Why is it in the News?

Recently the Earth was hit by an X-class solar flare that was strong enough to ionize part of the planet's atmosphere.

What are Solar Flares?

• Solar flares are large explosions from the surface of the sun that emit intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation.
• The intensity of the explosion determines what classification the flare belongs to.
  • The most powerful are X-class flares, followed by M-, C-, and B-class; A-class flares are the smallest.
• These flares can be visible as bright flashes in a particular region of the sun and can last several minutes.
• Solar flares occur when magnetic energy builds up in the solar atmosphere and is released suddenly.
  • These outbursts are intrinsically linked to the solar cycle — an approximately 11-year cycle of solar activity driven by the sun's magnetic field.

What Causes Solar Flares?

• The sun's surface is a magnetically mixed-up place.
• Magnetic fields are created from electrically charged gases generating electrical currents that act as a magnetic dynamo inside the sun.
• These magnetic fields twist, tangle, and reorganize themselves due to the turbulent nature of the gases that create them.
• This unsettled magnetic field behavior — also known as solar activity — can trigger solar flare eruptions from the surface that release vast amounts of electromagnetic radiation — a form of energy that includes radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays, and visible light.
• Solar flares tend to originate from regions of the solar surface that contain sunspots — darker, cooler portions of the solar surface where magnetic fields are particularly strong.
  • As such, the number of sunspots can indicate the likelihood of a solar flare eruption.
• Solar activity follows an approximately 11-year cycle with the peak of sunspot activity coinciding with the solar maximum and a sunspot hiatus coinciding with the solar minimum.
• During periods of low solar activity when no sunspots are present, it is unlikely that a solar flare will occur. 

What are X-Class Solar Flares?

• Solar flares are categorized into five classes based on the intensity of emitted X-rays, with each class letter denoting a 10-fold increase in energy output, akin to the Richter scale for earthquake strength assessment.
• X-class flares are the most powerful solar flares.
  • Then there are M-class flares that are 10 times smaller than X-class flares, then C-class, B-class, and finally A-class flares which are too weak to significantly affect Earth.
• Within each letter class, a finer scale from 1 to 9 gives the flare assessment greater precision with larger numbers representing more powerful flares within the class.
• However, X-class flares can break this nine-point rating mold with higher ratings, since there is no class more powerful than X-class.
• Fortunately, X-class flares occur on average about 10 times per year.

How do Solar Flares Affect the Earth?

• Disruption of Satellite Communications: Solar flares can interfere with satellite communications, GPS signals, and radio transmissions, causing disruptions or blackouts in telecommunications and navigation systems.
• Auroral Displays: Intense solar flares can trigger colorful auroras, or Northern and Southern Lights, as charged particles interact with Earth's magnetic field, creating stunning light displays in the polar regions.
• Power Grid Disturbances: Severe solar flares have the potential to induce geomagnetic storms that can overload power grids, leading to widespread power outages and damage to electrical infrastructure.
• Radiation Hazards: Solar flares emit harmful radiation, particularly in the form of ultraviolet and X-rays, which can pose risks to astronauts in space and airline passengers at high altitudes.
• Impact on Electronics: The influx of charged particles during solar flares can induce currents in electrical circuits, potentially damaging or disrupting sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, satellites, and spacecraft.

Why is it in the News?

Vaikom, a temple town in the princely state of Travancore, saw the start of a non-violent agitation on March 30, 1924 — the first among temple entry movements that would soon sweep across the country.

What is Vaikom Satyagraha?

• Vaikom Satyagraha was a significant non-violent protest against the caste-based discrimination prevalent in the princely state of Travancore, characterized by a feudal, militaristic governance system entrenched with rigid social norms and customs.
• Discriminatory practices, such as the prohibition of lower castes like the Ezhavas and Pulayas from temple entry and even walking on roads near temples, were pervasive.

Contribution of Leaders:

• In 1923, the issue was brought to attention as a resolution by Madhavan during the Kakinada meeting of the All India Congress Committee.
• Subsequently, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee formed the Congress Untouchability Committee in January 1924 to address the matter.
• Pioneers of the Vaikom Satyagraha movement include Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, then secretary of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, and K. Kelappan, a prominent Congress leader and educationist known as Kerala Gandhi.

Factors Leading to Satyagraha:

• The expansion of Christian missionaries, backed by the East India Company, led to conversions among lower castes seeking liberation from an oppressive system.
• Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal initiated several progressive reforms, notably the establishment of a modern education system providing free primary education for all, including lower castes.
• These reforms, alongside the influence of capitalism, contributed to the emergence of new social hierarchies, sometimes conflicting with traditional ones.

Commencement of Satyagraha:

• On March 30, 1924, the Satyagrahis embarked on a procession towards the restricted public roads, where a board warned oppressed communities against walking (near the Vaikom Mahadeva temple).
• Despite being halted 50 yards away, individuals such as Govinda Panikkar (Nair), Bahuleyan (Ezhava), and Kunjappu (Pulaya), adorned in khadi attire, courageously defied the prohibition orders.
• Subsequently, they were stopped by the police and, in protest, sat on the road, resulting in their arrest.
• Following this incident, three volunteers from different communities were designated each day to walk on the prohibited roads. Within a week, the movement's leaders were all apprehended by authorities.

Role of Women:

• Large-scale participation of women was witnessed for the first time during the Satyagraha, marking the passage of women into the socio-political consciousness of the country.
  • Nagammai, the wife of Periyar, and Kannammal, his sister, played unprecedented roles in the struggle.

Arrival of Gandhi:

• In March 1925, Gandhi arrived at Vaikom and engaged in discussions with leaders from various caste groups.
• He also met with the Maharani Regent at her Varkala camp.

Withdrawal of Vaikom Satyagraha:

• The Vaikom Satyagraha was officially terminated on November 30, 1925, following consultations between Gandhi and W.H. Pitt, the police commissioner of Travancore.
• A compromise was reached, leading to the release of all prisoners and the granting of access to roads.

Temple Entry Proclamation:

• In 1936, the historic Temple Entry Proclamation was signed by the Maharaja of Travancore, abolishing the age-old ban on temple entry.

