Current Affairs Exam

Kerala Sand Mining

• Offshore Sand Mining in Kerala: The Union government’s plan to begin offshore sand mining along Kerala’s coast under the OAMDR Amendment Act, 2023 faces opposition due to ecological and livelihood concerns.

• Economic Motivation: The Centre aims to tap into estimated 750 million tonnes of construction-grade sand resources off Kerala’s coast, identified by GSI surveys since 1985. These reserves could meet Kerala’s construction needs for 25 years and generate revenue through shipping, trade, and GST.

• Auction Plan: The Centre plans to auction sand blocks in five sectors of Kerala’s coastal areas under the OAMDR Amendment Act, 2023.

• Legal Framework: The OAMDR Amendment Act, 2023 governs offshore mineral exploration and extraction, introducing auctions, establishing a trust for affected people, and setting a 50-year lease period.

• Environmental Concerns: Offshore mining poses pollution risks from sediment plumes and toxic wastewater, potentially destabilizing ecosystems, weakening natural defenses, and disrupting sediment dynamics.

• Revenue Disputes: Kerala argues the OAMDR Amendment Act, 2023, doesn’t protect state interests as royalty revenues go entirely to the central government.

• Community Opposition: Fishermen and marine-dependent communities oppose mining due to threats to livelihoods and the ecosystem.

• Climate Change Risk: Disturbing seafloor ecosystems could release stored carbon, accelerating climate change.

• Knowledge Gap: Limited understanding of deep-sea ecosystems raises concerns about unforeseen damage to marine biodiversity.

• Way Forward: Advocate for independent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), sustainable mining practices, equitable revenue sharing, and community development funds.

RBI’s New ARC Rules

• RBI Revises Master Direction for ARCs: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated its guidelines for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) with the ‘Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Asset Reconstruction Companies-ARCs) Directions, 2024.
• Purpose of Revision: The revised norms aim to improve ARC operations, enhance transparency, protect the interests of creditors, and ensure proper due diligence in settlement processes.
• Board-Approved Policy for Settlements: ARCs must have a board-approved policy for settling borrower dues. The policy must include:
  • Cut-off date for eligibility of one-time settlement.
  • Permissible sacrifice for different categories when deciding the settlement amount.
  • Methodology for evaluating the realizable value of the security.
• Settlement Process Requirements:
  • Settlement should only be considered after all other recovery options have been exhausted.
  • Lump-sum payments are preferred. If non-lump sum, payment plans must align with business models, borrower cash flows, and projected earnings.
• Independent Advisory Committee (IAC): An IAC composed of technical, financial, or legal experts is required to review settlement proposals and advise the ARC’s board committee.
• What are ARCs: ARCs are financial institutions that acquire Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from banks and financial institutions to recover debts. The concept of ARCs was introduced by the Narasimham Committee – II (1998).
• Regulation of ARCs: ARCs are registered under the Companies Act, 2013, and with the RBI under the SARFAESI Act, 2002.
• ARC Operations: ARCs engage in asset reconstruction by acquiring rights in loans, advances, bonds, guarantees, or other credit facilities and securitisation by acquiring financial assets by issuing security receipts to Qualified Buyers (QBs)

Startup India: 9 Years

• 9th Anniversary: Startup India Initiative completed 9 years on January 16th, 2025, also celebrated as National Startup Day.

  • Why: Marks a significant milestone for the program aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Initiative Goals: Cultivate innovation, support startups, and stimulate investment to drive economic growth and employment.

  • Why: Defines the core purpose and intended impact of the Startup India initiative.

• Key Schemes: Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), and Startup Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP).

  • Why: Highlights specific programs designed to provide financial assistance, access to credit, and IP protection.

• Key Features: Streamlined registration, simplified compliance, tax benefits, sector-specific policies, and capacity building.

  • Why: Details the key mechanisms put in place to support startups and ease their operational burdens.

• Achievements: Increase in DPIIT-recognized startups to 1.59 lakh, India as the 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally, 16.6 lakh direct jobs created, and increased participation of women entrepreneurs.

  • Why: Demonstrates the tangible impact of the initiative on startup growth, job creation, and inclusivity.

• Challenges: Access to capital (especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities), regulatory hurdles, scaling challenges, and sustainability issues (like market saturation in sectors such as edtech).

  • Why: Acknowledges the obstacles faced by startups, limiting their growth and long-term viability.

• Way Forward: Streamlined regulatory sandbox, targeted skill development, decentralized startup hubs, enhanced tax incentives, robust IP protection, and government procurement boost.

  • Why: Outlines potential solutions to address existing challenges and further strengthen the startup ecosystem.

EntityLock

• New Initiative: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Entity Locker.

• Purpose: Part of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure initiative to improve business efficiency.

• What it is: A secure, cloud-based solution for businesses of all sizes (MSMEs, corporations, startups).

• Functionality: Enables real-time document access and verification.

• Integration: Integrates with government agencies like MCA, GSTN, and DGFT.

• Key Features:

  • Encrypted cloud storage
  • Digital signature authentication
  • Aadhaar-authenticated role-based access.

• Benefits:

  • Reduces administrative friction
  • Boosts business efficiency
  • Minimizes document processing times.

• Alignment: Supports India’s goal of a digitally empowered economy and aligns with the Union Budget 2024-25 vision for enhanced digital governance and ease of doing business.

Aging Population Challenges

• SC Refusal & Dignified Life: Supreme Court declined a petition for a dedicated Ministry for senior citizens, highlighting their vulnerability and the need for a dignified life under Article 21.
• Rapidly Aging Population: India’s elderly (60+) population is growing rapidly, projected to reach 20.8% by 2050 and exceeding 36% by 2100, outpacing children by 2046.
• Pace of Aging Faster: India’s elderly population is doubling faster than South and East Asia.
• Regional Disparities: Southern states have higher aging indices and old-age dependency ratios compared to the national average.
• Feminization and Ruralization: Aging is increasingly feminized and ruralized, leading to unique vulnerabilities for elderly women and those in rural areas.
• Aging of the Aged: A growing segment is 75+, increasing pressure on support systems.
• Economic Dependency: Many elderly lack pensions or income, leading to financial insecurity.
• Limited Geriatric Care: High prevalence of chronic conditions among the elderly strains healthcare resources and increases reliance on informal care.
• Employability Issues: Age discrimination and outdated skills limit employment opportunities for senior citizens.
• Abuse & Neglect: Elderly are vulnerable to abuse, often unreported.
• Government Schemes: Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, NSAP, NPHCE, and Atal Pension Yojana address elderly care.
• Way Forward: Elderly self-help groups, multigenerational living, digital inclusion, strengthened healthcare, expanded pension schemes, and policy reforms are crucial.

Why in News: Highlights the need to address the challenges of the growing senior citizen population, which needs specific care under the constitution. The growth is fast in India and needs focus for the system to be able to adapt and deliver well.

Decade of BBBP & SSY

• 10th Anniversary: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) marked their 10th anniversary on January 22, 2025. Celebrations are planned until March 8 (International Women’s Day).

• BBBP Launch & Goals: Launched on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, BBBP aims to address declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination, and promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.

• SSY Launch & Goals: SSY was launched as part of BBBP scheme.to provide financial security for the future of the girl child through opening of bank accounts, focusing on education and empowerment.

• Integration with Mission Shakti: BBBP is integrated with Mission Shakti (women’s safety and empowerment) during the 15th Finance Commission (2021-2026). It will be implemented through its Sambal sub-scheme.

• BBBP Achievements:

  • National Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) improved from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24).
  • Girls’ Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in secondary education rose from 75.51% (2014-15) to 78% (2023-24).
  • Institutional deliveries increased from 61% (2014-15) to 97.3% (2023-24).

• SSY Achievements: Over 4.1 crore Sukanya Samriddhi accounts opened as of November 2024.

• Key Data on Gender Indicators:

  • Sex ratio at birth improved from 898 (2014-16) to 907 (2018-20) per 1,000 males (SRS data).
  • Women lead men in GER in higher education (AISHE 2021-2022).
  • Maternal mortality declined to 97 per lakh live births.
  • Infant mortality decreased to 28 per 1,000 live births.

• Conclusion: BBBP and SSY have significantly advanced women empowerment in India through improvements in sex ratio, education, maternal and infant health, and financial security for girls.

PFAS: The Forever Threat

• EU Proposed Ban: The European Commission plans to propose a ban on PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in consumer products.
• Exemptions Considered: Essential industrial uses may be exempt from the ban.
• Definition: PFAS are toxic, man-made chemicals hazardous to health and the environment.
• Persistence: Called “forever chemicals” due to their extreme environmental persistence in air, water, and soil.
• Widespread Use: Used in numerous products like cosmetics, non-stick pans, aircraft, and wind turbines because of their resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion.
• Health Impacts: PFAS exposure is linked to decreased fertility, developmental effects in children, hormonal interference, increased cholesterol, and increased cancer risk.
• Exposure Pathways: PFAS can migrate to soil, water, and air during production and use, contaminating drinking water.
• Listed in Stockholm Convention: Indicating international concern and action regarding these chemicals.
• Removal from Body: Some PFAS may be excreted through urine, breast milk, and menstrual blood.
• Side Effects: Liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues, and cancer are potential side effects.
• Top 5 PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA are among the most concerning PFAS.

Chandra X-Ray Vision

• Discovery of a Bizarre Black Hole: An international team, using both JWST and Chandra, has discovered a unique black hole. This black hole could offer valuable insights into how supermassive black holes form and grow.

• Chandra’s Role: The Chandra X-ray Observatory was crucial in this discovery because it detects X-ray emissions from extremely hot regions, such as areas around black holes.

• Chandra’s Capabilities: Launched in 1999, Chandra is designed to observe X-rays, which are blocked by Earth’s atmosphere. Its high orbit (up to 139,000 km) allows it to do this effectively.

• Part of NASA’s “Great Observatories”: Chandra is a key part of NASA’s fleet of “Great Observatories,” which also includes Hubble and Spitzer, showcasing its importance in space-based astronomy.

• World’s Most Powerful X-ray Telescope: Chandra’s superior resolution and sensitivity (detecting fainter sources) make it the most powerful X-ray telescope, enabling scientists to study exotic cosmic environments.

• Purpose of Chandra: The primary goal is to study X-ray emissions from the universe’s hottest and most energetic regions to better understand the universe’s structure and evolution.

Mount Ibu Erupts

• Mount Ibu in eastern Indonesia has erupted at least a thousand times this month.
• Mount Ibu is an active stratovolcano on Halmahera Island, Indonesia, reaching 1,325 meters (4,347 feet).
• It has a history of frequent eruptions involving lava flows, ash plumes, and pyroclastic activity.
• Stratovolcanoes are steep-sided, symmetrical cones built from alternating layers of lava, ash, and other volcanic material.
• They are typically found above subduction zones and are often part of volcanically active regions like the Ring of Fire.
• Stratovolcanoes are more prone to explosive eruptions due to gas buildup in viscous magma.
• The Ring of Fire is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by high volcanic and seismic activity.
• Mount Ibu is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Sukanya Yojana Explained

• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) marks its 10th anniversary this year.
• SSY launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, encourages investment in girls’ futures.
• Eligibility: Indian citizen, girl child under 10 years, account opened by parent/guardian, maximum two accounts per family. NRIs are not eligible.
• Investment: Minimum ₹250, maximum ₹1.5 lakh per financial year, in multiples of ₹100.
• Tenure: 21 years from account opening, contributions for the first 15 years only. The girl child operates the account after age 18.
• Interest: Determined by the government quarterly, compounded annually.
• Withdrawal: Partial withdrawal (50% of previous year’s balance) allowed after the girl turns 18 or passes 10th grade, for higher education. 100% withdrawal permitted for marriage after 18.
• Premature Closure: Allowed in case of the depositor’s death or on compassionate grounds approved by the Central Government.
• Tax Benefits: Investments, interest, and maturity amount are tax-exempt under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao aims to raise awareness and improve welfare services for girls.

H5N1 & Demoiselle Cranes

• H5N1 Threat to Demoiselle Cranes: Migratory Demoiselle cranes in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, are at risk due to the spreading H5N1 bird flu.

• Compounding Factors: Unusually high rainfall creating toxic water bodies and pesticide spraying on chickpea fields worsen the threat to the cranes.

• H5N1 Origin and Spread: H5N1 originated in China in 1996 and has since spread globally since 2020. India experienced its first outbreak in 2015.

• Transmission to Humans: Primarily through close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments; person-to-person transmission is rare.

• Demoiselle Crane Migration: These cranes migrate from Siberia to India (especially Rajasthan) during winter.

• Conservation Status: Demoiselle Cranes have IUCN status as Least Concern, while Khichan in Rajasthan hosts a major Demoiselle crane reserve.

• Why it matters: The H5N1 outbreak threatens the Demoiselle crane population in a key wintering ground and raises concerns about potential transmission to humans. Other factors such as toxic water bodies and pesticide use may further endanger the cranes and possibly other wildlife.

Hyena Spots

• Spotted Hyena reappearance: Spotted hyenas ( Crocutta crocutta) have been discovered in southern Egypt after a 5,000-year absence. This is noteworthy because it indicates a potential range expansion or return to a previously inhabited area.

• Physical Characteristics: The spotted hyena has a sandy, yellowish, or grey coat with dark spots. They are carnivores that hunt and scavenge and also largest member of the hyena family. Spots fade with age. Females are slightly larger than males.

• Social Structure: They have a matriarchal social order and live in clans.

• Habitat and Distribution: They are found in open, dry habitats like savannas and semi-deserts throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

• Nocturnal Behaviour: They are mostly nocturnal with excellent night vision, hunting at night.

• IUCN Status: The spotted hyena is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

• Diet and Hunting: While often perceived as scavengers, they are primarily predators.

