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Table of Contents
Economy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
SHAKTI Policy…………….…………….………………….8
Wet Leasing of Aircraft…………….………………….8
Digital Rupee or e-Rupee………………….…………8
GDP and GVA…………….…………….………………….9
Digi Yatra…………….……………….…….…………….10
First Loss Default Guarantee system…….……10
National Bamboo Mission (NBM)……………...11
Agriculture Investment Portal……………..…….11
Districts as Export Hub (DEH) Initiative………11
Emotional Labour…………….……….………….……12
PM Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana……………….…….12
India Internet Governance Forum (IGF)……..13
Public Financial Management System…….….13
GI Status for Kerala’s Five Agricultural
Products…………….……………………….…………….14
Surety Bond Insurance…………….……..………...15
District Mineral Foundation Scheme……..…..15
National Testing House (NTH) ……………….....16
Tandur Red Gram…………….……….……….………16
The Urban Learning Internship Program…….16
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme………..……. 17
Purse Seine Fishing…………….…………….……….17
Amrit Bharat Station scheme…………………….18
Central Drugs Standard Control
Organisation……………………………………………..18
City Finance Rankings…………….………………….19
State institutions for transformation……..….20
Transport4All Challenge…………….……………...20
Draft Standards National Action Plan (SNAP)
2022…………….…………….……………….…………….20
Goods Trade Barometer…………….…..………….21
Environment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage…….22
Great Indian Bustard…………….…….…………….22
Binturong…………….……………….…….…………….23
Great Barrier Reef…………….……………….………23
Kanger Valley National Park…………..…….……24
Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary……………..….…24
Weasels…………….…………….……………….……….25
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8. Cactus…………….…………….…………………..………25
9. Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill
2022………………………………………………………….26
10. IUCN Red List New Entries…………….………..…26
11. Grey billed Wren Babblers………………...………27
12. Environment Education, Awareness and
Training (EEAT) …………….…………….…….………27
13. India Water Impact Summit……………….………28
14. Tal Chhapar Sanctuary…………….…………….….28
15. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework…………….…………….…………….…….28
16. Bullock Heart Tree……………………….…………….29
17. Asian Giant Tortoise…………….………..………….29
18. Frozen Coral…………….………………….…………….30
19. ECONARIO…………….…………….…………………….30
20. Lion @ 47: Vision for Amrutkal………………….30
21. Polar Bear…………….…………….…………………….31
22. Green methanol…………….………………….………31
23. Nilgiri Tahr…………….…………….…………..…….…32
24. Invasive species of Mussel…………..…….………33
25. Biodiversity Heritage Sites…………….………..…33
26. EnviStats-India 2022…………….……………..…….34
27. Climate and Development: An Agenda for
Action…………….…………………………..…………….34
28. GLOBAL CARBON BUDGET 2022 REPORT…...34
29. Green Energy Open Access Portal………………35
30. CHINA DEVELOPS PERENNIAL RICE
VARIETIES…………………………..……………………..35
Science and Technology
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Semi-Automated Offside Technology…………36
Measles…………….………………………..…………….36
Agnikul’s Launchpad Facility…………….……….36
Andromeda galaxy and Galactic
Cannibalism……………………………………………….37
Zombie Virus…………….………………….……………37
Bifrost…………….…………….…………….……….……38
Jagdish Chandra Bose…………….……..…………..38
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane……….………39
ChatGPT…………….………………………..…………….39
Square Kilometre Array…………………..…………40
SpaceTech Innovation Network: ISRO…….….40
Gamma Ray Burst(GRBs) …………………..………41
Americium…………….…………………….…………….42
14.
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17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
HAKUTO-R Mission 1…………………..…………….42
Scramjet engine…………….…………………..………42
Base Editing…………….…………….………………….43
Geminids Meteor Shower………………….………44
Forabot…………….…………….…………………………44
Lecanemab…………….…………….………………...…45
Stiff person syndrome……………………………….45
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm………………….………46
SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean
Topography) …………….…………….…………….….46
Odd Radio Circle(ORC) …………….……..…………47
Deepfake technology…………….……………….….47
Toughest-known Alloy……………………………….48
mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) cancer
vaccine…………….…………….………………………….48
Vainu Bappu Observatory………………………….48
Gelbots…………….………………………...…………….49
Gallium Nitride (GaN) Nanostructures……....49
Sepsis…………….…………….……………..……….……50
Brain-eating Amoeba…………….………….……….50
Ethylene glycol…………………………...…………….51
Hydrogen internal combustion engine……….51
Geography
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Elaliite and Elkinstantonite…………….……….…53
Coastal Red Sand Dunes…………….……..……….53
Mount Semeru Volcano…………………………….53
Vizhinjam Port…………….…………….……………...54
Atacama Desert…………….………….….……………54
Cyclone Mandous…………………….….…………….55
Western Disturbances…………….………..……….55
Barak River…………….………………………………….56
Gulf of Aden…………….………………….…………….56
Great Lakes…………….…………….…………….…….57
Bomb Cyclone…………….………………..……………58
Polity
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
eGramSwaraj…………….…………….…………….….59
Personality Rights……………………….…………….59
Exit Polls…………….…………….……………………….60
Conjugal rights…………….…………….………….….60
Ranganath Mishra Commission………..……….61
National Party…………….…………….………..…….61
Election Security Deposit…………….…………….61
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8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
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18.
19.
Additional Judge of a High Court……………….62
Zonal Councils…………….…………….…………..….62
Rule 267 of RS Rule Book…………….……….……63
Appropriation Bill…………….……………….………64
Gram Nyayalayas…………….……………….…….…64
Right to Repair…………….…………….………….….65
Article 200 - Assent to Bills…………….…….……65
Delimitation Commission…………….…………….66
Triple Test Survey…………….………………..………66
Right to vote for undertrials…………..………….67
Police Commissionerate System…….………….67
Aadhaar rules updated…………….………….…….68
International Relations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union………………..69
China-Indian Ocean Region Forum……….……69
Just Energy Transition Partnership…….………69
Paris Club…………….……………………..…………….70
Lusophone world…………….……………….….……70
World Bank…………….…………………..…………….71
The International Labour Organization……...71
Singapore Declaration…………….……………..….72
United Nations Security Council……….……….72
Youth Co:Lab…………….……………………………….73
Group of Friends…………….………..……….………73
UN Economic and Social Council…………….….74
Urban-20 Event…………….…………….…….………74
Asian Development Bank……………….….………75
G20 Digital Innovation Alliance………………….75
Society
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Nai Chetna-Pahal Badlav Ki Campaign……….77
Maternal Mortality Ratio…………….………….…77
Central Adoption Resource Authority….…….77
Comprehensive Accessibility Audit….…………78
The eSanjeevani Initiative…………….……………78
Section 10 A of the Divorce Act, 1869….…….79
Hindu Succession Act, 1956……………….………79
Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas/
Minorities…………….…………….…………………….80
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana………………..…….80
District Disability Rehabilitation Centres…...81
PM Virasat Ka Samvardhan…………….…………81
Social Progress Index…………………..…………….82
13. AYURSWASTHYA Yojana…………….……….…….82
14. Nai Roshni Scheme…………….…………….…….…83
15. Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs
(SEED) …………….………………………….…………….83
16. National Commission for Protection of Child
Rights…………….…………….……………………….….84
17. Progress on the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG): The Gender Snapshot 2022……84
18. CITIES ALIVE: DESIGNING CITIESTHAT WORK
FOR WOMEN’ REPORT…………….……….……….84
19. Atal new India Challenge…………….…………….85
Security
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Exercise Harimau Shakti…………….……..……….86
Exercise Yudh Abhyas…………….………………….86
Exercise Agni Warrior…………….……………….…86
Line of Actual Control…………….………..…….…86
Exercise KAZIND…………….………………………….87
Agni-V…………….…………….……………….………….87
Surya Kiran XVI…………….…………….……..………88
INS Mormugao…………….…………..…….…………88
INS Arnala…………….…………….…………………….88
Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill……………..…….………89
Russia-China Joint Naval Drills…………….…….89
Patriot Missile System…………….………………..90
Pralay ballistic missile…………….……..………….90
Prahari App…………….…………….………………….90
Critical Information Infrastructure………….…91
International Counter Ransomware
Initiative…………………………………….……………..91
17. High-energy laser system (HELS) ……………….92
18. Rohini 200 Rocket (RH 200) …………..………….92
History and Culture
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Kuki-Chin refugees…………….……………..…….…93
Hornbill Festival…………….………………….………93
Baguette and Intangible Cultural Heritage…94
Divya Kala Mela…………….…………….…………….95
Dr Rajendra Prasad……………………..…………….95
Sukapha Diwas…………….……………..…………….96
Swar Dharohar Festival…………….……………….96
Sri Venkateswara temple…………….…………….96
Kumbhalgarh Fort……………………….…………….97
Jallikattu…………….…………….……………………….97
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11.
12.
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24.
25.
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28.
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30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
Meitei script…………….………………….…………….98
Thousand Pillars Temple…………….…………..…98
Kochi-Muziris Biennale…………….…………….….99
Gond Tribes And Hattee Community….………99
Panini…………….…………….……………….…………100
Indian Historical Records Committee……….100
Hanukkah…………….…………….………………..….101
Tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage
Sites……………………………………………….……….101
Palm-leaf Manuscript Museum….…………….102
Lab pe Aati Hai Dua……………….….…………….102
Christmas…………….………..………….…………….102
Wandiwash…………….…………….……………..….103
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya……………….103
Zonal Cultural Centres…………….……………….104
Srimukhalingam Temple…………….……………104
Ratnagiri Prehistoric Geoglyphs……………….105
Dhone Boats…………….…………….……………….105
Veer Bal Diwas…………….………………….………106
Losar Festival…………….………………….…………106
PRASAD Project…………….…………….……..……107
Dhanu Yatra…………….…………….……….……….107
Ahilyabai Holkar…………….…………….………….108
SHADANI DARBAR…………….……………….……108
MANGARH MASSACRE…………….…..………….108
LEAP SECOND…………….…………………………….109
Miscellaneous
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
iNCOVACC…………….…………….………….……….110
Manthan Platform…………………….…………….110
Natovenator polydontus…………….……………110
State of Finance for Nature Report.…………111
Strep A bacterial infection…………….…………111
The first drone station…………….……………….112
Gaslighting…………….…………….………………….112
St Edward’s Crown…………….…………………….112
Goblin Mode…………….…………….……………….113
US Inflation Reduction Act……………….………113
Geo-Ladakh Project…………….……………….….114
Badri Cow…………….…………….………….……….114
Ajinomoto…………….…………….……………….….114
Tramjatra (tram’s journey) ……………..………115
World Restoration Flagship: Ganga
Project…………………………………………………….115
16. Krishi Decision Support System……………….115
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
Aeronomy…………….…………….…….…………….116
GLAAS Report…………….…………..…….…………116
Ikki Jathre…………….…………….………….……….117
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022………………….….117
Apricot Production in Ladakh……………….….118
Hooch…………….…………….…………..…….………118
Oran Land…………….…………….…………….…….119
Joynagar Moa…………….…………….…………..…119
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25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
UNSC Resolution 2593…………….…………….…119
Dark Patterns…………….…………………...………120
National Mobile Monitoring System……..…120
Trademark…………….…………….………………….121
E-sports…………….…………….………………..…….121
H9N2 Vaccine…………….……………………….……121
Economy
1. SHAKTI Policy
Why in News?
Ministry of Power has announced a Scheme for Procurement of Aggregate Power of 4500 MW on competitive basis for
five years on Finance, Own and Operate (FOO) basis under B (v) of SHAKTI Policy.
About
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Under the scheme, PFC Consulting Ltd has invited bids for the supply of 4,500 MW.
The Ministry of Coal has been requested to allocate around 27 MTPA (Million Tonnes per Annum) for this.
This scheme is expected to help the states that are facing power shortage and also help generation plants to
increase their capacities.
Note: PFC Consulting Limited (A wholly owned subsidiary of PFC Ltd) has been designated as the Nodal Agency by
the Ministry of Power.
👉 SHAKTI Policy
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Ministry of Power (MoP) in 2017 cleared the Coal Linkage Policy known as SHAKTI (Scheme to Harness and Allocate
Koyla Transparently in India).
The Policy provides coal linkages to power plants which lack fuel supply agreements (FSAs) through coal auctions.
Objectives ➔
o The aim of the Shakti scheme is to ensure the availability of coal to all the Thermal Power Plants in India,
in a way that is transparent and objective.
o The scheme is supposed to be beneficial not just for the infrastructure sector, but also for the public sector
banks which have huge loans unpaid at the end of the power companies.
o The scheme also aims to reduce the dependence on imported coal and promote domestic industries.
2. Wet Leasing of Aircraft
Why in News?
In efforts to boost international air traffic, the civil aviation ministry has allowed Indian airlines to take wide-body planes
on wet lease for up to one year.
About
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Wet leasing means renting the plane along with the operating crew and engineers while dry leasing refers to taking
only the aircraft on rent.
The technical term for wet leasing is ACMI which stands for aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance.
Operations of an aircraft on wet lease are not encouraged by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) as
the crew is often not approved by Indian authorities. Also, wet leasing is generally a short-term arrangement, as it
is more expensive than a dry lease.
👉 Why do airlines lease aircraft?
•
A lot of planes used by airlines in India are not owned but leased. Airlines and aircraft operators prefer leasing planes
in order to avoid the massive lump sum payments that buying them would entail and to quickly increase capacity,
perhaps temporarily, on certain routes or sectors.
3. Digital Rupee or e-Rupee
Why in News?
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the launch of the first pilot for retail digital Rupee or e-rupee from
December 1,2022.
About
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What is it? ➔ e-Rupee is a form of digital token that represents legal tender. Unlike cryptocurrencies, the digital
Rupee is issued in the same denominations as paper currency and coins.
How will digital Rupee work? ➔
o The digital Rupee or e-Rupee will be distributed through intermediaries like banks to customers and
merchants.
o Users will be able to transact with e-Rupee through a digital wallet offered by the eligible banks and stored
on mobile phones or devices.
o The transaction in digital Rupee can happen between Person to Person(P2P) and Person to Merchant(P2M).
o Users will be able to make payments through e-Rupee using QR codes displayed at merchant locations, just
like online transactions are done.
o As in the case of cash, it will not earn any interest and can be converted to other forms of money, like
deposits with banks.
What are the advantages of e-rupee? ➔
o The key motivations for exploring the issuance of the digital rupee in India include reduction in operational
costs involved in physical cash management, fostering financial inclusion, bringing resilience, efficiency and
innovation to the payments system.
o It will also add efficiency to the settlement system and boost innovation in the cross-border payments
space and provide the public with uses that any private virtual currencies can provide, without the
associated risks.
4. GDP and GVA
Why in News?
Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released India’s economic growth data for
the second quarter of the current financial year (2022-23 or FY23).
About GDP
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The GDP measures the monetary measure of all “final” goods and services— those that are bought by the final
user— produced in a country in a given period.
The GDP does this by adding up the total expenditures in the economy; in other words, it looks at who spent how
much.
That is why GDP captures the total “demand” in the economy.
There are four key “engines of GDP growth”. These are ➔
o All the money Indians spent for their private consumption (that is, Private Final Consumption Expenditure
or PFCE)
o All the money the government spent on its current consumption, such as salaries [Government Final
Consumption Expenditure or GFCE]
o All the money spent towards investments to boost the productive capacity of the economy. This includes
business firms investing in factories or the governments building roads and bridges [Gross Fixed Capital
Expenditure]
o The net effect of exports (what foreigners spent on our goods) and imports (what Indians spent on foreign
goods) [Net Exports or NX].
Calculation of GDP ➔ GDP = private consumption + gross investment + government investment + government
spending + (exports-imports)
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👉 GVA
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The GVA calculates the same national income from the supply side.
It does so by adding up all the value added across different sectors.
According to the RBI, the GVA of a sector is defined as the value of output minus the value of its intermediary
inputs.
This “value added” is shared among the primary factors of production, labour and capital.
The GDP and GVA are related by the following equation ➔
o GDP = (GVA) + (Taxes earned by the government) — (Subsidies provided by the government).
5. Digi Yatra
Why in News?
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia recently launched Digi Yatra from the Indira Gandhi International
Airport, New Delhi for three airports in the country, namely New Delhi, Varanasi and Bengaluru.
About
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Digi Yatra is conceived to achieve contactless, seamless processing of passengers at airports based on Facial
Recognition Technology(FRT).
With this, passenger data will be processed automatically based on a facial recognition system at various
checkpoints at the airport.
Nodal Body: The project is being implemented by the DigiYatra Foundation — a joint-venture company registered
under the Companies Act, 2013.
o Note: Currently, Digi Yatra can be used only for domestic flights.
How to get a Digi Yatra ID? ➔
o After downloading the Digi Yatra app, passengers can get this ID by sharing details such as name, email
address, mobile number, and details of an identification document (Aadhaar, driving license, voter ID etc.).
o After entering this information, a Digi Yatra ID will be created. This ID has to be shared while booking
tickets. Airline companies, in turn, will share this ID and passenger data with the departure airport.
How to use the Digi Yatra facility at the airport? ➔
o At the airport e-gate, scan the bar-coded boarding pass; the facial recognition system installed there will
validate your identity as well as the travel document. After this, one can go inside, and follow the regular
procedure to clear the security and board his/her flight.
6. First Loss Default Guarantee(FLDG) system
Why in News?
Two months after the Reserve Bank issued guidelines on digital lending, banks, non-banking financial companies and
fintech players are still awaiting clarity on many aspects including the First Loss Default Guarantee(FLDG) system.
About
•
FLDG is a lending model between a fintech and a regulated entity in which a third party guarantees to compensate
up to a certain percentage of default in a loan portfolio of the regulated entities(RE).
• Under these agreements, the fintech originates a loan and promises to compensate the partners up to a pre-decided
percentage in case customers fail to repay.
• The bank/NBFC partners lend through fintech but from their own books. FLDG helps expand the customer base of
traditional lenders but relies on the fintech’s underwriting capabilities.
• What are the concerns related to FLDG? ➔ In the report by the RBI-constituted working group on digital lending,
the group laid down the risks of FLDG agreements with unregulated entities. The other concern is that FLDG costs
are often passed on to customers.
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7. National Bamboo Mission (NBM)
Why in News?
The Union Agriculture Minister had approved the formation of an Advisory Group for streamlining the development of
the Bamboo sector.
About
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Restructured National Bamboo Mission approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 25-042018.
Focus ➔ It mainly focuses on the development of a complete value chain of the Bamboo sector to link growers with
consumers
Type ➔ The Restructured National Bamboo Mission is a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS).
Aim ➔
o The Mission envisages promoting holistic growth of bamboo sector by adopting an area-based, regionally
differentiated strategy and to increase the area under bamboo cultivation and marketing.
o Under the Mission, steps have been taken to increase the availability of quality planting material by
supporting the setting up of new nurseries and strengthening of existing ones.
Objectives ➔
o To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non forest Government and private lands to supplement
farm income.
o To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units near
the source of production.
o To promote product development keeping in view market demand, by assisting R&D, entrepreneurship etc.
Implementation ➔ It is being implemented through the state nodal department which is nominated by the State/UT
governments concerned.
The selection of beneficiaries ➔ The selection of beneficiaries and delivery of assistance are being carried out by
the State Bamboo Mission/State Bamboo Development agency stationed at the State/UT nodal department for
implimenting the National Bamboo Mission.
8. Agriculture Investment Portal
Why in News?
The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has inaugurated the Agriculture Investment Portal (Krishi Nivesh
Portal).
About
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Launched by ➔ Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Purpose ➔ The portal is a one-stop solution for all investors who are looking to invest in India in agriculture and
allied sectors.
The portal highlights the steps for ease of doing business in India, the market entry strategies and the regulatory
frameworks that are involved in setting up the operations.
Objectives of the portal ➔ 1) Boost investments in the agriculture sector of India, 2) To ease the hand holding
process for the investors, 3) Tap the potential of all the sub sectors in Agriculture, 4) To guide and assist the
investors with the major infrastructure available in India, 5) Support investors and companies with the schemes,
policies and incentives given by the State and the Central Government.
9. Districts as Export Hub (DEH) Initiative
Why in News?
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One District One Product Initiative (ODOP) is operationally merged with ‘Districts as Export Hub (DEH)’ Initiative.
About
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Initiative of ➔ DEH is an initiative of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce,
with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as a major stakeholder.
Under the initiative, products and services (including GI products, agricultural clusters, toy clusters etc.) with export
potential have been identified in all districts.
Districts Export Action Plans are being prepared for identified products and services for overseas markets.
These plans improves supply chains, market accessibility and handholding for increasing exports of identified
products.
Under DEH, State Export Promotion Committee (SEPC) and District Export Promotion Committee (DEPC) has been
constituted in all the 36 States/UTs.
👉 One District One Product (ODOP) Initiative
•
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Central Government has initiated One District One Product (ODOP) in all States/UTs of the country.
It is a transformational step towards realizing the true potential of a district, fuelling economic growth, generating
employment and rural entrepreneurship, taking us to the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
ODOP has been identified for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in
Holistic Development in April, 2022.
10. Emotional Labour
Why in News?
A survey shows emotional labour falls to women in the workplace and at home than men.
About
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What is it? ➔ The process of managing, modulating and suppressing one’s emotions to fulfil expectations from
others or to achieve professional goals is called ‘Emotional labour’.
The marginalised people have to deal with this extra invisible work while living within systems that oppress them.
Emotional labour was never intended to be a gendered term, but it falls disproportionately on women.
Women are fearful of being seen as difficult and more likely to agree to take on the invisible and unpaid labour
that detracts from their other responsibilities.
In academia, Black and brown women may have to perform more emotional labour than men and white women.
American sociologist Arlie Hochschild first introduced the concept of emotional labour in 1983 in her book ‘The
Managed Heart’.
In her book, she refers emotional labour as the need to induce or suppress feeling in order to sustain the outward
countenance that produces the proper state of mind in others.
11. PM Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana
Why in News?
Ministry Of Tribal Affairs has revamped the existing Scheme of ‘Special Central Assistance to Pradhan Mantro Adi Adarsha
Gram Yojana.
About
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Aim ➔ Transforming villages with significant tribal population into model village (Adarsh Gram)covering about
population of 4.22 crore (About 40% of the total Tribal Population).
Objective ➔
o To achieve integrated socio-economic development of selected villages through convergence approach.
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o
o
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Improving the infrastructure in vital sectors like health, education, connectivity and livelihood.
It includes maximizing the coverage of individual / family benefit schemes of the Central / State
Governments.
The scheme envisions to mitigate gaps prominently in 8 sectors of development viz. Road connectivity ,
Telecom connectivity , School, Anganwadi Centres, Health Sub-Centre, Drinking water facility.
👉 Revised Guidelines of the scheme
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The Scheme was revised to capture the Gaps in critical socio-economic ‘Monitorable Indicators’ as part of various
sectors/domains namely;water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, agricultural best practices etc.
New Approach for implementation ➔
o The identification of needs or Gaps with regard to the ‘Monitorable Indicators’ are based on a Need
Assessment exercise.
o The ‘Village Development Plan’ (VDP) is based on the data collected as part of the Need Assessment
exercise.
o PMAGY provids the platform for convergent implementation of other Schemes with the aim to achieve
saturation in the various domains.
12. India Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
Why in News?
The India Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a multi stakeholder platform, is conducted a three-day hybrid event from
December 9 to December 11, 2022.
About
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The India Internet Government Forum is an initiative associated with the UN Internet Governance Forum (UN-IGF).
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a multi-stakeholder platform bringing representatives together from various
groups, all at par to discuss public policy issues related to the Internet.
The event's goal is to discuss the roadmap to digitization and to reaffirm India's place on the global stage by
emphasising its role and importance in international policy development on internet governance.
Theme of IIGF 2022 ➔ ‘Leveraging Techade for Empowering Bharat’.
India Internet Governance Forum(IIGF) has been constituted in conformance to IGF-Paragraph 72 of the Tunis
Agenda of the UN-based Internet Governance forum (IGF).
13. Public Financial Management System
Why in News?
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), in its report found that the tasks related to the implementation of the PFMS
appeared to have been dealt with a casual approach and there was no proper financial planning.
About
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PFMS is an online platform developed and implemented by the office of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
under the Union Ministry of Finance.
The PFMS portal is used to make direct payments to beneficiaries of government schemes.
PFMS initially started as a Plan scheme named CPSMS of the Planning Commission in 2008-09 as a pilot in four States
of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Mizoram.
It was for four Flagship schemes e.g. MGNREGS, NRHM, SSA and PMGSY.
In December 2013 the Union Cabinet approved the national roll out of PFMS for all States.
Mandate of PFMS ➔ PFMS has been mandated the following:
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o
o
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It acts as a financial management platform for all plan schemes and allows for efficient and effective
tracking of fund flow to the lowest level of implementation for the planning scheme of the Government.
It is mandated to provide information on fund utilization leading to better monitoring, review, and decision
support system to enhance public accountability in the implementation of plan schemes.
To result in effectiveness and economy in Public Finance Management through better cash management
for Government transparency in public expenditure and real-time information on resource availability and
utilization across schemes.
👉 Public Accounts Committee
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The PAC is a committee of selected members of parliament constituted for the purpose of auditing the revenue and
the expenditure of the Government of India.
Establishment ➔ The Public Accounts Committee was introduced in 1921 after its first mention in the Government
of India Act, 1919 also called Montford Reforms.
Members ➔ It presently comprises 22 members (15 members elected by the Lok Sabha Speaker, and 7 members
elected by the Rajya Sabha Chairman) with a term of one year only.
Appointment ➔ The Chairman of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
PAC is one of the parliamentary committees that examine the annual audit reports of CAG, which the President lays
before the Parliament of India.
It seeks to examines public expenditure.
Those three reports submitted by CAG are ➔ Audit report on appropriation accounts, Audit report on finance
accounts, Audit report on public undertakings.
14. GI Status for Kerala’s Five Agricultural Products
Why in News?
Five agricultural products of Kerala- Attappady Attukombu Avara, Attappady Thuvara, Onattukara Ellu, KanthalloorVattavada Veluthulli, and Kodungalloor Pottuvellari have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status.
About Attappady Attukombu Avara
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Location ➔ It is a bean cultivated in the Attappady region
of Palakkad. It is curved like a goat’s horn as its name
indicates.
Characteristics ➔ Its higher anthocyanin content compared
to other dolichos beans imparts violet colour in the stem and
fruits.
Benefits ➔ Anthocyanin is helpful against cardiovascular
diseases along with its anti-diabetic properties. Other than
this, calcium, protein, and fibre content are also high. The
higher phenolic content also imparts resistance against pests and diseases making the crop suitable for organic
cultivation.
👉 Attappady Thuvara
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It is a red gram having seeds with a white coat. Compared to other red grams, its seeds are bigger and have higher
seed weights.
It is used as a vegetable and dal. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fibre, calcium and magnesium.
👉 Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli
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It is garlic. It is produced in areas from the Kanthalloor-Vattavada area of Devikulam block panchayat in Idukki.
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It contains a higher amount of sulphides, flavonoids, and proteins. It is rich in allicin, which is effective against
microbial infections, blood sugar, cancer, cholesterol, heart diseases, and damage to blood vessels. The garlic
cultivated in this area is also rich in essential oil.
👉 Onattukara Ellu
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It is a sesame oil famous for its unique health benefits. It has a relatively higher antioxidant content which helps in
fighting the free radicals that destroy the body cells. Also, the high content of unsaturated fat makes it beneficial
for heart patients.
👉 Kodungalloor Pottuvellari
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It is a snap melon cultivated in Kodungalloor and parts of Ernakulam. It is consumed as juice and in other forms.
It is harvested in summer and is excellent for quenching thirst. It contains high amounts of Vitamin C. Compared to
other cucurbits, nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, fibre and fat content are also high in this.
15. Surety Bond Insurance
Why in News?
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways recently launched one of India’s first-ever Surety Bond Insurance
product.
About
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What it is? ➔ Surety bond can be defined in its simplest form as a written agreement to guarantee compliance,
payment, or performance of an act. Surety is a unique type of insurance because it involves a three-party
agreement. The three parties in a surety agreement are:
Principal ➔ The party that purchases the bond and undertakes an obligation to perform an act as promised.
Surety ➔ The insurance company or surety company that guarantees the obligation will be performed. If the
principal fails to perform the act as promised, the surety is contractually liable for losses sustained.
Obligee ➔ The party who requires, and often receives the benefit of the surety bond. For most surety bonds, the
obligee is a local, state or federal government organization.
Advantages of the bond insurance ➔
o It will act as a security arrangement for infrastructure projects and will insulate the contractor as well as the
principal.
o The product will cater to the requirements of a diversified group of contractors, many of whom are
operating in today’s increasingly volatile environment.
o The product gives the principal a contract of guarantee that contractual terms and other business deals will
be concluded in accordance with the mutually agreed terms. In case the contractor doesn’t fulfil the
contractual terms, the Principal can raise a claim on the surety bond and recover the losses they have
incurred.
o Unlike a bank guarantee, the Surety Bond Insurance does not require large collateral from the contractor
thus freeing up significant funds for the contractor, which they can utilize for the growth of the business.
o The product will also help in reducing the contractors’ debts to a large extent thus addressing their financial
worries.
16. District Mineral Foundation Scheme
Why in News?
Odisha’s Keonjhar district is India’s highest recipient of funds under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) scheme, and
has spent ₹3,000 crore under the scheme over the past seven years.
About
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Provision ➔ As per the Mine and Minerals Development Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2015, in every district
affected by mining-related operations, the state government shall, by notification, establish a trust as a non-profit
body to be called the District Mineral Foundation.
DMF Funds ➔
o Funds every mining lease holder of will pay a fraction of royalty, not exceeding one-third of the royalty, to
the DMF as per rates prescribed by Central Government.
o This fund will be used for welfare of the people affected in the mining affected areas.
o In Keonjhar, the total DMF fund collection has touched an astounding ₹8,840 crore, the highest for any
district in India.
Objective ➔ The idea behind the contribution is that local mining-affected communities, mostly tribal and among
the poorest in the country, also have the right to benefit from natural resources extracted from where they live.
Functioning ➔ The functioning of the DMF trusts and the fund use governed by states’ DMF Rules incorporate the
mandates of a central guideline, Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY).
17. National Testing House (NTH)
Why in News?
National Testing House will begin testing facilities for EVs and EV charging systems by next fiscal at its Mumbai and
Kolkata facilities.
About
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Background ➔ It was originated in the year 1912, as “Government Test House” at Alipore, Calcutta, with the
primary objective of assisting and guiding the indigenous manufacturers on the production of engineering goods
with Quality Testing.
Presently it is functioning as a subordinate office under, of India, Ministry of Consumers Affairs, Food & Public
Distribution, and Department of Consumer Affairs.
It is Registered in the Government e Market (GeM) as a service provider in the category "Testing and Calibration
Service" to meet the testing needs of all Government departments and PSUs.
It imparts its services to the nation through seven of its regional branches located at Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai,
Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Guwahati and Varanasi.
It is also expanding its services for water testing and fertiliser testing, among others, including rock phosphate.
18. Tandur Red Gram
Why in News?
The Tandur red gram of Telangana has got geographical indication (GI) tag. With this, the total number of GI registrations
in the country has reached 432.
About
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Where ➔ Tandur red gram is a local variety of pigeon pea which is mainly grown in the rainfed tract of the Tandur
and nearby region of Telangana.
Suitable Habitat ➔ The specific quality traits of Tandur Red Gram has been attributed to the fertile deep black soil
with huge deposits of Attapulgite clay mineral specifically in Tandur region along with huge limestone deposits.
Significance ➔ It contains about 22-24% protein, which is almost three times that of the protein content in cereals.
o It has good taste, better cooking quality as well as enhanced storage quality.
Benefit of GI Tag ➔ Now with the GI tag and registration, individual farmers and dal mill owners of Tandur will have
to register themselves as authorized users and start branding Tandur red gram with GI tag to get better prices as
the tag is an assured symbol of quality.
