PRELIMS QUICK REVISION
Part 3
16th Apr – 20th May 2024
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE(3-9)
National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
(NCDRC)
Spices Board India
Survey of India
Commission on Population and Development
Section 144 of CrPC
Diplomatic Passports
Indelible Ink
DigiLocker
Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) Scheme
Rules on Contesting from Multiple Seats
National Career Service Portal
2024 World Press Freedom Index
'Eggshell Skull' Rule
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS(10-12)
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)
Chabahar Port
India’s Trading Partners
United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)
ECONOMY(13-19)
Imported Inflation
Increase in Participatory Notes
Safeguard Measures
Organization (WTO)
Under
World
Trade
Non-Market Economy
IREDA gets Navratna status
IMF's Stand-By Arrangement
Rise in Cocoa prices
Paradox of Thrift
Foot Rot Disease
Front Running
India VIX
GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)
Sachetisation of F&O trade
ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY(20-25)
Long Period Average Rainfall
Green Taxonomy
Salas y Gómez Region
Baseflow in Rivers
Ringwoodite
Blood Minerals
Ross Ice Shelf
Catatumbo Lightning
Paro Statement
Indian Ocean Dipole
Dooars
Armoured Sailfin Catfish (ASC)
Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)
NO2 Pollution
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY(26-35)
Gaia-BH3
Dragonfly Mission
Tachyons
New Large Language Models (LLMs)
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Bitcoin Halving
TacticAI
Biomarkers
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Voyager Spacecrafts
Salmonella Bacteria
Pink Hydrogen
Oxytocin
Nephrotic Syndrome
Chloropocrin
Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS)
Goldene
Raman Spectroscopy
Liquid Nitrogen
Semi Cryogenic Pre-Burner Ignition Test Article
(PITA)
Biohacking
AlphaFold 3
China's High Energy Photon Source (HEPS)
DEFENCE AND SECURITY(36-38)
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
GPS Spoofing
Test Firing of Crystal Maze 2 Missile by Indian Air
Force (IAF)
DRDO's DURGA-2 System
SMART
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
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POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)
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The NCDRC is a quasi-judicial commission established in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.
The provisions of this act cover ‘goods’ as well as ‘services’
Its primary mandate is to provide inexpensive, speedy, and summary redressal of consumer disputes.
The NCDRC is headquartered in New Delhi and is headed by a sitting or a retired Judge of the Supreme Court
or a sitting or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court.
The NCDRC has jurisdiction to entertain complaints valued more than Rupees two crore and also has
appellate and revisional jurisdiction from the orders of State Commissions or the District Commissions.
Who Can File a Complaint?
o A consumer
o Any voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act 1956
o The Central Government or any State Government
o One or more consumers where there are numerous consumers.
Appeal: Any person aggrieved by an order of NCDRC may prefer an appeal against such an order to the
Supreme Court within a period of 30 days
Survey of India
Aspect
Details
Role
National Survey and Mapping Organization under the Department of Science and Technology
Establishment
Founded in 1767 during India's British rule, making it the oldest scientific department under
the Government of India
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Functions
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Responsibilities
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Utilizes cutting-edge technology tailored for defense, planning, and scientific applications in
geo-sciences, land management, and resource management
Provides expert advice to government ministries and undertakings on sensitive matters like
border settlement and underdeveloped area development
Assists in scientific programs related to geophysics, remote sensing, and digital data
transfers
Serves as an advisor to the Government of India on all survey matters, including geodesy,
photogrammetry, mapping, and map reproduction
In its assigned role as the nation's principal mapping agency, SoI bears a special responsibility
to ensure that the country's domain is explored and mapped suitably to provide base maps
for expeditious and integrated development.
Its expert advice is being utilized by various ministries and undertakings of the Govt. of India
in many sensitive areas, including the settlement of international borders, state boundaries
and in assisting planned development of hitherto under developed areas.
It acts as an adviser to the Govt. of India on all survey matters, viz Geodesy, Photogrammetry,
Mapping, and Map Reproduction.
It Surveys for developmental projects including forests, cantonments, large scale city
surveys, guide maps, cadastral surveys, etc.
Demarcation of the External Boundaries of India, their depiction on maps published in the
country, and also advice on the demarcation of inter-state boundaries.
Research and Development in Cartography, Printing, Geodesy, Photogrammetry,
Topographic Surveys, and Indigenisation.
Prediction of tides at 44 ports, including 14 foreign ports and publication of Tide Tables one
year in advance to support navigational activities
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Section 144 of CrPC
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Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) grants authority to the Executive Magistrate of any state
or territory to issue orders prohibiting the assembly of four or more people in a specified area.
This section is imposed in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger of some event that has the
potential to cause trouble or damage to human life or property.
Anyone participating in such an 'unlawful assembly' can be charged with rioting under the law.
Additionally, carrying any weapons in the restricted area is prohibited, with violators subject to detention and
a maximum punishment of three years.
Under a Section 144 order, public movement can be restricted, educational institutions remain closed, and
holding public meetings or rallies can be prohibited.
Obstructing law enforcement from dispersing an unlawful assembly is also punishable. Authorities are
empowered to block internet access and prohibit certain events that would otherwise be allowed during
normal times.
The duration of a Section 144 order is limited to two months initially, but the state government can extend
it for two additional months, up to a maximum of six months.
Additionally, it can be withdrawn at any point of time if the situation becomes normal.
Indelible Ink
With Lok Sabha elections approaching, the ubiquitous symbol of Indian polls emerges: a left-hand sporting only
an extended index finger, marked by purple-black indelible ink.
About Indelible Ink
Composition
Contains silver nitrate, a colourless compound visible under ultraviolet light, sunlight
Higher concentration of silver nitrate results in superior ink quality.
Durability
Resistant to soap, liquids, and detergents for up to 72 hours post-application.
Drying
Water-based ink with a solvent like alcohol for faster drying.
First
Manufacturer
Initially produced by the government's Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) at
the request of Election Commission
Manufacturer
Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd. has been licensed to produce the ink since 1962.
Export
Exported to over 25 countries including Canada, Ghana, and Malaysia.
Legal Mention
The Representation of the People Act (RPA) of 1951 addresses the use of indelible ink, with
Section 61 specifying rules for marking voters with it before ballot paper delivery at polling
stations.
Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) Scheme
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Established in 1997, RAN provides one-time financial aid to patients living below poverty line suffering from
life-threatening illnesses like heart diseases, kidney ailments, liver disorders, and cancer.
It is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Components of RAN Umbrella Scheme
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Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN): Offers financial support to patients needing treatment for life-threatening
diseases at Government hospitals with Super Specialty facilities (maximum assistance: Rs. 15 lakhs).
Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF): Provides financial aid for cancer treatment at designated
centers (maximum assistance: Rs. 15 lakhs).
Financial Aid for Rare Diseases: Offers financial assistance for specified rare diseases treatment at Super
Specialty Government facilities (maximum assistance: Rs. 20 lakhs).
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National Career Service Portal
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The Centre intends to modernize the nine-year-old National Career Service (NCS) portal to connect millions of
young individuals with potential employers.
The portal offers online career counseling and vocational guidance services to registered users, facilitating
informed career decisions based on qualifications, skills, and interests.
It serves as a nationwide platform for job seekers and employers to match dynamically, efficiently, and
responsively. Additionally, it houses a repository of career-related content.
National Career Service Initiative
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Launched in 2015, the National Career Service is a mission-mode project under the E-Governance Plan.
It aims to bridge the gap between job seekers, employers, training seekers, career guidance seekers, and
training and counseling agencies.
The initiative provides various services including job matching, career counseling, job notifications, vocational
guidance, and information on skill development courses and internships.
Focus Areas: The initiative focuses on enhancing career and employment opportunities, providing counseling
and guidance for career development, promoting decent employment, increasing female labor force
participation, and encouraging entrepreneurial endeavors.
Nodal Agency: Directorate General of Employment, Ministry of Labour & Employment.
Spices Board India
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It is the statutory organization constituted in 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986.
It was formed with the merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council.
The Board functions as an international link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad and it
has been involved in various activities which touch upon every segment of the spices sector.
Main functions:
o Overall development of cardamom in terms of improving production, productivity and quality.
o Implements post-harvest improvement programmes for improving quality of the 52 scheduled spices for
export.
o Export Oriented Production: various development programmes and post-harvest quality improvement
programmes
o Promotion of organic production, processing and certification of spices
o Development of spices in the North East
o Provision of quality evaluation services
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
'Eggshell Skull' Rule
The Supreme Court rectified a discrepancy in the application of the 'eggshell skull' legal principle by both state
and central consumer courts. In a medical negligence case, they reinstated the compensation of Rs 5 lakhs initially
awarded by the district consumer forum.
About 'Eggshell Skull' Rule
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The 'Eggshell Skull' Rule, also known as the thin skull rule is a legal principle applied in civil litigation. It ensures
that victims receive full compensation for all injuries, even those intensified by pre-existing conditions
unknown to the offender.
It dictates that individuals shouldn't suffer due to their unique vulnerabilities, regardless of whether those
vulnerabilities make them more susceptible to harm.
This principle is rooted in common law and applied in civil litigation.
This doctrine's name originates from a hypothetical scenario where a person with a fragile skull, likened to an
eggshell, sustains a head injury. Its precedent dates back to the 1891 Vosburg v. Putney case in Wisconsin, US.
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Here, the court ruled that a kick from Putney to Vosburg, unknowingly aggravating a prior injury, constituted
an "unlawful act" resulting in compensation.
Application of Rule
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The eggshell skull rule, despite its name, is applied across various domains to ensure fairness and justice.
It allows for claiming increased compensation for a range of injuries, encompassing physical, emotional, and
psychological harm resulting from a defendant's actions that exacerbated a victim's existing vulnerability.
Not Applicable to Unrelated Pre-Existing Injury: However, this rule does not extend to compensating for
injuries that are unrelated to the pre-existing condition of the victim.
Commission on Population and Development
The 57th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD 57) saw participation from elected
women representatives (EWRs) of India's Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) in a side event titled "Localizing the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Women in Local Governance in India Lead the Way."