Significance:

• During a period of growing nationalist fervor and widespread agitation, the Vaikom Satyagraha emerged as a pivotal catalyst for social reform.
• Introducing Gandhian principles of nonviolent resistance to Travancore for the first time, marked a significant departure from traditional modes of protest.
• Enduring for over 600 consecutive days, despite social pressure, police interventions, and even a natural disaster in 1924, the steadfastness of the movement is commendable.
• The Vaikom Satyagraha fostered unprecedented unity across caste lines, showcasing a remarkable display of solidarity among diverse communities.

Why is it in the News?

At a high-level meeting of the India-led 'Group of Friends (GOF), India launched a new database designed to record crimes against UN peacekeepers and monitor progress in holding perpetrators accountable.

About the 'Group of Friends':

• The Group of Friends (GOF) was launched by India in 2022 to promote accountability for crimes against the Blue Helmets during its presidency of the UN Security Council.
• India, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco, and Nepal are co-chairs of the GOF, which comprises 40 member states.

Key objectives of the group include:

• Engaging and sharing information with the UN Secretary-General to assist member states hosting or having hosted peacekeeping operations in bringing perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers to justice.
• Serving as an informal platform at the UN to exchange information, share best practices, and mobilize resources to facilitate accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.
• Monitoring progress on bringing accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.
• The 'Group of Friends' will convene two meetings of its members per year and organize one event annually involving Permanent Missions and other stakeholders, ensuring greater safety and security for peacekeepers.
• This initiative represents the political will of member states, particularly troop and police contributing countries, to champion the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2589, adopted in August 2021 under India's Presidency of the Council.
• Resolution 2589 called upon member states hosting or having hosted UN peacekeeping operations to take all appropriate measures to bring to justice perpetrators of violence against UN personnel, including their detention and abduction.
• The 'Group of Friends serves as a crucial platform for advancing this resolution, promoting accountability, and enhancing the protection of peacekeepers worldwide.

India's Significant Role in UN Peacekeeping:

• As a longstanding advocate for global peace and stability, India has demonstrated its commitment to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations.
• Over the past seven decades, India has contributed more than 260,000 peacekeepers, making it the largest cumulative contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
• Despite the risks associated with such endeavors, India has remained steadfast in its support of peacekeeping efforts.
• Tragically, 177 Indian peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, reflecting India's dedication to fostering stability worldwide.
• Presently, India has more than 6,000 peacekeepers deployed in nine out of the twelve UN peacekeeping missions.
• As a strong proponent of accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, India plays a crucial role in advocating for the safety and security of these dedicated personnel.

Why is it in the News?

Ever since the general election was announced two weeks ago, a total of 79,000 violations have been reported on the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) cVigil app across the country.

About C-Vigil App:

• cVigil is a user-friendly and easy-to-operate application, that connects vigilant citizens with the District Control Room, Returning Officer and Field Unit (Flying Squads), or Static Surveillance Teams.
• By using this app, citizens can immediately report incidents of political misconduct within minutes and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer.
• As soon as the complaint is sent on the cVigil app, the complainant receives a unique ID, through which the person will be able to track the complaint on their mobile.
• This creates a rapid and accurate reporting, action, and monitoring system.

The cVIGIL app enabled voters to

• Register Complaints: The app allows every citizen within the election boundaries to report the Model Code of Conduct / Expenditure Violations by taking photos/audio/video through their mobile phones by signing into the application.
• Anonymous User: The app also allows the citizen to complain anonymously, without revealing their details/ identity.
• Geotagging: The app automatically enables a geo-tagging feature when users switch on their camera in the cVIGIL to report a violation, which helps the field unit to know the precise location of the incident.

Benefits of the Application:

• cVIGIL is a convenient and user-friendly app allowing citizens to send pictorial evidence of the model code of conduct violations in their vicinity.
• Each reported incident is tracked and scrutinized from the beginning to the endpoint, thus bringing accountability into the system.
• The immediate location verification feature of the cVIGIL will act as a strong deterrence for miscreants and wrong-doers as they can be easily tracked.
• A combination of all these factors will encourage citizens to keep vigil over unhealthy electoral practices and bring them to the notice of the Election Commission.
  • This in turn will help the commission reach its objective of conducting free and fair elections.

Why is it in the News?

AI startup Hume unveiled a new voice interface yesterday that the company claims is “the first conversational AI with emotional intelligence.

What is an Empathic Voice Interface (EVI)?

• Empathic Voice Interface (EVI) by Hume, a New York-based research lab and technology company, is the world’s first emotionally intelligent voice AI.
• It accepts live audio input and returns both generated audio and transcripts augmented with measures of vocal expression.
• By processing the tune, rhythm, and timbre of speech, EVI unlocks a variety of new capabilities, like knowing when to speak and generating more empathic language with the right tone of voice.
• These features enable smoother and more satisfying voice-based interactions between humans and AI, opening new possibilities for personal AI, customer service, accessibility, robotics, immersive gaming, VR experiences, and much more.
• Developers can now seamlessly integrate EVI into various applications using Hume’s API, offering a unique voice interface experience.

EVI boasts several distinctive empathic capabilities:

• Human-Like Tone: EVI responds with tones resembling human expressions, enhancing the conversational experience.
• Responsive Language: It adapts its language based on the user’s expressions, addressing their needs effectively.
• State-of-the-Art Detection: EVI uses the user’s tone to detect the end of a conversation turn accurately, ensuring seamless interactions.
• Interruption Handling: While it stops when interrupted, EVI can effortlessly resume from where it left off.
• Self-Improvement: EVI learns from user reactions to continuously improve and enhance user satisfaction over time.
• In addition to its empathic features, EVI offers fast, reliable transcription and text-to-speech capabilities, making it versatile and adaptable to various scenarios.
• It seamlessly integrates with any Language Model Library (LLM), adding to its flexibility and utility.

What is an AI with Emotional Intelligence and How Can it be Used?

• Artificial Intelligence with emotional intelligence, also known as affective computing or emotion AI, refers to the integration of emotional awareness and intelligence into AI systems, enabling them to recognize, understand, and respond to human emotions.
  • This capability draws inspiration from the concept of emotional intelligence in humans, which involves perceiving and managing emotions in both oneself and others.
• The development of emotionally intelligent AI involves leveraging advanced techniques in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to enable AI systems to recognize emotions in facial expressions, speech, and text.
• These systems can adapt their responses based on recognized emotions, creating more empathetic and nuanced interactions between humans and AI.