19. The Urban Learning Internship Program
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Why in News?
The Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) recently said more than 5,000 internships have been offered under
the TULIP.
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Initiative of ➔ The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs(MoHUA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education
(MoE) and All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE).
Purpose ➔ It is a platform to provide internships to students and graduates in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Smart
Cities, Parastatals of States/UTs.
Aim ➔ To fulfill the twin goals of providing a hands-on learning experience to recent graduates as well as benefiting
States, ULBs, and Smart Cities with the infusion of fresh energy and ideas to solve critical challenges.
Eligibility ➔ The internships under TULIP are open to Indian Citizens who graduate from an undergraduate program
and can apply within 18 months of graduating.
20. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
Why in News?
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently said that 656 Startups are Supported by
Approved Incubators under Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS).
About
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Aim ➔ provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, marketentry, and commercialization.
Nodal Department ➔ Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce
& Industry.
An Experts Advisory Committee (EAC) has been created by DPIIT to execute and monitor the Startup India Seed
Fund Scheme.
It is implemented with effect from 1st April 2021 with a corpus of Rs.945 crores.
Eligibility conditions for startups ➔
o A startup, recognized by DPIIT, incorporated not more than 2 years ago at the time of application.
o Startups should not have received more than Rs.10 lakh of monetary support under any other Central or
State Government scheme.
o Individual entrepreneurs are not eligible to apply for support under the scheme. Only DPIIT-recognized
startups can apply for this scheme.
o Shareholding by Indian promoters in the startup should be at least 51% at the time of application to the
incubator for the scheme.
21. Purse Seine Fishing
Why in News?
The Centre has told the Supreme Court that a ban imposed by certain coastal States on purse seine fishing, which is
known to disadvantage endangered species, is not justified.
About
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A purse seine is made of a long wall of netting framed with floating and leadline (usually, of equal or longer length
than the former) and having purse rings hanging from the lower edge of the gear, through which runs a purse line
made from steel wire or rope which allow the pursing of the net.
Why it is banned? ➔
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Because this fishing method uses a wide net to draw in not only the targeted fish but also at-risk varieties,
including turtles.
o The ban on purse seine fishing is implemented in the territorial waters of Tamil NaduKerala, Puducherry,
Odisha, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands up to 12 nautical
miles.
o Fishing is a State subject and the management plan for marine fisheries in territorial waters is the job of the
states (Under the Seventh Scheduled of the Indian constitution).
Advantages of this method ➔
o Purse-seine fishing in open water is generally considered to be an efficient form of fishing.
o It has no contact with the seabed and can have low levels of by catch.
o It can also be used to catch fish congregating around fish aggregating devices
o It is used in the open ocean to target dense schools of single-species pelagic (midwater) fish like tuna and
mackerel.
22. Amrit Bharat Station scheme
Why in News?
Ministry of Railways has recently formulated a new policy for modernization of stations named “Amrit Bharat Station”
scheme.
About
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The scheme envisages the development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision.
It is based on Master Planning for the long term and implementation of the elements of the Master Plan as per the
needs and patronage of the station.
Objectives of the scheme ➔ a) Preparation of Master Plans of the Railway stations and implementation in phases
to enhance the facilities including and beyond the Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA), b) Cater for the introduction
of new amenities as well as upgradation and replacement of existing amenities, c) Relocate redundant/old buildings
in a cost-efficient manner.
Scope of work ➔
o Master Plans will have elementary details of the most appropriate location of Roof Plaza to be created in
future.
o Cover the stations where detailed techno-economic feasibility studies have been conducted or are being
conducted.
o Existing building usage shall be reviewed and space should be released in favour of passengers.
o Amenities for Divyangjan at stations.
o Gradual shift to sustainable and environmental friendly solutions as per availability of funds and condition
of existing assets.
o At least one aesthetically designed hoarding(signage) on each side of the circulating area at a prominent
location shall be erected for the display of important information etc.
23. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
Why in News?
CDSCO has recently started conducting joint inspections of identified Drug Manufacturing Units along with the State
Drugs Control Administration.
About
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What is it? ➔ It is the Central Drug Authority for discharging functions assigned to the Central Government under
the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.
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Nodal Ministry ➔ It works under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare the National Regulatory Authority (NRA)
of India.
Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, CDSCO is responsible for ➔
o Approval of Drugs.
o Conduct Clinical Trials.
o Laying down the standards for Drugs.
o Control over the quality of imported Drugs in the country.
o Coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations.
Further CDSCO along with state regulators, is jointly responsible for the grant of licences to certain specialised
categories of critical Drugs such as vaccines and sera, etc.
The Indian government has announced plans to subject all medical devices, including implants and contraception,
to CDSCO scrutiny.
Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) ➔
o DCGI is the head of the department of the CDSCO of the Government of India responsible for approval of
licences of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, IV fluids, vaccines and sera in
India.
o DCGI also sets standards for the manufacturing, sales, import, and distribution of drugs in India.
24. City Finance Rankings
Why in News?
Recently, The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched two key initiatives – City Finance Rankings, 2022 and
City Beauty Competition.
About
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It aims to ➔ Evaluate, recognise and reward India’s cities (Urban Local Bodies/ULBs) on the basis of the quality of
their current financial health.
Help ULBs to improve over time in financial performance.
Motivate city/state officials and decision makers to implement municipal finance reforms.
Parameters ➔ The participating ULBs will be evaluated on 15 indicators across three key municipal finance
assessment parameters, namely: (i) Resource Mobilization, (ii) Expenditure Performance and (iii) Fiscal
Governance.
Categories ➔ The cities will be ranked at the national level on the basis of their scores under any one of the following
four population categories: (i) Above 4 million, (ii) Between 1-4 million, (iii) 100K to 1 million, (iv) Less than 100,000.
o The top 3 cities in each population category will be recognized and rewarded at the national level as well as
within each state/state cluster.
Significance ➔ City Finance Rankings are an effort to analyze and help the ULBs in identifying areas in their financial
performance where they can make further improvements, to be able to deliver quality infrastructure and services
to its citizens.
👉 City Beauty Competition
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Aim ➔ To encourage and recognize the transformational efforts made by cities and wards in India to create
beautiful, innovative and inclusive public spaces.
Parameters ➔ Wards and public places of cities would be judged against the five broad pillars (i) accessibility, (ii)
amenities, (iii) activities, (iv) aesthetics and (v) ecology.
Voluntary ➔ Participation in the City Beauty Competition is voluntary. However, all wards and cities are encouraged
to participate, as this would generate healthy competition amongst them, while also inculcating a sense of
community ownership & pride.
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Significance ➔ The City Beauty Competition would facilitate the most beautiful wards and beautiful public places
at the city level.
25. State institutions for transformation
Why in News?
Several states sought NITI Aayog to constitute state institutions for transformation (SITs), along the lines of NITI Aayog,
to boost development and drive inclusive growth.
About
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It will also give effect to the commitment of cooperative federalism.
Recently, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (Mitra) was set up on these lines.
Need for SITs ➔
o State Capacity & Governance Bottlenecks are higher order challenges than availability of Finances in
delivery of Basic services.
o Weaknesses in service delivery disproportionately hurts the poor.
o Building “state capacity” is rewarding as it is 10-20 times more cost effective.
Significance of SITs ➔
o Locus of democratic accountability can be shifted to states.
o Leverage greater fiscal space of States, post 14th Finance Commission.
o Could become valuable laboratories for experimentation.
o NITI Aayog initiatives to build state’s capacities ‘Development Support Services for States for Infrastructure
Projects’ to achieve sustained delivery of infrastructure projects.
o State Finances and Coordination Vertical was formed for maintaining a State-wise database on
macroeconomic, financial, and social indicators.
o State Support Mission will act as a multidisciplinary ecosystem to initiate cutting edge projects to catalyse
development strategies of states, etc.
26. Transport4All’ Challenge
Why in News?
The ‘Transport4All’ Challenge is an initiative of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
About
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It aims at enhancing the mobility experience of citizens and focuses on digital innovation to improvemobility needs
of all citizens.
Stage 1 of the Challenge was launched in 2021.
It is organised in partnership with Institute for Transportation and Development Policy and Word Bank.
27. Draft Standards National Action Plan (SNAP) 2022
Why in News?
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released Draft Standards National Action Plan (SNAP) 2022.
About
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SNAP proposes a set of actions that would enable BIS to fulfil its mandate as the National Standards Body and
deliver standards according to the market needs in an efficient and timely manner.
A standard certification implies a product or a service, by its design and protocols, meets certainqualities.
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Key features of the draft SNAP Specific focus in developing
and updating standards with respect to India’s
commitment on UN SDG 2030 and Paris Agreement.
Proposal to bring technologies such as semiconductors, IT
services, Information and Communications Technologies
(ICT) such as metaverse, and cybersecurity techniques
underBIS.
Other key subject areas to be taken up by BIS include
Environment, Health and Safety, Building, Construction &
Urban Development, Textiles, Transportation etc.
Need for standardisation Facilitate free movement of goods
and services across international borders.
o Promote trust on a digital and data driven
economy by ensuring interoperability, reliability,
security, and privacy.
o Assist in building market confidence, and
integrating of global supply chains of domestic
products.
About BIS
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BIS is National Standard Body of India. It functions under
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
It is responsible for development of activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods etc.
It got statutory backing with BIS Act 2016.
28. Goods Trade Barometer
Why in News?
Latest World Trade Organization (WTO) Goods Trade Barometer hints toward slowing of trade growth in the rest of 2022
and into 2023.
About
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WTO's Goods Trade Barometer index is a composite leading indicator for world trade, providing real-time
information on merchandise trade trajectory relative to recent trends.
Its baseline value is 100. A value greater than 100 suggests above trend growth while a value below 100 indicates
below-trend growth.
The current Goods Trade Barometer Index readingis 96.2.
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Environment
1. Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage
Why in News?
NITI Aayog released a study report on the Policy Framework of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS).
About
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Title ➔ The report is titled 'Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Policy Framework and its Deployment
Mechanism in India',
The report suggests CCUS technology for decarbonising carbon dioxide (CO2) from high polluting sectors such as
steel, cement, oil, gas, petrochemicals, chemicals and fertilisers.
The report says CCUS has a critical role to play for the country to halve CO2 emissions by 2050.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and CCUS are technologies that help in promoting the low carbon-hydrogen
economy and in removal of the CO2 stock from the atmosphere.
CCS ➔ Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a way of reducing carbon emissions from power generation or industrial
activity, such as steel or cement making.
o It’s a three-step process, involving:
▪ Capturing the CO2 produced.
▪ Transporting the captured CO2.
▪ Storing it deep underground.
CCUS ➔ Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a related concept of CCS and follows similar steps in the
process.
o It is a way to reduce carbon emission by either storing or reusing it so that captured carbon dioxide does
not enter the atmosphere.
o The difference between CCS and CCUS is that the captured carbon could be re-used instead of storing.
o The captured carbon could be used in industrial processes by converting it. For example, plastics, concrete
or biofuel.
2. Great Indian Bustard
Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India recently requested the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change to consider
launching ‘Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB)’ like one for tigers.
About
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The Great Indian Bustard, found mainly in the Indian subcontinent, is the flagship grassland species of India.
It is one of the largest flying birds in the world, and India’s heaviest flying bird.
The male bird weighs upto 12-15 kg and female bird up to 5-8 kg.
Physical description ➔
o Black crown on the forehead contrasting with the pale neck and head.
o The body is brownish and the wings are marked with black, brown and grey.
Diet ➔ They feed on grass seeds, insects like grasshoppers and beetles, and sometimes even small rodents and
reptiles. The species primarily feed on meswak, sewan grass.
Distribution ➔
o Its population of about 150 in Rajasthan accounts for 95% of its total world population.
o They are mainly in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, including the Desert National Park which is the natural
habitat of the species.
o Grasslands of Kutch in Gujarat which is home to second-largest bustard population in India.
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o Arid regions of Maharashtra (Solapur), Karnataka (Bellary and Haveri) and Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool)
o It is the State bird of Rajasthan.
Conservation status ➔
o Listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972,
o Listed in Appendix I of CITES,
o Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
👉 Project Tiger
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The ‘Project Tiger’, launched in 1973, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Ministry of environment, forests
and climate change.
It is providing funding support to 18 tiger range states for in-situ conservation of tigers in designated tiger reserves,
and has put the endangered animal on an assured path of recovery by saving it from extinction.
It started five decades back with nine tiger reserves, now increased to 51 covering 2.23% of the country's
geographical area.
3. Binturong
Why in News?
The police and forest officials in the Manipur’s Ukhrul town have been scanning “gambling dens” following reports of
wild animals – dead or alive – being offered as prizes for raffle draws.
About
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Binturong, (Arctictis binturong), also called bear cat or cat bear, catlike omnivore of the civet family (Viverridae),
found in dense forests of Southeast Asia.
Physical description ➔ It has long shaggy hair, tufted ears, and a long, bushy, prehensile tail. The colour generally
is black with a sprinkling of whitish hairs.
o The binturong is principally nocturnal and crepuscular (that is, active during twilight).
o It is found most often among the trees, using its prehensile tail as an aid in climbing. It feeds mainly on fruit,
such as figs, but it also takes eggs and small animals.
o In some areas binturongs are tamed and have been reported as being affectionate pets.
Distribution ➔ Its range extends from Nepal, India, and Bhutan southward to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra
and Java and eastward to Borneo.
Conservation ➔
o IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
o CITES listing: Appendix III
o Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
4. Great Barrier Reef
Why in News?
A joint report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre (WHC)
expressed concern about the status of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in Australia, recommending that it “be inscribed on
the List of World Heritage in Danger.”
About
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It is the world’s most extensive and spectacular coral reef ecosystem composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and
900 islands.
The reef is located in the Coral Sea (North-East Coast), off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
It can be seen from outer space and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms.
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This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny
organisms, known as coral polyps.
It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.
👉 Coral Reefs
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Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not possess
a spine.
They are the largest living structures on the planet.
Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live
together to form a colony, which grow when polyps multiply to
make copies of themselves.
These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues. The corals and algae have a
mutualistic (symbiotic) relationship.
Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals.
o Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals
are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted
metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
o Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also
add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually
form coral reefs.
5. Kanger Valley National Park
Why in News?
Chhattisgarh’s first-ever inter-state bird survey was conducted in the Kanger Valley National Park.
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Kanger Ghati National Park derived its name from the Kanger River, which flows in its length.
The national Park is located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
The landscape of Kanger Valley can potentially host species found in the Himalayas, the Northeast, the Eastern and
Western Ghats.
Forest ➔ mixed humid deciduous type of forest.
Fauna ➔ Malabar Giant Squirrel, Spotted Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Grey Langur, scat of Sloth Bear and Indian Wolf.
Other Features ➔ It is known for the underground limestone caves and stalagmites and stalactites - Kutumbasar,
Kailash and Dandak.
Tirathgarh waterfall and Kanger dhara waterfall are located inside the National Park.
The Kanger Valley National Park is also home to a population of Chhattisgarh’s state bird, the Bastar hill myna
(Gruncula dhariosoa).
6. Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in News?
An 18-member herd of all female elephants from the forests of Gudiyattam and Pernambattu of Tamil Nadu are currently
on the prowl in the Koundinya wildlife sanctuary zone in Chittoor district, apparently “in search of mates”.
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Location ➔ Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary and an elephant reserve situated in Andhra Pradesh.
It is the only sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh with a population of Asian elephants which migrated after 200 years from
neighbouring regions.
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Habitat ➔ The Kaundinya sanctuary has dry deciduous forests with thorny scrubs interspersed with trees.
o The sanctuary is situated in the region where the Kolar Plateau ends and slopes down into the plains of
Tamil Nadu creating many valleys and ghats.
Flora ➔ The sanctuary is covered by southern tropical dry deciduous and thorn forests. Some of the important flora
consist of Albizia amara, Acacia, Lagerstroemia, Ficus, bamboo, and a species which is a regeneration of Santalum
album.
Fauna ➔ The sanctuary is primarily an elephant reserve and is home to about 78 Indian elephants. The vulnerable
yellow-throated bulbul is present in the sanctuary.
7. Weasels
Why in News?
The logo of the UN biodiversity conference that opened in Montreal features a human reaching to embrace a panda but from an ecological perspective, a weasel or badger would be a more appropriate choice.
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Weasels are small mammals that are closely related to ermine, ferrets, polecats and minks - all members of the
Mustela genus - and are in the same family (Mustelids) as badgers, wolverines and otters.
Habitat ➔ Weasels are adaptable and live all over the world.
o Their homes include marshes, scrubs, hedgerows, alpine meadows, riparian woodlands and riverbank
habitats, according to the IUCN.
o Some weasel types are long-tailed weasel, short-tailed weasel, tropical weasel, Mountain weasels, African
striped weasel, etc.,
o The most common weasel is the short-tailed weasel. It can be found in North America, Europe and Asia, in
regions as far north as the Arctic.
Habits ➔ They are nocturnal animals. Most of a weasel's time awake consists of hunting, storing excess food and
eating.
o Their bodies don't store fat, so they need a constant supply of food to provide enough energy. They eat 40
to 60% of its body weight every day.
o Though weasels can dig their own burrows quite quickly, they sometimes take over other animals' burrows
and make them their own.
Diet ➔ Weasels are aggressive predators. They generally hunt alone.
o Weasels' diets usually consist of rats, mice, voles and rabbits.
Conservation status ➔ Most weasels are listed as least concern by the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species. There
are a few exceptions.
o The mountain weasel and Japanese weasel are listed as near threatened because their population has had
a significant decline.
o The Colombian weasel is listed as vulnerable because of "a continuing decline in population due to ongoing
deforestation".
o In New Zealand, the weasel is considered an invasive species and a threat to native wildlife. In 2016, it
planned to eradicate them by 2050.
8. Cactus
Why in News?
The Union Minister of Rural Development has convened a consultation meeting on ‘Cactus Plantation and its Economic
Usage.
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What is it? ➔ Cactus is a Xerophytic Plant which grows relatively at a slower pace.
Cactus are unevenly distributed. Its largest concentration is found around the latitude of 30 degrees north and 30
degrees south of the equator. South Africa and sub-tropical North and South America house the highest number
of species as well as being densely populated.
Uses of Cactus ➔
o Cactus uses 80% less water than traditional crops and yet produce a high number of fruits. Its fruit is used
to make jams and jellies due to its high sugar content and the rest of the crop is used for human
consumption and animal forage.
o Additionally, this crop has a higher heat tolerance, which would make it more adaptive globally, as countries
prepare to bear extreme temperatures due to climate change.
o Cactus can also be explored for realizing the benefits of its usage for biofuel, food, fodder and biofertilizer
production for the larger benefit of the country. This will help reduce the fuel import burden of the country
apart from contributing towards employment and income generation for the poor farmers of these areas.
9. Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022
Why in News?
The Union Minister of Power has introduced the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022 in Rajya Sabha.
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The Bill proposes to amend the Electricity Conservation Act 2001 (last amended in 2010), to introduce changes such
as incentivising the use of clean energy by issuing carbon-saving certificates.
👉 Key provisions of the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022?
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Obligation to use non-fossil sources of energy ➔ The Act empowers the central government to specify energy
consumption standards. The Bill adds that the government may require the designated consumers to meet a
minimum share of energy consumption from non-fossil sources. Different consumption thresholds may be specified
for different non-fossil sources and consumer categories.
Carbon trading ➔ The Bill empowers the central government to specify a carbon credit trading scheme. Carbon
credit implies a tradeable permit to produce a specified amount of carbon emissions.
Standards for vehicles and vessels ➔ Under the Act, the energy consumption standards may be specified for
equipment and appliances which consume, generate, transmit, or supply energy.
The Bill expands the scope to include vehicles (as defined under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988), and vessels (including
ships and boats).
Applicability to residential buildings ➔ Under the Act, the energy conservation code applies to commercial
buildings: (i) erected after the notification of the code, and (ii) having a minimum connected load of 100 kilowatts
(kW) or contract load of 120-kilo volt-ampere (kVA).
o Under the Bill, the new energy conservation and sustainable building code will also apply to office and
residential buildings meeting the above criteria.
Regulatory powers of SERCs ➔ The Act empowers the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) to adjudge
penalties under the Act. The Bill adds that SERCs may also make regulations for discharging their functions.
Composition of the governing council of BEE ➔ The bill strengthens institutions such as the BEE by amending the
composition of the governing council of BEE.
10. IUCN Red List New Entries
Why in News?
Three medicinal plant species found in the Himalayas have made it to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
About Meizotropis pellita
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It is commonly known as Patwa. It is a perennial shrub with restricted distribution that is endemic to Uttarakhand.
The essential oil extracted from the leaves of the species possesses strong antioxidants and can be a promising
natural substitute for synthetic antioxidants in pharmaceutical industries
IUCN Status ➔ Critically Endangered.
Threats ➔ The species is threatened by deforestation, habitat fragmentation and forest fires.
👉 Fritillaria cirrhosa (Himalayan fritillary)
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It is a perennial bulbous herb. In China, the species is used for the treatment of bronchial disorders and pneumonia.
The plant is also a strong cough suppressant and source of expectorant drugs in traditional Chinese medicine.
IUCN Status ➔ Vulnerable.
👉 Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Salampanja)
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It is a perennial tuberous species endemic to the Hindu Kush and Himalayan ranges of Afghanistan, Bhutan, China,
India, Nepal.
It is extensively used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other alternative systems of medicine to cure dysentery,
gastritis, chronic fever, cough and stomach aches.
IUCN Status ➔ Endangered.
Threats ➔ It is threatened by habitat loss, livestock grazing, deforestation, and climate change.
11. Grey billed Wren Babblers
Why in News?
Birdwatchers have discovered a new species of Wren Babblers in remote northeastern Arunachal Pradesh. They have
named it as Lisu wren babbler after the Lisu community of Arunachal Pradesh.
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The Grey-bellied wren-babbler (Spelaeornis reptatus) is a bird species in the family Timaliidae.
Found in ➔ It is found in China (Yunnan), India (Arunachal Pradesh), Myanmar, and Thailand.
Habitat ➔ Its natural habitat is a subtropical moist montane forest.
IUCN Status ➔ Least Concern.
12. Environment Education, Awareness and Training (EEAT)
Why in News?
Recently Environment Education scheme has been revamped into Environment Education Programme.
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What is it? ➔ It is a Central Sector scheme implemented by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change .
Objective ➔ To promote environmental awareness and mobilize students’ participation for environment
conservation.
Features ➔ Under this Scheme there are two major programmes namely Green Corps (NGC) Programme and
National Nature Camping Programme (NNCP).
👉 Green Corps (NGC) Programme:
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Under this scheme more than 1 lakh Eco-clubs have been formed in schools and colleges to educate students and
to spread awareness on environmental
A financial assistance of Rs 5,000/- per Eco-club used to be provided under this programme with a ceiling of 500
school Eco-clubs per district and 100 college Eco-clubs per State.
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👉 National Nature Camping Programme (NNCP)
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Under this scheme, organization of field visits/ nature camps in different Protected Areas/ Nature Parks/ Tiger
Reserves of the country for students were supported.
These camps provided ‘nature experience’ to students and had huge potential to trigger their sensitivity towards
nature and its conservation.
13. India Water Impact Summit
Why in News?
Union Minister for Jal Shakti recently inaugurated the 7th Edition of India Water Impact Summit.
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Organized by ➔ National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) along with the Centre for Ganga River Basin Management
and Studies(c-Ganga).
Aim ➔ To impart impetus towards developing water and environmental infrastructure to protect rivers and water
bodies in India.
Theme ➔ ‘Restoration and Conservation of Small Rivers in a Large Basin’ with emphasis on ‘Mapping and
Convergence of 5Ps’ – People, Policy, Plan, Programme and Project.
👉 cGanga
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Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga) was established at the Indian Institute of
Technology, Kanpur (IITK) in 2016.
Purpose ➔ The Centre is a Centre of Excellence for data collection, the creation and dissemination of knowledge
and information for the sustainable development of the Ganga River Basin.
The centre acts in the capacity of a comprehensive think-tank to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
14. Tal Chhapar Sanctuary
Why in News?
Recently, the Tal Chhapar blackbuck sanctuary in Churu district of Rajasthan has received a protective cover.
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The Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is known as the home of blackbuck and a variety of birds in Rajasthan.
The sanctuary is flanked by the Great India Desert, Thar and boasts a unique ecosystem and is an important
birdwatching destination in India.
Migratory birds in the sanctuary ➔ Harriers, eastern imperial eagles, tawny eagle, short-toed eagle, sparrow, and
little green bee-eaters, black ibis and demoiselle cranes, whereas skylarks, crested larks, ring doves, and brown
doves are seen round the year.
Fauna ➔ Desert fox and desert cat can be spotted in the sanctuary.
15. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Why in News?
The 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
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30 by 30 ➔ Countries agreed to protect 30% of land and water considered important for biodiversity by 2030
known as 30 by 30. Currently, 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas are protected.
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Financing ➔ Ensure $200 billion per year is channelled to conservation initiatives from public and private sources.
Wealthier countries should contribute at least $20 billion of this every year by 2025, and at least $30 billion a year
by 2030.
Big companies report impacts on biodiversity ➔ Companies should analyse and report how their operations affect
and are affected by biodiversity issues. The parties agreed to large companies and financial institutions being subject
to “requirements” to make disclosures regarding their operations, supply chains and portfolios.
Harmful subsidies ➔ Countries committed to identifying subsidies that deplete biodiversity by 2025, and then
eliminate, phase out or reform them. They agreed to slash those incentives by at least $500 billion a year by 2030,
and increase incentives that are positive for conservation.
Reduce pesticide use ➔ Countries have agreed to a target of reducing the risk posed by pesticides and highly
hazardous chemicals to almost half.
Not legally binding ➔ The agreement is not legally binding, but countries will be required to show their progress on
meeting targets through national biodiversity plans.
16. Bullock Heart Tree
Why in News?
A Research intern at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has won the prize for
developing a cost-effective bio-insecticide from the leaves of bullock’s heart tree (Annona reticulata), popularly known
as Ramphal.
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Bullock’s heart tree (Annona reticulata) is a small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree in the plant family Annonaceae
and part of the Annonas group.
It is best known for its fruit, called custard apple, a common name shared with fruits of several other species in the
same genus: A. cherimola and A. squamosa.
Uses ➔ Bullock heart tree’s extracts have traditionally been used to cure conditions including dysentery and
pediculosis (louse infestation)
Extracts from its leaves may also be useful against three destructive pests — Pod borer, Green peach aphid and fall
armyworm — with a mortality rate of 78-88%. All these pests are known for incurring crop losses to farmers.
👉 ICRISAT
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ICRISAT is an international organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia & sub-Saharan
Africa.
It helps farmers by providing improved crop varieties and hybrids and also helps smallholder farmers in the drylands
fight climate change.
Founded in ➔ 1972 by a consortium of organizations convened by the Ford and the Rockefeller foundations. Its
charter was signed by the FAO and the UNDP.
Headquarters ➔ Hyderabad, Telangana with several regional centres in Nigeria, Kenya, Mali etc.
Mandated crops ➔ ICRISAT performs crop improvement research, using conventional as well as methods derived
from biotechnology on the following crops: chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, pearl millet, sorghum and finger millet.
Status in India ➔ Since its inception, host country India has granted a special status to ICRISAT as a UN Organization
operating in the Indian territory making it eligible for special immunities and tax privileges.
17. Asian Giant Tortoise
Why in News?
Recently, 10 captive-bred juvenile Asian Giant tortoises were soft-released inside a protected area in Nagaland.
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Asian Giant Tortoises (Manouria emys) are the largest tortoises in mainland Asia.
Spread ➔ They are found in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia among other places.
Diet ➔ Bamboo shoots, tubers and other juicy vegetation and some invertebrates and frogs.
Conservation Status ➔
o IUCN - Critically Endangered
o CITES - Appendix II
o Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 - Schedule IV.
Threats ➔ Hunting for consumption, habitat loss, anthropogenic activities like construction and slash and burn.
18. Frozen Coral
Why in News?
The scientists successfully froze Australia's Great Barrier Reef coral in world-first trial.
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Scientists used the cryomesh to freeze coral larvae at the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS).
The Great Barrier reef coral has suffered four bleaching events in the last seven years including the first ever bleach
during a La Nina phenomenon.
👉 What is Cryomesh?
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Cryomesh is a specially fabricated mesh used as substrate in cryopreservation. This is lightweight and can be
manufactured cheaply. It better preserves coral and has the properties of cryoplates.
The mesh technology will help store coral larvae at -196°C (-320.8°F).
👉 Significance of Coral Cryopreservation –
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Cryogenically frozen coral can be stored and later reintroduced to the wild. This could eventually help to rewild
reefs threatened by climate change.
It can build a bigger, more diverse bank of frozen living corals, preserving biodiversity.
19. ECONARIO
Why in News?
MANAGEMENT (LCCM)
“Plant,” an art installation by Biersteker is displayed in the United the Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in
Montreal, Canada.
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What is it? ➔ The 5.5-meter (18-foot) tall artwork, ECONARIO is a large, data-driven robotic plant.
ECONARIO currently displayed at Montreal Convention Centre, is built in a year from recycled steel.
It withers or flourishes depending on countries' policy commitments.
It is a tangible demonstration of how human actions will impact the world's threatened species.
The plant feeds on data from the Biodiversity Intactness Index developed by the Natural History Museum.
o The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) summarises the change in ecological communities in response to
human pressures.
o BII is an estimated percentage of the original number of species that remain, and their abundance in any
given area, despite human impacts.
o As negotiations happen, the team behind BII input details like how many countries have committed to
implement a cornerstone pledge of protecting 30% of lands and oceans by 2030.
o Then what that is going to mean for biodiversity in 20, 50 or 100 years can be predicted.
20. Lion @ 47: Vision for Amrutkal
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Why in News?
The Central Government has prepared the Project Lion document titled ‘Lion @ 47: Vision for Amrutkal’ for Lion
conservation.
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The Government of India has prepared ‘Lion@47: Vision for Amrutkal’ as a part of Project Lion for the conservation
of Asiatic Lions in Gir, Gujarat.
The objectives of the document is to ➔
o Secure & restore lions’ habitats for managing its growing population;
o Scale up livelihood generation and participation of local communities;
o Become a global hub of knowledge on big cat disease diagnostics and treatment and
o Create inclusive biodiversity conservation through project lion initiative.
👉 Project Lion
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The Project Lion envisages landscape ecology based conservation of the Asiatic Lion in Gujarat by integrating
conservation and eco-development.
The Project is being implemented in the Gir landscape in Gujarat which is the last home of the Asiatic lion.
Implementation ➔ The State Government of Gujarat and other stakeholders like Central Zoo Authority.
Funding for Lion Conservation ➔ Grants released under the Asiatic Lion Conservation project.
o Funds released to the State as Central share under Asiatic Lion Conservation project.
o Financial assistance is provided to State of Gujarat for conservation of wildlife including Asiatic Lions under
the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) - ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ during last three years.
👉 Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats(IDWH) Scheme
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IDWH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme started in 2008-09.
Aim ➔ To provide support to 1) protected areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and
community reserves except for tiger reserves) 2) protection of wildlife outside protected areas and 3) recovery
programs for saving critically endangered species and habitats.
21. Polar Bear
Why in News?
Polar bears in Canada's Western Hudson Bay are continuing to die in high numbers.
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Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are the largest bear in the world.
They are critical (top) predators in the Arctic and also the best-known face of climate change.
Range ➔ Arctic ocean, sea ice, and adjacent coastal countries - Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russian and the United
States of America (Alaska).
Habitat ➔ Polar bears rely heavily on sea ice for traveling, hunting, resting, mating and, in some areas, maternal
dens.
Food ➔ Omnivores. Hunt seals.
IUCN Status ➔ Vulnerable
Threats ➔ Climate change, loss of habitat (Sea ice), habitat fragmentation, industrial impacts.
o The Polar Bear’s reproductive rate is among the lowest in all mammals.
o Polar Bears most often give birth to twin cubs and the new-borns are blind.
22. Green methanol
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Why in News?
Recently, the NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) has signed a non-binding MOU with Tecnimont (Italy) to
explore production of green methanol.