About Commission on Population and Development
Establishment
Established in 1946 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Purpose
Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the
International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) at national, regional,
and international levels; advise ECOSOC accordingly
Renaming
Initially named as ‘Population Commission’, Renamed as the Commission on Population
and Development by the General Assembly in 1994
Membership
Comprises 47 Member States elected by ECOSOC. India is a member (till 2025)
Term
Four-year term
Selection
Criteria
Based on geographic distribution
International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) (Cairo, 1994)
Agenda
Prioritize human dignity and rights in sustainable development
Programme of
Action
Adopted by 179 governments
Emphasis
Inclusive development, human rights (including reproductive rights), empowerment of
women and girls, addressing inequalities
Additional Information
In 2023, Bhopal (City of Lakes) became the first city in India to localize the United Nations' SDGs. The city launched
An Agenda for Action: Sustainable Urban Transformation in Bhopal, India's first city-level Voluntary Local Review
(VLR), in partnership with UN Habitat. The VLR allows cities to choose specific SDGs for review and adapt national
indicators to reflect local realities.
Diplomatic Passports
In a recent case, a MP travelled to Germany without prior parliamentary clearance using Diplomatic Passport.
What is a Diplomatic Passport?
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A Diplomatic Passport, also known as a 'Type D' passport, is issued by the Consular, Passport & Visa (CPV)
Division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to individuals falling into five broad categories:
o Those with diplomatic status.
o Government-appointed individuals traveling abroad for official business.
o Officers working under branches A and B of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), typically at the rank of Joint
Secretary and above.
o Relatives and immediate family members of officers employed in IFS and MEA.
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"Select individuals authorized to undertake official travel on behalf of the government," including Union
Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) who frequently represent the government abroad.
Diplomatic passports differ from normal passports primarily in appearance and validity:
o Normal passports have dark blue covers and are valid for 10 years for adults, whereas diplomatic
passports have maroon covers and are valid for five years or less.
o In the case of MPs, validity is concurrent with their term.
Diplomatic passport holders are typically permitted to stay in a foreign country for a period ranging from 30
to 90 days, depending on the specific regulations of each country.
Benefits of Diplomatic Passports
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Diplomatic passport holders enjoy various privileges and immunities not afforded to ordinary passport
holders.
These include immunity from arrest, detention, and certain legal proceedings in the host country.
Additionally, their immigration formalities are expedited upon arrival, and they may not require a visa note
from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) if traveling to one of the 34 nations with which India has Visa
Exemption Agreements, such as Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Kenya, Japan, and Iran. These agreements
operate on a reciprocal basis.
Moreover, India and Moldova recently signed an agreement on visa waivers for diplomatic and official
passport holders. India also has similar agreements with 99 other countries, including Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt,
Hong Kong, Oman, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, allowing diplomatic, service, and official passport
holders to avail operational visa exemption for stays of up to 90 days.
International Laws Pertaining to Diplomatic Passports
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, establishes the framework for diplomatic relations
between countries and outlines the privileges diplomats enjoy in host countries.
Type
Colour
Validity
Description
Blue
10 years for
adults, 5 for
minors
Issued to Indian citizens for personal travel purposes,
typically for those who have completed their education
beyond the 10th grade.
White
10 years for
adults, 5 for
minors
Issued to government officials excluding diplomatic or
consular officials for official purposes.
Emigration
Passport
Orange
10 years for
adults, 5 for
minors
Provided to Indian citizens seeking overseas employment
who have not completed their formal education.
Diplomatic
Passport
Maroon
5 years
Exclusively issued to diplomats, consular officers, and other
high-ranking government officials representing India abroad,
granting various privileges and immunities.
Others (Tibetan
Refugee
Passport)
Yellow
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Issued to Tibetans seeking refugee status in India as their
identity card.
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10 years for
adults, 5 for
minors
A digital version of ordinary (blue) passports equipped with
an electronic chip containing biometric information such as
fingerprints and iris data, alongside traditional personal
details. Aims to streamline immigration processes and
enhance security.
Ordinary
Passport
Service Passport
E-Passports
Additional Information: According to the Henley Passport Index for 2024, the Indian passport holds the 80th
position among the world's most powerful passports. Holders of the Indian passport enjoy visa-free access to 62
countries out of the 199 countries considered in the index.
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DigiLocker
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DigiLocker, cloud-based storage platform, is a flagship initiative of
the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) under the Digital India
program. It was launched in 2015.
DigiLocker is developed by National e-Governance Division
(NeGD).
Objective: To promote a paperless environment and facilitate the
seamless sharing of e-documents among institutions and
organizations while allowing them to verify the ‘authenticity’ of
the documents online.
Rule 9A of the Information Technology (Preservation and
Retention of Information by Intermediaries providing Digi Locker
Facilities) Rules, 2016, provides that issued documents in the Digi
Locker system are to be regarded on par with original physical
documents.
For instance, when applying for a new passport, the Passport Seva
portal now allows applicants to share their Digi Locker uploaded
documents, thus facilitating a seamless application experience.
Role of National e-Governance
Division (NeGD)
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Established in 2009 by MeitY, the
National e-Governance Division
(NeGD) is an Independent
Business Division under the Digital
India
Corporation
(formerly
Media Lab Asia).
It manages various National Public
Digital
Platforms,
including
DigiLocker, UMANG, Poshan
Tracker, Academic Bank of Credits,
National Academic Depositories,
and National AI Portal.
Benefits
For Users
• Access to important documents anytime, anywhere, reducing
the need to carry physical documents.
• Legally equivalent e-verified documents.
• Consent-based sharing of digital documents.
• Faster service delivery in various sectors such as Govt Benefits,
Employment, Financial Inclusion, Education, and Health.
For Organizations
• Reduction of administrative costs
through a paperless process.
• Shortened verification process with
e-verified documents.
• Real-time retrieval of issued
documents from the issuing agency.
Security Measures
DigiLocker employs standard security features, including:
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2048 Bit RSA SSL encryption for secure communication.
Multi-factor authentication (OTP verification).
Consent systems and timed logouts.
Regular security audits.
None of its data is shared with third parties and data is encrypted in transit.
Rules on Contesting from Multiple Seats
Recently, the question around dual candidature arose when an MP candidate filed his nomination from Uttar
Pradesh after contesting from Kerala.
How Many Seats Can a Candidate Contest from?
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According to Section 33(7) of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951, a candidate can contest
elections from up to two constituencies. However, if elected from both, the candidate is permitted to hold
only one seat at a time, as outlined in Section 70 of the RPA.
This section was amended in 1996. Prior to this, there were no restrictions on the number of constituencies
from which a candidate could contest.
There have been recommendations by both the Election Commission of India and the Law Commission to
amend the RPA, advocating for candidates to contest from only one seat, considering a person cannot hold
two seats simultaneously.
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Additionally, it's suggested that such candidates should be voters in the specific state they seek to contest
assembly polls from.
Presently, to contest in a Lok Sabha election, a candidate can be registered as a voter in any constituency
across the country and can contest from any seat in India, except for autonomous districts of Assam,
Lakshadweep, and Sikkim.
Prerequisites for Contesting Elections:
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Candidates must be at least 25 years old to contest Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
They must be Indian citizens, registered as valid voters in any constituency.
They must not have been convicted of any offence punishable by more than two years.
There is no minimum educational qualification needed.
When Can a Candidate Not Contest Elections?
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A candidate shall be disqualified from being chosen or being a member of either House if they:
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Hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any State government.
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Are declared of unsound mind by a competent court.
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Are an undischarged insolvent.
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Are not Indian citizens or have voluntarily acquired citizenship of a foreign state.
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Are convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment of 2 years or more, as per Sec 8 of the RPA.
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Are out on bail, post-conviction, with a pending appeal for disposal. If the conviction is stayed, the
candidate can contest elections.
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Are convicted of serious offences like dowry, rape, murder, irrespective of the punishment.
2024 World Press Freedom Index
In the recently published 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), India's ranking
improved from 161 in 2023 to 159 out of 180 countries. However, its score decreased from 36.62 to 31.28.
About Reporters Without Borders
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Reporters Without Borders is an international non-profit organization founded in 1985, headquartered in
Paris, dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of information.
The organization holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the
International Organization of the Francophonie.
Since 2002, Reporters Without Borders has been annually releasing the World Press Freedom Index, ranking
countries based on the freedom of journalism.
The index focuses solely on press freedom and does not assess the quality of journalism or broader human
rights violations.
It evaluates countries across five categories: political context, legal framework, economic context,
sociocultural context, and security.
Key Highlights of the 2024 World Press Freedom Index
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Best Countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden
Worst Countries: Eritrea (Bottom), Syria, Afghanistan
Best Region: Press freedom is "good" in all countries within Europe, especially those in the European Union,
which has adopted the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).
Worst Region: The Maghreb-Middle East region, followed by the Asia-Pacific region, where journalism is
stifled by authoritarian governments.
The United States is identified as the most concerning in terms of press freedoms, with its ranking
deteriorating from 45 to 55.
In Africa, although less than 10% of the region is in a "very serious" situation, almost half of the countries are
in a "difficult" situation.
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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)
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The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific, along with other environmental
organizations, has called on ASEAN to take decisive action against plastic pollution.
GAIA is a global alliance of over 1,000 grassroots groups, NGOs, and individuals in over 90 countries.
It aims to transition from a linear and extractive economy to a circular system that supports people's right
to a safe and healthy environment.
They envision a just, zero-waste world built on ecological limits and community rights, where people are
free from toxic pollution and resources are sustainably conserved.
This entails fighting pollution and building regenerative solutions in cities through local campaigns, shifts in
policy and finance, research and communication initiatives, and movement building
Their primary intervention points include incineration, zero waste, plastic, and climate.
What is Incineration?
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Incineration is the process of burning hazardous materials at high temperatures to eliminate contaminants.
This occurs in an incinerator, a specialized furnace with a combustion chamber.
Various hazardous materials, including soil, sludge, liquids, and gases, can be treated through incineration.
While effective at destroying chemicals like solvents, PCBs, and pesticides, incineration does not eliminate
metals such as lead and chromium.
Modern incinerators feature air pollution control devices like fabric filters, scrubbers, and electrostatic
precipitators to capture fly ash and remove gaseous contaminants.
Chabahar Port
India and Iran signed a long-term agreement covering Indian operations at the Chabahar port, eight years after
concluding the general framework of cooperation for the port in Iran.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
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Agreement signed: The long-term agreement was signed
between Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Port and
Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran, enabling operation of
the Shahid-Behesti terminal.
