17.01.25

Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 17-01-2025

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Ending Honour Killings

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

Ending Teenage Pregnancy in India

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

  • Key Findings:

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

  • Impacts:

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

  • Government Schemes:

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

  • Way Forward:

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

Beyond BMI

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

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

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    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.

Gaddi Dog

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

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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.

Bee Threats

PM-WANI Explained

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

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

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

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

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

  • PM-WANI Ecosystem:

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

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

Pay Commission

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

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

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

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

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

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

Global Risks 2025

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

Pench Tiger Reserve

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

Why in News (for UPSC):

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

Cabo Verde: Key Facts

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

Kashi Tamil Sangamam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interpol Silver Notice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Siachen: The Frozen Battleground

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

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

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

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

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

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

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