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What is it? ➔ Green methanol is methanol that is produced
renewably and without polluting emissions, one of its variants
being generated from green hydrogen.
It is a low-carbon fuel that can be made from either biomass
gasification or renewable electricity and captured carbon
dioxide (CO2).
This chemical compound can be used as a low-carbon liquid fuel
and is a promising alternative to fossil fuels in areas where
decarbonisation is a major challenge, such as maritime transport.
👉 Other classifications
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Grey methanol ➔ It is obtained by synthesis reaction from methane present in natural gas (or in some cases, as in
China, still from coal). It is therefore not a renewable or clean energy.
Blue methanol ➔ It is also obtained by synthesis derived from natural gas, but includes as part of the process the
capture and storage of the carbon generated during its production, converting it into a less polluting product.
23. Nilgiri Tahr
Why in News?
The Tamil Nadu government launched an initiative for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr at a cost of Rs 25 crore.
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Local Name ➔ The species is locally known as Varaiaadu.
Nilgiri Tahr are the only Caprinae species found in the tropical mountains of southern India.
Range ➔ They are endemic to the Western Ghats and used to inhabit a large part of the Western Ghats between
Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
o These mountain goats inhabits meadows with steep cliffs at elevations between 300 metres and 2,600
metre above sea level.
o It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild, but has become locally extinct in around 14%
of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
Conservation Status ➔
o IUCN - Endangered
o Wildlife (protection) Act of India, 1972 - Schedule I.
Threats ➔ Vulnerable to local extinction due to their highly fragmented populations. Other threats are - invasion
of exotic species, forest fires, over-exploitation of forest resources and lack of ecological data and understanding.
👉 About the project
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The Conservation project will be headed by a Project Director and assisted by a team which includes Assistant
Director, senior scientists, research fellows and field staffs.
Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, the government plans to ➔
o Develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through surveys and radio telemetry studies;
o Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
o Address proximate threats; and
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o Increase public awareness of the species.
Time Frame ➔ The project is to be implemented for 5 year period from 2022 to 2027.
Funding ➔ The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board funds the project.
24. Invasive species of Mussel
Why in News?
For the first time the invasive species of mussel has been found in the Eastern coast of India.
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Fishermen of Pulicat and Ennore are worried the spread of an invasive species of mussel.
Mytella strigata or Charru mussels is a South American mussel species.
The invasive species is spreading due to the discharge of ballast waters from ships visiting the ports of Kattupalli.
These mussels have invaded tidal wetlands in several parts of the world, including Vembanad in Kerala.
Spread ➔ After Cyclone Vardah in December 2016, the mussels began to intensify and spread far north towards the
Pulicat waters.
o Human interference in the wetlands, pollution and nature’s actions have triggered rapid spread of the
species.
Threats ➔ These mussels spread like a carpet over the river bottoms and thus preventing prawns from grazing or
burying themselves in the sediment.
o Its spread is wiping out the locally prevalent yellow clams and green mussels.
25. Biodiversity Heritage Sites
Why in News?
Tamil Nadu issued a notification declaring Arittapattiand Meenakshipuram villages in Madurai district the first
biodiversity heritage site in State.
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Arittapatti village houses several species of birds including three important raptors: Laggar Falcon, the Shaheen
Falcon and Bonelli’s Eagle.
It is also home to wildlife such as the Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris and pythons.
It houses Anaikondan tank, built during the reign of Pandiyan kings
in the 16th century.
It also has megalithic structures, rock-cut temples, Tamil Brahmi
inscriptions, Jain beds etc.
About Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHSs):
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They are well defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile
ecosystems. They are spread over terrestrial, coastal and inland and
marine waters having rich biodiversity.
BHS may be identified and notified as per the provisions of the
Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act.
As per this section, the State Governments are empowered to notify
in the official gazette, in consultation with ‘local bodies’, areas of
biodiversity importance as BHSs.
State Government in consultation with Central Government may
frame rules for the management and conservation of BHS.
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Creation of BHSs may not put any restriction on prevailing practices and usages of local communities, other than
those voluntarily decided by them.
State Governments are also empowered to frame schemes for compensating or rehabilitating any person or section
of people economically affected by such notification.
State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) may invite suggestion for declaration of BHSs through relevant community
institutions (Gram sabhas, panchayats, urban wards, forest protection committees, tribal councils).
Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka was the first Biodiversity Heritage Site of India, declared in 2007.
26. EnviStats-India 2022
Why in News?
Recently, the National Statistics Office (NSO) came up with a publication EnviStats-India 2022 Vol. I: Environment
Statistics.
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EnviStats brings together a large number of statistics bracketed in a
single publication which is sourced from the coordination of multiple
public institutions.
Environment statistics aims at providing statistical information to
improve knowledge of the environment.
It helps to support evidence-based policy and decision making to
provide information for the general public, as well as for specific user
groups.
Framework for Development of Environment Statistics (FDES 2013)
The FDES 2013 is a multipurpose conceptual and statistical
framework that is comprehensive and integrative in nature.
The FDES is based on a conceptual foundation that considers people
and their demographic, social, and economic activities as integral
parts of and interacting with the environment.
27. Climate and Development: An Agenda for Action
Why in News?
Recently, World Bank Report on ‘Climate and Development: An Agenda for Action’ was released.
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Report compiles and harmonizes results from the World Bank Group’s ‘Country Climate and Development Reports’
(CCDRs).
CCDRs are new core diagnostic reports that integrate climate change and development considerations.
They will help countries prioritize the most impactful actions that can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and
boost adaptation, while delivering on broader development goals.
It covers 24 countries that account for 34% of theworld’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
28. GLOBAL CARBON BUDGET 2022 REPORT
Why in News?
Released by: Global Carbon Project (GCP).
About
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Established in 2001, GCP is shared partnership between International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme,
International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change, World Climate Research
Programme and Diversitas.
Aim is to develop complete picture of global carbon cycle.
Key highlights of the Report Global CO2 concentrations set new record of 417.2 parts per million.
Atmospheric CO2 concentrations are now 51% above pre-industrial levels.
Projected CO2 emissions decrease in China and European Union, but increase in US, India (6%), and rest of world.
29. Green Energy Open Access Portal
Why in News?
Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy launched Green Energy Open Access Portal.
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Portal will allow consumers to access green power easily through transparent and streamlined procedure.
Any consumer with a connected load of 100 kW or above can get Renewable Energy (RE) through open access from
any RE generating plant.
Open access means non-discriminatory access to electricity transmission and distribution system to eligible
consumers, generators and state distribution companies (DISCOMS).
30. CHINA DEVELOPS PERENNIAL RICE VARIETIES
Why in News?
Rice variety named PR23 does not need to be planted every year and can yield eight consecutive harvests across four
years (as these plants with stronger roots grow back vigorously after each harvest).
Key benefits of perennial rice varieties
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Reduce cost of inputs as it requires less labour, seeds and chemical inputs (saved 58% in labour and 49% in other
input costs).
Remarkable environmental benefits such as soils accumulating close to a ton of organic carbon (per hectare per
year) along with increase in water availability to plant.
Counter the impact of climate change on food security and rural incomes.
Concerns raised: needs one to two more herbicide treatments than regular rice, more work to resow the perennial
rice when its yield falters etc.
Earlier, Indian Agricultural Research Institute also launched an herbicide-tolerant rice that can be directly sown
into soil, cutting expenditure on water and farm workers.
Rice cultivation in India:
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India is world’s second largest rice producer, after China, and largest exporter.
It is a kharif crop.
Needs high temperature (21 to 37º C throughout life period of crop), high humidity, prolonged sunshine and an
assured supply of water.
Soils with good water retention capacity with high amount of clay and organic matter are ideal.
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Science and Technology
1. Semi-Automated Offside Technology
Why in News?
Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is using Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) for offside
decisions in the ongoing football world cup.
About
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What is it? ➔ SAOT is a support tool for the video match officials and the on-field officials to help them make faster,
more reproducible and more accurate offside decisions.
There are two parts to the technology — a sensor inside the match ball that is held using suspension technology,
and existing tracking tools that are part of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
Every time the ball is hit, data is sent in real time (at a whopping 500 frames per second) to a network of antennae
installed around the playing field.
Additionally, there are 12 Hawk-Eye cameras set up around the turf that shadow both the ball and the players, with
as many as 29 separate points in the human body tracked.
The coming together of the ball sensor and the Hawk-Eye cameras is in effect SAOT.
These two data sets are run through artificial intelligence software which generates automated alerts about offsides
to the match officials. This replaces the manual effort taken in poring over replays for minutes on end.
2. Measles
Why in News?
Recently, Mumbai has seen a surge in measles cases.
About
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Infection with the rubeola virus causes measles.
The virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body.
Measles is a human disease and is not known to occur in animals.
Spread ➔
o Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases.
o It is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat
secretions.
Symptoms ➔ Some initial common signs include cough, cold, runny nose, sore throat, loss of appetite, high-grade
fever and body aches.
Vulnerable age group ➔ Children below the age of five are the most vulnerable, especially those below the age of
two.
Prevention ➔ Vaccination is considered the key strategy in limiting the spread of measles during outbreaks.
👉 Measles & Rubella Initiative
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Launched in 2001, the Measles & Rubella Initiative (M&R Initiative) is a global partnership led by the American Red
Cross, United Nations Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF and WHO.
The Initiative is committed to ensuring that no child dies from measles or is born with congenital rubella syndrome.
The Initiative helps countries to plan, fund and measure efforts to stop measles and rubella.
3. Agnikul’s Launchpad Facility
Why in News?
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Chennai-based space tech startup Agnikul Cosmos inaugurated India’s first private space vehicle launchpad at the Satish
Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
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The facility has two parts ➔ the Agnikul launchpad and the Agnikul mission control centre, which are four
kilometres apart.
The launchpad has been designed to accommodate and support liquid stage-controlled launches.
Agnikul Cosmos is planning to launch its Agnibaan rocket from this launchpad.
Significance ➔
o The launchpad is specifically built to address the need for ISRO’s range operations team to monitor key
flight safety parameters during launches.
o Additionally, it has the ability to share data and other critical information with ISRO’s Mission Control
Center.
👉 What is Agnibaan?
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Agnibaan is a two-stage launch vehicle that is capable of taking payloads of up to 100 kilograms to a low-earth orbit
around 700 kilometres from the surface of the Earth.
It will be powered by the company’s 3D-printed Agnilet engines.
o Agnilet is the world’s first single-piece 3-D printed engine fully designed and manufactured in India and was
successfully test-fired in early 2021, making Agnikul the first company in the country to test its engines at
ISRO.
o The Agnilet rocket is a “semi-cryogenic” engine that uses a mixture of liquid kerosene and supercold liquid
oxygen to propel itself.
o The engine is very complex, and it functions at very high temperatures.
4. Andromeda galaxy and Galactic Cannibalism
Why in News?
Scientists discovered by studying a star cluster in Andromeda galaxy that Andromeda may be a cosmic cannibal.
About
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The Dulais Structure is a dark stream of stars (globular clusters) in Andromeda. (Dulai means Black stream in Welsh)
The Dulais Structure is dark stream illuminated by star clusters that orbit unlike any other clusters in Andromeda.
This means the star clusters are from the leftovers of a massive feeding event called galactic cannibalism.
Galactic Cannibalism is a feeding event of galaxy in which larger galaxies consume smaller galaxies or globulars to
grow.
👉 Andromeda Galaxy
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The Andromeda Galaxy also known as Messier 31, is the nearest major galaxy to the Milky.
Andromeda is a spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth.
It is the largest galaxy of the Local Group, which also contains the Milky Way, the Triangulum Galaxy, and other
smaller galaxies.
5. Zombie Virus
Why in News?
French scientists have warned of the onset of another outbreak after they revived a 48,500-year-old zombie virus buried
under a frozen lake in Russia.
About
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13 new pathogens have been characterized, what are termed ‘Zombie Viruses’, which remained infectious despite
spending many millennia trapped in the frozen ground.
The virus emerged due to the thawing of permafrost as the global temperature is rising.
The new strain is one of 13 viruses, each of which possesses its own genome.
The oldest, dubbed Pandoravirus yedoma after the mythological character Pandora, was 48,500 years old, a record
age for a frozen virus returning to a state where it has the potential to infect other organisms.
This has broken the previous record held by a 30,000-year-old virus discovered by the same team in Siberia in 2013.
Causes ➔
o One-quarter of the Northern hemisphere is underlain by permanently frozen ground, referred to as
permafrost.
o Due to climate warming, irreversibly thawing permafrost is releasing organic matter frozen for up to a
million years, most of which decomposes into carbon dioxide and methane, further enhancing the
greenhouse effect.
o Part of this organic matter also consists of revived cellular microbes (prokaryotes, unicellular eukaryotes)
as well as viruses that remained dormant since prehistoric times.
Potential Impact ➔
o All of the "zombie viruses" have the potential to be infectious and hence pose a "health danger" after
researching the live cultures.
o It is believed that pandemics like Covid-19 will become more common in the future as melting permafrost
releases long-dormant viruses like a microbial Captain America.
6. Bifrost
Why in News?
A team of physicists has created the first-ever wormhole, a tunnel that connects two distant points in space and time.
This wormhole is like the magical Bifrost bridge in Marvel Cinematic Universe movies.
About
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What is it? ➔ The Bifrost is nothing but an Einstein-Rosen bridge or a wormhole — theorized in 1935 by Albert
Einstein and Nathan Rosen.
What is Wormhole or Einstein-Rosen bridge Theory? ➔
o A wormhole is like a tunnel between two distant points in our universe that cuts the travel time from one
point to the other. Instead of travelling for many millions of years from one galaxy to another, under the
right conditions, one could theoretically use a wormhole to cut the travel time down to hours or minutes.
o Because wormholes represent shortcuts through space-time, they could even act like time machines. A
person might emerge from one end of a wormhole at a time earlier than when s/he entered its other end.
Is Wormhole theory fact or fiction? ➔
o Because of interesting features, many science fiction writers use wormholes in novels and movies. But the
presence of wormholes has not yet been established through observation or inference by astronomers.
o However, scientists often see wormholes described in the solutions to important physics equations such as
Einstein’s theory of space-time and general relativity.
7. Jagdish Chandra Bose
Why in News?
Ministry of Culture has organized an international conference on the contributions of J C Bose: A Satyagrahi Scientist” on
his 164th birth anniversary.
About
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Born on 30th November, 1858 to Bama Sundari Bose and Bhagawan Chandra, Bengal.
He was a Plant Physiologist and physicist who invented the crescograph, a device for measuring the growth of plants.
He for the first time demonstrated that plants have feelings.
Scientific Contribution ➔
o Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose was a biologist, physicist, botanist and an early writer of science fiction.
o Bose discovered wireless communication and was named the Father of Radio Science by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
o He was responsible for the expansion of experimental science in India.
o Bose is considered the father of Bengali science fiction. A crater on the moon has been named in his honour.
o He founded Bose Institute, a premier research institute of India and also one of its oldest. Established in
1917, the Institute was the first interdisciplinary research centre in Asia. He served as the Director of Bose
Institute from its inception until his death.
o To facilitate his research, he constructed automatic recorders capable of registering extremely slight
movements, these instruments produced some striking results, such as quivering of injured plants, which
Bose interpreted as a power of feeling in plants.
Books ➔ His books include Response in the Living and Non-Living (1902) and The Nervous Mechanism of Plants
(1926).
Death ➔ He died on 23th November 1937 in Giridih, Bihar.
8. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
Why in News?
The dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) monitoring in raptors is heavily biased toward the global north.
About
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Background ➔ DDT was first used in the World War-II to protect soldiers against malaria and typhus, which are
spread by mosquitoes and body lice.
After war it was used as a synthetic insecticide and pesticide.
Ill Effects ➔ Continued exposure to the chemical can cause neurological damage, endocrine disorders and
reproductive failure in both humans and animals.
Ban and Usage ➔ Most of the developed world (global north) banned the use of DDT in the 1970s and 80s.
o In 2004, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants banned DDT in most parts of the
world.
o In 2006, World Health Organization recommended the restricted use of DDT to control malaria.
o Malaria is still prevalent in and DDT is still in usage in various tropical countries in Asia, Africa, and South
and Central America.
Effects on predators ➔ Birds of prey or raptors are often apex predators, sitting at the top of the food chain.
o The bioaccumulation of DDT severely affects raptors.
o This leads to the serious declines in raptor populations.
9. ChatGPT
Why in News?
The latest AI tool ChatGPT is creating a buzz among computer scientists and programmers due to its creative capabilities.
About
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Developed by ➔ The OpenAI Company developed a new Chabot called ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is much more than a chat bot and is fine-tuned to provide conversational responses.
ChatGPT is a ‘conversational’ AI and answers queries just like a human.
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ChatGPT is being seen as a replacement for the basic emails, party planning lists, CVs, write four-page essays, solve
math equations, and even spot errors in code.
GPT Language model ➔ The Generative Pre-Training (GPT) language model is a type of neural network that can
create new content based on input content and this is called Training Data.
This technology makes it suitable for creative tasks like writing a new story.
ChatGPT is the latest version of GPT API (DPT3) and is additionally trained on conversational transcripts with human
feedback.
👉 OpenAI
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OpenAI is a research institute and company that focuses on developing artificial intelligence technology in a
responsible and safe way.
It was founded in 2015 by a group of entrepreneurs and researchers, including Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Greg
Brockman.
10. Square Kilometre Array
Why in News?
Construction of the world’s largest radio astronomy observatory, the Square Kilometre Array, has begun in Australia after
three decades in development.
About
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The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project is an international effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope, with
eventually over a square kilometre (one million square metres) of collecting area.
• Two SKA telescopes are constructed at radio-quiet sites in South Africa and Australia.
• Australia - SKA-Low - Low frequency aperture array antennas
• South Africa – SKA-Mid - Mid-frequency array antennas
• The SKA consists of 4 precursor telescopes which are located at SKA sites and will be inducted to the SKA.
• The South African MeerKAT and Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA)
• The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) and CSIRO’s Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP).
• The SKA will give astronomers insight into the formation and evolution of the first stars and galaxies after the Big
Bang, the role of cosmic magnetism, the nature of gravity.
👉 Square Kilometre Array Observatory
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The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is an inter-governmental organisation established in early 2021.
The SKAO dedicated to radio astronomy, is headquartered in the UK.
It will undertake the construction, operation and maintenance of the SKA telescopes.
Organisations from 16 member countries take part in SKA project.
National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) represents participation from India.
11. SpaceTech Innovation Network: ISRO
Why in News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed an MoU with Social Alpha, a multistage innovation curation
and venture development platform to launch SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN).
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SpIN is India’s first dedicated platform for innovation, curation, and venture development for the burgeoning space
entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The SPIN platform would create a level playing field for various stakeholders to collaborate and contribute to the
space ecosystem in the country.
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Focus areas ➔ SpIN will primarily focus on facilitating space tech entrepreneurs in three distinct innovation
categories:
o Geospatial Technologies and Downstream Applications
o Enabling Technologies for Space & Mobility
o Aerospace Materials, Sensors, and Avionics.
Significance ➔ Innovative technologies are expected to bring a paradigm shift in utilising the space applications to
maximise the economic, social, and environmental benefits for the larger society.
Innovation Challenge:
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SpIN has launched its first innovation challenge for developing solutions in areas of maritime and land
transportation, urbanization, mapping, and surveying.
The selected start-ups and innovators will be able to access both Social Alpha’s and ISRO’s infrastructure and
resources as per the prevailing guidelines.
They will be provided active hand-holding in critical areas, including access to product design, testing and validation
infrastructure, and intellectual property management.
o Social Alpha is a multistage innovation curation and venture development platform for science and
technology start-ups.
12. Gamma Ray Burst(GRBs)
Why in News?
Photometric observations recently taken with the 3.6 m Devasthal Optical Telescope have provided vital information on
the earliest phase of a kilonova ever detected, radically changing the understanding of scientists about the origin of GRBs.
About
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GRBs are massive but extremely bright, high-energy short gamma radiations which get released when massive stars
collapse or die in the Universe.
In fact, the energy associated with GRBs is many folds larger than what our Sun can emit in its entire lifetime, making
its study key to understanding the life and death of stars in our Universe.
Types of GRBs ➔
o Short GRBs: When a pair of binary compact systems — either two blackholes, dense celestial bodies or
neutron stars — rotate in a spiral fashion for billions of years, their ultimate merger leads to release of
short GRBs. These emissions last for less than two seconds.
o Long GRBs: When very massive stars die, the event results in the release of long GRBs and the associated
gamma radiations last for more than two seconds or longer.
👉 Kilonova
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A kilonova is a transient astronomical event that occurs in a compact binary system when two neutron stars or a
neutron star and a black hole merge. Traditionally, kilonova has been associated with short GRBs.
👉 What have the scientists found?
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Scientists have recorded a rare astronomical event involving a compact binary merger emitting a long Gamma Ray
Burst(GRB) named GRB211211A twinned with a kilonova emission. However, the properties of long-duration GRB
were missing making the event unusual.
Significance of this finding ➔ These findings have quashed the existing understanding for at least 30 years now, as
scientists were unaware of any connection between a long-duration GRB and kilnovae.
o This could then mean that some processes are common between the long and short GRBs and their
scientific classification now stands challenged.
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13. Americium
Why in News?
The European Space Agency scientists are developing batteries made of Americium to power space missions.
About
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What is it? ➔ Americium (Am) is a synthetic chemical element of the actinoid series of the periodic table.
It was the fourth transuranium element with atomic number 95.
It is not found naturally in the environment and can be extracted from reprocessed nuclear fuel used in civil power
plants.
Americium has never been used as a fuel and now will be used to make new batteries.
Americium, a by-product of plutonium decay is made into fuel pellets, which form the core of the batteries.
This battery can be used as an alternative to solar cells in space.
It is expected to operate space missions in the dark side of the Moon or areas far-off from the Solar System where
solar power is limited.
👉 Americium’s advantage over plutonium-238 (Pu-238)
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It is cheaper and more abundant.
It has a longer half-life than Pu-238, so it lasts longer.
It is also easier and less expensive to produce than Pu-238.
Drawback ➔ Unfortunately it also yields less potential energy than Pu-238.
14. HAKUTO-R Mission 1
Why in News?
Japan's ispace launches world's first commercial moon lander.
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The name HAKUTO refers to the white rabbit that lives on the moon in Japanese folklore.
HAKUTO-R is moon lander launched by ispace Inc., a Japanese space start-up.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 carried HAKUTO-R lander, NASA’s Lunar Flashlight CubeSat and the UAE’s rover.
The M1 lander will deploy two robotic rovers,
o A two-wheeled, baseball-sized device from Japan's JAXA space agency and
o The four-wheeled Rashid explorer made by the United Arab Emirates.
The M1 lander is expected at soft landing at Atlas Crater, which is located on the south-eastern edge of the moon's
Mare Frigoris ("Sea of Cold").
Only the space agencies of the United States, China and the Soviet Union have achieved soft landings on the lunar
surface.
The success of this mission would make Japan the 4th country to make soft landing on the lunar surface and the first
private company to do so.
ispace plans to launch Mission 2 to the moon in 2024.
👉 Rashid
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It is the UAE’s first moon rover.
The 22-pound (10 kilograms) robot named Rashid, will deploy from HAKUTO-R.
Rashid will study its environs in the lunar surface for about 14 Earth days (one lunar day).
15. Scramjet engine
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Why in News?
Scramjet engine’s (a type of Air Breathing Engine) hot test was conducted successfully at ISRO’s Propulsion Research
Complex in Tamil Nadu.
About Air-breathing engine
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An air-breathing engine is an engine that takes in air from its surroundings in order to burn fuel.
All practical air breathing engines are internal combustion engines that directly heat the air by burning fuel, with
the resultant hot gases used for propulsion via a propulsive nozzle.
A continuous stream of air flows through the air-breathing engine. The air is compressed, mixed with fuel, ignited
and expelled as the exhaust gas.
Thrust produced by a typical air-breathing engine is about eight times greater than its weight.
The thrust results from the expulsion of the working gases from the exhaust nozzle.
Types ➔
o Ramjet: A ramjet is a form of air-breathing jet engine that uses the vehicle’s forward motion to compress
incoming air for combustion without a rotating compressor.
o Ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds but they are not efficient at hypersonic speeds.
o Scramjet: A scramjet engine is an improvement over the ramjet engine as it efficiently operates at
hypersonic speeds and allows supersonic combustion.
o Dual Mode Ramjet (DMRJ): A dual mode ramjet (DMRJ) is a type of jet engine where a ramjet transforms
into a scramjet over Mach 4-8 range, which means it can efficiently operate both in subsonic and supersonic
combustion modes.
Significance ➔
o Air Breathing Engine provides a technological key for low-cost space transportation system.
o The technology is an important step towards developing reusable launch vehicles.
o Basically, of the total launch vehicle mass, 86% is propellant mass in the launch vehicle. Out of that
propellant, 70% is oxidiser.
16. Base Editing
Why in News?
For the first time, Base editing technology used in CAR-T therapy defeated a seemingly incurable cancer.
About Base Editing
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What is it? ➔ Base editing is a newer genome editing approach that allows scientists to zoom to a precise part of
the genetic code and then alter the molecular structure of just one base.
There are 4 types of bases in the DNA - adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T).
These bases in our DNA spell out the genetic code and instructions for our body.
Base editing uses components from CRISPR systems together with other enzymes to directly install point mutations
into cellular DNA or RNA.
Base editing makes point mutations in the DNA possible without generating double strand breaks (DSBs).
Base editors directly convert one base or base pair into another and changes the genetic instructions.
👉 Base editing in CAR-T therapy
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CAR-T therapy is an immunotherapy that uses T-cells for the treatment of cancer.
The base editing tool is used to engineer a new type of T-cell from a healthy T-cell (own or from donor).
This engineered T-cell is used in CAR-T therapy for treating cancerous cells.
Through this gene editing technique, the patient (Alyssa) received genetically modified cells that were programmed
to specifically attack her cancer while leaving the rest of her body alone.
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17. Geminids Meteor Shower
Why in News?
Geminids Meteor Shower, the annual celestial show peaks around December 13-14 in 2022.
About Geminids Meteor Shower
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Geminids comes from the constellation Gemini, from whose location in the sky the meteor shower appears to
originate.
The constellation for which a meteor shower is named only serves to aid viewers in determining which shower they
are viewing on a given night.
The constellation is not the source of the meteors.
If their peak coincides with the new moon, and if the weather is clear, the Geminids can produce approximately 100150 meteors per hour for viewing.
This year however, the moon is bright, and so only 30-40 meteors per hour will be visible in the Northern
Hemisphere.
The Geminids are unique because unlike most meteor showers, they originate not from a comet, but from an
asteroid, the 3200 Phaethon.
👉 3200 Phaethon:
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The 3200 Phaethon was discovered on October 11, 1983.
It is named after the Greek mythology character Phaethon, son of the Sun God Helios.
It takes 1.4 years to complete one round of the Sun.
As the 3200 Phaethon moves close to the Sun while orbiting it, the rocks on its surface heat up and break off.
When the Earth passes through the trail of this debris, the Geminids are caused.
👉 What causes meteor showers?
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Meteors are usually fragments of comets.
As they enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, they burn up, creating a spectacular “shower”.
Meteors come from leftover comet particles and bits from asteroids.
When these objects come around the Sun, they leave a dusty trail behind them.
Every year Earth passes through these debris trails, which allows the bits to collide with our atmosphere where they
disintegrate to create fiery and colorful streaks in the sky.
18. Forabot
Why in News?
According to a research, Forabot: Automated Planktic Foraminifera Isolation and Imaging, published in the open-access
journal Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, North Carolina State University have developed and demonstrated a
robot named Forabot which capable of sorting, manipulating and identifying microscopic marine fossils.
About Forabot
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Forabot has an accuracy rate of 79 per cent for identifying forams, which is better than most trained humans.
Forabot is capable of identifying six different types of foram and processing 27 forams per hour.
The robot’s AI uses images to identify the type of foram and sorts it accordingly.
👉 Foraminifera:
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Foraminifera, also called forams, are very simple micro-organisms that secrete a tiny shell, a little longer than a
millimetre.
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The organisms have existed in our oceans for more than 100 million years.
When forams die, they leave behind their shells.
Examining their shells give scientists insights into the characteristics of the oceans from a time when the forams
were alive.
Different types of foram species thrive in different ocean environments and chemical measurements can tell
scientists everything from the ocean’s chemistry to its temperature when the shell was being formed.
19. Lecanemab
Why in News?
Recently, detailed results from a clinical trial involving Lecanemab drug for Alzheimer’s disease were published.
About Lecanemab
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What is it? ➔ Lecanemab is a drug that is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Developed by ➔ Pharma companies Biogen and Eisai.
Type ➔ Lecanemab belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. These antibody-mediated drugs target
beta-amyloid, the protein deposition that is seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and disrupts cell function.
👉 Alzheimer’s Disease:
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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to
die.
The disease is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioural and social skills
that affect a person’s ability to function independently.
Caused by ➔ Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain
cells.
o One of the proteins involved is called amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells.
o The other protein is called tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells.
Vulnerability ➔ Alzheimer disease most commonly affects older adults, but it can also affect people in their 30s or
40s.
20. Stiff person syndrome
Why in News?
French-Canadian singer Celine Dion has opened up about being diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS).
About
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What is it? ➔ It is a rare autoimmune neurological condition that affects the central nervous system and can cause
rigidity throughout the body and painful muscle spasms.
It was first coined in the 1920s (as “stiff man syndrome”) after doctors described patients falling over like “a wooden
man.”
It frequently affects women with a median onset of 35 to 40 years of age.
Causes ➔ the cause behind SPS is not fully understood yet, “there have been reports that spasms occur at any
random time and can be triggered by loud noises, touch, and emotional distress
Symptoms ➔ Symptoms may include stiff muscles in the trunk (torso), arms, and legs; and greater sensitivity to
noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.
Treatment ➔ Several symptoms improve with oral diazepam (an anti-anxiety and muscle relaxant drug) or with
drugs that alleviate muscle spasms, such as baclofen or gabapentin.
o Treatment involves the use of both symptomatic agents to enhance GABAergic influences and Immuno
modulating treatment aimed at the autoimmune basis of the disease
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Corticosteroids are rarely used as Immuno modulating agents in Stiff Person Syndrome because of a high
incidence of concurrent diabetes mellitus,
21. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Why in News?
The American football writer Grant Wahl died last week due to an “ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm” a weakening of
the blood vessel that often goes undetected.
About
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What is it? ➔ An aneurysm is a localized weakening of the wall of a blood vessel which causes the vessel to bulge
in that area — as a result of which the vessel may widen to more than 50% of its usual diameter.
Aneurysms are more commonly seen in arteries than in veins.
The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It is also the body’s
largest blood vessel. An aortic aneurysm is a weakening and bulging in a portion of the aorta.
Thoracic refers to that section of the blood vessel that passes through the chest.
Aneurysms occur more often in the portion of the aorta that runs through the abdomen rather than the chest
(causing what is called an “abdominal aortic aneurysm”).
An aneurysm increases in size over time and the wall of the blood vessel gets progressively weaker in that area.
The vessel may ultimately burst or separate, triggering a bleeding rush that can be life-threatening, and potentially
lethal.
Causes ➔
o Among the possible causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm are (i) degenerative disease that causes breakdown
of the aortic wall tissue; (ii) genetic disorders; (iii) family history; (iv) vasculitis or inflammation of the
arteries; and (v) atherosclerosis or the build-up of plaque on the walls of the artery. In rare cases, an
infection can also trigger an aneurysm.
Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm ➔
o The symptoms may include (i) pain in the jaw, neck, chest, or upper back; (ii) wheezing, coughing, or
shortness of breath (due to pressure on the trachea); (iii) hoarseness (due to pressure on the vocal cords);
and (iv) trouble swallowing due to pressure on the oesophagus.
These symptoms are not unique to thoracic aortic aneurysms, which may delay focused medical attention.
Treatment ➔ When aneurysms are caught and treated early, they can be repaired.
22. SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography)
Why in News?