• Relationship with Humans: Hyenas are not friendly to humans and can attack humans

• Physical Appearance: Large head, muscular neck, and powerful jaws.

Mannan People

• Raman Rajamannan, the king of the Mannan community, will participate in the Republic Day parade in Delhi. This is noteworthy as he is the only tribal king in Kerala.

• The Mannan are a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in Kerala and the only existing Adhivasi tribal dynasty with kingship in South India. This highlights their unique cultural and historical significance.

• The Mannan community’s life is closely tied to Tamil culture, speaking a dialect similar to Tamil (but without script) and believed to have originated from Tamil Nadu. This connection to Tamil culture is an important aspect of their identity.

• Most of the Mannan community (97%) lives in the Idukki district. They were displaced from remote forests to areas near the Periyar Tiger Reserve due to deforestation bans. This relocation impacts their traditional way of life.

• They follow a matrilineal system and elect their ruler (Raja Mannan) through community headmen.

• Their primary occupation is agriculture, and they practice Hinduism, celebrating festivals like Kalavoot, Meenoot, and Mutthiamman Festival. Mannankoothu is a unique ritual art form.

• The Paniyan tribe is the largest tribal community in Kerala, and the Bhil tribe is the largest in India. Adivasis are included as Hindu religion followers in the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.

Airport Regulator

• PAC Scrutiny: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed AERA to provide a detailed explanation regarding the calculation of User Development Fees (UDF) at airports.

• UDF Transparency: The PAC seeks clarification on the criteria used for UDF calculation, total revenue earned, and how these revenues are utilized by airport operators.

• AERA’s Role: The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) is a statutory body established in 2008 to regulate the economics of major airports in India.

• Regulatory Functions: AERA regulates tariffs and other charges like development fees and passenger service fees for aeronautical services (air traffic management, landing, parking, ground handling) at major airports.

• Objectives: AERA aims to create a level playing field, promote competition among major airports, foster investment in airport infrastructure, and ensure fair tariffs for aeronautical services.

• Major Airport Definition: A “major airport” is defined as one with annual passenger traffic exceeding 3.5 million (amended from 1.5 million in 2019).

• Ministry Oversight: The Ministry of Civil Aviation is the nodal ministry responsible for AERA.

• Importance: AERA ensures transparency and fairness in airport charges, protecting the interests of both service providers and consumers in the aviation sector.

Oyster Antimicrobials

• News: Research indicates antimicrobial proteins from oyster hemolymph can combat drug-resistant bacteria.

• Why: Addresses the growing threat of antibiotic resistance by offering a novel source of antimicrobial agents.

• Key Finding: Oyster proteins can kill bacteria like Streptococcus spp. and enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics (2-32 times).

• Mechanism: Oyster proteins inhibit bacterial biofilms, making bacteria more vulnerable.

• Oysters’ Natural Defense: Oysters possess strong immune systems due to their marine environment, making their hemolymph rich in antimicrobial substances.

• Relevance to Drug Development:

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  Highlights nature as a crucial source for new antibiotics, similar to the origin of most current and developing antibiotics.

• Traditional Use: Oyster-derived substances are used in traditional medicine for respiratory and inflammatory conditions.

• Ecological Importance: Oysters are keystone species that filter water and provide habitat in marine ecosystems. Their antimicrobial properties add to their value.

Chinar

• Chinar trees in Kashmir are being geo-tagged and equipped with QR codes. This is for digital protection and monitoring of these heritage trees.

• QR codes record 25 characteristics. This includes location, health, age, and growth patterns for effective conservation.

• The project is led by J&K

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  Forest Research Institute (FRI). They aim to monitor and manage Chinar trees.

• Chinar (Platanus orientalis) is also known as Oriental plane tree and Boueen. It’s a large deciduous tree that can live for centuries.

• Oldest Chinar said to be 700 years old planted by Sufi Saint Syed Qasim Shah.

• Chinar leaves change color with the seasons. Displaying green in summer and red, amber, and yellow in autumn.

• Chinar tree leaves and bark have medicinal properties. The wood is used for furniture.

• Chinar trees grow in cool climates with sufficient water, especially in the Eastern Himalayas. They are considered a living heritage of Kashmir.

Taiga Tales

• Rapid Warming: Boreal forests are warming four times faster than the global average, signaling accelerated climate change impacts.

• Forest Transition: Nearly half of the world’s boreal forests are transitioning to a more open state with sparser tree cover. This reduces their capacity to store carbon.

• Increased Wildfire Risk: The transition to an open state in boreal forests contributes to a higher risk of wildfires.

• Reduced Carbon Storage: Decreasing tree density in boreal forests compromises their ability to act as carbon sinks, a crucial role in climate regulation.

• Permafrost Thaw: Thawing permafrost in boreal regions may release significant amounts of soil carbon, further complicating carbon storage projections and potentially exacerbating climate change.

• Global Significance: Boreal forests, the world’s largest land biome, cover 30% of global forest area, spanning across countries like Canada, Russia, and the US. They contain vast amounts of freshwater and rival tropical forests in carbon storage capacity.

• Economic Importance: Boreal forests are a major source of lumber and paper exports, highlighting their economic value.

Voter’s Day

• 15th National Voters’ Day (NVD): Celebrated on January 25th across India.
• Established in 2011: To commemorate the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) foundation day (January 25, 1950).
• Focus on Voters: Dedicated to the nation’s voters and promotes new voter enrollment, especially young adults.
• EPIC Distribution: New voters receive their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) during NVD ceremonies nationwide.
• Multi-Level Celebration: Celebrated at national, state, district, constituency, and polling booth levels.
• Significance: One of India’s most widespread and important celebrations.
• 2024 Theme: “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure” – Continues last year’s emphasis on electoral participation and voter pride.
• Aim: To emphasize the voter’s importance, increase electoral awareness, and encourage active democratic participation.
• ECI Mandate: The Election Commission of India, as per Article 324, conducts elections for Parliament, State Legislatures, the President, and the Vice-President.
• Voter ID: An identity document issued by the ECI to adult Indian residents.
• Appointment of Commissioners: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
• Democracy: A form of government where elected representatives hold power.

Stargardt’s

• Potential Treatment Breakthrough: Swiss researchers are developing a gene editing technique that could potentially treat Stargardt disease. This is significant because there is currently no cure.

• Disease Overview: Stargardt disease, also known as Stargardt macular degeneration, is an inherited eye disease primarily caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, which affects how the body processes Vitamin A.

• Impact on Vision: The disease leads to progressive vision loss, typically starting in childhood or young adulthood. It is characterized by the buildup of lipofuscin in the macula, the central part of the retina crucial for sharp, central vision.

• Symptoms: The most common symptom is a slow loss of central vision in both eyes. Other symptoms include gray/black/hazy spots in central vision, light sensitivity, and color blindness.

• Prevalence: Stargardt disease affects an estimated 1 in 8,000 to 10,000 people and is commonly observed in males with the onset of the condition in the second decade of life, potentially leading to legal blindness.

• Current Treatment: Currently, there is no cure for Stargardt disease. Management focuses on coping with the symptoms.

• Quality of Life: While distressing, individuals with Stargardt disease can live well with the right support, and the disease does not impact general health or life expectancy.

• Management, Not Cure: The focus is on managing the condition as there’s currently no way to cure it. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding excessive light, are recommended.

• Vitamin A Consideration: Avoid taking supplements containing Vitamin A as this gene influences how your body uses Vitamin A.

8th Pay Commission

• 8th Pay Commission Approved: The Union government has reportedly approved the formation of the 8th Pay Commission.
• Beneficiaries: 4.5 million central government employees and 6.8 million pensioners (including defence personnel) stand to benefit.
• Purpose of Pay Commissions: PCs are established every 10 years to review and revise the pay scales, allowances, and benefits of central government employees. They consider inflation and the cost of living to ensure fair compensation.
• Established Under: The Department of Expenditure (Ministry of Finance) oversees the establishment of new pay commissions.
• Composition: Typically headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. Its recommendations influence state-owned organizations.
• Historical Context: India has had 7 Pay Commissions since 1947. The 7th Pay Commission (2016-2026) increased government expenditure significantly.
• Focus of the 8th Pay Commission: Likely to propose formulas for revising Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) to address inflation.
• DA Adjustment Basis: DA is adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW).
• Overall Aim: To align government salaries with the rising cost of living, promoting employee welfare and economic growth.

Ratnagiri Excavation

• Recent Excavation: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed excavations at the Ratnagiri Buddhist complex in Odisha.

• Significant Discoveries: Uncovered a colossal Buddha head, a massive palm, an ancient wall, and inscribed relics dating back to the 8th-9th Century AD.

• Historical Context: Odisha (Kalinga) has a deep historical connection with Buddhism, starting with Emperor Ashoka’s conversion after the Kalinga War.

• Ratnagiri’s Importance: Ratnagiri, part of Odisha’s Diamond Triangle (with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri), was a major center of ancient Buddhist learning, rivaling Nalanda.

• Previous Excavations: Earlier excavations (1958-1961) revealed a brick stupa, monastic complexes, and numerous stupas.

• Historical Period: Ratnagiri’s peak construction period is dated between the 7th and 10th centuries.

• Hiuen Tsang’s Potential Visit: There’s a possibility that the Chinese Buddhist monk, Hiuen Tsang, visited Ratnagiri.

• Odisha and Southeast Asia: Odisha had strong maritime and trade links with Southeast Asian countries, playing a vital role in spreading Buddhism.

• Baliyatra Festival: Odisha celebrates the Baliyatra festival, commemorating the ancient maritime and cultural links with Southeast Asia.

WHO

• U.S. Withdrawal: The United States, a major financial contributor (18% of funding), will leave the World Health Organization (WHO) in 12 months.

  • Why: The U.S. cited the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises as the reason.

• WHO’s Role: The WHO is a UN specialized agency focused on international public health.

• Financial Impact: The U.S. exit will result in the loss of a significant amount of funding for the WHO, potentially impacting its global health initiatives.

• Organizational Structure: The WHO operates through the World Health Assembly (WHA), Executive Board, and a Director-General. The WHA is the decision-making body.

• Global Reach: The WHO has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, with regional and field offices worldwide to increase influence. The South-East Asia Regional office is in New Delhi.

Ibu Volcano

• Eruption Frequency: Indonesia’s Mount Ibu has erupted over 1,000 times this month.

• Eruption Details: The volcano, a stratovolcano on Halmahera Island, has emitted ash columns up to 4 km high.

• Location: Situated on Halmahera Island, within the Pacific Ring of Fire.

• Evacuation: Efforts are underway to evacuate thousands of villagers due to the ongoing eruptions.

• Geological Significance: Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, important for studying plate tectonics and volcanic processes.

• Hazard Management: The frequent eruptions emphasize the need for effective disaster management.

• Biodiversity: Halmahera Island is

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  part of the Wallacea region, known for unique biodiversity.

• Climate Impact: Volcanic eruptions can release sulfur dioxide and ash, potentially affecting weather and global temperatures.

Railside Turbines

• IR Net-Zero Goal: Indian Railways aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, exploring wind energy along tracks.

• Pilot Project: Western Railway tested mini vertical-axis turbines (1-10 kW) using wind from passing trains.

• Renewable Energy Push: IR has commissioned 487 MW solar, 103 MW wind, and 100 MW RTC renewable energy, with 2,014 MW of renewable capacity planned.

• Logistical Hurdles: Installation and maintenance present complexities, particularly in urban areas with space constraints. Why: Railway tracks are often in constrained environments with limited space, potentially disrupting existing infrastructure and operations.

• Safety Concerns: Turbine failures could endanger trains and passengers. Why: Structural integrity and potential debris from failing turbines directly impact railway safety and require robust safety protocols.

• Wind Suitability: Optimal wind conditions might not coincide with railway corridor locations. Why: Wind turbine efficiency hinges on consistent wind. Railway locations may not always provide suitable wind speeds and directions.

• Space Limitations: Achieving sufficient spacing for turbines along tracks can be challenging. Why: Railway tracks are already built and occupied. Finding room for turbines without disrupting operations is difficult.

• Cost Considerations: High installation and maintenance costs affect economic viability. Why: The initial investment and ongoing upkeep of turbines add to the project’s expenses, potentially outweighing energy savings.

Pluto & Charon: Cosmic Tale

• Charon’s Formation: Charon, Pluto’s largest moon, likely formed from a collision with another celestial body, followed by a “kiss-and-capture” event.

• Binary System: Pluto and Charon are a binary system, orbiting a common center of mass, a unique characteristic in our solar system, located within the Kuiper Belt.

• Kuiper Belt Location: This system resides in the Kuiper Belt, a cold, icy region beyond Neptune’s orbit, populated with icy objects.

• Pluto’s Dwarf Planet Status: Reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union.

• New Horizons Mission Discoveries: NASA’s New Horizons mission revealed surprising features on Pluto, like ice mountains, nitrogen glaciers, and a heart-shaped region (Tombaugh Regio), indicating a dynamic and complex world.

• Pluto’s Moons: Pluto has five known moons: Charon, Nix, Hydra, Kerberos, and Styx.

• Pluto’s Physical Characteristics: Pluto was discovered in 1930. It’s smaller than Earth’s Moon (1,400 miles in diameter), with a year lasting 248 Earth years and a day lasting 153 hours.

• Pluto’s Atmosphere and Temperature: Pluto has a nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide atmosphere with a blue tint. Surface temperatures are extremely cold, making it uninhabitable.

Aden & Red

• Why in News: India’s Defence Minister has signaled potential rise in maritime threats (piracy, terrorism, conflicts) in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and adjacent East African sea areas.

