Why is it in the News?

Litchi which is synonymous with India's hot summers, is now under cultivation in 19 Indian states, extending beyond its traditional confinement to Muzaffarpur in Bihar.

About Litchi Cultivation:

• Litchi, a delicious and succulent fruit of superior quality, belongs to the Sapindaceae family from a botanical perspective.
• Its translucent and flavorful aril, or edible flesh, is widely enjoyed as a table fruit in India.
• Agro-climatic Requirements: Litchi is a sub-tropical fruit that thrives optimally in moist sub-tropical climates.
  • Ideally cultivated at low elevations, it can be grown up to an altitude of 800 meters.
  • The crop flourishes in deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH range of 5.0 to 7.0.
• Temperature: The crop's temperature tolerance ranges from avoiding extremes, not exceeding 40.5 degrees Celsius in summer and staying above freezing point in winter.
• Rainfall: Prolonged rainfall, especially during flowering, can be detrimental as it interferes with pollination.
  • Young trees necessitate protection from frost and hot winds until firmly established, although some temperature variation is necessary for proper fruiting.
  • Frost during winter and intense summer heat are limiting factors for successful cultivation.
• Traditionally, commercial cultivation in India was confined to the northern foothills of the Himalayas from Tripura to Jammu & Kashmir, and the plains of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• However, due to increasing demand and the crop's viability, commercial cultivation has expanded to various states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, etc.
• India ranks second in the world in production of Litchi production after China.
  • Other significant producers include Thailand, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar, and the US.
• Statewise, Bihar tops in Litchi production followed by West Bengal (12 % of the total) and Jharkhand (10 %).

About National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL):

• The National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) serves as the leading national institute dedicated to research and development in the field of litchi.
• It plays a pivotal role in providing national leadership, serving as a repository for comprehensive information on litchi production, processing, value addition, and extending consultancy services to end-users.

Why is it in the News?

The flagship programme of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the youth diaspora, the ‘Know India Programme’, has completed 20 years.

About the Know India Programme (KIP):

• The Know India Programme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs designed to enhance awareness about India, its cultural heritage, and art, and to familiarize participants with various aspects of contemporary India and their ancestral homeland.
• This program is open to Persons of Indian Origin (21-35 years) (excluding non-resident Indians) from all over the world, with a preference for youth from Girmitiya countries, such as those from Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa, and Jamaica.
  • The program has been in existence since its inception in 2003.

Features of Know India Programme (KIP):

• It is a 21 days’ programme (excluding international travel) during which the participant will visit Delhi, Agra and a select state in India alongwith visits to places of historical, cultural, and religious significance.
  • KIP participants will also have a 2-day orientation programme in New Delhi.
  • Participants will meet opinion makers, leaders, and officials to get an overview of India’s economy, society and ongoing growth and development story.
• Participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding and Internal transportation in India, return air tickets from their country of residence to India provided participants bear 10% of the cost of total air fare.
  • Gratis visa shall be granted to participants by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad.
• Some of the key elements of the Programme include:
  • Visits to places of historical and cultural importance;
  • Familiarisation with Yoga, Ayurveda, and classical forms of Music and Dance;
  • Visit to institutions of democracy and governance like Parliament of India, Election Commission of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan;
  • Interaction with leading educational institutions;
  • Exposure to flagship economic and development schemes like Digital India, StartUp India, and Make in India; and
  • visits to industrial sites, public and private firms to highlight India’s strength in Manufacturing & Service sector.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University /Institute or enrolled for graduation and the ability to speak in English.
  • The applicant should not have visited India through any previous Programme of Government of India.
  • Those who have not visited India before will be given preference.
• Applicant must provide documentary evidence to prove Indian origin or an undertaking about Indian origin which must be countersigned by the Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consul General.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the RBI released a report saying, the return to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) by a few states would put a huge burden on their finances, restricting them from undertaking capital expenditure to drive the growth.

What is the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?

• The Old Pension Scheme (OPS), popularly OPS, is for state and central government employees who have completed 10 or more years of service.
• The appeal of the Old Pension Scheme lies in its commitment to provide a guaranteed or 'defined' benefit to retirees, classifying it as a 'Defined Benefit Scheme.'
• It provides government employees with pensions based on their final salary, amounting to 50% of the last drawn salary.
• For instance, if a government employee's final monthly salary upon retirement was Rs 10,000, they would receive a guaranteed pension of Rs 5,000.
• Similar to government employees' salaries, pension payouts increased with government-declared dearness allowance (DA) hikes.
• The Central government discontinued OPS in 2003.

What were the issues with the OPS?

• The primary concern was the unfunded nature of the pension liability, lacking a dedicated corpus that could grow over time to meet payment needs.
• The annual Government of India budget allocated funds for pensions without a clear strategy for sustaining future payments.
• The 'pay-as-you-go' approach raised inter-generational equity concerns, burdening the present generation with the escalating load of pension responsibilities.
• Recently, the RBI expressed alarm over some states, including Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, reverting to the OPS, citing it as a significant fiscal challenge.
• The RBI warned that by deferring current expenses to the future, states risk accumulating unfunded pension liabilities in the years to come.

What is the New Pension Scheme (NPS)?

• Introduced by the Central government in 2004 as an alternative to OPS, NPS is accessible to employees across public, private, and unorganized sectors, excluding those in the armed forces.
• This pension initiative encourages individuals to invest in a pension account regularly during their employment.
• Upon retirement, subscribers can withdraw a specific percentage of the accumulated corpus.
• The remaining amount is disbursed as a monthly pension post-retirement.
• Regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

How does NPS differ from OPS?

• Old Pension Scheme (OPS) ensures a fixed and guaranteed pension amount.
• In contrast, the National Pension Scheme (NPS) is an investment-cum-pension scheme, exposing returns to market volatility.
• NPS contributions are defined, but benefits are contingent on market performance.

Why is it in the News?

The NAMO Drone Didi Scheme provides new work opportunities to women and makes them the backbone of the rural economy.

What is the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme?

• The Prime Minister has recently approved the Central Sector Scheme (NAMO Drone Didi Scheme) for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crore.
• The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes.
• The scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bring new technologies through drone services in the agriculture sector.

The highlights of this scheme are as follows:

• Departments involved: The scheme converges the resources and efforts of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW); Department of Rural Development (DoRD); Department of Fertilizers (DoF); Women SHGs and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).
• Identification of SHGs: The women SHGs would be identified from the total 89 lakh SHGs formed under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana.
• Financial Assistance:
• Central Financial Assistance covering 80% of drone costs up to a maximum of Rs. 8 Lakh will be provided.
• The remaining amount can be raised through the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with a provision of interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan.
• Training:
• One of the members of SHGs will be trained in drone piloting skills and agriculture purposes of nutrient and pesticide application.
• Another member will be trained as a drone technician.
• This will allow them to not just operate the drone but also repair and maintain it.
• Nano Fertilizers: The scheme also promotes the use of Nano Fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP through drone services.
• Opportunities for Start-ups: The scheme not only empowers women but also opens avenues for dynamic start-ups in the field of drone aeronautics, tapping into significant untapped potential in this emerging sector.

Significance of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme:

• Empowering Rural Women: Fosters technological empowerment of rural women, positioning them as the backbone of the rural economy.
• Places drone technology in the hands of women pilots from Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Modernizing Agricultural Practices: Addresses the imperative to modernize agricultural practices.
• Aims to elevate agricultural productivity through cutting-edge technology, contributing to a new agricultural revolution.
• Job Opportunities in Drone Aeronautics: Creates opportunities in the emerging field of drone aeronautics with substantial untapped potential.
• Opens avenues for rural women as pilots, mechanics, and spare-part dealers.
• Efficient Fertigation System Development: Facilitates the development of an efficient fertigation system.
• Introduces innovative liquid fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP with foliar application.
• Time-Efficient Spraying System: Automation of the spraying system through agri-drones ensures a time-saving and efficient application system.
• Equitable Agrarian Family Culture: Contributes to making the agrarian family culture more equitable and robust.

Why is it in the News?

The Supreme Court recently held that the declaration of State emergency under Article 356 and the subsequent actions of the President should have a “reasonable nexus”.

What is Article 356 of the Indian Constitution?

Article 356 of the Constitution of India is based on Section 93 of the Government of India Act, 1935. According to Article 356, the President's Rule can be imposed on any state of India on the grounds of the failure of the constitutional machinery.

There are two types:

• If the President receives a report from the state's Governor or otherwise is convinced or satisfied that the state's situation is such that the state government cannot carry on the governance according to the provisions of the Constitution.
• Article 365: As per this Article, President's Rule can be imposed if any state fails to comply with all directions given by the Union on matters it is empowered to.

In simple words, President's Rule is when the state government is suspended and the central government directly administers the state through the office of the governor (centrally appointed. It is also called State Emergency or Constitutional Emergency.

President's Rule:

• Parliamentary approval is necessary for the imposition of the President's Rule on any state.
• The proclamation of President's Rule should be approved in both Houses of Parliament within two months of its issue.
• The approval is through a simple majority.
• The President's Rule is initially for a period of six months.
• Later, it can be extended for a period of three years with parliamentary approval, every six months.
• The 44th Amendment to the Constitution (1978) brought in some constraints on the imposition of the President's Rule beyond a period of one year. It says that the President's Rule cannot be extended beyond one year unless:
• There is a national emergency in India.
• The Election Commission of India certifies that it is necessary to continue the President's Rule in the state because of difficulties in conducting assembly elections in the state.

What happens after the President's Rule is imposed?

• The governor carries on with the administration of the state on behalf of the President. He or she takes the help of the state's Chief Secretary and other advisors/administrators whom he or she can appoint.
• The President has the power to declare that the state legislature's powers will be exercised by the Parliament.
• The state legislative assembly would be either suspended or dissolved by the President.
• When the Parliament is not in session, the President can promulgate ordinances with respect to the state's administration.

When is the President's Rule imposed?

• President's Rule is typically imposed when any of the following circumstances occur:
• The state legislature is unable to elect a leader as the Chief Minister within the time prescribed by the state's governor.
• Breakdown of a coalition in the state government, resulting in the Chief Minister having minority support in the legislature, and the CM is unable to prove a majority within the time prescribed by the governor.
• A vote of no confidence in the legislative assembly leads to a loss of majority.
• Postponement of elections due to unavoidable reasons such as a natural disaster, epidemic, or war.

Revocation of President's Rule:

• President's Rule can be revoked anytime after such a proclamation has been made by a subsequent proclamation by the President.
• A proclamation of revocation does not require approval by the Parliament.
• This occurs when the leader of a political party produces letters indicating majority support for him in the assembly and stakes his claim to form the state government.

Why is it in the News?

Web browsers are our digital passports to the vast universe of the internet. Their simplicity is deceptive: beneath their user-friendly interfaces lies a world of intricate processes that transform clicks into the web pages we interact with every day.

What are web browsers?

• Fundamentally, the browser is an application that people use to send and receive messages via the internet.
• In other words, the browser is a program that runs on our device, with its purpose being to fetch information in different formats from the internet and show it on the device.
• It also does the reverse, receiving your input (say, a click), translating it to code, and transmitting it to some other machine across the internet.
• In the year 1990, the English computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee introduced the concept of the World Wide Web also named ‘WorldWideWeb’.

What Constitutes a Web Browser?

Web browsers today comprise numerous essential components, each representing a sophisticated technology. Additionally, they depend on various supporting technologies and adhere to established standards governing the functioning of the Internet.

• Request and Response: When we enter a website's URL, the browser sends a request to a server, asking for the specific web page.
• The server processes the request and sends back a response containing the information needed to construct the page.
• This response, akin to a digital blueprint, travels back to our browser.
• Deconstructing the Response: The server's response comprises various files encoded in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• HTML outlines the webpage structure, CSS adds style and aesthetics, while JavaScript brings interactivity, making the page dynamic and engaging.
• Rendering: The browser deciphers HTML, applies CSS for styling, and executes JavaScript for interactivity, rapidly assembling the final webpage.
• Rendering engines are crucial technology enabling quick and cohesive visual presentation.
• Managing Data: Browsers use cookies for retaining site preferences and cache for storing frequently accessed files.
• Cookies act like post-it notes, preserving login status and preferences, while the cache accelerates page loading by retrieving stored files instead of downloading them again.
• Security: Browsers prioritize security by employing encryption protocols like HTTPS for data exchange.
• They create secure 'tunnels' to shield information during transmission. Warning systems alert users about potential threats, enhancing overall online safety.