Potential applications of AI with emotional intelligence include:

• Healthcare: Emotion-sensitive AI could help detect depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues by analyzing speech patterns, facial expressions, or social media posts.
• Education: AI systems could adapt to individual students' emotions, providing customized support and facilitating better learning experiences.
• Customer Service: Emotion AI could enable businesses to respond more appropriately to customer emotions, improving customer satisfaction and fostering long-term loyalty.
• Entertainment: Affective computing could make games and other entertainment experiences more immersive and engaging by adapting to users' emotions in real-time.

Why is it in the News?

The Supreme Court last week said it will review its April 2021 order to bury underground all power lines in the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), after the Centre found the order “practically impossible to implement” over long distances.

About Great Indian Bustard:

• Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is an agro-grassland bird endemic to the Indian Subcontinent.
• Known locally as Godawan in Rajasthan, it is a Critically Endangered species as per the IUCN Red List.
• It belongs to the family Otididae and exhibits sexual dimorphism.
• The GIB is an omnivorous bird.
• The species has a current viable population of around 150 individuals in India and mainly survives in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan which holds about 100 individuals.
• Of the remaining individuals, these birds are found in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh respectively.
• With fewer than 150 individuals, they are caught in a deadly maze of power lines that crisscross its last refuge in the Kutch and Thar deserts of western India.

Why Do Power Lines Kill Bustards?

• Power lines pose a risk to all flying birds.
• In 2020, a study carried out by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 4,200 sq km of GIB habitat in and around Desert National Park (DNP) in Rajasthan estimated that power lines killed around 84,000 birds of multiple species every year.
• GIBs are especially vulnerable because of their narrow frontal vision and large size.
  • Unlike some birds that have a panoramic vision around the head, species like raptors and bustards have extensive blind areas above their heads.
  • When they stretch their head forward to scan the ground below, they fly blind in the direction of travel.

Arguments of the Centre:

• The Centre said taking lines of 66 KV and higher voltage underground was not feasible for the evacuation of bulk power due to constraints such as transmission losses, maintenance challenges, multiple cable joints, increased time requirements, and safety concerns.
• The cost implications of undergrounding all power lines in the large area identified are very heavy — running into many thousands of crores and the cost of externalities that will burden the nation was “huge” and “disproportionate”.
• Harnessing renewable power from high-potential areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat was “essential for meeting rising power demand and India’s international commitments on climate change”.

Other threats faced by GIB:

• Free-ranging dogs pose a significant threat to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) population, particularly in the Thar landscape, with feral packs responsible for a substantial portion of Chinkara depredation in the Desert National Park (DNP) as of 2017.
• Although sporadic hunting of GIBs persists, the prevalent use of pesticides in agricultural areas poses a more substantial risk to the bird's survival.
• Additionally, habitat loss, particularly the decline of grasslands essential for nesting, and diminishing support from local communities are growing concerns.

Why is it in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global network of laboratories to identify and monitor potentially novel coronaviruses that could emerge shortly.

What is CoViNet?

• The Coronavirus Network (CoViNet) is a global collaboration of laboratories with expertise in human, animal, and environmental coronavirus surveillance.
  • This network aims to identify and monitor potential new coronaviruses that could emerge and impact public health worldwide.
• To enhance pandemic preparedness, CoViNet will expand its scope to include animal health and environmental surveillance, as well as timely risk assessments.
  • This will allow the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop more informed policies and protective measures against future viral outbreaks.
• CoViNet will also play a pivotal role in building and supporting laboratory capacities in low- and middle-income countries to monitor MERS-CoV and other emerging coronaviruses of public health importance.
  • By fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building, CoViNet aims to strengthen the global response to coronavirus threats.
• Furthermore, data generated through CoViNet's efforts will guide the work of the WHO's Technical Advisory Groups on Viral Evolution (TAG-VE) and Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC). These groups rely on cutting-edge research and surveillance data to inform public health policies and vaccination strategies.
• With 36 laboratories from 21 countries across all six WHO regions, CoViNet currently encompasses a wide range of expertise and resources.
  • Three Indian institutions, namely, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology in Pune, and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, proudly represent the country in this global network dedicated to coronavirus surveillance and preparedness.

About the World Health Organization (WHO):

• The World Health Organization (WHO) stands as a paramount global health authority, dedicated to promoting health, preventing diseases, and improving healthcare systems worldwide.
• Established in 1948, WHO operates as a specialized agency of the United Nations, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
• It collaborates with governments, international organizations, and civil society to address pressing health challenges and provide guidance and support to countries in need.
• WHO's mandate encompasses a wide array of health-related issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health, maternal and child health, and environmental health.
• Through research, policy development, and technical assistance, WHO plays a vital role in shaping health policies, setting standards, and coordinating responses to health emergencies such as pandemics and natural disasters.
• With a mission to ensure the highest attainable level of health for all people, WHO continues to lead efforts in global health governance, advocacy, and capacity-building, striving for a healthier, safer, and more equitable world.

Why is it in the News?

As per the Food Waste Index Report for 2024, households worldwide discarded more than one billion meals daily in 2022.

About UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024:

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Food Waste Index Report 2024, co-authored with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), offers a comprehensive analysis of the state of global food waste.
• The report reveals alarming trends, including the wastage of over 1 billion meals per day in 2022, highlighting the urgency to address this critical issue.

Key findings from the report include:

• Per Capita Waste: The average annual food waste per person amounts to approximately 79 kilograms (or around 174 pounds).
  • This equates to over a billion meals being wasted daily worldwide, underscoring the significant inefficiencies in current food consumption habits.
• Sources of Waste: Household waste constitutes the majority, around 60%, with food service establishments (such as restaurants) contributing approximately 28%, and retailers making up about 12%.
  • This breakdown suggests that interventions targeting consumer behavior could have a substantial impact on reducing overall waste.
• Environmental Impact: Food loss and waste contribute to 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Comparatively, if food waste were considered a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, trailing only China and the United States.
  • This stark comparison underscores the urgent need to address food waste not only for resource efficiency but also as a crucial aspect of climate action on a global scale.
• Global vs. Local Impact: The report highlights that food waste is a pervasive issue affecting both high-income and lower-income countries alike.
  • This universality implies that solutions must be adaptable and scalable across various socioeconomic contexts.
• Collaborative Solutions: Governments, regional entities, industry stakeholders, and non-profit organizations are increasingly involved in public-private partnerships to combat food waste.
  • Effective strategies, such as food redistribution through initiatives like food banks and charities, are recognized as vital for reducing waste while simultaneously supporting vulnerable communities.