• Gulf of Aden: Key Facts

  • Extension of the Indian Ocean, between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.
  • Connects to the Somali Sea and Red Sea (via Bab el Mandeb Strait).
  • Crucial for global trade: 10% of seaborne petroleum and over USD 110 billion of India’s trade passes through it.

• Red Sea: Key Facts

  • Northernmost tropical sea, part of the Great Rift Valley.
  • Located between Africa and Asia, connecting to the Indian Ocean via Bab el Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. Connects to Mediterranean via Suez Canal.
  • Borders Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
• The name Red Sea may originate from the seasonal blooms of a red-colored cyanobacteria (Trichodesmium erythraeum) .

Bose’s Enduring Impact

• Parakram Diwas Celebration: Ministry of Culture to host a grand celebration at Barabati Fort, Cuttack (Netaji’s birthplace) from January 23rd-25th, 2025, marking Subhas Chandra Bose’s 128th birth anniversary.

• Rash Behari Bose’s Death Anniversary: January 21st marks the 80th death anniversary of Rash Behari Bose, a founding leader of the Indian National Army (INA), associated with Subhas Chandra Bose.

• Parakram Diwas Significance: Celebrated annually on January 23rd to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s courage, valor, and patriotism.

• Early Political Involvement: Resigned from Indian Civil Service in 1921 to join the Indian freedom struggle.

• Disagreements with Congress: Differed with Gandhi’s approach, leading to his resignation from Congress presidency and formation of the Forward Bloc.

• INA Formation: Led the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II, seeking international alliances to fight for India’s independence.

• Azad Hind Government: Formed the Provisional Government of Azad Hind in Singapore in 1943.

• Legacy: His leadership, ideology, and call for complete independence have made him one of the most influential figures in India’s freedom struggle.

• Rash Behari Bose’s Role: Laid the foundation for the INA and united revolutionaries for India’s freedom struggle.

• Controversy surrounding death: After the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WW II , the Japanese surrendered on 16 th August 1945, Bose left South East Asia on a Japanese plane and headed toward China. However, the plane allegedly crashed , leaving SC Bose badly burned , but still alive, according to some accounts.

NMDC: India’s Mining Giant

• India’s Largest Iron Ore Producer: NMDC is the single largest iron ore producer in India, currently producing over 45 million tonnes annually.

• Government of India Enterprise: NMDC is a fully owned public enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, established in 1958.

• “Navratna” Status: NMDC was categorized as a “Navratna” Public Sector Enterprise in 2008.

• Diverse Mineral Exploration: NMDC explores a wide range of minerals, including iron ore, copper, diamond, and more.

• Low-Cost Iron Ore Producer: NMDC is considered one of the low-cost producers of iron ore globally.

• Domestic Market Focus: NMDC primarily sells its high-grade iron ore to the Indian domestic steel market through long-term contracts.

• Mechanized Diamond Mine: NMDC operates the only mechanized diamond mine in India, located in Panna, Madhya Pradesh.

• 5-Star Rated Mining Complexes: All NMDC mining complexes have received a 5-Star rating from the Indian Bureau of Mines.

Exercise Grows Brains

• Key Point: MIT study reveals exercise stimulates neuron growth.

  • Why: Challenges the conventional understanding, highlighting a bidirectional relationship between muscles and nerves.

  • Key Point: Muscles promote nerve growth through chemical signals (myokines) and mechanical forces.

  • Why: Muscles not only respond to nerve signals but actively contribute to nerve health and regeneration.

  • Key Point: Exercise increases myokine secretion, significantly enhancing neuronal growth.

  • Why: Myokines act as a potent biochemical stimulant for nerve development and improved function.

  • Key Point: Physical stress from muscle contraction mechanically stimulates nerves, boosting neuronal growth.

  • Why: Highlights the direct physical impact of exercise on nerve structure, comparable to chemical stimulation.

  • Key Point: Nervous system facilitates communication between body parts using electrical and chemical signals.

  • Why: Provides context on the nervous system’s overall role in coordinating bodily functions and responses.

  • Key Point: CNS (brain and spinal cord) and PNS (autonomic and somatic) are the main components.

  • Why: Highlights the comprehensive nature of nervous system involvement in both voluntary and involuntary functions.

  • Key Point: Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, transmitting signals.

  • Why: Emphasizes the cellular basis of nerve function and communication within the nervous system.

Narahari Tirtha

• News: A 3-foot statue of the 13th-century saint Narahari Tirtha was discovered at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

• Who: Saint Narahari Tirtha (1243-1333 AD) was a Dvaita philosopher, scholar, statesman, and saint in the Madhva tradition.

• Origin: He was born in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, into an aristocratic family from Odisha’s Gajapati empire.

• Political Role: He assisted the Eastern Ganga dynasty kings for over 30 years, helping them uphold Sanātana Dharma and structuring temple management.

• Religious Impact: A follower of Madhvacharya, he spread Madhvacharya’s Vaiṣṇavism in the region. His influence helped preserve religious and cultural traditions.

• Intellectual Works: He wrote extensively, but only “Gita Bhasya” and “Bhavaprakasika” are extant. He’s credited with composing the first Devaranamas in Kannada.

• Cultural Influence: He promoted regional art forms like Yakṣagana Bayalaṭa and Kuchipudi.

• Legacy: He was consecrated near Chakratirtha at Hampi after his death. His contributions continue to influence Puri Jagannath temple traditions, strengthening the Madhva tradition in Odisha.

• Why in News: The statue discovery highlights his historical significance and continuing relevance in the region’s religious and cultural landscape.

Cypermethrin Anti-Dumping

• China imposed anti-dumping duty on cypermethrin from India. This is the central event.

• Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. Understanding the product is crucial for context.

• It’s used in agriculture and pest control. Shows the significance of the product’s market.

• China cited substantial damage to its domestic industry. This is the stated reason for the duty.

• Anti-Dumping Duty definition: A tax on imports sold below fair market value. This explains the nature of the action.

• Dumping constitutes an unfair trade practice. This offers a global perspective of the topic and also explains the context of what is happening.

• India’s Ministry of Finance imposes the duty, based on DGTR recommendations. This highlights the regulatory framework involved.

Boreal Realms

• Major Transitions Due to Climate Change: Nearly half of the boreal forests are experiencing significant changes because of climate change.

  • Why: This makes them more susceptible to wildfires and impacts their role as a crucial carbon sink.

• Location and Extent: Boreal forests, also known as Taiga, are the largest terrestrial biome, found in high northern latitudes, forming a circumboreal belt across North America, Europe, and Asia.

  • Why: Their vastness makes them vital for global ecological balance.

• Climate and Characteristics: These forests have long, cold winters and short, mild summers, with low temperatures, low precipitation, and frequent snow cover. Dominated by coniferous trees.

  • Why: These conditions shape the specific flora and fauna that can survive there, influencing carbon storage.

• Ecological Importance: Carbon Sink and Biodiversity: They store a significant amount of carbon, more than tropical forests, and support diverse wildlife adapted to cold climates. They provide crucial breeding grounds for migratory birds.

  • Why: Their carbon storage helps regulate the global climate, and they support a variety of species.

DIA Scheme Explained

• The Diamond Imprest Authorisation (DIA) Scheme is a Government of India initiative allowing duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds for export.

• Why: Aims to boost India’s diamond export industry.

• Implementation begins on April 1, 2025.

• Why: Sets a specific date for the scheme’s launch.

• Allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds less than ¼ Carat (25 Cents).

• Why: Targets a specific size of diamonds for import.

• Mandates a 10% value addition for exports.

• Why: Ensures some processing and value creation happens within India.

• Eligibility requires Two Star Export House status or higher and US $15 million in annual exports.

• Why: Focuses on established and significant exporters.

• Response to beneficiation policies in diamond mining countries (Botswana, Namibia, Angola, etc.).

• Why: Addresses the need to compete with countries that mandate local processing.

• Aims to support MSME exporters and create a level playing field.

• Why: Helps smaller players in the industry to compete with larger companies.

• Intended to maintain India’s global leadership in the diamond industry.

• Why: Protects and strengthens India’s position in the diamond value chain.

Pralay: India’s Tactical Missile

• Indigenous Development: Pralay is an indigenously developed, short-range, quasi-ballistic, surface-to-surface missile. This highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.

• DRDO Development: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), showcasing DRDO’s crucial role.

• Prithvi-Based: Built on the Prithvi Defence Vehicle, leveraging existing missile program expertise.

• Strategic Deployment: Intended for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC), indicating its significance in addressing border security concerns.

• Key Features: Solid-propellant rocket motor, 150-500 km range, mobile launch capability, 500-1,000 kg payload.

• Conventional Warheads: Capable of carrying conventional warheads, providing tactical flexibility.

• High Precision: Equipped with advanced guidance systems, achieving a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters, signifying accuracy.

• Hypersonic Speed: Reaches terminal speeds of Mach 6.1, enabling rapid target engagement.

• Target Engagement: Designed to engage radar installations, command centers, and airstrips, demonstrating its strategic importance.

• Mid-Air Course Correction: Ability to alter its trajectory mid-flight, enhancing survivability and targeting flexibility.

Denali

• North America’s Highest Peak: Mount McKinley (Denali) stands as the highest peak in North America, reaching 20,310 feet. This makes it a significant landmark and a challenge for mountaineers.
• Location in Alaska: Located in south-central Alaska, near the centre of the Alaska Range, it dominates the Denali National Park and Preserve. This highlights its importance for tourism and conservation.
• Tectonic Origins: The mountain is a giant granite block uplifted by tectonic activity, starting 60 million years ago. Its abrupt rise from the Denali Fault showcases significant geological forces.
• Glacial Features: The upper half of Denali is covered in permanent snowfields that feed major glaciers such as Kahiltna, Muldrow, Peters, Ruth and Traleika Glacier.
• Denali Fault Significance: The Denali Fault’s role in shaping the region and revealing past tectonic plate movements is key. A study indicates the fault split a once unified landmass through 483 km of horizontal movement.

Vaigai Dam

• Vaigai Dam Location: Located near Andipatti in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, India.
• River Origin: Vaigai River originates in the Varusanadu and Megamalai hills of the Western Ghats.
• Construction Year: The dam was built in 1959.
• Regional Significance: Often called the lifeline of the region it serves.
• River Course: Flows southeast through the Pandya Nadu region, draining into the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge.
• Inter-State Water Source: Receives water diverted from the Periyar River in Kerala via a tunnel.
• Tributaries: Major tributaries include Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal, and Upparu.
• Historical Significance: Mentioned in Sangam literature (300 BCE) and is the major river in Madurai.
• Water Supply: Supplies drinking water to Theni, Madurai, Ramnathapuram, Sivagangai, and Dindigul districts.
• River Length: 258 kilometers long.
• Drainage Area: 7,741 sq. km within Tamil Nadu.

Stateless in Two Nations

• Madras High Court Directive: Instructed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to consider citizenship for a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee residing in India since 1984, emphasizing rights under Indian law.

• Historical Context: Indian-origin Tamils faced marginalization in Sri Lanka, leading to statelessness after independence (1948) due to Sinhalese nationalism.

• Bilateral Pacts & CAA 2003: The Sirimavo-Shastri Pact (1964) and Sirimavo-Indira Gandhi Pact (1974) intended to grant citizenship, but stalled. CAA 2003 categorized post-1983 arrivals as ‘illegal migrants.’

• Court Interventions: Madras High Court rulings (P. Ulaganathan vs Government of India, 2019 and Abirami S. vs Union of India (2022)) advocate for urgent resolution and a humanitarian approach, referencing Article 21 and the CAA 2019 principles.

• Challenges of Statelessness: Denial of basic rights, limited legal protection, economic exclusion, social marginalization, and intergenerational impacts.

• Acquisition of Indian Citizenship: Citizenship Act, 1955 allows citizenship by birth, descent, registration, and naturalization, with specific conditions for each.

• Way Forward: Requires legislative action to grant citizenship retroactively, simplify naturalization, adopt a humanitarian stance, and foster reconciliation.

• Moral and Legal Obligation: India has an obligation to provide a path to citizenship for approximately 29,500 Indian-origin Tamils currently residing in India.

Capital Punishment

• Context: A Kolkata sessions court sentenced Sanjoy Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a doctor, despite the CBI arguing for the death penalty. This highlights the ongoing debate around capital punishment in India.

• Rarest of Rare Doctrine: The Supreme Court mandates the death penalty only in the “rarest of rare” cases, established in Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980). This aims to prevent arbitrary application of the death penalty.

• Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances: Courts consider factors like pre-planning, brutality (aggravating), and mental/emotional disturbance, age, reform potential (mitigating) when deciding on the death penalty. These factors help in a balanced judgment.

• Evolution of Understanding: The interpretation of aggravating and mitigating factors has evolved, with new factors being added over time, reflecting societal changes and legal interpretations.

• Collective Conscience: The Machhi Singh v. State of Punjab (1983) case allows for the death penalty if the crime shocks society’s “collective conscience,” adding a subjective element to the decision.

• Evidence of Non-Reform: The Santosh Bariyar v. State of Maharashtra (2009) ruling emphasizes the need for clear evidence that a convict cannot be reformed, ensuring thorough consideration before sentencing.

• Sentencing Hearing: The court must conduct a separate hearing post-conviction to consider sentencing, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of aggravating and mitigating factors. This ensures fairness.

Asan Reserve

• Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand, where the Asan River meets the Yamuna. The Asan River flows west to east, unlike most rivers in the region.
• Conservation Status: Declared a Conservation Reserve in 2005 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by State Government. Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site. Also an Important Bird Area.
• Ecological Significance: Located within the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), it’s a haven for migratory and resident birds.
• Biodiversity: Home to 330 bird species, including critically endangered (white-rumped vulture, Baer’s pochard), endangered (Egyptian vulture, steppe eagle, black-bellied tern), and vulnerable species (marbled teal, common pochard, Indian spotted eagle). Also hosts 49 fish species, including the endangered Putitor mahseer.

