06.01.25

Methylcobalamin

• Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clarified the use of methylcobalamin (a form of Vitamin B12) in health supplements, medical applications, and nutraceuticals.

• What it is: Methylcobalamin is a form of Vitamin B12, vital for bodily functions. Its unique methyl group (-CH3) gives it distinct biochemical properties and higher bioavailability compared to other B12 forms.

• Why it Matters:

  • Many Indians are deficient, especially vegetarians due to the lack of B12 in plant-based foods.
  • Methylcobalamin is the most functional and easily absorbed form of B12.
  • It’s crucial for red blood cell production, nervous system health, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis.

• Sources: Primarily found in animal products like fish, meat, eggs, and dairy.

KM3NeT: The Basics

• KM3NeT is a large-scale European research infrastructure in the Mediterranean Sea, housing next-generation neutrino telescopes.
• It aims to detect Cherenkov radiation produced by neutrino interactions to study these elusive particles.
• The project involves collaboration between multiple countries.
• KM3NeT comprises two main components: ARCA and ORCA.
• ARCA (offshore Sicily, Italy) will search for neutrinos from distant astrophysical sources like supernovae.
• ORCA (offshore France) will study neutrino properties using neutrinos generated in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• KM3NeT is similar to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, but located underwater in the Mediterranean Sea instead of under Antarctic ice.
• It uses arrays of optical sensors to detect faint light from neutrino collisions.
• Neutrinos are tiny, neutral subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter, making them difficult to detect.
• IceCube is a neutrino observatory at the South Pole, detecting neutrinos to study dark matter and neutrino properties.

Novel Visas

• New E-Visas Introduced: The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced two new visa types: ‘e-student visa’ and ‘e-student-x’.

• Eligibility – E-Student Visa: Available to international students registered on the Study in India (SII) portal and admitted to full-time programs (undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, etc.) at recognized Indian institutions.

• Eligibility – E-Student-X Visa: For dependents of e-student visa holders.

• Visa Duration: Issued for up to five years, based on course length, and can be extended. Entry is permitted through any immigration check post.

• Study in India (SII) Portal: A Ministry of Education initiative hosting over 600 institutions and 8,000 courses. It streamlines admissions for foreign students. Programs are available at undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and certification levels. Disciplines include engineering, management, agriculture, sciences, arts, humanities, law, paramedical sciences.

• E-Visa Purpose Generally: Designed to reduce bureaucratic processes and offer an alternative to traditional visas. Primarily issued for tourism.

Atomic Clocks: Explained

• Definition: An atomic clock measures time using the vibrations of atoms, specifically the oscillations of electrons in atoms.

• Accuracy: It’s the most accurate time-keeping device, with an error margin of only a few billionths of a second per day. Far more precise than conventional clocks.

• Mechanism: Uses cesium atoms due to their stability and specific vibration frequency.

• Working: A microwave cavity filled with cesium vapor is used. A microwave signal causes the cesium atoms to vibrate and emit radiation at a specific frequency. This frequency is compared to a standard to adjust timekeeping.

• Applications:

  • GPS systems: Measures signal travel time from satellites for accurate location calculation.
  • Telecommunications: Synchronizes signals in networks.
  • Scientific research: Used in experiments requiring precise timing.

• Quantum Technology Connection (Related): Quantum technology utilizes quantum mechanics principles like entanglement and superposition. It enables significant advances in computing, communication, and sensing, and while related conceptually (both dealing with atomic/subatomic scales), atomic clocks predate and are distinct from broader quantum technology applications.

Winter Char Dham

• Winter Char Dham Circuit Launched: Uttarakhand is promoting year-round tourism by launching a “Winter Char Dham” circuit.
• Objective: To attract visitors during the off-season winter months (traditionally May-November is peak season).
• Char Dham Shrines: The four revered shrines are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, located in the Garhwal Himalayas.
• Winter Abodes: During winter, the deities are moved to lower altitudes:
  • Kedarnath deity: Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
  • Badrinath deity: Pandukeshwar in Chamoli.
  • Gangotri deity: Mukhba in Uttarkashi.
  • Yamunotri deity: Kharsali in Uttarkashi.
• Char Dham Project: Aims to improve highway connectivity to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
• Historical Significance: Char Dhams were established by Adi Shankaracharya.
• Advaita Vedanta: Adi Shankaracharya was an exponent of Advaita Vedanta philosophy.