NASA has launched a satellite to conduct a comprehensive study of Oceans, rivers and Lakes around the world.
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Named ➔ The launched satellite is named as SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography).
Purpose ➔ The advanced radar satellite is designed to give an unprecedented view of the life covering 70% of the
planet, shedding new light on the mechanics and consequences of climate change.
The satellite incorporates advanced microwave radar technology which will collect surface measurements of
oceans, lakes, reservoirs and rivers in high-definition details.
Partners ➔ SWOT is being jointly developed by NASA and Centre National D'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) with
contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and United Kingdom Space Agency.
Advantages of the satellite ➔
o It sweeps of the planet at least twice every 21 days, will enhance Ocean circulation models bolster weather
and climate forecasts and aid in managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions.
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It is equipped to observe the entire length of nearly all rivers wider than 330 feet and more than 1 million
lakes and reservoirs larger than 5 acres.
It will precisely measure fine differences in surface elevations around smaller currents and eddies, where
much the oceans’ drawdown of heat and carbon is believed to occur.
23. Odd Radio Circle(ORC)
Why in News?
A new research offers plausible explanations for the Odd Radio Circles(ORCs) detected recently using some of the most
sensitive international radio telescopes.
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Odd Radio Circle(ORC) is a very large unexplained astronomical object that at radio wavelengths, is highly circular
and brighter along its edges.
Characteristics of ORCs ➔ ORCs can only be seen in radio and not in any other form of radiation.
Some of these objects could be 1 million light-years across, about 10 times larger than our Milky Way.
They are considered mysterious, as these objects could not be explained with any previously known astrophysical
phenomena.
Who identified these ORCs? ➔ Astronomers identified these ORCs using the Square Kilometer Array(SKA) in
Australia & South Africa, the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope(GMRT) in India and Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR)
in the Netherlands.
What is the origin of these ORCs? ➔ Indian scientists have found that some of these ORCs could be remnants of
thermonuclear supernovas triggered by the explosion of a white dwarf star in a binary system heavier than 1.4
times the mass of the Sun.
24. Deepfake technology
Why in News?
China is rolling out new regulations to restrict the use of deep synthesis technology and curb disinformation.
About deep synthesis technology
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A term for the use of technologies, including deep learning and augmented reality, to generate text, images, audio
and video to create virtual scenes.
One of the most notorious applications of the technology is Deepfakes.
👉 Deepfakes
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The term deepfake originated in 2017.
They are a compilation of artificial images and audio put together with machine-learning algorithms.
It is used to spread misinformation and replace a real person’s appearance, voice, or both with similar artificial
likenesses or voices.
It can create people who do not exist and it can fake real people saying and doing things they did not say or do.
Usage ➔ Used for nefarious purposes like scams and hoaxes, celebrity pornography, election manipulation, social
engineering, automated disinformation attacks, identity theft and financial fraud.
Issue ➔ Deepfakes are getting harder to detect with the advancement of technology.
Regulations ➔ Countries have started to formulate measures to stop the spread of disinformation through
deepfakes.
o The European Union has Code of Practice which requires tech companies including Google, Meta, and
Twitter to take measures in countering deepfakes and fake accounts on their platforms.
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The U.S. introduced the bipartisan Deepfake Task Force Act to assist the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) to counter deepfake technology.
India ➔ There are no legal rules in India against using deepfake technology.
o However, specific laws can be addressed for misusing the tech, which include Copyright Violation,
Defamation and cyber felonies.
25. Toughest-known Alloy
Why in News?
A study shows the toughest known material, CrCoNi alloy further gets tougher in the cold.
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An alloy made from chromium, cobalt and nickel called CrCoNi, has been found to be the toughest material ever
recorded.
The CrCoNi alloy is a subset of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) which is made by mixing equal amounts of all elements.
This equal mix makes the alloy exceptionally strong and ductile.
These materials are expensive to make.
It can be used to build structures which can withstand extreme cold conditions, such as those in deep space.
The toughness of the CrCoNi is as high as 500 megapascal square root meters when the temperature is at 20 kelvin
or -253.3°C.
Causes of toughness ➔
o Equal mix of the alloy.
o Obstacles to the dislocation property of the metal.
o Cascading effect in the order of Slip, Nanotwinning and rearrangement of the unit cells.
26. mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) cancer vaccine
Why in News?
The results of a trial of an experimental mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) cancer vaccine made by Moderna and MSD
(Merck & Co.) taken along with immunotherapy drug Keytruda has shown promising results against advanced melanoma,
a kind of skin cancer.
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It is a personalised cancer vaccine which means it is tailor-made for every patient.
To build the vaccine, researchers took samples of patients’ tumours and healthy tissue.
After analyzing the samples to decode their genetic sequence and isolate mutant proteins associated only with
cancer, that information was used to design a tailor-made cancer vaccine.
Note: This vaccine uses the same messenger-RNA technology that was used to produce the COVID vaccine.
Working ➔
o The personalised cancer vaccine works in concert with Keytruda, to disable a protein called Programmed
Death 1 (PD-1), which helps tumours to evade the immune system.
o When injected into a patient, the patient’s cells act as a manufacturing plant, producing perfect copies of
the mutations for the immune system to recognise and destroy the cancer cells.
Significance ➔ The vaccine has shown a 44% reduction in the risk of dying of cancer or having cancer progress.
Hence, this could lead to new ways to fight other types of cancers too.
27. Vainu Bappu Observatory
Why in News?
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The several stellar discoveries of the 40-inch telescope at the Vainu Bappu Observatory in Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, were
highlighted at the celebration of its 50 years of its operation4.
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Operated by ➔ The Vainu Bappu Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by the Indian
Institute of Astrophysics.
Location ➔ It is located at Kavalur in the Javadi Hills, near Vaniyambadi in Tirupathur district in Tamil Nadu.
The 40-inch telescope was installed in 1972 and started producing important astronomical discoveries soon after.
More than a generation of astronomers were trained at this telescope as well.
Significant feats achieved by VBO ➔ The telescope set up by Professor Vainu Bappu has played a significant role in
astronomy with major discoveries likeo Presence of rings around the planet Uranus,
o New satellite of Uranus,
o Presence of an atmosphere around Ganymede which is a satellite of Jupiter
o Discovery and study of many ‘Be stars’, Lithium depletion in giant stars, optical variability in Blazars, the
dynamics of the famous supernova SN 1987A and so on.
👉 Other Observatories in India:
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Solar Observatory in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh
Udaipur Solar Observatory in Udaipur, Rajasthan
Gauribidanur Radio Observatory in Bangalore, Karnataka
28. Gelbots
Why in News?
John Hopkins University scientists built a soft robot named Gelbots.
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Gelbots are made out of gelatin, capable of moving without requiring an extra power source because of the way
their shape, dimensions and patterning of gel are designed and are reportedly a significant advance in the world of
soft robotics.
They are created by 3D printing and would be easy for mass production.
Principle behind ➔
o The gels swell or shrink in response to temperature.
o This property can be strategically manipulated to move robots forward and backwards on flat surfaces or
to have them crawl in certain directions with an undulating, wave-like motion.
What are the Potential application areas? ➔
o They can be used to create smart structures.
o Even they can be used for moving on surfaces through the human body to deliver targeted medicines.
o They could also be deployed as marine robots, patrolling and monitoring the ocean’s surface.
o Gelbots can be trained to crawl in response to variations in human biomarkers and biochemical.
29. Gallium Nitride (GaN) Nanostructures
Why in News?
Researchers in Bengaluru’s Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute,
have recently shown infrared light emission and absorption with GaN nanostructures.
About
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Blue light emission from GaN has been known for some time, and it is used in LEDs, this is the first time that infrared
light-matter interactions are demonstrated in GaN.
For this demonstration, they have utilized a scientific phenomenon called surface polariton excitations.
👉 What is surface polariton?
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These are special modes of electromagnetic waves travelling at the interface of a conductor and an insulator such
as air.
These are quasi-particles which have both light and matter characteristics.
By altering the morphology and shape of the nanostructures, they are also able to excite plasmon polaritons in GaN,
which results in extending the light-matter coupling to further reaches of the electromagnetic spectrum.
👉 What is GaN?
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It is a very hard and mechanically stable wide band gap (WBG) semiconductor, as it has a hexagonal crystal
structure.
The critical factors of gallium nitride: Its reliability, compact size, high efficiency, fast switching speed, low onresistance, and high thermal conductivity.
👉 Applications of the GaN nanostructure
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It can be helpful in highly efficient infrared absorbers, emitters, and modulators that are useful in defence
technologies, energy technologies, imaging, sensing.
30. Sepsis
Why in News?
A new research clarifies how Sepsis, one of the most expensive medical condition in the world, can lead to cell death.
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What is it? ➔ Sepsis is a life-threatening condition arising from the body’s over-reactive response against an
infection, leading it to injure its own tissues and organs.
Sepsis is one of the most expensive medical condition in the world and affects nearly 50 million people globally each
year.
Researchers have studied how certain types of bacteria interact with cells during infections to discover the cells
and molecules that potentially trigger death from sepsis.
👉 Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)
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Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) has the ability to induce tumour cells to die.
TNF is a cytokine produced when the immune system is stimulated by a bacterial extract called Coley’s toxin.
Blood cells made in the bone marrow (myeloid cells) are the major producers of TNF.
In normal conditions, TNF promotes beneficial processes such as cell survival and tissue regeneration.
Uncontrolled TNF production can lead to a dangerous cytokine storm and to the development of rheumatoid
arthritis and similar inflammatory conditions.
When TNF is left uncontrolled during infections, it can lead to sepsis.
Blocking and neutralising TNF activity can effectively treat numerous autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid
arthritis.
31. Brain-eating Amoeba
Why in News?
The first infection from ‘brain eating amoeba’ or Naegleria fowleri, has been reported in South Korea.
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The Naegleria fowleri infection, also known as the ‘brain eating amoeba’ which can cause infections in the brain.
Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba (a single-celled living organism) that is found in soil and in warm freshwater bodies
like lakes, rivers and hot springs.
Spread ➔ It was first discovered in Australia in 1965.
o So far, Naegleria fowleri has been found in all continents and declared as the cause of PAM in over 16
countries, including India.
Infection ➔ The amoeba enters the human body through the nose and then travels up to the brain.
o Once Naegleria fowleri goes to the brain, it destroys brain tissues and causes a dangerous infection known
as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Fatality ➔ The 'primary amoebic meningoencephalitis' (PAM) is widely reported to be fatal.
o PAM is difficult to detect in its early stages and it spreads rapidly.
o The disease is usually discovered after the patient has died.
Symptoms ➔ The first signs of PAM start showing within one to 12 days after the infection and patients exhibit 2
stages of symptoms.
o Initially patients can experience severe frontal headaches, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
o In the second stage patients experience stiff neck, seizures, altered mental status, and hallucinations.
o In serious cases the patient can even slip into a coma
Transmission ➔ There is no evidence of human to human transmission.
o It does not spread via water vapour or aerosol droplets
Treatment and Vaccine ➔ There is currently no vaccine but the disease can be treated with proper drug
combinations.
32. Ethylene glycol
Why in News?
Uzbekistan’s health ministry has recently claimed India-made cough syrups contained ethylene glycol which led to the
death of at least 18 children.
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What is it? ➔ Ethylene glycol is a colourless and odourless alcoholic compound that can be fatal if consumed.
The sweet-tasting ethylene glycol is a syrupy or viscous liquid at room temperature.
It is mostly used as an automotive antifreeze and as a raw material for manufacturing polyester fibres.
It is also found in several products such as hydraulic brake fluids, stamp pad inks, ballpoint pens, solvents, paints,
cosmetics and plastics.
Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are adulterants that are sometimes illegally used as solvents in liquid drugs.
o Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol may be used by pharma companies as an alternative to non-toxic solvents
such as glycerine or propylene glycol to cut costs.
The ingestion of ethylene glycol can cause severe health effects. Central nervous system depression, nausea,
vomiting, intoxication, euphoria, stupor, respiratory depression, and reduced excretion of urine can occur due to
ethylene glycol intoxication.
33. Hydrogen internal combustion engine
Why in News?
Test was aimed at proving that hydrogen fuel can safely and efficiently deliver power for small-mid size aircraft from the
mid-2030s onwards. Green hydrogen, created by wind and tidal power, was used.
About
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A hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) works on the same principles as a traditional ICE, except that it uses
hydrogen in place of a petroleum-based fuel.
Burning the hydrogen fuel produces the energy needed to drive the engine.
A hydrogen ICE is not the same as a hydrogen fuel cell, which has been used in some electric vehicles.
In hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen powers the cells leading to creation of electricity that will drive the vehicle’s engine.
Benefits of hydrogen ICE Near zero-carbon fuel of the future.
o Wider flammability range (temperature band within which hydrogen can be combusted) allows for a wider
range of fuel-air mixtures.
o Greater thermal efficiency than hydrocarbon fuel engines.
o Able to operate with lower grade hydrogen.
Challenges in using hydrogen as a fuel: difficult to transport, risk of engine backfire and premature ignition etc.
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Geography
1. Elaliite and Elkinstantonite
Why in News?
Researchers in Canada have discovered two new minerals in a meteorite that landed in Somalia.
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The 15-tonne El Ali meteorite was unearthed in Somalia in 2020.
It is the ninth largest celestial rock found on Earth at over 2 metres wide.
The meteorite came from an asteroid in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The 2-metre-wide meteorite has been well known to generations of people who live in the area, where it was named
Nightfall.
The minerals have been named "elaliite," after the town where the meteorite crashed, and "elkinstantonite," after
planetary scientist Lindy Elkins-Tanton.
Around 4,000 minerals are known to science, and they comprise all the rocks already on Earth.
Of those minerals, only about 300 were discovered in meteorites, alien rocks that crashed on Earth.
2. Coastal Red Sand Dunes
Why in News?
Recently, geologists have suggested to protect the site of Coastal Red Sand Dunes, of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
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The site is located along the coast and is about 20 km northeast of Visakhapatnam city and about 4 km southwest
of Bheemunipatnam.
This site, spread across an area of about 20 sq km, was declared as a geo-heritage site by the Geological Survey of
India (GSI) in 2014 and the Andhra Pradesh government has listed it under the category of ‘protected sites’ in 2016.
This site needs to be protected to study the impact of climate change, as Erra Matti Dibbalu have seen both the
glacial and the warm periods.
The site is probably about 18,500 to 20,000 years old and it can be related to the last glacial period.
Distribution ➔
o Such sand deposits are rare and have been reported only from three places in the tropical regions in south
Asia such as Teri Sands in Tamil Nadu, Erra Matti Dibbalu in Visakhapatnam and one more site in Sri Lanka.
o They do not occur in equatorial regions or temperate regions due to many scientific reasons.
Significance ➔
o The uniqueness of this site is that the red sediments are a part of the continuation of the evolution of the
earth and represent the late quaternary geologic age.
o With a height of up to 30 m, they exhibit badland topography with different geomorphic landforms and
features, including gullies, sand dunes, buried channels, beach ridges, paired terraces, the valley in the
valley, wave-cut terrace, knick point and waterfalls.
o It is a lively scientific evolution site, which depicts the real-time effects of climate change.
o The site also has archaeological significance, as studies of artefacts indicate an Upper Palaeolithic horizon
and on cross dating assigned to Late Pleistocene epoch, which is 20,000 BC.
3. Mount Semeru Volcano
Why in News?
Mount Semeru volcano erupted recently triggering top alert status.
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It is located in Indonesia.
It is one of the East Java Island’s tallest volcano.
Semeru’s last major eruption was in December 2021.
Semeru, also known as Mahameru, has erupted numerous times
in the past 200 years.
👉 Indonesia
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An archipelago of 270 million that sits along the Pacific Ring of
Fire, Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on
earth.
Pacific “Ring of Fire”: It is a horseshoe-shaped series of fault lines,
and is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
With 142 volcanoes, Indonesia has the largest population globally living in close range to a volcano, including 8.6
million within 10km (6.2 miles).
4. Vizhinjam Port
Why in News?
The Kerala government has agreed to the opposition's demand for an adjournment debate in the Legislative Assembly
on the Latin Catholic Church-backed fishers’ agitation against the Vizhinjam port.
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What is it? ➔ Vizhinjam Port is an ambitious project taken up by the
Government of Kerala. The port is being built by Adani Vizhinjam Port
Private Limited.
It is designed primarily to cater container transhipment besides multipurpose and break bulk cargo.
Significance ➔
o The port is located on the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula, just
10 nautical miles from the major international sea route and eastwest shipping axis.
o Hence, the port is expected to leverage the growth of minor ports
in Kerala and other regional ports, creating thousands of
employment opportunities.
5. Atacama Desert
Why in News?
World’s trash piles up at Chile’s Atacama Desert making it the world’s dumping yard.
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Location ➔ Atacama Desert in Chile, South America lies to the west of Andes Mountains.
The desert consists mainly of salt pans.
The Atacama Desert is the driest nonpolar desert in the world.
Though dry and arid the desert is relatively colder than other major non-polar deserts.
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The desert is extremely arid due to the cool north-flowing Humboldt
Ocean current and to the presence of the strong Pacific anticyclone.
The most arid region of the Atacama Desert is situated between the
Andes and the Chilean Coast Range making it a two-sided rain shadow
region.
Blooming Desert ➔ Atacama receives less than a millimetre of rain
each year. It rarely receives heavy rainfall and a mass blooming happens
after that.
The ‘desierto florido’ (literally, ‘blooming desert’) phenomena occurs at
the Atacama Desert on average once every 5-10 years, from midSeptember to mid-November.
Observatories ➔ Due to cloud less sky and high altitude an array of
observatories are located in this desert.
Atacama Large Millimetre Array/submillimetre (ALMA) and European
Space Observatory's Very Large Telescope are located in this desert.
6. Cyclone Mandous
Why in News?
Cyclone Mandous, a severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, is likely to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Tamil Nadu on
December 9, 2022.
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Mandous is a slow-moving cyclone that often absorbs a lot of moisture, carries a humongous amount of rainfall and
gains strength in the form of wind speeds.
The name has been suggested by the United Arab Emirates.
👉 Cyclone
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Cyclones are rapid inward air circulation around a low-pressure area. The air circulates in an anticlockwise direction
in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.
Cyclones are usually accompanied by violent storms and bad weather.
The word Cyclone is derived from the Greek word Cyclos meaning the coils of a snake. It was coined by Henry
Peddington because the tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea appear like coiled serpents of the
sea.
There are two types of cyclones ➔
o Tropical cyclones;
o Extra Tropical cyclones (also called Temperate cyclones or middle latitude cyclones or Frontal cyclones or
Wave Cyclones).
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), ‘Tropical Cyclone’ covers weather systems in which
winds exceed ‘Gale Force’ (minimum of 34 knots or 63 kph).
Extra tropical cyclones (also called temperate cyclones) occur in temperate zones and high latitude regions, though
they are known to originate in the Polar Regions.
7. Western Disturbances
Why in News?
The days have been unusually warm for winter in New Delhi with the maximum temperature remaining above normal
mostly on account of fewer western disturbances affecting this year.
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What is it? ➔ A western disturbance is an extratropical storm
originating in the Mediterranean region that brings sudden winter
rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent.
It is a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by the
westerlies.
The moisture in these storms usually originates over the
Mediterranean Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea.
Extratropical storms are global phenomena with moisture usually
carried in the upper atmosphere, unlike their tropical counterparts
where the moisture is carried in the lower atmosphere.
In the case of the Indian subcontinent, moisture is sometimes shed as rain when the storm system encounters the
Himalayas.
Western disturbances are more frequent and strong in the winter season.
Impact ➔ Winter Rainfall and Extreme Cold
o Western disturbances, specifically the ones in winter, bring moderate to heavy rain in low-lying areas and
heavy snow to mountainous areas of the Indian Subcontinent.
o They are the cause of most winter and pre-monsoon season rainfall across northwest India.
o An average of four to five western disturbances forms during the winter season.
Its significance ➔
o Precipitation during the winter season has great importance in agriculture, particularly for the rabi crops.
o Wheat among them is one of the most important crops, which helps to meet India’s food security.
8. Barak River
Why in News?
The assured depth dredging work of river Barak (NW-16) from Badarpur to Bhanga (10.5 km) has been awarded to
Dredging Corporation of India.
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Barak rises in the Manipur hills and enters the plains near Lakhipur,
Assam
The river enters Bangladesh as Surma and Kushiyara.
Later, the river is called the Meghna and receives the combined
flow of the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
The principal tributaries of Barak are the Jiri, the Dhaleswari, the
Singla, the Longai, the Sonai and the Katakhal.
The Barak sub-basin drains areas in India, Bangladesh and Burma.
The drainage area lying in India is 41723 sq.km which is nearly
1.38% of the total geographical area of the country.
It is be on the north by the Barail range separating it from the Brahmaputra sub-basin, on the east by the Na Lushai
hills and on the south and west by Bangladesh.
The sub-basin lies in the States of Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Tripura and Nagaland.
The hydropower potential of the basin is 2042 MW at 60% load factor.
9. Gulf of Aden
Why in News?
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High risk area warning on the Gulf of Eden and Somalian coast
removed for seafarers from January 1, 2023.
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The Gulf of Aden is bordered by Oman, Somalia, Djibouti and
the Arabian Sea.
The Bal-el-Mandeb strait connect the Gulf of Aden with the Red
sea.
The Gulf of Aden, the Somali coast and the Omani coast are high
risk region for piracy.
The Indian Navy commenced anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of
Aden from October 2008.
The High-risk area (HRA) for piracy was created in the Indian
Ocean at the height of the Somali piracy threat in 2010.
The region was last updated and reduced in size in 2019.
The International Chamber of Commerce International Maritime Bureau and other industry associations jointly
announced the removal of Indian Ocean HRA from January 1, 2023.
Significance of HRA removal ➔ The HRA warning was removed from the region due to a significant improvement
in the piracy situation.
Significance of Gulf of Aden ➔
o Nearly 13% of India’s trade is dependent on the Gulf of Aden route.
o The Ministry of Shipping estimates that Indian imports through the Gulf of Aden route was valued at around
$50 billion and exports at $60 billion.
10. Great Lakes
Why in News?
Scientists are building a sensor network to detect the trends in the water chemistry of Lake Huron, one of the five Great
Lakes of North America.
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The Great Lakes are a series of large interconnected freshwater
lakes in the mid-east region of North America that connect to
the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River.
There are five lakes, which are Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie,
and Ontario and are in general on or near the Canada–US
border.
Hydrologically, lakes Michigan and Huron are a single body
joined at the Straits of Mackinac.
By itself, Lake Huron is the world’s third largest freshwater lake,
after Lake Superior and Lake Victoria.
The Great Lakes Waterway enables modern travel and shipping
by water among the lakes.
Significance ➔
o The Great Lakes contain a fifth of the world’s total freshwater, and is a crucial source of irrigation and
transportation.
o They also serve as the habitat for more than 3,500 species of plants and animals.
👉 What is the Acidification of water bodies?
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Acidification of oceans or freshwater bodies takes place when excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere gets rapidly
absorbed into them.
Scientists initially believed this might be a good thing, as it leaves less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
But in the past decade or so, it has been established that absorption of carbon dioxide leads to a lowering of the pH,
which makes the water bodies more acidic.
11. Bomb Cyclone
Why in News?
Bomb cyclone continued to unleash havoc as the death toll due to weather-related incidents in the United States
mounted to 34 and has left millions without power.
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What is it? ➔ A bomb cyclone is a mid-latitude storm in which the central pressure drops fast at one millibar per
hour for at least 24 hours. However, the millibar readings can change based on where the storm is forming.
This quickly increases the pressure difference, or gradient, between the two air masses, making the winds stronger.
This process of rapid intensification has a name: bombogenesis.
As the winds blow, the rotation of the Earth creates a cyclonic effect. The direction is counterclockwise in the
Northern Hemisphere (when viewed from above).
Formation ➔
o A bomb cyclone is formed when the air of different air masses (cold, dry) comes together.
o As the warm air rises, it creates a cloud system lowering air pressure and forming into a storm circulating
counterclockwise around the low-pressure area.
Characteristics ➔
o The bomb cyclone will be characterised by cold winds, which are also expected to pick up, and wind chill
temperatures could drop to dangerous lows far below zero — enough to cause frostbite within minutes.
o The dangerous storm is expected to hit everyone east of the Rockies — around two-thirds of the country.
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Polity
1. eGramSwaraj
Why in News?
eGramSwaraj and AuditOnline of Ministry of Panchayati Raj have won the GOLD AWARD under the category “Excellence
in Government Process Re-engineering for Digital Transformation” of the National Awards for e-Governance.
About
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What is it? ➔ It is a user-friendly web-based portal launched to strengthen e-Governance in Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs) across the country.
Launched by ➔ Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
Aim ➔ To bring in better transparency and strengthen the e-Governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
across the country through decentralized Profiling, Planning, Physical Progress, Reporting and Work-Based
Accounting.
👉 AuditOnline
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What is it? ➔ AuditOnline is an online application developed under the e-panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP)
initiated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj(MoPR).
Purpose ➔ To facilitate the financial audit of accounts at all three levels of Panchayats viz District, Block and Village
Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies (ULB) and Line department by Auditors (State AG/LFA).
This application not only facilitates the auditing of Panchayat accounts but also provides for maintaining audit
records.
2. Personality Rights
Why in News?
The Delhi High Court has passed an interim order to prevent the unlawful use of Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan’s
name, image and voice. The court through its order restrained persons at large from infringing the personality rights of
the actor.
About
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Personality rights refer to the right of a person to protect his/her personality under the right to privacy or property.
These rights are important to celebrities as their names, photographs or even voices can easily be misused in various
advertisements by different companies to boost their sales.
Therefore, it is necessary for renowned personalities/celebrities to register their names to save their personality
rights.
A large list of unique personal attributes contribute to the making of a celebrity.
All of these attributes need to be protected, such as name, nickname, stage name, picture, likeness, image and any
identifiable personal property, such as a distinctive race car.
👉 Personality rights and Publicity rights:
•
•
Personality rights are different from publicity rights.
Personality rights consist of two types of rights ➔
o Firstly, the right of publicity, or the right to keep one’s image and likeness from being commercially exploited
without permission or contractual compensation, which is similar (but not identical) to the use of a
trademark; and
o Secondly, the right to privacy or the right to not have one’s personality represented publicly without
permission.
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However, under common law jurisdictions, publicity rights fall into the realm of the ‘tort of passing off’.
Passing off takes place when someone intentionally or unintentionally passes off their goods or services as those
belonging to another party.
Often, this type of misrepresentation damages the goodwill of a person or business, resulting in financial or
reputational damage.
Publicity rights are governed by statutes like the Trade marks Act 1999 and the Copyright Act 1957.
3. Exit Polls
Why in News?
Exit polls are conducted for the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh state assembly elections.
About
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What is it? ➔ An exit poll is a poll of the voters at the exit of the polling station.
It is conducted immediately after people have voted, and assesses the support for political parties and their
candidates.
Exit polls in India are conducted by a number of organisations, often in tie-ups with media organisations.
These surveys can be conducted both in person and online.
Historically in 1957, during the second Lok Sabha elections, the Indian Institute of Public Opinion had conducted an
exit poll.
👉 Rules
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•
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In 2010, Section 126(A) was introduced to the Representation of Peoples Act of 1951.
Under the Section 126(A) of RPA 1951 , restrictions were imposed on exit polls.
Exit polls can’t be telecasted from before voting begins till the last phase concludes.
In case of a single-phased election ➔
o The result of any opinion poll or exit poll conducted shall not be published or disseminated in any at any
time during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for closing of poll in an election.
In case of a multi-phased election and elections in difference States announced simultaneously ➔
o At any time during the period starting from 48 hours before the hour fixed for closing of poll in the first
phase of the election and till the poll is concluded in all the phases in all States.
4. Conjugal rights
Why in News?
The State of Punjab has furthered the cause of the right to life and personal liberty of prisoners by allowing conjugal visits
for inmates.
About
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Conjugal rights are rights created by marriage, that is, the right of the husband or the wife to the company of their
spouse.
In the context of prisons, however, conjugal visits refer to the concept of allowing a prisoner to spend some time in
privacy with his spouse within the precincts of a jail.
Impacts ➔
o It is often argued that conjugal visits can have positive impacts in the form of psychological health benefits
for prisoners, preservation of marital ties and, reduction in the rates of homosexuality and sexual
aggression within prisons.
Aside from the above, it is also argued that conjugal visits are a fundamental right of the spouses of the prisoners.
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Prisoner rights are internationally recognised through the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the
Treatment of Prisoners, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights etc.
Through such instruments, prisoners are guaranteed the right to life and inherent dignity.
The right to maintain family relations including conjugal visits are included in these treaties.
Most prison Acts and Rules across the country accept the importance of maintenance of continuity in family and
social relations.
5. Ranganath Mishra Commission
Why in News?
In the Supreme Court, the Central government informed that it had taken a decision to not accept Justice Ranganath
Mishra Commision’s report.
About
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Ranganath Mishra Commission is the name of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities that
was constituted by the Government of India in 2004.
It was constituted to look into various issues related to the linguistic and religious minorities in the country.
Chaired by former CJI Ranganath Misra, the Commission submitted its report in 2007.
The report recommended that SC status be completely delinked from religion and be made religion-neutral like STs.
It had recommended permitting Dalits who converted into Islam and Christianity to avail Scheduled Caste status.
6. National Party
Why in News?
The Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) has got 5 seats in Gujarat but its vote share was close to 13%, which meant it is on track to
be recognised as a national party by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
About
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The ECI has laid down the technical criterion for a party to be recognised as a national party.
A party may gain or lose national party status from time to time, depending on the fulfilment of these laid-down
conditions.
Criteria to be recognized as National Party ➔ A political party would be considered a national party if: a) It is
‘recognised’ as state party in four or more states; or b) if its candidates polled at least 6% of total valid votes in any
four or more states in the last Lok Sabha or Assembly elections and have at least four MPs in the last Lok Sabha polls;
or c) if it has won at least 2% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha from not less than three states.
👉 What are the current National Parties?
•
As of now, the ECI has recognised eight parties as national parties — the BJP, Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI(M),
CPI, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and National People’s Party(NPP) which was
recognised in 2019.
7. Election Security Deposit
Why in News?
The state Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat have concluded. As with all elections, while there will be
candidates who will rake in huge victory margins, there will also be contestants who will lose their Security Deposit – an
indicator of clear rejection at the hands of the voters.
About
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What is it? ➔ An election security deposit is an amount that is to be deposited with the Returning Officer when a
candidate files their nomination.
This is to be submitted either in cash, or a receipt must be enclosed with the nomination paper, showing that the
said sum has been deposited on the candidate’s behalf in the Reserve Bank of India or in a Government Treasury.
The main purpose of this practice is to ensure that only genuinely intending candidates end up filing the nomination
to be a part of the electoral process.
👉 Is the amount the same for all elections?
•
No, it depends on the particular election being conducted, and the Representation of the People Act of 1951
mentions different amounts depending on the level of election.
👉 When is a candidate said to ‘lose’ their security deposit?
•
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As per the Representation of the People Act,1951, the deposit has to be forfeited at an election if:
1) The number of valid votes polled by the candidate is less than 1/6th of the total number of valid votes polled or
2) In the case of the election of more than one member, it would be 1/6th of the total number of valid votes so
polled divided by the number of members to be elected. This refers to elections by proportional representation
method, as is the case in Rajya Sabha.
If the candidate does meet the threshold, the deposit shall be returned as soon as practicable after the result of the
election is declared.
• Note: If in a general election, a candidate is a contesting candidate in more than one parliamentary
constituency or in more than one assembly constituency, not more than one of the deposits shall
be returned, and the others shall be forfeited.
8. Additional Judge of a High Court
Why in News?
The Central government has recently notified the appointment of two additional judges of the Chhattisgarh High Court
as permanent judges.
About
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Appointed by ➔ Additional Judges can be appointed by the President under clause (1) of Article 224 of the
Constitution.
The President can appoint duly qualified persons as additional judges of a high court for a temporary period not
exceeding two years when ➔
o there is a temporary increase in the business of the high court; or
o there are arrears of work in the high court.
