghats.

  • The sanctuary is rich in biodiversity, housing tigers, elephants, king cobras, and other animals. It also contains the Barapede caves, the only known breeding ground for the endangered Wroughton’s free-tailed bat.

  • An 18km stretch of the sanctuary is proposed for the safari, a move criticized for potentially harming the fragile ecosystem.

  • Environmental concerns include increased human activity, habitat disruption, commercial development, and deforestation to build infrastructure for tourists.

  • The sanctuary’s existing human population (around 3000 people across 13 hamlets) already faces challenges with limited access to basic amenities. The safari project is seen as exacerbating this situation.

  • The plan is controversial because it opens a protected area with restricted public access to large-scale tourism.

  • Environmentalists plan to protest the government’s decision.

Marsupials

  • Successful kangaroo embryo creation via IVF: This is a first for marsupials and offers hope for conservation efforts.

  • Conservation implications: The technique could be crucial for saving endangered marsupial species, many of which are found only in Australia.

  • High extinction rate in Australia: Australia, home to most marsupial diversity, also has the world’s highest mammal extinction rate, with significant losses since colonization.

  • Marsupial characteristics: Marsupials are mammals known for their pouches, though not all have them. They give birth to underdeveloped young that complete development in the pouch. Examples include kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, and opossums.

  • Geographical distribution: Marsupials are primarily found in Australia and South America.

  • IVF process: IVF involves fertilizing eggs outside the body and then implanting the resulting embryo. This is now successfully applied to marsupials for the first time.

  • Significance of the research: The study provides valuable insights into marsupial reproduction, which is crucial for effective conservation strategies.

TROPEX-25

  • TROPEX-25, the Indian Navy’s biennial Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise, is underway in the Indian Ocean Region.

  • It’s a large-scale, three-month exercise (Jan-Mar 2025) involving all Indian Naval units, plus significant participation from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

  • The exercise aims to validate the Indian Navy’s warfighting capabilities and ensure a coordinated response to various threats (conventional, asymmetric, hybrid) in a contested maritime environment.

  • Approximately 65 naval ships, 9 submarines, and over 80 aircraft are participating, including the Vikrant aircraft carrier, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata-class destroyers, and Kalvari-class submarines.

  • Air assets include MiG 29K, P8I, HALE Sea Guardian, and MH-60R helicopters, along with IAF Sukhoi-30, Jaguar, C-130, Flight Refueller, and AWACS aircraft. The Indian Army contributes an Infantry Brigade, and the Coast Guard over 10 ships and aircraft.

  • The exercise features harbor and sea phases, incorporating various facets of combat operations, cyber and electronic warfare, live weapon firings, and amphibious exercises.

  • TROPEX-25 focuses on enhancing inter-service synergy and improving coordinated planning, targeting, combat effectiveness, and joint operations to protect India’s maritime interests.

Safai Karamcharis Commission

  • The Union Cabinet extended the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)’s tenure for three years.
  • The NCSK, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, works to end manual scavenging and improve sanitation workers’ conditions.
  • The extension costs ₹50.91 crore over three years and aims to reduce sanitation worker fatalities.
  • NCSK’s current non-statutory status hinders its effectiveness; it advocates for statutory status.
  • Initially established in 1994 under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, it lost its statutory status in 2004 when the Act lapsed.
  • Key functions include monitoring the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, investigating grievances, recommending welfare programs, and studying sanitation workers’ conditions.
  • It’s
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the sole body tracking sewer deaths nationwide.
  • The NCSK Chairperson highlighted staff shortages as a challenge.

    • Donkey Trail

    • The “donkey route” is an illegal immigration pathway used by migrants to reach countries like the US or UK.

    • It involves traversing multiple countries via indirect routes, often through treacherous terrain.

    • Migrants utilize the services of agents and human traffickers who charge exorbitant fees for forged documents and smuggling.

    • The route is characterized by significant risks, including death, injury, starvation, and theft.

    • Recent deportees from the US to Amritsar shared harrowing tales of their journeys, highlighting the dangers and exploitative nature of the “donkey route.”

    • These migrants often obtain visas for places like the Schengen Area and then illegally enter their final destination.

    • Deportees reported spending large sums of money (upwards of Rs 30-42 lakh), often borrowed, only to face exploitation and endangerment.

    • The Schengen Area is a group of European countries with abolished border controls, sometimes exploited in the “donkey route.”

    • The recent news focuses on a group of 104 Indian deportees from the US who used this route.

    Donkey Trail

    M23 Conflict

    • M23 rebels, a Tutsi-led group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recently captured Goma, a key city in the mineral-rich east.
    • M23’s formation stemmed from the Congolese government’s alleged failure to implement a 2009 agreement promising integration of former rebels into the army and better minority representation.
    • The group claims to protect Congolese Tutsis and other minorities from Hutu groups that fled Rwanda after the 1994 genocide.
    • Rwanda is accused of backing the M23 rebels.
    • The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, including reports of mass rapes and the burning alive of hundreds of female prisoners in Goma.
    • The M23 operates in North Kivu province, bordering Rwanda and Uganda, and has over 8,000 fighters.
    • The conflict is one of many in the DRC’s volatile east, where over 100 armed groups are active.
    • The group’s actions are in the news due to the capture of Goma, allegations of Rwandan support, and the severe human rights abuses reported.

    Daya River

    • The Daya River in Odisha, India, is facing severe pollution, leading to six deaths from suspected diarrhoea.
    • Activists are planning indefinite protests demanding government intervention to clean the river.
    • The Daya River is historically significant, believed to have turned red with blood during the Kalinga War (261 BCE), influencing Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.
    • The river flows through Khurda and Puri districts, emptying into Chilika Lake, India’s largest coastal lagoon.
    • The Daya River supports wetland biodiversity, providing habitat for fish and migratory birds. It’s a tributary of the Mahanadi River.
    • Activists also demand that the Gangua nullah be recognized as a river, citing its historical name, Gandhabati River.
    • The pollution of the Daya River highlights the need for environmental protection and improved sanitation in the region.
    • The river serves as a source of drinking water for communities nearby.

    Shatavari: Asparagus Benefits

    • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), a medicinal plant known as the “Queen of herbs” in Ayurveda, is the focus of a new nationwide campaign, “Shatavari – For Better Health,” launched by the Ministry of Ayush.

    • The campaign aims to raise awareness about Shatavari’s health benefits, particularly for women’s health.

    • Shatavari is traditionally used to treat various women’s health issues and possesses tonic, diuretic, and galactagogue properties. It also shows promise in ulcer healing.

    • The plant’s dried roots are used medicinally.

    • The campaign is part of a broader effort to promote traditional medicine and medicinal plants in India, aligning with the “Panch Pran” goal of a developed India by 2047.

    • Financial assistance of ₹18.9 Lakhs will be provided to support the campaign’s outreach.

    • Shatavari is found in various parts of Asia, Australia, and Africa, including several regions of India.

    • Previous successful campaigns by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) focused on other medicinal plants like Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha.

    Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 07-02-2025

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    Pong Dam Sanctuary

    • Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, India (also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar), saw a record-breaking 153,719 birds of 97 species during the 2025 annual bird count. This is an 83,555 bird increase from 2024.

    • The sanctuary, a Ramsar site since 2002, is one of the largest man-made wetlands in Northern India, covering nearly 307 sq km.

    • Lower water levels in the lake exposed more feeding grounds, attracting more migratory birds from regions like the Trans-Himalayan range, Tibet, Central Asia, Russia, and Siberia.

    • Dominant species included Eurasian Coots, Common Pochards, Common Teals, and Northern Pintails; rarer species like

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      the Greater White-fronted Goose and Red Crested Pochard were also observed.

    • The sanctuary’s location on the trans-Himalayan flyway contributes to its rich biodiversity, with over 220 bird species and 54 waterfowl species identified. Mammals such as sambar deer, barking deer, wild bears, and leopards also inhabit the area.

    • A new Interpretation Centre was inaugurated to educate visitors about the wetland’s ecological importance.

    • The successful bird count highlights the collaborative conservation efforts of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, the Bombay Natural History Society, the Wildlife Institute of India, and local communities. The ongoing monitoring is crucial given shifting migratory patterns due to climate change.

    Wattii Rhododendron

    • Rhododendron wattii, a small tree (up to 25 feet), is critically endangered.

    • Endemic to Manipur and Nagaland, it’s primarily found in Dzukou Valley (Nagaland).

    • A recent study in the Journal of Threatened Taxa highlighted the species’ plight, focusing on a lone remaining tree in Dzukou Valley.

    • The tree’s flowering occurs from late February to April; fruiting from April to December. Pink flowers attract fire-tailed sunbirds and bumblebees for pollination.

    • Low natural regeneration is a major concern, due to poor seedling survivability, human activities (anthropogenic activities), and wildfires.

    • The species is vulnerable due to population fragmentation and a small occupancy area.

    • Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect its remaining habitat. A contrast is drawn with the discovery of a new orchid species (Phalaenopsis wilsonii) in Manipur.

    Kanjar Tribe

    • A teenage member of the Kanjar tribe was beaten to death by fellow tribe members in Bihar, India. The motive is unclear, but alcohol may have been a factor.

    • The Kanjar are a nomadic tribe found in North India, Kashmir, and Pakistan, primarily inhabiting the Indus River valley and Punjab.

    • Historically, they were labeled a “criminal tribe” during British colonial rule, a designation later removed.

    • They are a largely undocumented population; accurate demographic information is lacking in both India and Pakistan.

    • The Kanjar have no permanent homes and travel, historically engaging in occupations such as hunting, fishing, basket weaving, and entertainment. Currently, they are known to sell herbal medicines.

    • Their nomadic lifestyle makes them difficult to track and poses challenges for law enforcement.

    • The Kanjar speak Kanjari, a language related to Indo-Aryan Prakrits and Romani. They also speak Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Sindhi.

    • Chakri is a popular folk dance of the Kanjar tribe.

    • No complaint has been filed regarding the murder, and tribe members are remaining silent, hindering the investigation. Police are using CCTV footage to identify suspects.

    Pinaka Rocket Launch

    • ₹10,147 crore contract signed for Pinaka MRLS ammunition.
    • Ammunition includes Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 and enhanced High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF)-Mk-1 rockets.
    • ADM Type-1 targets mechanized forces over a large area.
    • Enhanced HEPF-Mk-1 rockets have extended range for precise, lethal strikes.
    • Shakti software upgrades also contracted.
    • Pinaka MRLS is a battle-proven, all-weather artillery system.
    • Developed by DRDO’s ARDE, first used in Kargil War.
    • Each launcher carries 12 rockets; a battery has six launchers (72 rockets).
    • Range: 60-75 km (with potential for upgrades to 120 km and 300 km).
    • Guided Pinaka version uses INS/GPS navigation for precision.
    • Mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.
    • The Indian Army has four Pinaka regiments in service, with six more on order.
    • Contracts stimulate Indian MSMEs.
    • News is significant due to substantial investment in boosting firepower and range of a key artillery system.