Golden Jackal

• Widespread Distribution in India: Golden jackals are found across a large portion of India, from the Himalayas to the Western Ghats, highlighting their adaptability.

• Omnivorous Diet: Golden jackals are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. This diverse diet allows them to thrive in various environments.

• Habitat and Behavior: They are primarily nocturnal, especially near human settlements. They use burrows, rock crevices, or dens created by other animals for shelter. They are typically monogamous, mating for life.

• Conservation Status: Listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but facing threats. The species is also listed in CITES Appendix III and Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

• Threats: Habitat loss due to encroachment and poor management is a significant threat to their survival.

• Ecological Role: Golden jackals play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, particularly in mangrove and grassland ecosystems.

• Why in News: The provided content does not point to any current news. The provided information details the golden jackal species, however, there is no news within the documents provided.

Trans Rights & Concerns

• Karnataka HC Ruling (Ms. X vs State of Karnataka, 2024): Transgender individuals can change name and gender on birth certificates. This aligns with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and Rules, 2020.

• Case Background: Petitioner faced rejection of birth certificate update despite sex-reassignment surgery and legal recognition on other documents.

• Legal Principle: HC invoked “generalia specialibus non-derogant,” prioritizing the specific Transgender Persons Act over the general Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

• Significance: Emphasizes the primacy of transgender rights laws and facilitates official recognition of gender identity.

• Social Marginalization: Transgender individuals face exclusion, limiting opportunities and leading to low self-esteem.

• Discrimination in Education: Bullying, exclusion, and high dropout rates contribute to a lower literacy rate.

• Homelessness: Rejection and lack of housing options lead to vulnerability and substance abuse.

• Transphobia: Societal intolerance results in violence, harassment, and discrimination.

• Psychological Distress: Lack of support systems contributes to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

• Public Representation: Negative portrayals perpetuate stereotypes and fuel societal rejection.

• Way Forward – Empowerment & Legal Reform: Inclusive policymaking is needed to address grievances.

• Way Forward – Access to Education: Schools must implement anti-bullying policies targeting transgender students.

• Way Forward – Addressing Social Concerns: Access to legal aid, education, and social entitlements at the grassroots level is important.

• Way Forward – Economic Opportunities: Providing financial assistance to start business ventures.

• Way Forward – Combating Transphobia: Public education campaigns to reduce intolerance.

Charge Sheet: Basics

• Definition: A chargesheet (also known as a police report or final report) is a document filed by police after completing an investigation into a cognizable or non-cognizable offense.
• Purpose: It initiates court proceedings against the accused. Prosecution proceedings starts after submission to court.
• Contents: Includes names of parties, nature of information, witness names, details of the offense, and information about the accused’s arrest and custody.
• Benefits: It contains statements from the accused and witnesses, marks the start of a trial, and clearly states the charges which helps in obtaining bail.
• Time Limit: 60 days for cases triable by lower courts, 90 days for cases triable by the Court of Sessions. Failure to file within this timeframe grants the accused the right to default bail.
• Compulsory Filing: Mandatory for cognizable offenses after an FIR is filed, unless its not a non-cognizable offence.
• Cognizable Offense: Allows police to investigate without a magistrate’s order and arrest without a warrant.
• FIR: A written document prepared by a police officer based on information about the commission of a Cognizable Offence.

Guru’s Light

• Abolition of Upper Garment Removal: Head of Sivagiri Mutt calls for ending the practice of men removing upper garments in temples, deeming it “evil.”
• Contradiction to Guru’s Principles: The Mutt head argues the practice, originally to ensure wearing of the “punool,” goes against Sree Narayana Guru’s social reform principles of equality.
• Sree Narayana Guru’s Birth & Caste: Born in 1856 in Kerala, belonging to the Ezhava caste, then considered ‘avarna’.
• Philosophy of Equality: Advocated for equality, education, and social upliftment, promoting “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All.”
• Advaita Vedanta proponent: Championed Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic philosophy.
• SNDP & Social Reform: Founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) to uplift marginalized communities.
• Aruvippuram Movement: Installed a Shiva idol at Aravipuram (1888), challenging caste-based restrictions on temple entry.
• Sivagiri Mutt: Established the Sivagiri Mutt in 1904.
• Literary Works: Authored important works like Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam.