No person appointed as an additional or acting Judge of a High Court shall hold office after attaining the age of
sixty-two years.
The Chief Justice of the High Court, however, should not make a recommendation for appointment of an Additional
Judge when a vacancy of a permanent Judge is available in that High Court.
9. Zonal Councils
Why in News?
Recently, the 25th Eastern Zonal Council meeting was held in Kolkata which was presided over by the Home Minister.
About
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Zonal Councils are the statutory (and not the constitutional) bodies.
They are established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
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The act divided the country into five zones- Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern and provided a zonal
council for each zone.
In addition to the above mentioned Zonal Councils, a North-Eastern Council was created by a separate Act of
Parliament, the North-Eastern Council Act of 1971.
Composition ➔
o The Northern Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab,
Rajasthan, National Capital Territory of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh,
o The Central Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya
Pradesh,
o The Eastern Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Sikkim and West Bengal,
o The Western Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of
Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli,
o The Southern Zonal Council: It comprises the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the
Union Territory of Puducherry.
Organizational Structure ➔
o Chairman: The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these Councils.
o Vice Chairman: The Chief Ministers of the States included in each zone act as Vice-Chairman of the Zonal Council
for that zone by rotation, each holding office for a period of one year at a time.
o Members: Chief Minister and two other Ministers as nominated by the Governor from each of the States and
two members from Union Territories included in the zone.
o Advisers: One person nominated by the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) for each of the Zonal Councils,
Chief Secretaries and another officer/Development Commissioner nominated by each of the States included in
the Zone.
Functions of the Councils ➔
o Any matter of common interest in the field of economic and social planning,
o Any matter concerning border disputes, linguistic minorities or inter-State transport,
o Any matter connected with or arising out of, the reorganization of the States under the States Reorganisation
Act.
10. Rule 267 of RS Rule Book
Why in News?
Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha rulebook has become a bone of contention in the Upper House as not a single notice under
the rule moved by the Opposition has been accepted in the Winter Session.
About
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The Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha rulebook gives special power to a Rajya Sabha member to suspend the pre-decided
agenda of the House, with the approval of the Chairman.
Significance ➔ No other form of discussion entails suspension of other business.
If an issue is admitted under Rule 267, it signifies it’s the most important national issue of the day.
Also, the government will have to respond to the matter by replying during the discussions under Rule 267.
Reason for rejection as said ➔ Moving motions under ‘Rule 267’ has become a known mechanism of causing
disruption.
Exception ➔ The rule will not apply where specific provisions already exist for suspension of a rule under a
particular chapter of the Rules.
In History ➔ Parliamentary records said that there were 11 instances between 1990 up till 2016 that this rule was
invoked for various discussions.
o The last instance was in 2016 when then Chairman Hamid Ansari allowed for a debate on the
“demonetisation of currency”.
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11. Appropriation Bill
Why in News?
Union Finance Minister moved the Appropriation (No.5) Bill, 2022, and Appropriation (No.4) Bill, 2022, in the Rajya
Sabha.
About
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The Appropriation Bill gives power to the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for
meeting the expenditure during the financial year.
As per Article 114 of the Constitution, the government can withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund only after
receiving approval from Parliament.
Procedure Followed ➔
o The Appropriation Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha after discussions on Budget proposals and Voting on
Demand for Grants. The defeat of an Appropriation Bill in a parliamentary vote would lead to the resignation of
a government or a general election.
o Once it is passed by the Lok Sabha it is sent to the Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha has the power to recommend any
amendments in this Bill. However, it is the prerogative of the Lok Sabha to either accept or reject the
recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha.
o After the bill receives assent from the president it becomes an Appropriation act.
o The unique feature of the Appropriation Bill is its automatic repeal clause, whereby the Act gets repealed by
itself after it meets its statutory purpose.
o The government cannot withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India till the enactment of the
appropriation bill. However, this takes time and the government needs money to carry on its normal activities.
To meet the immediate expenses the Constitution has authorised the Lok Sabha to make any grant in advance
for a part of the financial year. This provision is known as the ‘Vote on Account’.
Amendment ➔ No amendment can be proposed to an Appropriation Bill which will have the effect of varying the
amount or altering the destination of any grant so made or of varying the amount of any expenditure charged on
the Consolidated Fund of India, and the decision of the Lok Sabha Speaker as to whether such an amendment is
admissible is final.
12. Gram Nyayalayas
Why in News?
Recently, a Parliamentary panel said the state government’s apathy has made Gram Nyayalayas almost defunct and
recommended to the Department of Justice to seriously ponder over the further continuation of this scheme.
About
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Background ➔ The Law Commission of India, in its 114 Report, had suggested the establishment of Gram
Nyayalayas for providing affordable and quick access to justice to the citizens at their doorsteps.
Gram Nyayalayas or village courts are established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 for speedy and easy access
to the justice system in the rural areas of India.
Composition ➔ The Gram Nyayalayas are presided over by a Nyayadhikari, who will have the same power, enjoy
the same salary and benefits as a Judicial Magistrate of First Class.
Appointment ➔ By the State Government in consultation with the respective High Court.
Jurisdiction ➔ Over an area specified by a notification by the State Government in consultation with the respective
High Court.
o The Court can function as a mobile court at any place within the jurisdiction of such Gram Nyayalaya, after
giving wide publicity in that regard.
o They have both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the offences.
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o
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The pecuniary jurisdiction of the Nyayalayas is fixed by the respective High Courts.
Gram Nyayalayas has been given the power to accept certain evidence which would otherwise not be
acceptable under the Indian Evidence Act.
Procedure to be followed ➔
o Gram Nyayalayas can follow special procedures in civil matters, in a manner it deems just and reasonable
in the interest of justice.
o Gram Nyayalayas allow for conciliation of the dispute and settlement of the same in the first instance.
Appeals ➔ An appeal in criminal cases shall lie to the Court of Session, which shall be heard and disposed of within
a period of six months from the date of filing of such appeal.
o An appeal in civil cases shall lie to the District Court, which shall be heard and disposed of within a period
of six months from the date of filing of the appeal.
13. Right to Repair
Why in News?
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister unveiled the ‘right to repair’ portal on National Consumer Day (December
24). The theme of National Consumer Day 2022 was “Effective disposal of cases in consumer commission”.
About
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When customers buy a product, they should be able to repair and modify the product with ease and at reasonable
cost, without being captive to the whims of manufacturers for repairs.
The ‘Right to Repair’ movement started all over the world to have an effective 'right to repair' laws.
Framework - In July, 2022, the Department of Consumer Affairs has set up a committee to develop a comprehensive
framework on 'Right to Repair'.
The objective of the framework is to empower consumers, harmonise trade between the original equipment
manufacturers and the third-party buyers and sellers, and reduction in e-waste.
👉 Portal
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The Ministry of Consume Affairs launched the ‘right to repair’ portal.
On the portal, manufacturers would share the manual of product details with customers.
This makes the customer either repair by self, by third parties, rather than depend on original manufacturers.
Initially, mobile phones, electronics, consumer durables, automobile and farming equipments would be covered.
14. Article 200 - Assent to Bills
Why in News?
The Governors of various Opposition-ruled States takes advantage of Article 200 of the Indian Constitution.
About
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The article 200 provides for the powers of the Governor over the bills passed in the state legislature.
When a Bill has been passed by the Legislative Assembly of a State or, in the case of a State having a Legislative
Council, has been passed by both Houses of the Legislature of the State, it shall be presented to the Governor and
the Governor shall declare either ➔
o that he assents to the Bill or
o that he withholds assent therefrom or
o that he reserves the Bill for the consideration of the President.
Timeline for assent ➔
o Article 200 does not prescribe a timeline for the Governor to provide assent to Bills sent by the Legislative
Assembly.
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o
o
o
Under Article 201, there is no timeline prescribed for the President to grant assent to the Bills reserved by
the Governor for the consideration of the President.
There is a timeline of 6 months applicable to the State Assembly to reconsider the Bill if the President
decides to refer it back to the House.
The Governors of various Opposition-ruled States takes advantage of Article 200 of the Indian Constitution
to give assent to the bills.
•
15. Delimitation Commission
Why in News?
Recently, the Election Commission of India said that it has begun the process of delimitation of Assembly and
Parliamentary constituencies in Assam.
About
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Delimitation is carried out by an independent Delimitation Commission, appointed by the Government of India
under provisions of the Delimitation Commission Act.
Under Article 82, Parliament is to enact a Delimitation Act after every Census. Once the Act is in force, the Union
government sets up the Delimitation Commission.
The Commission is supposed to determine the number and boundaries of constituencies in a way that the
population of all seats, so far as practicable, is the same. The Commission is also tasked with identifying seats
reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
It works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India.
The commission is composed of ➔ a retired Supreme Court judge, the Chief Election Commissioner of India and
respective State Election Commissioners.
In the history of the Indian republic, Delimitation Commissions have been set up four times:1952, 1963, 1973 and
2002 under the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002.
16. Triple Test Survey
Why in News?
The Allahabad HC recently ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to hold urban local body elections without reservation
for OBCs as the 'triple test' requirement for it had not been met.
About
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The ‘triple test’ formula was suggested by the Supreme Court in 2010 to provide OBC reservation in urban local body
(ULB) elections.
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The 5-member commission will conduct a survey to ensure that the OBCs are provided reservation on the basis of
the triple test, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
The triple test requires the government to complete three tasks (triple conditions) for finalisation of reservation to
OBCs in the local bodies. These include ➔
1. To set up a dedicated commission to conduct a rigorous empirical inquiry into the nature and implications
of the backwardness in local bodies;
2. To specify the proportion of reservation required in local bodies in light of recommendations of the
commission, so as not to fall foul of overbreadth;
3. To ensure reservation for SCs/STs/OBCs taken together does not exceed an aggregate of 50% of the total
seats.
These triple test/conditions were outlined by the Supreme Court in the case of Vikas Kishanrao Gawali vs. State of
Maharashtra and others, decided on March 4, 2021.
17. Right to vote for undertrials
Why in News?
Supreme Court (SC) has decided to examine law depriving under
trials the right to vote.
About
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Decision to examine came on a petition challenging Section 62
(5) of Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 which
deprives prisoners of their right tovote.
This restriction does not apply to a person underpreventive
detention.
According to latest National Crime Reports Bureau (NCRB)
report, there are around 5.5 lakh prisoners in various jails
across country.
18. Police Commissionerate System
Why in News?
Agra, Ghaziabad and Prayagraj to get Police Commissionerate System
(PCS).
About
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Decision to set up PCS has been taken due to increase in
population, religious and cultural significance, tourism, provide
better policing and maintain law and order.
Districts would be declared as metropolitan cities as per rules of
Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) before implementing PCS.
Earlier, Lucknow and Noida adopted PCS followedby Kanpur
and Varanasi.
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19. Aadhaar rules updated
Why in News?
Government amended Aadhaar rules.
About
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It specifies that supporting documents may be updated “at least once” by Aadhaar holders on completion of 10
years from enrolment date.
Updation would ensure continued accuracy of Aadhaar-related information in CIDR.
CIDR is centralised database containing all Aadhaar numbers issued to Aadhaar holders along with corresponding
demographic and biometric information of such individuals etc.
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International Relations
1. Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)
Why in News?
Prasar Bharati, India’s Public Service Broadcaster, is hosting the 59th Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) General
Assembly 2022.
About
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It was established in 1964 as a not-for-profit, non-government, non-political, professional association with a
mandate to assist the development of broadcasting in the region.
It is the biggest broadcasting union in the world.
It works closely with the regional broadcasting unions in other parts of the world on matters of common concern.
Members ➔ ABU’s membership footprint covers around 70 countries and regions on five continents.
o The Union serves its diverse 250 members with tailored capacity-building in news, sports, programming,
and technology.
Functions ➔ It promotes the collective interests of television and radio broadcasters as well as key industry players
and facilitates regional and international media cooperation.
o It provides rights-free content acquisition for developing countries, negotiates rights for major sports
events, and organises coverage for the region.
o It facilitates high-quality co-productions between members bringing together the talent of Asia and the
Pacific.
2. China-Indian Ocean Region Forum
Why in News?
On November 21, China’s top development aid agency convened the first “China-Indian Ocean Region Forum” in the
southwestern Chinese city of Kunming.
About
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Organized by ➔ China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
Theme ➔ Shared Development: Theory and Practice from the Perspective of the Blue Economy.
Participating countries ➔ The forum was attended by “high-level representatives” and “senior officials” from 19
countries: Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, South
Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, Djibouti, and Australia.
Note: Australia and Maldives released statements stating that they did not participate officially.
Outcome of the forum ➔ The forum issued a “Joint Press Statement” that noted China’s proposal to establish a
marine disaster prevention and mitigation cooperation mechanism between China and countries in the Indian
Ocean region.
All parties agreed to strengthen policy coordination, deepen development cooperation, increase resilience to
shocks and disasters, and enhance relevant countries’ capacity to obtain economic benefits through use of marine
resources such as fisheries, renewable energy, tourism, and shipping in a sustainable way.
3. Just Energy Transition Partnership(JETP)
Why in News?
Global efforts to bring India on board the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with G7 nations have failed to move
forward.
About
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The G7 countries had decided to launch a Just Energy Transition Partnership(JTEP) with India, Indonesia, Vietnam
and Senegal this year.
This partnership is aimed at helping large developing economies to move away from coal in their electricity systems
and achieve the Paris climate goals.
Germany and the US are the two G7 nations that are co-leading the negotiations with India to join JETP.
Have any developing countries signed JETP with G7? ➔
o The JETP initiative is modelled after the South Africa JETP launched at the COP26 in Glasgow with the
support of the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), France, Germany, and the European Union (EU).
o South Africa has been promised to finance worth $8.5 billion in the first phase through mechanisms such
as grants, loans and investments to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals.
o At the 27th G20 summit, Indonesia also announced its JETP with G7 nations co-led by Japan and the US for
$20 billion. The Indonesian JETP is primarily focused on the phase-out of coal from the economy.
Why has India not signed the JETP with G7? ➔
o Firstly, India has refused to put ‘coal phase-out’ on the negotiation table and wants to design its own
“transition plan”.
o Secondly, talks on JETP have also stalled over differences in approaches on coal. US wants to include
decommissioning of assets aka coal phase-out as part of the discussion. However, India is pushing for
climate funds for renewable energy, technology transfer and green jobs.
4. Paris Club
Why in News?
The Paris Club has proposed a 10-year moratorium on Sri Lankan debt and another 15 years of debt restructuring as a
formula to resolve the Sri Lankan debt crisis.
About
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What is it? ➔ The Paris Club is an informal group of creditor nations whose objective is to find workable solutions
to payment problems faced by debtor nations.
Members ➔ The club has 22 permanent members including most of the western European and Scandinavian
nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
o India is not a member of the club
Background ➔ The origin of the club is traced to a meeting that happened in Paris between officials from Argentina,
which had trouble paying back its debt with a group of lenders in 1956.
5. Lusophone world
Why in News?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership with the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the
Government of Goa is organizing the International Lusophone Festival in Goa.
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Lusophones are peoples that speak Portuguese as a native or as a common second language and nations where
Portuguese features prominently in society.
The Lusophone world is spread over nine countries across four continents and Portuguese is the most widely-spoken
language in the Southern Hemisphere.
👉 Community of Portuguese Language Countries(CPLP)
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CPLP is also known as the Lusophone Commonwealth (Comunidade Lusofona).
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Founded in ➔ It is a multilateral forum, founded in 1996 at the 1st CPLP Heads of State & Government Summit in
Lisbon.
Members ➔ The founding members were Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and
Sao Tome e Principe; while Timor Leste and Equatorial Guinea joined later.
These 9 Lusophone countries comprise approximately 300 million people on 4 different continents (Africa, Latin
America, Asia and Europe).
India and Lusophone countries ➔ Lusophone economies are among the fastest-growing in the world. India’s trade
with the Lusophone world has grown six-fold in the last decade.
India joined the CPLP as an associate observer in July 2021. As part of India’s engagement with CPLP, the Ministry of
External Affairs celebrated World Portuguese Language Day in Delhi on 5 May 2022.
6. World Bank
Why in News?
The World Bank (WB) in its India Development Report titled ‘Navigating the Storm’, upgraded its growth forecast for
India’s economy in 2022-23 to 6.9%.
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Background ➔ It was created in 1944, as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) along
with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IBRD later became the World Bank.
The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce
poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries.
The World Bank is one of the United Nations' specialized agencies.
Members ➔
o It has 189 member countries.
o India is also a member country.
Major Reports ➔ Ease of Doing Business (Stopped publishing), Human Capital Index, World Development Report.
Its Five Development Institutions ➔
o International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
o International Development Association (IDA)
o International Finance Corporation (IFC).
o Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
o International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
▪ India is not a member of this.
7. The International Labour Organization
Why in News?
Big industry do not follow labour standards in India, representatives of worker unions said at the ongoing Asia and the
Pacific Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organization (APRM of ILO).
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What is it? ➔ The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the United Nations agency for the world of work.
Mandate ➔ Its mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
Motto ➔ ILO’s mandate as the basis for peace is expressed today as Decent Work for all.
HQ ➔ Geneva, Switzerland.
Parent organization ➔ Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
It is also a member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDP), a coalition of UN organization aimed at
helping meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
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History ➔ It was created in 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I, to reflect the belief
that universal and lasting peace can be accomplished only if it is based on social justice. In 1946, the ILO became a
specialized agency of the newly formed United Nations.
Members ➔ The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands.
Structure ➔ It is the only tripartite U.N. agency, that brings together governments, employers and workers’
representatives of 187-member States.
8. Singapore Declaration
Why in News?
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopted a declaration which urges countries to ensure labour protection.
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The 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) held at
Singapore.
The 17th APRM focused on discussing concrete steps to drive job-rich growth that is inclusive and transformative.
The meeting set 10-point priorities of national action for the member countries to deal with the issue of dwindling
wages of workers, inflation and unemployment.
This Singapore Declaration agreed that social dialogue is essential to address labour market challenges and finding
solutions in crisis situations.
The declaration urged the Governments ➔
o To facilitate the transition to peace, security and decent work in situations of crisis such as the COVID-19
pandemic, natural disasters, and economic uncertainty.
o To strengthen governance frameworks and respect for freedom of association to protect the rights of
migrant workers.
o To ensure labour protection for all through the promotion of freedom of association and the effective
recognition of the right to collective bargaining throughout the regions.
o To develop and implement inclusive labour market programmes and policies that support life transitions
and demographic shifts.
o To recognise the impact of climate change and develop through tripartite committees’ national plans for a
just transition.
Note ➔ The 16th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting of ILO was held at Bali, Indonesia in December 2016.
9. United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Why in News?
The UK, France, and UAE have extended their support for India's permanent membership at the United Nations Security
Council (UNSC). India is holding the presidency of United Nations Security Council for the month of December 2022.
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The United Nations Charter established six main organs of the United Nations, including the UN Security Council
(UNSC).
UNSC has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Under the Charter of the United Nations, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions.
The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression.
The Security Council has permanent residence at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Powers ➔
o Establishment of peacekeeping operations
o Establishment of international sanctions
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o Authorization of military action through Security Council resolutions
Members ➔ The U.N. Charter provides for 15 members on the UNSC:
o 5 permanent members known as P5, including United Kingdom, China, France, Russia and the US. They have
veto power over decisions of UNSC.
o 10 non-permanent members
o UNSC non-permanent membership:
▪ Each year the 193-member General Assembly elects five non-permanent members for a two-year
term at the UNSC.
▪ The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis:
▪ 5 for African and Asian countries (3 are for Africa and 2 for Asia)
▪ Note: There is an informal understanding between the Africa and Asia to reserve one for an Arab
country. The Africa and Asia Pacific group takes turns every two years to put up an Arab candidate.
• 1 for Eastern European countries
• 2 for Latin American and Caribbean countries
• 2 for Western European and other countries.
10. Youth Co:Lab
Why in News?
The 5th edition of Youth Co:Lab was jointly launched by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and UNDP India.
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Youth Co:Lab was co-created in 2017 by UNDP and the Citi Foundation.
Aim ➔ To establish a common agenda for Asia-Pacific countries to invest in and empower youth to accelerate the
implementation of the SDGs through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship.
Coverage ➔ Youth Co:Lab initiative has till now been implemented in 28 countries and territories.
Significance ➔ It is Asia Pacific’s largest youth innovation movement
When was Youth Co:Lab launched in India? ➔ Youth Co:Lab was launched in India in 2019 by UNDP India in
partnership with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog.
What will be the focus of the fifth edition of Youth Co:Lab India? ➔ The fifth edition of Youth Co:Lab India will focus
on identifying and supporting youth-led early-stage social enterprises or innovations working in the domains of:
o 1) Digital and Financial Literacy for Youth,
o 2) Gender Equality and Women Economic Empowerment,
o 3) Developing FinTech Solutions focused on Biodiversity Conservation,
o 4) Promoting Biodiversity-friendly Lifestyles through Technological Solutions in Finance,
o 5) Accelerating Circular Economy through Upcycling Innovations and
o 6) Behavioral Nudges for LiFE ( Lifestyle For Environment).
11. Group of Friends
Why in News?
India has launched the ‘Group of Friends’ to promote accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.
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The ‘Group of friends’ was launched during India’s current presidency of the U.N. Security Council.
Co-chairs ➔ Co-chairs of the ‘Group of Friends’ - India, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco and Nepal.
Aim ➔ To Promote Accountability for Crimes against Peacekeepers, seek facilitation of capacity building and
technical assistance to the host state authorities.
Functions ➔
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Actively engage and share information with the Secretary-General.
Assist the member states hosting or have hosted peacekeeping operations, in bringing to justice the
perpetrators of such acts.
For this, India will soon launch a database that will record all crimes against the Blue Helmets.
The Group of Friends will convene 2 meetings of its members per year, organise and host one event per year
involving Permanent Missions and other stakeholders.
The Group will be convened and moderated by the co-chairs (Permanent Missions).
12. UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Why in News?
India has abstained in the U.N. Economic and Social Council on a draft resolution to oust Iran from its principal global
intergovernmental body (Commission on the Status of Women) dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and
women empowerment.
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Established by the UN Charter in 1945, it is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and
recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as implementation of internationally
agreed development goals.
It has 54 members, elected by the UN General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms.
It is the UN's central platform for reflection, debate and innovative thinking on sustainable development.
o Each year, ECOSOC structures its work around an annual theme of global importance to sustainable
development.
It coordinates the work of the 14 UN specialized agencies, ten functional commissions and five regional
commissions, receives reports from nine UN funds and programmes and issues policy recommendations to the UN
system and to member states.
Few Important Bodies under the Purview of ECOSOC ➔
o International labour Organization (ILO)
o Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
o United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
o World Health Organization (WHO)
o Bretton Woods Twins (World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund)
o United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
o Apart from these there are various Functional and Regional Commissions, Standing Committees, Ad Hoc and
Expert Bodies as well.
👉 Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
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It is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the
empowerment of women.
By the ECOSOC resolution of June 1946, it was established as a functional commission of the Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC). The Commission comprises 45 Member States of the United Nations.
13. Urban-20 Event
Why in News?
Urban-20 2023 Event is organised by Ahmedabad under India’s presidency of G20.
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What is it? ➔ Urban-20 (U20) one of the Engagement Groups of G20.
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Purpose ➔ It provides a platform for cities from G20 countries to facilitate discussions on various important issues
of urban development including climate change and social inclusion.
Host ➔ Under the G20 presidency of India, Ahmedabad will host the U20 2023 cycle and organised by Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs.
Participants ➔ Besides G20 countries, the Mayors and representatives of C40 (Climate 40), UCLG (United Cities and
Local Governments) member cities, and Observer Cities.
Objective ➔ The effort of this cycle will be to move from ‘intention to action’.
It drafts a roadmap for closing the gaps between policy and practice to address critical urban issues.
Priority areas for Urban 20 event are as follows ➔
o Encouraging environmentally responsive behaviour
o Ensuring water security
o Accelerating Climate Finance
o Leveraging ‘local’ potential and identity
o Reinventing urban governance and planning frameworks
o Catalysing digital urban futures.
14. Asian Development Bank
Why in News?
Recently, India and ADB sign a $125 million loan to improve Urban Services in Tamil Nadu.
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Establishment ➔ It is a regional development bank established on 19th December 1966.
It envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to
eradicate extreme poverty in the region.
Headquarters ➔ Manila, Philippines.
Members ➔ 68 members, 49 from within Asia.
Japan holds the largest proportion of shares in ADB followed by the USA, because Japan is one of the largest
shareholders of the bank, and the president has always been Japanese.
ADB is an official United Nations Observer.
👉 Urban Services project in Tamil Nadu
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Aim ➔ To build priority water supply, sewerage, and drainage infrastructure in strategic industrial corridors across
10 cities in the state. The tranche 3 loan covers Coimbatore, Madurai, and Thoothukudi.
The project will deploy new approaches such as build and operate modality, automatic meters for bulk water users,
and real-time monitoring through supervisory control and data acquisition systems.
The ADB financing will help ensure universal access to basic water and sanitation services and improve resilience
against floods in the project target areas which are also the industrial hubs of Tamil Nadu.
15. G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (G20-DIA)
Why in News?
Recently, The Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology has launched the G20 Digital Innovation
Alliance (DIA) and a “Stay Safe Online” Campaign.
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Objective ➔ To identify, recognize, and enable the adoption of innovative and impactful digital technologies
developed by start-ups, from G20 nations as well as the invited non-member nations.
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Features ➔ The DIA programme will have 174 start-ups from member countries and invitee countries sending in
entries for digital solutions in six key sectors – Edtech, Healthtech, Agritech, Fintech, secured digital infrastructure
and circular economy which will be showcased at an event in August 2023.
The entries will be judged by a diverse jury, drawn from academia, corporates, Ministers and investors, at the end
of which the top three innovations in each sector will be awarded.
👉 Stay Safe Online campaign
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The Stay Safe Online campaign intends to raise awareness about cyber risks and the need for cyber hygiene in an
increasingly digitizing world.
The campaign is expected to make citizens of all age groups aware of cyber risk and ways to deal with it.
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Society
1. Nai Chetna-Pahal Badlav Ki Campaign
Why in News?
The Ministry of Urban Development launches the Nai Chetna-Pahal Badlav Ki Campaign. The campaign is being
implemented in Kerala under the umbrella of the Kudumbashree Mission.
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Launched by ➔ Ministry of Urban Development
Launched under ➔ The campaign has been launched under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood
Mission(DAY-NRLM).
Objective ➔ It is a community-led National Campaign Against Gender-Based Discrimination. This will be an annual
campaign focussing on specific gender issues each year.
Focus area of this year ➔ The focus area of the campaign this year is gender-based violence with the aim to equip
women to recognise and prevent violence and make them aware of their rights.
Implementing agency ➔ This campaign will be implemented by all states in collaboration with Civil Society
Organisations (CSO) partners, and actively executed by all levels including the states, districts and blocks, engaging
the community institutions along with the extended community.
Significance ➔ The campaign will bring together all line departments and stakeholders to create a concerted effort
in acknowledging, identifying and addressing the issues of violence.
2. Maternal Mortality Ratio
Why in News?
India has improved its maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to 97 deaths per lakh in 2018-2020 from 130 deaths per lakh in
2014-2016.
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What is it? ➔ The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is defined as
the number of maternal deaths during a given time period per
100,000 live births.
The Registrar General of India released a Special Bulletin on
MMR.
India has accomplished the National Health Policy (NHP) target
for MMR of less than 100/lakh live births.
India is on the right track to achieve the SDG target of MMR less
than 70/ lakh live births by 2030.
8 States have achieved Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
target for MMR.
Other key Findings ➔
o Institutional births across the country have increased to 88.6% in 2019-2021 from 78.9% in 2014-2016.
o Anaemia levels among women between the ages of 19 and 49 have increased to 57% in 2019-2021 from
53.1% in 2015-2016.
3. Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
Why in News?
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CARA organised 10 State Orientation Programmes, and Interactive meets with more than 700 Prospective Adoptive
Parents and Adoptive Parents.
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What is it? ➔ CARA is a statutory body of Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.
Role ➔ CARA is designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the
provisions of the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003.
Function ➔ CARA primarily deals with adoption of orphan, abandoned and surrendered children through its
associated /recognised adoption agencies.
In India, a child can be placed with a family under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956, Guardians and
Wards Act, 1890 and Juvenile Justice Act, 2000.
o The mandatory registration of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and linking to CARA has been provided in
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
4. Comprehensive Accessibility Audit
Why in News?
The Chief Justice of India has called for an accessibility audit in Supreme Court premises for disabled persons.
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Purpose ➔ The ‘Supreme Court Committee on Accessibility’ will be formed to conduct accessibility audit in Supreme
Court.
The Committee will be chaired by a sitting judge of the court.
Aim ➔ It aims to understand the hardships faced by specially-abled persons and ensure their better access to the
justice system.
Functions ➔ The committee audits both physical as well as technology accessibility.
It also prepares and releases a questionnaire for persons with disabilities who visit the court premises.
Report ➔ The committee will prepare a report containing the results of the audit and survey.
The report shall also recommend proposals geared towards removing barriers to access.
Committee Structure ➔
o Chair: A sitting judge of the Supreme Court.
o Member Secretary: An officer of the Supreme Court Registry
o Other Members
▪ A differently abled person employed at the Supreme Court
▪ A differently abled advocate nominated by the Supreme Court Bar Association
▪ A professor from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
▪ A person nominated by the Centre for Disability Studies at NALSAR University of Law
5. The eSanjeevani Initiative
Why in News?
Government-free telemedicine service, eSanjeevani has recently crossed another milestone by clocking eight crore
teleconsultations.
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What is it? ➔ It is a web-based comprehensive telemedicine solution, launched by the then Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology, Government of India, in 2009.
Created by ➔ Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Mohali, is the creator of eSanjeevani.
👉 Two modules of eSanjeevani:
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eSanjeevani AB-HWC ➔ The doctor-to-doctor telemedicine platform, being implemented at all the Health and
Wellness Centres (HWCs) in the country under Ayushman Bharat (AB) Scheme of Government of India.
o It was rolled out in 2019.
eSanjeevani OPD ➔ It is the Patient-to-Doctor remote consultation services rolled out in 2020 amid the first
lockdown imposed to fight Covid-19 pandemic, while the Outpatient Departments (OPDs) in the country were closed.
o The initiative is a contactless and risk-free modality that enables delivery of health services to the citizens
in the confines of their homes free of cost.
o The C-DAC is working towards adding another innovative feature in eSanjeevani OPD that will enable roll
out of National OPDs on eSanjeevani OPD, to offer remote health services to patients in any part of the
country.
6. Section 10 A of the Divorce Act, 1869
Why in News?
Kerala high court (HC) struck down the one-year waiting period (the cooling-off period) for couples seeking divorce
through mutual consent, holding it unconstitutional.
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The order said the provision contained in Section 10A of the Divorce Act (1869) robbed people of their right to
liberty.
The judgment added that “ Religion has no place in identifying common good”.
The HC asked the Union government to consider bringing a uniform marriage law in India.
Article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that everyone has the right to an effective remedy
by the competent national tribunals for acts violating fundamental rights granted by the Constitution or by law.
👉 Section 10A of the Divorce Act (1869)
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It mandated a one-year wait from the marriage date to file the plea.
It requires the couple to be separated for at least two years.
The couple needed to provide that they have not been living as husband and wife during this period.
7. Hindu Succession Act, 1956
Why in News?
The Supreme Court asks the Government to re-examine provisions in the Hindu Succession Act which denies tribal
women equal rights to family property.
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The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 deals with the succession and inheritance of property.
The act also includes intestate or unwilled (testamentary) succession.
The Hindu Succession Act of 1956 guarantees equal shares for male and female heirs.
Female heirs ➔ If a male dies intestate, leaving behind a female heir, the property would devolve according to the
provisions of this Act and not the rule of survivorship.
o Under Section 6 of the Act (2005 Amendment), daughters are coparceners by birth and have the same and
equal rights as sons irrespective of their marital status and financial position.
o She has all the rights to inherit coparcenary property like a son and would also have to fulfil the liabilities.
o The term ‘daughter’ includes a natural or adopted daughter (legitimate), but not a stepdaughter or
illegitimate daughter.
