Atomic Notes By Civilsdaily IAS- OCTOBER 2024 Pg.

OCTOBER 2024

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Civilsdaily IAS, 1 LGF, Apsara Arcade, Pusa Road, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi - 110060 (INDIA)
Tel: +91 73033 16700 Mail: [email protected]
 Contents
Subject No. of Topics
1. Economics 13
2. Governance 01
3. Polity 07
4. International Relations 09
5. Security Issues 04
6. Enviro & Biodiversity 20
7. Science Tech 17
8. History and Art & Culture 12
Atomic Notes By Civilsdaily IAS- OCTOBER 2024 Pg. 3

Economics
1. Future and Options (F&O):
• S EBI introduced a six-step framework to protect investors and limit speculative trading in futures and options (F&O).
• Futures: An agreement to buy or sell an asset at a specified future price and time.
• B uyer must buy, and seller must sell at the agreed price, regardless of market value at expiration.
• U nderlying assets include commodities and financial instruments like stocks, currencies, and bonds.
• F utures are high-risk, with potential for unlimited profit or loss.
• O ptions: An option gives the right, not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a set price on a future date.
• Options carry limited risk but can yield unlimited profit or loss.
• Premiums are paid upfront as part of option contracts.
• Hedging is a risk management strategy to buy or sell investments, reducing loss risks on existing positions.
Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

2. National Mission on Edible Oils –

Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)
•  entre approved the NMEO-Oilseeds to be implemented from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
C
• To boost domestic oilseed production and achieve self-reliance in edible oils.
• Increase production of key oilseeds like Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum.
• Enhance extraction from secondary sources like Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree-Borne Oils (TBOs).
• Raise primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
• Target 25.45 million tonnes of domestic edible oil production, meeting 72% of demand by 2030-31.
• Expand oilseed cultivation by an additional 40 lakh hectares.
• Important components:
• Target fallow lands from rice and potato crops and promote intercropping.
• Utilize global technologies like genome editing for seed development.
• Introduce an Online 5-year rolling seed plan via the ‘SATHI’ Portal for timely seed supply.
• Set up 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units in the public sector.
• Establish over 600 Value Chain Clusters in 347 districts, covering 10 lakh hectares annually.
• Clusters will be managed by FPOs, cooperatives, and public or private entities.
• Provide assistance to FPOs, cooperatives, and industries to establish or up-
grade oil extraction units for Cottonseed, Rice Bran, Corn Oil, and TBOs.
Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc

3. National Agriculture Code (NAC):

• B IS is developing a NAC to standardize agriculture, similar to building and electrical codes.
• Standards for each stage in agriculture, including field preparation, crop choice, ir-
rigation, harvesting, storage, and organic farming.
• S trategy involves working groups in 12-14 areas, with experts from universities and R&D.
• N AC will provide guidance for farmers, universities, and officials, ensuring best practices and consistency.
• B IS currently has standards for machinery and inputs but lacks standardized practices for field prep, micro-irrigation, etc.
• S tructure:
• G eneral principles for all crops.
• C rop-specific standards for key crops like paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
• W ill span the full agriculture cycle: crop selection, land prep, sowing, irriga-
tion, soil/plant health, harvesting, sustainability, and record-keeping.
• S tandards for inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and crop storage, with em-
phasis on natural/organic farming and IoT in agriculture.
Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

4. Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC):

• I ndia’s power regulator, CERC, appointed a Single Member Bench to address issues from a sudden rise in power demand.
• CERC is a statutory body established under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998.
• It functions as the Central Commission under the Electricity Act, 2003, which replaced the ERC Act.
• Composition: Chairperson, 4 members, and the Central Electricity Authority Chairperson as an ex-officio member.
• CERC promotes competition, efficiency, and economy in bulk pow-
er markets, improves supply quality, attracts investments/
• A  dvises the government on institutional reforms to balance demand and supply, benefiting consumers.

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Atomic Notes By Civilsdaily IAS- OCTOBER 2024 Pg. 4

• F unctions of CERC:
• Regulates tariffs of Central Government-owned generating companies.
• Oversees tariffs for other generating companies with inter-State electricity projects.
• Sets tariffs for inter-State transmission.
• Issues licenses for inter-State electricity transmission and trading.
Policy Wise: India’s Power Sector

5. Passive Mutual Funds:

• S EBI launched the liberalized Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework specifically for passively managed schemes.
• Mutual Funds: Pools of money managed by professional Fund Managers.
• Collect funds from investors with a common objective, invest in secu-
rities, and distribute income/gains proportionately.
• Regulated by SEBI through SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
• Types: (1) Actively managed funds: Fund manager actively manages port-
folio based on professional judgement and research.
• ( 2) Passively managed funds: Fund manager tracks market index without active decision-making.
• T hree-tier structure: Comprising Asset Management Company (AMC), Trustees, and Custodians.
• A MC manages investments; Trustees oversee operations; Custodians safeguard assets.
Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

6. All India Rural Financial Inclusion

Survey (NAFIS) 2021-22:
• N ABARD has released the NAFIS highlighting rural financial trends.
• 57% of rural households rely on Agriculture; from 48% in 2016-17.
• Definition of Agricultural Households: Earning over ₹6,500 from farm-
ing with at least one self-employed member in 2021-22.
• A gricultural households’ average monthly income: ₹13,661, higher than ₹11,438 for non-agricultural.
• One-third of income from cultivation; two-thirds from wages, services, or enterprises.
• 56% of households have 3 or more sources of income.
• 66% of non-agricultural households rely on one source.
• 30% of households faced crop failures from irregular rainfall, pests, or droughts.
• 12% reported losses due to price fluctuations, leading to savings use or informal borrowing.
• Agriculture’s workforce share fell from 64.6% in 1993-94 to 5% in 2018-19.
• Rose to 46.5% in 2020-21, reversing the trend post-pandemic.
• Monthly expenditure: ₹11,710, with a surplus of ₹1,951.
• Small farmers spend more of their income on FOOD.
• Average debt: ₹91,231, nearly 7 times their monthly income; many face lifetime debt.
• States with 70% or more households saving money include Uttara-
khand (93%), Uttar Pradesh (84%), and Jharkhand (83%).
• States with less than half of households reporting savings are Goa (29%), Kerala (35%),
Mizoram (35%), Gujarat (37%), Maharashtra (40%), and Tripura (46%).
Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

7. 2024 Economics Nobel:

• 2 024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics went to Daron Acemoglu, Simon John-
son, and James A. Robinson for studying “why some nations are wealthier”.
• Officially called the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, established in 1968.
• Not part of Alfred Nobel’s original 1895 prizes; created by the Swedish central bank to honor Nobel.
• Awarded on December 10, Nobel’s death anniversary, with a diploma, gold medal, and one-million-dollar prize.
• Laureates studied how societal institutions impact economic prosperity.
• Differentiated inclusive institutions (like democracy, rule of law, property rights)
from extractive ones (power concentrated, resources exploited).
• Inclusive institutions foster growth through stability; extractive ones limit growth by reducing investment.
• Explored how European colonization influenced today’s economic dispar-
ities by setting up either inclusive or extractive institutions.
• R elevant for reducing inequality and promoting sustainable development globally.
Nobel and other Prizes

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Atomic Notes By Civilsdaily IAS- OCTOBER 2024 Pg. 5

8. HAL becomes 14th Maharatna Company:

•  entre upgraded Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) from Navratna to Maharatna status.
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• Founded in 1940 as Hindustan Aircraft Limited; merged with Aeronautics India Limited in 1964.
• State-owned, under the Ministry of Defence, headquartered in Bengaluru.
• Has 20 production and R&D centers in locations like Bangalore, Nashik, Koraput, and Lucknow.
• Focuses on aircraft, helicopter, engine, avionics, and aerospace equipment design and maintenance.
• Produces Tejas LCA, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Jaguar, and Hawk
• Manufactures helicopters like Dhruv ALH, Rudra, Cheetah, Chetak, and LCH.
• P artners with Boeing, Airbus, Rosoboronexport, and Safran for production and technology transfer.
• L isted on BSE and NSE in 2018, enabling public investment.
• E xports to countries such as Vietnam, Mauritius, and Ecuador.
• C urrent projects include AMCA, IMRH, and Tejas Mk2, boosting defense capabilities.
• M aharatna Companies: Recognized PSUs in India with higher financial and op-
erational autonomy than Navratna or Miniratna.
• Eligibility:
• Annual turnover of ₹25,000+ crore for three years.
• Net worth above ₹15,000 crore in the last three years.
• N
 et profit of ₹5,000 crore+ for three consecutive years.
• A
 utonomy:
• C
 an invest up to ₹5,000 crore or 15% of net worth in a project without government approval.
• Permitted to invest in strategic resources or collaborations, domestically and internationally.
Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

9. SAMARTH Scheme:
•  entre extended the scheme to FY 2024-25 and 2025-26 with a ₹495 crore budget.
C
• Aims to train 3 lakh people in textile skills; under the Ministry of Textiles
• Aims to create jobs across the textile value chain, excluding spinning and weaving.
• Provides upskilling and reskilling to boost productivity in Apparel & Garmenting.
• 27 lakh trained (88.3% women); 2.6 lakh (79.5%) placed in jobs.
• Textile industry contributes 3% to GDP, 13% to industrial production, and 12% to exports.
• India holds a 4% share in global textile and apparel trade.
• In FY22, India ranked third-largest in textile exports with a 5.4% global share.
• India is a top producer of cotton, jute and second in silk; 95% of hand-woven fabric globally is from India.
• Textile industry is second-largest employer in India, providing 45 million direct and 100 million allied jobs.
• Leading textile states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Gujarat.
Textile Sector – Cotton, Jute, Wool, Silk, Handloom, etc.

10. Z-Morh Tunnel Project:

•  ilitants attacked workers on the Z-Morh tunnel project.

M
• 4 km tunnel near Gagangir village, linking Sonamarg to Kangan in Ganderbal district, central Kashmir.
• Part of the larger Zojila tunnel project to ensure year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.
• Located on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Leh highway, at an altitude over 8,500 feet.
• Named after the Z-shaped road stretch where it is constructed.
• Originally conceived by BRO (Border Roads Organisation) in 2012.
• A soft opening took place in February 2024; full inauguration is pending.
• Provides all-weather access to Sonamarg, keeping the tourist destination open year-round.