Why in the news: The call to abolish the upper garment removal practice highlights the continuing relevance of Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings on equality and social reform in contemporary society. It shows an effort to address practices that perpetuate social hierarchies, aligning with Guru’s vision of a casteless and egalitarian society.

ONDC @ 3 Years

• 3rd Anniversary: Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) recently marked its 3rd anniversary.
• PM’s Endorsement: The Prime Minister highlighted ONDC’s transformative impact on e-commerce and its support for small businesses.
• Transaction Volume: ONDC has achieved over 15 million monthly transactions.
• Combating Monopolies: ONDC aims to counter platform monopolies and create a level playing field in e-commerce.
• Launched by DPIIT: ONDC was launched in April 2022 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• Open, Inclusive, Interoperable: ONDC aims to democratize digital commerce through an open, inclusive, and interoperable platform.
• Non-profit Company: Incorporated as a non-profit in December 2021.
• Democratization: Promotes interoperability to reduce the dominance of monopolistic e-commerce platforms.
• Cost Efficiency: Lowers costs for customer
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  acquisition and transaction processing.
• Market Expansion: Bridges regional and linguistic gaps for wider market participation.
• Consumer Empowerment: Provides diverse product and service options to buyers with competitive pricing.
• Open Protocol: Built on open-source methodology, allowing seamless transactions across platforms.
• Role Segregation: Includes Buyer Apps, Seller Apps, Logistics Providers, and Tech Enablers.
• Sectoral Scope: Covers food, grocery, fashion, financial services, agriculture, health, and more.
• MSME Benefits: Enhances nationwide visibility for MSMEs, reduces platform reliance, and lowers operational costs.
• Startup Mahotsav: Fosters collaboration and provides opportunities for startups in logistics, IT, and seller-buyer platforms.
• Awareness Initiatives: Workshops with industry associations like FICCI and collaboration with Bhashini to enhance app development.
• “ONDC Sahayak” WhatsApp Bot: Provides information in 5 languages.
• Pilots & Expansion: Successfully piloted in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi and expanded to over 616 cities.
• Awards and Recognition: Received awards for e-Governance, “Start-up of the Year” at the 14 th India Digital Awards (IDA), and “FinTech Company of the Year.”

Kumbh Mela

• Event Dates: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is scheduled from January 13, 2025, to February 26, 2025. This is crucial for devotees and organizers to plan their participation.

• Significance: Rooted in Hindu mythology, it’s a time for devotees to absolve sins and seek Moksha. This highlights the event’s deep religious and spiritual importance.

• UNESCO Recognition: Declared India’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ by UNESCO in 2017. This underscores its cultural significance and global recognition.

• Frequency and Locations: The Maha Kumbh Mela occurs every 12 years, primarily at Prayagraj. The Kumbh Mela happens every 3 years, rotating between Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. This defines the event’s cyclical nature and its geographical spread.

• Origin: Derived from ancient Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Puranas, particularly the Amrit Manthan tradition. This provides historical and mythological context.

• Spiritual Benefits: Participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela is believed to offer immense spiritual benefits, including the purification of sins and attainment of salvation, drawing devotees seeking spiritual growth.

• Scale: The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings globally, with an estimated 40 crore devotees. This emphasizes its massive scale and global impact.

Vedanta

• Context: The Vice-President inaugurated the 27th International Congress of Vedanta at JNU, highlighting its continued relevance.

• Definition: Vedanta, from Sanskrit, means “culmination of knowledge,” representing a major orthodox school of Indian philosophy. It aims to understand ultimate reality, human existence, and the self.

• Origin: Rooted in the Upanishads, philosophical interpretations of the Vedas. Initially referring to the end sections of the Vedas, it now signifies the philosophical essence of Vedic texts.

• Sacred Texts: Primarily, the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita.

• Core Concepts:

  • Brahman: The ultimate, unchanging, and eternal reality.
  • Atman: The individual soul, considered identical to Brahman in Advaita Vedanta.
  • Maya: The illusory power that creates the perception of the material world and duality.
  • Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through self-realization and union with Brahman.