    Pinaka Rocket Launch

    Dibru Saikhowa Park

    • Dibru Saikhowa National Park, located in Assam, India, is a crucial biodiversity hotspot, encompassing a large salix swamp forest and diverse flora and fauna. It’s also an Important Bird Area (IBA).

    • The park is currently in the news due to a controversial proposal for extended reach drilling (ERD) technology research within its boundaries.

    • The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and the Petroleum Ministry proposed this research to study the technology’s environmental impact.

    • The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) initially rejected drilling proposals in the park due to Supreme Court orders prohibiting mining in protected areas.

    • However, the FAC recently approved an R&D proposal for ERD, conditional on its use solely for research, following the Wildlife Institute of India’s (WII) assertion that impact assessment requires actual drilling.

    • The decision to bypass the standard online submission process for the R&D proposal has raised concerns.

    • Concerns exist regarding potential oil spills and the long-term ecological consequences of drilling, even with ERD technology, given the park’s proximity to the Brahmaputra River.

    • The park’s significance lies in its conservation of the white-winged wood duck, among other endangered species. Its diverse vegetation includes moist mixed semi-evergreen and deciduous forests. Its fauna includes tigers, elephants, and numerous bird species.

    Grameen Score

    • Grameen Credit Score Launched: India’s Finance Minister announced the Grameen Credit Score in the 2025 Union Budget.

    • Purpose: To integrate Self-Help Group (SHG) transactions into India’s central credit system, enabling better creditworthiness assessments by financial institutions.

    • Target: To promote financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs in SHGs, supporting their business growth.

    • Impact: This score will significantly change how the creditworthiness of millions of women in rural India is assessed.

    • Benefits:

      • Enhanced Financial Access: Opens new financial opportunities, allowing women to expand businesses and improve livelihoods. Introduces concepts like credit cards and loan repayment.
      • Customized Financial Products: Introduction of credit cards for micro-enterprises, with limits up to ₹5 lakh.
      • Improved Credit Assessment: Bridges gaps in the current system, giving SHG members a digital framework to check and improve their credit scores and understand their credit limits.
      • Economic Stability: Increased credit availability will enable women-led SHGs to contribute more effectively to their households and propel growth in rural communities.

    • Definitions:

      • Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Informal groups addressing common problems and improving living standards.
      • Credit Score: An indicator of consistent debt repayment.
      • Financial Inclusion: Providing individuals and businesses with access to affordable financial services in a responsible and sustainable way.

    Jevons Paradox

    • Jevons Paradox: Increased efficiency in resource use often leads to increased consumption of that resource, not decreased.

    • Origin: Proposed by William Stanley Jevons in his 1865 book, “The Coal Question,” observing that technological advancements in coal use led to increased, not decreased, coal consumption.

    • Mechanism: Efficiency improvements lower the cost per unit, making the resource more affordable and thus increasing demand. This is a form of induced demand.

    • Examples:

      • Fuel-efficient vehicles: Lower cost per mile driven leads to more miles driven, negating some fuel savings.
      • Energy-efficient appliances: Lower operating costs encourage increased use.
      • Digital technology: Increased efficiency of computing has led to a surge in energy consumption due to the proliferation of devices and data centers.

    • Current Relevance: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s recent comments highlight the paradox’s potential impact on AI. Increased AI efficiency may lead to increased demand and consumption, potentially offsetting environmental benefits.

    • Underlying Principle: Technological progress satisfies previously unmet demands, rather than simply reducing consumption of existing resources.

    GREAT Scheme

    • The GREAT (Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles) scheme provides grants to startups in the technical textiles sector.

    • Launched in August 2023, it’s part of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).

    • Aims to boost India’s technical textile startup ecosystem and self-reliance.

    • Supports individual entrepreneurs and startups developing functional prototypes or commercializing technologies across various technical textile applications (agro-textiles, medical textiles, etc.).

    • Offers grants of up to Rs 50 lakh for up to 18 months.

    • Falls under the Research, Development, and Innovation component of NTTM, which also includes Promotion and Market Development, and Education, Training, and Skill Development.

    • The NTTM aims to make India a global leader in technical textiles.

    • Recently, four startups received grants under the GREAT scheme.

    • Technical textiles are materials and products valued for their performance and functional properties, not just aesthetics.

    GREAT Scheme

    ICC: Justice on Trial

    • The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. It’s a court of last resort.

    • The ICC’s jurisdiction is defined by the Rome Statute, which only 125 countries have ratified. Notable non-members include the US, China, Russia, and Israel.

    • The ICC investigates and prosecutes individuals, unlike the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which handles disputes between states. The ICC can only act if national courts are unable or unwilling, and only for crimes committed after July 1, 2002.

    • The US, under President Trump, imposed sanctions on the ICC in February 2025 due to investigations into Israel’s actions in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack. The US and Israel are not ICC members.

    • The sanctions target ICC officials involved in issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, accused of war crimes.

    • The US action is criticized by human rights groups, who argue it hinders justice for victims of human rights abuses and infringes on free speech. Previous US sanctions on ICC officials were lifted under President Biden.

    Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 06-02-2025

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    PRASHAD: Divine Food

    • PRASHAD Scheme Overview: The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to develop pilgrimage sites across India. It focuses on improving infrastructure (roads, water, sanitation), connectivity, conservation, and local community development through skill-building and eco-friendly tourism practices. 41 cities across 25 states are part of the scheme.

    • Parliamentary Committee Concerns: A Parliamentary committee has expressed disappointment over the slow progress of projects under both the Spiritual Tourism Circuits (under Swadesh Darshan Scheme) and PRASHAD. The committee specifically mentioned delays in two Kerala circuits (Sabarimala and Sivagiri).

    • Delays and Reasons: Delays in project completion were attributed to lack of clearances from temple authorities. The completion status of the Kerala circuits is at 76% and 51%, respectively.

    • Committee Recommendations: The committee recommended the Ministry develop a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and obtain prior approvals to ensure timely project completion. They also noted that only 21 out of 45 PRASHAD projects have been completed and urged the Ministry to anticipate potential problems early on.

    • Key Objectives: The PRASHAD scheme aims to upgrade infrastructure, improve travel conditions, conserve pilgrimage sites, promote cultural and spiritual significance, and create livelihood opportunities for local communities.

    • Funding Model: The scheme uses a 100% public funding model with additional support through CSR and PPP.

    Ranikhet Disease

    • Outbreak in Poultry: Ranikhet disease is suspected to have caused the death of approximately 1.5 lakh chickens in both Andhra Pradesh and Panchkula, indicating a significant outbreak.

    • Highly Contagious and Fatal: It is a highly contagious viral disease, especially affecting poultry like chickens, with a mortality rate potentially reaching 50-100%.

    • Symptoms: Birds exhibit respiratory issues (sneezing, gasping), neurological problems, and digestive problems, often followed by rapid deaths. Production drops and fertility issues occur.

    • No Cure: There is no effective treatment for Ranikhet disease currently.

    • Transmission: The disease spreads through direct contact with infected bird secretions (especially feces), contaminated feed, water, implements, and the environment. The virus can survive in the environment for weeks.

    • Zoonotic Potential: While primarily affecting birds, it can cause conjunctivitis in humans, although it is generally mild and self-limiting.

    • Affected Regions: Outbreaks have been reported in both Andhra Pradesh (Eluru, Guntur, Prakasam, and the twin Godavari districts) and Panchkula (Barwala and Raipur Rani).

    • Panchkula Concerns: Panchkula’s poultry farms have previously been affected by Ranikhet.

    • Contributory Factors: The cold wave and pre-existing conditions in the birds, such as older birds not being replaced, have also played a major role, especially in

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      the outbreak in Panchkula.

    • Migratory Birds: Droppings from migratory birds are suspected to be a potential cause for the spread.

    Fort William

    • Name Change: Fort William, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command in Kolkata, has been renamed Vijay Durg. Kitchener House is now Manekshaw House, and St. George’s Gate is now Shivaji Gate. This shift aims to eliminate colonial practices.

    • Reasoning Behind the Change: The renaming is part of a broader initiative to remove “vestiges of the colonial era” and “Indianise” military traditions, following Prime Minister Modi’s call for “freedom from the mentality of slavery.”

    • Historical Context: Fort William, originally built by the British in 1773 and named after King William III, was a significant historical landmark. Vijay Durg is named after a fort that served as a naval base for the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji.

    • Wider Initiatives: The renaming aligns with other changes like a new naval ensign, the replacement of musical tunes, and reviews of ceremonial practices and attire, all aiming to distance the armed forces from their colonial past.

    Ekuverin Fitness

    • Exercise Ekuverin: The 13th edition of the joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force has begun in the Maldives.
      • Why: This is a key event highlighting the ongoing military cooperation between India and the Maldives.
    • Meaning and Nature: “Ekuverin” means “Friends” in Dhivehi. It’s an annual bilateral exercise conducted alternately in India and the Maldives.
      • Why: It signifies the close and friendly relations between the two countries.
    • Focus: The exercise concentrates on counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
      • Why: It enhances interoperability and operational capabilities of both armies in critical areas.
    • Duration and Location: The exercise is 14 days long and is being held in the Maldives this year.
      • Why: The alternating location demonstrates mutual commitment and provides diverse training environments.
    • Significance: It aims to strengthen the ties between India and Maldives.
      • Why: It further bolsters cooperation and goodwill between both nations.
    • Key Participants: The opening ceremony was attended by the Maldives Defence Chief and the Indian High Commissioner.
      • Why: This underscores the importance both nations place on the exercise and their bilateral relationship.

    Bryospilus Bharaticus

    • New Species Discovery: A new species of water flea, Bryospilus (Indobryospilus) bharaticus n. sp., has been discovered.
    • Location: Found in moss growth on walls of Korigad Fort near Pune, India.
    • Significance: This is the first record of this genus in Tropical Asia.
    • Unique Adaptations: The water flea uses antennae as “supports” for movement in water films on moss and has no main eye due to low-light conditions.
    • Habitat & Relatives: Related species are found in semi-terrestrial habitats in rainforests of West Africa, South and Central America, and New Zealand.
    • Gondwanaland Connection: Ancestors of the species may have existed on the Indian subcontinent before the breakup of Gondwanaland.
    • Biodiversity Indicator: The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the importance of protecting pristine habitats, as this species is vulnerable to human disturbance.
    • Evolutionary History: The species’ presence points to an old evolutionary history in the region, potentially predating the breakup of Gondwanaland.
    • Environmental Concerns: The researchers caution about the potential impact of rising air pollution and human disturbances on this unique semi-terrestrial ecosystem.