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Atomic Notes By Civilsdaily IAS- OCTOBER 2024 Pg. 6

 ey for year-round connectivity to Ladakh, a strategically vital region due to mil-

• K
itary presence along the Pakistan and China borders.
Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

11. Bihta Inland Container Depot (ICD):

•  ihar inaugurated its first dry port in Bihta, near Patna, to enhance exports.
B
• The first export from Bihta ICD was leather shoes sent to Russia.
• A dry port, or inland container depot (ICD), is a logistics hub away from seaports or airports.
• Provides cargo handling, storage, and transport facilities to simplify exports and imports.
• India’s first dry port opened in Varanasi in 2018.
• Serves as a link between inland areas and international shipping routes through major ports.
• Bihta ICD, near Patna, Bihar, operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
• Approved by the Department of Revenue, Union Ministry of Finance.
• Managed by Pristine Magadh Infrastructure Private Limited in partnership with Bihar’s industry department.
• Connected by rail to key Indian ports: Kolkata, Haldia, Visakhapatnam, Nhava Sheva, and Mundra.
• Eases goods transport for eastern India, benefiting Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
Port Infrastructure and Shipping Industry – Sagarmala Project, SDC, CEZ, etc.

12. 21st National Livestock Census, 2024:

• C entre has launched the 21st NLC, to count livestock nationwide.
• Data collection is conducted via a mobile app for first time, improving accuracy and speed.
• Covers 15 animal species (EXCLUDING poultry), including cattle, buffa-
lo, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, donkey, and elephant.
• Records details on 219 indigenous breeds, livestock holdings by pastoral-
ists, and gender data on those involved in livestock rearing.
• Conducted every 5 years to count all domesticated animals across rural and urban areas.
• Provides data on livestock population, breeds, and distribution, conducted by the Min-
istry of Animal Husbandry with State/UT collaboration since 1919.
• 21st Census (2024) introduces mobile app-based data collection for real-time accuracy.
• Supports programs like the National Livestock Mission (NLM) for breed and feed improvements.
• 20th Livestock Census (2019):
• Total Livestock: 535.78 million, a 4.6% increase from 2012.
• Bovine Population:79 million, including cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak.
• Indigenous vs. Exotic Breeds: Indigenous cattle dropped 6%, while exot-
ic breeds rose by 29.3% due to demand for high milk yield.
• B uffalo Population: Rose by 1% to 109.85 million, boosting milk production.
• S heep and Goat: Sheep up by 14.1% (74.26 million); goats up by 10.1% (148.88 million).
• P oultry: Grew 16.8%, reaching 851.81 million, indicating expanded poultry farming.
• F emale Livestock: Female cattle up 18%, female buffaloes up 8%, highlighting dairy focus.
• 1 9th Livestock Census (2012):
• Showed buffalo growth and a decline in indigenous cattle.
• Noted significant poultry growth, reflecting changing agricultural patterns.
Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

13. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY):

• C entre increased Mudra loan limit under PMMY from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh in a new ‘Tarun Plus’ category.
• The higher limit applies to entrepreneurs who previously took and repaid loans under the ‘Tarun’ category.
• Launched on April 8, 2015, by the PM to support non-corporate, non-farm
small and micro-entrepreneurs with collateral-free loans.
• Targets small businesses outside the corporate and agricultural sectors, such as
self-employed workers, small shops, artisans, and repair services.
• Loan categories:
• Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000
• Kishore: Loans between ₹50,000 and ₹5 lakh
• Tarun: Loans between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh
• Tarun Plus: Loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh (introduced in July 2024).
• Achievements:
• 8 million Loans sanctioned, totaling ₹5.4 trillion.
• Over 487.8 million loans worth ₹29.79 trillion sanctioned since 2015.
• NPA for public sector banks under Mudra loans reduced to 3.4% in FY24, down from 4.77% in 2020-21.

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• Gross NPA for scheduled commercial banks at 2.8% as of March 2024.

• Empowers women, minorities, and marginalized communities by improving access to credit.
Microfinance Story of India

Governance
1. Global Hunger Index (GHI), 2024:
• I ndia ranks 105th out of 127 with a score of 27.3, indicating a “serious” hunger crisis.
• Score of 27.3 (“serious“), improved from 2023’s 28.7.
• GHI is an annual, peer-reviewed report by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.
• Scores are on a 100-point scale, with 0 indicating no hunger and 100 the worst.
• Four Indicators: Undernourishment, Child Stunting (U5), Child Wasting (U5), Child Mortality (U5).
• 2024 global GHI score is 18.3, “moderate.”
• South Asian neighbors like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka rank as “moderate.”
• Recognized programs include Poshan Abhiyan, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, and the National Mission for Natural Farming.
• India pointed out lack of Poshan Tracker data, with actual child wasting at 7.2%.
• Issue over “Proportion of Undernourished Population” due to limited sample. Top of FormBottom of Form
Hunger and Nutrition Issues – GHI, GNI, etc.

Polity
1. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI):
• M EA clarified that OCI status rules remain unchanged after complaints of being reclassified as “foreigners.”
• Launched in August 2005, allows Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of In-
dia post-January 26, 1950, or eligible for citizenship then, to register as OCI.
• Functions as a form of dual citizenship for the Indian diaspora, defined by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• C ardholders receive a multiple-entry, lifelong visa and don’t need to register for long stays.
• Population (2023): USA: 16.8 lakh > UK: 9.34 lakh > Australia: 4.94 lakh > Canada: 4.18 lakh.
• Recent Rules (2021): OCI holders need permission for protected, restricted, or prohibited areas.
• Special permits required for research, missionary, journalism, and J&K visits.
• Eligibility Restrictions: Those with Pakistani or Bangladeshi parentage or grandparents are ineligible for OCI.
• Foreign military personnel (active or retired) are also ineligible.
• Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders, with at least 2 years of marriage, can apply for OCI.
• CANNOT vote, hold constitutional posts, or serve as MPs or in Legislative Assemblies.
• They are also restricted from government employment.
Citizenship and Related Issues

2. Gram Sabha:
•  inistry of Panchayati Raj held special Gram Sabhas on Gandhi Jayanti.
M
• Central part of the Panchayati Raj system.
• Responsible for village development and local governance.
• Defined under Article 243(b) of the Indian Constitution.
• Primary and permanent body in Panchayati Raj.
• Members includes individuals above 18 years residing in the village; listed in the electoral rolls.
• Meetings held 2-4 times yearly, as per State Panchayat Raj Acts.
• Common dates: Republic Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
• Panchayats may select other dates for meetings.
• Organized by Panchayat Secretary (Gram Sevak) with Sarpanch’s approval.
• 10% of members or 50 people (whichever is more) can request a meeting.
• Written request required 5 days before the meeting.
• All decisions of Panchayat need Gram Sabha approval.
• Discusses local governance and development issues; Plan village needs.
Panchayati Raj Institutions: Issues and Challenges

3. Article 142 of the Indian Constitution:

• SC declined a PIL under Article 142 to include sexual offences in BNS against men, trans-persons, and animals.

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•  rticle 142 empowers the Supreme Court to deliver ‘complete justice’ in cases under its jurisdiction.
A
• Ensures justice beyond the scope of statutory law.
• Aims to empower the Supreme Court to address extraordinary situations
• Interpretation has evolved through landmark judgments, though Article 142 remains unamended.
• Landmark Cases Involving Article 142:
• Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Established the ‘basic structure doctrine’ limiting Parliament’s amendment powers.
• Shah Bano Case (1985): Used to grant alimony to a Muslim woman, sparking debate on personal law vs. secularism.
• Vishaka Guidelines (1997): Laid down workplace sexual harassment guidelines.
• Coal Block Allocation Case (2014): Canceled 214 coal block allocations due to corruption and illegality.
• Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Invoked to provide compensation for victims in the Union Carbide vs Union Govt case.
• BCCI Reforms (2016): Ordered transparency and accountability reforms in the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
LGBT Rights – Transgender Bill, Sec. 377, etc.

4. SC upholds Section 6A of Citizenship Act, 1955:

• A llows Bangladeshi immigrants in Assam to gain Indian citizenship, aligning with fraternity.
• Court stated fraternity must not be applied selectively, avoiding labels like “illegal immigrants.”
• Article 6A does not violate Articles 6 and 7, which set January 26, 1950,
as the cutoff for citizenship for migrants from Pakistan.
• Section 6A has a separate cutoff of March 25, 1971, related to Opera-
tion Searchlight against Bangladesh’s nationalist movement.
• Enacted through the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985, Section 6A followed the Assam Accord.
• Grants citizenship to those entering Assam before January 1, 1966.
• Allows those entering between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, to gain citizenship under certain conditions.
• Denies citizenship to those arriving after March 25, 1971.
• Assam Accord: 3-party agreement among the Central Government, Assam Govern-
ment, and Assam Movement leaders to control illegal migration from Bangladesh.
• Led to Section 6A’s inclusion, specific to Assam, in the Citizenship Act of 1955.
Citizenship and Related Issues

5. Minority Educational Institutions:

• S upreme Court stated that regulating minority-run religious or linguis-
tic institutions DOES NOT inherently violate secularism.
• C JI noted while reviewing the Allahabad High Court’s decision on the UP Board of Madrasa Education Act, 2004.
• The 2004 Act regulated UP madrasas; HC ruled it violated secularism.
• Ordered transfer of around 17 lakh madrasa students from 16,000 madrasas to regular schools.
• Petitioners argued the HC saw madrasas as violating Article 28, banning religious instruction in state-funded institutions.
• C JI cited the Hindu Religious Endowments Act, which regulates religious institutions in multiple states.
• Emphasized the State’s right to ensure quality education in government-aided minority institutions.
• Article 30(1) grants minorities the right to establish and manage their educational institutions.
• National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004, up-
holds minority educational rights under Article 30(1).
• M inority institutions are those established or managed by minorities, per Section 2(g) of the Act.
• T MA Pai Foundation case (2002) said minority status depends on state demographics.
• A rticle 29 allows minorities to preserve their language, script, or culture.
• M inority institutions lack unrestricted rights to appoint staff, as up-
held in the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act, 2008.
• M uslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians recognized un-
der the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

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Atomic Notes By Civilsdaily IAS- OCTOBER 2024 Pg. 9