• Philosophical Schools: Vedanta encompasses diverse schools, including:

  • Advaita Vedanta: (Non-dualism) by Adi Shankaracharya, emphasizing Brahman as the only reality, with the world being an illusion (Maya).
  • Vishishtadvaita: (Qualified Non-dualism) by Ramanujacharya, positing a Brahman with qualities.
  • Dvaita: (Dualism) by Madhvacharya, asserting a real distinction between God and individual souls.
  • Other Schools: Shuddhadvaita by Vallabhacharya and Achintya Bheda Abheda by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Osteoporosis: Basics

• Osteoporosis weakens bones: It reduces bone density, making them fragile and prone to fractures. This is important because it highlights the core issue – weakened bones susceptible to breaking.

• Often undiagnosed until fracture: Many people don’t know they have osteoporosis until a bone breaks. This emphasizes the “silent” nature of the disease and the need for awareness/screening.

• Common fracture sites: Hips, wrists, and spine are the most frequently affected areas. Knowing these locations helps focus preventative measures and diagnostic attention.

• Imbalance in bone remodeling: Osteoporosis happens when new bone creation lags behind old bone loss. This explains the underlying biological process driving the disease.

• Silent disease, fractures are primary indicator: Osteoporosis often presents without noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs. This reinforces the need for proactive detection.

• Late-stage symptoms include: Back pain, height loss, stooped posture, and easy fractures are signs of advanced osteoporosis. Recognizing these helps in identifying established cases.

• Treatment involves multiple approaches: Lifestyle changes (diet & exercise), supplements (calcium & vitamin D), and medications are used to manage the condition. This shows the multifaceted approach to managing the disease.

• Vitamin D is crucial for bone health: It regulates calcium and phosphate, essential for bone strength. This connects Vitamin D deficiency to potential bone problems like osteoporosis.

China’s Mega-Dam: Implications

• China’s Mega-Dam Project: China is moving forward with a massive hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet (Yarlung Zangbo).

• Strategic Significance: The project is significant given the ongoing land boundary dispute between China and India and the resulting strategic competition in the Brahmaputra river basin.

• Transboundary River Issues: The Brahmaputra flows through multiple countries. The absence of binding international water agreements complicates water management and dispute resolution.

• Dam-Building Race: Both China and India are building large dams, raising concerns about a “dam-building race” on the river.

• Impacts on Communities & Ecology: Mega-dams disrupt communities’ traditional knowledge and increase disaster risks. Blocking the river’s flow affects water levels, agriculture, biodiversity, and climate patterns.

• Risk-scape: The construction of multiple dams creates an active risk-scape.

• Historical Context: The 1950 earthquake in Medog highlights the potential for disastrous downstream effects, including flooding.

• Way Forward: A bioregional approach and collaborative agreements between riparian countries are crucial for sustainable development and risk mitigation.

Smart City Audits

• Call for Third-Party Audits: A parliamentary committee wants independent assessments of Smart Cities Mission (SCM) projects, particularly in smaller cities.

• Why: To identify and address implementation gaps.

• Assessment & Transparency: Unbiased evaluations of SCM progress and impact leading to improvement in trust.

• Evidence-Based Policy: Expertise of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) can be applied to other initiatives like AMRUT and DAY-NULM.

• Addressing Disparities: Highlights challenges faced by smaller cities vs. larger ones in project execution and tailors plans for tier 2 cities.

• Strengthening ULBs: Identifies ways to boost urban planning and governance for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

• Future Planning & Sustainability: Valuable insights for future phases of SCM, promotes integrated urban development.

• Challenges addressed:

  • Cost and Funding: Projects delayed due to fund issues.
  • Displacement and Social Impact: Execution led to displacement of residents in poorer areas, such as street vendors
  • Delay in Project Completion: Significant incomplete projects.
  • Privacy and Data Security: Ensuring robust cybersecurity, safeguarding privacy, and implementing clear data governance policies.
  • Lack of Coordination: Hindered implementation due to differences in priorities.
  • Sustainability Concerns: Doubts about the long-term sustainability.

• Way Forward:

  • Addressing Funding Issue:Transparent fund allocation and regular monitoring.
  • Capacity Building: Strengthening ULBs for restructuring and skill development
  • Timely Project Completion: Prioritize detailed planning.
  • Ensuring Data Security: Comprehensive data protection policy.
  • Sustainability and Long-Term Planning: Prioritize sustainability by integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations in planning.

• Conclusion: Third-party assessments and capacity-building in smaller cities highlight the need for robust mechanisms in the Smart Cities Mission.