Funding: IPGL will invest approximately $120 million in
equipping the port. India has also offered a credit window
equivalent to $250 million for mutually identified projects
aimed at improving Chabahar-related infrastructure.
Chabahar Port
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Chabahar is an Iran’s first deep-water port in SistanBaluchistan province. It is the Iranian port that is the closest
to India.
It is located in in south-eastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman, providing easy and secure access for large cargo
ships.
The port is on western side of Iran's border with Pakistan, similar to Gwadar, a port developed by China in
Pakistan, is on the eastern side of that border.
An MoU for the development of the Chabahar port by India was signed in May 2015.
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International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
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The INSTC, which was initiated by Russia,
India, and Iran, is a multi-modal
transportation route envisaged to link the
Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to the
Caspian Sea via Iran, and onward to
northern Europe via St Petersburg in
Russia.
The INSTC envisages the movement of
goods:
o from Mumbai to Bandar Abbas in
Iran by sea;
o from Bandar Abbas to Bandar – eAnzali, an Iranian port on the
Caspian Sea, by road;
o from Bandar-e-Anzali to Astrakhan,
a Caspian port in the Russian Federation by ship across the Caspian Sea; and
o onward to other parts of the Russian Federation and Europe by rail
Hence, INSTC and Chabahar Port will complement each other for optimising Indian connectivity with Russia
and Eurasia.
India’s Trading Partners
China emerged as the largest trading partner of India in FY24, with a two-way commerce of $118.4 billion. The US
was narrowly overtaken by China, with India-US two-way trade at $118.3 billion.
India’s Trade Profile with China
Bilateral Trade
between India and
China
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Major Imports
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from China to India
Major Exports
from India to China
Trade Deficit with
China
Reasons for High
Trade Deficit
Bilateral trade with China in FY24 stood at $118.4 billion.
India's imports increased by 3.24% to $101.7 billion, while exports rose by 8.7% to
$16.67 billion compared to FY23.
Electrical and electronic equipment, engineering goods, chemicals, telecom
equipment, organic chemicals, fertilizers, plastics, textiles, among others.
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Engineering goods, agricultural and allied products, ores and minerals (copper,
aluminium), cotton, diamonds/natural gems, chemicals, petroleum & crude
products, etc.
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India's trade deficit with China expanded from USD 53.57 billion in FY2019 to
$85.09 billion in FY2024.
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Imports to fill the gap between domestic production and demand.
Export of raw materials (low cost) while importing finished goods (high cost).
Dependence of India's pharmaceutical industry on Chinese imports.
India’s Trade Partners
Trade with US
Trade with UAE
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India-US two-way trade in FY24 was $118.3 billion, with exports declining by 1.32%
to $77.5 billion and imports decreasing by 20% to $40.8 billion compared to FY23.
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UAE was the third-largest trading partner of India in FY24, with trade valued at
$83.6 billion.
Exports to UAE rose by 18.3% from $30.13 to $35.63 billion, while imports
increased substantially by 61.2% from $29.79 to $48.02 billion.
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Trade surplus of $0.34 billion in FY19 turned into a deficit of $12.39 billion by FY24
due to increased imports.
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India’s trade with Russia stands at $65.7 billion. India's exports to Russia increased
by 78.3% from $2.39 billion to $4.26 billion, while imports soared by 952% from
$5.84 billion to $61.44 billion in the last five years. Widening the trade deficit from
$3.45 billion to $57.18 billion.
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India’s trade with Saudi Arabia stands at $43.4 billion.
Exports to Saudi Arabia more than doubled, rising by 107.9% from $5.56 to $11.56
billion.
Imports from Saudi Arabia increased by 11.7% from $28.48 to $31.81 billion.
Trade with Russia
Trade with Saudi
Arabia
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United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)
Recently, a former Indian Army Officer, who was working with the UNDSS, was killed.
About United Nations Department of Safety and Security
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The UNDSS is a department of the United Nations that provides safety and security services for UN agencies
and departments as part of the UN Safety Management System.
UNDSS reports directly to the Secretary-General and is led by Under-Secretary-General Gilles Michaud from
Canada.
Mandate: UNDSS's mission is to enable United Nations system operations through trusted security
leadership and solutions, with the vision of "Security for the United Nations, for a better world".
Establishment:
o UNDSS was formally established on 1 January 2005, pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 59/276 in
December 2004.
o The resolution merged the security management component of the Office of the UN Security
Coordinator (UNSECOORD) and the Security and Safety Services (SSS).
Services
o Coordinating safety and security in the field for UN organizations
o Providing security at UN Offices Away from Headquarters
o Managing security at major UN conferences and events
o Analyzing threats and risks through the Security Risk Management process
o Supporting peacekeeping and regional sections
o Collaborating with NGOs through the Saving Lives Together framework
o Advising on physical security for UN premises
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ECONOMY
Imported Inflation
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Imported inflation refers to a general and sustained increase in prices resulting from higher costs of imported
goods and services. Imported inflation is also known as cost inflation.
This includes the price of raw materials as well as all other imported products or services utilized by
companies within a country.
Factors Causing Imported Inflation
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Exchange Rates: Currency depreciation raises import costs.
Commodity Prices: Global price hikes in essential imports like oil and metals increase domestic inflation.
Trade Policies: Changes in tariffs and quotas impact import costs.
Transportation Costs: Increase in fuel prices and logistics affect import prices.
Effects of Imported Inflation
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Higher Consumer Prices: Increased prices for consumer goods.
Increased Production Costs: Higher costs for businesses.
Exchange Rate Fluctuations: Currency value affects import prices.
Impact on Trade Balance: Potential trade deficits.
Safeguard Measures Under World Trade Organization (WTO)
India, along with Switzerland, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, and Russia, have expressed dissatisfaction with the
European Union's choice not to terminate its safeguard measure on specific steel imports following a review.
About Safeguard Measures
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Safeguard measures, as outlined in the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, are emergency actions taken by a
country to shield its domestic industries from significant harm caused by increased imports of particular
products.
Purpose: These measures, which may involve temporary import restrictions or duty increases, are
implemented to prevent or alleviate serious injury to domestic industries.
They are one of three types of contingent trade protection measures, along with anti-dumping and
countervailing measures, available to WTO members.
Unlike anti-dumping and countervailing measures, safeguard measures do not necessitate proof of unfair
practices. Instead, they are triggered when imports are deemed to cause or threaten significant harm to
domestic industries.
Key Principles of Safeguard Measures
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The agreement stipulates that safeguard measures must be temporary, non-selective and progressively
liberalized. And that the member imposing them (generally) must pay compensation to the members whose
trade is affected.
"Serious injury" is defined as a significant overall impairment to the position of a domestic industry, with
investigating authorities considering various factors to determine its presence.
IMF's Stand-By Arrangement
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The Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) provides short-term financial assistance to countries facing balance of
payments problems.
Historically, it has been the IMF lending instrument most used by advanced and emerging market countries.
Eligibility: All member countries facing actual or potential external financing needs. Most often used by
advanced and emerging market countries, but low-income countries sometimes use the SBA together with
the Standby Credit Facility (SCF).
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Conditionalities
o Countries must address the economic issues that led them to seek funding.
o Disbursements conditional on the observance of quantitative performance criteria.
o Progress in implementing structural measures is assessed holistically, including through benchmarks.
Duration of the assistance: Flexible. Typically covers a period of 12–24 months, but not more than 36 months.
Paradox of Thrift
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The paradox of thrift suggests that increased savings by individuals can lead to a decrease in overall savings
in an economy.
Popularized by John Maynard Keynes in "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money” it
believes that higher savings can harm the economy and that increasing consumer spending is essential for
growth.
In a nutshell, the theory implies that while saving is good for individuals, if everyone saves too much at the
same time, it can hurt the economy by reducing overall spending, leading to less economic activity and overall,
less economic growth. This is why it’s called the paradox of thrift—saving, which is normally good, can become
harmful when done excessively by everyone.
Keynesians recommend government measures, including increased spending, to boost consumer spending
during downturns.
Criticisms:
o Critics argue that more savings are not harmful and that reduced consumer spending does not decrease
investment. The paradox assumes that saved money is not lent out by banks to spur investment.
o They contend that lower consumer spending increases savings, which are then invested.
o Increased savings boost demand for production factors (land, labor, entrepreneurship, capital) due to
increased investment.
o Thus, reduced consumer demand is offset by higher production factor demand, maintaining aggregate
demand.
o Additionally, higher savings lead capitalists to invest more to meet future consumer demand.
Front Running
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The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved amendments to its mutual fund regulations
to establish an institutional mechanism to curb front-running and fraudulent transactions.
Front-running is the practice where a broker or trader buys or sells stocks or other financial assets based on
advance, non-public knowledge of an upcoming transaction that is expected to affect the asset's price
significantly.
In practical terms, if a broker knows that a large client order will affect a stock's price, they might buy or sell
shares of same stock for themselves before handling the client's order. This way, they can profit from the price
change caused by the client's trade.
Front-running is considered a form of market manipulation and insider trading because it involves exploiting
confidential information for personal gain.
Additional Information
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Insider trading refers to the practice of buying or selling a publicly traded company’s security based on
material, non-public information about the company.
An insider is typically a person who has access to confidential, price-sensitive information about a company
due to their position within the company or their relationship with company insiders.
The insider uses this privileged information to make a profit or avoid a loss before the information is made
public.
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GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)
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The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs has appointed Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra as the first
President of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), marking the start of the operationalization of the body
responsible for resolving GST-related disputes.
The GSTAT is an appellate authority established under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.
It is responsible to hear various appeals under the Central GST Act and the respective State/UTs GST Acts
against the orders of the first appellate authority.
The Tribunal consists of a Principal Bench and various State Benches. The Principal Bench has been notified
at New Delhi and 31 State Benches have been notified at various locations across the country.
The Principal Bench consists of the President, a judicial member and two technical members (one for the
Centre and one for the State).
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Increase in Participatory Notes
Investments through participatory notes in the Indian capital markets reached Rs 1.5 lakh crore at the end of
February 2023, making it the highest-level in nearly six years
Participatory Notes
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P-notes, or Participatory Notes, are issued by registered Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to overseas
investors who wish to invest in the Indian stock market without directly registering themselves. These
investors must still undergo a due diligence process.
