22.01.25

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 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

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  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

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  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 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.