Recommendations:

• The Food Waste Index Report by UNEP emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive action, both globally and locally, to tackle the issue of food waste.
• By illuminating the extent and origins of waste, as well as its significant environmental and social repercussions, the report advocates for collaborative efforts across all sectors to establish sustainable food systems.
• The target of halving food waste by 2030 is not only in line with environmental goals but also represents a crucial step towards reducing global hunger and promoting a fairer distribution of food resources.
• As nations strive to achieve this objective, the report underscores the interconnectedness of food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability.
• It presents addressing food waste not only as a moral and environmental imperative but also as a practical opportunity to bolster global food security and combat climate change.

Why is it in the News?

The Kerala High Court has held that a child charged with offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is to be prosecuted as per the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) (JJ) Act.

About the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act):

• Enacted in 2012, the POCSO Act stands as India's pioneering legislation dedicated to addressing child sexual abuse comprehensively.
• Under the administration of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), its primary objective is safeguarding children under 18 from sexual assault, harassment, and exploitation, alongside establishing Special Courts to adjudicate such cases swiftly and efficiently, ensuring justice and protection for victims.

Salient Features of the Act:

• The POCSO Act adopts a gender-neutral approach, defining a child as "any person" under 18, ensuring inclusivity for all victims of child sexual abuse.
• It delineates various forms of sexual abuse, encompassing penetrative and non-penetrative assault, sexual harassment, and pornography.
• Certain circumstances, such as mental illness or abuse by a trusted individual like a family member, escalate the severity of sexual assault as per the Act.
• Individuals involved in trafficking children for sexual exploitation are subject to punishment under the Act's provisions on abetment.
• Attempting to commit an offense under the Act incurs penalties up to half the prescribed punishment for the completed offense.
• There's no time limit for reporting abuse, empowering victims to come forward at any point, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
• The Act mandates reporting of sexual abuse, penalizing failure to do so with imprisonment or fines.
• It includes child-friendly procedures for reporting, evidence recording, investigation, and trial, ensuring a supportive environment for victims.
• These procedures include recording the child's statement in a preferred location, preferably by a female officer, and avoiding aggressive questioning or character attacks.
• Medical examinations occur in the presence of a trusted individual, and the child is shielded from seeing the accused during testimony.
• Trials are held in camera, with the Special Court aiming to complete proceedings within a year of cognizance, prioritizing swift justice for victims.

Amendment to the Act:

• In 2019, the Act underwent its inaugural amendment to intensify penalties for particular offenses, aiming to dissuade perpetrators and safeguard the dignity of childhood.
• This amendment introduced the death penalty for aggravated penetrative sexual assault against children.
• Additionally, it empowered the imposition of fines and sentences of up to 20 years in prison to combat child pornography.

Why is it in the News?

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in 2023, more than 4,500 Rohingya refugees embarked on a perilous journey across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

About the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR):

• UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution.
• It leads international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people.
• Formally known as the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1950 in the aftermath of the Second World War to help the millions of people who had lost their homes.
• Today, UNHCR operates in 137 countries and provides life-saving assistance, including shelter, food, water, and medical care for people forced to flee conflict and persecution, many of whom have nobody left to turn to.
• UNHCR defends their right to reach safety and helps them find a place to call home so they can rebuild their lives.
• UNHCR also collaborates with countries to improve and monitor refugee and asylum laws and policies, ensuring that human rights are upheld.
• UNHCR considers refugees and those forced to flee as partners, putting those most affected at the center of planning and decision-making.

Who are the Rohingya Refugees?

• Rohingya are an ethnic group, largely comprising Muslims, who predominantly live in the Western Myanmar province of Rakhine.
• They speak a dialect of Bengali, as opposed to the commonly spoken Burmese language.
• Though they have been living in the South East Asian country for generations, Myanmar considers them as persons who migrated to their land during Colonial rule so, it has not granted Rohingyas full citizenship.
• According to the 1982 Burmese citizenship law, a Rohingya (or any ethnic minority) is eligible for citizenship only if he/she provides proof that his/her ancestors have lived in the country before 1823. Otherwise, they are classified as “resident foreigners” or as “associate citizens” (even if one of the parent is a Myanmar citizen).
• Since they are not citizens, they are not entitled to be part of civil service. Their movements are also restricted within the Rakhine state.

Why is it in the News?

The BSE and NSE introduced trading in the T+0 rolling settlement cycle in the equity segment on an optional basis today.

What is Trade Settlement?

• Trade settlement encompasses the bilateral process of transferring funds and securities on the designated settlement date.
• It signifies the completion of a trade transaction when the purchased securities of a listed company are successfully delivered to the buyer, and the seller receives the agreed-upon payment.
• The evolution of the trade settlement cycle in India has seen notable adjustments over time.
• Initially shortened by SEBI to T+3 from T+5 in 2002 and further to T+2 in 2003, the current cycle in the Indian stock market stands at T+1.
• This migration to the T+1 cycle took effect in January 2023, positioning India as the second country globally, after China, to implement the T+1 settlement cycle for top-listed securities.

What is the T+0 Trading Settlement Cycle?

• In December last year, the capital markets regulator SEBI proposed to introduce a facility for clearing and settlement of funds and securities on T+0 (same day) on an optional basis, in addition to the existing T+1 settlement cycle.
• The regulator has also proposed to introduce optional instant settlement at a later stage.
• Under the T+0 trade cycle, the settlement of trades will happen on the same day after the closure of the T+0 market.
• If investors sell a share, they will get the money credited to their account the same day, and the buyer will also get the shares in their demat account on the very day of the transaction.

What are the Benefits of T+0 Trade Settlement?