    Stryker ICV

    • Stryker Deal in Focus: The co-production deal for Stryker infantry combat vehicles is a key topic during Indian Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Washington DC, especially in light of President Trump’s push for India to buy more U.S. military equipment.
    • Stryker’s Capabilities: Stryker is an eight-wheel-drive combat vehicle family known for its speed, flexibility, and suitability for urban and quick-response scenarios. It has various configurations, including the Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV).
    • Indian Army’s Interest: The Indian Army is looking for ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) mounted on infantry combat vehicles and has evaluated Stryker’s performance in high-altitude conditions in Ladakh.
    • High-Altitude Testing: Stryker was tested in Ladakh between 13,000 and 18,000 feet, along with the Javelin ATGM. Further trials are expected.
    • Co-production Plan: The plan involves importing a small number of Strykers initially, followed by license manufacture in India, likely by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).
    • U.S. Push for Procurement: President Trump has emphasized the importance of India increasing its purchase of American-made security equipment.
    • Negotiations and Demonstrations: Negotiations are progressing, and Stryker has been demonstrated for the Indian Army. Repeat trials of the Javelin ATGM are awaited.
    • Strategic Significance: The deal is part of a broader effort to strengthen defense cooperation between India and the U.S., potentially deterring adversaries.
    • Previous Evaluations: The U.S. has previously demonstrated Stryker and Javelin to the Indian Army.

    Stryker ICV

    Taranaki

    • Official Names & Status: Mount Taranaki, also known as Taranaki Maunga, is a natural feature in New Zealand with human status, similar to Te Urewera National Park and Whanganui River. It has two official names: Mount Egmont and Mount Taranaki.

    • Geographic Location: Situated in Egmont National Park, North Island of New Zealand.

    • Volcanic Nature: A stratovolcano (composite cone) formed by alternating layers of ash and lava, known for its symmetry. It’s a dormant, snow-capped volcano and the second highest mountain on the North Island.

    • Formation: Created by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Australian Plate, with magma likely sourced from deeper than the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

    • Geological Features: Features a circular ring plain formed from lahars and landslides.

    • Cultural Significance: Highly respected by the Māori people as a sacred ancestor.

    • Important Facts:

      • The real name is Mount Taranaki, also known as Taranaki Maunga.
      • Mount Taranaki is a strato-volcano.

    Taranaki

    Iskander-M: Overview

    • Russian Short-Range Ballistic Missile: The Iskander-M is a road-mobile missile system developed by Russia.
    • Service and
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      Use:       It entered service in 2006 and was first used in 2008 against Georgia. This indicates its operational readiness and combat experience.
    • Targeting: Designed for tactical strikes on small, high-value land targets. This suggests its role in targeting specific military or strategic assets.
    • Versatility: It can carry different types of missiles.
    • Specifications: The missiles have a maximum range of 500 km and can carry payloads between 480-700 kg. These specifications define its operational reach and destructive power.
    • Warhead Capabilities: Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. This highlights its strategic importance and potential for escalation.
    • Speed and Altitude: Missiles can travel at up to Mach 7 and reach altitudes of over 30 miles, showcasing its speed and ability to penetrate defenses.
    • Defense Penetration: Employs a maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV) and decoys to defeat missile defense systems. This is critical for ensuring target destruction.
    • Guidance Systems: Equipped with systems for in-flight correction and self-targeting to overcome missile defense systems.
    • Export Versions: There’s an export version (Iskander-E) with a 280 km range. A newer version (Iskander-K) has a cruise missile R-500 with a 280 km max range. This shows Russia’s efforts to export and evolve the system.

    Santorini

    • Mass Evacuation: Thousands of residents have fled Santorini due to a swarm of earthquakes. Approximately 9,000 residents have already evacuated.

    • Intense Seismic Activity: Over 300 earthquakes have been recorded near Santorini in the past two days, and seismic activity may continue for weeks.

    • Government Response: The Greek Prime Minister has urged calm. Schools are closed, and large indoor gatherings are discouraged. Authorities are taking emergency measures as a precaution. Shelters and food provisions are planned in case of stronger tremors.

    • Geological Context: Santorini is a volcanic crater island. Authorities have stated that the recent earthquakes are related to tectonic plate movements, not volcanic activity.

    • Island Characteristics: Santorini is known as Greece’s “Instagram Island,” attracting millions of visitors annually. It’s a popular tourist destination famous for its views, white-washed houses, and dramatic scenery.

    • Past Seismic History: Santorini experienced a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in 1956, which resulted in fatalities and injuries.

    • Location: Santorini is located in the Aegean Sea, approximately 128 nautical miles southeast of the Greek mainland. The Aegean Sea is bordered by Greece to the west and north and Turkey to the east.

    Brucellosis

    • Recent Death: An eight-year-old girl in Kerala died from brucellosis after a two-month battle. This highlights the severity of the disease.
    • Cause: Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by Brucella species, primarily infecting livestock.
    • Transmission: Humans contract it through contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated animal products (especially unpasteurized milk and cheese), or inhaling airborne agents.
    • Symptoms: Common symptoms include fever, weakness, weight loss, and general discomfort, which can sometimes be mild and go undiagnosed. The incubation period varies.
    • Risk Factors: People of all ages are at risk, but those working with animals (farmers, butchers, vets, etc.) face higher exposure risks.
    • Treatment: Brucellosis is treated with antibiotics.
    • Prevention: Vaccination of livestock and pasteurization of milk are crucial preventative measures. Educational campaigns about avoiding unpasteurized products are also important.
    • Kerala Context: Sporadic cases have been reported in Kerala, with deaths being rare.
    • Rose Bengal Test: This is a test to detect antibodies for Brucella in human and animal serum.

    Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 05-02-2025

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    Dhimsa Dance

    • Celebration of Progress: Tribal families in Neelabandha, Andhra Pradesh, received electricity for the first time since Independence, leading to a celebratory “Dhimsa” dance. This highlights improved living conditions and government efforts to provide basic amenities to remote areas.
    • Dhimsa Dance: Cultural Significance: “Dhimsa” is a popular tribal dance performed by various tribes in Andhra Pradesh, marking significant events like festivals, weddings, and the hunting festival. The dance’s performance is circular in nature with dancers holding each other’s arms at the back.
    • Dance Details: The Dhimsa dance is performed using wind and percussion instruments. There are 12 varieties of Dhimsa. It includes instruments like dappu, tudumu, mori, kidgi, gilka, and jodukommulu. Themes of Dhimsa dance revolve around mythologies, folktales, and daily life of tribal communities.
    • Electricity Access: The Anakapalli district administration, following state government directives, provided electricity to the remote village. This involved overcoming logistical challenges such as the lack of proper roads.
    • Ongoing Needs: While electricity access is a major achievement, the village still lacks road facilities and certain other basic needs.
    • Key Question Answers:
      • Q1: The famous dance of Andhra is Dhimsa.
      • Q2: The article does not mention the name of Araku dance.
      • Q3: Dhimsa means “sound of the footsteps”.

    Indrayani River

    • The Indrayani River in Maharashtra is facing a critical issue: it’s covered in a layer of white, toxic foam.
    • This contamination is concerning, especially considering the rising cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Pune, where the river flows.
    • The Indrayani River’s course originates in the Western Ghats and flows through Pune district, eventually merging into the Bhima River (a tributary of the Krishna River).
    • The river is important religiously, with sacred towns like Alandi and Dehu situated on its banks. Alandi is significant for the samadhi of Dnyaneshwar, and Dehu is the hometown of Saint Tukaram.
    • The river also passes through the industrial town of Pimpri-Chinchwad and is used for irrigation and agriculture.
    • Valvan Dam, a hydroelectric generating station, is situated on the Indrayani River at Kamshet.

    Indrayani River

    Global Cat Alliance

    • Official Launch and Status: The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) officially comes into force as a treaty-based inter-governmental organization. This was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
    • Launch Date and Purpose: Launched on April 9, 2023, during the “Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger” event, with the aim to conserve seven big cat species.
    • Big Cat Species: The IBCA focuses on the conservation of the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
    • Founding Members: Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of India, Federal Republic of Somalia, and Republic of Liberia are the initial member countries.
    • Establishing Body: Established by the Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC).
    • Membership Scope: Open to 97 ‘range’ countries where these big cats naturally live, along with other interested nations and international organizations. As of now, 27 countries including India have consented to join.
    • Objectives: To promote collaboration, share conservation practices, and provide financial support to protect big cats globally, halt population decline, and reverse current trends.
    • Governance: A General Assembly, a Council of 7-15 members, and a Secretariat. The Secretary-General will be appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the Council.
    • Funding: India has initially committed Rs. 150 crore for five years (2023-2028).
    • Location: The IBCA headquarters is located in India.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • Innovative Drug Delivery System: Researchers have developed a “self-actuating” drug delivery system to revolutionize Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) treatment.

    • Targeted Treatment: The system targets inflammation directly within the joints, releasing therapeutic agents only when needed.

    • How it Works: The system uses microspheres loaded with methotrexate,

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      a common anti-rheumatic drug. These microspheres respond to biochemical signals in the inflamed joints, triggered by specific enzymes (MMP-2 and MMP-9) present during RA flare-ups.

    • Unique Formulation: The formulation includes polymer-lipid hybrid micro-composites. The lipid component (soya lecithin) ensures high drug encapsulation, while the polymer component (gelatin) responds to Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP).

    • Controlled Drug Release: The gelatin substrate is cleaved when exposed to inflammatory enzymes, triggering a controlled, pulsatile release of the drug.

    • Benefits:

      • Reduced joint swelling, inflammation, and cartilage damage in animal studies.
      • Enhanced drug effectiveness with improved bioavailability and retention.
      • Potential for fewer doses, less pain, improved joint function, and slower joint damage progression.
      • Safer, more effective alternative to current RA treatments by eliminating the need for frequent drug injections and reducing systemic toxicity.

    • Wider Applications: The technology has potential for managing other inflammatory diseases and could be used in regenerative medicine, personalized treatments, and veterinary medicine.

    • Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue.