Why in the news:

• The location’s status as a Ramsar site and Important Bird Area makes it significant for conservation efforts and biodiversity.
• Its location within the CAF means it is critical for migratory bird populations, especially threatened species.
• The presence of endangered species, like the Putitor mahseer and various bird species, highlights the importance of its protected status.

Antivenom

• Antivenoms are life-saving medicines: They neutralize snake venom toxins in the body.

• Snake venom is a complex toxin: It contains haemotoxins (blood cell destruction), neurotoxins (paralysis), and cytotoxins (tissue damage).

• Antivenom production involves animals: Horses are injected with small doses of venom to produce antibodies, which are then extracted and purified into antivenom.

• Polyvalent antivenoms (PVAs) in India: These target multiple snake species, but efficacy varies.

• India is a major producer and consumer: However, access and administration issues persist.

• Challenges in India:

  • Delayed treatment: Logistical issues, cultural beliefs, and superstition lead to delays.
  • Infrastructure gaps: Lack of cold storage and power in rural areas.
  • High cost: Limits accessibility for the poor.

• Three types of venom: Haemotoxic (cardiovascular system), Neurotoxic (nervous system), Cytotoxic (cellular sites).

Place Name Changes

• Proposed Renaming: US President (assumed Donald Trump era) issued an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and revert Denali back to Mount McKinley.

• Justification: The motivation was to honor American greatness and President William McKinley’s legacy.

• Governance: The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) guides naming conventions but permits domestic alternatives without a strict renaming process.

• Limited International Impact: Mexico and Cuba aren’t obligated to adopt the new name for the Gulf, and international agreements still reference the Gulf of Mexico.

• Gulf of Mexico Significance: It’s the world’s largest gulf, bordered by the US, Mexico, and Cuba, and crucial for US energy, providing significant amounts of crude oil, natural gas, refining capacity and processing capacity.

• Denali/Mount McKinley History: Originally named Mount McKinley, it was renamed Denali in 2015 to honor the indigenous Koyukon people. Reverting would honor President William McKinley.

• Global Parallels: This situation mirrors other international naming disputes, like the Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf and Sea of Japan/East Sea controversies, reflecting cultural and political tensions.

Ratnagiri Relics

• Location and Significance: Ratnagiri, located 100 km northeast of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a key Buddhist site forming part of Odisha’s Diamond Triangle (along with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri). It’s the most excavated Buddhist site in the state.

• Time Period: It flourished between the 5th and 13th centuries, with its peak between the 7th and 10th centuries.

• Religious Importance: It was a significant center for Mahayana and Tantrayana (Vajrayana) Buddhism.

• Historical Mentions: Possibly visited by Hiuen Tsang in 638-639 AD. First documented in 1905.

• Archaeological Finds: ASI has unearthed a colossal Buddha head, a massive palm, an ancient wall, and inscribed Buddhist relics dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries.

• Bhaumakara Dynasty: Buddhism in Odisha flourished under the Bhaumakara dynasty (8th-10th centuries).

• Southeast Asian Links: Odisha had strong maritime and trade connections with Southeast Asia, trading goods like pepper, cinnamon, silk, and gold. Baliyatra festival commemorates these ancient links with regions like Bali, Java, and Sumatra.

• Establishment: Ratnagiri was likely established around the 6th century during the Gupta king Narasimha Baladitya’s reign and continued to prosper until the 12th century.

Oyster: Pearl of the Sea

• Oysters’ Natural Defenses: Research highlights the strong immune defenses oysters have developed due to their exposure to diverse microorganisms in marine environments. This is significant because it showcases nature’s ability to create solutions to biological problems.

• Antimicrobial Proteins: The study focuses on antimicrobial proteins and peptides found in oyster hemolymph, which effectively combat infections. This is a breakthrough in the search for new antibiotic agents.

• Fighting Antibiotic Resistance: Oyster proteins can kill specific bacteria and enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. This offers a potential strategy against the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a serious global health risk.

• Alternative to Traditional Antibiotics: The discovery of these antimicrobial proteins presents a possible alternative or supplementary approach to conventional antibiotics. It is important because it reduces reliance on synthetic drugs and may lead to more sustainable solutions.

• Oyster Biology: Oysters are marine mollusks found in brackish waters, filtering gallons of water per hour. They possess unique characteristics, including numerous eyes, shell-hiding behavior, and the ability to change gender.

• Oyster Habitat in India: While small oyster beds exist in Kerala and Karnataka, exploitation concentrates on the east coast, specifically in backwaters of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Colombia: War Again?

• Escalating Violence: Colombia is experiencing increased violence due to clashes between rival militias.

• Threat to Peace Process: This resurgence of conflict threatens

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  the fragile peace established after the 2016 agreement.

• State of Emergency & Military Deployment: The government has declared a state of emergency and deployed the military in response to the escalating violence.

• Guerilla Groups Involved: Groups that rejected the original peace accords are key actors in the ongoing conflict.

• Control of Strategic Region: The fighting is concentrated in a strategic border region important for coca leaf cultivation, the raw material for cocaine production.

• Refugee Crisis: Hundreds of people have fled to Tibu, Colombia, seeking refuge from the violence, resulting in the establishment of shelters.

• Colombia’s Significance: Colombia is significant for its location as a “gateway to South America,” its biodiversity, and its position as the world’s largest cocaine producer.

AFI: India’s Athletics

• New Leadership: Bahadur Singh Sagoo, a former Asian Games gold medalist and Olympian, has been elected as the new president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). This change signifies a potential shift in leadership and direction for Indian athletics.

• AFI’s Core Role: The AFI is the apex body for athletics in India, established in 1946, responsible for the development and promotion of the sport. This highlights the AFI’s central importance in managing and overseeing athletics within the country.

• AFI’s Affiliations: The AFI is affiliated with World Athletics, the Asian Athletics Association, and the Indian Olympic Association, emphasizing its integration within the global and regional athletic structures.

• Objectives: The AFI aims to popularize athletics, improve athlete performance, and make the sport commercially viable. These objectives provide a clear view of the AFI’s overall goals.

• Key Functions: The AFI organizes national championships, selects teams for international events, promotes athletics through competitions, and focuses on grassroots development and coaching programs. This demonstrates the operational responsibilities of the AFI.

• World Athletics Day: Celebrated annually on May 7th, established by World Athletics to promote youth participation, reflecting the AFI’s contribution to the global athletic community.

Cybersecurity 2025

• Why in News: The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the “Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025” report.
• Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability: Sectors like water, energy, and communications face increased cyberattacks due to outdated tech and interconnectedness. Operational tech, including undersea cables, is at risk. Phishing attacks rose in 2024.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts (e.g., Russia-Ukraine) exacerbate cyber and physical attacks, impacting energy, telecom, and water sectors. A majority of organizations report that geopolitical tensions have affected their cybersecurity strategy.
• Biosecurity Risks: AI and genetic engineering advancements heighten biosecurity risks, with bio-labs vulnerable to cyberattacks impacting research and safety.
• Cybersecurity Skills Gap: A global shortage of cyber professionals exists (estimated 4.8 million). Many organizations lack adequately skilled personnel to address current threats.
• Cyber Resilience Concerns: Many SMEs perceive their cyber resilience as insufficient. Public sector faces significant resilience and talent challenges.
• Regional Disparities: Incident response confidence varies globally, with lower confidence in Africa and Latin America.
• Cybercrime Profitability: Cybercrime is highly profitable, leading to significant financial losses. The FBI estimates losses exceeded $12.5 billion in 2023.
• Call to Action:
  • Strategic Investment: Modernize legacy systems and protect critical sectors.
  • Public-Private Collaboration: Share threat intelligence and develop secure technologies.
  • Skills Development: Expand training programs and incentivize workforce development.
  • Resilience Focus: Prioritize rapid response and crisis management.
  • International Cooperation: Establish global standards and assist emerging economies.

Slowdown

• Slowdown in GDP Growth: India’s real GDP growth for FY25 is projected to be 6.4%, the lowest in four years.
• Government Blame: The government attributes the slowdown to the RBI’s monetary policy and rupee value interference, though deeper structural issues exist.
• Services Exports-Driven Growth: Post-pandemic growth was fueled by services exports, especially Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which primarily benefitted highly skilled workers, leading to an unequal distribution of wealth and limited consumer demand growth.
• Reduced Upward Mobility: The Indian economy struggles to generate productive employment for the majority, which is impacting consumption.
• Car Market as Indicator: The declining share of the sub-Rs 10 lakh car segment indicates shrinking purchasing power among first-time buyers and those upgrading from two-wheelers, demonstrating a fall in overall demand.
• Labor Market Issues: There’s a lack of productive employment opportunities, with more people self-employed or working in informal sectors. Formal employment growth is driven by low-skill sectors.
• Rising Debt: Increased household debt, at 43% by June 2024, has not significantly boosted consumption.
• Subdued Investment: Low demand visibility and policy uncertainty have slowed down new project announcements, hindering investment.

Trust Funding Rises

• Funding Shift: After the Supreme Court banned electoral bonds, donations to political parties increased significantly through electoral trusts.

• Electoral Trusts’ Role: Electoral Trusts are non-profit organizations that collect contributions from individuals, companies, and institutions to distribute them to registered political parties.

• Transparency Measures: Electoral Trusts must file annual contribution reports with the Election Commission of India (ECI), detailing donors and recipient parties. Audited accounts are also required.

• Legal Framework: Governed under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 and “The Electoral Trusts Scheme, 2013”, which sets guidelines for registration and operations.

• Distribution Mandate: Trusts must distribute up to 95% of contributions to eligible political parties, with the remaining 5% used for managing the trust’s affairs.

• Tax Benefits: Donors to electoral trusts receive tax benefits under Section 80GGB and Section 80GGC of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Electoral trusts themselves are exempt from income tax.

• Prudent Electoral Trust: The Prudent Electoral Trust saw nearly three-fourths of its donations come after the Supreme Court’s electoral bond ban, highlighting the shift in funding channels.

Inequality Ascendant

• Rising Global Inequality: Oxfam report highlights that billionaires’ wealth is rapidly increasing while poverty remains stagnant, with colonialism exacerbating the divide.

• Billionaire Wealth Growth: Billionaire wealth increased by USD 2 trillion in 2024.

• Widening Gap: The richest 1% own 45% of global wealth. 3.6 billion people live on less than USD 6.85 per day.

• Colonial Legacy: Colonialism continues to shape global inequality, with the Global North benefiting from exploitation and the Global South facing ongoing consequences.

• Power Imbalances: Global institutions like the IMF and World Bank are dominated by the Global North.

• Inheritance: Inheritance is a major driver of wealth, with nearly 60% of billionaire wealth stemming from it.

• Global Inequality Defined: It is the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and power globally, exacerbating poverty.

• Drivers of Inequality: Factors include social factors like gender and race, uneven economic growth, and climate change.

• Impact: Inequality impacts life expectancy, education, and basic services, limiting human rights and fueling conflict.

• India’s Inequality: India’s Gini coefficient is high, with the top 10% holding 77% of the wealth.

• Factors in India: The COVID-19 pandemic, regressive tax system, and lack of access to education contribute to inequality.

• Recommendations: Promote South-South cooperation, progressive taxation, and financial reparations.

Kho Kho Crowned!

• India Wins Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025: India secured both men’s and women’s titles, defeating Nepal in the finals. This marks a significant milestone for the sport.

• Tournament Format: The Kho Kho World Cup 2025, backed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), featured group stages and knockouts for both divisions. This structured competition format elevated the event’s importance.

• Historical Roots: Kho Kho’s origins trace back to ancient India, possibly evolving from military tactics. This rich history adds cultural significance to the sport.

• Modernization: The modern version of Kho Kho took shape in 1914, with formalized rules established by Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana Club. This standardization was crucial for its wider adoption.

• Gameplay: A Kho Kho team comprises 9 active players and 3 substitutes, engaging in alternating roles of chasing, defending, and tagging. The dynamic gameplay makes it an engaging sport.

• Past Demonstrations: Kho Kho was showcased at the Berlin 1936 Olympics. This shows the sport’s earlier ambitions for wider recognition.

• Growing Global Reach: Kho Kho’s international presence has expanded significantly, from 6 countries in 2020 to 55 in 2025. This growth demonstrates its rising popularity worldwide.

• Olympic Aspiration: The International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) aims to reach 90 countries and targets inclusion in the Olympics by 2036. This highlights the sport’s ambition for the highest level of recognition.

FEMA Rules Eased

• RBI Liberalized FEMA Rules: RBI eased norms under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) of 1999.
• Promotes INR Use: Aims to encourage the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) in cross-border transactions.
• Stabilizes INR: Intended to stabilize the INR, especially during depreciation.
• INR Accounts for Non-Residents: Overseas branches of Authorized Dealer banks can open INR accounts for non-residents. This facilitates INR settlement of transactions.
• Repatriable INR Transactions: Non-residents can settle transactions with other non-residents using balances in SNRR and SRVA accounts.
• Foreign Investment by NRIs: NRIs can use INR account balances for foreign investments, including FDI in non-debt instruments, boosting INR’s role in global investments.
• Foreign Currency Accounts for Exporters: Indian exporters can open foreign currency accounts overseas to settle trade, use export proceeds for imports.

Olive Ridley

• Context: Numerous dead Olive Ridley turtles have washed ashore in Tamil Nadu, specifically Chennai, raising concerns.

• Why it matters: The high number of deaths early in the nesting period (November-March) is unusual and signals a potential threat to the species.

• Species Overview: Olive Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are one of the smallest and most abundant sea turtles.