As technology advances, web browsers are on a trajectory of continuous evolution. They are integrating state-of-the-art technologies such as WebAssembly, facilitating near-native performance within the browser. The future holds promises of support for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, offering immersive online interactions. Privacy features are also being fortified, empowering users with enhanced control over their digital presence.

Why is it in the News?

After four days of deadlock, a new draft agreement text emerged at the COP28 climate meeting that severely watered down earlier provisions on fossil fuel elimination but singled out coal for a rapid phase-down, which could be problematic for India.

Context:

• The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is underway in the United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, 2023.
• During the climate meeting on December 10, negotiators took an initial step toward enhancing action on adapting to climate change.
• A draft text outlining potential "global goals" on adaptation was introduced for the first time, serving as a starting point for further negotiations.
• Negotiators are actively discussing various topics, including the contentious issue of fossil fuel phase-out, in informal sessions to find common ground.
• The draft document is titled 'Global Goal on Adaptation' (GGA) and aims to establish a shared global objective for adaptation, similar to the global goal of limiting temperature rise below the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold for mitigation.
• This initiative addresses a longstanding demand from developing countries, emphasizing the need for increased focus and resource mobilisation for adaptation efforts.
• Notably, the draft removes the term 'phasing out' of fossil fuels but includes stronger language against coal, urging a "rapid phase-down of unabated coal," a point that may face objections from major consumers like India, Indonesia, and China, all developing countries heavily reliant on coal power.

Responses to the Draft Text 'Global Goal on Adaptation':

• The European Union (EU) and certain small island states promptly dismissed the draft agreement text.
• The EU climate commissioner criticized the overall insufficiency of the text, deeming it inadequate in addressing the climate change challenge.
• Primary dissatisfaction arose from the weakening of a provision related to the use of fossil fuels.
• The draft initially urged countries to "reduce both consumption and production of fossil fuels, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner."
• Notably, fossil fuels, responsible for nearly 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, have never been explicitly mentioned in prior COP decisions.
• While previous decisions emphasized the need to cut emissions, they avoided specifying actions for emission reduction.
• COP28 marked the first formal discussion of a fossil fuel phase-out but attempts to incorporate a robust provision faced resistance from oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia.
• India, while not offering an immediate reaction to the draft agreement, has consistently asserted that singling out coal for accelerated reduction is discriminatory.

Why is it in the News?

YUVAi Student Finalists to showcase their AI-enabled social impact projects at the GPAI summit.

About Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI (YUVAi) Initiative:

• YUVAi is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of AI, to equip school students from classes 8th to 12th across the nation with AI skills, and to empower them to become human-centric designers and users of AI.
• In addition, the program offers an applied learning experience for students to understand and identify how AI technology can tackle critical problems and lead to the inclusive development of the nation. 
• It is a collaborative initiative of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India and  Intel India.
• The objectives of YUVAi are to :
• Foster a deeper understanding of AI-tech and social skills
• Enable youth to develop AI-enabled solutions as a sign of achievement
• Empower youth to become human-centric designers and users of AI
• The program will be conducted in three phases.
• In the initial phase, teachers will be selected to identify students from their respective schools and share their details with the organizing team.
• Next, online orientation sessions will be conducted for registered students around core AI concepts by experts to facilitate understanding of the ideation process.
• Finally, students will be encouraged to submit ideas (individually or in teams of 2) through a 120-second video explaining a proposed AI-enabled solution for any one of the eight core themes- agriculture, healthcare, education, environment and clean energy, transportation, rural development, smart cities and law and justice. 
• Shortlisted students will attend online deep dive AI training in the second phase.
• A 3-day face-to-face boot camp will be organized to provide adequate mentorship and guidance by YUVAi coaches.
• After the mentorship camps, students will use this newly gained knowledge to develop AI-enabled innovations/projects on any of the eight core themes and submit final entries.
• Finally, the most innovative AI-based solutions will be announced and invited to a national showcase and felicitation ceremony.
• Rewards: Upon a successful idea submission, students will be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation.

Why is it in the News?

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science’s (IISc.) molecular biophysics unit in a study have identified that peptides (short protein) produced from Budgett’s frog can combat enzymes of disease-causing pathogens.

Key Research Findings:

• The research focused on peptides, or short proteins, derived from amphibian skin, a subject of prolonged study due to their capacity to counter adverse environmental conditions, including harmful pathogens.
• A peptide secreted by frogs demonstrated inhibitory effects on two crucial enzymes, namely subtilisin Carlsberg and proteinase K, which are produced by pathogens.
• These enzymes play a crucial role in fostering infections by breaking down specific protective proteins within the infected individual.
• The studied peptide exhibited its inhibitory action through a slow-tight binding pathway, proving to be as effective as SSI, a well-established subtilisin inhibitor.
• The researchers illustrated the formation of a Michaelis complex—an intact, noncovalent complex with the inhibitor—during the process.

About Budgett’s frog:

• Budgett’s frogs exhibit high intelligence and a notably assertive nature.
• When alarmed, they employ a defensive strategy by inflating themselves, standing on short legs, and, if necessary, lunging at potential threats with an open, imposing mouth accompanied by a distinctive shriek.
• During the dry season, these frogs take refuge in burrows they construct at the bottoms of water pools.
• Within these burrows, they shed multiple layers of skin to create a waterproof cocoon, ensuring their moisture retention.
• Equipped with exceptional night vision and a keen sensitivity to movement, Budgett’s frogs showcase effective hunting skills.
• Habitat/Range: Found in proximity to permanent or seasonal bodies of water, Budgett’s frogs inhabit regions across Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.
• Conservation Status:
• IUCN Red List: Classified as Least Concern.

Why is it in the News?

Recently a Royal Bengal Tiger was spotted in Pangalokha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim at an altitude of 3,640 metres.

Context

•  Royal Bengal Tiger has been sighted in the Pangalokha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim roaming at an altitude of 3,640 meters.
• The Royal Bengal Tiger was captured by trap cameras of a team of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) which is conducting a study in the sanctuary in collaboration with the Sikkim Forest Department.
• It was under a larger project called "Conservation and Use of Five Wetlands in three Himalayan States to Secure Habitats of Birds Migrating within the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)."
• This project was sanctioned under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), and aims to protect and conserve wetland sites in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.

About Pangalokha Wildlife Sanctuary:

• The Pangalokha Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the tri-junction of Sikkim, Bengal and Bhutan and is spread over 128 square kilometres.
• The sanctuary is strategically located in the East Sikkim district, connecting the forests of Bhutan and the Neora Valley National Park in West Bengal.
• It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim.
• Vegetation: The Sanctuary has typical alpine-temperate-subtropical vegetation with high-altitude lakes around Jelep La.
• Flora: Rhododendron, Silver Fir, Juniper forest and associated ground flora, moss-filled oak forests with dense bamboo thickets etc.
• Fauna: It is home to various species, including red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan goral, and Himalayan black bears.

Why is it in the News?

Recently European Union policymakers agreed on a provisional deal on landmark rules governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

On December 8, EU member states and lawmakers reached a consensus on the formulation of "historic" rules governing artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT, concluding prolonged negotiations.

However, these rules are slated to come into effect no earlier than 2025, allowing room for technological advancements in the interim.

Key Highlights:

• The inception of the Artificial Intelligence Act dates back to 2021, aiming to instil transparency, trust, and accountability in AI practices.
• Its overarching goal is to establish a framework to address risks to safety, health, fundamental rights, and democratic values within the EU.
• Featuring a two-tier approach, the Act imposes transparency requirements on all general-purpose AI models, with more stringent measures for the more powerful ones.
• The Act proposes the creation of an EU-wide database cataloguing high-risk AI systems, with provisions for the inclusion of future technologies meeting high-risk criteria.
• The legislation seeks a delicate balance between fostering AI adoption and preventing or mitigating harms associated with specific applications of the technology.

Global Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence Governance:

• The dynamic evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development has prompted diverse global perspectives on the regulation of these technologies.
• In May 2023, members of the European Parliament reached a preliminary agreement on a revised draft of the European Union's ambitious Artificial Intelligence Act.
• This Act envisions the creation of an EU-wide database for high-risk AI systems and outlines criteria for the inclusion of future technologies that meet these high-risk parameters.
• In contrast, the United States currently lacks comprehensive AI regulations and has adopted a relatively hands-off approach.
• On the opposite end of the spectrum, China has, in the past year, introduced some of the world's initial nationally binding regulations specifically targeting certain types of algorithms and AI.
• It has implemented a law to govern recommendation algorithms, with a particular focus on how these algorithms disseminate information.

India’s Position on Artificial Intelligence:

• Initially, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology stated that the government was not contemplating any legislation to oversee the development of AI in India.
• However, in the lead-up to the G20 summit in September 2023, the Indian government hinted at the potential regulation of AI.
• Officials indicated that the forthcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022 would extend to AI developers engaged in creating and facilitating AI technologies.
• Given the substantial data collection and utilization by AI developers to train their algorithms and enhance AI solutions, they may be classified as data fiduciaries and held accountable for the responsible use of personal data.
• Prime Minister Modi recently expressed India's aspiration to "take a giant leap in AI to empower its citizens and actively contribute to its evolution."
• India is gearing up to host the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023 in New Delhi from December 12-14.
• As a co-founder of GPAI, India, along with 28 member countries and the EU, is committed to guiding the responsible development and utilization of AI.

Why is it in the News?

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed an exemption for green hydrogen developers from adhering to its list of authorised manufacturers to enable them to import solar PV modules and wind turbine models from China.

What Does The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Propose?

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is exploring the option of granting an exemption to green hydrogen developers from its list of authorized manufacturers.
• This proposed exemption would enable these developers to import solar PV modules and wind turbine models from China, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of green hydrogen exports.
• It's noteworthy that Chinese manufacturers are presently absent from MNRE's Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) and Revised List of Models and Manufacturers (RLLM).

The MNRE’s Proposal Background:

• After the 2020 Galwan Valley skirmishes, the Indian government issued directives to restrict the involvement of Chinese vendors in public procurement.
• Recently, the Indian procurement portal GeM announced the removal of hundreds of Chinese vendors over the past three years.
• At a time when energy companies are intensifying efforts to mass-produce green hydrogen, essential for which are renewable energy equipment and electrolysers, the government has sidelined Chinese manufacturers.
• This aligns with the MNRE's policy to enhance domestic manufacturing of renewable energy equipment.
• While central PSUs may face restrictions on importing electrolysis machinery from China, others continue to do so.
• In FY23, India witnessed a 40% increase, in importing machines and apparatus for electroplating, electrolysis, and electrophoresis, worth $45.61 million, compared to the preceding fiscal year.

What is the Significance of the MNRE’s Proposal?

• ??The proposal to import solar PV modules from China carries significance in bolstering the supply chain and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian green hydrogen exports.
• Central PSUs such as Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and NTPC Ltd, both actively involved in green hydrogen projects, would benefit by sourcing equipment from Chinese manufacturers.
• This move is poised to strengthen India's position in the global green hydrogen market, aligning with the objectives outlined in the National Green Hydrogen Mission and facilitating the achievement of set targets.

Why is it in the News?

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has recently issued a drug safety alert for doctors and patients about the use of the commonly used painkiller mefenamic acid, popularly sold under the brand name Meftal.

Context:

• The Pharma standard body, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) in its preliminary analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) from the PvPI database revealed that Meftal can lead to Drug Reactions with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome.
• According to doctors, this syndrome causes a diverse array of clinical symptoms, anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks after initiating the offending drug.

What is DRESS syndrome?

• DRESS syndrome (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) is an adverse reaction term that is currently used to describe a hypersensitivity reaction.
• Experts classify DRESS syndrome as a type 4 hypersensitivity reaction.
• It is a serious drug reaction affecting the skin and other organs, with a mortality rate of up to 10%.
• It manifests when the immune system excessively responds to specific medications, leading to a type 4 hypersensitivity reaction.
• This reaction can manifest with various symptoms across the body, including fever, abnormalities in blood, and inflammation of organs.

What are the symptoms of DRESS syndrome?