Applicability of the Act ➔
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Any person who is Hindu by religion or any of its forms or developments, including a Virashaiva, Lingayat,
or a Brahmo, Prarthna or Arya Samaj follower.
o Any person who is a Buddhist, Sikh, or Jain by religion.
o Any other person who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi, Jew, unless it is proved that such person would not
be governed by Hindu law or custom.
Exclusion of Scheduled Tribes ➔ The section 2(2) of the Hindu Succession Act of 1956, says that the provisions of
the act is not applicable to Scheduled Tribe members (Scheduled Tribes as per the Article 342 of the Constitution).
8. Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas/ Minorities (SPEMM)
Why in News?
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment recently pulled up the Union government
for the delay in approving the continuation of the Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas/Minorities (SPEMM),
which provides for financial assistance to madrasas and minority institutes.
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Implementation ➔ The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education implementing
the Umbrella Scheme.
Sub-Schemes ➔
o Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasas (SPQEM): It seeks to bring about qualitative improvement
in Madrasas to enable Muslim children attain standards of the National education system in formal education
subjects.
o Infrastructure Development of Minority Institutes (IDMI): It has been operationalised to augment Infrastructure
in Private Aided/Unaided Minority Schools/Institutions in order to enhance the quality of education to minority
children.
Features:
SPQEM ➔
o To provide financial assistance to traditional institutions to encourage them to introduce Science, Mathematics,
Social Studies, Hindi and English in their curriculum to attain proficiency.
o To strengthen State Madrasa Boards opting for assistance by enabling them to monitor the Madrasa
modernization programme.
o To provide quality components in Madrasas such as remedial teaching, assessment and enhancement of
learning outcomes, Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan etc.
IDMI ➔
o To encourage educational facilities for girls, children with special needs and those who are most deprived
educationally amongst the minorities.
👉 Article 30
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Under Article 30 of the Constitution of India, all minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the
right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
The protection under Article 30 is confined only to minorities (religious or linguistic) and does not extend to any
section of citizens (as under Article 29).
9. Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
Why in News?
The Minister of State Social Justice and Empowerment has informed Lok Sabha about Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana.
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Nodal Ministry ➔ Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Type ➔ Central Sector Scheme.
Aim ➔ To improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical
care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support.
Sub Schemes/Components ➔ 1) Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), 2) State Action Plan for Senior
Citizens(SAPSrC), 3) Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana(RVY), 4) Senior Able Citizens for Re-employment in Dignity(SACRED),
5) Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR), 6) Senior-care Aging Growth Engine (SAGE)-Silver
economy for Senior Citizens, 7) Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizen, 8) Channelizing the CSR fund for
elderly care and 9) Training and capacity building for senior citizens.
10. District Disability Rehabilitation Centres(DDRC)
Why in News?
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has recently stated that the Union
government is “somewhat casual” in its approach to complete District Disability Rehabilitation centres (DDRC).
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Nodal Ministry ➔ District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment.
Aim ➔ To facilitate comprehensive services to Persons with Disabilities in rural areas.
Services provided ➔ These centers have a group of rehabilitation professionals for providing services like
identification of Persons with Disabilities, Awareness Generation, Early Detection, and repairing of Assistive
Devices among others.
Setup by ➔ DDRC is a joint venture of Central and State Governments wherein Central Government will establish,
initiate, implement the centre for three years involving funding for manpower contingencies as well as required
equipment and coordination.
The State Government will provide provisions for rent-free, well-connected building, monitoring.
Managed by ➔ These centres are run jointly by District Management Team headed by DM/Collector and a reputed
NGO (Usually the Indian Red Cross Society).
11. PM Virasat Ka Samvardhan
Why in News?
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Ko Kaam Karyakram (PMKKK) has been named as Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka
Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme.
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Type ➔ Central-sector scheme under Ministry of Minority Affairs.
PM VIKAS focusses on the skilling, entrepreneurship and leadership training requirements of the minority and
artisan communities across the country.
PM VIKAS is an integrated scheme that converges five erstwhile schemes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs viz.
o Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni and Nai Manzil.
The scheme has been approved by the Cabinet for the period of 15th Finance Commission (up to 2025-26).
The Scheme aims to improve livelihoods of the minorities, particularly the artisan communities.
The scheme has 4 components.
o Skilling and Training Component
▪ Traditional Training (earlier Hamari Dharohar and USTTAD)
▪ Non-traditional Skilling (earlier Seekho aur Kamao)
o Leadership and Entrepreneurship Component (earlier Nai Roshni)
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Education Component (earlier Nai Manzil)
Infrastructure Development Component (through Hub and Spoke Villages).
12. Social Progress Index
Why in News?
Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister (EAC-PM) released the Social Progress Index (SPI) for states and
districts of India.
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What is it? ➔ The Social Progress Index (SPI) is a comprehensive tool intended to be a holistic measure of the Social
Progress made by the country at the national and sub-national levels.
Mandated and released by ➔ Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India (EAC-PM).
Prepared by ➔ Institute for Competitiveness and the Social
Progress Imperative and submitted to EAC-PM.
Significance ➔ The report will act as a critical enabler and tool
for policymakers in the coming years for achieving sustained
socio-economic growth.
A special section of the report highlights progress made by the
112 aspirational districts in the country leading to a broader
understanding of the social progress at the grassroots level.
Dimensions ➔ The index assesses states and districts based on 12 components across 3 critical dimensions of social
progress o Basic Human Needs - Assesses the performance in terms of Nutrition and Basic Medical Care, Water and
Sanitation, Personal Safety and Shelter.
o Foundations of Wellbeing - Evaluates the progress across the components of Access to Basic Knowledge, Access
to Information and Communication, Health and Wellness, and Environmental Quality.
o Opportunity - Focuses on aspects of Personal Rights, Personal Freedom and Choice, Inclusiveness, and Access
to Advanced Education.
13. AYURSWASTHYA Yojana
Why in News?
Currently, the Ministry of Ayush is running a Scheme namely, AYURSWASTHYA Yojana.
About
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It is a Central Sector Scheme.
Nodal Ministry ➔ Ministry of Ayush
Merged schemes ➔ This scheme was launched by merging two erstwhile schemes (i) Central Sector Scheme of
Grant-in-Aid for Promotion of AYUSH Intervention in Public Health Initiatives(PHI) and (ii) Central Sector Scheme for
assistance to AYUSH organizations engaged in AYUSH Education/ Drug Development & Research for upgradation to
Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Components of the scheme ➔ The scheme consists of two components:
o AYUSH and Public Health (PHI): Under this, AYUSH interventions are rolled out for common public health
issues related to communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, MCH, Geriatric care, mental health
etc.
o Centre of Excellence (CoE): Under this, financial assistance is provided to eligible individual
organizations/institutes for establishing and upgrading their functions & facilities and/or for research &
development activities in AYUSH.
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14. Nai Roshni Scheme
Why in News?
The Minister of Minority Affairs has informed Lok Sabha about the Scheme.
About
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Nodal Ministry ➔ Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Aim ➔ To empower and enhance confidence in Minority women by providing knowledge, tools, and techniques
for the Leadership Development of Women.
Features ➔
o Under the scheme, a six-days non-residential/five-days residential training program is conducted for women
belonging to minority communities between the age group of 18 years to 65 years.
o The training modules cover areas related to programs for women, Health and Hygiene, Legal rights of women,
Financial Literacy, Digital Literacy, Swachch Bharat, Life Skills, and Advocacy for Social and Behavioral changes.
Implementation ➔ The scheme is being implemented through Programme Implementing Agencies/Non
Governmental Organizations.
Eligibility ➔ Beneficiaries having annual income not exceeding Rs.2.50 lakh from all sources are given preference in
selection for training under the scheme.
Note ➔ Nai Roshni scheme has now been merged as a component of Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM
VIKAS) scheme.
15. Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED)
Why in News?
A Parliamentary panel has pulled up the Centre over the “very slow” process to categorize over 260 Denotified,
nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes (DNTs) under either the SC/ST/OBC lists.
About DNTs
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The term ‘De-notified Tribes’ stands for all those communities which were once notified under the Criminal Tribes
Acts, enforced by the British Raj between l87l and I947.
These Acts were repealed after Independence in 1952, and these communities were “De-Notified”.
The DNTs are the most neglected, marginalized, and economically and socially deprived communities.
👉 SEED scheme
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It has been formulated for families having income from all sources of Rs.2.50 lakh or less per annum and not availing
any such benefits from similar Scheme of Centre Government or the State Government.
• The Scheme will be implemented through a portal, developed by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment.
• Post verification, the funds will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries in their account.
• The other implementing agencies are Ministry of Rural Development, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
and National Health Authority (NHA).
• Components of the scheme ➔
o Free Coaching: A component of free Coaching for DNT Students has been envisioned for the educational
empowerment of these communities. It seeks to enable them to appear in competitive examinations/
admission to professional courses like medicine, engineering, MBA, etc. for obtaining an appropriate job in
the Public/Private Sector.
o Health Insurance: Members of these communities are likely to have little or no access to medical facilities
and other benefits available under the mainstream health policies.This would ensure a health insurance
cover of Rs.5 lakhs per family per year for families as per norms of “Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
Arogya Yojana.
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o
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Livelihood Initiatives: The decline of traditional occupations of DNT/NT/SNT communities has exacerbated
their poverty. A focus to support livelihood generation for these communities was required.
Financial support for Housing: Considering the shortage of houses for DNTs, it has been proposed to earmark
a separate outlay for PMAY to support specific importance in providing houses only for DNTs living in rural
areas.
16. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
Why in News?
NCPCR warns NGOs about the depiction of vulnerable children for fundraising. The practice of civil society
organisations using representative visuals for fundraising activities concerning development issues such as
malnutrition now faces new scrutiny NCPCR.
About
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It is a statutory body set up under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
It works under the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
Members ➔
o A chairperson who, is a person of eminence and has done outstanding work for promoting the welfare of
children.
o Six members were appointed by the Central Government out of which at least two are women, who are having
experience in Education, Child Health, Juvenile justice Elimination of child labour, Child psychology or sociology
Laws relating to children.
Mandate ➔
o The Commission ensures that all Laws, Policies, Programmes, and Administrative Mechanisms align with the
Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child.
o The Child is defined as a person in the 0 to 18 years age group.
17. Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): The Gender Snapshot 2022
Why in News?
Report is published by UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
About Key findings
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World is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.
380 million women and girls live in extreme poverty.
Nearly 1 in 3 women face food insecurity.
Unsafe abortion is a leading but preventable cause of maternal mortality.
In India, in a quarter of rural households’ women and girls devote more than 50 minutes per day to collecting water.
18. CITIES ALIVE: DESIGNING CITIESTHAT WORK FOR WOMEN’ REPORT
Why in News?
Released by: by United Nations Development Programme.
About
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Report stresses the need to directly engage women in decision-making processes, across all aspects of urban
planning and development.
Key challenges faced by women:
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Safety and security: Unsafe streets and public spaces, reduced mobility due to safety concerns, disproportionate
exposure to climate hazard.
32% of women survey respondents feel unsafe in public spaces at night.
Justice and equity: Limited gender equity in urban governance, limited voice in decision-making and leadership.
Just 29% of women in business globally are in senior decision-making positions.
Health and wellbeing: Inadequate public spaces, Inadequate healthcare, water, hygiene etc.
19. Atal new India Challenge (ANIC)
Why in News?
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched women centric challenges under its ANIC program to address the major
issues faced by women from all spheres of life.
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ANIC is a flagship program of AIM, NITI Aayog.
It aims to seek, select, support and nurture technology-based innovations that solve sectoral challenges of national
importance and socieal relevance.
It provides funds up to ₹1 crore through a grant-based mechanism and open for: Any Indian Company incorporated
under the Companies Act.
Any company registered as a Start-up, recognized by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
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Security
1. Exercise Harimau Shakti
Why in News?
India – Malaysia joint military Exercise “Harimau Shakti -2022” has commenced at Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia.
About
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What is it? ➔ Exercise Harimau Shakti is a joint annual military training exercise between India and Malaysia.
The exercise has been conducted since 2012.
Significance ➔ The exercise will enhance the level of defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the
Malaysian Army which in turn will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations.
👉 Other exercises between India and Malaysia
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Exercise Udarashakti ➔ It is a bilateral air force exercise between India and Malaysia.
2. Exercise Yudh Abhyas
Why in News?
China has expressed concern over the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas being held in Uttarakhand, about 100
km from the Line of Actual Control(LAC).
About
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What is it? ➔ Exercise Yudh Abhyas is a military exercise between India and the US.
Aim ➔ To enhance understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the armies of India and the US with
a number of complex drills being planned.
The exercise was started in 2004 under the US Army Pacific Partnership Program. The exercise is hosted alternately
between both countries.
3. Exercise Agni Warrior
Why in News?
The 12th Edition of Exercise Agni Warrior recently concluded on 30 November 2022.
About
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It is a bilateral exercise between the Singapore & Indian Army.
Exercise Agni Warrior involved showcasing joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation
Equipment by the Artillery arm of both armies.
Exercise also included participation by both sides in a joint computer war-game as part of joint planning process.
The exercise achieved its aim of enhancing mutual understanding of drills & procedures and improving
interoperability between the two armies.
👉 Other exercises between India and Singapore
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Exercise SITMEX ➔ It is a trilateral annual maritime exercise between India, Singapore and Thailand.
Exercise SIMBEX ➔ It is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian and Singapore Navy.
4. Line of Actual Control (LAC)
Why in News?
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Indian and Chinese soldiers suffered “minor injuries” after they were engaged in a face-off along the Line of Actual
Control (LAC) in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9.
About
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India shares 3488 Km of border with China that runs along the States of
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal
Pradesh.
The border is not fully and officially demarcated.
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a demarcation line that separates Indiancontrolled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
LAC is currently the de-facto border between the two countries, and the
process of clarifying and confirming the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is in
progress.
The Line of Actual Control (LAC), is divided into three sectors: western,
middle and eastern.
The LAC traverses three areas —
o Western (Ladakh, Kashmir),
o middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and
o eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal).
The countries disagree on the exact location of the LAC in various areas, so much so that India claims that the LAC is
3,488 km long while the Chinese believe it to be around 2,000 km long.
The two armies try and dominate by patrolling the areas up to their respective perceptions of the LAC, often bringing
them into conflict.
5. Exercise KAZIND
Why in News?
The 6th Edition of India – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22” is scheduled to be conducted at Umroi
(Meghalaya).
About
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What is it? ➔ Exercise KAZIND is an annual bilateral military exercise between India and Kazakhstan.
Background ➔ This exercise was instituted in 2016 as Exercise Prabal Dostyk which was later upgraded to a
company-level exercise and renamed as Ex Kazind in 2018.
Aim ➔ To build positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate
together while undertaking counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban / jungle scenarios, under a UN peace
enforcement mandate.
Significance ➔ The exercise will enhance the level of defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the
Kazakhstan Army which will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations.
6. Agni-V
Why in News?
India successfully test-fired Agni-V ballistic missile having increased range of 5,000 km.
About
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What is it? ➔ It is a surface-to-surface Nuclear Capable Ballistic missile.
Warhead ➔ It can carry both nuclear and traditional weapons.
Range ➔ Agni-V, with a range of over 5,000 km, is India’s longest-range ballistic missile and can reach most parts of
China, making it the mainstay of India’s triad to deliver nuclear weapons.
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Dimensions ➔ it is a 17-meter long missile with two-meter diameter.
Development ➔ It has been indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Technologies ➔ Agni-V is the most advanced missile in the Agni series featuring many new technologies, including
the very high accuracy Ring Laser Gyro based Inertial Navigation System (RINS) and Micro Navigation System (MINS)
which improves the accuracy of the missile.
With the Agni-V, India joins an elite club of countries like US, Russia, the UK, France and China, which boast InterContinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) capabilities.
7. Surya Kiran XVI
Why in News?
The 16th Edition of exercise “SURYA KIRAN” will be conducted at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi, and continue up
to 29 December 2022.
About
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What is it? ➔ It is an Indo-Nepal joint army training exercise.
Aim ➔ It is conducted annually between India and Nepal with the aim to enhance inter-operability in jungle warfare
and counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
under UN mandate.
Nepal Army soldiers of Shree Bhawani Baksh Battalion and Indian Army soldiers from the 5 GR are participating in
the exercise.
8. INS Mormugao
Why in News?
The second of the Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyers built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL), INS
Mormugao (Pennant D67), was commissioned into the Indian Navy.
About
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INS Mormugao is the second ship of the
Visakhapatnam-class destroyers (also classed as
Project -15B stealth, guided-missile destroyers).
Built by ➔ Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Limited(MDSL).
Named after ➔ Mormugao is named after the historic
port city of Goa on India’s west coast.
Functions ➔
o The ship is propelled by four powerful gas turbines and is capable of achieving speeds of over 30 knots.
o It is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles.
o It is also fitted with a modern surveillance radar that provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems.
o The warship has Total Atmospheric Control System (TACS) which offers protection and enables to fight
under nuclear, biological and chemical warfare conditions.
The warship is capable of anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and anti-surface operations.
9. INS Arnala
Why in News?
Indian Navy Ship(INS) Arnala was launched at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T’s) Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai.
About
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What is it? ➔ INS Arnala is the first of the eight indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft (ASWSWC).
Built by ➔ Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
Purpose ➔ To undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations
(LIMO) including subsurface surveillance in littoral waters.
Named after ➔ The ship has been named ‘Arnala’ to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the
island of Arnala, located about 13 kilometers north of Vasai, Maharashtra by Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj.
Replaces ➔ Arnala class of ships will replace the Abhay class ASW Ships of the Indian Navy.
Features ➔ The ships have a displacement of 900 tonnes with a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of 1800
nautical miles(NM).
o It will also have over 80% indigenous content, ensuring that large-scale defence production is executed by
Indian manufacturing units.
10. Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill
Why in News?
Rajya Sabha has passed the Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill which the government said would provide an effective legal
instrument to combat Maritime Piracy. The bill is in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS).
About provisions
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Definition of Piracy ➔ It defines piracy as any illegal act of violence, detention or destruction against a ship, aircraft,
person or property, for private purposes, by the crew or passengers of a private ship or aircraft.
The definition also includes inciting and intentionally facilitating such acts of violence, and voluntarily participating
in the operation of a pirate ship or aircraft.
Applicability ➔ The bill will apply not only in territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but also on
the high seas — beyond the EEZ which is 200 nautical miles from the country’s coastline.
Punishment ➔ For committing acts of piracy, the convicts shall be punished with imprisonment for life or death in
case the act of piracy itself causes the death or attempts to cause the death of another person.
Participating in or assisting acts of piracy will be punishable with up to 14 years of imprisonment and a fine.
Extraditable offences ➔ Piracy offences have been made extraditable under the provisions of this bill. If India has
an extradition treaty with countries, accused offenders can be transferred more easily.
Designated Court ➔ The central government, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court,
may notify the Sessions Courts to be the Designated Courts for speedy trial of offences of piracy under the Bill.
11. Russia-China Joint Naval Drills
Why in News?
Russia and China have begun a joint naval exercise in the East China Sea.
About
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It involves firing exercises and anti-submarine drills.
Aim ➔ The main goal of the drills is to strengthen naval cooperation between the Russian Federation and the
People’s Republic of China and to maintain peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region.
This joint exercise is directed at demonstrating the determination and capability of the two sides to jointly respond
to maritime security threats and further deepen the China-Russia comprehensive new-era strategic partnership of
coordination.
👉 India’s Exercises with China & Russia
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China ➔ Exercise Hand-in-Hand.
Russia ➔ Exercise Indra, Exercise TSENTR.
12. Patriot Missile System
Why in News?
Recently, the U.S. finally announced that it would send the Patriot, its most advanced ground-based air defence system,
to Ukraine.
About
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The Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target).
Initially developed as a system to intercept high-flying aircraft, by U.S. aerospace and defence giant Raytheon
Technologies Corp.
The Patriot system’s radar has a range of over 150 km and it can track over 50 potential targets at the same time.
Usage ➔
o Currently, Patriot batteries can defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, jets and “other
threats”.
o It has been deployed in 18 countries, including the U.S.
o It is operational across NATO geography.
o It is in high demand in West Asia, where America’s allies such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel have been
using it.
Limitation ➔ It doesn’t offer protection against low-flying small drones.
13. Pralay ballistic missile
Why in News?
The Defence Ministry has decided to deploy indigenously developed surface-to-surface ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles near
India’s borders with China and Pakistan.
About
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Pralay is a Hindi word which means “apocalypse” or “to cause great destruction” or “damage”.
The Pralay missile project was sanctioned in 2015 and is a derivative of the Prahaar missile programme, which was
first tested in 2011.
Developed by the DRDO, the ‘Pralay’ ballistic missile is a canisterised tactical, surface-to-surface, and short-range
ballistic missile (SRBM) for battlefield use.
It can hit targets from a distance of 150 to 500 km and is extremely difficult to intercept by enemy interceptor
missiles.
Pralay is powered by a solid fuel rocket motor and is a high explosive preformed fragmentation warhead that
weighs somewhere between 350 kg to 700 kg.
It also accounts for its Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB) and Runaway Denial Penetration Submunitions (RDPS).
Unique features of Pralay ➔
o Precise targeting: The missile is designed to destroy enemy radar, communication installations, command
centres and airfields.
o Quasi Ballistic Trajectory: It means the object takes a low curved path after being shot.
o Stealth features: Pralay has the ability to evade any anti-ballistic missile (ABM) interceptors by performing
mid-air manoeuvres by using a manoeuvrable re-entry vehicle.
o Destruction capability: When a high-explosive warhead, like the one Pralay missile is equipped with,
explodes, its pieces are thrown at a high speed which can inflict heavy damage.
14. Prahari App
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Why in News?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the 'Prahari' Mobile app and Manual of Border Security Force (BSF) in New
Delhi.
About
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What is it? ➔ BSF ‘Prahari’ app is a great example of Proactive Governance, now Jawans can get personal and
service-related information, housing, Ayushman-CAPF and leave related information on their mobile.
Other features of the app include ➔
o Availability of Bio Data
o Grievance redressal on “Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System” (CP-GRAMS)
o information on various welfare schemes.
The app will also connect the Jawans with the portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
👉 The Border Security Force (BSF)
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It is India's border guarding organisation on its border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Background ➔ It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of India, and was raised in the wake of the
1965 war on 1 December 1965.
Ministry ➔ It comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
BSF contributes its personnel every year for UN Missions.
15. Critical Information Infrastructure
Why in News?
Census, National Population Register (NPR) databases notified as Critical Information Infrastructure (CII).
About
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Notification means that any tampering or unauthorized
access to data associated with Census applications, NPR
database or data centres of Registrar.
General of India (RGI) will be punishable by ten years
imprisonment.
CII, also known as critical infrastructure, refers to a physical
or cyber-based system, incapacitation or destruction of
which shall have debilitating impact on national security,
economy, public health or safety.
CII is declared by government under Section 70 of Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 (amended in 2008).
Threats to CI include Natural (Earthquakes, Tsunami etc.), Human-caused (Terrorism, economic espionage etc) and
Accidental (power grid/safety system failure etc.).
👉 Measures taken to protect CI:
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National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) is the nodal agency for taking all measures to
protect CIIs.
Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is nodal agency for responding to computer security
incidents.
National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) to coordinate with different agencies at the national level for cyber
security matters.
National Cyber Security Policy 2013 to build asecure and resilient cyberspace.
16. International Counter Ransomware Initiative
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Why in News?
In the face of enhanced ransomware attacks globally, CRI has decided to deepen its institutional collaboration.
About
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CRI is a grouping of 36 countries (including India) and European Union that aims to disrupt ransomware attacks and
strengthen international cybersecurity agenda.
India, along with Lithuania, leads the network resilience working group of CRI.
In the recent summit, CRI also decided to establish an International Counter Ransomware Task Force (ICRTF) to
coordinate resilience, disruption, and counter illicit finance activities.
17. High-energy laser system (HELS)
Why in News?
SFO Technologies has partnered with DRDO to develop high-energy laser system (HELS).
About
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The collaboration with DRDO’s Center for High Energy Systems
and Sciences (CHESS) is to develop a 2 kW single-mode
continuous wave fiber laser.
CHESS is a defence lab under DRDO for research and works on
HELS.
About HELS:
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HELS weapons emit enough thermal energy to directly render a
target ineffective without using a conventional munition.
They could affect targets across the domains of air, ground, sea,
and space.
HELS is a laser weapon belonging to Directed Energy Weapon
(DEW) Category.
DEW is an umbrella term covering technologies that produce a
beam of concentrated electromagnetic energy or atomic or subatomic particles.
The weapon India is developing is Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA II).
Other projects: Kilo Ampere Linear Injector (KALI), Project Aditya and air defence dazzlers.
Russia, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Israel and China have robust programmes to develop DEWs.
18. Rohini 200 Rocket (RH 200)
Why in News?
RH-200 sounding rocket of ISRO recorded 200th consecutive successful flight.
About
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Sounding rockets are used by the scientific community for carrying out experiments on meteorology, astronomy
and similar branches of space physics.
First sounding rocket to be launched from India was American Nike-Apache in 1963.
ISRO launched its own version, Rohini RH-75, in 1967.
RH 200 is a solid motor-powered expendable rocket capable of climbing up to a height of 70 km bearing payloads
designed to study the upper atmosphere.
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History and Culture
1. Kuki-Chin refugees
Why in News?
The Mizoram Cabinet has approved the setting up of temporary shelters and other amenities for Bangladeshi Kuki-Chin
refugees.
About
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The Kuki-Chin people share ethnic ties with the Mizos. They are
collectively called the Zo people.
The Kuki Chin people are settled in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the only
extensive hill area in Bangladesh that lies in the southeastern part of
the country.
It borders – Myanmar on the southeast, Tripura on the north, Mizoram
on the east and the Chittagong — district on the west.
The refugee influx began after clashes broke out between the KukiChin National Army and Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. The
refugees had fled to escape being caught in the crossfire.
👉 About India’s stand on Refugees
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India is not a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951 and its 1967 Protocol and does not
recognise refugees.
All foreign undocumented nationals are governed as per the provisions of The Foreigners Act, of 1946, The
Registration of Foreigners Act, of 1939, The Passport (Entry into India) Act, of 19,20, and The Citizenship Act, of
1955.
2. Hornbill Festival
Why in News?
In Nagaland, the 10-day long Hornbill Festival 2022 will begin on December 1, at Naga heritage village Kisama.
About
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History ➔ The first festival was held in 2000.
Venue ➔ It is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima in Nagaland.
Organizers ➔ It is organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments of the Government of Nagaland.
Objective ➔ To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland.
Key highlights of festival ➔
o Festival highlights include the traditional Naga Morungs exhibition and the sale of arts and crafts, food
stalls, song and dance shows, indigenous games etc.
o One of the major highlights of this festival is the Hornbill International Rock Festival where local and
international rock bands perform.
Nomenclature ➔
o The festival is named after the bird “Indian hornbill”, which is displayed in the folklore of most of the state's
tribes.
o There are 9 hornbill species in India of which Great Hornbill is the most famous.
o It is also called the 'Festival of Festivals'.
👉 Great Hornbill
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Scientific name ➔ Buceros bicornis.
Common name ➔ Great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill.
Range ➔
o It is found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
o The bulk of the population is found in India, where it is restricted to the Himalayan foothills, hill forests in
northeast India and, disjunctly, the wet evergreen forests of west India.
Conservation ➔
o IUCN Status: Near Threatened.
o It is listed in Appendix I of CITES.
Importance ➔
o Its impressive size and colour have made it important in many tribal cultures and rituals.
o The great hornbill is the state bird of Kerala and Arunachal in India.
o It is not a state bird of Nagaland, although the hornbill festival is celebrated in Nagaland. Nagaland’s state
bird is: Blyth's tragopan.
3. Baguette and Intangible Cultural Heritage
Why in News?
Baguette — the staple French bread — was recently inscribed into the UN’s list of intangible cultural heritage (ICH).
About
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The baguette is a long and thin loaf made of flour, water, salt and yeast, and is consumed as a staple in France.
Some believe that it was invented by August Zang, a baker and an entrepreneur from Vienna in 1839.
In March 2021, France nominated the baguette as its candidate for consideration within the UNESCO ICH list. It
drew attention to the steady decline in the number of bakeries in the country as around 20,000 of them have closed
down since 1970.
👉 Intangible Cultural Heritage
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UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was established in the year 2008.
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events,
knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional
crafts.
It aims to preserve the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted through it from one generation to the
next.
There are 3 criteria for selection of an entity in ICH List. The
entity must
be recognized by communities as part of their cultural
heritage,
be transmitted from generation to generation and be
constantly recreated in response to their environment,
their interaction with nature and their history
Provide them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus
promoting respect for cultural diversity and human
creativity.
👉 India and ICH
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Nominating body - Sangeet Natak Akademi is the nodal organisation which files nominations of intangible cultural
entities from India.
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There are a total of 14 representations from India in the ICH list. Few of them are
4. Divya Kala Mela
Why in News?
Recently, The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment has inaugurated the Divya Kala Mela in Kartavya Path
at India Gate, Delhi.
About
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Organized by ➔ Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Aim ➔ To provide a platform for the products and craftsmanship of Divyang(person with disability) artisans,
craftsmen and artisans from across the country.
Benefits ➔ This type of platform will bring self-reliance to the lives of Divyangjan. It will provide them with a big
platform to display and sell their products. Further, it will give them an opportunity to connect with big
businessmen.
5. Dr Rajendra Prasad
Why in News?
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, paid floral tributes to Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, on
his birth anniversary (December 3, 2022)at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
About
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Rajendra Prasad was born in Bihar in 1884.
His father was a scholar of Persian and Sanskrit language.
A brilliant student, Rajendra Prasad stood first in the entrance examination to study at the University of Calcutta.
He passed away in 1963.
Career ➔
o After his post-graduation, he joined as a Professor of English at the Langat Singh College of Muzaffarpur,
Bihar and later became its Principal.
o He started his law practice at the Calcutta High Court in 1911.
o He joined Patna High Court in 1916, after its establishment.
o He eventually emerged as a popular and eminent figure of the entire region.
Role in Nationalist Movement ➔
o He attended as a volunteer in the 1906 Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress and formally joined
the party in 1911.
o In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi undertook the ‘Champaran Satyagraha’ and Dr. Prasad offered his wholehearted support to the cause.
o During the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, Dr Rajendra Prasad gave up his lucrative law practice and
dedicated himself to the cause of freedom.
o He started the National College in Patna in 1921.
o He was elected as the President of the Bombay session of the Indian National Congress in October 1934.
o He was elected to the post again in 1939 and 1947.
o He became very much involved in the Quit India Movementlaunched by Gandhi in 1942.
o Rajendra Prasad was selected as the Food and Agriculture Minister in the interim Government headed by
Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946.
o Soon he was elected President of the Constituent Assembly on December 11, the same year.
Work in Independent India ➔
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On January 26, 1950, the Republic of India came into existence and Rajendra Prasad was elected to be the
first ever President of the country.
o He travelled the world extensively as an ambassador of India, building diplomatic rapport with foreign
nations.
o He was re-elected for 2 consecutive terms in 1952 and 1957, and remains only President of India to achieve
this feat.
In 1962, he was awarded the “Bharat Ratna”, India’s highest civilian award.
6. Sukapha Diwas
Why in News?
Asom Divas or Assam Day was celebrated at Sukapha Bhavan in Tezpur.
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Asom Divas or Assam Day is celebrated on December 2 every year.
It is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of the first king of Ahom kingdom Sukapha in Assam.
The day is also known as Sukapha Divas in honour of the founder of the Ahom kingdom that existed for nearly 600
years.
Asom Divas is celebrated in a grand manner by singing and narrating praises of Sukapha along with the performance
of various traditional forms of dances and songs.
👉 Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha
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Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha established the Ahom kingdom in the 13th century.