Arunachal Religion Act

• News: Arunachal Pradesh government is framing rules to finally implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, nearly 46 years after its enactment.

• Purpose: To address concerns about forceful religious conversions in the state and safeguard traditional indigenous religious practices.

• Key Definition: Explicitly recognizes indigenous faiths (Buddhism, Nature Worship like Donyi-Polo, Vaishnavism) practiced by native communities as religions.

• Prohibition: Prohibits religious conversion through force or coercion.

• Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10,000 for forced conversions.

• Mandatory Reporting: Requires reporting any religious conversion to the Deputy Commissioner.

• Revival Push: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 2022, intervention from the Gauhati High Court and support from organizations like IFCSAP prompted the state to finalize implementation rules.

• Context: Enacted during a period of rapid social and cultural change in Arunachal Pradesh.

• Conversion Rates: Some districts have seen conversion rates as high as 90% prompting for protections of indigenous beliefs, the Christian population increased significantly between 1971 and 2011.

CAPF Suicide Crisis

• High Suicide Rates: 654 CAPF personnel died by suicide between 2018 and 2022, highlighting a critical issue.
• CISF Success: CISF reduced its
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  suicide rate by 40% from 2023 to 2024, demonstrating potential for improvement.
• Stressful Deployments: Constant postings in hostile areas without sufficient breaks cause mental fatigue. Lack of “peace postings” compared to the Army is a factor.
• Family Separation: Long periods away from family lead to emotional strain and difficulties in handling family matters.
• Mental Health Stigma: Limited mental health support and fear of ridicule discourage personnel from seeking help.
• Career Progression Issues: Limited promotion opportunities and reservation of higher ranks for IPS officers contribute to demotivation.
• Lack of Job Satisfaction: Disparities in healthcare and canteen access compared to the Army, coupled with NPS, decrease job satisfaction.
• Easy Access to Firearms: Availability of service weapons increases the risk of impulsive acts during distress.
• Government Initiatives: MHA task force identified risk factors (working, service conditions, personal issues). CRPF’s SAMBHAV app streamlines leave. Mental health counselors and buddy systems are being implemented. CISF’s Mental Health Championship Program and Project Mann offer support. BSF partnered with AIIMS for counseling.
• Way Forward: Workload management through peaceful postings, improving promotion opportunities, strengthening family support programs, policy flexibility, and skill development for post-retirement life are crucial.

Europa: NASA’s Missions

• Thicker Ice Crust on Europa: Recent data from NASA’s Juno spacecraft indicates Europa’s ice crust is around 35 km thick.

  • Why important: This thickness could limit the heat and chemical reactions needed for life in the ocean beneath the ice, potentially impacting the search for extraterrestrial life.

• Impact on Europa Clipper: The thick ice crust poses a challenge to the Europa Clipper mission’s goal of investigating the moon for ingredients for life.

  • Why important: The mission needs to understand the ice thickness and ocean characteristics to assess Europa’s habitability.

• Juno Mission Details: Launched in 2011, Juno studies Jupiter’s origins, composition, and magnetic field.

  • Why important: Juno’s data provides crucial insights into the Jovian system, aiding in understanding Europa’s environment.

• Europa Clipper Mission Details: Launched on October 14, 2024, aims to conduct detailed reconnaissance of Europa through close flybys.

  • Why important: The mission’s objectives include determining ice thickness, ocean characteristics, surface composition, and habitability, all crucial for assessing Europa’s potential to support life.

Hydrogel Cancer Therapy

• Injectable hydrogel for localized cancer treatment: Researchers have developed a hydrogel that can be injected directly into tumors.

• Controlled drug release: The hydrogel acts as a reservoir, releasing anti-cancer drugs in a controlled manner over time. This is important for maintaining therapeutic drug levels and reducing the frequency of injections.

• Targeted drug delivery: The hydrogel releases drugs specifically in response to high glutathione (GSH) levels, which are found in abundance in tumor cells. This targets the cancer cells while minimizing exposure of healthy tissues to the drugs.

• Reduced side effects: By targeting drug delivery, the hydrogel aims to minimize harm to healthy cells, leading to fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy and surgery.

• Biocompatible and biodegradable: The hydrogel is made of biocompatible and biodegradable ultra-short peptides, ensuring it is safe for use in the body and will eventually break down naturally.