• Patients diagnosed with DRESS syndrome typically present with a rash, fever, and eosinophilia but can have a variety of symptoms including liver, lung, or kidney involvement.
• “DRESS syndrome should be suspected if a diffuse rash erupts and is accompanied by fever, facial edema, and enlarged lymph two to six weeks after starting a new high-risk medication.

How to treat DRESS Syndrome?

• The most important step to treat DRESS Syndrome is to stop the medication involved in the reaction, and sometimes, no further treatment is needed.
• Topical steroids can be given to treat the rash and in certain cases, further treatment is needed to protect the organs from damage, such as with steroids, which can be given either intravenously or orally.
• “Treatment with steroids can be needed for weeks or even months, and lab work is monitored carefully during this time.
• The average time to recovery is six to nine weeks.

Why is it in the News?

The Odisha Government invoked the Orissa Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA) prohibiting strikes by paramedical staff, including nurses, pharmacists, technicians, Class III and IV employees, to ensure that medical services are not disrupted.

About Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA):

The Indian Parliament enacted ESMA in 1968 to ensure the continuous provision of critical services crucial to people's daily lives. This legislation prohibits employees in essential services from striking, regardless of bandhs or curfews.

• Designated Essential Services: Public conservation, sanitation, water supply, hospitals, national defense, petroleum, coal, electricity, steel, fertilizer production, and banking-related services fall under the ambit of essential services.
• Communication, transportation, and government initiatives for food grain acquisition and distribution are also covered.
• State-Specific Application: State governments, individually or collaboratively, can enforce ESMA within their territories, each having its own version with slightly varied provisions.
• This allows states to address disruptions that impact specific regions.
• Central Government Activation: In the case of a nationwide disruption, especially in sectors like railways, the central government may invoke ESMA.
• Consequences for Striking Employees: Employees engaging in illegal strikes under ESMA can face disciplinary action, including dismissal. Legal consequences may involve arrests without a warrant, with imprisonment for up to one year, fines, or both for those participating or instigating the strike.

Why is it in the News?

Amid Israel’s ongoing military attacks on the Gaza Strip, particularly in its southern region, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter in a bid to establish a ceasefire.

Context:

• The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has decided to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter as the death toll in Israeli bombardments on Gaza crosses 16,000.
• He also urged the UN Security Council to act on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• The development comes as Israel increased the intensity of its operations, especially in the areas of southern Gaza with Israel's defence leadership claiming that “half of Hamas’ battalion commanders" are killed.

What is Article 99 of the UN Charter?

• The Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.”
• It is seen as a discretionary power.
• The responsibility it confers upon the Secretary-General will require the exercise of the highest qualities of political judgment, tact and integrity” according to a 1945 report of the Preparatory Commission of the United Nations.
• According to the UN, the President of the Security Council is under the obligation to call a meeting of the Council if the Secretary-General brings to the attention of the Council any matter under Article 99.

When has Article 99 Been Activated in the Past?

• 1960: Following the Congo Crisis, Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld invoked Article 99 to address the aftermath of Belgium's withdrawal and the ensuing internal conflict.
• 1971: Amid the Bangladesh Liberation War, Secretary-General U Thant activated Article 99 to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis, urging international intervention.
• 1979: In response to the Iranian Revolution and hostage crisis, Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim triggered Article 99 to underscore the seriousness of the situation and the necessity for a peaceful resolution.
• 1989: Confronted with the ongoing Lebanese Civil War and hostage abductions, Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar invoked Article 99 to emphasize the requirement for international support and engagement.

Why is it in the News?

Garba, the folk art of Gujarat, receives the intangible cultural heritage of humanity (ICH) tag from Unesco.

Context:

• 'Garba of Gujarat' has been inscribed in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity by UNESCO.
• The decision was taken at the 18th session of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in the Republic of Botswana.
• Garba of Gujarat is the 15th ICH element from India to join this list.
• This inscription underscores Garba’s pivotal role as a unifying force that fosters social and gender inclusivity.

About Garba Dance:

• Garba is a ritualistic and devotional dance deeply rooted in the traditions of Gujarat, India.
• This vibrant dance is a central part of the nine-day Navratri festival, dedicated to the worship of feminine energy or Shakti.
• The cultural richness of Garba vividly expresses the divine feminine through its performances and visuals.
• Taking place in various settings, from homes and temple courtyards to public spaces, streets, and open grounds, Garba transforms into a widespread, inclusive community celebration.
• Beyond its religious significance, Garba serves as a social equalizer, breaking down barriers related to socio-economic status, gender, and sect divisions.
• This inclusive dance form fosters community unity, bringing together diverse and marginalized groups and reinforcing social bonds.
• Notably, Garba holds the distinction of being the 15th cultural element from India to be recognized by UNESCO.

What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?

• Cultural heritage extends beyond physical structures and object collections.
• It encompasses traditions and living expressions transmitted from our forebears to descendants.
• This includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, and the knowledge associated with nature, the universe, as well as the skills involved in traditional craftsmanship.

Why is it in the News?

Scientists have brought the Propulsion Module (PM) of the Chandrayaan-3 mission , which initially brought the Vikram lander to within 100 km of the Moon's surface before detaching and executing a historic controlled descent on August 23, back into Earth orbit.

What is a Propulsion Module in Chandrayaan-3?

• The Propulsion Module is a rectangular component of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, equipped with solar panels for power.
• Its primary purpose was to transport the Lander module to the lunar polar circular orbit and facilitate its separation.
• Following separation, the SHAPE payload within the Propulsion Module was activated.
• Initially intended for a three-month operation during the mission, the ISRO announced on December 4th that the Chandrayaan-3's Propulsion Module had been manoeuvred out of lunar orbit.
• Placed high above Earth for an additional mission, the module is currently sustained by residual fuel.
• This bonus mission will showcase technologies crucial for future lunar sample retrieval, according to ISRO.
• As of now, the ISRO has not disclosed its plans for the spacecraft once it depletes its fuel.

Importance of Propulsion Module's Return to Earth's Orbit:

• ISRO highlighted the key achievements resulting from the return manoeuvres conducted on the Propulsion Module (PM) in connection to upcoming missions:
• Planning and executing the trajectory and manoeuvres for the return journey from the Moon to Earth.
• Developing a software module for planning such manoeuvres, along with its initial validation.
• Planning and executing a gravity-assisted flyby around a planet or celestial body.
• Preventing uncontrolled crashing of the PM onto the Moon's surface at the end of its life, aligning with the requirement of avoiding debris creation.

What is Chandrayaan-3 Mission?

Why is it in the News?

Recently a dead 18-foot megamouth shark that washed up on the beach in the Philippines was pregnant, confirming for the first time that these mysterious creatures give birth to live young.

About Megamouth Shark:

• Researchers have found Megamouth sharks to be particularly elusive.
• Since their discovery in 1976, there have been fewer than 300 sightings of these deep-sea sharks.
• Uncovering fewer than 150 specimens, scientists have identified them as the smallest of three species of filtering sharks.
• Their scientific name is Megachasma pelagios.
• Similar to their relatives, the basking sharks, Megamouth sharks feed on krill suspended in seawater, utilizing their oversized mouths to sieve their food.
• Although most sightings have occurred near the Philippines and Taiwan, these sharks have been observed around the world.
• These sharks are found in deep, warm oceanic water and inhabit the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.
• Characterized by their substantial size, Megamouth Sharks can reach weights of up to 2700 pounds (1215 kg) and lengths ranging from 425 to 515 cm. Females are generally larger than males.
• Easily recognizable by their large, soft head and anteriorly positioned mouth, their colouration varies from grey to bluish-black above and pale grey below.
• They possess small, hooked teeth along both top and bottom jaws.
• As filter feeders, they swim with their mouths continuously wide open, filtering their preferred planktonic prey.
• The inside of their mouths is equipped with light-producing organs that may attract pelagic crustaceans and other potential prey.
• On the conservation front, the Megamouth Shark is listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List.

Why is it in the News?

The European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter has captured the most detailed image of the Sun's full disc and outer atmosphere, the corona, to date.

What is the Solar Orbiter?

• Solar Orbiter is a Sun-observing satellite, equipped with 10 state-of-the-art science instruments, that aims to provide unprecedented insights into the workings of the Sun.
• It intends to conduct an in-depth study of both the Sun and the inner heliosphere, exploring the uncharted regions closest to our Solar System.
• A collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, it represents the most intricate scientific laboratory ever dispatched to study the Sun.
• Distinguished by its capability to capture images of the Sun from a closer vantage point than any preceding spacecraft, it also marks the first exploration of the Sun's previously uncharted polar regions.
• Launched on February 10, 2020, the mission unveiled its initial images in June of the same year.
• Following gravitational assist manoeuvres at Earth and Venus, it commenced full science operations in December 2021.
• Solar Orbiter actively orbits the Sun in an elliptical trajectory, with its closest point, the perihelion, located approximately 25 million miles (40 million kilometres) from the Sun—closer than the orbit of Mercury.
• In terms of instrumentation, it actively carries six remote-sensing instruments for observing the Sun and the solar corona, along with four in-situ instruments for measuring the solar wind, energetic particles, and electromagnetic fields.
• The mission actively aims to continue its scientific operations until at least 2027.

Why is it in the News?

The Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj recently informed Lok Sabha about the Panchayat Development Index.

About the Panchayat Development Index:

• The Panchayat Development Index serves as a comprehensive and versatile metric designed to actively evaluate the holistic advancement, efficacy, and ongoing progress of panchayats.
• This index actively considers a spectrum of socio-economic indicators and parameters, offering an actively nuanced understanding of the well-being and developmental status of local communities within the panchayat's jurisdiction.
• Objectives: The primary objective is to actively play a pivotal role in assessing performance and progress towards actively achieving Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level.
• An active component of this initiative is the Local Indicators Framework, which encompasses nine key themes for actively localising Sustainable Development Goals.
• These themes actively encompass creating poverty-free and thriving livelihoods, ensuring health and actively child-friendly environments, actively promoting water sufficiency, actively fostering clean and green spaces, actively developing self-sufficient infrastructure, actively establishing socially just and secure communities, actively promoting good governance, and actively creating women-friendly villages.

How Ranking Works?

• Ranks within the index are actively assigned based on scores, actively categorising panchayats into four grades.
• Those actively scoring below 40 percent are actively classified as Grade D,
• 40-60 percent as Grade C,
• 60-75 percent as Grade B
• 75-90 percent as Category A
• and those actively surpassing 90 percent are actively designated as A+.
• Significance of this Index: The significance of this index lies in its ability to actively offer valuable insights into areas requiring attention and improvement within rural areas under panchayat jurisdiction.
• It actively aids in identifying disparities, gauging the achievement of development goals, and actively crafting targeted policies and interventions to elevate the overall well-being and quality of life in rural communities.

Why is it in the News?

The study by ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, Bareilly has found the exact status of EEHV and its subtypes circulating among the Asian elephant population in India.

What is Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV)?

• Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is responsible for one of the most devastating viral infectious diseases in elephants worldwide, especially young Asian elephants.
• EEHV is a double-stranded DNA virus that is classified in the family Herpesviridae.
• The mortality rate is very high (70-85%) and death occurs within a short period (2-4 days).
• In India, the incidence of EEHV-HD was first reported in 1997.
• 9 of 15 potential cases were confirmed from Southern India in wild free-ranging calves in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu forest reserves, and Madras Zoo.
• Transmission of the disease: EEHV is mostly spread through mucosal secretions which include:
• Saliva, Breast milk, Nasal secretions, Trunk to trunk contacts etc
• The disease can only affect elephants and is not infectious to humans or other animals.
• Symptoms: Some elephants show symptoms such as reduced appetite, nasal discharge and swollen glands.
• Treatment: Treatment involves a combination of strategies such as antiviral therapy, aggressive fluid therapy to counter haemorrhaging, immuno-stimulant drugs like selenium and Vitamins C and E, as well as antipyretics and analgesics to manage fever.
• It's important to note that there is no definitive cure for herpesviruses in animals or humans since these viruses typically enter a latent state.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, scientists at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) have detected seismogenic liquefaction characteristics within the dynamically active Kopili Fault (KF) zone.