• A shortened settlement cycle will bring cost and time efficiency, transparency in charges to investors, and strengthen risk management at clearing corporations and the overall securities market ecosystem.
• The T+0 trade cycle is expected to provide flexibility in terms of faster pay-out of the funds against the securities to the sellers and faster pay-out of securities against the funds to the buyers.
• It will allow better control over funds and securities by the investors.
• For the securities market ecosystem, a shorter settlement cycle will further free up capital in the securities market, thereby enhancing the overall market efficiency.
• It will enhance the overall risk management of Clearing Corporations (CCs) as the trades are backed by upfront funds and securities.

Who can Participate in the T+0 Settlement Cycle?

• All investors are eligible to participate in the segment for the T+0 trade settlement cycle if they are able to meet the timelines, process, and risk requirements as prescribed by the Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs).

Why is it in the News?

Recently, NASA's Soho mission, which is tasked with observing the Sun, has captured its 5000th comet as it dives around the star in our Solar System.

About Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO):

• SOHO was built as a general solar observatory, with twelve suites of scientific instruments to track all of these properties of the Sun.
• During its operations, it has provided important insights, including:
  • Details about the interior of the Sun,
  • What sunspots look like beneath the surface,
  • Measurements of the speed of the solar wind,
  • The charged particles that escape from the corona,
  • Mapping the magnetic field behavior over the Sun’s surface; and
  • Revealing new phenomena such as “solar tornadoes”.
• Built in Europe, SOHO is operated jointly by ESA and NASA, with contributions from a large number of scientists, engineers, and other staff around the world.
• The spacecraft was launched in 1995 with a planned two-year mission.
• Its work was successful enough to justify keeping the observatory going, and it’s still operating more than 20 years later.
• The probe orbits the Sun at a place where the gravity of the Sun and Earth balance each other out, known as the first Lagrange point (L1).
• Center for Astrophysics (CfA) scientists and engineers provided SOHO’s Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS), which operated until 2013 and measured the ultraviolet spectrum of the hot solar atmosphere.
  • UVCS provided the insight that the corona is too hot to be produced by ordinary thermal transfer, where particles collide and pass energy to each other.
  • Instead, the corona and solar wind must be accelerated by the magnetic field interactions in some way.
• Other SOHO instruments measure the speed and composition of the solar wind; the seismic waves that travel across the Sun’s surface; the fluctuations in the temperature, composition, and density of different parts of the corona; and the motion of matter upward from the Sun’s interior to its surface.

Why is it in the News?

A recent investigation in southern Africa has revealed a plethora of previously undiscovered biodiversity within a newly identified ecoregion known as the South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA).

About South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA):

• It represents a newly identified mountainous ecoregion spanning from northern Mozambique to Mount Mulanje in Malawi, which is the second-highest peak in southern Africa.
• This ecoregion comprises 30 granitic inselbergs rising over 1000 meters above sea level, hosting both the largest (Mt Mabu) and smallest (Mt Lico) mid-elevation rainforests in southern Africa, alongside uniquely diverse montane grasslands.
• SEAMA experiences notably higher annual rainfall and humidity, particularly during the dry season, compared to its surrounding areas.
• Since 2000, SEAMA has witnessed a loss of 18% of its primary humid forest cover, with rates reaching up to 43% in certain locations—marking one of the most rapid deforestation rates across Africa.
• The principal cause of montane forest depletion in SEAMA stems from slash-and-burn agricultural practices, predominantly employed for subsistence food cultivation by local communities, alongside charcoal production for household cooking and economic purposes.

What are Inselbergs?

• Inselbergs are solitary geological formations characterized by isolated, steep-sided hills or small mountains rising abruptly from flat or gently sloping terrain.
  • Composed of erosion-resistant rock, such as granite or quartzite, inselbergs stand out prominently in landscapes, with steep or even vertical sides resulting from differential erosion processes.
  • These formations, found predominantly in arid or semi-arid regions, take various shapes, including dome-shaped hills, conical peaks, or sheer-sided cliffs.
• Despite their isolated nature, inselbergs support unique ecosystems and biodiversity, creating microclimates and habitats for specialized plant and animal species.
  • Rock crevices, caves, and pockets of soil on inselbergs harbor distinct flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions, making these formations biodiversity hotspots.
  • Additionally, inselbergs often hold cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous peoples and local communities, serving as sites for religious rituals, cave paintings, or archaeological artifacts.
• However, inselbergs face threats such as deforestation and habitat degradation due to human activities like slash-and-burn agriculture and charcoal production.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these geological wonders and preserve their ecological and cultural significance for future generations.

Why is it in the News?

Indian delegates have been visiting the International Seabed Authority (ISA), Jamaica to strengthen efforts to explore two deep sea regions in the Indian Ocean for mining, according to reports this week.

What is the Carlsberg Ridge?

• The Carlsberg Ridge is the northern section of the Central Indian Ridge, a divergent tectonic plate boundary between the African Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate, traversing the western regions of the Indian Ocean.
• The ridge of which the Carlsberg Ridge is a part extends northward from a triple point junction near the island of Rodrigues (the Rodrigues Triple Point) to a junction with the Owen Fracture Zone.
• The ridge started its northwards propagation in the late Maastrichtian and reached the incipient Arabian Sea in the Eocene.
  • Then it continued to accrete basalt but did not propagate for nearly 30 million years ago.
  • Then, in the early Miocene, it started to propagate westwards towards the Afar hot spot, opening the Gulf of Aden.
• The Carlsberg Ridge is seismically active, with a major earthquake being recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey at 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale in July 2003.
• The ridge was discovered by the Danish research vessel Dana during the Carlsberg Foundation's Oceanographic Expedition around the world (1928–1930), better known as the 2nd Dana Expedition, and named after the Carlsberg Foundation, which funded the entire expedition and subsequent analysis and publication of results.

About the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (ANS) Seabed:

• The ANS is a major structural feature in the Indian Ocean, rising up above the sea bed but below the surface, and forming a seamount.
• It is 400 km long and 150 km wide, and is located in the Central Indian Basin — southeast of Sri Lanka, right below the equator, to the west of Singapore.
• It was formed about 80 million years ago, while dinosaurs still roamed the Earth.
• The Seamount is named after Afanasy Nikitin, a 15th-century Russian merchant who was one of the first to document his travels to India.
  • A black monolith is also erected in his honor at Revdanda, about 100 km away from Mumbai, where he is thought to have first set foot in the country.
• The ANS seamount is about 3,000 km from India’s coast and is rich in cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel.