• Key Characteristics: Small size (60-70cm, 35-50kg), olive-colored heart-shaped shell, found in warm oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian), omnivorous diet (algae, fish, etc.), and a lifespan of 50-60 years.

• Nesting Behavior: Known for “arribadas” – mass nesting events where thousands nest on the same beach. Key nesting sites include India, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

• Indian Context: Nesting occurs across multiple Indian coastal states, with mass nesting primarily in Odisha, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

• Conservation Status: Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, highlighting their conservation significance.

Surgical Tele-Robotics

• First Indigenous System: SSI Mantra, developed by SSI Ltd, is India’s first surgical tele-robotic system.

• Regulatory Approval: Approved by CDSCO (India) under Class B and C surgical devices, confirming safety and efficacy.

• Complex Procedures: Facilitates complex surgeries like Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB).

• Advantages: Reduced operation time, improved precision, minimal trauma (smaller incisions, less blood loss), faster recovery, and lower infection risk.

• Challenges: Latency, reliable connectivity, preparedness for technical/medical issues, and higher costs.

• Accessibility: Primarily available in metro and tier-1 cities due to cost factors.

• Tele-Surgery Definition: Telesurgery utilizes wireless networking and robotics to connect surgeons and patients at different locations.

Why in News:

The development and regulatory approval of the SSI Mantra mark a significant advancement in indigenous medical technology, offering potential benefits for patients and surgeons, while also highlighting the challenges of cost and accessibility. It also highlights an emerging surgical system utilizing wireless networking and robotic technology to connect surgeons and patients who are distantly located from one another.

The NBWL: An Overview

• Statutory Body: The NBWL is a statutory body established by the Central Government under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).
• Top Advisory Body: It is India’s highest-level advisory body to the government on wildlife conservation matters, especially within Protected Areas (PAs).
• Guiding Decisions & Approvals: The NBWL guides government decisions on wildlife conservation and issues approvals for projects within PAs.
• Mandatory Approval: The WLPA requires NBWL approval for activities like constructing tourist lodges, altering PA boundaries, habitat destruction, and de-notification of Tiger Reserves.
• Structure: A 47-member committee is headed by the Prime Minister, with the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change as vice chairperson. Includes officials, conservationists, and environmentalists.
• Standing Committee: An independent body under NBWL, chaired by the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. It focuses on project clearances, while NBWL handles policy decisions.
• Replacement: The NBWL replaced the Indian Board for Wildlife, which was formed in 1952.

Australopithecus Explained

• Australopithecus: Closest Relatives: Extinct primate genus found in Africa, considered the closest known relatives to the Homo genus (our genus).

• Time Period: Lived between 4.4 million and 1.4 million years ago (Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs).

• “Southern Ape”: Name refers to the initial South African fossil discoveries.

• “Lucy”: Famous 3.2 million-year-old Australopithecus skeleton found in Ethiopia. Significant because of remarkable preservation, providing key insights.

• Mixed Traits: Possessed a combination of ape-like (face proportions, small brain, strong arms for climbing) and human-like traits (small canines, bipedalism). This is crucial for understanding the evolutionary transition.

• Physical Characteristics: 1.2-1.5m tall, 30-50kg weight, significant sexual dimorphism (males much larger than females). These size and weight estimates provide a picture of their lifestyle.

• Diet: Primarily plant-based. The insights into diet allow us to understand what ecological niche they occupied.

• **Mankind’s Age: ** Homo sapiens evolved around 300,000 years ago based on fossil and DNA evidence. Behavioral modernity – complex technology and culture – appeared more recently, approximately 50,000-65,000 years ago.

NASAMS Explained

• What it is: NASAMS is a medium-range, ground-based air defense system.

• Developed by: Jointly developed by Raytheon (US) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway).

• Operational since: 1994.

• Widely used: In service in 13 countries, including Norway, Spain, US, Finland, Hungary, Netherlands, Australia, Indonesia, Qatar, Oman, Lithuania, and an undisclosed nation.

• What it defends against: Aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and UAVs, protecting high-value assets and population centers.

• US Defense: Integrated into the US National Capital Region’s air defense since 2005.

• Key features: Networked; integrates with other air defense systems; X-Band radar with 75km range.

• Missiles: Uses AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, modified for ground launch, with ~30km range.

• Engagement Capacity: Can engage 72 targets simultaneously.

• Open Architecture: Increased survivability against electronic countermeasures.

SVAMITVA: Land Rights

• Key Point: The SVAMITVA scheme, aims to unlock economic activity worth over Rs 100 lakh crore by providing property cards to all villages.

• Why: Property cards empower villagers to use their property as financial assets for loans and other financial benefits. This increases land parcel liquidity and financial credit availability.

• Key Point: The scheme provides “record of rights” to rural property owners and issues property cards.

• Why: The cards enable accurate land records for rural planning, helps with property tax determination, and assists Gram Panchayats in taxation, construction permits, and encroachment removal.

• Key Point: SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) uses drones for property surveys and creates GIS-based maps.

• Why: Accurate land records are crucial for village development, efficient land management, and resolving property disputes.

Mount Ibu Erupts

• Frequent Eruptions: Mount Ibu in Indonesia erupted 1,079 times in January 2025. This highlights the volcano’s heightened

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  activity and potential danger.

• Significant Ash Columns: The eruptions produced ash columns ranging from 0.3 km to 4 km. These ash clouds pose hazards to air travel and can impact local air quality and visibility.

• Stratovolcano Type: Mount Ibu is a stratovolcano (or composite volcano), known for explosive eruptions due to its structure of alternating layers of lava, ash, and debris. This type of volcano often leads to significant ashfall during its erruption.

• Location on Halmahera: Situated on Halmahera Island in North Maluku province, Indonesia, the eruptions directly impact the surrounding communities.

• Indonesia’s Volcanic Activity: Indonesia’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it highly susceptible to volcanic eruptions. This eruption is another example of the country’s ongoing volcanic risks.

• Other Recent Eruptions: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki and Mount Ruang also experienced eruptions, prompting mass evacuations. These incidents highlight the broader trend of increased volcanic activity in Indonesia.

Contract Farming

• Contract Farming Definition: An agreement where farmers and buyers pre-agree on terms for production and marketing of farm products, including price, quantity, quality, and delivery date. Sometimes includes input provision and production methods.

• Advantages for Farmers:

  • Easier access to inputs, services, and credit, leading to financial support.
  • Improved production and management skills.
  • Secure market access and reduced price-related risks.
  • More stable income and better planning.
  • Introduction of new technologies.

• Concerns for Farmers:

  • Loss of flexibility to sell to other buyers if prices rise.
  • Potential delays in payments and input deliveries.
  • Risk of debt from buyer-provided loans.
  • Environmental risks from monoculture.
  • Unequal bargaining power with
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    buyers.

• First Recognition in India: Officially recognized in India in 2003 through the APMC Act, aiming to create specialized markets for farmers to sell their produce.

ARCs

• Definition: Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) are specialized financial institutions that acquire bad loans (Non-Performing Assets – NPAs) from banks and financial institutions.

• Purpose: They aim to recover or restructure these bad loans, allowing banks to clean up their balance sheets and concentrate on lending.

• Regulation: Governed by the SARFAESI Act, 2002 and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

• Key Powers (under SARFAESI): ARCs can take possession of secured assets of defaulters without court intervention and manage/recover loans through sale, lease, or restructuring.

• Objectives: To resolve stressed assets, improve financial stability by reducing NPAs in the banking sector, and allow banks to focus on lending.

• Functions: Acquire NPAs at a discount, restructure debt or recover dues through measures such as asset liquidation or settlement, and issue Security Receipts (SRs) to qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) to fund operations.

Kalaripayattu at 38th Games

• Kalaripayattu Downgraded: The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation is protesting the Indian Olympics Association’s (IOA) decision to relegate Kalaripayattu to a demonstration event at the 38th National Games.

  • Why: Demonstration sports are for promotion and don’t contribute to the official medal tally, which is a step down from its competitive status in the previous National Games.

• Kalaripayattu Background: It is an ancient martial art from Kerala emphasizing mind-body coordination, with fighting techniques inspired by animals.

  • Why: The sport’s rich history and prior inclusion as a competitive event in the 37th National Games make its demotion controversial.

• National Games 2025: The 38th edition will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28th to February 14th, 2025.

  • Why: Kalaripayattu, Yogasana, Mallakhambh, and Rafting will be demonstration sports, not competitive. The mascot is ‘Mouli’ (Monal bird), and the tagline is “Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak”.

• Past Performance: Kalaripayattu athletes secured 22 medals (19 gold) at the 2023 National Games when it was a competitive sport.

  • Why: This highlights the sport’s potential and success, making its demotion seem unwarranted.

Entity Locker

• Secure Cloud-Based Platform: Entity Locker is a secure, cloud-based solution for storing, sharing, and verifying documents.

• Target Audience: Caters to a wide range of entities including large organisations, corporations, MSMEs, trusts, startups and societies.

• Digital India Initiative: Critical component of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, aligning with Union Budget 2024-25 for enhanced digital governance.

• Key Features: Offers real-time document access and verification via government database integration, consent-based sharing, Aadhaar-authenticated access management, and 10 GB of encrypted storage.

• Benefits: Streamlines document sharing, simplifies regulatory compliance, ensures accountability via activity tracking, reduces administrative overhead, and minimizes document processing times.

• Seamless Integration: Integrates with government systems like MCA, GSTN, and DGFT for instant access to critical documents.

• Use Cases: Supports vendor verification (procurement, GSTN, tendering), expedited MSME loan applications, FSSAI compliance, and corporate annual filings.

• Why it Matters: Enhances ease of doing business by simplifying document management and verification processes, reducing bottlenecks and promoting efficiency.

SCOT: Operation Unveiled

• Mission SCOT Success: Indian startup Digantara’s Mission SCOT, the world’s first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite, has been successfully launched. The Prime Minister of India lauded it.
• SSA Significance: Mission SCOT enhances Space Situational Awareness by tracking and characterizing space objects and their orbits.
• Object Tracking Capability: It can track Resident Space Objects (RSOs) as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This improves the ability to monitor smaller, potentially hazardous space debris.
• Transporter-12 Mission: It was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, which provides cost-effective access to space.
• Financial Backing: Mission SCOT is backed by Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI, highlighting private sector investment in the Indian space industry.
• India’s SSA Efforts: ISRO already performs collision avoidance maneuvers and utilizes the Multi Object Tracking Radar, but it has a limited range.
• IS4OM & ISSAR: The ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Operations Management (IS4OM) generates the annual Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR).
• NETRA Project: ISRO’s NETRA project is establishing a Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) network with advanced radars and optical telescopes. This will strengthen India’s capability to protect its space assets.
• Why it matters: Mission SCOT improves India’s space security and ability to track objects in space. It signifies the rise of Indian space startups and their contributions to SSA. It promotes sustainability in space. It also reduces ISRO’s burden.

Kalari

• Ancient Martial Art: Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest and most scientific martial art forms globally.

• Origin: It originated and is widely practiced in Kerala, India.

• Kalari: The term “Kalari” refers to the traditional gymnasium where Kalaripayattu is taught.

• Founder (Mythology): The warrior sage Parasurama is credited with establishing Kalaripayattu.

• Four Stages: The art consists of four stages: Maippayattu (body conditioning), Kolthari (wooden weapons), Angathari (metal weapons), and Verumkai (bare-hand fighting).

• Verumkai Focus: The bare-hand fighting stage (Verumkai) involves knowledge of body anatomy for strategic strikes.

• Regional Styles: Three main ethnic styles exist in northern Kerala: Vattenthirippu, Arappukkai, and Pillathangi.

• Shaolin Temple Connection: Legend says Kalaripayattu influenced martial arts at the Shaolin Temple in China via Bodhidharma in the 5th century AD. Bodhidharma was originally from Thanjavore, a cultural center that was part of Kerala but is now in Tamil Nadu.

Midges: Tiny Bites

• Midges (Culicoides genus) are tiny, blood-sucking insects related to mosquitoes, locally known as bhusi flies.
• Five species of midges transmit the bluetongue virus to livestock.
• Bluetongue disease symptoms include blue tongue, fever, facial swelling, and excessive salivation, potentially leading to death in livestock.
• A recent study (2022-2023) identified 17 midge species that bite humans, but no human disease transmission has been reported yet.
• Thirteen new midge species have been recorded in India: C. barnetti, C. gouldi, C. flaviscutellaris, C. flavipunctatus, C. hui, C. histrio, C. guttifer, C. perornatus, C. okinawensis, C. quatei, C. obscurus, C. coronalis, and C. kusaiensis.
• India now has 93 known Culicoides species, many of which are vectors of animal pathogens.
• Culicoides have a cosmopolitan distribution, excluding New Zealand and Antarctica.
• Midges are vectors for approximately 60 viruses, 40 protozoans, and 24 filarial nematodes, impacting livestock, wildlife, and potentially humans.
• Bluetongue virus causes a severe hemorrhagic disease (bluetongue) in ruminants like cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, deer, antelope, and camels.

Nigeria in BRICS

• Nigeria named a BRICS “partner country” by Brazil, which will hold the BRICS presidency in 2025. This signifies a closer relationship without full membership.

• Nigeria is the 9th nation to become a BRICS partner, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. This allows for participation in summits and meetings.

• Partner country status involves attending BRICS events and participating in joint ventures, but without formal decision-making power or membership rights.

• Nigeria’s significance stems from having the world’s 6th largest population, Africa’s largest population, and being Africa’s 4th largest economy, solidifying its “Giant of Africa” status and influence.

• BRICS aims to be a counterweight to the G7, representing a shift in global power dynamics, with Nigeria’s inclusion indicating a recognition of its growing importance on the world stage.