Since P-notes are used outside India to invest in shares listed on the Indian stock market, they are also known
as Offshore Derivative Instruments (ODIs).
Essentially, P-notes are ODIs with underlying assets such as equity shares or debt securities.
FPIs registered with SEBI purchase India-based securities and then issue P-notes to foreign investors. Any
dividends or capital gains from these securities are passed back to the investors.
Although FPIs must report these investments to SEBI each quarter, they are not required to disclose the
identities of the actual investors.
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Advantages of P- Notes
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Time and Cost Saving: P-notes save investors time •
and money by bypassing complicated regulatory
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approvals.
Anonymity: They allow large hedge funds to
operate without disclosing the identity of the end
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beneficiaries.
Tax Saving: Some entities use P-notes to benefit
from favorable tax laws in certain countries.
Disadvantages of P-Notes
Regulatory Concerns: Indian regulators cannot
identify the owners of the underlying securities.
Illegal Money: There are allegations of illegal and
unaccounted money entering the country through
P-notes.
Black Money: Reports suggest that some Indians
use P-notes to round-trip black money back into
the economy.
Non-Market Economy
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Vietnam has been pushing the US administration to change its “non-market economy” classification to market
economy.
In total, the list includes 12 non-market economies such as Russia, China, and some countries which used to
be a part of the erstwhile Soviet Union.
Non-market Economies
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The US designates a country as a non-market economy based on several factors:
o If the country’s currency is convertible.
o If wage rates are determined by free bargaining between labour and management.
o If joint ventures or other foreign investment are allowed.
o Whether the means of production are owned by the state.
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o If the state controls the allocation of resources and price and output decisions.
o Other factors like human rights are also considered.
The non-market economy label allows the US to impose anti-dumping duties on goods imported from
designated countries.
o In international trade, dumping is when a country’s export prices are considered to be intentionally set
below domestic prices, which harms the industries in the importing country.
o Anti-dumping duties essentially compensate for the difference between the imported good’s export price
and their normal value.
The level of anti-dumping duties is determined using a third country as a reference, such as Bangladesh, which
is a market economy.
The US assesses the value of a product to be imported from a non-market economy like Vietnam based on
what it is worth in Bangladesh and then assumes that this is the supposed production cost to a Vietnamese
company.
The actual data from the Vietnamese company about their production costs are not considered.
IREDA Gets Navratna Status
• The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) was recently granted ‘Navratna’ status by the
Department of Public Enterprises.
• IREDA is a public-sector enterprise functioning under the administrative control of Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• It was established as a Non-Banking Financial Institution in 1987 for promoting, developing and extending
financial assistance for setting up projects related to new and renewable sources of energy and energy
efficiency/conservation.
• It has been notified as a ‘Public Financial Institution’ under the Companies Act, 1956 and registered as NonBanking Financial Company (NBFC) with RBI.
• Objectives of IREDA
o Financing renewable energy projects
o Supporting green power capacity
o Financing the setting up of solar manufacturing units
o Encourage the use of renewable energy to foster sustainable growth
Eligibility Criteria for Navratna status
• The Central Public-Sector Enterprises which are Miniratna I, Schedule ‘A’ and have obtained excellent or very
good MOU ratings in three of the last five years and have composite scores of 60 (out of a maximum score of
100) or above in the following six selected performance indicators:
o Net profit to Net Worth;
o Manpower cost to Total cost of production or cost of services;
o Profit Before Depreciation Interest and Tax (PBDIT) to Capital employed;
o Profit Before Interest and Tax (PBIT) to Turnover;
o Earnings Per Share (EPS)
o Inter sectoral performance
Benefits of Navratna status
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It grants enhanced delegation of powers, operational freedom, and financial autonomy, boosting the
company's progress.
Normally, a CPSE needs government approval to invest large sums in projects or deals.
Navratna companies can invest up to ₹1,000 crore without central government approval.
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•
They can also invest up to 15% of their net worth on a single project or 30% of their net worth annually, with
a cap of ₹1,000 crore.
Rise in Cocoa Prices
The price of cocoa beans, the most important raw material in chocolates, has skyrocketed, hitting a record $12,000
a tonnes in April, around four times last year’s price.
Cocoa Cultivation
• Cocoa is the dried and fully fermented fatty seed of the cacao tree from which chocolate is made.
• Cocoa plant or Cacao plant is a small (4 to 8 m height) evergreen tree. It can be grown up to 300 m above
mean sea level. It requires a minimum of 90-100 mm rainfall per month with an annual rainfall of 1500-2000
mm.
• The plants need equitable climate with well distributed rainfall. If dry periods are prolonged, irrigation
scheduling is necessary. The temperature range of 15°-39°C with optimum of 25°C is considered ideal.
• Cocoa requires deep and well drained soils. Majority of area under Cocoa cultivation is on clay loam and sandy
loam soil. It grows well in the pH range of 6.5 to 7.0.
• Cocoa evolved as an under-storey crop in the Amazonian forests. Thus, commercial cultivation of cocoa can
be taken up in plantations where 50 per cent of light is ideally available.
Cocoa in India
• In India, cocoa is best cultivated in arecanut & coconut gardens as an intercrop, where 30-50% sunlight
penetrates through their canopy, which can be intercepted by cocoa.
• It is cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
International Cocoa Organization (ICCO)
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The ICCO is an inter-governmental organization formed in 1973 under the United Nations. It operates within
the framework of successive International Cocoa Agreements.
The ICCO's headquarters is located in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
It was established to implement the first International Cocoa Agreement, negotiated in Geneva.
The ICCO has 51-member countries: 22 cocoa-exporting and 29 cocoa-importing. India is not a member.
These countries represent 86% of the world's cocoa exports and 72% of the world's cocoa imports.
All member countries are represented in the International Cocoa Council, the ICCO's main governing body.
Foot Rot Disease
The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has developed a biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum,
that will help Punjab farmers manage the deadly foot rot or bakanae disease that plagues the crops of Basmati
rice.
Foot Rot Disease
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Foot rot is a fungal disease that particularly affects Basmati rice crops during the seedling stage, but it can
also infect plants after transplantation if infected seedlings are used.
o Rice cultivation involves two stages: first, seeds are sown in a nursery bed where they sprout into
seedlings, which are then transplanted into prepared fields.
It is caused by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, a soil-seed borne pathogen which spreads the infection
through the root of the plant, and eventually leads to the colonisation of the stem base.
Infected seedlings first turn pale yellow, then elongate and dry up, and usually die.
The prevalence of foot rot in the Basmati crop reduces yields and threatens Punjab’s export prospects. In
some cases, farmers need to uproot their entire transplanted seedlings.
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Prevention
• To prevent and control foot rot disease, farmers employ several practices such as early seedling treatment,
using disease-free seeds, and removing infected seedlings.
• Effective seed nursery management is crucial, with experts recommending seed sowing in the first half of June
and transplantation in July to avoid the disease.
• Sowing in May is discouraged as the temperatures are high, which favour the spread of foot rot.
• Well-drained fields with proper irrigation are essential for setting up the nursery to prevent the disease from
spreading.
• Currently, seedlings are treated with Trichoderma harzianum before sowing and transplantation, and seeds
are treated with fungicides like Sprint 75 WS (carbendazim + mancozeb). However, these chemical
treatments pose risks to soil health and consumer safety.
• PAU (Punjab Agricultural University) proposes Trichoderma asperellum as a non-chemical alternative to
traditional pesticides for managing foot rot disease. During experimental trials, it showed promising results in
combating foot rot while avoiding harmful residues on the crop and ensuring environmental safety.
India VIX
In May so far, the India VIX has risen by around 53 per cent and recently crossed the 21 mark.
Volatility Index
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The Volatility Index (VIX), also known as the Fear Index, gauges the market's anticipation of near-term
volatility. Volatility reflects the rate and extent of price changes, often associated with financial risk.
Usually, during periods of market volatility, the market moves steeply up or down and the volatility index
tends to rise. As volatility reduces, the Volatility Index declines.
It measures the expected fluctuation level of an underlying index in the short term, expressed as annualized
volatility (e.g., 20%).
Introduced by the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) in 1993 for US markets, initially based on S&P
100 Index options. In 2003, the methodology was revised, and the Index became based on S&P 500 Index
options.
India VIX
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India VIX is a volatility index computed by the National Stock Exchange based on the order book of NIFTY
Options.
India VIX indicates the investor’s perception of the market’s volatility in the near term i.e. it depicts the
expected market volatility over the next 30 calendar days.
The higher the India VIX values, the higher the expected volatility and vice versa.
The recent rise shows that fear among traders or market participants on the expected volatility is more now.
Currently, the fear among the market players is coming from the outcome of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
‘VIX’ is a trademark of the CBOE, and Standard & Poor’s has granted a license to NSE, with permission from
the CBOE, to use such a mark in the name of the India VIX and for purposes relating to the India VIX.
Sachetisation of F&O trade
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The Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) has cautioned against household savings getting invested in futures and
options trade and there is a need to reconsider sachetisation of Futures and Options (F&O) trade.
Sachetisation refers to the process of making financial products and services available in smaller, more
manageable packets.
Futures
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Futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a future date.
The underlying asset can be a commodity, a security, or other financial instrument.
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These contracts obligate both parties to fulfill the terms of the agreement on the specified date, regardless
of the current market price of the asset.
Futures are commonly used by traders and investors to hedge against price fluctuations in the underlying
asset or to speculate on future price movements.
Options
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Options contracts give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call option) or sell (put option) an
asset at a predetermined price (strike price) on or before a specified date (expiration date).
Unlike futures contracts, options provide flexibility to the buyer, who can choose whether or not to exercise
the option based on market conditions.
Option buyers pay a premium to the seller for this right.
Options are used for various purposes, including hedging, speculation, and generating income through
writing (selling) options.
They are also traded on organized exchanges and are standardized in terms of strike price, expiration date,
and other contract terms.
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ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY
Long Period Average Rainfall
India is expected to have an “above normal” monsoon season with 106% of the long period average, according to
the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Long Period Average (LPA) of Rainfall
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The Long Period Average (LPA) of Rainfall is a measure of the average rainfall recorded over a particular
region for a given interval (such as a month or season) over a long period of time, typically 30 to 50 years.