About Kopili Fault Zone:

• The Kopili Fault extends from the western part of Manipur up to the tri-junction of Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• It covers a distance of about 400 km and is closer to the Himalayan Frontal Thrust.
• The Kopili fault bisects the Meghalaya Plateau and isolates the Mishmi block from the main part of the plateau.
• The Kopili fault is almost passing through the Kopili River.
• The river Kopili rises in the North Cachar Hills District in Borail Range at an altitude of 1525 meters.
• From a field study, it is observed that the Kopili Fault region is moving in the northeast direction at an average velocity of 28.397N mm/yr and 40.227E mm/yr.
• This region is characterized by heightened seismic activity, classified within the most critical Seismic Hazard Zone V.
• The geological dynamics are attributed to collisional tectonics, where the Indian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate.
• The fault itself is a transpressional fracture, producing dextral strike-slip earthquakes in the lower crust.
• The Kopili fault zone, a tectonic depression filled by the alluvium of the Kopili River and its tributaries, has experienced numerous seismic events, notable among them being the 1869 earthquake (magnitude 7.8) and the 1943 earthquake (magnitude 7.3).

Why is it in the News?

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday unveiled a statue of late anti-caste activist Iyothee Thass Pandithar installed at the Gandhi Mandapam campus at Guindy in Chennai.

About Iyothee Thass Pandithar:

• Iyothee Thass Pandithar was an important anti-caste activist and practiced Siddha medicine.
• He was born on 20 May 1845 in Madras presidency.
• In the 1870s, Thass brought together the Todas and other tribes of the Nilgiri Hills for the freedom movement.
• In 1876, he started the Advaidananda Sabha and, with Rev. John Rathina, launched a magazine called Dravida Pandian.
• In 1891, he founded the "Dravida Mahajana Sabha'' with Rettamalai Srinivasan.
• Also, he established the Sakya Buddhist Society in Madras, which had branches all over South India.
• This society, also known as the Indian Buddhist Association, was formed in 1898.
• To organize and oversee the society's activities, he began a weekly magazine, Tamizhan, in 1907.

Why is it in the News?

The Navy has appointed the first woman commanding officer in a naval ship in line with the Navy’s philosophy of “all roles-all ranks” to deploying women in the service, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Friday.

About INS Trinkat:

• INS Trinkat is a patrol vessel crafted by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata, West Bengal, and serves the Indian Navy.
• The role of the INS Trinkat is for anti-poaching operations, counter-insurgency operations, and Search and Rescue Operations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands, and India's Exclusive Economic Zone.
• It is capable of detecting and destroying fast-moving surface craft.
• It can also carry out policing anti-smuggling and fisheries protection operations.
• These patrol vessels are aptly named after Trinkat Island, one of the 24 islands constituting the Nicobar Islands chain situated in the northeast Indian Ocean, between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

About Group Captain Shaliza Dhami:

• Group Captain Shaliza Dhami, is an esteemed officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• She holds the distinction of being the first woman officer in the IAF to secure a permanent commission and the pioneer woman to attain the role of a Flight Commander.
• Adding to her achievements, she became the first woman IAF officer selected for a front-line combat unit.
• Shaliza Dhami is an officer who is a qualified navigation instructor and has been involved in training observers inducted into the Navy.
• She is also learned to be the first woman officer who served as an observer in the Navy’s Tupolev Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft.
• It's noteworthy that she is poised to make history once again by assuming command of a ship, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Why is it in the News?

Recently astronomers have discovered an uncommon star system located just 100 light-years away from us, with six planets huddled immensely close to their host star.

What about sub-Neptunes?

• Sub-Neptunes are generally any planet that has a smaller radius than Neptune, although some could still be more massive.
• There are no sub-Neptunes in our solar system even though they are now known to be more common around other stars than Neptune-sized worlds.
• They might be rocky planets with thick atmospheres of hydrogen and helium gas, planets made of rock and ice bearing warm and water-rich atmospheres.
• These sub-Neptune planets were Initially detected in 2020 by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and are about two to three times as big as Earth.

What are the findings?

• The newly discovered sub-Neptunes range from 1.9 to 2.9 times Earth's diameter.
• All appear to possess a large atmosphere.
• They and their star are located around 100 light-years from Earth.
• A light year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).
• The system has six planets, all about the same size and they've barely changed since its formation up to 12 billion years ago.
• Their star, called HD110067, is visible in Earth's night sky in the northern constellation Coma Berenices.
• These undisturbed conditions make it ideal for learning how these worlds formed and whether they host life.

Why is it in the News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank of England (BoE) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning cooperation and exchange of information in relation to the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL).

About Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL):

• The Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL) was set up in April 2001 to provide guaranteed clearing and settlement functions for transactions in Money, G-Secs, Foreign Exchange, and Derivative markets.
• Objective: The prime objective has been to improve efficiency in the transaction settlement process, insulate the financial system from shocks emanating from operations-related issues, and undertake other related activities that would help to broaden and deepen the money, debt, and forex markets in the country.
• Promoters of CCIL: State Bank of India, IDBI Bank Ltd, ICICI Bank Ltd, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Bank of Baroda, and HDFC Bank Ltd.
• The company was incorporated with an authorised equity share capital of Rs. 50 crores.
• CCIL’s adherence to the stringent principles governing its operations as a Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI) has resulted in its recognition as a Qualified Central Counterparty (QCCP) by the Reserve Bank of India in 2014.
• CCIL is also the trade repository for all OTC transactions in the Forex, Interest Rate, and Credit derivative transactions.
• Through its fully owned subsidiary, Clearcorp Dealing Systems Limited (CDSL), CCIL has introduced various platforms for the electronic execution of deals in various market segments.
• Further, CDSL has developed, implemented, and manages the NDS-OM, the RBI-owned anonymous electronic trading system for dealing in G-Secs and also for reporting OTC deals, as well as the NDS-CALL platform, which facilitates electronic dealing in the Call, Notice & Term Money market.

Why is it in the News?

The Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC) has recently praised India’s Standards on Millets and accepted its proposal for the development of global standards for millets during its 46th session held in Rome, Italy.

About Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC):

• The Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC) is an international food safety and quality standard-setting body created by WHO and FAO of the United Nations with 188 member countries.
• It is the body responsible for all matters regarding the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.
• Membership of the Commission is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and WHO which are interested in international food standards.
• The Commission meets in regular session once a year alternating between Geneva and Rome.
• The programme of work of the Commission is funded through the regular budgets of WHO and FAO with all work subject to approval of the two governing bodies of the parent organizations.
• The Commission works in the six UN official languages.
• India has been a member of this commission since 1964.
• The 46th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was held from 27 November to 2 December (2023) in Rome, Italy.
• In the current session, India has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying 8 quality parameters, which received resounding applause at the international meet.
• India put forward a proposal for the development of global standards for millet, particularly for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, and Little millet as group standards as in the case of pulses.

Why is it in the News?

Indian Navy To Conduct One Of Its Largest Naval Exercises — MILAN — Next February; More Than Fifty Countries Expected To Participate

About Exercise Milan:

• Exercise Milan is a biennial multilateral naval exercise that began in 1995, and has since significantly expanded in scope and scale to become the largest exercise held by India.
• Initially involving only Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, it has evolved significantly in terms of participants and exercise complexity.
• Aligned with India's 'Look East Policy' initially, Milan expanded under the 'Act East Policy' and Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative, welcoming Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
• The mid-planning conference for Milan-24 occurred in October.
• The last edition of Milan, which is held off Visakhapatnam, saw participation from over 40 countries showcasing its substantial growth in scale and international engagement.
• The next edition of Exercise MILAN is scheduled to be held in February 2024 and is expected to see the participation of over 50 countries.
• It reflects the significant expansion of the Navy’s engagements as well as its capacity to assist countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as the first responder and Preferred Security Partner.

Why is it in the News?

The Indian Navy is gearing up to showcase its operational prowess in a significant ‘Operational Demonstration’ scheduled for December 4, 2023, at Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra.

About Sindhudurg Fort:

• Sindhudurg Fort is a historically significant stronghold situated on an islet in the Arabian Sea, just off the coast of Maharashtra in western India.
• Positioned on Kurte Island near Malvan town in Sindhudurg District within the Konkan region of Maharashtra, this formidable fortress was commissioned and constructed under the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire in 1664.
• The primary objective behind its construction was to counteract the escalating influence of foreign colonizers, including English, Dutch, French, and Portuguese merchants, and to curb the rise of the Siddis of Janjira.
• The Bakhar (a form of historical narrative written in Marathi prose) written by Chitragupta aptly mentions this fort as the most invaluable asset to Shivaji Maharaj.

Key Features:

• The fort spans 48 acres and boasts fortified walls that are 29 feet high and 12 feet thick, extending for a distance of two miles.
• Guarding these walls are 52 bastions equipped with embrasures for cannons.
• Access to the fort is through the Dilli Darwaja, the main gate, uniquely designed to blend seamlessly with the walls and visible only from close quarters.
• The fort is surrounded by several smaller forts, including Padmagad, Rajkot, and Sarjekot.
• An intriguing feature within the fort is a slab bearing the handprint and footprint of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Additionally, a small temple dedicated to the Maratha King is situated within the fort's bounds

Why is it in the News?

The Delhi High Court has criticized the forest department's proposal to hold a walkathon and cyclathon in a wildlife sanctuary, calling it a "haphazard exercise."

About Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary covers 32.71 sq. km on the Southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli hill range, bordering Delhi and Haryana.
• It's in Southern Delhi and parts of Faridabad and Gurugram districts in Haryana.
• It's a part of the Sariska-Delhi Wildlife Corridor, linking Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan to Delhi Ridge.
• The sanctuary gets its name from the contiguous Asola village near Tughlaqabad in the Delhi NCR.
• Vegetation: The vegetation is classified as Northern Tropical Thorn Forests, known for thorny appendages and special leaves.
• The climate has extreme summer heat and significant winter cold due to its inland position.
• Flora: The main exotic plant is Prosopis juliflora, and the primary native plant is Diospyros montana.
• Fauna: The sanctuary is home to various animals like Golden Jackals, striped hyenas, Indian Crested Porcupines, Civets, Jungle Cats, Snakes, Monitor Lizards, and Mongoose.
• This sanctuary plays a crucial role in connecting wildlife across different areas.

Why is it in the News?

On the World AIDS Day 2023, observed each year on December 1, the World Health Organisation emphasised recognising and remembering the contribution of communities in controlling HIV-AIDS.

About World AIDS Day 2023:

• World AIDS Day which is observed every year on December 1 is a global movement to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
• Since 1988, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised the day, communities have stood together on World AIDS Day to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost.
• It is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to date and raise awareness about the challenges that remain to achieve the goals of ending AIDS by 2030.
• The theme of World AIDS Day 2023 is– “Let Communities Lead"

What is HIV/AIDS?

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, compromising the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases.
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by severe immune system damage.
• Transmission: HIV spreads through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, and from an infected mother to her child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Treatment: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is the primary treatment for HIV/AIDS, managing the virus and supporting the immune system.
• Lifelong adherence is essential, ensuring viral suppression.
• Regular monitoring by healthcare providers is vital, and global challenges such as stigma and healthcare access persist in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Why is it in the News?

"In a first", through cutting-edge indigenous technology, the Indian Railways has successfully developed a system, preliminarily called as ‘Gajraj Suraksha (Elephant safety) system’ to prevent elephant–train collisions in the forest areas.

About Gajraj Suraksha:

• Gajraj Suraksha uses an AI-based algorithm and a network of sensitive optical fiber cables to detect elephants approaching railway tracks, aiming to address elephant fatalities resulting from train accidents.
• How this will work?
• The system functions by sensing pressure waves generated by elephant movements along the tracks.
• As elephants move, the optical fibers detect vibrations from their footsteps, triggering signals within the fiber network.
• This enables the system to identify elephants up to 200 meters ahead of their arrival on the track.
• The Optical Fibre Cable (OFC)-based Intrusion Detection System sends alarms to station masters upon detecting movement along the tracks.
• The network is designed to accurately track elephant movement, allowing prompt communication to nearby station masters.
• This ensures timely information to locomotive drivers, facilitating the slowing down or stopping of trains to prevent potential collisions with elephants.
• The Indian Railway plans to introduce this system in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Kerala, certain parts of Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu.

Why is it in the News?

Warli Whisperers, an exhibition by the Inherited Arts Forum, traces the artistic journey of the celebrated Mashe family from Maharashtra.