What are Seamounts?

• Seamounts are submarine mountains originating from volcanic eruptions beneath the ocean's surface, serving as critical habitats for diverse marine ecosystems.
• Similar to terrestrial volcanoes, seamounts can exhibit varying states of activity, including active, dormant, or extinct stages.
• They typically form near mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates separate, allowing magma to ascend and solidify on the seabed.
• Notably, seamounts also emerge near intraplate hotspots and oceanic island chains, such as island arcs, characterized by volcanic and seismic activity.
• These underwater formations hold significant scientific value, offering insights into mantle composition, plate tectonics, and oceanic circulation dynamics.
• Moreover, seamounts play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and marine life proliferation, fostering localized upwelling of nutrient-rich waters that support diverse biological communities.

Why is it in the News?

A recent study revealed that a prominent reforestation initiative operating within the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme has been deemed a significant underperformer, amounting to a 'catastrophe' in terms of its outcomes.

What is the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme?

• The ACCU Scheme plays a pivotal role in the Australian carbon market, incentivizing various entities including individuals, businesses, and governmental bodies to engage in endeavors aimed at mitigating emissions or sequestering carbon.
• Participants encompass a broad spectrum ranging from individuals and sole traders to corporations, local and state government entities, and trusts.
• Achievement of the scheme's objectives is facilitated through diverse means such as the adoption of innovative technologies, equipment upgrades, the adoption of sustainable business practices to enhance productivity or energy efficiency, and the implementation of novel vegetation management techniques.

How Does It Work?

• The ACCU Scheme operates by rewarding participants who execute projects focused on either reducing or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions (emissions avoidance) or capturing and storing atmospheric carbon (sequestration).
  • These projects contribute significantly to mitigating climate change and advancing environmental sustainability in Australia.
• For each tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (t CO?-e) emissions that a participant's project successfully stores or avoids, they are eligible to earn one Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU).
  • These ACCUs serve as a tangible representation of the project's positive environmental impact and can be traded on the secondary market or sold to the Australian Government through carbon abatement contracts.
• In essence, the ACCU Scheme establishes a robust framework for quantifying and monetizing emission reduction and carbon sequestration efforts, providing a strong financial incentive for individuals and businesses to actively engage in climate-friendly initiatives.
  • By fostering an active carbon market, the scheme helps ensure the continued growth and development of innovative projects that combat climate change and support Australia's transition to a low-carbon economy.

Criticisms and Controversies:

• The ACCU Scheme has encountered criticisms and controversies regarding its overall effectiveness and the integrity of the carbon credits it generates.
  • One such concern is based on research indicating that native forests in Australia's desert regions are experiencing either stagnant growth or shrinking woodlands.
  • This finding raises questions about the capacity of these areas to sequester carbon at the levels claimed in ACCU projects.
• Furthermore, critics argue that Australia has amassed substantial quantities of carbon credits through these projects, despite the questionable integrity of the underlying data.
  • The scheme's reliability and effectiveness are, thus, scrutinized, as the quality and accuracy of the carbon credits generated are essential to maintaining trust and credibility in the carbon market.
• As the ACCU Scheme evolves, addressing these concerns and ensuring that it genuinely contributes to emission reduction and carbon sequestration efforts is crucial.
• Regular evaluations and transparency in data collection and analysis will help enhance public confidence and secure the scheme's role as a central pillar of Australia's climate change mitigation strategy.

Why is it in the News?

Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda inaugurated a Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) set up at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi, a big-screen dashboard of all digital innovations in the sector.

What is the Krishi ICCC?

• The ICCC is a tech-based solution involving multiple IT applications and platforms, designed to help make informed decisions.
• The center is housed in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and is responsible for legislation, policy formation, and implementation of initiatives in the agriculture sector.
• The ICCC uses state-of-the-art technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to collect and process large amounts of granular data.
• The ICCC uses platforms including the Krishi Decision Support System (DSS) to collect micro-level data, process it, and present the macro picture.

How does the Krishi ICCC Operate?

• Using AI and machine learning, the system will initially identify a farmer either through their mobile number or Aadhaar details.
• Next, it will cross-reference this information with the farmer's field data retrieved from land records, as well as historical crop sowing data from the crop registry, and weather information from IMD, among other sources.
• Subsequently, the system will generate personalized advisories tailored to the farmer's needs, presented in their local language.
  • This functionality will be facilitated through the Bhashini platform, enabling translations into multiple Indian languages.

What Information Does the Krishi ICCC Offer?

• Displayed on eight expansive 55-inch LED screens within the ICCC, the system provides comprehensive data covering various aspects such as temperatures, rainfall, wind speed, crop yields, production statistics, drought conditions, cropping patterns (both geographically and over time), and production forecasts.
• This information is presented in a graphical, map-based, timeline, and drill-down formats for enhanced visualization and analysis.
• Additionally, users can access pertinent trends, including periodic and non-periodic variations, outliers, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), alongside receiving insights, alerts, and feedback concerning agriculture schemes, programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Moreover, the system facilitates direct interaction between farmer beneficiaries and officials or the Minister through video conferencing facilities, ensuring effective communication and support.

Practical Applications:

• Farmer’s Advisory: The ICCC allows visualization of GIS-based soil carbon mapping as well as soil health card data for a particular district together in one place.
  • This, when visualized with weather-related data from IMD for the selected district, will allow a customized and authentic advisory to be sent to the farmer about the type of crops that can be grown, and water and fertilizer requirements.
• Drought Actions: An increase or decrease in yield from a specific region (as per GCES data) can be correlated with weather, rainfall, and other information visualized through the Drought Portal, enabling the administration to understand the reason for the increase/ decrease in yield and to take decisions proactively.
• Crop Diversification: An analysis of crop diversification maps, together with field variability for paddy, will enable decision-makers to identify regions with scope for diversified cropping so that farmers can be advised accordingly.
• Farm Data Depository: Krishi Decision Support System (K-DSS), a platform under development, will act as an agriculture data repository. Integrated spatial and non-spatial data will be superimposed as a layer on the GIS map, and various AI/ ML models will be run on the data.
  • The K-DSS will help in evidence-based, efficient, and data-driven decision-making, and assist in preparing customized advisories for farmers.
• Validation of Yield: Yield, as captured through Krishi MApper, can be analyzed with the yield generated through GCES application for a plot.