    ELT

    • Colossal Project: The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is nearing completion, a groundbreaking project.
    • World’s Largest: It will be the world’s largest optical telescope.
    • Massive Mirror: Features a primary mirror spanning 128 feet (39 meters).
    • Location: Being built in the Atacama Desert, Chile, on Cerro Armazones.
    • Funding & Build: Constructed by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), costing around $1.4 billion.
    • Scientific Capabilities: Designed to potentially detect and image terrestrial planets in habitable zones.
    • Protective Structure: Housed within a giant dome to protect it from the harsh environment of the Atacama Desert.
    • Mirror Composition: Primary mirror comprises 798 hexagonal segments.
    • ESO’s Role: Built and operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), an intergovernmental organization.
    • ESO Countries: Supported by 16 countries, ensuring global collaboration.
    • ESO Objectives: Focused on building and operating advanced observing facilities.
    • ESO’s Sites: ESO manages world-class observing sites in Chile.
    • Headquarters: Located in Garching, Germany.

    Rare Disease Policy

    • Delays in Implementation: Patients with rare diseases, particularly children, are facing critical health challenges due to delays in implementing the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021.
    • Policy Overview: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the NPRD in March 2021. It categorizes rare diseases into three groups based on treatment options and costs.
    • Disease Categories: The policy categorizes rare diseases into three groups: those with one-time curative treatment, those requiring long-term treatment with relatively lower costs, and those where treatment is available but is very high cost.
    • Financial Assistance: The policy provides financial support of up to Rs. 50 lakhs per patient for treatment at designated Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
    • Centres of Excellence: 12 CoEs
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      have been identified to diagnose, prevent, and treat rare diseases, facilitating access to specialized care.
    • Registration and Treatment: Patients register with a nearby CoE to receive treatment, which begins immediately after registration.
    • Supportive Services: Nidan Kendras provide genetic testing and counselling services.
    • Tax Exemptions: The government has granted exemptions from Goods & Services Tax (GST) and Basic Customs Duty on imported drugs for rare diseases.
    • Research and Development: The National Consortium for Research and Development on Therapeutics for Rare Diseases (NCRDTRD) has been established to promote research and development, local drug manufacturing, and create an environment for affordable indigenous manufacturing of drugs.
    • Examples of Rare Diseases in India: Examples of rare diseases in India include Osteopetrosis, Laron’s Syndrome, Fabry disease, Prader Willi Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis etc.
    • Causes of Rare Diseases: The causes of rare diseases include genetic mutations, environmental factors, infections, immune system disorders, metabolic abnormalities, and sometimes chromosomal abnormalities or unknown factors.

    NYPS 2.0

    • Initiative Overview: The National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0, spearheaded by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, was discussed in the Rajya Sabha.
    • Objectives: The primary goals of NYPS 2.0 are to strengthen democratic foundations, promote discipline and tolerance, and educate students about parliamentary processes, government functions, and constitutional values.
    • Participation Methods: The program offers three avenues for citizen involvement via a web-portal:
      • Institution Participation: Educational institutions can organize Youth Parliament sessions, with “Kishore Sabha” for classes VI-XII and “Tarun Sabha” for UG/PG students.
      • Group Participation: Groups of citizens can organize Youth Parliament sittings.
      • Individual Participation: Individuals can engage by taking a quiz on “Bhartiya Democracy in Action.”
    • Training Resources: NYPS 2.0 web portal provides e-training materials like literature, model debates, and video tutorials to aid participants.
    • Purpose of Youth Parliament: It offers a platform for young people to develop debating skills, express views on national/international issues, and understand parliamentary procedures. The program provides a debate between the best debaters, policymakers, and opinion-makers.
    • Importance: This scheme aims to build informed and engaged citizens, strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation by equipping the youth with knowledge and skills necessary for active participation in a democratic society.

    Mosquitofish vs. Guppy

    • National Green Tribunal Inquiry: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is seeking a response from the Central government regarding the use of Gambusia affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia reticulata (Guppy) for mosquito control. This highlights a current legal and environmental concern.

    • Mosquitofish as a Biological Control Agent: Gambusia affinis, commonly known as the mosquitofish, is widely used to control mosquito larvae. This makes it a key tool in mosquito control strategies.

    • Historical Use in India: Mosquitofish has been used in India for over a century, including in malaria control programs since 1928. This emphasizes the long-standing practice and its perceived benefits.

    • Invasive Species Concerns: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified Gambusia as one of the world’s worst invasive alien species. This highlights the environmental risks associated with its use.

    • Mosquitofish Release in Multiple States: Mosquitofish has been stored and released in several Indian states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and more. This indicates the geographic extent of its use.

    • Guppy Fish Characteristics: Poecilia reticulata (Guppy), also a biological control agent, is a non-migratory fish native to parts of South America and the Caribbean. It can live in both freshwater and brackish water. It is commonly used in genetics research and as an aquarium species.

    • Guppy as an Invasive Species: While popular as aquarium species, Guppy can occupy a wide range of aquatic habitats and is a threat to native species due to exotic parasites and is believed to play a role in the decline of several threatened and endangered species.

    • Guppy Release in Selected States: Guppy has been released in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, and Odisha.

    National Emblem of India

    • The Issue: The Union Home Ministry has directed state governments to prevent misuse and improper depiction of the State Emblem of India. This includes omitting the motto “Satyameva Jayate” in Devanagari script.
    • The Emblem’s Components: The State Emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. It features three visible lions, a Dharma Chakra in the center, a bull on the right, a galloping horse on the left, and the motto “Satyameva Jayate” in Devanagari script below. The bell-shaped lotus is omitted.
    • Importance of “Satyameva Jayate”: The motto “Satyameva Jayate” (meaning “Truth Alone Triumphs”) is an integral part of the emblem. Its omission constitutes a violation of the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.
    • Legal Framework: The use of the State Emblem of India is restricted to specific authorities and purposes defined by the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005, and the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007.
    • Consequences: The government is taking action against government agencies and individuals who improperly use or depict the emblem, including those displaying it incompletely.
    • Historical Context: The emblem was adopted by the Government of India on January 26, 1950.

    National Emblem of India

    Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 04-02-2025

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    Gyan Bharat

    • Gyan Bharatam Mission Announced: The Union Budget 2025-26 launched the Gyan Bharatam Mission, focusing on the survey, documentation, and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage.

    • Scope: The mission aims to cover over one crore manuscripts.

    • Objective: To preserve manuscripts held by academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors.

    • Key Component: Digital Repository: A national digital repository of the Indian knowledge system will be created.

    • Repository Function: The repository will facilitate knowledge sharing by digitizing and centralizing India’s traditional knowledge. It will be accessible to researchers, students, and institutions worldwide.

    • Manuscript Definition: Manuscripts are handwritten compositions (on various materials) dating back at least 75 years with scientific, historical, or aesthetic value. Lithographs and printed volumes are excluded.

    • NMM Revived & Budget Hike: The budget allocation for the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM), which was established in 2003, has been increased significantly from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore. NMM aims to identify, document, and make manuscript heritage accessible.

    • Culture Ministry Allocation: The overall allocation for the Culture Ministry has been increased by approximately ₹100 crore.

    • Purpose of the mission: The mission will enable India to preserve and protect the invaluable wisdom and knowledge held by these manuscripts found across the country.

    Gyan Bharat

    Mother’s Vision

    • GARBH-INi-DRISHTI Launch: The launch of GARBH-INi-DRISHTI, a data repository, is a significant advancement. It’s South Asia’s largest maternal and child health database, providing extensive data on pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers.

    • Comprehensive Data: The platform offers access to clinical data, images, and biospecimens from over 12,000 participants.

    • Research Empowerment: It aims to empower researchers globally, enabling transformative research to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

    • Collaboration and Discovery: GARBH-INi-DRISHTI facilitates collaboration and promotes impactful discoveries in maternal and child health.

    • Focus on Preterm Birth: The initiative focuses on Maternal and Child Health and develops prediction tools for preterm birth.

    • Department of Biotechnology Initiative: It’s an initiative under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.

    • THSTI Leadership: The program is led by the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR Biotech cluster, Faridabad.

    • Part of UNaTI: It’s part of the Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Mission – Undertaking Nationally Relevant Technology Innovation (UNaTI).

    • First Ferret Research Facility: Alongside GARBH-INi-DRISHTI, India’s first Ferret Research Facility was dedicated, enhancing the fight against infectious and non-communicable diseases.

    • Technology Transfer Agreement: A Technology Transfer Agreement was executed between THSTI and M/s Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd. for commercialization of innovative consortium for applications.

    WHO

    • Trump’s Withdrawal and its Impact: The WHO is facing a significant crisis due to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the agency. This has caused financial concerns as the U.S. is the biggest donor, providing approximately 14% of the WHO’s budget ($988 million for 2024-2025). The WHO chief has asked global leaders to lean on Washington to reverse this decision.

    • Financial Strain and Program Cuts: The agency’s health emergencies program is heavily reliant on U.S. funding. With the U.S. exit, numerous programs in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, polio-eradication, and HIV programs are at risk. WHO officials have warned of potential cash flow problems by 2026 and the need to cut costs.

    • U.S. Contributions & Dependence: The U.S. funds crucial work such as tuberculosis efforts in Europe (95%) and Africa (60%+). The U.S. has also yet to settle its owed contributions for 2024.

    • Reactions and Future Plans: Countries are asking about WHO’s plans to cope with the loss of U.S. funding and the health programs that will be cut. A document suggests a proposal to reduce each major department or office. The WHO Director-General has said that they are still providing the U.S. some data. The WHO chief also states that the U.S. exit is more about the “void” in outbreak details and other critical health information.

    • WHO’s Role: The World Health Organization is a United Nations specialized agency established in 1948, with the objective of the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health. It provides leadership on global health, sets norms, offers technical support, and monitors health trends.

    Black Kite

    • Nesting in Chennai: Black kites have been found nesting in tower structures in Chennai, which is unusual as compared to their migrating counterparts.

    • Opportunistic Hunters: Black kites are known for their opportunistic hunting behavior, often scavenging for food.

    • Appearance and Habitat: They are medium-sized raptors with brown plumage, dark eyes, and a hooked beak. They inhabit diverse habitats including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands across Australasia, Eurasia, and Africa.

    • Graceful Flight: The article emphasizes the black kite’s graceful flight, contrasting it with the more aggressive behavior displayed when defending their nests. Their flying skills are mimicked by crows.

    • Breeding and Nesting Behavior: Some black kites build nests and raise young in Chennai, unlike migratory birds. The nests are constructed from materials like metal wires and stones, a common trait for raptors.