6. New ‘Lady Justice’ Statue:

• C JI unveiled a new ‘lady justice’ , a 6-foot statue by Vinod Goswami

• I n a saree, holds scales in one hand and the Indian Constitution in other, with uncovered eyes to symbolize equal justice.
• F irst introduced during colonial rule, it became a staple in Indian courthouses.
• P reviously seen in Calcutta High Court (1872) and Bombay HC, with variations in blindfold status.
• A bsence of a blindfold signifies “law is not blind,” promoting equality in justice.
• O riginates from Greek (Themis) and Roman (Justitia) mythology, traditionally with a blindfold, scales, and a sword.
• I ndian Constitution, symbolizing rights and fairness instead of a sword.
• R etains scales (weight balance) to emphasize balance in assessing evidence.
• R eflects a justice system that is aware, inclusive, and grounded in constitutional ideals.
• P laced in the Judges’ Library of the Supreme Court, marking its importance in Indian law.
Judicial Reforms

7. National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT):

•  C overturned NCLAT’s approval of an edtech firm’s deal with BCCI over unpaid dues.
S
• NCLAT was established on June 1, 2016, under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Acts as an appellate body for appeals against NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) orders.
• Hears appeals from NCLT decisions, IBBI orders, and CCI
• NCLAT decisions can be further appealed to the Supreme Court.
• Led by a Chairperson (usually a retired SC or HC judge) with central government-appointed members.
• Addresses company law and insolvency matters, ensuring justice in NCLT cases.
• Based in New Delhi, crucial for corporate governance, transparency, and accountability.
• *NCLT adjudicates; NCLAT provides an appellate check, ensuring balance.
• Supports the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, by facilitating efficient insolvency resolutions.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

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Atomic Notes By Civilsdaily IAS- OCTOBER 2024 Pg. 10

International Relations
1. Chagos Archipelago:

•  ritain gave up sovereignty over Chagos Islands.

B
• UK ceded claims to Mauritius, allowing resettlement on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia.
• Secured the future of the Diego Garcia military base, operated by the UK and US.
• UK retains Diego Garcia sovereignty for military use for 99 years.
• Chagos Archipelago consists of 58 islands in the Indian Ocean, 500 km south of Maldives.
• Disputed between the UK and Mauritius for decades.
• UK formed the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) in 1965, including the Chagos Islands.
• I slands were detached from Mauritius before its independence.
• M auritius received £3 million in compensation.
• 2 017: UNGA asked the ICJ to assess the islands’ legal status.
• 2 019: ICJ ruled the UK’s control illegal, stating detachment lacked Chagos-
sian consent; UNGA requested the UK’s withdrawal in six months.
Indian Ocean Power Competition

2. International Energy Efficiency Hub (IEEH):

• C entre approved a letter of intent for India to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub.
• Established in 2020, succeeding the International Partnership for Energy Ef-
ficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), where India was a member.
• S upports energy efficiency collaboration among governments, organizations, and private sectors.
• M embers (as of July 2024): 16 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Den-
mark, EU, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, US, and UK.
• B ureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the designated agency for India.
• M embership enables collaboration with global partners and access to best practices in energy efficiency.
• A llows India to promote energy-efficient technologies and support climate action.
• B EE was established in March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• A ims to promote energy efficiency, conservation, reduce energy intensity, and strengthen energy security.
• O perates under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

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Atomic Notes By Civilsdaily IAS- OCTOBER 2024 Pg. 11

3. United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS):

•  NAIDS Director stressed that without India, ending AIDS by 2030 (SDG) is unlikely.
U
• HIV attacks the immune system, especially CD4 cells, weakening infection resistance.
• AIDS is the severe stage of HIV, causing life-threatening infections and cancers.
• HIV spreads through infected body fluids like blood, semen, and breast milk.
• No cure exists, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) controls HIV and prevents AIDS.
• From 2010-2023, India reduced new HIV infections by 44%, above the global average.
• AIDS-related deaths in India dropped by nearly 80% in the same period.
• In 2023, India saw 68,000 new infections (approx. 185 daily).
• Global AIDS Strategy suggests 80% of prevention services be community-led, needing resources.
• UNAIDS founded in 1996 by the UN Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC).
• HQ: Geneva, Switzerland; To coordinate global HIV/AIDS action, prevent infections, support affected individuals.
• Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA), endorsed by the UN in 2001 and 2006.
• 90-90-90 goals: 90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment, 90% virally suppressed by 2020.
• Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026 aims to end HIV-related inequalities, with 30 million on treatment by 2025.
• Achieving SDG 3: End AIDS by 2030.
• Key Campaigns: World AIDS Day (December 1), global awareness drives.
Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

4. SAARC Currency Swap Framework:

• R BI announced a Currency Swap Agreement with the Maldives Monetary Author-
ity (MMA) under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework 2024-27.
• I ndia will provide $400 million under the US Dollar/Euro Swap Window.
• ₹ 30 billion (approx. $357 million) is available under the INR Swap Window.
• Agreement valid until June 18, 2027.
• SAARC Framework provides short-term liquidity support to SAARC countries during crises.
• Administered by RBI, launched in 2012.
• Involves all SAARC members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
• Swap available in US Dollar, Euro, or Indian Rupee.
• Interest rate includes a margin over international benchmarks.
• Aims to address balance of payment crises and ensure financial stability.
Foreign Policy Watch: India-Maldives

5. United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL):

• I ndia concerned over safety of UN peacekeepers in south Lebanon after they came under Israeli fire.
• 600 Indian soldiers stationed along the 120-km Blue Line at the Israel-Lebanon border.
• Established in March 1978 after Israel’s invasion of Lebanon under UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426.
• Aims to confirm Israeli withdrawal, restore peace, and help Lebanon regain control over southern Lebanon.
• Operates in southern Lebanon near the Israel border (Blue Line).
• Consists of over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries, including both civilian and military personnel.
• Tasked with preventing hostilities, ensuring no weapons or fighters are present, and reporting violations to UNSC.
• Peacekeepers are armed but use force only to protect their or civilian safety.
• Headquarters located in Naqoura, southern Lebanon.
• Peacekeepers are impartial and operate with the consent of Lebanon as host country.
The Crisis In The Middle East

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6. Nile River System:

•  10-country regional partnership announced a Nile River water-sharing agreement, despite Egypt’s opposition.
A
• African Union declared it legal after South Sudan joined.
• Treaty backed by Nile Basin Initiative.
• Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania ratified; Egypt and Su-
dan refused; Congo abstained, and Kenya has not ratified yet.
• Nile River: About 6,650 km, the longest river globally.
• Main Tributaries: White Nile (Lake Victoria, Uganda) and Blue Nile (Lake Tana, Ethiopia).
• 11 Countries Traversed: including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Tan-
zania, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.
• Mouth: Mediterranean Sea, forming the Nile Delta in Egypt.
• Major Cities: Cairo, Khartoum, and Alexandria.
• Aswan High Dam (Egypt): Controls flooding, generates power, forms Lake Nasser.
• Built in 1970, helps irrigation, flood control but reduces silt flow.
• Provides over 90% of water for Egypt and Sudan; vital for agriculture, fishing, industry, and energy.
• Tensions persist between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, largely over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
• 1929 and 1959 Agreements: Gave water allocation mainly to Egypt and Sudan; upstream countries seek revision.
• Nile Basin Initiative (NBI, 1999) promotes cooperation and sustainable resource management among Nile Basin nations.
The Crisis In The Middle East

7. Jordan River:

• E xtremist conducted drone strikes in the Jordan Valley, near Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank.
• Located in the Great Rift Valley, stretching from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, with some areas below sea level.
• Semi-arid to arid climate with hot summers, mild winters, and low rainfall, making irrigation essential.
• Major agricultural region producing citrus, dates, and vegetables; relies on the Jordan River for water.
• Rich in biblical history, including Jesus’ baptism, with ancient Canaanite and Roman archaeological sites.

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• G eopolitically significant in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for security, borders, and shared water resources.
• Agriculture is the main economic activity, with tourism driven by religious and historic sites.
• Faces environmental challenges like water scarcity, shrinking Dead Sea from riv-
er diversion, and pollution impacting the Jordan River ecosystem.
The Crisis In The Middle East

8. United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA):

• I srael’s Knesset banned UNRWA within its borders, citing alleged UNRWA staff ties to Hamas.
• Full form: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
• Established by UN General Assembly in 1949 to aid Palestinian refugees after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
• Headquarters initially in Beirut, moved to Vienna in 1978, and then to Gaza in 1996.
• Mandate renewed periodically, extended until June 30, 2026.
• Operates in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
• Supports over 5 million Palestinian refugees and their descendants from 1948 and 1967.
• Services: Provides education, healthcare, social services, infrastructure im-
provement, microfinance, and emergency assistance.
• Primarily funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states; some fund-
ing from the UN Regular Budget covers staffing.
• Led by a Commissioner-General, appointed by the UN Secretary-General with General Assembly approval.
• Mandate over descendants of original refugees is disputed.
The Crisis In The Middle East

9. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty Organization (CTBTO):
•  wo earthquakes struck Iran, sparking nuclear test rumours.
T
• Denied by CTBTO through its International Monitoring System (IMS).
• IMS, set up by CTBTO, is a global network to detect nuclear explosions
• Comprises over 300 monitoring stations across 89 countries, using seismic, infra-
sound, hydroacoustic, and radionuclide tech to detect nuclear activity.
• C TBTO shares IMS data with member-states in near real-time for reliable verification.
• Over 16 GB of data is sent daily from IMS stations to CTBTO’s International Data Centre (IDC) in Vienna.
• About CTBTO: Based in Vienna, Austria.
• Formed to implement Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), opened in 1996.
• Supports nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and enhances international cooperation and stability.
• Key Elements:
• Total Ban: Prohibits all nuclear tests, civilian/military.
• Verification Mechanisms: Global monitoring and on-site inspections.
• IMS Monitoring: Uses advanced tech for compliance checks.
• Signed by 183 countries; 164 have ratified it, but it is NOT in force as 8 key Annex-2 states haven’t ratified.
• Non-Ratifying States: Includes the U.S., China, Iran, Egypt, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea.
Nuclear Diplomacy and Disarmament

Security Issues
1. Exercise KAZIND-2024:
•  n annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan.
A
• Initially called Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK in 2016; renamed Exercise KAZIND after the second edition.
• Involves Army contingents from both countries and since 2023, includes Air Force personnel, making it a Bi-service
• Concentrates on Counter Terrorism operations in sub-conventional environments under a UN mandate.
• Tactical drills include Raid, Search and Destroy, Small Team Insertion and Ex-
traction, and Counter Unmanned Aerial System Operations.
• A  ims to develop skills, resilience, and coordination for joint operations in semi-urban and urban settings.
Indian Army Updates

2. Navika Sagar Parikrama:

• T he second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama, a global sailboat circumnavigation, was flagged off.
• A maritime expedition by Indian Navy, focused on circumnavigating the globe with a female crew.