• BRICS is expanding; countries like Indonesia have officially joined as members, while others such as Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have applied for membership, reflecting the group’s growing influence.

ARCs Explained

• Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) buy bad debts (Non-Performing Assets or NPAs) from banks at an agreed value. This helps banks clean up their balance sheets.

• ARCs try to recover these debts themselves, often through restructuring, enforcement of security interests, or selling the assets.

• ARCs are registered with the RBI and are governed by the SARFAESI Act, 2002, functioning under RBI supervision.

• ARCs raise funds from Qualified Buyers (Financial Institutions, Banks, Insurance companies etc) to purchase bad debts and are prohibited from accepting public deposits.

• ARCs must have a minimum net owned fund (NOF) of Rs 300 crore and maintain a capital adequacy ratio of 15%.

• RBI’s New Rules: Aim to ensure transparency and accountability in how ARCs settle dues with borrowers.

• Board-Approved Policy: Each ARC needs a policy governing settlement of dues.

• Independent Advisory Committee (IAC): Required for settlements over Rs 1 crore; comprised of experts to assess borrower’s financial position and recovery prospects.

• Board Oversight: Board must deliberate IAC recommendations and document decision-making.

• Stringent Procedures: Apply to settlements involving willful defaulters or fraud cases, regardless of the settlement amount.

• Settlements < 1 cr: Approvals cant be done by officials who were involved in the financial asset acqusition.

• Reporting Requirements: Regular analysis of settled accounts is mandatory.

• Asset Reconstruction vs. Securitization: Asset reconstruction involves acquiring rights in existing loans to recover funds. Securitization is acquiring financial assets through security receipts.

Buddhist Footprint

• Odisha Discoveries: Archaeological Survey of India finds Buddha head, palm, wall, and relics in Ratnagiri, Odisha, dating back to 8th-9th centuries AD, indicating the spread of Buddhism to Southeast Asia through Odisha.

• Odisha’s Buddhist Influence: Buddha’s disciples and Emperor Ashoka played key roles in spreading Buddhism. Hiuen Tsang’s visit to Odisha provided insights into the region.

• Ratnagiri Significance: A key Buddhist learning center from the 7th-10th centuries, rivaling Nalanda, showcasing Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Unique Buddha sculptures with distinctive hairstyles.

• Maritime Trade’s Role: Odisha’s trade with regions like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka facilitated the spread of Buddhism to Southeast Asia. Baliyatra festival commemorates maritime ties.

• Southeast Asia Adoption: Southeast Asian rulers adopted Buddhism to strengthen authority. Buddhism blended with local beliefs and Hinduism (e.g., Angkor Wat, Borobudur).

• Global Spread: Buddhism spread to Myanmar and Thailand by the 5th century CE, becoming Theravada Buddhism. By the 7th century CE, Buddhism had significantly influenced Chinese culture, Korean and Japan.

• Key Buddhist Sites in India: Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), Kushinagar (Parinirvana), Nalanda University (ancient learning center), Dharamshala (Tibetan Buddhism), Ellora & Ajanta Caves (rock-cut temples).

• Conclusion: Odisha’s heritage and India’s role in spreading Buddhism across Asia reflect its global influence and profound contributions.

WESO Trends 2025

• Steady Global Unemployment: Global unemployment remains at 5% in 2024, but youth unemployment is high at 12.6%, especially in upper-middle-income countries (16%). This highlights inequality and the need for targeted youth employment programs.

• Regional Disparities: Sub-Saharan Africa struggles with informal employment, lacking stability and social protection, where 62.6% of households live on less than USD 3.65 per day. This underlines the need for formalization and social safety nets.

• Economic Growth Slowdown: Economic growth is decelerating, hindering job creation. Focus should be on sustainable and inclusive growth policies to generate more employment opportunities.

• Large Global Jobs Gap: 402 million people face a jobs gap, demonstrating unmet labor market needs beyond unemployment figures. This emphasizes addressing discouraged workers and caregiving barriers.

• NEET Challenge: 259.1 million youth are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), disproportionately affecting young women.This emphasizes the need for skill development programs and addressing gender disparities.

• Debt Distress in Developing Countries: High debt burdens limit investments in essential services and job creation. Debt restructuring and international aid are crucial.

• Weak Wage Growth: Stagnant real wages reflect a power shift to employers and hinder living standards. Strengthening worker rights and collective bargaining is essential.

• Uneven Green Transition Benefits: Renewable energy creates jobs, but benefits are concentrated in certain regions, like China. Equitable distribution of green jobs requires investments in infrastructure and skills development in other countries.

• ILO Recommendations: LICs should leverage remittances for productive investments, countries should focus on modern services and manufacturing to create quality jobs, Youth should be provided with the skills necessary for participation in modern labor markets and international collaboration , sustainable growth, and inclusive fiscal and monetary policies that benefit all workers should be promoted.

Uncharted Territory

• India’s Robotic Surgery Advancement: India successfully conducted two heart surgeries using its first indigenous surgical tele-robotic system, the SSI Mantra, demonstrating a breakthrough in remote surgical capabilities.

• SSI Mantra Details: Developed by SS Innovations, SSI Mantra is approved for telesurgery and remote surgical training. Its features include ultra-low latency (35-40 milliseconds) and high precision, enabling complex procedures like Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB).

• Significance: The system facilitates access to expert surgical care in remote regions, overcoming geographical barriers and improving patient outcomes through minimally invasive techniques.

• Robotics Applications Beyond Healthcare: Robots are utilized across various sectors, including industry, defense, agriculture, disaster management, and space exploration.

• Challenges in Healthcare Robotics Adoption:

  • High initial costs of robotic systems.
  • Training and skill gaps for surgeons and medical staff.
  • Ethical concerns regarding accountability and patient safety in telesurgery.
  • Patient trust issues with remote surgeries.
  • Potential job displacement due to automation.
  • Cybersecurity risks associated with increased connectivity.

• Way Forward:

  • Cost-effective solutions through government support and private sector collaboration.
  • Bridging skill gaps via integrating robotic surgery training into medical curricula.
  • Managing ethical concerns through clear regulations and backup systems.
  • Mitigating job loss with upskilling programs and human-robot collaboration.
  • Addressing cybersecurity risks through encryption and standardized frameworks.

Fund of Funds

• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Scheme: Established in 2016 with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore.

• Objective: To boost the Indian startup ecosystem by providing access to domestic capital.

• Investment Mechanism: FFS does not directly invest in startups. It invests in SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) (“daughter funds”), which then invest in startups.

• SIDBI’s Role: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) manages the FFS, selecting daughter funds and overseeing capital disbursal.

• Leverage: AIFs supported by FFS must invest at least twice the amount committed by FFS in startups.

• SIDBI’s Broader Mandate: SIDBI supports the MSME sector through financing, promotion, and development activities. It also plays a role in cleaner production and energy efficiency.

• Startup India Mission: Launched in January 2016 to create a supportive environment for startups in India.

NDRF: India’s First Responders

• Established: Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Section 44). Initially established in 2006.
• Mandate: Specialized response to natural and man-made disasters.
• Composition: Expanded to 16 Battalions, drawn from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) – BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles.
• Capabilities: Multi-skilled force for floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, building collapses, train/road accidents, etc.
• Deployment Strategy: “Proactive availability” and “pre-positioning” to minimize damage.
• International Engagement: Responds to disasters internationally under agreements. Examples: Fukushima, Japan (2011) and Nepal (2015).
• Governance: Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), headed by a Director General.
• Core Function: Primary task is specialized disaster response.
• Preparedness: Maintains readiness through rigorous training, practice, and mock drills.

Great Barrier Reef: Intro

• Location: Off the northeastern coast of Australia in the Coral Sea.

  • Why: Establishes its geographical context.

• Size and Scale: The world’s largest and longest reef complex; the largest living structure on Earth, spanning 350,000 sq km. Visible from space.

  • Why: Highlights its immense scale and global significance.

• Composition: Composed of nearly 3,000 individual reefs of different types, including platform, wall, and fringing reefs.

  • Why: Explains its diverse structure and formation.

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to 400 coral types, 1,500 fish species, and 4,000 mollusk species.

  • Why: Emphasizes its rich and diverse ecosystem.

• Threatened Species Habitat: Critical habitat for endangered species like the dugong and green sea turtle.

  • Why: Underscores its importance for conservation.

• Protected Area: Managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority of Australia.

  • Why: Points to conservation efforts.

• World Heritage Site: Designated by UNESCO in 1981.

  • Why: Recognizes its global cultural and natural value.

Singapore Semiconductor Alliance

• Singapore-India Partnership: Singapore aims to collaborate with India on semiconductor manufacturing and ecosystem development.
• Singapore’s Strengths: Singapore has a mature semiconductor industry contributing significantly to its GDP, specializing in mature-node chips.
• India’s Semiconductor Market: India’s market is projected to reach USD 103.4 billion by 2030, heavily reliant on imports currently.
• India’s Advantages: India offers a skilled workforce, cost advantages, and benefits from global supply chain diversification.
• Singapore’s Potential Contribution: Singapore can aid India in expanding manufacturing capabilities through outsourcing partnerships, talent development via educational collaborations, and establishing wafer fab parks.
• Significance for India: Semiconductors are crucial for India’s industrial development, technological sovereignty, global supply chain influence, and digital transformation.
• Challenges: High capital requirements, talent shortages, limited access to advanced technology, and environmental concerns pose significant hurdles.
• Way Forward: Focus on education and training programs, indigenous chip design, building a comprehensive supply chain, establishing a sovereign semiconductor fund, and promoting green semiconductor manufacturing.

Why in News?

• Singapore’s interest in partnering with India signals a strategic move to tap into India’s growing market and potential as a semiconductor manufacturing hub.
• This collaboration is vital for India to reduce import dependence, boost its economy, enhance its technological capabilities, and become a key player in the global semiconductor industry.

Marburg Outbreak

• Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) Outbreak in Tanzania: A suspected outbreak in the Kagera region, Tanzania, has caused 8 deaths.

• Deadly Hemorrhagic Fever: MVD is a severe illness with a high fatality rate (up to 89%) and no approved treatments.

• Symptoms Resemble Ebola: Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting blood, and bleeding.

• Transmission: Spread to humans from fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) and through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

• Diagnosis: Confirmed via RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing.

• Tanzania Context: Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean and eight other countries.

• Why it matters: MVD’s high fatality rate and lack of treatment make outbreaks a serious public health concern. The rapid spread through bodily fluids requires immediate and strong containment measures to prevent widespread infection. The absence of any information from the secondary article suggests all available relevant details are already included from the first source.

Davos Forum

• Forum’s Core Mission: The World Economic Forum (WEF) aims to improve the state of the world through public-private cooperation, shaping global, regional, and industry agendas.

• Stakeholder Capitalism: The WEF champions stakeholder capitalism, engaging organizations and leaders in dialogue to build future-ready, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies.

• Historical Evolution: Founded in 1971 as the European Management Forum, it broadened its scope to economic and social issues, formally becoming the World Economic Forum in 1987. It was recognized as an international organization in 2015.

• Global Platform: The WEF serves as a platform for dialogue, debate, and action, connecting political, business, and other leaders to address global challenges.

• Key Reports: The WEF publishes influential reports, including the Global Competitiveness Report, Global Gender Gap Report, and Global Risks Report, informing global understanding and policy.

• Davos Annual Meeting: The annual Davos meeting convenes around 3,000 participants to discuss global issues across various sessions, fostering collaboration and driving change.

• Funding Structure: The WEF is primarily funded by its partnering corporations, typically global enterprises with substantial annual turnover.

Frontier Nagaland Demand

• Demand: The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) demands the creation of a Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT).
• MHA Agreement: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has agreed to grant autonomy for the proposed FNT.
• Objective: The FNT aims to address developmental imbalances in six eastern Nagaland districts: Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang.
• Autonomy: The proposed territory seeks executive, legislative, and financial autonomy for better governance and resource allocation.
• Development Deficit: The primary reason for the demand is a perceived “development deficit” in these districts compared to the rest of Nagaland.
• Demographics: The six districts are home to 7 Naga tribes (Konyak, Khiamniungan, Chang, Sangtam, Tikhir, Phom and Yimkhiung), representing over 30% of Nagaland’s population and holding 20 of the 60 legislative assembly seats.
• Historical Context: The demand for a separate state emerged in 2010, highlighting long-standing grievances related to development.
• Nagaland’s Formation: After 1947, the Naga territory was initially part of Assam, later becoming a state on December 1, 1963.

Fonio: Ancient Grain

• Fonio: An Ancient, Resilient Grain: Fonio millet, originating in West Africa (e.g., Ghana), is gaining recognition for its ability to withstand climate shocks.

• Adaptable and Easy to Grow: Fonio thrives in poor soils with minimal water, making it a valuable crop in arid and semi-arid regions. It is also easy to cultivate.

• Nutritional Value (“Miracle Grain”): Due to its adaptability and nutritional value, it is often referred to as a “miracle grain”.

• Traditional Cultivation: Fulani tribes, the largest nomadic tribe in Africa, traditionally cultivate fonio.

• Versatile Use: Fonio can be used in various dishes like salads, porridges, pasta, and bread, or as a side dish.

• Comparison to Indian Millets: Fonio is similar to Indian millets like sikiya and raishan. Sikiya is the millet favoured by Baiga tribe in Madhya Pradesh.

• International Year of Millets: The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

• Threat from Profit-Driven Agriculture: Profit motive among farmers is leading to neglect of millet production e.g., in Odisha’s Niyamgiri hills, pineapple cultivation for profit has sidelined millets.

Rubber Rise: India

• Focus: Boosting India’s rubber industry, increasing domestic production, and achieving global competitiveness.

• iSNR Initiative: Launched to meet EUDR standards, ensuring traceability and compliance for EU market access. Promotes sustainable rubber production.