    • Conservation Status: Classified as “Least Concern” by IUCN and protected under Schedule-II of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

    Cardamom: The Queen of Spice

    • New Cardamom Cousins Identified: An international research team has discovered six new species closely related to Elettaria cardamomum (green cardamom). This brings the total number of species in the Elettaria genus to seven.

    • Reclassification: Four of the newly identified species were previously classified under the Alpinia genus.

    • New Species from Kerala: Two new species, Elettaria facifera and Elettaria tulipifera, were discovered in Kerala’s Western Ghats region, specifically the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Agasthyamalai hills.

    • Economic Importance: Green cardamom is a highly valuable spice globally, ranking among the top most valuable, after saffron and vanilla, making these findings significant for future spice production.

    • Conservation Concerns: Researchers emphasize the importance of conservation efforts for the newly discovered species, which face threats from both natural and human activities.

    • Botanical Significance: The discovery expands the understanding of the Elettaria genus, potentially leading to further studies on the uses and variations within this ginger lineage.

    • Origin and Cultivation: Cardamom is native to the Western Ghats in South India. It is cultivated mainly in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It thrives in forest loamy, acidic soils at elevations of 600-1500 m, with temperatures between 10-35°C and rainfall of 1500-4000 mm.

    ELS Cotton

    • Government Initiative: The Indian finance minister announced a five-year mission to improve cotton farming and promote Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton.
    • What is ELS Cotton? ELS cotton is considered the highest quality cotton, favored in high-end fabrics. It’s known for its long fibers (30mm+), mainly from the Gossypium barbadense species (Egyptian or Pima cotton).
    • Where it’s Grown: Primarily in China, Egypt, Australia, and Peru. In India, it’s grown in small areas of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
    • Quality & Benefits: ELS cotton produces strong, fine yarns due to its long and uniform fibers. It requires minimal processing.
    • Challenges in India: Lower yields (7-8 quintals/acre vs. 10-12 for medium staple) and difficulty in getting premium prices are major hurdles for Indian farmers. Marketing and market linkages are difficult.
    • Why
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      it Matters:       India imports a significant amount of ELS cotton. Boosting domestic production could benefit the textile industry.
    • Cotton Mission’s Goals: The mission aims to provide farmers with technology and support to improve yields and potentially adopt premium varieties like ELS cotton.
    • Needs for Improvement: Better seeds, agronomic advice, and technology adoption are needed. Weed management, potentially through herbicide-resistant cotton, could help increase yields.

    Bandhavgarh Tigers

    • Location: Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.

    • Notable Tiger Death: “Chhota Bheem”, a well-known tiger from Bandhavgarh, recently died while receiving treatment for injuries.

    • Geographical Features: The reserve is nestled in the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges and features valleys, hills, and plains.

    • Historical Significance: The park is named after the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort. Legend says the fort was given to Lakshmana by Lord Rama, thus the name “Bandhavgarh” (Brother’s Fort).

    • Area: It spans 1536 sq. km., including a 716 sq. km. core zone and an 820 sq. km. buffer zone.

    • Tiger Density: Bandhavgarh is known for having one of the highest densities of tigers globally.

    • Flora: The region’s vegetation primarily consists of evergreen Sal forests, mixed forests, and grasslands.

    • Fauna: Besides tigers, the reserve is home to leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), and various deer species.

    Ambergris

    • What it is: Ambergris, often called “whale vomit,” is a waxy substance produced by sperm whales.
    • Formation: Formed in the intestines of sperm whales from indigestible materials like squid beaks.
    • Use: Primarily used in the perfume industry to make fragrances last longer. Ambrein, an odourless alcohol, is extracted from it.
    • Value: Highly valuable due to its rarity and use in perfumes; can fetch up to $40,000 per kilogram.
    • Appearance: Starts soft and waxy, hardens into a rock-like form over time as it is exposed to sunlight, saltwater, and air.
    • Legality: Banned in countries like India, the USA, and Australia due to the indirect exploitation of endangered sperm whales. In India, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 prohibits the sale and trade of ambergris.
    • Why the ban? The ban aims to protect endangered sperm whales by discouraging activities that might harm them.

    Kolleru Lake

    • NGT’s Intervention: The
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      National Green Tribunal (NGT) has halted six infrastructure projects in the Kolleru wetland area by Andhra Pradesh, due to lack of required clearances and environmental concerns.
      • Why: Projects lacked necessary approvals from key environmental bodies (MoEF&CC, CZMA, PCB, NBWL) and were launched without sufficient ecological or hydrological studies.
    • Kolleru Lake’s Significance: Kolleru Lake is a large, natural, shallow, freshwater lake, situated between the Krishna and Godavari deltas in Andhra Pradesh, and it is the largest of its type in Asia. It is a Ramsar Site and a Wildlife Sanctuary.
      • Why: The lake is a crucial flood-balancing reservoir and provides habitat for migratory birds, falling within the Central Asian Flyway.
    • Projects Details: The infrastructure projects, with a ₹2,952 crore budget, involve barrages, regulators, and roads, particularly impacting the Upputeru river, which is a crucial part of the Kolleru ecosystem.
      • Why: These projects threaten the lake’s hydrology, biodiversity, and eco-sensitive zone.
    • Concerns Raised: Environmental activist T. Patanjali Sastry opposed the projects, citing lack of scientific studies, absence of expert input, and potential destruction of the lake’s ecosystem.
      • Why: The NGT considered the potential adverse impacts and mandated a comprehensive evaluation of the projects.
    • NGT’s Ruling: The NGT has ruled to uphold the integrity of the Kolleru ecosystem and all steps should be taken to protect the lake.
      • Why: Due to Kolleru lake’s ecological significance and the obligations under Ramsar Convention and domestic environmental law.

    Kolleru Lake

    Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 03-02-2025

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    Golden Cisticola

    • Recent Discovery: Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) was recently discovered in Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki, in the southern Western Ghats. This is the first sighting in this region after a long time.
    • Significance of the discovery: This finding highlights the importance of the region for bird biodiversity and the need for further studies.
    • Location: The bird was found in high-altitude grasslands of the national park.
    • Identification: Male birds are recognized by their golden-orange plumage on their head, neck, and chest during breeding, as well as pinkish beaks and black streaks on their backs, and their distinctive call.
    • Habitat: Primarily found in grasslands within mountain ranges.
    • Distribution: Found in Australia and Asian countries including parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and northern Kerala. This sighting is particularly significant as it marks the first observation within the southern portion of the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats.
    • Conservation Status: IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
    • Previous Sightings: Previously observed in the grasslands of Banasura Hills in Wayanad, which aided in identification.
    • Scientific Publication: The discovery has been published in the scientific journal Malabar Trogon by the Malabar Natural History Society.

    Close Air Defence

    • Successful Flight Trials: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three consecutive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from Chandipur, Odisha. These tests targeted high-speed, low-altitude aerial threats, including drones.

    • Man-Portable System: VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence system, meaning it can be easily carried and operated by individuals or small teams.

    • Key Features: It features short-range, lightweight, surface-to-air missiles with a maximum range of 8 kilometers and the ability to engage targets up to 4.5 km altitude. The missiles are designed to destroy aircraft and helicopters.

    • Technological Advancements: The missile incorporates miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics for precise control and steering, as successfully proven during the tests. The RCS uses thrusters to provide thrust in any direction.

    • Indigenous Development: VSHORADS was indigenously designed and developed by the Research Center

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      Imarat, in collaboration with other DRDO labs and production partners.

    • Multi-Service Capability: The system is designed to meet the air defense needs of all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, and Air Force.

    • Target Destruction: During the tests, the missiles accurately intercepted and destroyed targets, demonstrating their capability to neutralize drones and other aerial threats.

    • Operational Readiness: The flight tests were conducted in final deployment configuration, with field operators demonstrating weapon readiness, target acquisition, and missile firing capabilities.

    SwaRail App

    • SwaRail: The SuperApp – The Ministry of Railways launched “SwaRail,” a one-stop solution integrating various railway services into a single application.

    • Purpose: Streamlines access to railway services, eliminating the need for multiple apps. Reduces device storage consumption and app clutter.

    • Services Offered: Includes reserved and unreserved ticket bookings, platform ticket booking, parcel and freight enquiries, train and PNR status, food ordering, and Rail Madad for complaint management.

    • User Experience Focus: Aims for a seamless and clean user interface (UI) to enhance user experience. Single Sign-On is a feature.

    • Development & Beta Testing: Developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). Currently in beta testing on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, with a full public launch planned after evaluation of user feedback.

    • Unique Features: Unified platform for various services, single sign-on, all-in-one access to booking and scheduling, and integrated information from different sources.

    • Onboarding: Users can log in using existing RailConnect or UTS app credentials. New users have simplified sign-up.

    • Feedback & Improvement: The Ministry of Railways encourages user feedback during the beta phase for app improvement and development.

    • Login Options: Offers various login methods, including m-PIN and biometric authentication for easier access. Guest logins via OTP are also available.

    SwaRail App

    Iran’s New Arsenal

    • Iran unveiled two new missiles: the Etemad and Ghadr-380.

    • The Etemad is a ballistic missile with a 1,700 km range and a precision-guided warhead. This is significant because ballistic missiles can carry conventional warheads.

    • The Ghadr-380 is an anti-warship cruise missile with anti-jamming capabilities. The anti-jamming feature aims to counter enemy attempts to disrupt its guidance system.

    • Ballistic missiles travel on an arched trajectory at high speeds due to gravity, potentially reaching several times the speed of sound.

    • Cruise missiles fly at lower altitudes in a straighter line and can be launched from various platforms. This makes them harder to detect.

    • Iran’s missile advancements are notable, especially considering its development of the hypersonic Fattah missile, capable of speeds up to Mach 15. This highlights Iran’s growing military capabilities.

    Iran's New Arsenal

    Henipavirus

    • Emergence in North America: A henipavirus related to Nipah, similar to Camp Hill virus, has been detected in North America, sparking outbreak concerns.

    • Deadly Nature: Henipaviruses, like Hendra and Nipah, are associated with high case fatality rates (up to 70% for Hendra; 40-75% for Nipah).

    • Zoonotic Origin: These viruses are zoonotic, originating from fruit bats (flying foxes) and capable of infecting various mammals, including humans.

    • Severe Symptoms: Infection often leads to severe respiratory illness and encephalitis, progressing to confusion, seizures, and coma.

    • Immune System Evasion: The viruses encode proteins that block the innate immune response, allowing viral replication and disease progression.

    • Transmission Routes: Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated food/water, and, in some cases, human-to-human transmission.