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• F irst launched on September 10, 2017, with an all-women crew of 6 officers on INSV Tarini; Completed on May 21, 2018.
• Second Edition: Launched on October 2, 2024, with 2 women officers, Lieu-
tenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A.
• Route divided into five legs with four stopovers:
• Goa to Fremantle, Australia
• Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand
• Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
• Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa
• C ape Town to Goa, India
Indian Navy Updates

3. China’s ‘Anaconda Strategy’:

•  hina’s PLA is using an ‘anaconda strategy’ to pressure Taiwan.
C
• This strategy combines military tactics, psychological pressure, and cyber warfare.
• Goal is to weaken Taiwan’s defenses and push for submission without full invasion.
• China applies constant pressure to exhaust Taiwan and provoke mis-steps.
• Keeps Taiwan on defense without direct conflict, maintaining vulnerability.
• Other Strategies by China:
• Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: Aggressive diplomacy to counter criticism and protect Chinese interests.
• Gray-Zone Tactics: Actions like cyberattacks and propaganda, operating between peace and open conflict.
• Salami Slicing: Small, incremental actions to gain control, avoiding strong reactions and confrontation.
OBOR Initiative

4. Exercise SIMBEX, 2024:

• 3 1st Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is underway at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
• Originally called Exercise Lion King; Held annually since 1994.
• Evolved from anti-submarine warfare to include maritime security, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare.
• Promotes cooperation on shared maritime challenges.
• SIMBEX-2019 was held in South China Sea, featuring maritime combat exercises.
• Recognized as India’s longest uninterrupted naval exercise with any coun-
try (per Indian High Commission statement, 2019).
Indian Navy Updates

Enviro & Biodiversity

1. Annular Solar Eclipse:

• R are Annular Solar Eclipse visible across South America on Oct 23.
• Eclipses are astronomical events when sun, moon, and Earth align.
• Two types: (1) Solar eclipse: moon blocks sun’s light during new moon; (2) Lu-
nar eclipse: Earth’s shadow on moon during full moon.
• Total Solar Eclipse occurs when Moon entirely covers sun, creating “path of totality.”
• Stages: (1) Partial eclipse: moon partially blocks sun, creating crescent shape. (2) Bai-
ly’s Beads: points of light around moon’s edges. (3) Diamond ring: bright spot with ring of
light around moon. (4)Totality: sky darkens, other phases repeat until eclipse ends.

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 ther types of solar eclipses: Partial: Sun, moon, Earth not fully aligned; An-
• O
nular: Moon farther from Earth, creating ring effect.
• W
 hy don’t solar eclipses happen at every New Moon? : Moon’s orbit tilts 5° to Earth’s orbit.
 therwise, Eclipses occur only when Sun and Moon align at nodes.
• O
Global Geological And Climatic Events

2. Swallowtail Butterfly:
• A recent study found that overexploitation of medicinal plants is threatening the sur-
vival of swallowtail butterflies in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region.
• F amily: Papilionidae; Global species: 573; Indian species: 77.
• L arge, brightly colored wings with tail-like extensions on hindwings.
• S trong fliers, diurnal, territorial, feed on nectar.
• F ound in tropical and temperate areas of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
• S wallowtail Conservation Action Plan (SCAP): Aims to protect endangered swallowtail species and prevent extinction.
• F ocus on habitat protection, conserving host plants, and restoring populations.
• N ortheastern India designated a key zone for swallowtail conservation under SCAP.
• 1 2 swallowtail species in India are federally protected; some are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts

3. How is Arun River making the Everest taller?

• A run River, crossing Nepal and Tibet, erodes rock and soil in its basin, caus-
ing Mount Everest to rise by up to 2 mm annually.
• River Incision: About 75 km from Everest, the Arun River erodes significant rock and soil.
• This erosion reduces the Earth’s crust weight in the river basin.
• Isostatic Rebound: When land weight decreases, the crust rises to balance, like a boat rising when unloaded.
• Reduced landmass in the Arun basin allows the crust to rise under Everest.
• Arun River originates in Tibet as Phung Chu or Bum-chu.
• Flows into Nepal, joining Sun Koshi and Tamur at Tribenighat to form the Sapta Koshi.
• Tributaries: Left: Yeru Tsanpo, Trakar-chu; Right: Barun River.
• D rains into Koshi, supplying the Sapta Koshi system in Nepal.
• L argest trans-Himalayan river in Nepal, vital for regional hydrology and ecosystems.
• A run-III Hydro Power Project (900 MW), aided by $6.95 billion from India, recently achieved a tunnel breakthrough.
Global Geological And Climatic Events

4. Golden Langur:
•  ildlife passages and artificial canopy bridges are being built along the India-Bhutan border.
W
• This initiative aims to reduce road accident deaths of the endangered golden langur.
• Recognizable by their golden fur, from which they derive their name.
• Fur color varies with seasons, and young ones exhibit nearly pure white fur.
• Confined to Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan, where they reside throughout the year.
• Their habitat is delineated by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas riv-
er (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
• G  olden Langurs inhabit moist evergreen and tropical deciduous for-
ests, along with riverine areas and savannas in Assam and Bhutan.
• T  hey predominantly dwell in the upper canopy of subtropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.
• F ound at elevations ranging from sea level in the south to up to 3000 m at the foothills of Bhutan in the north.
• C  onservation Status: IUCN: Endangered; CITES: Appendix I; Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts

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5. Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying:

• L ittle Prespa Lake, or Small Lake Prespa, is on the Albanian-Greek border.

• Most of the lake is in Greece, with the southern tip in Albania.
• The lake covers about 450 hectares in Albania, much of which has become swampy or dried up.
• It is part of the nearby Great Prespa Lake, located to the south.
• Historically fed by snowmelt and rainfall, but climate change and human actions have reduced inflows.
• In the 1970s, Albania’s communist government diverted the Devoll River for irrigation around Korca.
• This diversion started the lake’s ecological decline by cutting its water supply.Top of FormBottom of Form
Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

6. EnviStats India, 2024:

• M inistry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 7th edi-
tion of “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts.”
• Compiled as per SEEA (System of Environmental-Economic Accounting).
• Covers Energy Accounts, Ocean Accounts, Soil Nutrient Index and Biodiversity.
• 72% increase in number and 16% increase in area of Total Protected Areas from 2000 to 2023.
• Mangrove coverage, a key ocean ecosystem, grew by 8% from 2013 to 2021.
• Includes data on India’s faunal and floral diversity, Leopard and Snow Leopard status, and genetic conservation.
• Compiled Species Richness of IUCN Red List threatened species using spatial data from IUCN.
Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

7. Amangarh Tiger Reserve:

•  iger’s body was found near Amangarh Tiger Reserve.
T
• ATR is located in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, covering about 9,500 hectares (95 sq km).
• Adjacent to Corbett, it serves as a corridor for Asiatic Elephants, Tigers, and other wildlife.
• Originally part of Jim Corbett NP, it remained with Uttar Pradesh after Uttarakhand was created.
• The reserve has grasslands, wetlands, and dense forests.
Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

8. Hurricane Milton:
•  urricane Milton made landfall in Florida, causing heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds.
H
• Milton intensified from Category 1 to Category 5 in just 12 hours.
• Normally, hurricanes intensify slower, but Milton’s wind speeds rose by 145 km/h in one day—a rare occurrence.
• Sea–surface temperatures were 31°C, well above the 26°C needed for hurricane formation.
• T his excess heat fueled Milton’s rapid intensification.
• Tropical cyclones, originating over tropical oceans, bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges to coastal areas.
•  hey feature closed circulation of air around a low-pressure center, with anti-clock-
T
wise winds in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern.
• M  ature cyclones boast a calm “eye” at the centre, with descending air, light winds, and clear skies.

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• F avorable conditions for formation include warm sea surface (>27°C), Corio-
lis force, low-pressure systems, and vertical wind speed variations.
• K nown as cyclones in the Indian Ocean, hurricanes in the Atlantic, typhoons in the West-
ern Pacific, South China Sea, and willy-willies in Western Australia.
Global Geological And Climatic Events

9. South Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia):

• 2 9th COP to the UNFCCC begins on November 11, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• Leaders will meet near the Caspian Sea, while the South Caucasus region faces climate challenges.
• Located south of the Greater Caucasus Mountains; bordered by Russia (north), Tur-
key and Iran (south), and between the Black Sea (west) and Caspian Sea (east).
• Includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, with disputed areas like Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.
• Lesser Caucasus Mountains reach up to 3,000m and include Zangezur Range, Meskheti Range, and Armenian Highlands.
• Positioned between Black and Caspian Seas the; Azerbaijan’s Absher-
on Peninsula extends into the Caspian, rich in oil reserves.
• Waterbodies: Kura (in Georgia and Azerbaijan) and Aras (in Armenia and Azerbaijan). Main lake: Lake Sevan (in Armenia).
• Climate includes hot summers and cold winters (continental), subtropical along Geor-
gia’s Black Sea coast, and semi-arid to desert near the Caspian, especially in Azerbaijan.
• R ich in oil and gas, mainly in Azerbaijan; crucial for energy pipelines like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
Global Geological And Climatic Events

10. Wular Lake:

•  arvest of water chestnuts (goer) has started near Wular Lake.

H
• Located in Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• India’s largest freshwater lake and second-largest in Asia.
• Covers 200 sq. km with a length of 24 km and width of 10 km.
• Fed by the Jhelum River, with additional streams Madhumati and Arin.

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• F ormed by tectonic activity and possibly a remnant of ancient Satisar Lake.