This value serves as a benchmark when forecasting the quantitative rainfall for that region for a specific
month or season.
The current LPA of all India south-west monsoon rainfall, based on the average rainfall over the period 19712020, is 87 cm.
In the past, the IMD has calculated the LPA at 88 cm for the 1961-2010 period and at 89 cm for the period
1951-2000.
Similarly, at the national level, the annual LPA has been reduced from 117 cm to 116 cm.
IMD's Rainfall Distribution Categories
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Normal or near normal: When the percentage departure of actual rainfall is +/-10% of LPA, that is, between
96-104% of LPA.
Below normal: When the departure of actual rainfall is less than 10% of LPA, that is 90-96% of LPA.
Above normal: When actual rainfall is 104-110% of LPA.
Deficient: When the departure of actual rainfall is less than 90% of LPA.
Excess: When the departure of actual rainfall is more than 110% of LPA.
Salas y Gómez Region
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Scientists have discovered 160 marine species in the Salas y Gómez region, an underwater mountain chain in
the Southeastern Pacific Ocean.
It lies in a west-east orientation. Its western end intersects the East Pacific Rise inside the Chilean Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Easter Islands and its eastern end adjoins the western end of Nazca ridge.
The region is characterized by its isolation by the Atacama Trench, the Humboldt Current System, and an
extreme oxygen minimum zone.
The region is home to some of the highest levels of marine endemism on Earth and is one of many global
locations under consideration for being designated as a high seas marine protected area upon the ratification
of the UN High Seas Treaty.
The waters surrounding the ridges are mostly located beyond national jurisdictions with smaller portions
located in the national waters of Chile and Peru.
Ringwoodite
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Scientists have discovered a hidden ocean 700 km below Earth's surface located within ringwoodite, which is
a mineral that exists in the Earth’s transition zone.
Ringwoodite has a unique crystal structure that allows it to absorb water and hydrogen, acting like a sponge.
This mineral can hold a significant amount of water.
It is a rare type of mineral that forms from olivine under very high pressures and temperatures.
The weight of hundreds of kilometers of rock and very high temperatures above 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832
Fahrenheit) break down water into its components.
When the minerals containing this water reach certain depths, they break down in a process called
dehydration and release the water to form magmas.
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Such "dehydration melting" is common in the shallow mantle and forms the source for magmas in many
volcanoes.
Implications for Earth’s water cycle
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The discovery of this deep-water reservoir has significant implications for our understanding of the Earth’s
water cycle.
It suggests that water can be transported to the Earth’s surface from deep within its mantle, contributing to
the water found in oceans, rivers, and lakes.
This internal water source could also play a role in volcanic activity and the formation of new crust.
Ross Ice Shelf
In Antarctica, researchers have discovered that the massive Ross Ice Shelf moves forward several centimeters
daily.
About Ross Ice Shelf
Location
Largest ice shelf in Antarctica, extending from the continent's coast into the Ross Sea.
Size
Covers approximately 487,000 sq km, similar to France's size, with only ten percent visible
above the surface.
Thickness
Varies from about 100 meters to several hundred meters, thickest at its anchoring points
against the continent.
Formation
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Role
Crucial for stabilizing the Antarctic ice sheet by supporting and buttressing the moving ice.
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Key Facts
Formed by accumulation and compaction of snow over time.
It is being fed a constant flow of ice from glaciers draining from both the East and West
Antarctic Ice Sheets.
New ice addition is balanced by melting of the ice at base and calving at front.
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It is a giant bay just 320 kms from the South Pole.
The sea is remote and positioned south and slightly east of New Zealand.
It is the largest polar marine ecosystem in the world.
The Ross Sea is relatively shallow, and it accounts for an area of approximately 960,000
square km (370,000 square miles).
A large portion of the sea is covered by the Ross Ice Shelf.
It is strongly influenced by the coastal East-Wind Drift that sets up a vast clockwise gyre
accompanied by deep water upwelling.
It is the first protected area in Antarctica and home to most of the world’s penguins and
many species of whale.
Paro Statement
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The Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes (SFTL) Conference in Paro, Bhutan concluded with the Paro
Statement.
Purpose: International commitment focused on tiger conservation, aiming to raise an additional $1 billion by
2034.
Over the past decade, the global tiger population has increased from around 3,200 to approximately 5,500 in
the wild.
According to Tiger Census 2022, India harbors 3,682 tigers, representing almost 75% of the world's wild tiger
population.
Signatories: Ten Tiger Range Countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Kazakhstan,
Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Focus Areas: Increasing tiger populations in the wild; Expanding tiger habitats and improving their ecological
health; Supporting communities living alongside tigers.
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Dooars
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This year, 2024, marks 150 years of tea production in the Dooars, where the first plantations were established
in 1874, following the earlier development in Darjeeling
The Dooars are alluvial floodplains in northeastern India, south of the Himalayan foothills and the
Brahmaputra plain.
Spanning 30 km wide and 350 km long, they stretch from the Teesta River in West Bengal to the Dhansiri
River in Assam.
This region is a gateway to Bhutan, Sikkim, and Eastern Nepal, with 18 passages connecting Bhutan's hills to
India's plains.
The Western Dooars (Bengal Dooars) and Eastern Dooars (Assam Dooars) cover an area of 880 km² and are
divided by Sankosh River.
Significance of Dooars: Their deep, well drained, fertile and humus-rich soil supports its primary industry i.e.
tea plantation. Thousands of people work in the region's tea estates and factories.
Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)
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The CTCN is the operational arm of the UNFCCC’s Climate Change Technology Mechanism.
It is hosted by UN Environment (UNEP) in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO) and supported by 11 expert organizations.
It was established to accelerate the development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies for
low-carbon, climate-resilient development at the request of developing countries.
Functions:
o provides technology solutions, capacity building, and advice on policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks
tailored to individual countries' needs through a global network of technology companies and
institutions.
o Operates on a demand-driven basis, offering services upon request from developing countries, with
activities shaped by their specific requirements.
Structure: The CTCN consists of a coordinating center in UN City Copenhagen and a worldwide network of
organizations that deliver its services both virtually and physically.
Green Taxonomy
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A green taxonomy is a framework for identifying environmentally sustainable investments. It classifies
economic activities and assets as "green" or environmentally sustainable.
Purposes: Prevents greenwashing; Helps investors make informed decisions; Channels investment towards
sustainable activities and assets
All green taxonomies share common goals, such as climate mitigation and adaptation, and often include
other objectives like biodiversity conservation. To qualify as green, an activity must contribute significantly
to at least one environmental goal.
Many taxonomies also incorporate "do no significant harm" criteria, ensuring that activities contributing to
one objective do not harm others, and include social safeguards like human rights compliance.
Some taxonomies strictly define what is green, while others, like the Indonesian and proposed Singaporean
taxonomies, use a "traffic light" system to categorize economic activities as green, amber, or red based on
their environmental sustainability.
Greenwashing:
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Greenwashing is the misleading promotion of a company's products as environmentally friendly, often
through unsubstantiated claims.
It deceives consumers into believing that the products have a greater positive environmental impact than
they actually do.
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Companies can also use vague claims without providing real data or scientific validation, aiming to
overshadow their involvement in harmful practices.
Baseflow in Rivers
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Baseflow, also known as low-flow or fair-weather flow, is the portion of a river's water that originates from
groundwater. This water seeps into the streambed gradually, unlike surface runoff caused by precipitation
events such as rain or snowmelt.
Baseflow plays a crucial role in maintaining streamflow and water levels in rivers during dry periods.
It helps sustain aquatic ecosystems and supports various human activities that depend on reliable water
sources.
Understanding baseflow dynamics is essential for effective water resources management, ecological
conservation, and accurate hydrological modeling.
Factors Affecting Baseflow: Geology, Topography, Climate, Vegetation & Hydrogeology
Blood Minerals
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has accused Apple of using 'blood minerals' (illegally exploited
minerals) extracted from the eastern region of the country.
About Blood Minerals
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These minerals are mined in conflict zones (that’s why also called as Conflict Minerals) and often fund
ongoing conflicts.
Mining of conflict minerals is linked to severe human rights abuses, including forced labor, child soldiers, and
violence against civilians.
Key examples include tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold, collectively known as 3TG minerals.
These minerals are crucial for many electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops.
The DRC is the world's largest producer of cobalt, supplying about 70% of the global market.
Demand for cobalt is expected to increase 20-fold by 2040 due to the rise in electric vehicle production.
Catatumbo Lightning
The Catatumbo River in Venezuela experiences near-continuous lightning strikes, known as Catatumbo
Lightning, earning it the title "the lightning capital of the world."
About Catatumbo Lightning
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This phenomenon primarily occurs where the Catatumbo River
meets Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela's largest lake.
Catatumbo lightning is notable for its high frequency and
duration, happening up to 160 nights a year with an average of
28 lightning strikes per minute at its peak.
Formation
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Warm, moist air from the Caribbean Sea is pushed towards the
Andes mountains and collides with cooler air descending from
the peaks.
This interaction causes the warm air to cool and condense, forming towering cumulonimbus clouds.
The collision of powerful winds and temperature variations generates electrical charges within these clouds,
which can reach heights over 5 km and carry significant static electricity.
When the electrical potential within these clouds reaches a critical level, it discharges as lightning.
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Indian Ocean Dipole
The Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), also known as the Indian Niño, is set to re-emerge in the latter half of 2024
for the second consecutive year since 1960, marking the first time this event has recurred in consecutive years.
About Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
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The IOD is an irregular oscillation of sea surface temperatures, causing the western Indian Ocean to alternate
between warmer (positive phase) and colder (negative phase) than the eastern part.
In scientific terms, the IOD is a coupled ocean and atmosphere phenomenon, similar to ENSO but in the
equatorial Indian Ocean.
A ‘positive IOD’ — or simply ‘IOD’ — is associated with cooler than normal sea-surface temperatures in the
eastern equatorial Indian Ocean and warmer than normal sea-surface temperatures in the western tropical
Indian Ocean.
The opposite phenomenon is called a
‘negative IOD’, and is characterised by
warmer than normal SSTs in the eastern
equatorial Indian Ocean and cooler than
normal SSTs in the western tropical
Indian Ocean.
The IOD was identified as an
independent system only in 1999.