About the Warli Art:

• Origin: Warli art is a tribal form originating from the North Sahyadri region of Maharashtra, with roots dating back to the 10th century AD.
  • However, it gained recognition for its unique style in the early 1970s.
• Practitioners: Traditionally, Warli art was practiced by Suvasinis, the women of the Warli tribe, who adorned the Lagn Chowk or wedding square with their artistic expressions.
• Characteristics: Warli artists draw inspiration from nature, depicting scenes of farming, food gathering, village life, and elements from the natural world.
  • These paintings are mainly dominated by basic geometric shapes like circles, triangles and squares.
  • These geometric shapes stand as a symbol of natural elements in our environment.
    • For example, the circles represent the sun and moon, the triangles represent the mountains and the squares are considered as the central motifs of the painting.
• Techniques and Materials: The paintings showcase triangles, circles, and lines in stark white against a mud brown background, narrating stories of village life, customs, and traditions.
  • Modified bamboo sticks serve as paintbrushes, and the colours are derived from nature, such as brown and orange from henna, indigo from dye, red from bricks, and white from thick rice paste.
• Warli art serves as a vibrant portrayal of the everyday and social occurrences within the Warli tribe of Maharashtra, serving as a means to adorn the walls of village houses.
• Concerns: It was not recognised as an art form even though it was in practice for centuries.

Warli Tribe

• The Warli tribe, categorized as indigenous Adivasis, inhabit both the mountainous and coastal regions near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border.
• Their communication is conducted through an unwritten Varli language, classified within the southern zone of Indo-Aryan languages.

Why is it in the News?

The Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has recommended the appointment of Chief Justices to five High Courts.

What is the Collegium System?

• It is a system under which appointments and transfers of judges are done in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
  • It is not rooted in the Constitution, iInstead, it has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court.
• The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by the Chief Justice of India, consists of the court's four other most senior judges.
• Similarly, the High Court Collegium is chaired by its Chief Justice, along with the four other most senior judges of that specific high court.

Appointment of Judges: Constitutional Framework

• Constitutional Provision: Under Article 217, the President holds the authority to appoint judges of a high court.
  • The appointment of the Chief Justice involves consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the respective state's governor.
  • Similarly, consultation with the Chief Justice of the concerned high court is essential for appointing other judges.
  • In cases where a high court serves multiple states, the President consults with the governors of all relevant states.
• No Minimum Age Requirement: The Constitution does not specify a minimum age for the appointment of high court judges.
• Qualifications of Judges: To qualify for a high court judge, an individual must:
  • Be a citizen of India.
  • Have held a judicial office within India's territory for ten years; or
  • Have been an advocate of a high court (or successive high courts) for ten years.

Supreme Court Judgements:

• Second Judges Case (1993): The Supreme Court decreed that the appointment of a high court judge must align with the Chief Justice of India's opinion.
• Third Judges Case (1998): The Supreme Court emphasized that for the appointment of high court judges, the Chief Justice of India should consult a collegium comprising the two most senior judges of the Supreme Court.
  • The consultation process involves more than the Chief Justice of India's individual opinion.

Why is it in the News?

Amnesty International and Washington Post recently announced that it has found the presence of Pegasus spyware, sold only to governments, on two Indian journalists’ phones.

What is Pegasus Spyware, and How Does it Infiltrate Devices?

• Pegasus is a sophisticated form of malware, covertly designed to gather information without the user's knowledge.
• Developer: Developed by the Israeli security firm NSO Group.
• Objectives: Pegasus serves three primary purposes:
  • Collecting historical data on a device discreetly.
  • Continuously monitoring user activities and gathering personal information.
  • Transmitting the collected data to third parties.

Infiltration Mechanisms:

• Pegasus utilizes "zero-click exploits," exploiting vulnerabilities in popular apps like iMessage and WhatsApp.
  • Notably, zero-click exploits require no user interaction, differentiating them from typical cyberattacks.
• Network injection attacks are another method employed by Pegasus, where unsecured websites are used to infiltrate devices within milliseconds of the user's visit.

What is a Zero-click exploit?

• A zero-click exploit involves the installation of malicious software on a device without the device owner's consent.
  • Notably, it does not require any action from the device owner to initiate or complete the installation.

Specific Exploit in the Recent Case with Indian Journalists:

• The particular exploit reportedly used in the incidents is known as BLASTPAST (previously identified as BLASTPASS), unfolding in two phases.
• Initial Phase: The attack aims to establish a connection with Apple HomeKit, a platform enabling users to control various smart devices on their network.
  • The primary objective of this phase might be to assess how the device could be vulnerable to exploitation or to maintain visibility for potential future attacks.
• Second Phase: Malicious content is sent through the iMessage app to the target device.
  • This stage is pivotal as it delivers the complete spyware payload, enabling extensive surveillance and data collection.

Why is it in the News?

India’s Mines Ministry has proposed a new set of rules for the auction of offshore mineral blocks. It is also in the process of identifying such mineral blocks, including those in exclusive economic zones beyond territorial waters.

Context:

• To implement the amended Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act), the ministry has unveiled two draft rules:
  • Offshore Areas Mineral Auction Rules: These rules delineate provisions governing the auctioning of production leases.
  • Offshore Areas Existence of Mineral Resources Rules: These rules set forth norms for the exploration of minerals and deposits in offshore areas.

Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act):

• The OAMDR Act governs the development and regulation of mineral resources in India's territorial waters, continental shelf, exclusive economic zones, and other maritime zones.

About Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023:

• The Bill proposes amendments to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, governing mining activities in India's maritime zones.

Key highlights include:

• Empowering the government to reserve offshore areas without operating rights.
• Granting the administering authority the discretion to issue composite licenses or production leases to the government or a government company.
• Eliminating the provision for renewing production leases and setting a fixed fifty-year period, aligning with the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• Mandating the grant of production leases to the private sector through competitive bidding.
• Allowing non-competitive bidding for operating rights in mineral-bearing areas reserved by the central government for government entities or corporations.
• Restricting the grant of exploration licenses or production leases for atomic minerals to government or government corporations.
• Introducing a four-year timeline for the commencement of production and dispatch after executing a composite license or production lease, with a two-year timeline (extendable by one year) for re-commencement after discontinuation.
• Authorizing the central government to establish rules for mineral conservation, systematic development, and environmental protection in offshore areas, preventing or controlling pollution from exploration or production operations.

India's Maritime Zone Mineral Resources:

• India's maritime zone hosts diverse mineral resources, including lime mud off the Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Additionally, the region boasts construction-grade sand along the Kerala coast and heavy mineral placers in the inner-shelf and mid-shelf regions off Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
• Phosphorite is found in the Eastern and Western continental margins, while the Andaman Sea and Lakshadweep Sea house Polymetallic Ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) nodules and crusts.

Why is it in the News?

India's Financial Intelligence Unit has issued show cause notices to nine offshore crypto-currency operators, including Binance, for not complying with the anti-money laundering PML Act.

About the Financial Intelligence Unit India:

• Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND) was set by the Government of India in November 2004 as the central national agency responsible for receiving, processing, analyzing and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions.
• FIU-IND is also responsible for coordinating and strengthening efforts of national and international intelligence, investigation and enforcement agencies in pursuing the global efforts against money laundering and financing of terrorism.
• It is an independent body reporting directly to the Economic Intelligence Council (EIC) headed by the Finance Minister.

Key Functions of FIU-IND:

• Information Collection: Act as the central hub for receiving various reports, including Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs), Non-Profit Organisation Transaction Reports (NTRs), Cross Border Wire Transfer Reports (CBWTRs), Reports on the Purchase or Sale of Immovable Property (IPRs), and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) from diverse reporting entities.
• Information Analysis: Analyze the received information to unveil transaction patterns indicative of potential money laundering and associated criminal activities.
• Information Sharing: Collaborate by sharing intelligence with national intelligence/law enforcement agencies, national regulatory authorities, and foreign Financial Intelligence Units, fostering a collective effort against financial crimes.
• Central Repository: Establish and maintain a national database by consolidating reports received from reporting entities.
• Coordination: Strengthen the collection and sharing of financial intelligence through efficient national, regional, and global networks to combat money laundering and related crimes.
• Research and Analysis: Conduct ongoing monitoring and identification of strategic areas related to money laundering trends, typologies, and developments.

What are Virtual Digital Assets?

• As per the Income Tax Act, a 'virtual digital asset' is described as any information, code, number, or token (excluding Indian currency or foreign currency) generated through cryptographic means and blockchain technologies.
• These assets can be electronically transferred, stored, or traded.
• The definition explicitly covers non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or tokens of a similar nature, regardless of nomenclature.

Why is it in the News?

Scientists have discovered an ancient underwater mountain range hidden within the world's strongest ocean current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

Context:

• During a recent research expedition, scientists discovered a previously unknown mountain range deep beneath the Southern Ocean’s surface.
• Using state-of-the-art sonar technology, researchers were able to map out the underwater landscape with astonishing accuracy, revealing a vast range of peaks, ridges, and valleys.
  • This newfound mountain range spans hundreds of miles and is estimated to be millions of years old.
• Geological Significance: This discovery holds immense importance for our understanding of the Earth’s geological history.
  • The underwater mountain range provides key evidence of plate tectonics and the movement of Earth’s crust, as well as the formation of new landmasses.
  • By studying the composition and structure of these underwater formations, scientists will be able to gain insights into the geological processes that have shaped our planet over millions of years.
• Moreover, the discovery raises intriguing questions about the relationship between underwater mountains and the surface landscapes they may be connected to.
  • Researchers are eager to investigate whether similar mountain ranges exist on land and whether they share a common origin.
• Implications for Climate and Ecosystems: The newfound underwater mountain range also has significant implications for climate and marine ecosystems.
  • These underwater peaks can act as barriers, influencing ocean currents and affecting nutrient distribution.
  • Understanding the impact of these formations on ocean dynamics is crucial for predicting climate patterns and better managing marine resources.
• Additionally, these underwater mountains create a unique habitat for a diverse range of marine species.
• The ridges and valleys provide sheltered zones where marine life can thrive, with the potential for new species discoveries.
• Protecting these habitats will be critical in preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

About the Southern Ocean:

• The Southern Ocean, also referred to as the Antarctic Ocean is one of the Earth's five major ocean basins.
• Its formation traces back approximately 34 million years when Antarctica and South America underwent a gradual separation, resulting in the creation of the Drake Passage.
  • This passage, situated between the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and South America, delineates the Southern Ocean from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, encompassing their tributary seas surrounding Antarctica below the 60° S latitude.
• Physiography: The ocean floor structure features a continental shelf, typically less than 160 miles (about 260 km) wide, expanding to a maximum width exceeding 1,600 miles (2,600 km) near the Weddell and Ross seas.
  • Renowned for its robust winds, intense storms, marked seasonal variations, and frigid temperatures, the Southern Ocean is predominantly influenced by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC).
  • This current, the longest, strongest, and deepest-reaching on Earth, follows a clockwise circulation around the continent, surpassing all others in the volume of water it transports globally.
• Biodiversity: The Southern Ocean sustains diverse flora and fauna, with a majority of marine life relying on the nutrient-rich phytoplankton found in the Antarctic Convergence.
  • Notable species include whales, penguins, orcas, and seals, contributing to the region's rich biodiversity.

Why is it in the News?

A new low-cost sensor made of metal oxide nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide composite can detect formalin adulteration in fishes at room temperature in a non-invasive way. The sensor shows long-term stability with a low detection limit.

Context:

• A sensor designed for the detection of formalin in fish has been developed by the Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics Laboratory at Guwahati University, Assam.
• The formalin sensor utilizes a composite of tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide, synthesized through a process involving the wet chemical approach for Graphene Oxide (GO) and the hydrothermal route followed by calcination for the tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite (rGO-SnO2).
• Testing of the sensor has been conducted both at the laboratory scale and on fish procured from the fish markets in the Guwahati region, specifically targeting potential adulteration.
• This groundbreaking research has received support from DST-PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence) and has been documented in the journal ACS Appl. Nano Mater.
• Research Support: The research behind this innovative sensor is backed by DST-PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence).