    • Limited Treatment: There is currently no vaccine or antiviral drug available; treatment is symptomatic.

    Shram Yogi Maandhan

    • Scheme Overview: The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana is a government scheme designed to provide old-age protection and social security to unorganized workers in India.

    • Target Beneficiaries: Focuses on unorganized workers with monthly incomes below ₹15,000 who are not members of EPFO/ESIC/NPS (government-funded pension schemes). This includes workers like street vendors, agricultural workers, construction workers, and those in various other industries.

    • Implementation: It is a Central Sector Scheme administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, implemented through the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and CSC eGovernance Services India Limited. LIC acts as the Pension Fund Manager and handles pension payouts.

    • Contribution: It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme. Subscribers and the Central Government contribute on a 50:50 basis, with age-specific contributions.

    • Family Pension: If a subscriber dies while receiving a pension, their spouse receives

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      50% of the pension as a family pension. If a beneficiary dies before age 60 after making regular contributions, their spouse can continue the scheme.

    • Exit Options: Subscribers can opt out of the scheme. If they exit before 10 years, their contribution with interest is returned. Exiting after 10 years but before 60 also results in the return of their contributions plus accumulated interest.

    India Digital Payments

    • DPI Rise: The RBI’s Digital Payments Index (DPI) climbed to 465.33 as of September 2024, up from 445.5 in March 2024.
    • Significance: This increase signifies the accelerated adoption of digital payments across India.
    • RBI’s Role: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constructed the DPI to gauge the extent of digital payment adoption nationwide.
    • Index Launch & Base Year: Launched in January 2021, with March 2018 set as the base period (DPI score of 100).
    • DPI Parameters: The index is based on five key parameters: Payment enablers (25%), Demand-side and supply-side payment infrastructure (10% each), Payment performance (45%), and Consumer centricity (5%).
    • Underlying Factors: The rise in the DPI is primarily driven by growth in both payment infrastructure and overall payment performance across the country.
    • Index Composition: The index comprises various measurable indicators within each of the five broad parameters.

    Small Modular Reactors

    • ₹20,000 Crore Nuclear Energy Mission: The Finance Minister announced a mission to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
    • Budget Allocations: The budget proposes operationalizing at least five SMRs by 2033. However, the current budget documents lack specific financial commitments for this year.
    • SMR Definition: SMRs are small nuclear reactors with a maximum output of 300 MWe (7.2 million kWh per day), significantly smaller than conventional plants.
    • Key Features of SMRs: They are physically smaller, modular (factory-built), and harness nuclear fission for energy.
    • Advantages of SMRs: Smaller footprint, factory construction, can be placed in locations unsuitable for larger plants, incremental power additions, enhanced safety, security, non-proliferation advantages, and flexibility for diverse applications.
    • Applications: SMRs are suitable for power generation, process heat, desalination, district heating, and hydrogen production.
    • Government’s Strategy: Partnering with the private sector for BSRs (modified PHWRs) and BSMRs (nascent technology) is a key part of the plan.
    • Long-Term Goal: The goal is to reach 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047.
    • Private Sector Involvement: The government aims to shift towards private sector involvement in building and operating nuclear reactors, as seen with the BSRs.
    • Expert Commentary: The future of nuclear technology in India is likely to involve the private sector.

    Deepor Beel

    • Location and Significance: Deepor Beel is a perennial freshwater lake on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam, a former channel of the Brahmaputra River. It serves as the only major stormwater storage basin for the city.

    • Ecological Importance: It’s a Ramsar site (recognized in 2002) and an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (2004), being the only Ramsar site in Assam. It’s a staging site for migratory birds, supporting large concentrations, especially in winter. Globally threatened species like the Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Baer’s Pochard are found there.

    • Biodiversity and Livelihoods: The lake supports about 50 fish species and provides livelihoods for approximately 1,200 households in 12 villages nearby. The nearby Rani and Garbhanga hills, habitat of Asiatic elephants, are part of its ecosystem. The Beel drains into the Brahmaputra river, located about 5 km away.

    • Birding Festival Results: The 3rd annual Deepor Beel Winter Birding Festival 2025, showed an increase in both migratory and residential bird populations compared to 2024. The survey documented 17,623 birds across 161 species, with 48% being winter migrants. Five new species were recorded for the first time.

    • Recovery and Conservation: The bird count recovery in 2025 indicates the positive impact of restoring natural water flow. Areas outside the protected zone, managed by local communities, showed high bird diversity, highlighting the importance of community-driven conservation.

    Wetlands Day

    • World Wetlands Day Celebrated: Celebrated annually on February 2nd to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands.
    • 2025 Theme: “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” emphasizing collaboration for wetland conservation.
    • Ramsar Convention: The date marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in 1971, which India joined in 1982.
    • Event Location: The main event for 2025 was held at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
    • Key Figures: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, were present.
    • India’s Commitment: India has 89 Ramsar sites and aims to protect and enrich nature through consistent additions to the list.
    • Wetland Importance: Wetlands are vital for biodiversity, water conservation, and providing habitats. They act as carbon sinks.
    • Tourism Corridor: A new nature-culture tourism corridor is planned between Ayodhya and Devi Patan to boost tourism and local employment.
    • Amrit Dharohar Initiative: This initiative focuses on conservation, nature tourism, livelihoods, and carbon sequestration in Ramsar sites.
    • New Ramsar Sites: Four new Ramsar sites were recognized.
    • Regional Workshop: A regional workshop was organized for Northern states to enhance collaboration in wetland conservation.
    • Additional Information:
      • The event featured exhibitions, competitions, and the launch of publications.
      • An MoU was signed with Amazon to support women entrepreneurs in Gonda district.
      • Tamil Nadu has the maximum number of Ramsar Sites (20 sites) followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites).

    Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 02-02-2025

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    Manufacturing Mission

    • National Manufacturing Mission Announced: Union Budget 2025-26 introduced the National Manufacturing Mission to boost “Make in India,” covering small, medium, and large industries.
    • Five Focal Areas: The mission prioritizes ease and cost of doing business, a future-ready workforce, a vibrant MSME sector, technology availability, and quality products.
    • Government Support: The government will provide policy assistance, implementation roadmaps, and monitoring structures for central ministries and states.
    • Domestic Value Addition: Aims to enhance domestic value addition and build a strong ecosystem for specific sectors like solar PV cells, EV batteries, wind turbines, and high-voltage transmission equipment.
    • Clean Tech Manufacturing: Supports Clean Tech manufacturing initiatives.
    • Footwear and Leather Sector Focus: A new ‘Focus Product Scheme’ will support design capacity, component manufacturing, and machinery for both leather and non-leather footwear production, with the potential to generate employment for 22 lakh people.
    • National Action Plan for Toys: A National Action Plan for Toys will be implemented to make India a global hub, focusing on cluster development, skills, and a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem.
    • MSME Support : Credit guarantee cover is to be enhanced for MSMEs to Rs 10 crore from Rs 5 crore and investment and turnover limit for classification of all MSMEs will be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times.
    • Food Processing Boost: A National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management will be established in Bihar to boost food processing and create opportunities in the Eastern region.

    Manufacturing Mission

    GeoMission

    • National Geospatial Mission Launch: Announced in Budget 2025-26 by the Finance Minister.
    • Modernizing Land Records: Aims to update and improve land records across India.
    • Enhancing Urban Planning: Seeks to improve urban planning processes nationwide.
    • Addressing Land Disputes: Designed to resolve issues related to land disputes and inefficient land use.
    • Creating Geospatial Database: Focuses on developing a comprehensive database for land reforms, aiming for streamlined and transparent processes.
    • Benefits to Stakeholders: Expected to benefit government agencies and private companies (geospatial, drone companies) through increased
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      service demand.
    • Impact on Urban Development & Land Management: Poised to significantly impact these sectors through better technology integration.
    • Improving Efficiency & Accountability: Seen as crucial for broader government goals of enhancing efficiency and accountability in public services.
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS): A system to collect, organize, visualize, and interpret geographic data for specific Earth locations.
    • Geospatial Data: Data that includes information related to locations on the Earth’s surface.
    • GPS vs GIS: GPS finds the location of things, whereas GIS is used to record information on maps.

    InfraDev Bank

    • Partial Credit Enhancement Facility: NaBFID will establish a facility to enhance the credit
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      rating of corporate bonds in the infrastructure sector.
    • Objective: To attract investment from pension and insurance funds by raising the rating of infrastructure bonds from “A” to “AA.”
    • Attracting New Investors: This will open up infrastructure bonds to pension and insurance funds, which typically require a minimum “AA” rating.
    • Reducing Reliance on Banks: Aims to diversify funding sources for infrastructure companies, lessening their dependence on traditional bank loans.
    • Addressing Market Needs: As sovereign bond issuances decrease, pension and insurance funds will need alternative investment avenues.
    • Democratizing Bond Market: Enables below AA-rated infrastructure companies to access bond financing.
    • NaBFID’s Role: Specialized Development Finance Institution (DFI) providing long-term finance and technical support to the infrastructure sector.
    • Regulatory Oversight: Regulated and supervised by the RBI as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI).
    • Funding Mechanism: Raises funds from governments, insurance companies, pension funds, and sovereign funds, rather than accepting public deposits.
    • Guarantee Provision: Provides guarantees to banks on behalf of companies.
    • Technical Assistance: Offers services like project report preparation, viability studies, and consultancy.
    • Economic Development: The primary objective is to promote economic development through infrastructure financing.

    InfraDev Bank

    Guneri Inland Mangroves

    • Gujarat has declared the inland mangrove in Guneri village, Kutch district, as its first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).
    • This site is a rare inland mangrove, one of only eight such locations known globally, and the last of its kind in India.
    • Located 45 km from the Arabian Sea and 4 km from Kori Creek, it exists away from typical coastal conditions, lacking sludge and seawater access.
    • The mangroves’ origin is linked to either a marine transgression during the Miocene period or the lost Saraswati River.
    • They thrive due to limestone deposits that provide groundwater, similar to other inland mangrove ecosystems worldwide.
    • The BHS designation, under The Biodiversity Act, 2002, will enable formal conservation of the area.
    • A local Biodiversity Management Committee, including local governance representatives, will manage the site.
    • Local people, including tribal members, and forest officials will receive training for conservation efforts.
    • The site is home to a variety of bird species, including 20 migratory and 25 resident avifaunal species.
    • Designation aims to raise awareness about this unique ecosystem.