• Contains Zaina Lank Island, built by King Zainul-Abidin.
• Designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site since 1990, supporting bird migration and breeding.
•  ome to birds like black-eared kite, Himalayan monal, and golden eagle.
H
•  ccounts for 60% of J&K’s fish production.
A
• T
 ulbul Project at the lake’s mouth regulates Jhelum River’s flow for navigation and year-round water supply.
• C
 ontroversy due to Pakistan’s objections under the Indus Waters Treaty and is currently stalled.
Wetland Conservation

11. Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:

•  BWL approved 5 key roads near the LAC, including 4 passing through the Karakoram WLS.
N
• Includes a route to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), India’s northernmost military outpost with the country’s highest airstrip.
• Located in the eastern Karakoram Range.
• 5,000 sq km, one of India’s largest high-altitude protected areas.
• 4,200m to over 7,500m at Saltoro Kangri’s peak.
• Cold desert; harsh winters, low temperatures, sparse vegetation, and snowfall.
• Winters drop below -20°C, with summer temperatures between 5°C and 20°C.
• Fauna: Snow leopards, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), ibex, and
blue sheep (Bharal); supports some migratory bird species seasonally.
• Sparse cold desert vegetation, hardy grasses, shrubs, and medicinal plants.
• Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through, vital water sources for the sanctuary.
• Part of the trans-Himalayan ecosystem, hosting rare and endangered species.
• Harsh climate, limited access, and poaching threats, especially for the chiru’s prized undercoat.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts

12. COP16 of the CBD:

• 16th COP of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) held in Cali, Colombia.
•  BD opened for signature in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit; entered into force on 29 December 1993.
C
• First COP session took place in 1994 in the Bahamas.
• S
 ecretariat is in Montreal, Canada.
• R
 atified by 196 nations, with the U.S. being the only UN member not ratified.
•  OP, the governing body, meets every 2 years.
C
• C
 artagena Protocol: Governs transboundary movements of Living Modified Organ-
isms (LMOs) to manage biotech risks; adopted in 2000, effective from 2003.
• N
 agoya Protocol: Ensures fair sharing of benefits from genetic resourc-
es with countries of origin; adopted in 2010, effective from 2014.
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework:
• Concluded at COP15 in 2022, Montreal.
• Addresses the global biodiversity crisis with 23 targets for 2030 and four goals for biodiversity preservation.
• Non-binding on member states.
• 30 x 30 Momentum:
• A key COP16 objective is to push the 30 x 30 targets.
• Seeks to conserve 30% of the world’s lands and oceans and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

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13. Environmental Ship Index (ESI):

• M ormugao Port Authority (MPA) in Goa became the first Indian port list-
ed on ESI portal under its Harit Shrey programme.
• Recognized by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
• Government plans to limit inland waterway terminal (IWT) development near major ports to protect economic interests.
• E SI evaluates and rewards ships that exceed IMO emission standards for environmental performance.
• 2023 IMO GHG Strategy aims for a 40% carbon intensity reduction in shipping by 2030.
• Launched on 1st January 2011, managed by IAPH.
• Measures nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions from ships.
• Includes a GHGs reporting scheme for vessels.
• E SI Characteristics:
• Functions as a port-to-port evaluation system.
• Shipowners can voluntarily display their vessels’ environmental performance.
• Applicable to all seagoing ships, regardless of size or purpose.
• Scores are automatically calculated and managed.
• Ports may provide benefits, like reduced fees or priority berthing, for ships with high ESI scores.
Port Infrastructure and Shipping Industry – Sagarmala Project, SDC, CEZ, etc.

14. Landfall of a Cyclone:

•  est Bengal and Odisha faced heavy rainfall as Tropical Cyclone Dana made landfall.
W
• Landfall happens when a cyclone moves from sea to land.
• IMD defines landfall as when the cyclone’s center (eye) crosses the coast.
• Landfall differs from a “direct hit,” where only the cyclone’s eyewall reaches land, leaving the eye offshore.
• NOAA notes a cyclone’s strongest winds can still affect land without the center reaching the coast.
• Landfall usually lasts a few hours, depending on storm size and wind speed.
• Cyclones weaken post-landfall due to moisture loss and increased friction.
• While landfall is the most destructive phase, it also marks the start of the cyclone’s weakening.
Global Geological And Climatic Events

15. Hasdeo Arand Forest:

• I n Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest, tribals clashed with police after tree-felling resumed for coal mining.
• Known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh” for its biodiversity.
• Largest unfragmented forest in Central India, with pristine Sal and teak forests.
• Covers 1,879.6 sq km across Sarguja, Korba and Surajpur
• Hasdeo River flows through the forest.
• Hosts nine protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, in-
cluding elephants, leopards, sloth bears, Indian grey wolves, and pangolins.
• Supports 92 bird species, 25 mammals, 16 snake types, and serves as a corridor for elephants and tigers.
• Contains 640 plant species, including 128 medicinal plants and 40 timber-producing varieties.
• Villagers claim fake gram sabha resolutions were used for mining clearances.
• Activists want the Parsa coal block project cancelled and protec-
tion of the 1,995 sq km Lemru Reserve Forest from future mining.
Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

16. Global Nature Conservation Index, 2024:

• I ndia ranks 176th in the 2024 NCI with a score of 45.5, placing it among the bot-
tom five with Kiribati, Turkey, Iraq, and Micronesia.
• D eveloped by Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change, Ben-Gurion University.
• E valuates conservation-development balance; Highlights areas for improving biodiversity policies.
• L aunched on October 24, 2024; ranks 180 countries on conservation.
• 4 Index Pillars: Managing Protected Areas; Addressing Biodiversity Threats; Nature and Con-
servation Governance; Future Natural Resource Management Trends.
• O ffers insights on global conservation for biodiversity and sustainable development.
• T op Performers: Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and New Zealand lead in conservation.
• C ountries with strong policies (e.g., Sweden, Denmark) better manage biodiversity risks.
• 9 % of land and 67.5% of marine species face decline despite protected areas.
• R easons for India’s Low Ranking:
• H igh Land Conversion: 53% of land used for urban, industrial, and agricultural activities, leading to deforestation.
• S oil Pollution: Sustainable nitrogen index at 0.77 shows high pesticide use harming soil health.

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• M inimal Marine Conservation: Only 0.2% of waterways protected, with no protection in India’s EEZ.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: India ranks fourth globally, with an estimated £15 billion in illegal trade, endangering wildlife.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts

17. Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR):

•  disha moved a female tiger from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari TR to STR.
O
• Located in Mayurbhanj District, Odisha’s northernmost area, surrounded by plateaus and hills.
• Features twin peaks, Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising 1515 meters above sea level.
• Declared TR in 1956; joined Project Tiger in 1973.
• P art of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.
• H illy terrain with open grasslands and wooded areas.
• D ominated by Northern tropical moist deciduous forests, with some semi-evergreen patches.
• T ribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
• H osts 1078 plant species, including 94 orchid varieties; Sal is the main tree species.
• R ich wildlife includes Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Deer (Barking, Spotted), Sloth Bear, Mon-
goose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Python, Sambar, and Pangolin.
• S TR has 13 adult pseudo-melanistic tigers (seven females, six males), found nowhere else in the wild.
• T hese black tigers have unique striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

18. State-Specific Disasters:

• T
 N declared heatwaves a State-specific disaster with an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh for fam-
ilies of those who die from heat-related causes, including relief workers.
• Supported by SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund).
• Other State-specific disasters in TN include sea erosion, lightning, thunder, whirlwinds, and gale winds.
• Kerala became the first state in March 2024 to declare man-animal conflict a State-specific disaster.
• Once declared, the SDMA assumes responsibility under the Disaster Management Act, allowing quicker action.
• District Collectors can also intervene directly as district disaster body heads.
• Heatwaves: Prolonged period of high temperatures, typically March to June in India.
• Plains: Max temperature at least 45°C.
• Hills: Max temperature at least 30°C.
• Coastal: Max 37°C, with a 4.5°C+ departure from normal.
• Formation Factors:
• High Pressure: Keeps high pressure over a region for days or weeks.
• Air Sinking: Causes air to sink, increasing warmth and dryness.
• Increased Radiation: Fewer clouds raise surface temperatures.
• Surface Winds: Warm air or continental winds worsen heat.
• Heatwave Criteria (two consecutive days):
• Departure from Normal:
• Heat Wave:5°C to 6.4°C above normal.
• Severe Heat Wave: >6.4°C above normal.
• Actual Max Temp (plains):
• Heat Wave: Max reaches 45°C+.
• Severe Heat Wave: Max reaches 47°C+.
• Typically lasts 4 to 10 days; May 2015 had the longest recorded spell (18 to 31 May).
Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

19. DANA Weather Phenomenon:

• E xtreme conditions in eastern Spain saw Valencia receive a year’s worth of rain in just 8 hours, caused by DANA.
• Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA), or the “cold drop,” is a mete-
orological phenomenon in the western Mediterranean.
• K nown for causing intense rainfall and flooding, the term was introduced by Spanish meteorologists.
• O ccurs when cold polar air detaches from the polar jet stream and moves over the warmer Mediterranean.
• C old air meeting warm, moist air creates instability, forming cumulonimbus clouds and severe storms.
• P rimarily impacts Spain and Portugal but can also affect Italy, France and other Mediterranean areas.
• M ost frequent in autumn and spring due to strong temperature contrasts in these seasons.
Global Geological And Climatic Events

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20. Mount Fuji:

• J apan’s Mount Fuji recorded its longest delay in snowfall since records began in 1894.
• Located on Honshu Island, about 100 km southwest of Tokyo.
• Stands at 3776m (12,389 feet), the tallest mountain in Japan.
• Stratovolcano with a conical shape from layers of lava, ash, and tephra.
• Last major eruption was in 1707 (Hoei eruption), affecting Edo (Tokyo) with ash fallout.
• Formed over thousands of years, with its current form set around 300,000 years ago.
• Features a varied climate; summit snow caps from November to May.
• Part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, surrounded by 5 lakes: Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Shoji, and Motosu.
• National symbol of Japan, sacred in Shintoism, linked to deity Konohanasakuya-hime.
•  ne of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains and often depicted in art, like Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.
O
• U
 NESCO World Heritage Site (2013) for cultural importance and natural beauty.
•  osts festivals like the Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival, celebrating local flora.
H
Global Geological And Climatic Events

Science Tech
1. BRCA1 Testing:
• A ngelina Jolie’s case raised awareness about hereditary breast and ovarian can-
cer (HBOC) after her preventive surgeries for a BRCA1 mutation.
• B RCA testing finds mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
• T hese genes normally repair DNA; mutations increase cancer risk, especially breast and ovarian.
• T esting shows if a person inherited mutations, indicating risk for HBOC and other cancers.
• A blood or saliva sample is collected for lab analysis.
• L abs use DNA sequencing to detect harmful BRCA mutations.
• A positive result signals a higher cancer risk.
• I n India, BRCA testing costs ₹15,000–₹30,000, often unaffordable.
• Tests mainly focus on people with family cancer history, missing around 50% of mutations without known family links.
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women, making up 27% of cases.
• Women with BRCA mutations have up to a 72% breast cancer risk.
• Early detection enables preventive steps like screenings or surgeries, reducing cancer risk by up to 100%.
Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

2. Fluorescent Nano-Diamonds (FND):

•  esearchers at Purdue University levitated nanodiamonds in a vacuum and spun them at ultra-high speeds.
R
• This experiment could enable applications in industry and fundamental research.
• Physicists recorded the Berry phase, a quantum property tied to the spin qubits in nanodiamonds.
• FNDs are nanometre-sized diamonds made from carbon nanoparticles.
• Created under high temperature and pressure.
• K  nown for stability under light and non-toxic properties; used in medi-
cal diagnostics, microscopy, and temperature sensing.
• I n biology, FNDs help track and monitor cells over long periods.