Why is it in the News?

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 “centrally protected monuments” because it has assessed that they do not have national importance.

Context:

• ASI has decided to delist 18 protected monuments
• ASI says the monuments have ceased to be of 'national importance'
• The 18 'lost' monuments include eleven in Uttar Pradesh

Significance of Delisting Monuments:

• Several monuments are currently facing the prospect of delisting, including historical landmarks such as a medieval highway milestone in Mujessar village, Barakhamba Cemetery in Delhi, Gunner Burkill’s tomb in Jhansi district, a cemetery at Gaughat in Lucknow, and Telia Nala Buddhist ruins in Varanasi.
• The exact whereabouts or condition of these monuments remain uncertain.

Meaning of Delisting:

• Delisting a monument entails its removal from the roster of protected sites, thereby relinquishing its conservation, protection, and maintenance responsibilities by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, delisted monuments no longer enjoy protection against construction-related activities in their vicinity, enabling regular urbanization and development activities to proceed uninhibited.

Status of Protected Monuments:

• The inventory of protected monuments is subject to change through additions and removals. Presently, the ASI oversees 3,693 monuments, a number set to decrease to 3,675 following the ongoing delisting initiative.
  • This marks the first extensive delisting endeavor in several decades.

Procedures for Monument Delisting:

• The regulations governing the List of Protected Monuments are stipulated under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1959.
• This legislation safeguards structures and sites aged over a century, encompassing a diverse array of architectural and historical marvels.
• The government possesses the authority to eliminate certain monuments from the protected list via official notification in the Gazette.
• Through such notifications, the government can declare that certain ancient monuments, archaeological sites, or relics no longer hold national significance under the purview of the AMASR Act (Section 35 of the AMASR Act).

Lost Monuments:

• The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act safeguards monuments and sites aged over a century.
• Nevertheless, numerous structures, particularly smaller or lesser-known ones, have gradually disappeared over time due to factors like urbanization, encroachments, dam and reservoir construction, or neglect.
• In some instances, the lack of public memory hampers efforts to locate these monuments.

Extent of Loss:

• According to a submission by the Ministry of Culture to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture in December 2022, 50 out of India's 3,693 centrally protected monuments were unaccounted for.
• Among these, 14 succumbed to rapid urbanization, 12 were submerged by reservoirs or dams, and the remaining 24 remain untraceable.
• The Committee noted that budget constraints limited the provision of security guards to historical sites, with only 2,578 guards assigned to 248 sites out of the required 7,000.
• Additionally, a 2013 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India highlighted the disappearance of at least 92 centrally protected monuments nationwide.

About the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

• Founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was later formalized as a statutory body under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act) following India's independence.
• ASI's primary mandate encompasses archaeological research and the safeguarding, conservation, and preservation of cultural monuments across the nation.
• Its operational scope includes conducting surveys of antiquarian remains, exploring and excavating archaeological sites, and overseeing the conservation and maintenance of protected monuments, among other responsibilities.
• The ASI operates under the purview of the Ministry of Culture.

Why is it in the News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held before September and that the Centre will consider revoking the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act there.

What is AFSPA?

• The AFSPA empowers the armed forces to uphold law and order in “disturbed areas.”
• They have the right to prevent a gathering of five or more people in a given location, use force, or even open fire after providing a sufficient warning if they believe someone is breaking the law.
• Armed forces are also permitted to enter and search any location if they suspect illegal activity.
• According to the AFSPA Act, the Army also has the authority to detain someone without a warrant, seize weapons and ammunition, and offer protection to someone acting in good faith.

Salient features of the AFSPA Act:

• The Central Government or the Governor of a State has the right to declare all or a part of any state to be a disturbed region if they believe it is necessary to stop the terrorist activity or any other activity that could jeopardize India’s sovereignty or be disrespectful to the national anthem, flag, or constitution.
• According to Section 3 of the AFSPA, the Central Government may send out armed forces to support the civilian authorities if the governor of a state publishes a formal announcement in the Gazette of India.
  • According to the Disturbed Areas Act of 1976, a territory must maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months after being designated “disturbed.”
• Section (4) of the AFSPA grants army officers specific authority to shoot the only requirement is that the officer must sound the alarm before firing.
• Security forces have the authority to search without permission and arrest anyone without a warrant.
• After being taken into custody, a person must be delivered to the closest police station as soon as possible.
• The Central Government must first provide its consent before prosecuting an on-duty officer for alleged human rights violations.

What are the “Disturbed areas” under the AFSPA Act?

• The state governor, the administrator of the union territory, or the central government may declare a region as a “disturbed area” by publishing a notice in the official gazette, the entire territory or an order to implement it may be declared disturbed.
• It is up to the state governments to decide whether or not to implement the Act.
  • However, the governor or the Center may disregard their judgment under Section (3) of the Act.
• The state governor was the only person with the authority to confer AFSPA when the act came into force in 1958.
  • The 1978 amendment granted the central government this authority.

List of states that implement the AFSPA Act:

• Four states and one union territory currently have AFPSA activities, while 12 districts are still partially subject to the act, and 31 districts have fully implemented the law.

The AFSPA states include:

• • Jammu & Kashmir
  • Nagaland
  • Assam
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Manipur

Why is it in the News?

As per a study, the residential sector is responsible for 47% of India's overall black carbon emissions.

What is Black Carbon?

• Black carbon is the dark, sooty material emitted alongside other pollutants when biomass and fossil fuels are not fully combusted.
• It contributes to global warming and poses severe risks.
• Studies have found a direct link between exposure to black carbon and a higher risk of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.
• Most black carbon emissions in India arise from burning biomass, such as cow dung or straw, in traditional cookstoves.
• According to a 2016 study, the residential sector contributes 47% of India’s total black carbon emissions.
• Industries contribute a further 22%, diesel vehicles 17%, open burning 12%, and other sources 2%.
• Decarbonization efforts in the industry and transport sectors in the past decade have yielded reductions in black carbon emissions, but the residential sector remains a challenge.
• Black carbon is a potent contributor to global warming due to its efficient absorption of light and subsequent heating of its surroundings.
  • This process leads to the conversion of incoming solar radiation into heat.
• Moreover, black carbon influences cloud formation and affects regional circulation and precipitation patterns.
  • When deposited on ice and snow, it diminishes surface albedo, reducing their ability to reflect sunlight and causing surface warming.