    Composite Materials

    • DRDO emphasizes composite materials’ crucial role in developing indigenous fifth-generation aircraft, hypersonic missiles, and bulletproof jackets.
    • Composites are made of two or more materials with different properties to enhance overall performance.
    • They offer high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, durability, design flexibility, and insulation.
    • Examples include Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Concrete, and Plywood.
    • Applications range from aerospace to sporting goods, enabling fuel-efficient vehicles, larger wind turbine blades, and improved safety equipment.
    • Carbon-Carbon (C/C) Composite is the strongest type, especially in high-temperature environments.
    • Tejas aircraft utilizes 45% composites by weight, making it stealthier than similar fighters.
    • Composites are vital for achieving stealth requirements in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
    • DRDO uses composite motor casings in strategic missile programs for longer ranges.
    • R&DE (Engineers) has developed composite bridges, sonar domes, and infantry combat vehicle hulls.
    • Ceramic matrix composites and carbon fibre silicon carbide are key for hypersonic missiles and aero engines.
    • DRDO is addressing metal matrix composites for turbine disks to reduce weight.
    • Indigenous fibre development is crucial for bulletproof jackets, reducing import dependence.

    PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana

    • New Scheme Announced: Finance Minister announced the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (developing agri-districts programme) in the Union Budget 2025.

    • Targeted Support: Aims to support farmers in 100 districts facing agricultural challenges like low crop yields and limited access to financial assistance.

    • Inspired by Aspirational Districts Programme: Modeled after the Aspirational Districts Programme, which seeks to transform under-developed districts.

    • Collaborative Approach: The scheme will converge existing programs and be implemented in partnership with State governments.

    • Beneficiaries: Expected to benefit approximately 1.7 crore farmers.

    • Key Focus Areas:

      • Enhance agricultural productivity.
      • Improve irrigation facilities.
      • Improve credit availability (both short and long term).
      • Promote crop diversification and sustainable agriculture.
      • Augment post-harvest storage at Panchayat and block levels.

    • Rural Opportunity: Aims to generate opportunities in rural areas, making migration a choice rather than a necessity.

    • Financial Assistance: Supplements farmers’ financial needs for inputs to ensure crop health and yields.

    • Crop Insurance: Acts as a crop insurance scheme, offering financial protection against losses from natural disasters, pests, and diseases.

    India’s Language Books

    • Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme Launched: Announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to provide digital books in Indian languages for students.

    • Accessibility Focus: Aims to make learning more accessible by providing digital textbooks and study materials in various Indian languages.

    • Target Audience: Students in schools and universities will be able to access these resources.

    • Linguistic Diversity: Designed to benefit students from different linguistic backgrounds by providing study materials in regional languages, bridging the gap in educational resources.

    • Complements Existing Initiatives: Builds on previous efforts like ASMITA to enhance educational infrastructure and is an initiative to develop 22,000 books in Indian languages in the next five years.

    • Collaboration: Joint effort by UGC and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti (under the Ministry of Education).

    • Promotion of Indian Languages: Promotes deeper integration of Indian languages into the education system to enrich the learning experience and make it more inclusive.

    • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): UGC has created a SOP for the book-writing process in each assigned language which includes identification of nodal officers, authors, allocation of title, subject, and programme, writing and editing, submission of the manuscript, review and plagiarism check, finalisation, designing, proofreading and e-publication.

    • Increased Education Allocation: The Union Budget 2025-26 has increased the allocation for school and higher education. School education receives ₹78,572 crore, and higher education receives ₹50,077.95 crore

    • AI Integration: Setting up of a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education with a total outlay of ₹500 crore.

    Ramsar Additions

    • Four new wetlands in India designated as Ramsar sites ahead of World Wetlands Day: Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary & Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Khecheopalri wetland (Sikkim), and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand).

    • Increased Ramsar Sites: India now has 89 Ramsar sites, the highest in Asia and third-highest globally (after the UK and Mexico). Tamil Nadu leads India with the most sites (20). Sikkim and Jharkhand get their first Ramsar sites.

    • Ramsar Convention: An international treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran to conserve and sustainably use wetlands. India is one of 172 member countries.

    • Wetland Importance: Wetlands are vital ecosystems crucial for biodiversity, ecological balance, flood control, water supply, and other ecosystem services.

    • Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary & Therthangal Bird Sanctuary: Located close to the Gulf of Mannar on the Central Asian Flyway. Important breeding grounds for migratory birds. Lie along the Central Asian Flyway and are critical breeding and foraging grounds for waterbirds. Home to many endemic and near-threatened species.

    • Udhwa Lake: First Ramsar site from Jharkhand. Important for climate regulation, groundwater recharge, and irrigation. Sanctuary home to Painted stork, Black-headed ibis, Spot-billed pelican. Falls within the Gangetic Plains.

    • Khecheopalri wetland: First Ramsar site from Sikkim. Sacred lake revered by Buddhists and Hindus. Believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and Goddess Tara. Surrounded by forests in the Demazong valley.

    South Georgia

    • The Story: The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, is drifting towards South Georgia Island.

    • Why it Matters: This event has potential ecological consequences for a crucial wildlife haven.

    • South Georgia Island’s Importance: A British Overseas Territory, known as an “Antarctic oasis” with vast populations of penguins, seals, and seabirds. It is ecologically vital and has a sub-Antarctic climate.

    • The Iceberg’s Threat: A23a, weighing approximately one trillion tons and covering an area of around 400 square miles, is expected to reach South Georgia Island in 2-4 weeks.

    • Potential Ecological Impact: The iceberg’s potential to ground could impact the island’s ecosystem by disrupting wildlife, such as hindering penguin parents from feeding their young.

    • Uncertainties: Experts are unsure whether the iceberg will ground, or if it will follow the currents and not ground.

    • Impact on Humans: Shipping companies can easily avoid the iceberg, however it could render some fishing areas off-limits due to smaller bergs.

    • Origin of A23a: Calved from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1986, and was stuck for 30 years.

    Ramsar Sites Added

    • Four new wetlands in India designated as Ramsar sites ahead of World Wetlands Day: Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Khecheopalri wetland (Sikkim), and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand).
    • India now has 89 Ramsar sites, the highest in Asia and third highest globally (after UK and Mexico).
    • Tamil Nadu has the maximum number of Ramsar sites in India (20).
    • Sikkim and Jharkhand get their first Ramsar designated wetland.
    • Ramsar Sites Definition: Wetlands of International Importance, recognized under the Ramsar Convention.
    • Ramsar Convention Purpose: International mechanism for protecting globally important wetlands and ensuring their wise use. Adopted in Ramsar in 1971. India is one of 172 member countries.
    • Ecological Significance: Wetlands are crucial for ecological balance, biodiversity, flood control, water supply, and other ecosystem services.
    • Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary: Located near the Gulf of Mannar on the Central Asian flyway, breeding ground for resident and migratory waterbirds.
    • Therthangal Bird Sanctuary: Along the Central Asian Flyway, important for waterbird breeding and foraging, including endangered species. Regulates climate, recharges groundwater, and provides irrigation.
    • Udhwa Lake: First Ramsar site from Jharkhand, falls within the Gangetic Plains, consists of two interconnected water bodies, home to many important species.
    • Khecheopalri Wetland: First Ramsar site from Sikkim, a sacred lake revered by Buddhists and Hindus, considered a wish-fulfilling lake.
    • First Ramsar Sites in India: Chilika Lake (Orissa) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).

    River Blindness

    • Niger has been congratulated by WHO for meeting the criteria for onchocerciasis elimination. This highlights successful public health efforts.

    • Onchocerciasis, also known as “river blindness,” is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) affecting primarily rural populations. NTDs affect over a billion people in impoverished communities.

    • The disease is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted via blackfly bites near fast-flowing rivers. This explains the “river blindness” name as blackfly larvae breed there.

    • Symptoms include severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions, and visual impairment leading to potential blindness. This underscores the disease’s debilitating nature.

    • Treatment involves mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin, requiring at least 80% therapeutic coverage. Ivermectin is an oral antiparasitic.

    • Five countries are verified by WHO as free of onchocerciasis: Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Niger. This showcases the potential for elimination.

    • NTDs are a diverse group of 20 tropical infections caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic worms. Onchocerciasis falls under this category.

    Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 01-02-2025

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    Financialization

    • Financialisation Defined: Increasing influence of financial motives, markets, and institutions in domestic and international economies. Shift from traditional industrial activities to trading, management, and speculation of financial assets.

    • Economic Survey 2024-25 Warning: Excessive financialisation can harm the economy, especially for low-middle-income countries like India.

    • Impact on Resource Allocation: “Over-finance” can lead to competition between the financial sector and the real sector for resources, including skilled labor, depriving the real economy.

    • Complex Products & Hidden Risks: Excessive financial engineering can create complex products with hidden risks, potentially leading to financial crises like the 2008 crisis.

    • Distorted Investment: Favors projects with high collateral but low productivity (e.g., construction), leading to unsustainable financial booms.

    • Risks: Distorts economic investment, reduces capital-labor dependence, erodes social contract, increases income inequality and wage stagnation.

    • Hyper-financialization: Extreme stage where financial markets dominate, making traditional productive activities secondary.

    • Measuring Financialisation: Assessed by proportion of industrial employment, output, and profits.

    • Negative Consequences: Excessive private credit growth can reduce productivity.

    • Positive Aspects (if well-managed): Reduces transaction costs, facilitates price discovery, channels capital into innovation, reduces poverty/inequality, aids consumption smoothing.

    • Tipping Point: Financial development can hinder economic growth if excessive.

    Microplastic Pollution

    Here are the key news

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    points regarding microplastics:

    • Delhi Groundwater Contaminated: A government-commissioned study detected microplastics in groundwater samples across all 11 districts of Delhi. This marks the first such finding in the capital’s groundwater.
    • Yamuna River as Source: Microplastics were also found in the Yamuna River and its soil, suggesting the river is a source of contamination leaching into the groundwater.
    • Health Concerns: A 2021 UNEP report warns of potential health impacts of microplastics, especially in women, including effects on genetics, brain development, and respiration.
    • Existing Treatment Inadequate: Current water treatment systems in Delhi cannot effectively filter out microplastics.
    • Toxicity Amplification: Microplastics can adsorb other chemicals, increasing their overall toxicity.
    • Multiple Exposure Routes: Humans can be exposed to microplastics through inhalation, ingestion (water and food), and skin absorption.
    • Widespread Presence: Microplastics have been found in human organs and even in the placenta of newborns.
    • Study Details: The study, awarded to TERI, is ongoing. Results from pre-monsoon samples have been analyzed, and post-monsoon data will be assessed.
    • Call for Transparency: Experts urge the Delhi government to release the study findings publicly to aid further research.
    • Microplastic Definition: Microplastics are plastic particles or fragments less than 5 mm in diameter, originating from both intentional manufacturing (primary) and the breakdown of larger plastics (secondary).
    • Source of Microplastics: Source of Microplastics include Synthetic textiles, city dust, tires, road markings, marine coatings, personal care products and engineered plastic pellets.
    • Bans: The Netherlands was the first country to introduce a ban on microbeads in cosmetic products in 2014. Several countries, including Australia, Canada, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK and the US have followed suit.
    • India: There is currently no regulation of microbeads in India , although the plastic waste management rules are regularly amended and there are some bans on single use plastic.