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• F NDs exhibit fluorescence, emitting lower-frequency light when exposed to higher frequencies.
• Unlike other materials, FNDs do not blink with irradiation over time.
• Their fluorescence lasts over 10 nanoseconds, outperforming other materials like quantum dots.
Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

3. Mapping of the Fruit Fly’s Brain:

•  esearchers mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, a first for any adult animal.
R
• Fruit flies are a key model for neuroscience, solving similar brain challenges as humans.
• Findings may aid understanding and treatment of mental health conditions like Parkinson’s and depression.
• Mapping began in 2013 with Drosophila melanogaster.
• S cientists treated the brain in a chemical bath, hardening it into a solid block.
• 7 ,050 sections and 21 million photos were used to map the whole brain.
• F irst high-resolution brain image was produced over a decade later.
• O ver 50 million connections were found among 139,000 neurons.
• C lassified 8,453 distinct cell types, the largest catalogue of cell types in any brain.
• R esearch revealed insights into cell functions and how the fly’s eyes process motion and color.
• D iscovered “hub neurons” that may help speed up information flow.
Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

4. World Cerebral Palsy Day:

•  orld Cerebral Palsy Day was celebrated on October 6 with the theme ‘#UniquelyCP’.
W
• A group of neurological disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture.
• C aused by abnormal brain development, usually before birth, or due to birth or early childhood injury.
• Types of Cerebral Palsy:
• Spastic CP- Stiff muscles, movement difficulties (most common, 70-80% of cases).
• Dyskinetic CP- Uncontrolled limb movements.
• Ataxic CP- Poor balance and coordination.
• Mixed CP- Combination of symptoms from multiple types.
• Symptoms: Motor skill challenges (crawling, walking); Muscle stiffness/loose-
ness; Poor balance; Speech and swallowing issues; Seizures in some cases.
• D  iagnosed by physical exams, MRI scans, and developmental monitoring, often within the first two years.
• R  isk Factors: Premature birth, low birth weight, multiple births, maternal infections, and lack of oxygen during birth.
• T  reatment: Includes physical, occupational, and speech therapies; Medica-
tions to reduce muscle stiffness; surgery in severe cases.
• M  any individuals have a normal life expectancy, depending on severity and complications.
• S  ome causes preventable with maternal care, though many are not.
• N  iramaya Health Insurance Scheme: Coverage up to ₹1,00,000/- for treatments, surgeries, and therapies.
• For individuals with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.
• Requires renewal, with different fees for BPL and APL categories.
• Online enrollment and claims through Registered Organizations (ROs).
Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

5. Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR):

• S tar Party at Hanle is a meeting of amateur astronomers and photographers to observe and capture celestial events.
• Hosted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) with over 45 enthusiasts from across India attending.
• HDSR, in Changthang, eastern Ladakh, controls light pollution to preserve natural dark skies.
• Covers about 1,073 sq km and houses the Indian Astronomical Observatory, managed by IIA.
• Established to promote astronomy and astrophotography, offering India’s darkest skies.
• Hanle has the world’s second-highest optical telescope, set up by IIA in 2001.
• Its elevation ensures clear skies with minimal atmospheric interference.
• Ideal for observing faint celestial objects due to limited artificial light.
• Dry weather improves visibility, reducing humidity’s impact on observations.
ISRO Missions and Discoveries

6. Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant:

• I nstitute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) developed an indigenous in-
tra-operative treatment with drug and metal-based nanomedicine.
• Surgery and chemotherapy are key for solid tumors, but localized tumors often recur.
• Nanotechnology helps reduce toxicity, but serum protein adsorption on nanoparticles remains a challenge.

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•  ses metal-based nanomedicine reinforced with blood clotting components from the patient.
U
• Stabilized by a serum protein corona from the patient, called Nano-Micro-Sera (NMS).
• Reinforced in autologous fibrin to manage locally recurrent tumors after surgery.
• This hybrid fibrin glue showed strong synergy in suppressing recurrent breast tumors.
• Effectively reduces localized tumor recurrence post-surgery.
• Could lead to a therapeutic kit for creating this autologous implant, benefiting marginalized cancer patients.
Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

7. 2024 Physics Nobel:

• J ohn Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton won the 2024 Nobel in Physics for foun-
dational work on machine learning and neural networks.
• Artificial neural networks (ANN) mimic the brain’s structure.
• In these networks, nodes act like neurons and influence each other through connections similar to synapses.
• Connections between nodes strengthen or weaken with training.
• For example, connections between high-value nodes strengthen as the network learns.
• Since the 1980s, Hopfield and Hinton have conducted key research on neural networks.
• Hinton’s work on the Boltzmann machine and neural networks fueled machine learning’s rapid growth.
• His methods are crucial in modern AI, enabling image classification and pattern recognition.
Nobel and other Prizes

8. Marburg Virus:
•  wanda reported outbreak of Marburg virus.
R
• Marburg virus causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever.
• Part of the Ebola virus family (filovirus).
• C ase fatality rate ranges from 24% to 88%, depending on strain and care.
• First identified in 1967 during outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany.
• Spreads initially from animals to humans, especially via Rousettus bats, like the Egyptian fruit bat.
• Direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected persons; Indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or items.
• NOT airborne like common cold or flu viruses.
• Symptoms appear 2-21 days post-exposure.
• Early symptoms: high fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Advanced symptoms: severe bleeding (internal and external), often visible in vomit and feces.
• Death often occurs within 8-9 days due to severe blood loss and organ failure.
• No approved vaccines or antiviral treatments; supportive care can improve survival.

9. India declared Trachoma-free by WHO:

•  hird country in Southeast Asia to achieve this; A neglected tropical disease (NTD).
T
• WHO estimates 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma, with 6 million blind or at risk.
• Common in underprivileged communities with poor living conditions.
• Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis.
• It is contagious spreading through contact with eyes, eyelids, or nasal/throat secretions of infected people.
• If untreated, Trachoma can lead to irreversible blindness.
• In the 1950s and 1960s, Trachoma was a leading cause of blindness in India.
• India launched the National Trachoma Control Program (1963).
• Later integrated with NPCB (National Program for Control of Blindness).
• In 1971, blindness from Trachoma was 5% nationally, now reduced to less than 1% through NPCBVI efforts.
• India implemented the WHO SAFE strategy: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial hygiene, and Environmental cleanliness.

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• I ndia was declared free from infective Trachoma in 2017, it maintained Trachoma surveillance from 2019 to 2024.
Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

10. Wayanad’s new X-band Radar:

•  -band: 8-12 GHz frequency, wavelengths of about 2-4 cm.
X
• Smaller wavelengths enable radars to produce higher-resolution images.
• Higher frequency radiation attenuates faster.
• New radar will monitor particle movements, like soil, aiding landslide warnings.
• IMD History:
• Began using weather radars in the 1950s.
• First indigenous X-band radar for storm detection installed in Delhi in 1970.
• In 1996, IMD replaced 10 X-band radars with digital versions.
• India’s radar network includes both X-band (wind-finding and storm detection) and S-band ra-
dars (long-range detection), with the first S-band cyclone radar in Visakhapatnam (1970).
• Recent Developments:
• September 2024: MoES plans 56 new Doppler radars over the coming years.
• Union Cabinet approved ₹2,000-crore ‘Mission Mausam’ for meteorological upgrades, targeting up to 60 radars by 2026.
• Wayanad radar project includes a new C-band radar (4-8 GHz) in Mangaluru, covering 250 km.
Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

11. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Bacteria (Mtb):

•  ising antimicrobial resistance in Mtb is reducing antibiotic effectiveness.
R
• Researchers are studying Mtb’s proteins to develop targeted drugs.
• Mtb causes TB, mainly in the lungs, but it can spread to other organs.
• Transmits via airborne droplets from infected coughs or sneezes.
• C an remain dormant for years without causing symptoms.
• Infects macrophages, immune cells meant to kill pathogens, but Mtb survives and multiplies in them.
• A 2024 CSIR-CCMB study found Mtb uses cysteine synthase enzymes to resist oxidative stress.
• A 2017 Karolinska Institute study found 71 compounds that block these enzymes, boosting antibiotics like isoniazid.
• Mtb’s immune evasion is due to long co-evolution with humans.
• Other studies show Mtb relies on phosphate and carbon metabolism for survival.
• Drug Development Strategies:
• Target enzymes like CysK2 and CysM to weaken Mtb defenses.
• Study Mtb’s metabolic pathways to find new drug targets.
• Research Mtb’s resistance mechanisms to counteract antibiotic resistance.
Tuberculosis Elimination Strategy

12. Haber – Bosch Process:

• E xtracts 100 million tonnes of nitrogen from the air annually, produc-
ing 165 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen for fertilisers.
• N atural biological processes produce around 100-140 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen each year.
• I ndustrial method for synthesizing ammonia by combining atmospheric ni-
trogen with hydrogen, essential for fertiliser production.
• R eaction takes place in a steel chamber at 200 atm pressure, circulating nitrogen and hydrogen
• A specially designed valve endures high pressure, enabling the N₂-H₂ mixture to flow through.
• Haber introduced a heat transfer system to recycle heat from outgoing gases, increasing energy efficiency.
• Osmium (catalyst) was effective for breaking nitrogen bonds, enabling ammonia production, but it was costly.
• Iron oxides later became a cost-effective catalyst
• Used as a refrigerant in industrial refrigeration and air conditioning.