• INR Konnect Platform: Aims to increase productivity by connecting growers of untapped rubber holdings with potential adopters, targeting neglected plantations.

• mRube: Rubber Board’s digital marketing platform to enhance trade efficiency.

• Subsidy Hike: Government plans phased increase in rubber cultivation subsidies.

• EUDR Concerns: India sees EUDR as a non-tariff barrier, increasing compliance burden for exporters and potentially slowing FTA negotiations.

• National Rubber Policy (NRP) 2019: Aims to develop the rubber value chain, expand plantations in non-traditional regions, enhance productivity, ensure domestic supply, and promote quality standards.

• Increased Production Strategies: Land diversification through mixed farming, scientific farming (high-yielding varieties, high-density planting), increased R&D (disease-resistant, climate-resilient varieties), efficient tapping methods, and expanded market access.

• Rubber Production & Trade: India is 3rd largest producer and 4th largest consumer. Kerala contributes over 90% of India’s rubber production. Key export markets include the USA, Germany, UAE, UK, and Bangladesh. Imports are mainly from Indonesia, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Japan.

India-EU Ties

• Shared Democratic Values & Authoritarian Pressure: India and the EU, as democracies, face increasing pressure from authoritarian regimes (China and Russia, respectively), necessitating closer cooperation to defend democratic values.
• Economic Partnership Potential: The EU is India’s largest trading partner in goods. A successful FTA would boost trade and investment. India provides market access and strategic Indo-Pacific partnership, while the EU offers investment, technology, and market access.
• Geopolitical Divergences: Differing views on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and approaches to China (India sees China as a strategic competitor while EU continues to trade with it) create a trust deficit and hinder policy coordination.
• Trade & Economic Barriers: Stricter EU IPR norms clash with India’s generic pharmaceutical focus. EU’s labor/environmental standards (e.g., Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) pose challenges. FTA negotiations are delayed.
• Maritime Security & Military Cooperation: EU’s ESIWA initiative and joint naval exercises (e.g., in Gulf of Guinea) enhance security cooperation, particularly in securing sea lanes in the Indian Ocean.
• Technology & Innovation Gaps: India prioritizes affordable technology; Europe focuses on sustainability/advanced manufacturing. Lack of coordinated response to China’s dominance in emerging technologies hinders joint progress.
• Need for Strengthened Relations: Countering authoritarianism, boosting economic growth through FTA and technological collaboration (AI, quantum computing, biotech, space), and driving global climate action.
• Way Forward: Unity against authoritarianism, leveraging the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) to align technology agendas, forming strategic economic partnerships beyond an FTA.
• Defense Divergence: India’s reliance on Russian defense systems limits deeper EU collaboration on advanced military tech.

Electoral Trust Donations Soar

• Significant Increase in Donations: Electoral trusts saw a surge in donations, particularly to the Prudent Electoral Trust (PET), which tripled its contributions from 2022-23 to 2023-24. This is new normal as electoral bonds which previously enable anonymous donations were declared unconstitutional and ceased issuance.

• Dominant Recipient: The ruling party at the center (BJP) received the most funds through electoral trusts, followed by Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and YSR Congress.

• Shift from Electoral Bonds: The Supreme Court’s decision against electoral bonds has shifted political funding towards electoral trusts, which offer greater transparency as they require disclosure of donor identities. Electoral bonds allowed anonymity, leading to concerns about undisclosed corporate influence.

• Transparency Enhancement: Electoral trusts enhance transparency by disclosing donor identities, amounts, and recipient parties, improving accountability in political funding.

• Corporate Influence: Electoral trusts channel significant corporate funds into the political system, reinforcing corporate influence on party finances. The dominance of a few trusts like PET highlights the centralization of political funding among top donors.

• Regulation: Electoral trusts are regulated under the Companies Act and monitored by the Election Commission and Income Tax Department, ensuring compliance and accountability. They must donate at least 95% of their funds to registered political parties.

• Imbalance in Funding: The ruling party tends to receive a disproportionate share of donations,

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  potentially creating an unequal playing field. This is a point of concern highlighted by ADR reports.

• Need for Balanced Approach: A balance between transparency and anonymity is crucial. Allowing anonymity for small donors while disclosing large donations can be an effective strategy.

ISRO’s New Launchpad

• Third Launch Pad (TLP) Approved: The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a third launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• Increased Capacity: The TLP will be able to handle spacecraft weighing up to 30,000 tonnes in low Earth orbit. This increased capacity is crucial for launching heavier satellites and future missions.
• Supports Advanced Vehicles: The TLP is designed to support Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) vehicles with semi-cryogenic stages, and scaled-up NGLV configurations, indicating a focus on future launch vehicle technologies.
• Addresses Future Mission Needs: The new launch pad is essential to accommodate India’s ambitious space goals, including a crewed lunar landing by 2040 and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035, which require heavier launch vehicles than the existing launch pads can handle.
• Complements Existing Infrastructure: Currently, ISRO operates two launch pads (FLP and SLP). The FLP supports PSLV and SSLV launches, while the SLP is primarily for GSLV and LVM3 launches. The TLP will expand launch capabilities and reduce strain on existing infrastructure.
• Kulasekarapattinam Launchport: Foundation stone laid for ISRO’s 2nd rocket launchport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu for commercial, on-demand, and small satellite (SSLVs) launches.

Global Jobs Outlook

• Report Overview: The International Labour Organization (ILO) releases the World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) report, offering in-depth analysis of global labor markets. It identifies trends and challenges affecting employment worldwide.

• Global Unemployment: In 2024, global employment grew in line with the labour force, keeping the unemployment rate steady at 5%.

• Key Challenges: Geopolitical tensions, climate change costs, and debt issues are putting pressure on labor markets.

• Labor Force Participation: Labor force participation is declining in low-income countries but increasing in high-income countries, particularly among older workers and women.

• ILO Recommendations: The report urges member countries to take key actions to boost the economy, such as:

  • Invest in skills training, education, and infrastructure.
  • Expand social protection, including social security and safe working conditions.
  • Effectively use private funds like remittances for local development in low-income countries.

Panchayat Awards ’24

• National Panchayat Awards 2024 presented: 45 Panchayats across India recognized for contributions to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
• Significance of Panchayats highlighted: Event emphasized the critical role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural governance and environmental sustainability.
• Commemoration of 73rd Amendment Act: Awards commemorate the constitutional recognition of Panchayats as self-governance bodies.
• Award Objectives: Promotion of best practices, competition, and motivation for quality governance at the rural level.
• SDG Alignment: Awards revamped in 2022 to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Evaluation Criteria: Panchayats assessed across 9 thematic areas linked to SDGs, evaluated at multiple levels (Block, District, State/UT, National).
• Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP): Recognizes top Gram Panchayats (GPs) for excelling in each of the 9 Localization of SDGs (LSDGs) themes.
• Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar: Awarded to top GPs, Block Panchayats, and District Panchayats for overall performance.
• Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar: Recognizes GPs for renewable energy adoption.
• Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar: Awards GPs for achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
• Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar: Honors institutions supporting Panchayats in implementing LSDGs.
• National Panchayati Raj Day: Awards typically presented on April 24th each year.

Indian Wolf

• Indian Grey Wolf Defined: A subspecies of the grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) found from Southwest Asia to the Indian Subcontinent.
• Unique Behavior: Smaller packs, less vocal, nocturnal hunting (dusk to dawn).
• Appearance Adaptations: Intermediate size; lacks the thick winter coat of the Tibetan wolf due to warmer climate.
• Preferred Habitat: Scrub, grasslands, semi-arid agro-ecosystems.
• Wide Distribution: Ranges from the Indian subcontinent to Israel.
• Conservation Status: IUCN Least Concern, CITES Appendix I, Schedule I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
• Threats: Habitat loss and prey depletion are impacting populations.
• Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary: Located in Karnataka, India. Second protected area exclusively for wolves in India.
• Sanctuary Terrain: Scrub forests, hills, and natural caves.
• Sanctuary Fauna: Wolves, leopards, peacocks, blackbucks, foxes, hares, and porcupines.

Future Skills 2025

• India’s Ranking: India ranks 25th in the QS World Future Skills

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  Index 2025, categorized as a “future skills contender.”

• Index Purpose: The index evaluates countries’ preparedness for the evolving demands of the global job market, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and talent development.

• Four Key Indicators:

  • Skills Fit: Measures alignment between education systems and employer demands. India ranks 37th, indicating a significant gap.
  • Academic Readiness: Reflects higher education’s capacity to equip students with future-relevant skills (AI, digital tech, green industries). India ranks 26th, needing improvement.
  • Economic Transformation: Assesses adaptability to economic changes, linking education, workforce skills, and industrial growth. India ranks 40th, signaling challenges in innovation.
  • Future of Work: Evaluates preparedness for future jobs and adaptation to technological/industrial shifts. India ranks 2nd globally, demonstrating strong demand-driven readiness.

• India’s Strengths: Strong performance (2nd globally) in “Future of Work” due to demand for skills in AI, digital technologies, and green industries.

• India’s Weaknesses: Significant gaps exist between workforce skills and employer demands (Skills Fit rank: 37th), and challenges in aligning economic strategies with workforce adaptability (Economic Transformation rank: 40th). Higher education needs to better adapt to evolving job market needs (Academic Readiness rank: 26th).

Lake Naivasha

• Lake Naivasha’s ecological significance: A shallow, freshwater lake in Kenya’s Rift Valley, supporting diverse waterbirds and mammals. It’s a Ramsar site, highlighting its importance.
• Economic Importance: Vital for flower growing, fishing, and geothermal power generation, supporting large-scale economic activities.
• Water Hyacinth Threat: The invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) poses a threat. It was introduced in the 1980s and thrives in polluted waters.
• Impact of Water Hyacinth: It blocks sunlight and airflow, harming aquatic life. Its presence suggests pollution issues in the lake.
• Lake Naivasha Attractions: Known for its hippo and flamingo populations, making it a popular tourist destination.

Krishna River: Key Facts

• Fourth Largest River: Krishna is the fourth largest river in India in terms of water inflows and river basin size, after the Ganga, Godavari, and Brahmaputra. Why: Establishes the Krishna River’s significant importance in the Indian river system.

• Origin and Course: Originates in the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, and flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Empties into the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi in Andhra Pradesh. Why: Describes the geographical path of the river and the states it impacts.

• Length: Approximately 1300 km long. Why: Provides a measure of the river’s scale.

• Basin Area: The Krishna River basin covers about 258,948 sq. km, approximately 8% of India’s total geographical area. Why: Highlights the extensive reach and influence of the river basin.

• Basin Boundaries: Bounded by the Balaghat range to the north, Eastern Ghats to the south and east, and Western Ghats to the west. Why: Defines the geographical boundaries of the river basin.

• Key Tributaries: Major right bank tributaries include Ghatprabha, Malprabha, and Tungabhadra. Left bank tributaries include Bhima, Musi, and Munneru. Why: Identifies the river’s main sources of water and contributing rivers.

• Prakasam Barrage: Located at the southern entrance of Vijayawada. Constructed across the Krishna River. Why: Highlights a significant infrastructure project on the river.

• Historical Significance of Prakasam Barrage: First built by Sir Arthur Cotton in 1855, later reconstructed in the 1950s. Named after Tanguturi Prakasam, the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Why: Underscores the barrage’s historical context and importance.

• Irrigation Impact of Prakasam Barrage: Irrigates nearly one million hectares of land, transforming the Krishna delta into a fertile granary in Andhra Pradesh. Supplies water to Buckingham Canal. Why: Emphasizes the barrage’s crucial role in irrigation and agriculture.

Planet Parade Explained

• Planet Parade Defined: A planet parade is when several planets are visible in the night sky simultaneously, appearing close together. It’s a visual illusion from Earth, not a perfect alignment in space.
• Not a True Alignment: Planets move at different speeds and aren’t always visible. A planet parade occurs when their positions make them observable together.
• Rarity: NASA notes that parades involving four or more planets are noteworthy and not annual events.
• Upcoming Dates: The next alignment of six planets is expected on January 21, 2025, followed by an alignment of seven planets on February 28, 2025.

Upper Karnali Project

• Project Overview: The Upper Karnali Hydro-Electric Project is a 900 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project in Nepal, located on the Karnali River.

• Power Distribution: It will supply power to Nepal, India, and Bangladesh for 25 years.

• Developers: Developed by GMR Upper Karnali Hydro Power Limited (GUKHL, a GMR Group India subsidiary), Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and SJVN Green Energy.

• Ownership: GUKHL and NEA currently own the project with 73% and 27% stakes, respectively.

• Project Model: It’s being developed on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis.

• Expected Output: Estimated to generate 3,466 million units of electricity annually.

• Environmental Impact: Expected to offset approximately two million tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

• Key Infrastructure: Features include a concrete gravity dam, headrace tunnels, fish pass, feeder tunnels, surge and pressure shafts, and silt flushing tunnels.

• Turbines: The project uses 8 turbines, each with a 112.5 MW capacity.

• Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with commercial operation starting by 2031.

• IREDA Involvement: IREDA signs joint venture for 900 MW Upper Karnali hydro project in Nepal.

iSNR Platform

• iSNR Platform Launch: India introduces the Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) Platform to boost the global value and production of Indian rubber.

• EUDR Compliance: iSNR aims to facilitate compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) for the Indian rubber ecosystem, streamlining the compliance process for stakeholders.

• Traceability Certificate: The platform will issue a traceability certificate, verifying the origin of rubber products and confirming their EUDR compliance. This is crucial for accessing EU markets.

• Competitive Advantage: iSNR positions Indian natural rubber as a competitive and responsible choice globally, promoting sustainable production and long-term industry growth.