IOD and El Niño: When a positive IOD
occurs alongside an El Niño event, it can
partly mitigate the adverse effects of El
Niño.
Impacts: The IOD affects local weather,
leading to heavy rains or droughts in Africa and Australia. Additionally, sea-level changes associated with the
IOD can increase the risk of coastal flooding and related impacts.
Armoured Sailfin Catfish (ASC)
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Scientists from CCMB-CSIR have found that the armoured sailfin catfish has infiltrated 60% of Eastern Ghats
water bodies, causing damage to fishing nets and the ecosystem.
The ASC (Rakashi or Devil Fish) is a large predatory freshwater catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco
basins in South America. It has been introduced to other regions, including India, for the aquarium trade and
algae control.
It has a long, slender body with a bony head and a large dorsal fin resembling a sail.
ASC is an omnivorous fish that feeds on a variety of plants and animals, including insects, crustaceans, fish,
and small mammals.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
NO2 Pollution
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A recent study has raised concerns about gas and propane stoves increasing indoor air pollution levels of
nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
About Nitrogen Oxide Pollution
•
About NO₂
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Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown, pungent, acidic gas that is corrosive and
strongly oxidizing.
NO₂ is not usually released directly into the air. It typically forms when nitrogen oxide
(NO) and other nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with other chemicals in the air.
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Sources of NO₂
Pollution
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Environmental
Impacts
Health Concerns
Initiatives &
Mitigation
Strategies for
NO₂ Pollution
Burning Fossil Fuels: Emissions from vehicles and power plants burning coal, oil, or
natural gas.
Industrial Processes: Activities such as welding and metal refining.
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Acid Rain: NO₂ can combine with other pollutants to form acid rain, damaging plants,
animals, and aquatic ecosystems.
Smog Formation: NO₂ contributes to smog, reducing visibility and air quality
Nutrient Pollution: Eutrophication of surface waters, harmful algal blooms, hypoxia
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Respiratory problems
Heart problems
Aggravated allergies
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NO₂ is a criteria air pollutant tracked by the WHO's Global Air Quality Guidelines.
In India, NO₂ is regulated under the National Air Quality Index (NAQI).
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has established National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 parameters, including NO₂.
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Gaia-BH3
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Astronomers recently identified Gaia-BH3 as the most massive known stellar black hole in the Milky Way
galaxy.
The Gaia- BH3 was spotted using data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission, which detected an
unusual ‘wobbling’ motion in its companion star.
The researchers used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile’s Atacama Desert
and other ground-based observatories to confirm the mass of Gaia BH3.
Mass and Location: Gaia-BH3 has a mass nearly 33 times that of the Sun and is located 1,926 light-years away
in the Aquila constellation, making it the second-closest known black hole to Earth.
Comparison: The closest known black hole is Gaia-BH1, located about 1,500 light-years away, with a mass
nearly 10 times that of the Sun.
The most massive black hole in the Milky Way is Sagittarius A*, a supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's
center, with about 4 million times the mass of the Sun. Gaia-BH3 is the most massive among stellar black
holes.
Characteristics
Stellar Black Hole
Supermassive Black Hole
Formation
Formed from the gravitational collapse of
a single star or from the merger of two
neutron stars.
Formation not entirely understood; likely
not from single star collapse.
Mass
Ranges from about 3 to 50 times the mass
of our sun.
Greater than about 50,000 times the mass
of our sun; typically, millions to billions of
solar masses.
Location
Not limited to galaxy centers.
Always found at the center of a galaxy.
Almost all galaxies have a supermassive
black hole at its center.
Tachyons
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Tachyons are hypothetical subatomic particles that move faster than the speed of light, coined by physicist
Gerald Feinberg in 1967.
They are distinct from "bradyons," which travel at less than the speed of light.
While bradyons are familiar and include protons, electrons, and neutrons, tachyons have never been
observed.
Tachyons have imaginary mass, meaning their mass squared is a negative value, suggesting they could
potentially travel faster than light without violating physics laws. They would slow down if they gained energy
and accelerate if they lost it.
Experiments have been conducted to find tachyons using a cerenkov detector, which measures the speed of
a particle traveling through a medium.
Nothing can travel faster than the speed of light in a vacuum. However, in other mediums, particles can
potentially move faster than light.
Cerenkov radiation occurs when a particle travels at a speed greater than light for that medium, similar to
the sonic boom produced by an airplane traveling faster than the speed of sound or the shock wave at the
bow of a ship.
Physicists recently proposed the radical idea that our universe is dominated by tachyons.
Dragonfly Mission
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NASA has confirmed a Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Saturn's organic compound-rich moon Titan, with a
budget of $3.35 billion and a launch date of July 2028.
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Dragonfly is a "dual quadcopter", which will explore various locations on Titan, making scientific
measurements and using a radioisotope power system similar to the Curiosity rover on Mars.
The mission will arrive in 2034 and fly to dozens of promising locations on the Titan (moon of Saturn), looking
for prebiotic chemical processes common on both Titan and early Earth before life developed.
This marks the first time NASA will fly a vehicle for science on another planetary body, with eight rotors and
a large drone-like flight.
Titan is Saturn’s largest moon, Titan has an earthlike cycle of liquids flowing across its surface. It is the only
moon with a thick atmosphere.
New Large Language Models (LLMs)
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Meta has unveiled its latest Large Language Model (LLM), the Meta Llama 3, while Microsoft introduced the
Phi-3-Mini, its newest 'lightweight' AI model.
Large language models use deep learning techniques to process large amounts of text.
They work by processing vast amounts of text, understanding the structure and meaning, and learning from
it.
Llama 3 (Large Language Model Meta AI)
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The Llama 3 is the latest iteration of Meta's LLM and is available in two sizes: 8B and 70B parameters.
Parameters indicate the size and complexity of an AI model, with higher numbers suggesting greater
complexity and power.
It surpasses previous benchmarks, outperforming competitors like Google’s Gemma 7B and Mistral’s Mistral
7B in various evaluations.
Phi-3-Mini (Small Language Model (SLM))
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The Phi-3-Mini is the first of three small models that Microsoft plans to release, featuring 3.8 billion
parameters (smaller than LLMs, which can have trillions).
Aspect
SLMs
LLMs
Development &
Operation
Cost-effective and streamlined
Resource-intensive and comprehensive
Performance
Better performance on smaller
devices
Suitable for larger-scale applications
Specialization
Tailored for specific tasks through
fine-tuning
Trained on massive general data
Training
Targeted training with less
computing power
Extensive training with higher computing
requirements
Bitcoin Halving
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Bitcoin halving is a process that alters the blockchain technology of Bitcoin to slow down the production of
new Bitcoins.
Since its creation by Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin has a finite supply of 21 million tokens. The halving process
will continue until 2041, when all Bitcoins will have been mined.
Blockchain technology creates blocks of information, which are added to the chain through mining.
Miners solve complex mathematical puzzles by using computing power to build the blockchain and earn
rewards in the form of new bitcoin.
As per the Blockchain design, a halving occurs every time 210,000 blocks are added to the chain, roughly every
four years.
This reduces the amount of bitcoin available as rewards, making mining less profitable and slowing the
production of new bitcoins.
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Experts suggest that this halving event could impact Bitcoin's price, causing upward pressure and attracting
new investors to the cryptocurrency market.
Biomarkers
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Biomarkers, or 'Biological Markers,' are physical, chemical, or biological characteristics present in the human
body and measurable.
The World Health Organization defines biomarkers as "any measurement reflecting an interaction between a
biological system and a potential hazard, which may be chemical, physical, or biological. The measured
response may be functional and physiological, biochemical at the cellular level, or a molecular interaction."
Biomarkers are also referred to as molecular markers and signature molecules.
Biomarkers include various biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, genes, DNA, RNA, platelets,
enzymes, and hormones.
They play a crucial role in disease diagnosis, medication prescription, dosage determination, and drug design.
Classification of Biomarkers
Based on their Source/Location
Molecular
Have biophysical properties measurable in biological samples like blood plasma,
serum, cerebrospinal fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage, biopsy, urinalysis, and fecal
analysis
Radiographic
Obtained from imaging studies, such as bone mineral density
Histologic
Reflecting biochemical or molecular alterations in cells, tissues, or fluids, for
example, staging and grading of cancers
Physiologic
Measures of body processes, including blood pressure, pulse rate, and heart rate
Based on their Roles/Functions
Susceptibility/
Risk
Indicate the person’s likelihood of developing a specific disease or condition in the
future.
Diagnostic
Used to detect or confirm a particular disease or condition.
Prognostic
Predict the likelihood of disease progression or relapse in individuals already
diagnosed with a disease.
Monitoring
Assess disease stage, measure drug exposure, or measure exposure to
environmental agents.
Predictive
Identify individuals with a higher likelihood of experiencing strong outcomes when
exposed to specific drugs.
Pharmacodynamic
/Response
Indicate biological responses in patients exposed to a particular drug or
environmental agent.
Voyager Spacecrafts
NASA's Voyager 1 probe is returning usable information to ground control following months of spouting gibberish,
the US space agency announced recently.
About Voyager 1 Spacecraft
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Voyager 1, a space probe launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, closely followed by its twin Voyager 2,
embarked on a mission to explore the outer reaches of the Solar System and beyond.
Its objectives included studying Jupiter and Saturn, including their moons, rings, and magnetic fields.
As per NASA estimates, Voyager 1's instruments are expected to remain operational until at least 2025, when
it will be approximately 13.8 billion miles (22.1 billion kilometers) away from the Sun.
In a gesture to communicate with potential extra-terrestrial life, Voyager 1 carries a golden record containing
sounds and images depicting the diversity of life and culture on Earth.
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Many Firsts:
o Voyager 1 holds the record as the farthest human-made object from Earth.
o First spacecraft to cross the heliosphere, the boundary where the influence of our Sun diminishes
compared to external forces.
o First human-made object to exit the solar system.
Discoveries:
o Identifying a thin ring around Jupiter and two new moons, Thebe and Metis.
o At Saturn, it unveiled five new moons and a previously unknown ring called the G-ring.
About Voyager 2
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Voyager 2, launched by NASA on August 20, 1977, is a pivotal component of the Voyager program, alongside
its counterpart, Voyager 1.
Its primary mission focused on exploring the outer planets and their moons within our solar system before
embarking on an interstellar journey.