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• F ound in cleaning products, like glass and surface cleaners.

• Explored as a fuel for internal combustion engines.
• Precursor for chemicals like nitric acid and explosives.
• In 1913, Germany opened its first ammonia factory, advancing fertiliser production.
• Fritz Haber won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1919 for his work on ammonia synthesis.
Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

13. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB):

•  TAB proposed classifying all antibiotics as ‘New Drugs’ under the NDCT Rules, 2019.
D
• Definition of ‘New Drugs’: Per Rule 122 E of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, a new drug:
• Has not been used in India.
• Lacks recognition as safe and effective by authorities.
• C an include approved drugs with new claims (indications, dosages, or routes).
• Manufacturing, marketing, and sale of antibiotics will be documented.
• Central government clearance will be needed for manufacturing and marketing, not State authorities.
• Antibiotics will require a PRESCRIPTION for patient purchase.
• DTAB: India’s highest statutory body for technical drug matters.
• Established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• Part of CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization).
• Works under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Functions:
• Advises Central and State Governments on drug-related technical issues.
• Fulfills roles assigned by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
• CDSCO: Approves drugs, conducts trials, sets standards, oversees imports, and coordinates with State regulators.
• Grants licenses for critical drugs, e.g., blood products, IV fluids, vaccines.
• Provides expert advice to ensure drug safety, efficacy, and quality.
Pharma Sector – Drug Pricing, NPPA, FDC, Generics, etc.

14. Moonlight Programme:

• E SA launched the Moonlight to establish communication and navigation infrastructure around the Moon.
• S upports future lunar missions for space agencies and private companies.
• P lans to assist over 400 Moon missions in the next 20 years.
• 5 lunar satellites will provide communication and navigation services.
• D ata transfer will span 400,000 km between Earth and the Moon.
• T he first satellite, Lunar Pathfinder by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, launch in 2026.
• I nitial services start by 2028, reaching full capacity by 2030.
• F ocused on the Moon’s South Pole due to favorable lighting and possible water ice.
• E SA collaborates with NASA and JAXA in LunaNet to standardize lunar mission communications.
• P rogramme supports NASA’s Artemis, provides all-weather connectivity, and enables 400+ missions.
• S outh Pole focus targets potential ice, while infrastructure sharing cuts mission costs.
• A dvances aid future Mars missions (MARCONI) and strengthen ESA’s role in lunar exploration.
• S upports the growth of commercial lunar activities.
International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

15. Betelgeuse:
• S uggests Betelgeuse’s unusual brightening and dimming might be due to an unseen companion star.
• Betelgeuse is a red supergiant in the Orion constellation, marking Orion’s left shoulder.
• It’s one of the brightest, largest stars visible, around 650 light-years from Earth.
• Betelgeuse spans over 700 million miles (1.2 billion km) in diameter.
• Known for periodic dimming and brightening, with:
• A short cycle of about one year.
• A longer 6-year cycle, possibly influenced by an companion star, “Betelbuddy.”
• Cyclic dimming/brightening signals Betelgeuse is in a late-life stage.
• Its size and red supergiant status indicate nearing instability.
• Cooling temperature and mass loss through stellar winds show increased instability.
• Spectral analysis reveals heavy elements typical of late-stage fusion.
• “Betelbuddy” may impact its brightness and internal structure.
• Betelgeuse’s supernova would be visible in daylight and outshine the Moon at night.
• At 650 light-years, radiation won’t harm Earth.

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• S pace missions and satellites may face minor cosmic ray

• The supernova will enrich space with heavy elements, aiding star formation.
• Provides insights into stellar cycles and cosmic element formation.
International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

16. Tardigrades:
• R esearchers discovered genetic mechanisms allowing the tardigrades spe-
cies Hypsibius henanensis to survive high radiation levels.
• T ardigrades, known as “water bears” or “moss piglets” are tiny water-dwelling microorganisms.
• K nown for surviving extreme conditions lethal to most life forms, including:
• E xtremely high and low temperatures (near absolute zero to over 150°C),
• H igh radiation and vacuum of space,
• E xtreme dehydration, losing nearly all body water,
• H igh pressures, up to 6 times that of the ocean’s deepest trenches.
• A daptability makes them valuable for studying survival in extreme environments.
• R esearchers identified 2,801 genes related to DNA repair, with three key factors for radiation tolerance:
• D NA Repair Protein (TRID1): Enables repair of double-strand DNA breaks caused by radiation.
• M itochondrial Protein Gene Activation: Radiation activates a gene that produc-
es proteins essential for mitochondrial synthesis and DNA repair.
• A ntioxidant Pigments (Betalains): These pigments neutralize harmful chemi-
cals produced by radiation within cells.Top of FormBottom of Form
Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

17. 2024 Medicine Nobel:

•  024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun.
2
• They were recognized for discovering microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
• Ambros and Ruvkun studied tissue development using the C. elegans roundworm model.
• They focused on mutant strains lin-4 and lin-14, which showed genetic irregularities.
• Ambros found lin-4 suppressed lin-14 without understanding the mechanism.
• He cloned lin-4, finding a short RNA without protein-coding function, hinting at its inhibitory role on lin-14.
• Ruvkun: lin-4 didn’t block lin-14 mRNA but stopped protein production.
• Ambros and Ruvkun concluded lin-4 microRNA binds to lin-14 mRNA, which is blocking protein synthesis.
• Ruvkun’s team identified let-7, a microRNA present across the animal kingdom.
• MicroRNAs are crucial and widespread for gene regulation in multicellular organisms.
Nobel and other Prizes

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History and Art & Culture

1. Dadasaheb Phalke Award:
•  eteran actor Mithun Chakraborty will receive the 2022 Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
V
• Disco Dancer (1982) made him an international sensation, popular across Asia, then Soviet Union, and Eastern Europe.
• Won three National Awards for Mrigayaa (1976), Tahader Katha (1992), and Swami Vivekananda (1998).
• Awarded Padma Bhushan in 2023 for contributions to the arts.
• Served as chairperson of FSSAMU for 30 years, improving welfare for film industry workers.
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Presented by the President of India.
• Established in 1969 to honor contributions to Indian cinema’s growth.
• Named after Dadasaheb Phalke, director of India’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913).
• Notable recipients include Devika Rani, Prithviraj Kapoor, Satyajit Ray, Raj Kapoor, Lata Mangesh-
kar, Asha Bhosle, Yash Chopra, Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, and Waheeda Rehman.
• Includes a ₹1,000,000 cash prize, a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, and a shawl.
• S election based on “great and outstanding contribution” to Indian cinema by a film industry committee.
Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

2. How India’s Temples are Run?

• S upreme Court is hearing petitions on alleged ghee adulteration in Tirupati Temple.
• Muslim and Christian worship places are managed by community boards or trusts.
• Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist temples are often under government control.
• Hindu temples dominate among India’s 30 lakh places of worship (2011 census).
• Article 25(2) permits government regulation of economic and secular as-
pects of religious institutions, especially Hindu temples.
• Examples of Government Control:
• Tamil Nadu: HR&CE department oversees temples;
• Andhra Pradesh: Manages Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and Tirupati Temple;
• Jammu and Kashmir: Manages Vaishno Devi Shrine via the 1988 Shrine Act.
• Historical Context:
• East India Company laws (1810–1817) regulated temples to prevent fund misuse;
• Religious Endowments Act, 1863: Committees controlled temples, with government legal oversight;
• Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act, 1925: Gave provincial govern-
ments authority over temple funds and commissioners.
• Post-Independence Laws: Many states adopted laws based on the Madras Act, 1951, al-
lowing government to supervise temples and appoint Executive Officers.
• RSS’s ABKM urged states to return temples to Hindu representatives, calling government control unfair.
• Legal Position on Temple Control: Courts usually support government con-
trol over temples, though autonomy arguments exist.
• Key Judgments:
• Shirur Mutt Case (1954): SC ruled that transferring religious institution con-
trol violates Article 26(d) but allows administrative regulation.
• Ratilal Panachand Gandhi vs. State of Bombay (1954): SC upheld managing reli-
gious institutions as fundamental but allowed trust property regulation.
• Pannalal Bansilal Pitti vs. State of Andhra Pradesh (1996): SC upheld a law removing he-
reditary temple management rights, denying similar laws for all religions.
• L awyer Ashwini Upadhyay petitioned (2022) the SC to free temples from government control; SC noted temples now
serve broader social needs, and control return could revive wealth-centered temples. Upadhyay withdrew the petition.

3. Classical Language Status to Marathi,

Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali:
•  nion Cabinet approved five more “classical” languages, expanding culturally significant languages.
U
• Classical Languages status started in 2004 to honor ancient linguistic heritage.
• I ndia now has 11 classical languages, preserving cultural heritage and historic milestones.
• C riteria (2005):
• E stablished by the Linguistic Experts Committees (LEC) under Sahitya Akademi.
• R equires high antiquity (1,500–2,000 years of history).
• M ust have a body of ancient literature and unique literary tradition.
• S hows distinct evolution from later forms.