• INR Konnect: A web-based platform (INR Konnect) connects growers of untapped rubber holdings with adopters to maximize plantation productivity.

• Certification & Training: The Rubber Board will certify participating parties and provide training on production management and sustainable practices. A database of certified tappers will also be available.

• India’s Rubber Position: India is the third largest producer and fourth largest consumer of natural rubber worldwide.

• Why is it important? It is important to India to maintain a market presence in the world economy, especially for the EU. It also helps make Indian rubber a popular option for natural rubber globally due to its sustainability and ethical farming practices.

Chincholi Sanctuary

• Relocation of Sheribikanahalli Hamlet: The Forest Department plans to relocate the Sheribikanahalli hamlet from within the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary to minimize human-animal conflict and improve conservation efforts.
• Location and Significance: Located in Kalburgi District, North Karnataka, declared a sanctuary in 2011. It is South India’s first dry land wildlife sanctuary.
• Area: Spreads over 134.88 sq. km.
• Nicknamed Ooty of Telangana: Known for its scenic beauty.
• Water Resources: Features the Chandrampalli dam and four smaller dams within its boundaries.
• Tribal Community: Home to Lambani Tandas, a protected tribal community.
• Flora: Consists of dry and moist deciduous forests with Acacia and Teak plantations. Medicinal herbs, sandalwood, and red sanders are also present.
• Fauna: Houses animals like Black Buck, Common
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  Fox, Four-horned Antelope, Fruit bat, Hyena, and Indian Wolf.
• Avian Diversity: Supports over 35 bird species, including Black Drongo, Black-winged Kite, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Blue pigeon, Black-headed Oriole, and Grey partridge.
• Jim Corbett National Park: Not related to Chincholi, but mentioned as India’s first wildlife sanctuary, established in 1936.

Why in the news: The planned relocation of Sheribikanahalli hamlet highlights ongoing efforts to balance conservation with the needs of local communities living within the sanctuary.

Gobies: *H. hoevenii* & *M. tigrinus*

• Discovery of Hemigobius hoevenii and Mugilogobius tigrinus in Andhra Pradesh: These goby fish species were newly recorded in the region.

• Mugilogobius tigrinus Found for the First Time on India’s Eastern Coastline: This marks a significant range extension for the species.

• Habitat: Gobies, including these species, typically inhabit estuarine environments, particularly around mangroves.

• Ecological Significance: Gobies are crucial to estuarine ecosystems. They occupy different trophic levels in the food web and serve as indicators of environmental health.

• Goby Diversity: India’s coasts are home to 135 goby species, with a significant number (95) found in mangroves and 53 specifically in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

• General Goby Characteristics: Gobies are usually small, carnivorous fish, abundant in tropical marine environments. They are primarily bottom-dwellers with fused pelvic fins forming a suction cup. They have a large impact on the benthic environment because they usually reside there.

• Gobies as Keystone Species: In small oceanic islands with fresh water, gobies may be the keystone species because they are often one of the few species of fish that exist in these areas.

• Benthic environment: The benthic environment is inhabited by microorganisms such as microalgae and bacteria, ciliates, amoebae, and flagellates.

IG Internship Scheme

• Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme Launched: Aims to foster awareness and expertise in internet governance among Indian citizens.

• Focus on Global Engagement: Equips participants to actively participate in global internet governance processes, working with organizations like ICANN, ISOC, IEEE, and IETF.

• Two Internship Tracks: Offers both a six-month and a three-month internship program.

• Expert Mentorship: Interns receive guidance from subject matter experts from international organizations, SIG members, retired government officials, and faculty advisors.

• Financial Support: Provides a monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000/- plus support for outreach activities.

• NIXI’s Role: NIXI, a non-profit under MeitY, is facilitating the scheme as part of its mandate to increase internet penetration and adoption in India. NIXI’s services include Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), .in domain registry, and IPv4/IPv6 address adoption (IRINN).

• ICANN’s function: ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the private, non-government, nonprofit corporation with responsibility for Internet Protocol (IP) address space allocation, protocol parameter assignment, domain name system (DNS) management and root server system management functions.

Dark Oxygen?

• Dark Oxygen Defined: Oxygen produced thousands of feet below the ocean surface, where no sunlight penetrates.

• Challenges Existing Knowledge: Contradicts the established understanding that oxygen production relies solely on photosynthesis.

• Traditional Oxygen Production: Oceanic plankton, algae, and certain bacteria, all capable of photosynthesis, are considered the primary oxygen producers in the ocean.

• Non-Photosynthetic Oxygen Source: Polymetallic nodules, found deep in the ocean, are responsible for dark oxygen generation. These nodules resemble coal lumps.

• Nodule Composition: These nodules are rich in metals such as manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium.

• Electrochemical Process: The nodules facilitate an electrochemical reaction, splitting water (H2O) molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, independent of light.

• Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM): Some plants produce oxygen at night through a process called CAM.

SCOT Mission Explained

• SCOT is Digantara’s inaugural space surveillance mission: It’s the first mission from the Indian space startup dedicated to tracking objects in space.

• One of the world’s first commercial SSA satellites: SCOT is a commercially operated satellite focused on Space Situational Awareness.

• Launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-12: It was deployed via a SpaceX rideshare mission.

• Tracks Resident Space Objects (RSOs): SCOT is designed to monitor and track objects orbiting in space.

• Monitors smaller RSOs: It focuses on tracking smaller objects (as small as 5 cm) that existing systems often miss.

• Higher revisit rates and better tracking accuracy: SCOT aims to provide more frequent and accurate tracking data.

• Sun-synchronous orbit for efficient LEO tracking: Its orbit allows it to efficiently monitor objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

• Overcomes limitations of ground-based systems: SCOT operates independently of weather conditions and geographic constraints.

• Ensures safer space operations: By tracking small debris, it helps prevent collisions and ensures safer space activities.

• Backed by Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI: It has received financial backing from these organizations.

• Supports national security and space operations: The mission aims to contribute to national security and overall space operations.

La Perouse Exercise

• Multinational Exercise: “Exercise La Perouse” is a multinational naval exercise, its fourth edition.

• Participants: Includes navies from Australia, France, UK, US, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada. Indian Navy also participates.

• Objectives: Aims to improve Maritime Situational Awareness through enhanced cooperation in maritime surveillance, interdiction operations, and air operations. Focuses on training and information sharing.

• Interoperability: Provides a platform for like-minded navies to build stronger relationships in planning, coordination, and information exchange, leading to improved tactical interoperability.

• Exercise Activities: Involves complex multi-domain exercises like surface warfare, anti-air warfare, air-defense, cross deck landings, and tactical maneuvers. Also covers constabulary missions such as VBSS operations.

• Indian Navy’s Role: India’s participation demonstrates synergy, coordination, and interoperability with other navies, and its commitment to a rules-based maritime order.

• SAGAR Vision: Aligns with India’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to enhance maritime cooperation for a safer Indo-Pacific.

• Location: The exercise is conducted in the straits between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean as well as Malacca, Sunda and Lombok.

Trajan Gun Explained

• What is Trajan Gun?: A 155mm towed artillery

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  gun system. This is its primary function, highlighting its role in land-based warfare.

• Joint Development: Developed collaboratively by India (Larsen & Toubro – L&T) and France (KNDS France). This signifies international cooperation in defense technology.

• Made in India: The 52-calibre system is manufactured within India, with several key components indigenously produced. Emphasizes India’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities.

• Performance: A range exceeding 40km (ammunition dependent). Demonstrates its significant striking power.

• Key Features: Modular design for easy transport and deployment, automated loading system for rapid firing, adaptability to diverse terrains, and advanced targeting/fire-control systems. These features highlight its modern design and operational versatility.

• Significance: Indicates potential deals between India and Armenia in artillery systems. Armenia towing system demonstrates potential for international relations and trade, highlighting its news significance.

Global Risks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Musi River: Key Facts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Why: Highlights human intervention and water management efforts.

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

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

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

  • Why: Provides alternate names for recognition.

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

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

T. indotineae

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glacier Year 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aden Gulf Facts

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

Gravity Storage

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

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

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

• Advantages:

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

• Addressing Renewable Energy Challenges in India:

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

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

What’s Lokpal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNICEF 2025: Child Futures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• India’s Challenges:

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

• India’s Way Forward:

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

Hyperspectral Eye

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

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

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

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

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

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  capture of finer details.

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

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

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

Sanchar Saathi App

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPI for PPI Wallets

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

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

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

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

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

Bharathapuzha

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blood Bargains

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why it’s in the news:

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

Information Ratio?

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

Twigstats

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

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

• Key Features:

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

• Techniques Used for Genetic Analysis:

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

Fiscal Federalism

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

CROPS: Orbital Plant Research

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

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

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

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

• Ideal Space Plants: Leafy vegetables, beans, peas, radishes,

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  carrots, wheat, rice, tomatoes, and strawberries are deemed suitable for space cultivation.

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

Kokborok

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abd-al-Kuri

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Korean Martial Law

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

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

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

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

• India-South Korea Relations:

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

Namdhari Sikhs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ending Honour Killings

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

Ending Teenage Pregnancy in India

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

• Key Findings:

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

• Impacts:

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

• Government Schemes:

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

• Way Forward:

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

Beyond BMI

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

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

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

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

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

IV Fluids: Basics

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

ISRO’s New Launchpad

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

Tungabhadra

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

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

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

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

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

Bharat Ranbhoomi.

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

Huntington’s Disease: Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tungabhadra River: Key Facts

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

Gaddi Dog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

River Links

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

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

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

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

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

• Significance:

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

• Concerns: Environmental and social impacts are significant.

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

Semi-Dirac Fermions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why in News:

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

State Symbols

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PM Surya Ghar Yojana

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

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

• Two Installation Models:

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

    • Why: Reduces upfront costs for consumers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Why: Makes solar installations more affordable for homeowners.

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

  • Why: Ensures structured execution and monitoring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bee Threats

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

PM-WANI Explained

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

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

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

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

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

• PM-WANI Ecosystem:

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

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

Pay Commission

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

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

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

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

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

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

Global Risks 2025

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

Pench Tiger Reserve

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

Why in News (for UPSC):

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

Cabo Verde: Key Facts

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

Kashi Tamil Sangamam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interpol Silver Notice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Siachen: The Frozen Battleground

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sydney Funnel-Web

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deccan Volcanism & India’s Drift

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

• Deccan Volcanism:

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

• Indian Plate Movement:

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

• Collision with Asia:

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

• Key Impacts:

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

Neuralink Implants

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

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

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

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

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

Retail Inflation: Trends & Woes

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

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

IMD@150 & Mission Mausam

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turmeric Board

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

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

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

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

• Objectives:

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

• Turmeric Facts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Data Havens

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Agriculture: Evolving

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lokpal Day

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

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

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

• Limitations:

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

• Way Forward:

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

The AEC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Headquarters: Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

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

Electrokinetic Mining

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

Diego Garcia

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

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  faced by Indian fishermen.

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

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

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

Whiplash Weather

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

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

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

• Impacts:

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

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

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

Bharat Ranbhoomi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FTI-TTP Explained

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

India’s Demographic Shift

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

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

• Key Points:

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

• Recommendations:

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

Kokborok

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

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

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

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

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

Suspect Registry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gangasagar Fair

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

• State government initiatives to enhance the experience:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blood Money

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nag Missile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAUSAM Mission

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INSA: India’s Science Academy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mud Volcanoes Explained

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rupee’s Slide

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

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

• Causes of Depreciation:

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

• Economic Impacts:

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

NBFGR Explained

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

Sada: A Deep Dive

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

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

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

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

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

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

C. elegans Unveils Biology

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

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

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

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

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

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

India Army Day 77th

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

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

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

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

Shikari Devi Sanctuary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Genome Data

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India’s Warming Crisis

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

People on the Move

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rat-Hole Mining

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

• Why it’s banned:

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

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

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

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

AEC Reconstitution

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

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

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

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

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

Pavana River

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

FRA 2006: Tribal Ministry Directive

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

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

Purulia Observatory

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

Chimp Conservation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Power DISCOM Privatization

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

Falcated Duck

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

India on UN Big Data Panel

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

Golden Langur

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turmeric Board

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

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

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

• Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana.

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

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

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

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

Bhargavastra Explained

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

• Developer: Economic Explosives Ltd.

• Capabilities:

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

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

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

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

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

• Why It Matters:

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

Telecom Tech Fund

• What: Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

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

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

• Objectives:

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

• Eligibility:

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

Utricularia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Army Day 2025

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

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

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

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

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

Zombie Deer Disease Explained

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

India-Cuba Aid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Makran: Iran’s New Capital?

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

• Makran’s Significance: Makran’s strategic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SC on Same-Sex Marriage: Dismissed

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

Shastri’s Death Anniversary

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

Diego Garcia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Landslide Prevention

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

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

• Key Findings:

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

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

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

• Landslide Causes:

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

• Landslide Impacts:

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

• Government Initiatives (India):

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

• Preventive Measures:

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

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

Makar Sankranti

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

Ranthambore Tigers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mission Mausam Explained

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

Indian Naval Inductions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India-Bangladesh Border

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

Bharat Cleantech Mfg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hysterectomies in India

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

Deccan Traps

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

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

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

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

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

PMKSY-WDC 2.0

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

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

CATS Programme

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

Dikeledi Slams Mayotte

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Odisha & Ayushman Bharat

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nankai Trough

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

Makaravilakku Explained

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

Clouded Leopard Basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Fishermen Detained

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amrit Bharat 2.0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enzymatic Plasticiser Breakdown

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

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

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

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

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

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

SLMs: A Quick Intro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hindi Day ’25

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

  • Why: To promote Hindi on the international stage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nag Mk 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NLM: Livestock Mission

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

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

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

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

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

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

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