Sukapha’s unique ability to create unity and brotherhood among people of various tribes has earned him the
honorary title of Chaolung.
He played a unique role in laying the foundation of Greater Assam (Bor Asom).
He unified various ethnic groups of Assam by treating them as equals.
Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha is hailed as ‘Architect of Assam’.
The Ahom rule is hailed as golden rule in the history of Assam.
Ahoms are also credited for keeping the Mughal rulers away.
7. Swar Dharohar Festival
Why in News?
Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with “Swar Dharohar Foundation,” inaugurated a three day
“Swar Dharohar Festival” under Kalanjali.
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It is a Music, Art & Literature Festival to showcase the iconic art and culture of India and the rich literary Art &
Heritage of Indian States.
In this program, the upcoming local Artists will perform with Legend Artist on the same platform to showcase their
talents.
The National as well as Local Poets will exhibit their artistry through Kavi Sammelan.
8. Sri Venkateswara temple
Why in News?
Recently, President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at Sri Venkateswara temple atop Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh.
About
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Location ➔ Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati
in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
Other Names ➔ The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji
Temple.
The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here
to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga.
It is one of the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received and wealth.
Tirupati Laddu ➔ The renowned sweet, Tirupati Laddu which is enriched with dried fruits and nuts is a registered
Geographical Indicator (GI).
Architecture ➔
o The Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be constructed over a period of time
starting from 300 AD.
o The Garbagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is called AnandaNilayam. The presiding deity, Venkateswara, is in
standing posture and faces east in Garbha griha.
o The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship. The temple is one of the eight Vishnu
Swayambhu Kshetras and is listed as 106th and the last earthly Divya Desam.
9. Kumbhalgarh Fort
Why in News?
The Sherpas of the G20 countries and invitees from countries and international organisations recently visited the famous
Kumbhalgarh Fort in Udaipur.
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Kumbhalgarh is the second most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region.
The fort was built in the 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha.
The massive fort is 3,600 feet tall and 36 kilometres long, and it surrounds the city of Udaipur.
It is the second-longest wall of the world after the Great Wall of China.
The fort has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the group of Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
It is strategically located on the western Aravalli hills.
The fort contains seven fortified gateways and several Jain temples, as well as the Lakhola Tank, the most famous
tank within the fort, which was built by Rana Lakha.
It is the birthplace of Mewar's legendary king Maharana Pratap.
Its defences could be breached only once by the combined armies of the Mughal and of Amber primarily for scarcity
of drinking water.
10. Jallikattu
Why in News?
A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court recently reserved for judgment a batch of petitions seeking to strike down a
Tamil Nadu law which protects Jallikattu by claiming that the bull-taming sport is a cultural heritage of the State and is
protected under Article 29 (1) of the Constitution.
About
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Jallikattu (or sallikkattu) is also known as eru thazhuvuthal and mañcuvirattu.
The bull-taming sport is popular in Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai and Dindigul districts — known as
the Jallikattu belt.
Jallikattu is celebrated in the second week of January, during the Tamil harvest festival, Pongal.
A tradition over 2,000 years old, Jallikattu is a competitive sport as well as an event to honour bull owners who rear
them for mating.
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It is a traditional sport in which contestants try to tame a bull for a prize; if they fail, the bull owner wins the prize.
Jallikattu is considered a traditional way for the peasant community to preserve their pure-breed native bulls.
Kangayam, Pulikulam, Umbalachery, Barugur and Malai Maadu are among the popular native cattle breeds used
for Jallikattu.
11. Meitei script
Why in News?
Newspapers in Manipur are working towards replacing the Bengali script that’s currently in use with Meitei or the
Manipuri script.
About
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The Meitei script was once patronised by Meitei rulers, but which fell into disuse with the advent of Hinduism and
eventually disappeared.
The earliest epigraphic record of the script is a stone inscription from Khoibu village which was erected on the orders
of Meidingu Kiyamba (1467-1508).
The Meitei Mayek or Meitei script evolved with time and this led to conflict between various proponents. The
inscriptions on the coins of the 7th and 8th Century were perhaps in the 18-letter script, which, with the advent of
Hinduism in the 17th century during the reign of Meidingu Pamheiba (1709-1748), was perhaps expanded to the
36-letter script.
With the advent of Hinduism, Bengali scripts became so popular that stone inscriptions in the 18th and 19th century
were in Bengali script.
👉 Recent developments
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The Manipur Official Language Act, 1979, was enacted with the definition of Manipuri language as “Meiteilon
written in Bengali script and spoken by the majority of Manipuri population”
By an Amendment Act of 2021, the definition of “Manipuri language” was modified as “Meiteilon in Meetei Mayek
and spoken by the majority of Manipur population” with a proviso that for 10 years, both the Bengali and Meitei
Mayek scripts shall be allowed.
12. Thousand Pillars Temple
Why in News?
Sculptors from Tamil Nadu involved in the restoration of the colossal mandapa of the Rudreshwara Temple at
Hanumakonda.
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The Thousand Pillars Temple is also called as Rudreshwara Swamy temple and the main deity is Lord Shiva.
It is located at the base of Hanumakonda hills in Warangal district, Telangana.
The temple was built in 12th century by Rudra Deva, the first independent king of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
Its structure resembles the shape of a star and houses three major shrines of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya,
known as Trikutalayam.
Thousand Pillar Temple was constructed by using the sandbox technique and is known for intricately carved pillars.
The mandapa leads to the main temple with a majestic monolith Nandi seated on the pathway.
In the medieval period, the mandapa was used for holding the meeting of village councils (Gram Sabhas) and dance
performances.
The mandapa was destroyed during the invasion by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, who ruled over the Delhi sultanate in
1323 AD.
The restoration project of the temple mandapa is taken up by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
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13. Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Why in News?
The fifth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale opens on December 12 (founded in 2011). It will have on display the works
of over 90 artists from across the globe in varied media.
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What is it? ➔ The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an international exhibition of contemporary art held in the city of Kochi
in Kerala.
It is the largest art exhibition in the country and the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia.
It is an initiative of the Kochi Biennale Foundation with support from the Government of Kerala.
👉 Art Biennales
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It is an international large-scale showcase of art that takes place every two years at a particular site.
It is usually non-commercial enterprises – unlike art fairs – that centre around a curatorial theme.
History of art biennales around the world ➔ One of the most prestigious and oldest biennales in the world, the
Venice Biennale was established through a resolution by the city council in 1893 to celebrate national artistic talent.
o With its rising popularity, the 1900s saw the emergence of Biennales across the world, with Bienal de São
Paulo (Brazil) being instituted as the first non-European biennial in 1951.
o In 2009, a global Biennale Foundation was established with an “aim to create a platform for dialogue,
networking, and knowledge sharing among contemporary art biennials around the world”.
Significance ➔ Though most biennales do not allow for the direct purchase of art, an invitation and participation in
the global showcase are often viewed as a validation of an artist’s work.
o Additionally, Biennales, often named after the host city, become a reason for local pride, promoting cultural
tourism and generating revenue through visitors.
14. Gond Tribes And Hattee Community
Why in News?
A motion has been initiated in Lok Sabha to include Hattee community of Sirmaur district’s Trans-Giri region in the
Scheduled Tribes list of Himachal Pradesh. Also, a bill to move in the Gond community from SC to the ST list in four
districts of UP has been approved by the Rajya Sabha.
About Gonds
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Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups in the world.
Lives in ➔ They are mostly found in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, Bastar district of Chhattisgarh and
parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and
Odisha.
Gonds are subdivided into four tribes namely Raj Gonds, Madia Gonds, Dhurve Gonds and Khatulwar Gonds.
Their staple foods are two kinds of millet ➔ kodo and kutki.Rice is mostly consumed during festival feasts. Gonds
believe that earth, water and air are ruled by Gods.
👉 Hattis
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The Hattis are a close-knit community who takes their name from their traditional occupation of selling home-grown
crops, vegetables, meat, and wool at small-town markets known as ‘haats’.
Lives in ➔ The Hatti homeland straddles the Himachal-Uttarakhand border in the basin of the Giri and Tons rivers,
both tributaries of the Yamuna.
o They live in the Trans-Giri area in today’s Himachal Pradesh and Jaunsar Bawar in Uttarakhand.
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Caste System ➔ There is a rigid caste system among the Hattis — the Bhat and Khash are the upper castes while
the Badhois are below them. Inter-caste marriages have traditionally remained a strict no-no.
Traditional Council ➔ The Hattis are governed by a traditional council called Khumbli, which is like the khaps of
Haryana. The council decides community matters. The Khumbli’s power has remained unchallenged despite the
establishment of the Panchayati Raj System.
15. Panini
Why in News?
A grammatical problem by Panini that has defeated Sanskrit scholars since the 5th Century BC has finally been solved by
an Indian Ph.D. student at the University of Cambridge.
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Panini was a Sanskrit philologist, grammarian, and revered scholar in ancient India, variously dated between the 6th
and 4th century BCE.
Since the discovery and publication of his work by European scholars in the nineteenth century, Panini has been
considered the “first descriptive linguist” and even labelled as “the father of linguistics”.
Panini’s grammar was influential on such foundational linguists as Ferdinand de Saussure and Leonard Bloomfield.
Major literary works ➔
o Panini is known for his texts- Astadhyayi, a sutra-style treatise on Sanskrit grammar, verses or rules on
linguistics, syntax and semantics in “eight chapters” which is the foundational text of the Vyakarna branch
of the Vedanga.
o His text attracted numerous bhashya (commentaries), of which Patanjali’s Mahabhashya is the most
famous.
o His ideas influenced and attracted commentaries from scholars of other Indian religions such as Buddhism.
👉 What is the recent breakthrough?
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Panini had an extraordinary mind and he built a language machine unrivaled in human history.
The 2,500-year-old algorithm decoded by him makes it possible, for the first time, to accurately use Panini’s socalled “language machine”.
This discovery makes it possible to “derive” any Sanskrit word, to construct millions of grammatically correct words,
using Panini’s language machine.
This is widely considered to be one of the greatest intellectual achievements in history.
16. Indian Historical Records Committee (IHRC)
Why in News?
The 63rd Session of the IHRC will be organized on 18-19 December 2022 at Uttar Pradesh State Archives.
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Set up in ➔ 1919.
What is it? ➔ IHRC is an all-India Forum of creators, custodians and users of records which was set up to advice the
Government of India on all issues connected with the management of records and their use for historical research.
Secretariat ➔ The National Archives of India, New Delhi is the Secretariat of Indian Historical Records Committee
(re-designated Indian Historical Records Committee in 1911).
The IHRC is headed by the Union Minister of Culture and comprises 134 members including agencies of the
Government of India, nominees of the Government of India, representatives from the State/UT Archives, Universities
and Learned Institutions. The IHRC has so far held 62 sessions.
The Committee has two adjunct bodies ➔
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Editorial Committee to examine and approve papers based on archival sources for being presented at the
Sessions of the Committees
Standing Committee to review the action taken by the Committee on its recommendations and express its
views on the agenda for the Committee’s meeting. Secretary, Ministry of Culture acts as the Chairman of
the Standing Committee of IHRC.
17. Hanukkah
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Israel on the festival of Chag Hanukkah Sameach.
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Hanukkah is also known as Chanukah.
It is a Jewish Festival of Lights that lasts for eight days and nights in honor of a 2,000-year-old miracle in which light
won out over darkness.
It marks the rededication during the second century BC of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to
legend, Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.
According to the Jewish religious calendar, Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev and continues
until the second day of the month of Teslev — a date known as Zos Chanukah that is particularly holy.
18. Tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Why in News?
Gujarat’s Vadnagar town, the iconic Sun Temple at Modhera and the rock cut sculptures of Unakoti in Tripura have been
added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
About Vadnagar
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It is a municipality under Mehsana district of Gujarat. The history of Vadnagar stretches back to nearly 8th century
BCE.
The town has evolved with time and has an early historic fortified settlement, hinterland port, centre for industries
of shells and beads, late medieval town, religious centre/temple town, a significant junction on trade routes and
mercantile town.
Vadnagar was visited by a Chinese traveler named Hiuen Tsang, who wrote about the township in his travelogue
1400 years ago.
👉 Unakoti
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It is located in the northeastern region of Tripura. It is known as an ancient holy place associated with Shaiva
worship.
The site is a massive gallery set in a forested area displaying a number of towering low relief images in a unique
style, making it a masterpiece of human creative genius.
👉 Sun Temple of Modhera
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The Sun Temple of Modhera is located in Gujarat. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya.
River ➔ It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati.
Built by ➔ It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty(Solanki dynasty).
Features ➔ The temple complex is built in Māru-Gurjara style (Solanki style). The temple consists of the main temple
shrine (garbhagriha), a hall (gadhamandapa), an outer hall or assembly hall (rangamandapa) and a sacred pool
(Kunda) which is now called Ramakunda. This east-facing temple is built with bright yellow sandstone.
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Significance ➔ The temple is the Monument of National Importance and is maintained by the Archeological Survey
of India.
19. Palm-leaf Manuscript Museum
Why in News?
Kerala Chief Minister will inaugurate a palm-leaf manuscript museum with modern audio-visual technology at the
renovated Central Archives, Fort in Thiruvananthapuram.
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It was set up by the Department of Archives, Kerala Government.
Purpose ➔ The museum will feature a rare collection of over one crore palm-leaf manuscripts available with the
Archives Department with the aim of communicating their importance to the public.
The manuscripts delve into aspects as diverse as tax, administration and trade to education, prisons, and festivals
in the erstwhile Travancore, Kochi and Malabar provide a fascinating glimpse of history that is rarely accessible to
the common man.
Significance ➔ This museum will help to learn more and popularize the ancient manuscripts that are part of India’s
heritage.
20. Lab pe Aati Hai Dua
Why in News?
Police in Uttar Pradesh has booked the principal of a government school for hurting religious sentiments by making
students recite “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua” poem during a morning assembly.
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Written by ➔ Lab pe Aati Hai Dua was written by Iqbal in 1902.
It has been sung at several educational institutions in India and Pakistan including some prestigious schools which
sing it in their morning assembly.
👉 Muhammad Iqbal
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Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) was a writer, philosopher and scholar and politician whose poetry in the Urdu
language is considered among the greatest of the twentieth century.
Iqbal is commonly referred to as Allama, which is a title given to Islamic scholars.
Important work ➔ The most celebrated work of Iqbal is the immortal ‘Saare jahan se achcha Hindustan hamara’
written in 1904. This beautiful poem to India became one of the songs that inspired the freedom fighters against
British rule.
The idea of Pakistan ➔ In his later life, Iqbal came to favour the idea of a separate nation for Muslims, and is
believed to have been the influence behind Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a separate nation of Pakistan.
In Pakistan, Iqbal is regarded as the ideological founder of the nation — the man who envisioned the state that
Jinnah gave physical shape.
21. Christmas
Why in News?
Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, was celebrated across the country and around the world on December 25.
About
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Christmas is an annual festival, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 in the
Gregorian calendar around the world.
It is believed that Joseph and Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, considered to be the son of God, on December 25 in
Bethlehem.
Jesus of Nazareth was a spiritual leader whose teachings formed the foundation of Christianity.
Although the Bible does not mention a specific date for his birth, Emperor Constantine — the first Christian Roman
emperor — designated December 25 as Christmas, which became a day to commemorate Christ’s birth.
The United States declared December 25 as a federal holiday in 1870 and it has been a widely-recognised holiday
around the world ever since.
Celebrations ➔ Christians, especially Catholics, arrive at churches for Midnight mass, which is followed by greeting
friends and family. The places of worship are decorated with Poinsettia flowers and candles for the Christmas Eve
Midnight Mass service.
22. Wandiwash
Why in News?
Encroachment continues unabated in the premises of Wandiwash Fort and waits for makeover.
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Location ➔ Wandiwash (the anglicised version of Vandavasi) is a town located about 120 km from Chennai in the
present-day Tiruvannamalai district.
👉 Battle of Wandiwash
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The place is historically known for the famous Battle of Wandiwash, of January 1760.
The battle of Wandiwash is a significant battle in the Third Carnatic War, where the French attempts to capture Fort
of Vandavasi.
o The Seven years’ war in Europe led to the Carnatic war III between the French and British powers in India and
the war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763.
In the battle of Wandiwash, the British led by Eyre Coote (1726-1783), defeated the French forces under ThomasArthur, Comte de Lally (1702-1766).
Significance of the battle ➔ The victory of the British over the French, established their supremacy in India.
o The battle also helped to vanquish the native powers.
o This victory let Coote to go on to defeat Hyder Ali ofMysore (1722-1782) in June 1781 at Parangipettai (Porto
Novo).
23. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
Why in News?
The Prime Minister recently paid tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on his jayanti at a function at Parliament.
About
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Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya was born on December 25, 1861, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. He is known for his
contribution to India's education system and his role in the Indian Independence movement.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya was given the title of 'Mahamana' or great soul by Mahatma Gandhi, who considered
him as an elder brother.
In 2014, Pandit Malviya was posthumously conferred with Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award.
In 2016, the Indian Railways started the Varanasi-New Delhi Mahamana Express in the leader’s honour.
👉 Major contributions:
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Banaras Hindu University ➔ He played a key role in the Indian independence struggle against British rule and
founded the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916. At the BHU, he served as Vice-Chancellor from 1919 to 1938.
Hindu Mahasabha ➔ Malaviya was one of the early leaders of the Hindu Mahasabha, and helped found it in 1906.
He was a social reformer and a successful legislator, serving as a member of the Imperial Legislative Council for 11
years (1909–20).
Scout and Guide ➔ He was also one of the founders of Scout and Guide in India.
'Satyamev Jayate' ➔ One of the most famous slogans, 'Satyamev Jayate' was said by Pandit Malviya in the session
of 1918 when he was the President of the Indian National Congress.
President of INC ➔ Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya was the President of Indian National Congress for four sessions
(1909, 1913, 1919 and 1932). Pandit Malviya played a big role in the Civil Disobedience and Non-cooperation
movement which were led by Mahatma Gandhi.
Role in media ➔ He was the chairman of Hindustan Times from 1924 to 1946 and he also founded many Hindi and
English newspapers, namely: The Leader, Hindustan Dainik, Maryada etc.
Malaviya espoused free and compulsory primary education, opposed the system of indentured labour in the British
Empire, and supported the nationalisation of railways.
24. Zonal Cultural Centres
Why in News?
Zonal Cultural Centres
14 ancient sites have been declared protected by the Archaeological Survey of India over the last three years.
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Purpose ➔ The Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) were set up to develop the cultures of various regions under the
Ministry of Culture.
The Zonal Cultural Centres has been set up as registered autonomous bodies under the Societies Registration Act.
The mandate behind setting up the ZCCs was to bind the nation culturally while retaining the individuality of the
regions that comprise them.
There are seven Zonal Cultural Centres in India across geographic and linguistic boundaries.
The 7 ZCCs and their headquarters are ➔
o North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala
o Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), Kolkata
o West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur
o North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC), Prayagraj
o North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur
o South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur
o South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), Thanjavur.
Each ZCC is governed by a governing body.
Each ZCC is headed by the Governor of the state in which the Zonal Cultural Centre has it’s headquarter.
The ZCCs were required to concentrate on the folk arts, dance and music.
Funding ➔ ZCCs are provided regular annual grant-in-aid by the Government.
o No State/UT-wise funds are released by the Ministry of Culture for the purpose.
25. Srimukhalingam Temple
Why in News?
Srimukhalingam temple chief priest urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to get the historic Siva temple included
in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
About
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Created by ➔ Some architectural masterpieces were created by the rulers of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the thencapital of the Kalinga kingdom.
Srimukhalingam temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Sri Mukha Lingeswara Swamy, housing 3 Ancient
Temples at one Location.
The Trinity of Madhukeswara, Someswara and Bheemeswara Temples are a testimony to the magnificent
architectural skills of Kalinga Kings.
This temple is built in Kalinga architectural style on the banks of the Vamsadhara river.
26. Ratnagiri Prehistoric Geoglyphs
Why in News?
Experts and conservationists have raised concerns over the proposed location for a mega oil refinery in Barsu village of
Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district.
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Geoglyphs are a form of prehistoric rock art, created on the surface of laterite plateaus.
They are made by removing a part of the rock surface through an incision, picking, carving or abrading.
They can be in the form of rock paintings, etchings, cup marks and ring marks.
👉 Significance of this prehistoric rock art
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Clusters of geoglyphs are spread across the Konkan coastline in Maharashtra and Goa, spanning around 900 km.
Porous laterite rock, which lends itself to such carving, is found on a large scale across the entire region.
It has more than 1,500 pieces of such art, also called “Katal Shilpa,” spread across 70 sites.
This is evidence of the continued existence of human settlements from the Mesolithic (middle Stone Age) to the
early historic era.
UNESCO’s tentative world heritage list mentions seven sites with petroglyphs in Ratnagiri district — Ukshi,
Jambharun, Kasheli, Runde Tali, Devihsol, Barsu and Devache Gothane, one in Sindhudurg district –Kudopi village,
and nine sites at Phansamal in Goa.
The figures depicted in the geoglyphs include humans and animals such as deer, elephant, tiger, monkey, wild boar,
rhinoceros, hippopotamus, cattle, pig, rabbit, and monkey.
They also include a high number of reptilian and amphibian creatures such as tortoises and alligators, aquatic
animals such as sharks and sting rays, and birds like peacocks.
27. Dhone Boats
Why in News?
The Konda Reddi and Koya tribes are about to abandon their traditional boats without compensation, as they are set to
be displaced for the Polavaram project.
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‘Dhone’ is a traditional wooden boat, with the wooden oar found in the Bison hills of Godavari River.
They are made of ‘Booriga tree’ (known in local parlance).
The maximum length of a Dhone is approximately 10 feet to 15 feet.
A maximum of nine persons can go for fishing on a Dhone in the Godavari up to a point where the depth of the river
is 200 metre.
Dhone are crafted and owned by Konda Reddi and Koya tribes living in the Papikonda hill range.
Fishing on Dhone has been the prime livelihood option for these tribes for generations until engine boats came into
operation.
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Konda Reddis are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) mostly living in the Godavari gorges of Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana.
28. Veer Bal Diwas
Why in News?
Prime Minister recently addressed the commemoration of first ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ to pay homage to the courage of the
Sahibzades, four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the last Sikh guru.
Who were the Sahibzades?
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Guru Gobind Singh ji had four sons – Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and
Sahibzada Fateh Singh.
All four of his sons were initiated into the Khalsa and all were executed by Mughal forces before the age of 19.
Sikhism honors the illustrious martyred sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji in the prayer of ardas for their valor and sacrifice
as ‘Char Sahibzade’, that is the four princes of the Khalsa warrior order.
Significance of the day ➔
o The day marks when Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh attained martyrdom when they
were executed by the Mughals (1705).
o The brothers were captured with their grandmother Mata Gujari, the mother of Guru Gobind Singh.
o They were imprisoned with their grandmother and put to death by cruel Mughals on the orders of
Aurangzeb, who attempted to suffocate them inside a brick enclosure.
o At the time of martyrdom, the ages of Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh were 9 years and 6 years respectively.
This sacrifice is seen as the bravest sacrifice for Dharma by any young boys in Indian history.
👉 About Guru Gobind Singh:
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He was the 10th Sikh guru.
He was born at Patna, Bihar, India, on December 22, 1666. His birthday sometimes falls either in December or
January or even both months in the Gregorian calendar. The annual celebration of the Guru’s birthday is based on
the Nanakshahi calendar.
He became the Sikh guru at the age of nine, following the demise of father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.
He is known for his significant contributions to the Sikh religion, including the introduction of the turban to cover
hair.
He also founded the principles of Khalsa or the Five ‘K’s.
He is also responsible for establishing the highest order in the Sikh community.
He fought against the Mughals later in the battle of Muktsar in 1705.
Guru Gobind Singh was killed by a Mughal assassin in 1708, a year after the death of Aurangzeb.
He named Guru Granth Sahib, the religious text of the Khalsas and the Sikhs, as the next Guru of the two
communities.
29. Losar Festival
Why in News?
Prime Minister of India extended his greetings on the occasion of Losar.
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One of the most significant celebrations in the Tibetan calendar.
It begins on the day of a new moon that marks the first day of the first month on the Tibetan calendar.
Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days.
Meaning ➔ The term ‘Losar’ means New year in the Tibetan language. ‘Lo’ means year and ‘Sar’ means new.
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Ancient Roots ➔ Losar predates the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet and has its roots in a winter incense-burning
custom of the Bon religion.
Celebrated At ➔
o Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, India
o In India- Ladakh, Kinnaur, Spiti, Sikkim.
👉 Bon Religion
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Also known as Yungdrung Bon
It is a Tibetan religious tradition with many similarities to Tibetan Buddhism and also many unique features.
Bon initially developed in the tenth and eleventh centuries.
Bon remains a significant minority religion in Tibet (especially in eastern Tibet) and in the surrounding Himalayan
regions.
30. PRASAD Project
Why in News?
Recently, the President of India inaugurated PRASAD project at the tourism facilitation centre in the pilgrim town of
Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh.
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PRASAD stands for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD).
The scheme was launched in the year 2014-2015.
It is 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Tourism Ministry.
This scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism
experience.
It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete
religious tourism experience.
For improved sustainability, it also includes a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR).
Cities Identified Under PRASAD Scheme ➔ Amritsar (Punjab), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Mathura (Uttar Pradesh),
Ajmer (Rajasthan), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Gaya (Bihar), Kamakhya (Assam), Dwaraka (Gujarat), Puri (Odisha),
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Kanchipuram(Tamil Nadu), Velankanni (Tamil Nadu).
31. Dhanu Yatra
Why in News?
The ‘Dhanu Yatra’ festival, considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatre, began recently in Odisha’s Bargarh. The
vibrant Dhanu Yatra is associated with the culture of Odisha.
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Dhanu Yatra is an annual drama-based open-air theatrical performance celebrated in Bargarh, Odisha.
It is considered the largest open-air theatre in the world. Spread over five square km, the entire town of Bargarh
turns into a stage for the yatra.
The ‘Dhanu Yatra’ which marks the victory of good over evil, came into existence in Bargarh in 1947-48 as part of
the celebration of the country’s Independence and is held annually.
Theme: The plays in the festival start with the dethroning of Emperor Ugrasen of Mathura by angry Kansa over the
marriage of his sister Devaki with Vasudev. The festival will conclude with the death of demon king Kansa and
restoration of the throne to Ugrasen.
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32. Ahilyabai Holkar
Why in News?
There has been a proposal from the district administration to rename the Western Maharashtra city of Ahmednagar as
‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Nagar’, after the 18th century Malwa queen, Ahilyabai Holkar.
About
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Ahilyabai (1725 -1795) was one of the women rulers of Medieval India who belongs to the Holkar dynasty of the
Maratha Empire.
She was married Khanderao Holkar in 1733 at the tender age of 8. Her husband was killed in the battle of Kumbher
in 1754.
Ahilyabai is famous for having built numerous forts and roads in the Malwa region, sponsoring festivals and offering
donations to many Hindu temples. Her philanthropy was reflected in the construction of several temples, ghats,
wells, tanks and rest houses stretching across the length of the country.
She welcomed stalwarts such as Marathi poet Moropant, Shahir Ananta Gandhi, and Sanskrit scholar Khushali Ram
into her capital.
John Keay, the British historian, gave the queen the title of ‘The Philosopher Queen’. She had been an acute observer
of the wider political scene.
33. SHADANI DARBAR
Why in News?
Pakistan issued visas to Indian pilgrims to allow them to participate in 314th birth anniversary celebrations of Sant
Shadaram Sahib.
About
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Under Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, pilgrims from both countries are allowed to
travel to some shrines across every year.
Shadani Darbar temple is located in Pakistan’s Sindh province and is a sacred place for Hindu devotees from across
the globe.
It was founded in 1786 by Sant Shadaram Sahib who is believed to be descendent of Lord Ram’s son, Lav, and also
an avatar of Lord Shiva.
34. MANGARH MASSACRE
Why in News?
A horrifying tragedy had occurred in Mangarh (Banswada) in Rajasthan in 1913 where around 1,500 tribals and forest
dwellers were killed by the British.
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Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh faced great troubles at the hands of the rulers of the princely states and the British.
The great famine of 1899-1900 across the Deccan and Bombay Presidency, which killed over six lakh people, only
made the situation worst for the Bhils.
In November 1913, thousands of Bhil tribals gathered on the call of tribal leader Govind Guru against the
suppression being faced by them in the form of forced labour, bonded system, and taxes on farmers during the
famine.
British soldiers fired cannons and machine guns at a large crowd of unarmed tribals who had gathered in an open
space on the hilltop of Mangarh.
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The British were worried about their participation in the Indian freedom struggle, the princely states were concerned
about social reform that could lead to the tribes demanding an independent Bhil state.
About Govind Guru:
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Govind Guru was a revolutionary leader of the tribals of present-day Udaipur, Dungarpur and Banswara in
Rajasthan, Idar in Gujarat, and Malwa in Madhya Pradesh.
He was a living legend for uniting tribals among the Bhil and Garasiya tribal communities.
To improve the condition of Bhils, Guru Govind began the Bhagat Movement in 1908 in which he propagated
practices such as vegetarianism and abstinence from alcohol.
He also asked his supporters to reject bonded labour and fight for their rights.
He advocate boycotting foreign goods, ending forced labour, educating girls, and resolving mutual disputes among
tribes instead of taking them to the courts.
Unlike in the Jallianwala Bagh case, following the killings, Govind Guru was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment
on an isolated island by the British.
Owing to his popularity and good conduct in jail, he was released from Hyderabad Jail in 1919 but banned from
entering many of the princely states where he had a following.
He settled down in Kamboi near Limbdi in Gujarat and died in 1931.
35. LEAP SECOND
Why in News?
The General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) passed a resolution to do away with the leap second from
2035.
About
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CGPM is the supreme authority of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) that decides on global
standards for how things are measured.
BIPM is the intergovernmental organization established in 1875 under the terms of the Metre Convention.
Leap Second is the ‘Second’ inserted in international clocks to align Universal Coordinated Time with the Earthtracking Universal Time.
Introduced in 1972, so far, there have been 27 leap seconds.
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Miscellaneous
1. iNCOVACC
Why in News?
World’s first Intranasal Vaccine iNCOVACC has recently received approval for Covid booster doses from Drugs Controller
General of India (DCGI).
About
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Developed by ➔ Bharat Biotech International Limited.
It was developed in partnership with Washington University, St Louis, which had designed and developed the
recombinant adenoviral vectored construct and evaluated in pre-clinical studies for efficacy.
The approval is under Restricted Use in Emergency Situation for ages 18 and above in India, for heterologous booster
doses.
iNCOVACC is a recombinant replication deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre-fusion stabilised SARSCoV-2 spike protein.
It is the world's first intranasal vaccine to receive both primary series and heterologous booster approval.
The vaccine candidate was evaluated in Phases I, II and III clinical trials with successful results and has been
specifically formulated to allow intranasal delivery through nasal drops.
It is stable at 2-8 degrees Celsius for easy storage and distribution.
2. Manthan Platform
Why in News?
The Manthan platform won NSEIT the Best Tech Initiative of the Year at the Dun & Bradstreet Business Excellence Awards
2022. The award was presented for building the technology infrastructure to support Manthan.
About
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Manthan is a platform that promotes collaboration at scale between industry and the scientific research and
development ecosystem.
Implemented by ➔ The development of the platform was conceptualized and implemented by the Office of the
Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
It is aimed at promoting collaboration between industry and the scientific research and development ecosystem.
It was launched on India’s 76th Independence Day.
Manthan empowers multiple stakeholders to collaborate for co-creating solutions aligned with the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and our national scientific missions.
👉 NSEIT:
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NSEIT Limited is a global technology enterprise focused on delivering excellence in a complex digital environment,
primarily in the banking, insurance, and capital market ecosystem.
It is a 100% subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India.
Their key service pillars are Application Modernization, Business Transformation, Data Analytics, Infrastructure &
Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, EdTech, and online examinations solutions.
3. Natovenator polydontus
Why in News?