About Non-Invasive Formaldehyde Sensor:

• This non-invasive formaldehyde sensor incorporates a composite of tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide (rGO-SnO2) as its key materials.
  • While reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been widely utilized for detecting various toxic gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), tin oxide (SnO2) has demonstrated notable efficacy in formaldehyde detection, both in its pristine form and when combined with different compounds, including graphene.
  • This combination is favoured for its heightened stability and sensitivity to low concentrations of formaldehyde.
• Synthesis Process: The fabrication process involves a wet chemical approach for the production of graphene oxide (GO), followed by the hydrothermal route and subsequent calcination to synthesize the tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite (rGO-SnO2).
• Comparison with Existing Sensors: Unlike commercial formalin sensors for fish, which are primarily electrochemical-based or colorimetric-based and often invasive, this novel sensor, made from metal oxide nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide, offers a cost-effective and non-invasive method for detecting formalin adulteration in fishes at room temperature.
• Challenges with Existing Sensors: Traditional electrochemical sensors, though widely used, tend to be expensive, and colourimetric sensors, while more cost-effective, share the invasive nature of their electrochemical counterparts. Both face challenges related to low-level and selective detection.
• Significance of the New Sensor: The development of gas sensors based on 2D materials, such as graphene, opens up new possibilities for the effective detection of toxic vapours at room temperature.
  • These sensors hold promise for accurately detecting formalin emanating from adulterated food products.

What is Formaldehyde?

• Formaldehyde (CH?O) is an odorless, colorless gas with high toxicity and flammability under standard room temperature conditions.
• Primary Applications:
  • Production of fertilizers, paper, plywood, and certain resins.
  • Utilized as a food preservative.
  • Found in glues, resins, dyes, textiles, disinfectants, building materials, automotive components, embalming processes, and laboratory settings.
  • Incorporated into household items like antiseptics, medications, and cosmetics.
• Potential Health Effects:
  • Exposure to formaldehyde may result in irritation of the skin, throat, lungs, and eyes. Additionally, formaldehyde is recognized as a carcinogenic substance.

Why is it in the News?

Scientists at the University of Szeged in Hungary have made significant progress in advancing our understanding of Huntington's disease through the study of fruit flies.

What is Huntington’s Disease?

• Huntington’s disease (HD) is a brain disorder that is passed down in families from generation to generation.
• It is caused by an error in the DNA instructions that build our body and keep it running.
  • DNA is made up of thousands of genes, and people with HD have a small defect in a gene called huntingtin.
  • Over time, this error causes damage to the brain and causes symptoms of Huntington’s disease.
• Huntington’s disease causes a person’s physical, mental and emotional abilities to deteriorate, usually during their prime at work, and there is currently no cure.
• Most people start developing symptoms in adulthood, between the ages of 30 and 50, but HD can also occur in children and young adults.
• Huntington’s disease is known as a family disease because each child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the defective gene.

Huntington’s Disease Symptoms:

• Symptoms of Huntington’s disease can vary greatly from person to person but typically include:
  • Personality changes, mood swings and depression
  • Forgetfulness and impaired judgment
  • Unsteady gait and involuntary movements (chorea)
  • Slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and significant weight loss.
• Symptoms typically worsen over the course of 10 to 25 years, affecting the ability to reason, walk, and speak.
• The person with HD or their friends and family may notice difficulty planning, remembering, and concentrating on the task.
• They can develop mood swings such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and anger.
• Most people with Huntington’s disease become “fidgety” and develop facial and limb movements known as chorea, which they cannot control.

• The symptoms of Huntington’s disease are sometimes described as ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s all at the same time.

Huntington’s Disease Treatment:

• No treatment can stop or reverse the progression of Huntington’s disease.
• Antipsychotic medications can relieve chorea and help control hallucinations, delusions, and violent outbursts.
• Huntington’s disease causes disability that gets worse over time.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), aimed at providing PVTG households and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

What is the PM-JANMAN Scheme?

• PM-JANMAN is a government initiative aimed at integrating tribal communities into the mainstream of development.
• The scheme, comprising both Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, will be executed collaboratively by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, State governments, and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) communities.

Key Features:

• Implementation Scope: The scheme focuses on 11 critical interventions managed by 9 line Ministries, ensuring the effective execution of existing schemes within villages inhabited by PVTGs.
• Sectoral Coverage: PM-JANMAN spans various sectors, encompassing initiatives such as ensuring safe housing through the PM-AWAS Scheme, access to clean drinking water, improved healthcare, education, nutrition, road and telecommunications connectivity, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.
• Special Initiatives: The plan includes specific initiatives such as the establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras to facilitate the trade of forest produce, deployment of off-grid solar power systems for 1 lakh households, and installation of solar street lights.
• Objectives: PM-JANMAN aims to enhance the quality of life and overall well-being of PVTGs by addressing the various forms of discrimination and exclusion they face.
  • Additionally, it recognizes and values the unique and significant contributions of PVTGs to both national and global development.

How Does PM-JANMAN Differ?

• Distinctive Identification and Recognition: Criticism has arisen over outdated criteria for identifying Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
  • The presence of repetitive names and discrepancies in recognition across states has led to confusion and exclusion.
  • Addressing these concerns, PM-JANMAN introduces a Human Development Index for PVTGs, aiming to enhance proper identification and tailored development planning based on updated and comprehensive data.
• Participatory Bottom-Up Approach: In a departure from the 'one-size-fits-all' approach, PM-JANMAN adopts customised strategies that respect the unique needs and priorities of PVTGs.
  • Emphasizing a participatory bottom-up approach, the scheme actively involves PVTGs in decision-making processes, particularly regarding land rights, social inclusion, and cultural preservation.
• Livelihood Promotion: PM-JANMAN focuses on sustainable livelihoods for PVTGs by providing skills training, essential resources such as land and credit, and implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA) to secure land titles, particularly under Section 3(1)(e) for primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities.
  • The scheme encourages the preservation of cultural heritage through the promotion of traditional technologies and skill enhancement via industry partnerships.
• Health, Nutrition, and Education: To address the unique challenges faced by PVTGs, PM-JANMAN incorporates Mobile Medical Health Units for healthcare outreach in remote areas.
  • The scheme also emphasizes cultural sensitivity in education by integrating PVTG culture and language into the curriculum, providing transportation, and training teachers about PVTG cultural contexts.
• Infrastructure Development: Recognizing that PVTG habitations may not meet standard criteria for existing schemes, PM-JANMAN relaxes guidelines for infrastructure schemes like Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission.
  • This ensures improved access to housing, water, sanitation, electricity, and connectivity for PVTGs.

What are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

• PVTGs represent the most vulnerable segments within tribal communities, facing heightened challenges in various aspects of development.
  • Due to their distinct vulnerabilities, more developed and assertive tribal groups often receive a significant portion of tribal development funds, necessitating a focused allocation of resources for the advancement of PVTGs.
• The designation of PVTGs dates back to 1975 when, based on the recommendations of the Dhebar Commission, the Government of India identified 52 tribal groups with unique vulnerabilities.
• Presently, there are 75 PVTGs among the 705 Scheduled Tribes in India.
• Geographically, PVTGs are distributed across 18 states and one Union Territory, as per the 2011 census, with Odisha having the highest number, exceeding 2.5 lakh individuals.
• Distinctive Characteristics of PVTGs:
  • Stagnant or declining trends.
  • Primarily pre-agricultural practices.
  • Exceptionally low educational attainment.
  • Predominantly subsistence level, indicating a reliance on basic, self-sustaining economic activities.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the “Moon Sniper” lander developed by Japan’s space agency successfully entered lunar orbit.

About the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) Mission:

• The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) is a spacecraft crafted and launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on September 7, 2023, from the Tanegashima spaceport.
• Remarkably lightweight at 590 kg, SLIM embarked on its mission alongside XRISM, a cutting-edge X-ray space telescope, on an H-2A rocket.
• Upon launch, SLIM assumed an elliptical orbit around the moon within a span of approximately three minutes.
• Notably, the apogee (farthest point) of this orbit extends to 4,000 km, while the perigee (closest point) hovers at 600 km above the lunar surface.

Objectives of SLIM on the Lunar Surface:

• Before its lunar descent, SLIM is programmed to release two compact rovers known as Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) 1 and 2.
• Working in tandem with SLIM, LEV-1, and LEV-2 are tasked with conducting a comprehensive study of the lunar surface near the designated landing area.
• Their mission encompasses the collection of temperature and radiation readings, as well as endeavours to investigate the moon's mantle.
• This collaborative effort by SLIM and its rovers aims to enhance our understanding of lunar conditions and contribute valuable insights to lunar exploration.

What is the XRISM Mission:

• The X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) is a collaborative effort between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), with valuable contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA).
• Mission Objective: XRISM is designed to observe X-rays emanating from deep space, aiming to precisely identify their wavelengths with an unprecedented level of accuracy.
  • The mission employs cutting-edge spectroscopy techniques to measure changes in the brightness of celestial objects across various wavelengths.
• Technological Advancements: Leveraging state-of-the-art spectroscopy, XRISM can detect X-rays within a broad energy spectrum ranging from 400 to 12,000 electron volts.
• To provide a perspective, the energy of visible light typically falls within the 2 to 3 electron volts range.
• This expanded energy range enables astrophysicists to gain novel insights into some of the universe's most dynamic regions, vast structures, and entities characterized by formidable gravitational forces.

Why is it in the News?

In a major boost to their time-tested partnership, India and Russia recently signed some "very important" agreements related to the construction of the future power-generating units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.

About the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project:

• The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project is India's largest nuclear power plant situated in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
• It is being developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) in collaboration with Russia's Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation.
  • The construction began in March 2002.
• Since February 2016, the first power unit of the Kudankulam NPP has been steadily operating at its design capacity of 1,000 MW.
  • The plant is expected to start operating at full capacity in 2027.
• Water-Water Energy Reactor: The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project employs VVER (Water-Water Energy Reactor) technology, a pressurized water reactor design developed in the former Soviet Union, known for its safety and reliability.
• Power Generation Capacity: The current power generation capacity is 2×1,000 MWe VVER, expected to significantly increase with the construction of four additional reactors, estimated at ?89,470 crore.
• All units are subject to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety analysis, except the Kalpakkam nuclear plant, reserved for strategic use under the India-US Nuclear Agreement.

What is the 3-Stage Nuclear Programme of India?

• India's nuclear program is structured into three stages, strategically designed to harness the extensive Thorium deposits within the country, constituting approximately 25% of the world's total reserves.
• This focus on Thorium is crucial as India possesses limited Uranium reserves, accounting for about 2% of the global uranium reserves.
• 1st Stage: The initial stage employs Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors that operate on natural uranium, consisting of 99.3% U-238 and 0.7% U-235.
  • The fissile U-235 triggers a chain reaction, while the non-fissile U-238 transforms into Pu-239 as a byproduct (spent fuel).
  • This Pu-239 is subsequently utilized in the Fast Breeder Reactors in the 2nd stage.
• 2nd Stage: Fast Breeder Reactors primarily rely on Plutonium, utilizing a combination of Plutonium-239 from the 1st stage and the abundant U-238 found on Earth to generate additional Plutonium inside the reactor.
  • As U-238 does not initiate a chain reaction, the reactors are termed Breeder reactors.
  • To maximize the chances of neutron interaction with U-238, these reactors, known as Fast Breeder Reactors, omit a moderator to slow down neutrons.
  • Once Plutonium-239 is fully consumed, Thorium is introduced to convert it into U-233, to be used in the 3rd stage.
• 3rd Stage: Thermal Breeder Reactors utilize U-233 produced in the 2nd stage, incorporating thorium-232.
  • Notably, Thorium is non-radioactive and non-fissile. Since these reactors also generate U-233 from Thorium-232, they are classified as breeder reactors.
  • India's significant reserves of thorium, particularly in the form of monazite sand, emphasize the critical role of the 3rd stage in India's nuclear energy portfolio.

Why is it in the News?

On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi calls upon religious leaders and social organizations to launch a mass movement against drug menace.

Drug Menace in India:

• Alcohol, cannabis, opium, and heroin constitute the primary drugs abused in India.
• Approximately 13% of substance abusers in the country are under 20 years old.
• Adolescence is identified as a critical-risk period for the initiation of substance use.
• Children impacted by substance abuse fall under the category of children in need of care and protection as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015.
• In various regions, including Punjab, Assam, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Bihar, Delhi, etc., drug abuse prevalence is notably high.
• Key causes of drug abuse include factors such as poverty, peer pressure, illiteracy, low self-esteem, and genetic predisposition.