    Ahilya Holkar

    • IGNCA Lecture on Ahilyabai Holkar: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), in collaboration with the Lokmata Ahilyabai Trishatabdi Samaroh Samiti, held a special lecture on Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, titled ‘Devi Ahilya – Empress Renunciate’.

    • Speaker: Prof. Uma Vaidya, former Vice-Chancellor of Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, delivered the lecture, focusing on Ahilyabai’s social, cultural, and administrative contributions.

    • Dignitaries Present: The event was chaired by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, with Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi and Prof. ShashiPrabha Kumar also in attendance.

    • Ahilyabai as “Empress Renunciate”: Prof. Vaidya highlighted Ahilyabai’s selfless use of power for the welfare of her people.

    • Courage and Foresight: Dr. Sonal Mansingh emphasized Ahilyabai’s courage and strategic acumen, particularly during Raghoba’s attempted attack on Indore.

    • Tricentenary Celebration: Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi noted the nation’s celebration of Ahilyabai’s 300th birth anniversary.

    • Legacy of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795): Holkar Queen of the Maratha Malwa kingdom known for peace, prosperity, and stability during her reign.

    • Maheshwar as a Center: Transformed her capital, Maheshwar, into a hub of literary, musical, artistic, and industrial activities. Noted for the Maheshwari sarees.

    • Military Leadership: She was military-trained and personally led armies into battle.

    • Justice and Fairness: Held daily public audiences and was known for administering impartial justice.

    • Landmark Decisions: Removed traditional law confiscating property of childless widows.

    • Patron of Arts and Religion: Patronized Marathi poet Moropant, Shahir Ananta Gandhi, and Sanskrit scholar Khushali Ram. Built and renovated hundreds of temples and Dharmashalas throughout India, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780.

    Ahilya Holkar

    Geo-Economic Splits

    • Geo-economic Fragmentation Defined: A policy-driven reversal of global economic integration, guided by strategic considerations, replacing globalization.

    • Drivers: Forming trade/financial partnerships based on geopolitical alignments, not just geography.

    • Channels: Impacts trade, capital flows, and migration.

    • Rising Trade Restrictions: Sharp increase in trade-restrictive measures globally, with new restrictions covering $887.7 billion in trade (Oct 2023-24), significantly higher than the previous year.

    • Impact on Global Trade: Slows global trade growth, potential secular stagnation.

    • Economic Costs: Could result in permanent losses to global GDP (0.2% to 7% based on IMF estimates).

    • Sources of Losses: Technological decoupling, trade restrictions, reduced capital movements, decline in international cooperation.

    • FDI Shifts: Global FDI flows are increasingly concentrated among geopolitically aligned countries, impacting emerging markets. Re-shoring and friend-shoring increase vulnerability of emerging markets.

    • China’s Dominance: China’s manufacturing strength and strategic resource control create advantages in global supply chains and energy transition technologies. China accounts for 45% of global manufacturing.

    • Internal Focus: The Economic Survey suggests reinvigorating internal engines and domestic levers for sustained growth due to unconducive external conditions.

    • “Friend-shoring”: Countries are grouping into blocs, leading to friend-shoring in global policymaking.

    Reedtail Damselfly

    • Saffron Reedtail Damselfly Spotted in Karnataka for the First Time: Naturalists Tejas Mehande and

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      Ajith Padiyar discovered Indosticta deccanensis (saffron reedtail damselfly) in Madhugundi village along the Netravati River, Chikkamagaluru district.

    • Significance of the Discovery: This is the northernmost record of the species in the Western Ghats, expanding its known range beyond Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

    • Species Information: The damselfly, known for its saffron-colored body, belongs to the Platystictidae family (shadow damselflies) and is endemic to the Western Ghats.

    • Habitat and Environmental Indicator: They inhabit slow-moving forest streams with thick vegetation, requiring pristine water quality, indicating a healthy ecosystem.

    • Importance of Conservation: Their presence highlights the need to protect these habitats from deforestation, water pollution, and climate change due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.

    • Discovery Context: The sighting occurred during routine research, with the findings published in the journal Entomon.

    • Madhugundi’s Recent History: The village, severely affected by floods in 2019, underscores the vulnerability of the region and the importance of biodiversity preservation.

    Kurdistan

    • India Provides Medical Aid: India recently sent medical supplies to the Kurdistan Region, demonstrating support for its residents.
    • Geographic Significance: Kurdistan is a large, mountainous region spanning parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Armenia. Its location is strategically important.
    • Key Governorates: The Kurdistan Region includes Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk, and Halabja.
    • Water Sources: The Tigris and Greater Zab Rivers are vital for agriculture and settlements in the region.
    • Indian Consulate in Erbil: India established a consulate in Erbil in 2016, aiming to strengthen economic ties. This highlights India’s growing interest in the region.
    • Increased Indian Workers: There’s a rising number of Indian workers in Kurdistan, particularly in steel, oil, and construction. This indicates economic opportunities and demand for Indian labor.
    • Trade Engagement: Indian businesses have been participating in trade fairs in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. This shows growing economic interactions between India and the Kurdistan Region.

    Processed Peril

    • Economic Survey 2024-25 Focus: Calls for stringent front-of-the-pack labelling for Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) due to their negative impact on physical and mental health.
    • Definition of UPFs: Foods significantly altered from their original form using industrial processes and containing additives like artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and sweeteners to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life.
    • Health Risks: High consumption of UPFs is linked to chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, obesity, and colorectal cancer.
    • Problematic Ingredients: High levels of added sugar, fat, and salt contribute to health issues. Low nutritional value and extensive use of synthetic additives are also concerns.
    • ICMR’s Stance: Identifies common UPFs including commercially produced bread, breakfast cereals, cakes, chips, plant-based meats, refined flours, energy drinks, and processed culinary ingredients.
    • Economic Survey Recommendations:
      • FSSAI should regulate UPFs with clear definitions, standards, and stricter labeling.
      • Strengthen consumer protection against aggressive marketing and misleading claims, especially targeting children.
      • Consider higher taxes on UPFs as a “health tax”.
      • Raise awareness through campaigns in schools and colleges.
    • Rising Consumption: India’s UPF consumption surged from $900 million in 2006 to over $37.9 billion in 2019 (WHO report).
    • CEA Concerns: V Anantha Nageswaran highlights the ₹2,50,000 crore UPF business, misleading ads, and obscure labeling. Links UPFs to adverse health outcomes and emphasizes the long-term impact on India’s demographic dividend.
    • Impact on Mental Health: The survey points out growing evidence that UPF consumption adversely affects mental well-being, especially in children and adolescents.

    Processed Peril

    Telecom Dispute Tribunal

    • Establishment and Purpose: Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) was established in 2000 through an amendment to the TRAI Act of 1997. Its purpose is to adjudicate disputes, dispose of appeals, protect the interests of service providers and consumers, and ensure orderly growth in the telecom sector.

    • Composition: TDSAT consists of a Chairperson (who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of a High Court) and two members appointed by the Central Government. Other members should have held the post of Secretary to the Government of India.

    • Jurisdiction: TDSAT has jurisdiction over Telecom, Broadcasting, IT, and Airport tariff matters. It exercises original and appellate jurisdiction in Telecom, Broadcasting, and Airport tariff matters, and appellate jurisdiction in Cyber matters.

    • Recent News: TDSAT has stayed TRAI’s financial penalties of over ₹141 crore on Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea for not curbing spam.

    • Reasoning for Stay: TDSAT noted delays in implementing anti-spam regulations were beyond the telcos’ control (development of digital consent acquisition (DCA) platform and Covid-19 impacts). TDSAT considered it unfair to impose penalties for factors outside the telcos’ control.

    • Next Hearing: The next TDSAT hearing on this matter is scheduled for February 13.

    Ocean Coordination

    • Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) Launch: UNESCO-IOC announced the OCM to enhance ocean governance in the Wider Caribbean, including the North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem, on January 14, 2025.
    • Purpose: Collaborative framework for sustainable management of marine resources addressing critical issues like fisheries, ecosystem restoration, pollution control, blue carbon, and marine protected areas.
    • Geographic Focus: Specifically targets the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf, areas rich in biodiversity and economically vital.
    • Context: Built on the 10-year CLME+ Strategic Action Program, endorsed in 2014. Learning from the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP) initiative.
    • Addressing Ocean Threats: Aims to counter pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat destruction, recognizing the importance of healthy oceans for biodiversity and coastal communities.
    • Collaborative Approach: Fosters collaboration among countries, IGOs, and stakeholders, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research.
    • Financial Backing: Receives $15 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) via the UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+ Project (2024-2028), plus substantial co-financing of $126.02 million from the GEF.
    • Blue Economy & Local Communities: Prioritizes sustainable development of the blue economy while addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
    • Ocean-Climate-Biodiversity Nexus: Pivotal in facilitating cross-country and institutional collaboration to address this critical intersection.
    • Why It Matters: Oceans face unprecedented threats, and effective coordination is crucial for sustainable resource management, which the OCM seeks to provide.

    Rusty-Spotted Cat

    • Rare Sighting: The elusive rusty-spotted cat, the world’s smallest wild cat, has been spotted in West Bengal’s Purulia district for the first time. This is significant because it expands the known range of the species.

    • Small Size: It weighs less than 1.5 kg, roughly half the size of a domestic cat. Its diminutive size is a defining characteristic and a point of interest.

    • Physical Characteristics: The cat is identifiable by its fawn-grey coat with rusty spots, two white streaks near the eyes, and relatively short legs. These features aid in identification and understanding the animal’s adaptations.

    • Habitat: It primarily inhabits dry deciduous and semi-deciduous forests in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. India holds about 80% of their population. Habitat information is crucial for conservation efforts.

    • Near Threatened Status: The IUCN classifies the rusty-spotted cat as Near Threatened. This highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect the species.

    • Nocturnal Behavior: Their large eyes suggest that it has adapted to its nocturnal behaviour.