Voyager 2 became the second spacecraft to venture into interstellar space, following its predecessor. Like
Voyager 1, it carries a golden record intended to communicate with potential extraterrestrial life.
Many Firsts:
o The only spacecraft to conduct close-range studies of all four of the solar system's giant planets.
o Becoming the first human-made object to pass Uranus
o First to fly by Neptune,
Discoveries:
o It made several notable discoveries, including identifying a 14th moon at Jupiter
o Uncovered 10 new moons and two additional rings of Uranus
o Revealing five moons, four rings of Neputune, and a remarkable feature known as the "Great Dark Spot."
Pink Hydrogen
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Pink hydrogen, also known as
purple or red hydrogen, is
produced through electrolysis
powered by nuclear energy.
Additionally,
the
high
temperatures
from
nuclear
reactors can enhance other
hydrogen production methods by
generating steam for more
efficient electrolysis or fossil gasbased steam methane reforming.
Nuclear power offers significant
advantages for pink hydrogen
production, including cost reduction and emissions reduction, making it a sustainable and economically viable
alternative to traditional methods.
Applications: Pink hydrogen is a promising replacement for fossil fuels in the cement industry, steel industry,
aviation, and heavy transportation, as it can be used as a feedstock and energy source with no greenhouse
gas emissions.
Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This reaction takes place
in a unit called an electrolyzer.
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Nephrotic Syndrome
Researchers from Kerala have reported a series of cases where the regular use of fairness creams has been linked
to nephrotic syndrome.
About Nephrotic Syndrome
What is it?
It is kidney disorder causing excessive protein loss in urine due to damaged glomeruli
(kidneys’ filters).
Cause
Inflammation of glomeruli leading to excessive protein leakage from blood into urine.
It can also result from various kidney diseases like nephritis, diabetes, and lupus.
Symptoms
Severe swelling (edema), foamy urine, high fat and cholesterol levels
(hyperlipidemia), weight gain, fatigue, loss of appetite.
Complications
Blood clots, increased infection risk, high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic
kidney disease, and kidney failure.
Treatment
Addressing the underlying cause, reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol, swelling,
infection risks, medications, and dietary changes.
Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS)
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Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS), also
known as gut fermentation syndrome,
is a condition where the body converts
sugary and starchy foods into alcohol,
causing symptoms similar to a drunken
man.
It is a condition in which ethanol is
produced
through
endogenous
fermentation by fungi or bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) system, oral cavity, or urinary system.
The process converts sugars and starch into energy, but also produces waste in the form of carbon dioxide
and ethanol.
Symptoms include being drunk without alcohol or getting very drunk with minimal alcohol, dizziness,
headache, and dehydration.
People with diabetes, obesity, and Crohn's disease are more likely to experience ABS, but it can also affect
healthy individuals.
medical reports suggest that people who suffer from ABS should avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates
and sugar.
Raman Spectroscopy
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Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive laser technique that provides detailed information about the chemical
composition and structure of a wide range of materials.
It involves illuminating a substance with a laser and analyzing the scattered light. It is based on the
interaction of light with the chemical bonds within a material.
This method provides identification of substances through their characteristic Raman 'fingerprint'.
Sir C.V. Raman introduced the "Raman effect" on February 28, 1928, for which he was awarded the Nobel
Prize in Physics in 1930.
What is the Raman Effect?
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The Raman effect is a change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by
molecules.
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When a beam of light traverses a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound, most of the
scattered light is at the same wavelength (or color) as the laser source and does not provide useful
information; this is called Rayleigh Scatter.
However, a small amount of light (typically 0.0000001%) is scattered at different wavelengths (or colors),
which depend on the chemical structure of the analyte; this is called Raman Scatter.
Liquid Nitrogen
The commissioner of food safety in Tamil Nadu has directed to monitor use of liquid nitrogen in food items and
take action against those violating the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
About Liquid Nitrogen
Properties
It’s an Inert, colorless, odorless, noncorrosive, nonflammable cryogenic Liquid, which
has a boiling point of –320°F (–196°C)
Health Impacts
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Can cause frostbite-like burns on contact
Can damage lips, tongue, throat, lungs, and stomach
Potential for tissue burns and lesions
If it reaches the stomach, the organ could get perforated.
In the lungs, it could produce CO2 and the person may become unconscious.
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Rapidly cools and freezes food
Used in food production and industrial processes for cooling
Cryotherapy in wellness and sports using cryosaunas
Tests performance and durability of materials and devices at extremely low
temperatures in technology and material sciences
Applications
Biohacking
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Biohacking is a term used to describe various methods and techniques aimed at enhancing the body's ability
to function at its optimal level and potentially extending one's lifespan.
It involves the application of knowledge and practices from diverse fields such as biology, genetics,
neuroscience, and nutrition to improve physical or mental performance, enhance overall health and wellbeing, or achieve specific health goals.
There are currently no laws in India that specifically address biohacking.
Types of Biohacking
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Focuses on positive health and behavioural choices, including diet, breathwork,
meditation, and exercise.
Most accessible form.
Molecular
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Uses natural/synthetic molecules to shift biology.
Includes taking supplements.
Biologics
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Utilizes biological products like cells, exosomes, or other entities to enhance biology.
They are ingested, injected, or delivered intravenously. Ex- Stem cells, IV transfusions etc.
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Uses devices like wearables and diagnostics like smartwatches or blood sugar monitors
to gather body data and optimize health strategies for improved performance.
Lifestyle
Technology
TacticAI
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It is an AI system that can provide experts with tactical insights, particularly on corner kicks (football),
through predictive and generative AI.
This AI tool can be used by football team managers as an assistant for tactics.
It has incorporated both a predictive and generative component to allow coaches to effectively sample and
explore alternative player setups for each corner kick, and to select those with the highest predicted likelihood
of success.
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It is developed by Google’s DeepMind in a multi-year research collaboration with experts from Liverpool
Football Club.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that can leach out from plastics during use, raising serious health concerns.
About Bisphenol A (BPA)
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BPA is a synthetic chemical used to make plastics and resins, particularly polycarbonate plastics and epoxy
resins.
o Polycarbonates (PC) are strong, hard thermoplastics that remain rigid up to 140°C and tough down to 20°C.
Uses: PC is commonly used in baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, water gallons, metal food can liners,
ketchup containers, and dental sealants.
Health Concerns:
o BPA can contaminate food, air, soil, and beverages, and it can accumulate in human organs.
o It is an endocrine disruptor that can alter hormonal and enzyme synthesis, potentially causing
reproductive disorders, obesity, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Salmonella Bacteria
The US government has implemented stringent measures in response to salmonella contamination in shipments.
About Salmonella
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Salmonella is a genus of rod-shaped, gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing salmonellosis, a common
foodborne illness worldwide.
Transmission and Sources: Found in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. They can
contaminate food, water, and the environment, and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected
animals or their feces.
Pathogenesis: After ingestion, Salmonella bacteria survive the acidic stomach environment and colonize the
intestines. They adhere to and invade intestinal epithelial cells, causing the symptoms of salmonellosis.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, and blood in the stool.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis commonly involves culture-based methods, serological testing, and
molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Prevention & Control: Effective measures include food safety practices, hygiene measures, and public health
interventions.
Oxytocin
The Delhi High Court has expressed serious concerns over the continued use of Oxytocin in dairies across the
national capital, deeming it as ‘animal cruelty’. The Indian government banned the use of Oxytocin in 2018, citing
its misuse on milch cattle to increase milk yield.
Oxytocin as a Natural Hormone
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Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter often referred to as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone"
due to its role in social bonding, attachment, and reproduction.
It is primarily synthesized in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream from the posterior
pituitary gland in response to various stimuli, such as childbirth, breastfeeding, and social interactions.
Oxytocin plays a crucial role in childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions and facilitating labor. It also
promotes milk secretion during breastfeeding, supporting maternal-infant bonding and lactation.
Dysregulation of oxytocin signaling has been implicated in psychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum
disorder, social anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and depression.
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Oxytocin as a Synthetic Hormone
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Synthetic oxytocin is often used by dairy farmers in India to facilitate lactation after childbirth in cattle, as it
can improve milk ejection, especially in farms that lack optimal milk production practices.
However, the use of synthetic oxytocin can have side effects, including allergic reactions such as skin rash,
itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Happy Hormones in Human Beings
Dopamine
Associated with the brain's reward system, dopamine produces pleasant sensations and is
linked to learning and memory.
Serotonin
Regulates mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability, and memory. It can alleviate
depression and anxiety, thus increasing happiness.
Oxytocin
Often referred to as the "love hormone," it is crucial for childbirth, breastfeeding, and strong
parent-child bonding.
Oxytocin also promotes trust, empathy, and bonding in relationships.
Endorphins Natural painkillers in the body, endorphins can reduce stress and improve mood.
Chloropocrin
The US government has accused Russia of violating the Chemical Weapons Convention by allegedly using
Chloropicrin against the Ukrainian military.
About Chloropicrin
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Chloropicrin is a colorless to slightly yellow oily liquid synthetic chemical compound with a strong, irritating
odor. It can be absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact.
Usage: It serves as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, and nematicide.
(Nematicides target nematodes to mitigate crop damage.)
Applications: Primarily employed as a soil fumigant in agriculture, Chloropicrin was extensively utilized as a
chemical warfare agent in World War I by both the Allied and Axis Powers.
Regulation: The Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) prohibits the
use and large-scale production of Chloropicrin, along with other chemical weapons globally.
Health Effects: Chloropicrin causes irritation to the eyes, skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract upon
contact. Severe exposure can lead to pulmonary edema, potentially resulting in death.
Chemical Weapon Convention
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Objective: The Chemical Weapons Convention, in force since 1997 with 193 state-parties, prohibits the
development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. It also monitors the elimination of
chemical weapons.
India's Involvement: India is a signatory and party to the Chemical Weapons Convention and has enacted the
Chemical Weapons Convention Act of 2000 to comply with its provisions.
Goldene
For the first time, scientists have successfully crafted a free-standing 2D sheet of gold, aptly named 'Goldene'.
About Goldene
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Goldene represents a groundbreaking achievement, being a one-atom-thick sheet of gold.
Since the introduction of graphene in 2004, researchers have identified numerous 2D materials. However,
Gold stands out as the first metal to be fabricated into freestanding 2D sheets (Goldene).