Challenges in Combating the Drug Menace:

• India, strategically located between the Death Triangle (Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos) and Death Crescent (Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran), is a prominent hub for drug trafficking, particularly in major opium production regions globally.
• Porous borders exacerbate the problem, and technological advancements, such as the utilization of the dark net and cryptocurrency for drug trafficking, further complicate law enforcement efforts.
• Criminalizing drug abuse contributes to social stigma for addicts, deterring them from seeking essential medical assistance.
• There is a notable absence of comprehensive studies assessing the societal impact of drug abuse, hindering the formulation of informed strategies.

Efforts to Combat the Drug Menace:

• The Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985 outlines measures for identification, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan targets 272 highly vulnerable districts with a focus on community outreach.
• The Seizure Information Management System (SIMS) portal facilitates the management of cases involving substantial drug seizures.
• The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) spanning 2018-2025 adopts a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy.
• Furthermore, adherence to international conventions, including the Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971), reinforces India's commitment to addressing the global issue of drug abuse.

Why is it in the News?

Iran has increased the rate at which it is producing near weapons-grade uranium in recent weeks, reversing a previous slowdown that started in the middle of this year, the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a report.

What is Uranium Enrichment?

• Natural uranium is comprised of two isotopes, with approximately 99% being U-238 and only about 0.7% being U-235.
• U-235 is a fissile material capable of sustaining a chain reaction within a nuclear reactor.
• The enrichment process involves increasing the proportion of U-235 through isotope separation, effectively isolating U-238 from U-235.
  • For the production of nuclear weapons, enrichment is necessary up to 90% or more, referred to as weapons-grade uranium.
• Low-enriched uranium, typically containing a 3-5% concentration of U-235, is suitable for generating fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.
• In contrast, highly enriched uranium, boasting a purity of 20% or more, finds application in research reactors.

Key Facts About Uranium:

• Discovered in 1789 by the German chemist Martin Klaproth, Uranium is a silvery-white metallic chemical element found in the periodic table, characterized by its atomic number 92.
• This element holds the distinction of having the highest atomic weight among all naturally occurring elements.
• Naturally present in low concentrations in soil, rock, and water, uranium is commercially extracted from minerals like uraninite.
• The mining of uranium ore can be undertaken through open pits or underground excavations, followed by crushing and processing at a mill to isolate the valuable uranium.
• An alternative method involves the direct dissolution of uranium from ore deposits in the ground, known as in-situ leaching, with the extracted uranium then pumped to the surface.

About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

• The International Atomic Energy Agency is an intergovernmental organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
• Established as an autonomous entity through its international treaty, the IAEA Statute, the organization, nonetheless, reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.
• Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the IAEA collaborates with its Member States and various global partners to advance the safe and peaceful utilization of nuclear technologies.
  • It employs nuclear safeguards, encompassing monitoring, inspection, information analysis, and other measures, to ensure the peaceful nature of nuclear activities and to detect and deter any potential diversion towards weapons-related purposes.
• The IAEA plays a crucial role in implementing comprehensive safeguards agreements mandated by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), acting as a frontline defense against nuclear weapons proliferation.
  • Additionally, the agency facilitates the exchange of scientific and technical information among its Member States.
• A key function of the IAEA is to bolster national, regional, and international capabilities to respond effectively to nuclear and radiological incidents, thereby minimizing their impact.

Why is it in the News?

Researchers in the US have warned that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) spreading among wildlife across North America, could also spread to humans.

What is Zombie Deer Disease??

• According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Zombie deer disease or chronic wasting disease is a prion disease that affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose.
  • Prion diseases affect both humans and animals and are distinguished by long incubation periods.
• In the case of chronic wasting disease or the zombie deer disease, "it may take over a year before an infected animal develops symptoms.
• History of the Disease?: The zombie deer disease was first discovered in Colorado (USA) in 1967.
  • Until now, reports of humans getting affected have not come to the fore.
  • However, the findings of several studies suggest that it can easily jump to human beings.

Why are health experts and scientists worried about a possible transmission??

• Experts are giving examples of the mad cow disease or the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
  • “The BSE outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get crazy when a spillover event happens from livestock to people.

Symptoms of the Disease:

• The common signs of the disease are drastic weight loss (wasting), stumbling, and other neurologic symptoms.
• Other symptoms seen in animals infected with this disease are listlessness, drooling, excessive thirst or urination, drooping ears, and lack of fear of people.

It is difficult to eradicate this disease??

• The chronic wasting disease is extremely difficult to eradicate from the environment once the infection has started.
  • It can persist for years in dirt or on surfaces, and it is resistant to disinfectants, formaldehyde, radiation, and incineration at 600C (1,100F).
• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is fatal to animals, and there are no treatments or vaccines.

Prevention?:

• To avoid the spread of the disease, humans should avoid shoot, handling, or eating meat from deer and elk that look sick or are acting strangely or are found dead.
• Individuals should wear latex or rubber gloves when dressing the animal or handling the meat.

Why is it in the News?

Recently the State government of kerala has urged the Centre to speed up measures for building a new dam at Mullaperiyar in the Idukki district at a meeting with the Central Water Commission.

About the Central Water Commission (CWC):

• The Central Water Commission (CWC) is a leading technical organization in India dedicated to water resources management.
• Currently operating as an attached office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, it plays a pivotal role in overseeing various aspects of water resource management nationwide.

Key Functions:

• Initiation and Coordination: The Commission is responsible for initiating, coordinating, and advancing schemes in collaboration with concerned State Governments.
  • These schemes focus on controlling, conserving, and utilizing water resources for Flood Control, Irrigation, Navigation, Drinking Water Supply, and Water Power Development.
• Investigation and Execution: The CWC undertakes the investigation, construction, and execution of water resource schemes as deemed necessary.
• Leadership and Structure: The Commission is led by a Chairman, holding the status of Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India.
• The organizational structure includes three wings:
  • Designs and Research (D&R) Wing
  • River Management (RM) Wing
  • Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing
• Each wing is overseen by a full-time member with the status of Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India.
• Headquarters: The headquarters of the Central Water Commission is located in New Delhi.

Key Facts About Mullaperiyar Dam:

• The Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam, situated on the Periyar River in Thekkady, Idukki district of Kerala.
• Situated at an elevation of 881 meters above sea level, it graces the Cardamom Hills within the Western Ghats.
• The dam is strategically located at the convergence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers.
• Its construction, led by the British Corps of Royal Engineers under Pennycuick, commenced in 1887 and concluded in 1895.
• Utilizing limestone and "Surkhi" (a blend of burnt brick powder, sugar, and calcium oxide), the dam serves the purpose of redirecting west-flowing River Periyar waters to the rain shadow regions of Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts in Tamil Nadu.
• The Periyar National Park is located around the dam's reservoir.
• Despite its location in Kerala, the dam is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease agreement established during British rule.

Why is it in the News?

On the occasion of Good Governance Day, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched the Extended Version of Mission Karmayogi by introducing three new features on the iGOT Karmayogi platform that include My iGOT, Blended Programs and Curated Programs..

About Mission Karmayogi:

• Mission Karmayogi, the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), is geared towards equipping Civil Servants with enhanced creativity, constructiveness, and innovation, utilising transparency and technology to prepare them for future challenges.
• This innovative program serves as a cornerstone for the country's civil servants, emphasizing a balanced approach between 'on-site learning' and traditional 'off-site learning.'
• Approved by the Government on September 2, 2020, Mission Karmayogi encompasses six key pillars:
  • Policy Framework
  • Institutional Framework
  • Competency Framework
  • Digital Learning Framework (iGOT-Karmayogi)
  • The electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS), and
  • The Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
• Encompassing all civil servants, including contractual employees, across various ministries, departments, organizations, and agencies of the Union Government, the program introduces three new features on the iGOT Karmayogi platform:
• My iGOT: Delivers targeted training courses on the home page of individual officers, directly addressing their unique capacity-building needs identified in the Capacity-Building Plan for their Ministries/Departments.
• Blended Programs: Facilitates equitable access to training methodologies across all levels by integrating traditional offline (in-person) classroom courses with online learning components.
  • This approach enables officers and faculty to benefit from both the flexibility of online courses and the invaluable interactions of face-to-face classroom sessions.
• Curated Programs: Designed to cater to diverse learning needs of Ministries/Departments and Training Institutions, offering a custom approach to address the specific requirements of different segments within the civil services.

Why is it in the News?

In a significant breakthrough, forest officials at Similipal National Park apprehended four armed poachers and two members of the timber mafia in separate locations on Saturday night.

About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR):

• Similipal Tiger Reserve is located within the Mayurbhanj District, in the Northernmost part of Odisha.
• Declared a 'Tiger Reserve' in 1956, STR became a part of the national conservation initiative 'Project Tiger' in 1973.
• Recognized by UNESCO in 2009, STR, along with a transitional area covering 2250 sq. km, was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
• Terrain: Surrounded by high plateaus and hills, STR boasts the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini, reaching 1515m above mean sea level.
• The undulating and hilly terrain features open grasslands and wooded areas, with the inclined plateau rising abruptly from the low coastal plains.
• Hydrography: The region is crisscrossed with perennial water sources, contributing to rivers like Budhabalanga, Salandi, and various tributaries of the Baitarani River.
• Vegetation: STR encompasses a diverse mix of forest types and habitats, with Northern tropical moist deciduous dominating alongside semi-evergreen patches.
  • Notably, it hosts the world's only landscape with melanistic tigers.
• Tribes: The vicinity of STR is inhabited by various tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
• Flora: Home to an impressive 1078 plant species, including 94 orchid species, STR is characterized by the dominance of Sal trees.
• Fauna: The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopard, gaur, elephant, langur, barking and spotted deer, sloth bear, mongoose, flying squirrel, porcupine, turtle, monitor lizard, python, sambar, pangolin, and more.

What is the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF)?

• Realizing the importance of ‘tiger protection’ in biodiversity conservation, the Finance Minister announced policy initiatives in February 2008, for constituting the ‘Special Tiger Protection Force’ (STPF).
• Based on the one-time grant of Rs. 50 crore was provided to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a Special Tiger Protection Force, the proposal for the said force has been approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves.
• The STPF has been made operational in the States of Karnataka (Bandipur), Maharashtra (Pench, Tadoba-Andhari, Nawegaon-Nagzira, Melghat), Rajasthan (Ranthambhore), Odisha (Similipal) and Assam (Kaziranga), out of 13 initially selected tiger reserves, with 60% central assistance under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger (CSS-PT).

Why is it in the News?

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has launched MedTech Mitra - a strategic initiative to empower MedTech innovators and advance healthcare solutions.

What is the MedTech Mitra Portal?

• The MedTech Mitra portal is an online platform designed to support medtech innovators by assisting in clinical evaluation, regulatory facilitation, and the adoption of new products in the medical technology sector.
• This collaborative initiative is overseen by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), operating under the direction/guidance of NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission.

Significance:

• In conjunction with recent policies and incentive schemes, such as the medical devices policy and the production-linked incentive scheme, the MedTech Mitra platform aims to catalyze growth in the medical devices sector and promote domestic manufacturing.
• These initiatives seek to foster the indigenous development of affordable and high-quality MedTech devices and diagnostics, thereby significantly reducing the sector's reliance on imports.
• The platform is envisioned to streamline the innovation process and facilitate research and development for emerging start-ups, ensuring a smoother journey from concept to product.
• By offering comprehensive guidance, including support for animal and clinical trials, the platform aims to bridge gaps for startups and promote ease of innovation.
• The MedTech Mitra portal is poised to foster collaborations between engineers, scientists, and clinicians, addressing a previously existing gap in partnerships within the sector.

About the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) serves as the apex institution in India responsible for formulating, coordinating, and advancing biomedical research.
• With a primary mandate to conduct, coordinate, and implement medical research for societal benefit, ICMR is dedicated to translating medical innovations into tangible products and processes, subsequently integrating them into the public health system.
• Financial support for ICMR is provided by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Why is it in the News?

India’s first multi-wavelength space-based observatory, AstroSat, has detected intense sub-second X-ray bursts emanating from a neutron star with an ultrahigh magnetic field, known as a magnetar.

What is X-ray Bursts?