• Improved treatment precision: The localized drug delivery ensures that the drug is concentrated at the tumor site, improving the precision of the treatment.

• Hydrogels mimic living tissues: The hydrogels have water-based, three-dimensional structure mimics living tissues.

Mucuna bracteata

• Mucuna bracteata is an invasive leguminous vine, initially introduced to rubber plantations as a cover crop for weed control, drought tolerance, and nitrogen regulation.
• It is now proliferating in parts of the Western Ghats, including Kaliyal, Kadayalumoodu, Aarukani, Kodayar, and Kulasekaram.
• Originally intended to protect rubber trees, it has become a threat by overpowering and covering trees, hindering their growth.
• It is overtaking large areas, particularly in the Kodayar region, and climbing over native trees, affecting their development.
• The spread is concerning because many affected regions border the buffer zone of the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai tiger reserve (a critical tiger habitat).
• Abandoned rubber plantations in the rainforests of Kanniyakumari serve as a primary habitat for this invasive species.
• Other invasive plants in the area include Lantana and Parthenium.
• Leguminous crops are part of the pea family. They have rhizobium bacteria-hosting root nodules which helps to increase soil nitrogen content.

Panchayat to Parliament 2.0

• “Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0” Launched: NCW, Lok Sabha Secretariat, and Ministry of Tribal Affairs collaborate on program.

• Focus on Tribal Women Leaders: Empowers 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes across 22 states/UTs from Panchayati Raj institutions.

• Commemorating Birsa Munda: Celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of the tribal leader and freedom fighter.

• Empowerment Through Knowledge: Aims to enhance understanding of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance.

• Recognizing Contributions: Acknowledges the work of these representatives in education and rural development.

• Educational Experiences: Includes workshops, sessions, and tours of Parliament House, Samvidhan Sadan, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, and Rashtrapati Bhawan.

• Constitutional Affirmation: Lok Sabha Speaker will lead delegates in reading the Preamble to the Constitution.

• Building on Previous Success: Follows the “Panchayat Se Parliament 2024” initiative.

• Who was Birsa Munda? Tribal freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement.He belonged to the Munda tribe in the Chhotanagpur Plateau area.

Banihal Bypass

• Banihal Bypass Inaugurated: A new 2.35 km, four-lane bypass to Banihal town in Jammu & Kashmir has been opened.

• Addresses Traffic Congestion: The bypass resolves chronic traffic bottlenecks in Banihal town, caused by roadside markets and shops on the Ramban-Banihal section of NH-44.

• Key Infrastructure: Features 4 viaducts (totaling 1,513 meters) and 3 culverts for smooth traffic flow.

• Strategic Importance: Improves travel for tourists and defense vehicles heading to the Kashmir Valley by reducing travel time and congestion.

• Cost: The project cost Rs 224.44 crore.

• NH-44 Significance: The bypass is located on NH-44, India’s longest national highway (3,745 km), connecting Srinagar to Kanyakumari and traversing 11 states.

Hazardous Waste Control

• Bhopal Gas Tragedy Anniversary: The removal of hazardous waste from the abandoned Union Carbide factory in Bhopal, four decades after the 1984 disaster, highlights the ongoing challenges of managing toxic legacies. The tragedy involved a leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas, resulting in thousands of deaths and long-term health issues for many more.

• Hazardous Waste Definition: Hazardous waste is defined as waste that poses a threat to health or the environment due to its toxic, flammable, reactive, or corrosive characteristics.

• Sources of Hazardous Waste: Generated through chemical production and consumption, the use of outdated technologies by SMEs, and post-treatment processes.

• Hazardous Waste Regulations: Governed by the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 (amended multiple times). India is also a signatory to the Basel Convention, 1992, aiming to reduce the international movement of hazardous waste.

• Waste Generation in India: India generates 7.66 million tonnes of hazardous waste annually, with a majority coming from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. Chemical production and metal processing are major contributors.

• Hazardous Waste Disposal Methods: Include co-processing (using waste as alternative raw materials or fuels), material and energy recovery (recovering materials and energy), incineration (burning waste at high temperatures), and pyrolysis (thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen).

• Conclusion: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy underscores the importance of strong regulatory compliance, technological advancements, and effective remediation strategies for hazardous waste management in India.