Natovenator polydontus’s well-preserved remains – a skeleton about 70% complete – were recently unearthed in the
Gobi Desert.
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About
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The dinosaur, called Natovenator polydontus, lived about 72 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period and
was built like a diving bird with a streamlined body while possessing a goose-like elongated neck and a long flattened
snout with a mouth bearing more than 100 small teeth. It was almost covered in feathers.
While it was a cousin of speedy little predator Velociraptor, Natovenator was adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle in
a freshwater ecosystem, perhaps floating on rivers and lakes, paddling with its front limbs, and using its flexible neck
to catch fish and insects or diving underwater to capture its prey.
Natovenator is part of the dinosaur group called theropods – sharing traits including bipedalism – best known for
large meat-eaters including Tyrannosaurus, Tarbosaurus and Giganotosaurus.
But the theropods, many of which were feathered, branched out in unusual directions with examples such as longclawed ground sloth-like Therizinosaurus, ostrich-like Struthiomimus, termite-eating Mononykus and the entire bird
lineage.
4. State of Finance for Nature Report
Why in News?
According to a new United Nations (UN) report, Financing for nature-based solutions (NbS) needs to be doubled to deal
with multiple global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation.
About
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The report was released jointly by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) along with the Economics of Land
Degradation initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany, the
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission.
👉 Key findings of the report:
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The key focus should be on doubling finance flows to NbS and reducing it for activities that increase greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions.
According to the report, the current global investments in NbS are around $154 billion (Rs 12,49.44 crore) per year,
which needs to be increased to $384 billion by 2025.
“Harmful subsidies are highest in the energy sector, estimated to range from $340 billion/ year to $530 billion/year
and in the agriculture sector, estimated around $500 billion/year,” estimated the report.
o The report recommended the phase-out of these investments.
5. Strep A bacterial infection
Why in News?
The number of Strep A infection cases have increased recently in the UK, especially after COVID-19 restrictions are no
longer mandatory.
About
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Strep A, also known as Group A Streptococcus, is a bacterium found in the throat and on the skin.
It can cause many different infections, ranging from mild to serious. Some of these diseases include Strep throat,
Scarlet fever, Impetigo,Necrotizing fasciitis, Cellulitis etc.
These are communicable and can spread through coughs, sneezes and close contact.
These infections usually tend to be fairly harmless but in very rare circumstances when the bacterium produces a
toxin it can gain access to the bloodstream and cause really serious illness.
Antibiotics are usually effective at treating Strep A or iGAS infections. Currently, there is no vaccine available to
prevent them.
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6. The first drone station
Why in News?
Meghalaya to unveil first drone station for healthcare service delivery.
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Primary Health Centre at Pedaldoba, which did not have telecom and transport connectivity until last year, is
scheduled to receive the first delivery of medicines via a drone.
The medicines would be delivered by a Vertiplane X3, a customised drone.
The drone station has been built at the Sub-divisional Hospital in Jengjal, about 69 km from Pedaldoba and 32 km
from Tura, the District Headquarters and the largest town of Meghalaya’s western half.
A pilot project was accordingly undertaken and drones were flown from a civil hospital to two PHCs in the State’s
West Khasi Hills district.
These PHCs are among those considered the most difficult to reach.
5 to 8 drone flights would be operated per day depending on the demand.
There are plans to set up similar drone stations at strategic locations elsewhere in the State primarily to reach out
to 79% people who reside in the rural areas of Meghalaya.
7. Gaslighting
Why in News?
Merriam-Webster, America’s oldest dictionary publisher, has chosen “Gaslighting” as its Word of the Year.
About
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Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Gaslighting as “psychological manipulation of a person usually over an
extended period of time, that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality
or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or
mental stability and a dependency on the perpetrator”.
Gaslighting involves an imbalance of power between the abuser and the person they’re gaslighting. Abusers often
exploit stereotypes or vulnerabilities related to gender, sexuality, race, nationality and/or class.
What is the origin of the word Gaslighting? ➔ The term “Gaslighting” comes from the title of the 1938 play “Gas
Light” by Patrick Hamilton, and the movie based on that play, the plot of which involves a man attempting to make
his wife believe that she is going insane.
What is the impact of Gaslighting on mental health? ➔ Gaslighting is an abusive practice that causes someone to
distrust themselves or to believe they have a mental illness. The long-term effects of gaslighting may include anxiety,
depression, trauma, and low self-esteem.
8. St Edward’s Crown
Why in News?
Since King Charles III of England was made monarch in September, there has been anticipation over his coronation
ceremony and the St Edward’s Crown will be on display for the event.
About
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St Edward’s Crown is the crown historically used at the moment of Coronation in the UK. It was worn by Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth at her Coronation in 1953.
The crown was made for Charles II in 1661 as a replacement for the medieval crown which had been melted down
in 1649.
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The original was thought to date back to the eleventh-century royal saint, Edward the Confessor – the last AngloSaxon king of England.
Note: Britain is the only European monarchy still using its regalia for the consecration ceremony of crowning the
Sovereign.
Regalia consists of all the traditional clothes and items which someone such as a king or a judge wears and carries
on official occasions.
9. Goblin Mode
Why in News?
‘Goblin Mode’ is Oxford’s Word of the Year for 2022.
About
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It is a “slang term”.
Meaning ➔ “a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way
that rejects social norms or expectations”.
Usage ➔ often used in the expressions ‘in goblin mode’ or ‘to go goblin mode’
The first Oxford word of the year to be chosen by public vote.
👉 Oxford’s Word of the Year 2022
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It is a word or expression that has attracted a great deal of interest over the last 12 months.
Decided every year
Reflects the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of that particular year and has lasting potential as a word of cultural
significance.
o Second place: Metaverse
o Third place: #IStandWith.
10. US Inflation Reduction Act(IRA)
Why in News?
French President has raised concerns over the US Inflation Reduction Act(IRA) which European countries believe is
discriminatory to non-American companies.
About
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What is it? ➔ The Inflation Reduction Act is a $430 billion package of federal spending, tax breaks, credits, and levies
aimed at fighting climate change, reducing healthcare costs and making large corporations pay their fair share in
taxes.
👉 Key Provisions of the act
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Healthcare ➔ The act extends expiring Medicare subsidies to 13 million Americans and aims to bring down the cost
of prescription drugs, for which Americans pay two to three times more than citizens of other countries.
Tax code ➔ The act aims to make the U.S tax code fairer by imposing a minimum tax of 15% on America’s
wealthiest, most profitable corporations.
Electric Vehicles ➔ The act features tax credits for electric vehicles – up to $7,500 for new purchases – that will only
apply if the product is assembled in the US and the majority of components are sourced domestically or from a free
trade partner.
Tax credit ➔ The Act offers tax credits to build clean technology manufacturing facilities and grants for refurbishing
existing auto manufacturing facilities to make zero-emission vehicles.
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11. Geo-Ladakh Project
Why in News?
The Government of the Union Territory of Ladakh has approached the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing(IIRS) for
developing “Spatial Data Infrastructure geoportal ‘Geo-Ladakh’ for UT-Ladakh.
About
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The Geo Ladakh Project encompasses spatial database generation (water resources, vegetation and energy
potential) using remote sensing, geospatial techniques and the development of a Geo-portal for hosting this
database.
The project also aims towards training of UT-Ladakh officials on Geospatial techniques and applications.
👉 Indian Institute of Remote Sensing(IIRS)
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Indian Institute of Remote Sensing(IIRS) is a unit of the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO).
Purpose ➔ It is a premier institute with the objective of capacity building in Remote Sensing and Geo-informatics
and their applications through education and training programmes at the postgraduate level.
Located in ➔ Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
12. Badri Cow
Why in News?
To increase the productivity of its indigenous petite Badri cow that grazes on the medicinal herbs of the Himalayas,
Uttarakhand is now planning for its genetic enhancement.
About
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Badri/Pahari desi cow is a native cow species of Uttarakhand.
This cow grazes in the Himalayas on native herbs and shrubs and hence its milk has high medicinal value.
These cattle are well adapted to the hilly terrain and the climatic conditions of Uttarakhand.
This sturdy and disease-resistant breed is found in hilly regions of the Almora and Pauri Garhwal districts of
Uttarakhand.
Disease resistance is a very important characteristic of this breed as it rarely gets any disease.
Medicinal benefits ➔
o This breed is blessed with strong immunity.
o The milk of the Badri cow contains almost 90% A2 beta-casein proteins – and is one of the highest in any
indigenous varieties.
o Antioxidants in pure desi ghee help the body better absorb vitamins and minerals, thus boosting immunity.
o Butyric acid in Badri cow ghee helps strengthen immunity by increasing T-cell production in the gut which
helps fight against allergens.
13. Ajinomoto
Why in News?
The Delhi High Court has halted the release of a film titled ‘Ajinomoto’, after a Japan-based seasoning manufacturer
claimed infringement of its 113-year-old registered trademark ‘AJI-NO-MOTO’.
About
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Ajinomoto is the trade name for Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), used as a taste enhancer in food.
The trademark “AJI-NO-MOTO” in Japanese characters was first registered in Japan in the year 1909 and
subsequently, in English characters in 1964.
The makers first entered the Indian market in 1954 with its MSG product bearing Plaintiff’s trademark.
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Since then, it is a household name in the Indian market and the AJI-NO-MOTO trademark is directly associated with
the Japanese manufacturer.
👉 Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
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Monosodium glutamate(MSG), also known as sodium glutamate, is the sodium salt of glutamic acid.
MSG is found naturally in some foods including tomatoes and cheese in this glutamic acid form. It is also used in
cooking as a flavour enhancer that intensifies the meaty, savoury flavour of food.
The U.S Food and Drug Administration has given MSG as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) designation. It is a
popular belief that MSG can cause headaches and other feelings of discomfort, known as “Chinese restaurant
syndrome”.
14. Tramjatra (tram’s journey)
Why in News?
The Tramjatra is a travelling carnival to celebrate 150 years of Kolkata’s iconic tram.
About
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Purpose ➔ It seeks to educate the younger generation about climate change, air pollution and sustainable
development.
It will also call upon the West Bengal government to preserve the historic mode of transport.
It is a moving tram carnival that was started back in 1996 jointly by enthusiasts from Melbourne and Kolkata.
At the time, Kolkata, the only Indian city where the tram still runs, was home to about two dozen routes. Today, the
number of routes that remain operational has shrunk to just two.
The theme of the 2023 Tramjatra will be Heritage, Clean Air and Green Mobility.
15. World Restoration Flagship: Ganga Project
Why in News?
Ganga Project is recognised by the United Nations for their role in restoring the river.
About
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Clean Ganga is an ambitious project that aims to improve the health of the Ganga.
Restoring the health of the Ganges brings a wide range of benefits to the 520 million people living around its vast
basin.
Namami Gange ➔ The government-led Namami Gange initiative was launched in 2014.
The initiative is rejuvenating, protecting and conserving the Ganges and its tributaries, reforesting parts of the
Ganges basin and promoting sustainable farming.
It also aims to revive key wildlife species, including river dolphins, softshell turtles, otters, and the hilsa shad fish.
👉 World Restoration Flagships
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The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a global movement coordinated by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Under UN Decade 10 pioneering initiatives that are restoring the natural world were declared World Restoration
Flagships.
The selected flagships are eligible to receive UN-backed promotion, advice or funding.
16. Krishi Decision Support System
Why in News?
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The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Space signed a MoU to develop a Krishi-Decision Support System
(Krishi-DSS).
About
•
•
•
•
•
Developed by ➔ Krishi–DSS is a Decision Support developed by the Union Agricultural Ministry on the lines of Gati
Shakti.
The Krishi-DSS will be developed using geospatial technologies and related databases such as RISAT-1A and VEDAS.
The Krishi-DSS integrates systems of ICAR with MOSDAC and BHUVAN (Geo-platform) of ISRO.
Benefits ➔ This will enhance evidence based decision making capability of all the stakeholders in the agriculture
sector.
With this technological intervention the agricultural production, productivity, quality of production and including
export opportunities will increase.
17. Aeronomy
Why in News?
Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has taken initiatives for feasibility studies on missions to Venus as well as
aeronomy studies.
About Aeronomy
•
•
•
The term aeronomy was coined and introduced about 60 years ago.
It refers to the scientific study of the upper atmospheric regions of the Earth and other solar system bodies.
It covers the chemistry, dynamics and energy balance of both neutral and charged particles.
👉 ISRO’s mission to Venus
•
•
Shukrayaan-1 is a planned mission to Venus by ISRO to study the surface and atmosphere of Venus.
The mission is expected to be launched in 2024. The mission would include an orbiter and an atmospheric balloon
probe.
18. GLAAS Report
Why in News?
Recently, the Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) report was released.
About
•
•
•
Released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN-Water.
The GLAAS 2022 report compiles new data on drinking-Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) from 121 countries
and territories and 23 External Support Agencies(ESAs).
It serves as a global reference to inform commitments, priority-setting and actions during the second half of the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for the 2023 Conference for the Review of Implementation of the
United Nations Decade for Action on Water and Sanitation (2018–2028).
👉 Key findings
•
•
•
Human Resource for WASH Tasks ➔ Less than one-third of countries reported maintaining enough human
resources to manage essential Water, Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH) tasks.
Drinking water and Sanitation Targets ➔ 45% of countries are on track to meet their drinking-water coverage
targets, but only 25% are meeting their sanitation targets. More acceleration is needed to achieve national targets.
Inadequate resources ➔ While WASH budgets in some countries have increased, a significant portion — more than
75% of them — reported having inadequate resources to carry out their WASH plans and objectives.
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19. Ikki Jathre
Why in News?
A Kerala-based organisation, Thanal launched the Ikki Jathre or the Festival of Rice in tribal parlance whereby 300 climateresilient varieties of traditional rice were planted at Panavally, Wayanad.
About
•
•
•
•
Aim ➔ The initiative aims to sensitise people to the significance of conserving traditional crops that have the ability
to withstand harsh climatic conditions.
The festival also sets the stage for knowledge sharing and co-creation of knowledge between tribal farmers and
experts.
For the RDB, most of the varieties were collected from Kerala, Karnataka, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh,
Maharashtra and West Bengal.
Also, there are three traditional rice varieties from Vietnam and Thailand.
👉 Save Our Rice Campaign
•
•
•
Save our rice campaign is a people’s movement to protect the diverse rice cultures, knowledge, and ensure food
sovereignty.
In India, it started in 2004, and empowers communities build sustainable food security and livelihood.
Functions ➔
o Establishing community RDBs and seed banks, conserving and promoting indigenous varieties of paddy
seeds.
o Creating awareness about value of rice diversity among urban consumers.
o Facilitating adoption of agro-ecological farming in rice ecosystems, and encouraging farmers, states and
local governments to adopt indigenous seeds.
o Enabling active discussions in the media about indigenous seeds and agro ecological farming.
20. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Why in News?
Argentina won its third World Cup title by beating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
About
•
•
•
The Football World Cup is an international soccer tournament held every four years to determine the best national
soccer team in the world.
First FIFA WC ➔ Held in Uruguay in 1930, Won by Uruguay.
Trophy ➔
o The trophy cup awarded from 1930 to 1970 was the Jules Rimet Trophy, named for the Frenchman who
proposed the tournament.
o A new trophy called the FIFA World Cup was put up for competition in 1970.
👉 FIFA WC 2022
•
•
The tournament is the first to be held in the Arab world and only the second to take place in Asia, after Japan and
South Korea joint-hosted the event in 2002.
Awards ➔ FIFA announced a number of awards to recognize the great performance of players throughout the WC
including
o Golden Boot (Most number of Goals) - Kylian Mbappe (France)
o Golden Glove - Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
o Golden Ball (Performer of the Tournament) - Lionel Messi (Argentina)
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•
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o Young Player - Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
o FIFA Fair Play Award – England.
FIFA WC Official Ball ➔
o Al Rihla (means - ‘the journey’) - a reference to a travelogue written by Ibn Battuta, the 14th-century
explorer.
o Al Rihla is the first World Cup ball to be made exclusively with water-based inks and glues.
o Al Rihla was to be used in the event until the quarterfinals, Al Hilm' replaced Al Rihla FIFA WC 2022 semifinals and final.
Official Mascot ➔
o La’eeb was the Official Mascot for FIFA WC 2022.
o ‘La’eeb’ in Arabic translates to ‘super-skilled player’.
21. Apricot Production in Ladakh
Why in News?
Ladakh got its first ever Geographical Indication (GI) Tag to its Raktsey Karpo Apricot.
About
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•
•
•
•
Ladakh is the biggest apricot producer in the country.
Ladakh Apricot is classified into two broad categories based on kernel taste and stone color. Fruits with bitter kernels
are called khante meaning bitter, while those with sweet kernels are called nyarmo meaning sweet.
They are further divided into two sub-groups based on seed stone color. Fruit with white seed stones is called
Raktsey Karpo while those with brown seed stones are called Raktsey Nakpo or Nyarmo (black seeded).
Ladakh Apricot is also being promoted under One District One Product for Kargil.
What is special about Raktsey Karpo Apricot? ➔
o Firstly, it is packed with vitamins, is low on calories and is rich in sorbitol – a natural glucose substitute that
can be consumed by diabetics.
o Secondly, the oil from its seed is known to relieve back aches and joint pain.
o Thirdly, it is grown organically as an individual on trees or in clusters without using any chemical fertilizers.
22. Hooch
Why in News?
The death toll crossed 60 in hooch tragedy in the Saran district of Bihar, where alcohol is prohibited.
About
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hooch is a commonly used term for poor quality alcohol.
The word is derived from Hoochinoo, a native Alaskan tribe that was known to produce very strong liquor.
Hooch is made in more crude settings without any quality control, unlike branded liquor which is produced in
factories with sophisticated equipment.
The incorrectly prepared hooch can kill the consumers.
Process hooch production ➔
o Fermentation – Heated yeast reacts with sugar (from grain, fruits, sugarcane, etc.) to ferment and produce
a mixture containing alcohol.
o Distillation - The alcohol is physically separating from the rest of the mixture using evaporation and
condensation.
o Repeated distillation is done in order to increase the alcohol content of the final product.
Adulterations ➔ With no temperature control, the process of distillation lacks the accuracy and the hooch is
watered down.
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•
•
•
Various adulterants are added to increase the potency of the liquor.
Some of the known ones include organic waste, battery acid, and industry grade methanol, all of which are highly
toxic.
Article 47 of the Indian Constitution ➔ The State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption
except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.
23. Oran Land
Why in News?
Villagers of Jaisalmer marched 225 kilometres to get sacred groves listed as ‘Oran land’.
About
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•
•
•
•
A huge area of Orans are listed as ‘wastelands’ in the revenue records and the villagers want recategorise the area
as ‘Oran land’ in records.
The Oran (sacred grove) is an oasis of life with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, and small water bodies.
Orans are community-conserved sacred spaces which serves as a grazing ground for camels, sheep and goats of
local herders.
Cutting of trees, is strictly prohibited by the locals but grazing of animals is permitted.
Significance ➔ Patches of jungle are preserved in the name of local deities or saints.
o Supports a variety of wildlife and they are hotspots of biodiversity.
o The Orans are among the last natural habitats of the great Indian bustard.
o The pastoral communities depend upon them for livelihood.
24. Joynagar Moa
Why in News?
The Joynagar Moa, the popular Bengal sweet got 10 year extension for its Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
About
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•
•
•
•
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•
Moa is a popular Bengal sweetmeat available only during the colder months of the year.
The moa is a popped-rice (khoi) ball held together with fresh date-palm jaggery, extracted only in the winter.
The popped rice is mixed with jaggery, sugar, cashew nuts and raisins.
The sweet’s history date back to 1904 and its manufacture is so synonymous with Joynagar, a settlement on the
outskirts of Kolkata.
The Joynagar Moa earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015 (till 2022) and now extended for another 10
years.
The high perishability of this GI tagged sweet has prevented it from being shipped abroad.
A packaging material to increase shelf life of Moa is being developed to improve Joynagar moa exports.
25. UNSC Resolution 2593
Why in News?
India reminded the Taliban about the UN Security Council Resolution 2593 that had called for upholding of women’s
rights in Afghanistan.
About
•
•
The India-led UNSC Resolution 2593 on Taliban was adopted by the United Nations Security Council in August 2021.
It condemned the attacks near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, by the Islamic State in
Khorasan Province, an entity affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh).
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The UNSC Resolution 2593 reiterates the importance of combating terrorism and terror financing in Afghanistan,
including those individuals and entities designated pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999).
It calls for strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
It reaffirms the importance of upholding human rights including those of women, children and minorities.
It wants all parties to seek an inclusive, negotiated political settlement, with the full and equal participation of
women, that would build on Afghanistan’s gains over the last 20 years in adherence to the rule of law.
This resolution expects that the Taliban facilitate safe, secure, and orderly passage for people wanting to leave
Afghanistan.
26. Dark Patterns
Why in News?
Recently, it is been found that some Internet ¬based firms have been tricking users into agreeing to certain conditions
or clicking a few links.
About
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What is it? ➔ It is a user interface that has been crafted to trick or manipulate users into making choices that are
detrimental to their interests.
Term ➔ The term 'Dark Patterns' was coined by user experience designer Harry Brignull in 2010.
Dark patterns endanger the experience of internet users and make them more vulnerable to financial and data
exploitation by BigTech firms.
Dark patterns confuse users, introduce online obstacles, make simple tasks time-consuming, have users sign up for
unwanted services or products and force them to pay more money or share more personal information than they
intended.
In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken note of dark patterns and the risks they pose. In a report
released in September, 2022, the regulatory body listed over 30 dark patterns.
The FTC report outlined its legal action against Amazon in 2014, for a supposedly free children’s app that fooled its
young users into making in-app purchases that their parents had to pay later for.
Types of dark patterns ➔ In India, The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has recognised four dark
patterns and these are the proposed areas of extension to the ASCI code on misleading ads.
o Drip pricing: It is a pattern when the total price is only revealed at the very end of the buying process.
o Bait and switch: It is a pattern that occurs when a user takes an action expecting one outcome, but instead
is served an outcome they didn't want.
o False urgency: It is a dark pattern that refers to misleading information on quantities of a particular
product.
o Disguised advertising: It is a pattern when an advertisement mimics editorial content.
27. National Mobile Monitoring System
Why in News?
Digitally capturing the attendance of workers employed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (MGREGS) has been made universal by the Centre from January 1, 2023.
About
•
•
•
•
The Union government started a pilot project to digitally capture attendance of MGNREGS workers in May 2021.
It was done through a mobile application called the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS).
Capturing attendance via NMMS app was made compulsory for all worksites with 20 or more workers in the pilot.
Procedure ➔ The mates or supervisors capture the digital attendance.
o This requires uploading two time-stamped and geotagged photographs of the workers.
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Advantages ➔ The NMMS app ensures transparency and accountability of the scheme.
o The NMMS App allows real time attendance of workers at MGNREGA worksites along with geo-tagged
photograph.
28. Trademark
Why in News?
On December 21, 2022 the Delhi High Court, in the case of Hamdard National Foundation (India) vs Sadar Laboratories
Pvt. Ltd., restrained Sadar Laboratories from manufacturing and selling beverages under the impugned trademark ‘Dil
Afza’. The court observed that the trademark ‘Rooh Afza’ is prima facie a strong mark requiring a high degree of
protection as it has acquired immense goodwill.
About
•
•
•
•
•
•
A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other
enterprises. Trademarks are protected by Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
In India, trademarks are governed by the Trademarks Act 1999, which was amended in 2010.
It serves as a badge of origin exclusively identifying a particular business as a source of goods or services.
Trademark infringement is the unauthorised usage of a sign that is identical or deceptively similar to a registered
trademark.
A mark is said to be strong when it is well-known and has acquired a high degree of goodwill.
The degree of the protection of any trademark changes with the strength of the mark; the stronger the mark, the
higher the requirement to protect it.
29. E-sports
Why in News?
President of India amended the regulations governing eSports and requested that the Sports Ministry and the Ministry
of Electronics and Information Technology include "eSports in multi-sport events.".
About
•
•
•
According to a gazette notification, E-Sports will now be a part of the “multisports event” category in India. E-Sports
will be taken care of by Department of Sports under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Meanwhile, 'Online
Gaming' will be under MEITY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology).
E-Sports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games.
Recognition of E-Sport as a Sport ➔
o By now, countries such as the US, Finland, and even the somewhat reticent Germany have acknowledged
esports as a sport.
o The very first few nations (along with South Korea) to recognise esports as a sport were China and South
Africa. Russia, Italy, Denmark, and Nepal have also joined.
o Ukraine officially recognized esports as a sport in September of 2020.
30. H9N2 Vaccine
Why in News?
Scientists have recently developed the ‘Inactivated low pathogenic avian influenza (H9N2) vaccine for chicken.
About
•
•
It is the first indigenous vaccine for the H9N2 virus.
The vaccine will contribute significantly to increasing the income of poultry farmers by reducing the economic loss
due to the disease.
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The vaccine will meet the standard of the market both in India and abroad.
👉 H9N2 influenza
•
•
H9N2 was considered to be a low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (AIV) because it causes mild clinical disease.
Poultry infected with H9N2 are important incubators for novel emerging pandemic AIVs.
H9N2 viruses resort to a variety of other subtypes to form novel influenza virus genotypes. Moreover, H9N2 viruses
were reported to have evolutionary human-like receptor identities. Hence, they have adapted to bind mammalian
host receptors, which led to an increase in human susceptibility.
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Quick revision (True/False)
1
Nai Chetna-Pahal Badlav Ki Campaign -> ensuring free, quality and inclusive
education for all children.
2
SHAKTI Policy -> provides coal linkages to power plants.
3
Wet Leasing of Aircraft -> means renting the plane along with the operating crew
and engineers.
4
Semi-Automated Offside Technology -> Used in gene editing.
5
Hornbill Festival -> Andhra Pradesh.
6
Great Indian Bustard -> Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
7
Maternal Mortality Ratio -> defined as the number of maternal deaths during a
given time period per 100,000 live births.
8
Binturong -> Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II.
9
Exercise Agni Warrior -> bilateral exercise between the French & Indian Army.
10
Digi Yatra -> implemented by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
11
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) -> Non-statutory body of Ministry
of Women & Child Development, Government of India.
12
Intangible Cultural Heritage -> established in the year 2008.
13
Durga Puja -> Kolkata.
14
Divya Kala Mela -> Organized by Ministry of Culture.
15
Wormhole -> is like a tunnel between two distant points in our universe that cuts
the travel time from one point to the other.
16
Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha -> Established the Ahom kingdom in the 13th
century.
17
Kanger Valley National Park -> Uttarakhand.
18
Just Energy Transition Partnership -> India signed the JETP with G7.
19
Mount Semeru Volcano -> located in Japan.
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20
China-Indian Ocean Region Forum -> Organized by China International
Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
21
Jagdish Chandra Bose -> Bose discovered wireless communication.
22
The first drone station -> Bengaluru.
23
Paris Club -> India is a member of the club.
24
Vizhinjam Port -> port is being built by Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited.
25
Comprehensive Accessibility Audit -> Committee will be chaired by Comptroller
and Auditor General of India.
26
Sri Venkateswara temple -> Constructed in Nagara architecture.
27
National Bamboo Mission (NBM) -> centrally sponsored scheme.
28
ChatGPT -> developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Mohali.
29
The eSanjeevani Initiative -> is a web-based comprehensive telemedicine
solution.
30
Square Kilometre Array -> constructed at radio-quiet sites in South Africa and
Australia.
31
Human Capital Index -> Released by World Economic Forum.
32
The International Labour Organization -> created in 1944.
33
Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary -> Arunachal Pradesh.
34
Kumbhalgarh Fort -> built in the 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha.
35
Indian Institute of Remote Sensing(IIRS) -> is a unit of the Indian Space Research
Organisation(ISRO).
36
Ranganath Mishra Commission -> Examination of Policy framework relating to
welfare, safety, skill development and empowerment of women.
37
Cyclone -> air circulates in a clockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere.
38
National Party -> It is ‘recognised’ as state party in four or more states.
39
Cactus -> benefits of its usage for biofuel, food, fodder and biofertilizer
production.
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40
Jallikattu -> Rajasthan.
41
Atacama Desert -> is a desert on the African continent.
42
Meizotropis pellita -> IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
43
Rashid -> It is the Japan’s first moon rover.
44
Badri Cow -> is a native cow species of Haryana.
45
Sri Aurobindo -> he started the weekly English journal titled Dharma.
46
Which state receives rainfall due to western disturbances -> Tamil Nadu.
47
Environment Education, Awareness and Training (EEAT) -> is Centrally Sponsored
Scheme.
48
Kochi-Muziris Biennale -> is an international exhibition of contemporary art held
in the city of Kochi in Kerala.
49
Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas/ Minorities (SPEMM) ->
implemented by Ministry of Minority Affairs.
50
Base Editing -> allows scientists to zoom to a precise part of the genetic code and
then alter the molecular structure of just one base.
51
Tawang sector -> Sikkim.
52
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana -> is Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
53
District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRC) -> To facilitate comprehensive
services to Persons with Disabilities in rural areas.
54
Alzheimer’s Disease -> is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly
affects the lungs.
55
Public Financial Management System -> developed by Niti Aayog.
56
Krishi Decision Support System -> developed by the Union Agricultural Ministry
on the lines of Gati Shakti.
57
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) -> 5 permanent members known as P5,
including United Kingdom, China, France, Russia and the US.
58
Public Accounts Committee -> All the 22 members are from LokSabha only.
59
Agni-V -> It is a surface-to-air Nuclear Capable Ballistic missile.
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60
Surya Kiran XVI -> an Indo-French joint army training exercise.
61
PM Virasat Ka Samvardhan -> Central-sector scheme under Ministry of Culture.
62
Shukrayaan-1 -> Planned mission to Venus by ISRO.
66
GLAAS Report -> Released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNWater.
67
Group of Friends -> a strategic grouping to reduce Chinese domination.
68
SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) -> developed by ISRO.
69
Indian Historical Records Committee (IHRC) -> Headed by the Union Minister of
Culture.
70
Tal Chhapar Sanctuary -> Odisha.
71
Hattis community -> Hatti homeland straddles the Himachal-Uttarakhand border.
72
INS Mormugao -> Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
73
Hanukkah -> Jewish Festival of Lights.
74
Apricot -> Ladakh is the biggest apricot producer in the country.
75
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) -> Consists of 24 member States.
76
FIFA WC 2022 -> first to be held in the Asia.
77
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework -> agreement is legally
binding.
78
National Testing House (NTH) -> functioning as a subordinate office under
Department of Science and Technology.
79
District Mineral Foundation Scheme -> Protecting the interests of the persons
affected by mining operations.
80
INS Arnala -> offshore patrol vessel.
81
Social Progress Index -> Best-performing States/UT - Chandigarh.
82
Consolidated Fund of India -> money can be withdrawn from this fund without
the Parliament's approval.
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83
Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats(IDWH) Scheme -> is a Centrally
Sponsored Scheme started in 2008-09.
84
Nai Roshni Scheme -> is a Scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development.
85
Vainu Bappu Observatory -> in Hanle, Ladakh.
86
Gulf of Aden -> Strait of Hormuz connect the Gulf of Aden with the Red sea.
87
ECONARIO -> is a large, data-driven robotic plant.
88
Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill -> bill will not apply on the high seas.
89
Saare jahan se achcha Hindustan hamara -> Written by Rabindranath Tagore.
90
Battle of Wandiwash -> was fought between the English and Dutch armies in
Bengal India.
91
Gram Nyayalayas -> Can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases.
92
Article 200 -> Prescribe timeline of 6 months for the Governor to provide assent
to Bills sent by the Legislative Assembly.
93
Pralay Missile -> Cruise missile.
94
Polar Bear -> IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
95
Asian Development Bank -> Headquarters: Beijing, China.
96
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) -> works under the
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
97
Online Gaming -> under Sports Ministry.
98
City Finance Rankings -> Launched by Niti Aayog.
99
Queen Ahilyabai Holkar -> She was a contemporary to Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi.
100
Triple Test Survey -> The Vikas Kishanrao Gawali vs. State of Maharashtra case is
associated with triple test survey.
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