• X-ray bursts manifest in low-mass X-ray binary systems featuring a neutron star and a low-mass main sequence star orbiting each other.
• The occurrence of these bursts is intricately linked to the gravitational dynamics of the neutron star and its companion.
• In this system, the proximity and intense gravitational forces of the neutron star cause the companion star to exceed its Roche-lobe, leading to the formation of an accretion disk around the neutron star.
• This disk becomes a repository for hydrogen drawn from the overflowing companion star.
• As hydrogen accumulates on the neutron star's surface, the extreme temperatures and pressures prevailing there catalyze its transformation into helium.
• This ongoing process results in the formation of a thin surface layer of helium.
• When this helium layer reaches a critical mass, a sudden explosive ignition occurs, elevating the entire neutron star's surface temperature to several tens of millions of degrees and releasing a burst of X-rays.
• Following the outburst, the binary system returns temporarily to a quiescent state, allowing the neutron star to reaccumulate the helium surface layer gradually.
• This cyclic process leads to the recurrence of X-ray bursts, typically unfolding at regular intervals separated by several hours or days.

About Indias’ AstroSat:

• AstroSat stands as India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, pioneering a mission focused on the simultaneous study of celestial sources across X-ray, optical, and UV spectral bands.
• Launched with a lift-off mass of 1515 kg, AstroSat took flight aboard the Indian launch vehicle PSLV from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on September 28, 2015.
• It entered a 650 km orbit, inclined at an angle of 6 degrees to the equator.
• The Mission Operations Complex (MOX) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru oversees the satellite throughout its mission life.
• With a minimum useful life of around 5 years, AstroSat is dedicated to achieving the following scientific objectives:
  • Understanding high-energy processes in binary star systems housing neutron stars and black holes.
  • Estimating magnetic fields associated with neutron stars.
  • Investigating star birth regions and high-energy processes in star systems beyond our galaxy.
  • Detecting new, briefly bright X-ray sources in the celestial sphere.
  • Conducting a limited deep-field survey of the Universe in the Ultraviolet region.

Why is it in the News?

Speaking at a "Veer Bal Diwas" event to commemorate the martyrdom of two sons of Guru Gobind Singh, PM Modi said their sacrifices are not only being remembered in India but also globally through programmes in other countries as well

About Veer Bal Diwas:

• Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26th to commemorate the valour and sacrifice of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru.
• The four sons, named Zorawar Singh, Fateh Singh, Jai Singh, and Kulwant Singh, played a significant role in resisting the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and his army.
• Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh were captured by the Mughals at the ages of six and nine, respectively, after defending the fort of Anandpur Sahib from a siege.
• Subsequently, they were taken to Sirhind, where, steadfast in their faith, they refused to convert to Islam and were sentenced to a tragic death by being bricked alive in 1705.
• Jai Singh and Kulwant Singh, also captured at Anandpur Sahib, managed to escape from Sirhind with the assistance of loyal followers.
• They later joined their father in his final battle at Sirhind, where Guru Gobind Singh was wounded by a musket shot.
• The unwavering courage and sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh's sons became a symbol of inspiration for generations of Sikhs, reflecting their dedication to the cause of Sikhism.

About Guru Gobind Singh:

• Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten Sikh Gurus, was born on December 22, 1666, in Patna, Bihar.
• His birth anniversary is observed according to the Nanakshahi calendar.
• Assuming the role of Sikh Guru at the tender age of nine after the passing of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, he served until his assassination in 1708.

Contributions:

• Religious: Guru Gobind Singh made profound contributions to the Sikh religion, introducing practices such as wearing a turban to cover hair.
• He laid the foundation for the Khalsa (1699), embodying the Five 'K's: kesh (uncut hair), kanga (wooden comb), kara (iron or steel bracelet), kirpan (dagger), and kachera (short breeches).
  • These articles of faith became integral to the identity of a Khalsa.
• Establishing various rules for Khalsa warriors, including abstaining from tobacco, alcohol, and halal meat, Guru Gobind Singh emphasized their duty to protect innocent people from persecution.
• Guru Gobind Singh designated Guru Granth Sahib as the spiritual guide for both the Khalsas and Sikhs.
• Martial: Engaging in the battle of Muktsar in 1705, Guru Gobind Singh fiercely opposed the Mughals.
• The Battle of Anandpur in 1704 resulted in the tragic loss of the Guru's mother and two minor sons, who were executed. His eldest son also fell in battle.
• Literary: Guru Gobind Singh's legacy includes compositions like Jaap Sahib, Benti Chaupai, and Amrit Savaiye.
• Notably, he wrote the Zafarnama, a letter addressed to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, showcasing his literary prowess and resilience.

Why is it in the News?

The recently released Shah Rukh Khan’s movie ‘Dunki’ is said to be based on the ‘donkey route’ or ‘donkey flight’ that lakhs of Indians take to reach countries like the US, the UK or some other European countries.

What is a Donkey Journey?

• Dunki is the Punjabi idiom that means to "hop from place to place", according to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI).
• It is a colloquial term for "donkey flights" or the "donkey flights method", which is a dangerous illegal immigration technique involving crossing a country's borders through a backdoor route via multiple stops in other countries.

How does the donkey flight method or dunki work?

• The desire for a higher quality of life has given rise to an industry driven by "agents" who charge exorbitant fees to help smuggle people to the country of their choice.
• Some agents may even run legitimate businesses while offering this dangerous option.
• The agents can offer various services, from fake papers to help through otherwise legal migration processes to smuggling people through ship containers.

Which countries are most targeted using the Dunki method?

• While donkey flight can be used to enter any country, the US, Canada, and the UK are some of the most popular destinations undertaken by Indian immigrants.
  • According to a report, between February 2019 and March 2023, as many as 149,000 Indians were detained for attempting to enter the US illegally.
  • Of this, most of those detained were from Gujarat and Punjab.

Risks involved in the dunki method:

• Dunki comes with tremendous risks, including the risk of capture, imprisonment, and deportation.
• When facilitated by an agent, the system is highly exploitative.
• Many sell off their assets, including ancestral land, to pay these agents.
• Agents may also withhold people's passports or other important documents to extort more money and assets.
• Moreover, smuggled migrants are also more vulnerable to becoming victims of other crimes during the smuggling process.
• The terrains of the places through which immigrants may have to travel pose a range of risks, including harsh weather conditions, rugged terrains, and access to basic resources like food and water.
• It must be noted that migrant smuggling is not the same as human trafficking.
  • However, these crimes may sometimes interlink, adding another layer of risk for those engaging in illegal immigration.

About Passports:

• Rooted in history, passports trace back to mentions in the Hebrew Bible and structured systems in nations like France and the UK.
• The evolution into modern passports was catalyzed by the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act in 1914, introducing features such as photographs and distinctive characteristics.
• The League of Nations' 1920 conference sought to standardize passport regulations, contributing to the establishment of a common British system.
• During the 1920s, the United States linked immigration laws to passports, imposing limitations on inflows.
• Despite initial reservations, passports have persisted as an integral element of contemporary citizenship.
• Indian Passports: The initiation of issuing Indian passports dates back to the First World War (1914-1918) through the Defence of India Act, as mandated by the British government for travel.

Why is it in the News?

The regional committees on the boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya have been asked to submit their reports by December 31, a Meghalaya government official said on Friday, December 22.

What is the Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute?

• The Assam and Meghalaya have a longstanding dispute in 12 stretches of their 884-km shared border.
• The areas include Upper Tarabari, Gazang Reserve Forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah, Matamur, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Deshdemoreah Block I and Block II, Khanduli, and Retacherra.

Historical Context:

• During British rule, undivided Assam encompassed present-day Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
• Meghalaya was delineated in 1972, following the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969, but differing interpretations of the border emerged.
• In 2011, Meghalaya identified 12 disputed areas, covering approximately 2,700 sq km.

Key Point of Contention:

• A focal point of discord is Langpih in West Garo Hills, bordering Kamrup district in Assam.
• Post-Independence, Langpih transitioned from Kamrup district to Garo Hills and Meghalaya.
• Assam contends it's part of the Mikir Hills, while Meghalaya questions the inclusion of Blocks I and II of the Mikir Hills (now Karbi Anglong) in Assam.

Efforts to Resolve Dispute:

• In 1985, an official committee, led by former Chief Justice of India Y V Chandrachud, was formed but didn't yield a resolution.
• Both states identified six out of 12 disputed areas for resolution, resulting in a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2022.
• The second round of discussions for the remaining areas commenced in November 2022.

Potential Solutions:

• Utilizing satellite mapping for precise border demarcation.
• Leveraging constitutional provisions like Article 263 for the Inter-state Council to advise on disputes and coordinate policies.
• Reviving Zonal Councils to address common concerns among states in each zone, including border disputes and economic planning.
• Embracing the spirit of cooperative federalism to strengthen India's unity in diversity.

Why is it in the News?

A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has developed a new award-winning mathematical model to help prevent erosion of rivers like Brahmaputra.

What is BRAHMA-2D?

• BRAHMA-2D (Braided River Aid: Hydro-Morphological Analyzer) is a sophisticated mathematical model designed for assessing the flow dynamics of expansive braided rivers such as the Brahmaputra.
• Functioning as a quasi-3D river flow model, BRAHMA-2D offers insights into water velocity at various depths within the river and the circulation patterns around structures like spurs, crucial for preventing river bank erosion.
• Developed through collaboration between researchers at IIT Guwahati and the Brahmaputra Board under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, this innovative model plays a pivotal role in the design of sustainable hydraulic structures.
  • Engineers can leverage BRAHMA-2D to create effective structures like spurs, river bends, and other protective measures to combat river bank erosion.
• The model's successful validation on the Brahmaputra River near Majuli Island in Assam, a region prone to river bank erosion, underscores its practical applicability.
• BRAHMA-2D integrates a two-dimensional water movement model with entropy theory, focusing on disorder or randomness.
  • Notably, it identifies a unique dip phenomenon near spurs, where water flows underneath intensifies—a phenomenon absent at points away from these structures.
• Beyond erosion prevention, BRAHMA-2D extends its utility to environmental studies by assessing the habitat suitability of aquatic species, particularly endangered ones.
• This assessment is based on factors such as required depth and flow velocity, showcasing the model's versatility in addressing multifaceted challenges in river ecosystems.

About Brahmaputra River:

• Originating as Siang or Dihang from the Chemayungdung glacier in the Kailash range near Mansarovar Lake, the Brahmaputra enters India to the west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Tributaries: Dibang, Lohit, Siang, Burhi Dihing, Tista, and Dhansari contribute to its flow.
• This perennial river exhibits distinctive features influenced by its geography and prevailing climatic conditions.
  • Experiencing biannual flooding, the first occurs from the melting Himalayan snow in summer, and the second is a consequence of monsoon flows.
• Climate change has amplified the frequency and intensity of these floods, posing a threat to populations and food security in the lower riparian states of India and Bangladesh.
• Known for its dynamism, the Brahmaputra undergoes frequent changes in course, driven by landslides and geological activities.

Why is it in the News?

The resilient urban revitalisation of Rambagh Gate and Ramparts in Punjab, and heritage conservation projects related to Haryana's Church of Epiphany and Delhi's Bikaner House won Unescoawards on Thursday.

About Rambagh Gate & Ramparts:

• A three-story architectural marvel, the Rambagh Gate underwent meticulous restoration employing traditional building techniques.
• Locally sourced materials, including Nanak Shahi bricks set in lime mortar, were integral to the restoration process.

About Pipal Haveli, Gurdaspur:

• Pipal Haveli in Gurdaspur stands as a testament to ecological and traditional building methods, incorporating locally sourced materials and embracing vernacular architectural language.
• Notably, it actively promotes women's empowerment through initiatives like the BaRi Collective, offering programs that enhance women's livelihoods through environmentally conscious craft practices.

What is the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation?

• UNESCO aims to promote private sector engagement and foster collaborations between the public and private sectors to preserve the cultural heritage of the Asia-Pacific region for the benefit of present and future generations.
• Since the year 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation have been acknowledging the accomplishments of private sector entities and public-private initiatives in effectively conserving or restoring structures, places, and properties of significant heritage value in the region.
• Noteworthy, among the recognized sites, five are located in China, six in India, and one in Nepal.
• Highlights of Award-Winning Sites in India:
  • Rambagh Gate in Amritsar: Received the prestigious "Award of Excellence," the highest recognition across all categories.
  • Pipal Haveli in Punjab: Honored for its sustainable development as a heritage rural homestay.
  • Karnikara Mandapam at Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple in Kerala: Earned the esteemed "Award of Distinction."
  • Epiphany in Haryana, David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Mumbai, and Bikaner House in New Delhi: Recognized with the "Award of Merit" for their outstanding contributions to cultural heritage conservation.

Why is it in the News?