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• “ Knowledge Texts” expanded to include prose, poetry, epigraphs, and inscriptions (added in 2024).
• Recognized languages receive government support for preservation and study.
• 2 awards for scholars: Presidential Award of Certificate of Honour and Maharshi Badrayan Samman.
• UGC funds Professional Chairs in universities for classical language studies.
• Center of Excellence for Classical Languages set up at CIIL, Mysore.
• Eighth Schedule: Supports the use and promotion of 22 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, and Tamil.
• Article 344(1): Commission for progressive use of Hindi established by the President after five years.
• Article 351: Union’s duty to promote Hindi spread.
Languages and Eighth Schedule

4. Who was Rani Durgavati?

•  P CM chaired a meeting honoring Rani Durgavati on her 500th birth anniversary.
M
• Born in 1524 into the Chandela dynasty of Mahoba (now in Uttar Pradesh).
• Married Dalpat Shah, son of Gond King Sangram Shah of the Garha-Katanga kingdom.
• After Dalpat Shah’s death in 1550, she ruled as regent for her son, Bir Narayan.
• Expanded her kingdom, ruling prosperously and shifted her capital to Chauragarh for strategic reasons.
• Honored as a patriotic ruler who resisted Mughal expansion, with tributes reflecting her legacy.
• In 1564, faced a Mughal attack led by Asaf Khan under Akbar.
• Fought courageously, initially defeating the Mughals at Narhi.
• To avoid capture, she sacrificed her life, becoming a symbol of bravery and resistance.
• Executed public works, including the construction of Ranital reservoir near Jabalpur.
• Celebrated as a symbol of self-determination, especially for tribal communities.
Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

5. 2024 Literature Nobel:

• 2 024 Nobel Prize went to South Korean writer Han Kang for her “intense po-
etic prose” on historical trauma and human fragility.
• 2 023 Nobel to Jon Fosse (Norway) for minimalist prose on the human condition.
• T he Vegetarian (2007): A woman’s choice to stop eating meat sparks family turmoil, ex-
ploring control and violence; won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016.
• H uman Acts (2016): Set during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, it narrates the stu-
dent massacre, voicing victims in an experimental style.
• T he White Book (2017): An elegy for a lost sibling, reflecting on grief through symbolic white objects.
• G reek Lessons (2023): Follows a woman losing her speech and a teacher los-
ing his sight, delving into intimacy and identity through language.
• W e Do Not Part (2025, upcoming): Two women confront a hidden 1940s massacre, turning trauma into art.
• R ecognized as a contemporary prose innovator, blending truth with experimental style.
• R abindranath Tagore: Won the Nobel in 1913 for Gitanjali, becoming the first non-Eu-
ropean laureate, honored for spiritual, sensitive poetry.
Nobel and other Prizes

6. International Abhidhamma Divas:

•  M attended International Abhidhamma Divas, honoring Pali as a classical language.
P
• Celebrated on Ashwin Purnima, marking Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa to Sankassiya.
• Concludes the 3-month rain retreat (Varsavasa) for meditation and prayer.
• Held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, organized by Ministry of Culture and IBC.
• Abhidhamma, “Higher Teaching” in Pali, is a part of Theravada Buddhism’s Tripitaka.
• Offers in-depth exploration of mind and matter, beyond the Sutta Pitaka.
• Studies mental states, consciousness, and psychological processes to understand reality.
• Key Pali terms: Chitta (consciousness), Chetasika (mental factors), Rupa (materiality), Nibbana (liberation).
• Contains 7 treatises; Pannhana focuses on causal relationships.
• Buddha taught it to gods in Tavatimsa and later to Sariputta.
• Marked by the Ashokan Elephant Pillar at Sankassiya.
Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

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7. 200 Years of Kittur Vijayotsava:

•  tamp was released for the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava.

S
• Born in 1778 in Kakati, Belgaum (now Karnataka).
• Trained early in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery.
• Married Mallasarja Desai, ruler of Kittur in Karnataka.
• Kittur Uprising (1824): British East India Company rejected her adopt-
ed son, Shivalingappa, as heir under the Doctrine of Lapse.
• I n response, she declared war on the British.
• L ed the Kittur army in October 1824 against 20,000 British soldiers near Kittur Fort.
• B  ritish official John Thackery was killed, and Company forces suffered heavy losses.
• I n December 1824, the British returned with a larger force; she fought valiantly but was captured.
• I mprisoned in Bailhongal Fort, where she remained until her death in 1829.
• C  elebrated as one of the first women leaders of an anti-colonial revolt.
• S he symbolizes courage, patriotism, and resistance to colonial rule.
• H  onored in Kannada folklore, especially through lavani songs praising her bravery.
• S  tatues erected across Karnataka, including a prominent one in Bengaluru’s Parliament House.
Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

8. National Manuscript Mission (NMM):

• U nion Ministry of Culture plans to revive NMM for preserving ancient texts.
• C urrently, NMM operates under IGNCA (Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts).
• A new body, possibly called the National Manuscripts Authority, is proposed as an au-
tonomous entity under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
• N MM: Founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, managed by the National Archives of India.
• A ims to document, conserve, digitize, and share India’s manuscript heritage.
• H as established over 100 Manuscripts Resource and Conservation Centres nationwide.
• I ndia has around 10 million manuscripts in various themes, languages, and scripts.
• A manuscript is a handwritten document on materials like paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf.
• M ust be at least 75 years old with scientific, historical, or aesthetic significance.
• M anuscripts focus on knowledge transmission rather than direct historical data.
• N MM catalogued metadata for 5.2 million manuscripts and digitized 300,000 titles; only a third are online.
• I ssues with mismatched data between digital copies and originals need correction.
• O f 130,000 manuscripts uploaded, only 70,000 are accessible due to an un-
clear access policy; 80% remain privately owned.
• N MM has conserved 9 crore folios over 21 years through preventive and curative methods.
Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

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9. Raigad Fort:

• R aigad Fort is one of 12 forts nominated for UNESCO World Heritage sta-
tus as part of “Maratha Military Landscapes of India.”
• Located in the Sahyadri range, Maharashtra, at about 2,700 feet above sea level.
• Originally named Rairi; captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1653 CE.
• Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati here on June 6, 1674 CE.
• Served as the Maratha Empire’s capital until 1680 CE.
• Known as the “Gibraltar of the East” by Grant Duff.
• Royal Complex includes structures like Ranivasa and Rajsadar.
• Houses the Jagadishwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi (final resting place) is nearby.
• Accessible mainly through Naqqarkhana and Palkhi Darwaja.
• Fort features a drainage system and hidden chambers.
• Surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers.
• K nown as Durgaraj (King of Forts), symbolizing Shivaji’s legacy.
• H osts annual events for Shivrajyabhishek and Punyatithi.
Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

10. 9th National Ayurveda Day:

•  th Ayurveda Day, the PM launched healthcare projects worth ₹12,850 crore.
9
• The theme for Ayurveda Day 2024 is ‘Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.’
• Rooted in the 4 Vedas (5000–1000 BCE) with mentions in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Developed fully by 1000 BCE with texts like Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.
• Foundational Texts:
• Brhattrayi, or the three major treatises: Charaka Samhita (internal medicine), Sus-
ruta Samhita (surgery), Astanga Sangraha, and Astanga Hrdaya.
• Attracted students to universities like Takshashila and Nalanda.
• Spread through Buddhism to Tibetan and Chinese medicine; adopted by Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
• 19th-20th Century Revival:
• 1827: First Ayurveda course at Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta.
• 20th century saw growth in Ayurveda colleges and global symposia.
• Recognized in 24 countries with collaborative platforms like SCO, BIMSTEC, BRICS, and exports to 100+ countries.
• WHO Standards:
• Included in ICD-11 TM Module 2 and set global standards.
• GCTM in Jamnagar, Gujarat, focuses on Ayurveda research and education.
• Philosophical Foundations:
• Dates back to the first millennium BCE, with knowledge passed from gods to sages.
• Central concepts align with Samkhya, Vaisheshika, Buddhism, and Jainism, emphasizing balance.

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• G overnment Initiatives:
• National Ayush Mission (2014): Promotes Ayush systems (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sid-
dha, Homeopathy) by enhancing education and service quality.
• Ayurveda Research Portal (2021): Provides a digital platform for research and collaboration in Ayurveda.
• Ayush Grid (2020): A digital initiative to improve access to Ayush services, connecting practitioners and patients online.
AYUSH – Indian Medicine System

11. Replicas of Konark Wheels at Rashtrapati Bhavan:

•  sandstone replicas of the Konark wheels installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.
4
• Konark temple is shaped like a massive chariot drawn by 7 horses with 24 wheels.
• Each wheel is 9 feet 9 inches in diameter, with 8 wide and 8 thin spokes.
• Symbolism:
• 7 horses = days of the week.
• 12 pairs of wheels = 12 months.
• 24 wheels = 24 hours in a day.
• 8 spokes = prahars (3-hour periods).
• Architectural Details:
• Wheels have intricate carvings of foliage, animals, and figures of women.
• Rims decorated with detailed carvings.
• 2 wheels function as sundials, marking time from sunrise to sunset with the axel’s shadow.
• Featured on Indian currency, including the old ₹20 and new ₹10 notes, showcasing Odisha’s heritage.
• Konark Sun Temple located ~64 km from Bhubaneswar.
• Built in the 13th century (around 1250 CE) by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
• Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and exemplifies Kalinga architecture.
• Constructed from durable Khondalite stone, featuring intricate carvings.
• Originally included a sanctum (deul) and assembly hall (jagamohan), now most-
ly collapsed but once adorned with fine carvings.
Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

12. Who were Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal?

•  ctor Vijay launched his new party, inspired by Rani Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal.
A
• Velu Nachiyar (1730-1796):
• Born to King Chellamuthu Sethupathy and Queen Sakandhimuthal of Ramnad (now Tamil Nadu).
• Educated as a polyglot, fluent in Tamil, Urdu, English and French, skilled in military strategy.

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•  arried Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar in 1746; became Queen of Sivagangai.

M
• In 1772, her husband was killed when Sivagangai was invaded by the British East India Company and the Nawab of Arcot.
• Fled with her daughter Vellachi to Dindigul under Hyder Ali’s protection.
• Allied with Hyder Ali and Gopala Naicker to reclaim her kingdom.
• Reclaimed Sivagangai from British in 1780, ruling until she passed the throne to her daughter in 1790.
• Known as Tamil Nadu’s ‘Veeramangai’ (Brave Lady) and celebrated as an early anti-colonial queen.
• Anjalai Ammal (1890-1961):
• Born in 1890 in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, to a weaver family.
• Married Murugappan in 1908; both joined the freedom struggle, inspired by Gandhi.
• Became active in Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921.
• Contributed to the Neil Statue Satyagraha, Salt Satyagraha in 1930, and Quit India Movement in 1942.
• Served as President of the All India Women’s Congress in Madras in 1931.
• Arrested multiple times; gave birth to her youngest son while imprisoned.
• Prevented from meeting Gandhi in 1934 but met him in disguise; Gandhi called her “South India’s Rani of Jhansi.”
• F irst woman elected to the Madras legislature as a Congress representative.
• R emained active until her death in 1961, remembered as a trailblazer for women’s rights and freedom.

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