Key Features
o Unique Allotrope: Goldene presents a 2D allotrope of gold, featuring a distinct arrangement of gold
atoms compared to the typical 3D structure found in gold jewelry or nuggets.
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Independence: Unlike previous endeavors to produce ultra-thin metallic sheets, Goldene is selfsupporting, eliminating the need for additional materials to uphold its structure.
Properties
o Exceptional Thinness: Goldene measures approximately 100 nanometers in thickness, making it roughly
400 times thinner than the thinnest commercially available gold leaf.
o Unforeseen Conductivity: Goldene exhibits unique conductive properties that differ from bulk gold.
Applications
o Electronics Industry: Goldene holds promise for various applications in the electronics industry.
o Catalysis: It demonstrates potential in catalyzing reactions such as hydrogen conversion, carbon dioxide
capture, and water purification. Its economic viability surpasses that of thicker, three-dimensional gold,
making it an attractive option for catalytic processes.
Semi Cryogenic Pre-Burner Ignition Test Article (PITA)
ISRO recently achieved a significant milestone by conducting the first Pre-Burner Ignition trial for the SemiCryogenic Engine (SCE)-200.
About PITA and Semi-Cryogenic Engines
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•
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PITA is a crucial step in the development of liquid rocket engine systems, particularly the Semi-Cryogenic
Engine (SCE)-200.
Semi-Cryogenic Engines utilize liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidizer and refined kerosene as fuel, with a target
thrust of 2,000 kilonewtons (kN).
Compared to cryogenic engines, SCEs offer easier storage and handling, increased thrust capacity, and ecofriendliness, making them more cost-effective and practical for various space missions.
The SCE-200 is expected to power ISRO's existing LVM3 launch vehicles and upcoming Next Generation
Launch Vehicles (NGLV), as well as ISRO's future reusable rockets based on RLV technology demonstrations.
AlphaFold 3
AlphaFold 3 is a collaboration between Google DeepMind and Isomorphic Labs (both subsidiaries of Alphabet)
for revolutionizing protein structure prediction.
About AlphaFold 3
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AlphaFold 3 is an artificial intelligence tool that can predict the 3D structure of proteins with unprecedented
accuracy, surpassing some traditional methods in certain cases.
Unlike its predecessors, AlphaFold 1 and 2, AlphaFold 3 is not limited to proteins but can also predict the
structures of other biomolecules like DNA, RNA, and small molecules (ligands) crucial in drug design.
It relies on deep learning, a type of machine learning inspired by the structure and function of the brain.
AlphaFold 3 is trained on massive datasets of known protein structures and their corresponding amino acid
sequences (the building blocks of proteins).
By analyzing these patterns, AlphaFold 3 learns to predict how a protein's amino acid sequence folds into its
unique 3D structure.
Applications: Protein Structure Prediction, Drug Discovery, Understanding Diseases, Biomaterial Design,
Genomics Research
China's High Energy Photon Source (HEPS)
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China is set to become the first country in Asia to complete the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS), a 4th
generation synchrotron light source, which is expected to begin operations by the end of this year.
Compared to 3rd-generation synchrotrons like the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, HEPS will provide
a time resolution that is 10,000 times better.
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About the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS)
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The HEPS is designed to be a diffraction-limited storage ring synchrotron light source that will produce highenergy X-rays for various scientific applications.
It is designed to accelerate electrons up to energies of 6 gigaelectron volts within its 36-kilometer
circumference storage ring with a 1.36 Km circumference.
What is a Synchroton?
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A synchrotron is a type of circular particle accelerator, where charged particles (electrons) move almost at
the speed of light to produce very bright light (mainly X-Rays), called synchrotron light, which is 10 billion
times brighter than the Sun.
Photons are the fundamental particles of light and the carriers of electromagnetic radiation, possessing both
wave-like and particle-like properties.
Applications of the High Energy Photon Source
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Materials science: Studying the structure and properties of materials at the atomic level
Chemistry & Nanotechnology: Investigating the mechanisms of chemical reactions
Biology: Understanding the structure and function of biological molecules
Environmental science: Analyzing environmental pollutants and contaminants
Medical science: Developing new medical imaging techniques and treatments
India's Synchrotron Efforts
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India previously developed its own synchrotrons, Indus-1 and Indus-2 (third generation), at the Raja
Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) in Indore.
India is an associate member of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France.
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DEFENCE AND SECURITY
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
The Indian Navy's INS Talwar recently seized 940 kg of drugs in the Arabian Sea during an operation led by the
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
About Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
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The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multi-national naval partnership based in Bahrain.
Its mission is to promote security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of
international waters, which include some of the world's most crucial shipping lanes.
CMF focuses on: Defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, promoting a safe
maritime environment.
Member Nations: (Total 44): Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt,
France, Germany, Greece, India, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, UAE, United Kingdom, United States, and Yemen.
Participation is purely voluntary. The member nations are not bound by either a political or military mandate
and not asked to carry out any duty that they are unwilling to conduct.
CMF is a flexible organisation. Contributions can vary from the provision of a liaison officer at CMF HQ in
Bahrain to the supply of warships or support vessels in task forces, and maritime reconnaissance aircraft based
on land.
Headquarters are co-located with US Naval Central Command and US Navy Fifth Fleet at Naval Support
Activity (NSA) Bahrain.
CMF is commanded by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and Deputy Commander is a United Kingdom Royal Navy
Commodore.
GPS Spoofing
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GPS spoofing, also known as GPS simulation, is the manipulation of GPS receivers by broadcasting false
signals. It misleads the GPS receiver into believing it is located somewhere it is not, resulting in the device
providing inaccurate location data.
This cyberattack undermines the reliability of GPS data, crucial for various applications.
Initially a theoretical threat, it has evolved into a practical concern due to the availability of inexpensive
software and hardware capable of transmitting fake GPS signals.
GPS Spoofing, which provides false information is not same as Jamming. Jamming, as the name suggests, is
when the GPS signals are jammed, spoofing is very different and way more threatening.
Working: GPS spoofing exploits the inherent vulnerabilities in the GPS infrastructure – the weak signal
strength of GPS satellites. GPS functions by sending signals from satellites to GPS receivers on Earth. These
receivers then calculate their position based on the time it takes for these signals to arrive. However, due to
the weak signal strength of the GPS satellites, these signals can be easily overwhelmed by fake signals,
resulting in inaccurate location data on the receiving device.
The potential catastrophic effects of this event, especially in navigation, could significantly impact various
industries such as logistics, supply chain, telecommunications, energy, and defense.
DRDO's DURGA-2 System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is testing a prototype of the DURGA-2 (Directionally
Unrestricted Ray Gun Array) system.
Aspect
Details
Function
Uses focused energy (lasers, microwaves, or particle beams) to damage or destroy targets.
Advantages
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Speed: Transmits lethal force at the speed of light (about 300,000 km/s).
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Precision: Highly precise targeting
Unaffected by Gravity or Drag: Beams are not influenced by gravity or atmospheric drag.
Adaptability: Effects can be customized by adjusting the type and intensity of the energy.
Significance
Potential to revolutionize warfare by enabling the development of advanced platforms,
weapons, sensors, and networks necessary for future combat.
Global
Context
Countries with similar systems include Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel,
and China.
Test Firing of Crystal Maze 2 Missile by Indian Air Force (IAF)
Crystal Maze 2 (ROCKS)
Type
Air-launched medium-range ballistic missile
Origin
Israeli
Purpose
Targeting high-value stationary and relocatable assets of potential adversaries, such as longrange radars and air defense systems
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Features
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Extended Stand-off Range: Capable of hitting targets over 250 kilometers away
Warhead Options: Offers penetration or blast fragmentation warheads for destroying
above-ground or well-protected underground targets
Effectiveness in GPS-denied Environments: Specifically effective in areas where GPS
signals are obstructed
Deployment Strategy: Involves releasing the missile well outside the surface-to-airdefended area, followed by a high-velocity trajectory to minimize risk to aircraft and
missiles
SMART
DRDO has conducted a successful test of the Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo (SMART), aimed at enhancing
the Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
About SMART
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SMART is a system developed by DRDO to launch torpedoes assisted by missiles.
This innovative system enables torpedoes to achieve much longer ranges than before, with potential
distances of up to 1000 km.
The system can be launched from both coasts and warships. The canister-based missile system comprises
several advanced subsystems including two-stage solid propulsion and precision inertial navigation.
Canister enables smooth and safe launch of article. Also, canister serves the purpose of transportation, storage
and launching of missiles.
These Canisters are filled with inert gases to provide protection from outside environment during Storage and
transportation.
It carries an advanced lightweight torpedo missile as a payload along with a parachute-based release
mechanism.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel has replaced the 150 personnel of the Delhi Police, including
54 women personnel, who were deployed for the security of Parliament.
About CISF
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CISF is one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) established in 1969 under the “Central Industrial
Security Force Act, 1968.
CISF provides integrated security cover to certain sensitive public-sector undertakings with a strength of only
three battalions.
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The force has since grown into a premier multi-skilled organization with a present strength of 1,77,713
personnel.
It works under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs and its headquarter is located at New
Delhi.
Operations of CISF:
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Critical Infrastructure: Providing security cover to 353 establishments throughout the country. Some of which
includes Atomic Power Plants, Space Installations, Defence Production Units, Mines, Oil Fields and Refineries
etc.
VIP security: Mandated to provide protection to the VIP protectees of Z+, Z, Y and X category across the
country.
Fire Protection: The CISF also has its own Fire Wing which provides services to 104 of the above
establishments.
Airports: The specialized task of airport security was assigned to CISF in the year 2000 in the wake of hijacking
of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 to Kandahar.
Private sector: The CISF Act was amended to enable the Force to provide security, on payment basis, to private
/ joint venture industrial undertakings, which are vital for the security and economy of the country. E.g. - The
Infosys campuses in Mysuru, Bengaluru and Pune, the Patanjali Food and Herbal Park in Haridwar and the
Reliance refinery in Gujarat's Jamnagar
Overseas Deployment: CISF has contingents deployed at United Nations Stabilizations Mission in Haiti
(MINUSTAH).
The CISF is the only Central Armed Police Force with a daily public interface; in the airports, in the Delhi Metro
and in the iconic monuments.
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