Impacts:

• Black carbon significantly contributes to global warming and poses substantial risks to human health.
  • Exposure to black carbon has been linked to increased incidences of heart disease, birth complications, and premature mortality.
• Its warming effect on climate is estimated to be 460-1,500 times more potent than that of CO2.

Why is it in the News?

In the depths of the Bay of Bengal, scientists have discovered a 50,000-year-old sediment — a giant magnetofossil and one of the youngest to be found yet.

What are Magnetofossils?

• Magnetofossils represent the fossilized remnants of magnetic particles originated by magnetotactic bacteria, also referred to as magnetobacteria, encapsulated within the geological archives.

About Magnetotactic Bacteria:

• Magnetotactic bacteria, predominantly prokaryotic microorganisms, possess the unique ability to align themselves in alignment with Earth's magnetic field.
• These organisms were traditionally believed to utilize the Earth's magnetic field as a navigational aid to locate environments with optimal oxygen levels.
• Comprising distinctively structured particles abundant in iron, these bacteria harbor small sacs that function akin to a compass.
• Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize minute crystals composed of iron-rich minerals such as magnetite or greigite, facilitating their navigation amidst fluctuations in oxygen concentrations within their aquatic habitats.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Sediment Composition: The sediment core, measuring three meters in length and extracted from the southwestern Bay of Bengal, primarily comprised "pale green silty clays."
• Foraminifera Abundance: Researchers observed abundant benthic and planktic foraminifera, which are single-celled organisms characterized by shells found near the seabed and freely floating in water.
• Oxygen Concentration: At depths ranging from approximately 1,000 to 1,500 meters, the Bay of Bengal exhibited notably low oxygen levels.
  • Analysis of the sediment sample confirmed fluctuations in monsoon activity, as evidenced by the presence of magnetic mineral particles from distinct geological periods.
• Role of Rivers: Rivers such as the Godavari, Mahanadi, Ganga-Brahmaputra, Cauvery, and Penner, which discharge into the Bay of Bengal, played a pivotal role in magnetofossil formation.
• Nutrient Supply: The nutrient-rich sediment transported by these rivers supplied reactive iron, which, combined with organic carbon in the suboxic conditions of the Bay of Bengal, created a conducive environment for magnetotactic bacteria growth.
• Impact of Oceanographic Processes: Factors such as freshwater discharge from rivers and oceanographic phenomena like eddy formation influenced the oxygen content in these waters, distinguishing them from other low-oxygen zones.
• Persistence of Suboxic Conditions: The presence of magnetofossils indicated the prolonged persistence of suboxic conditions in the Bay of Bengal, fostering an environment conducive to the proliferation of magnetotactic bacteria.

Why is it in the News?

Earlier this year, Ola, the Indian multinational ridesharing company, introduced Krutrim AI as "India's own AI," with plans for substantial enhancements to its initial iteration to expand its foundation upon launch.

What is Krutrim AI?

• Krutrim AI is a generative AI assistant that converses in 10+ languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati, etc., making it India’s own AI by an artificial intelligence startup.
• It was founded by Bhavish Aggarwal, the founder of Ola Cabs.
• Krutrim AI has been natively created to ensure a creative AI tool designed for over 1.4 billion Indians to provide 100% contextually relevant responses.
• It is a critical milestone in developing public-facing artificial intelligence in India.

These are 4 benefits of Krutrim AI:

• • Supports multiple Indian languages.
  • Native experience is built to cater to cultural diversity.
  • They are trained on local language tokens and sources.
  • Allows user interaction without charge on its free version.

What is the Tech Behind Krutrim AI?

• Krutrim AI uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) — a component of AI — to understand the nuances of human language, including colloquialisms and cultural contexts.
• Machine Learning (ML) algorithms enable it to learn from vast data sets and improve its responses over time.
• Moreover, Deep Learning, a sophisticated branch of ML, helps it recognize patterns and analyze complex data, which could be crucial for Krutrim AI’s performance.
• While the exact technologies used are not disclosed, these methodologies align with the AI’s demonstrated functions.

How Krutrim AI Works?

• Krutrim AI works through prompts given in the chat field, similar to other generative AI chatbots.
  • Generative AI chatbots like Krutrim AI are large language models that understand prompts in the language used for daily communication and respond with language similar to humans.
• Krutrim AI allows users to reply, modify the details, or add additional elements to the response, similar to the experience a user would have with a human assistant.

Benefits of Using Krutrim AI:

• Krutrim AI offers 4 benefits.
  • Multilingual as it responds in over 10 Indian languages, which is helpful for users not proficient in English.
  • Cultural context provides a native experience, as Krutrim’s training data was specifically geared towards being culturally relevant and understanding the Indian context.
  • The development of (AI) start-up Krutrim was done natively from the ground up.
    • It is trained on over 2 trillion language tokens, with the largest representation of Indian languages in the artificial intelligence landscape.
• Krutrim’s base model offers a free AI chatbot experience, with a premium version (Krutrim Pro) in the works, that will have larger knowledge-based capabilities.

Why is it in the News?

A recent review revealed that only a handful of vaccines offer durable protection lasting beyond 20 years.

About Post-vaccination immunity:

Mechanism:

• The fundamental immunological process involves the production of memory B cells in lymph nodes, providing long-term protection against diseases.
• These memory B cells recognize antigens delivered by vaccines, prompting the production of potent antibodies upon encountering similar antigens from foreign objects like viruses, effectively eliminating infections.
• T cell support is essential for the activation of memory B cells, thus vaccines stimulating T cells are capable of inducing their production.
• Notably, certain vaccines, such as polysaccharide typhoid and pneumococcal vaccines, may not prompt the production of B cells.
• To extend the duration of immunity conferred by memory B cells, frequent boosters may be necessary, ranging from six months to several years.
• However, the presence of memory B cells alone does not guarantee protection, as the effectiveness of vaccines in triggering their production varies.
• Long-lasting plasma cells (LLPCs) migrate from lymph nodes to the bone marrow, where they may persist for decades, constituting a crucial aspect of vaccine-induced immunity.
• Every vaccine aims to generate LLPCs in the bone marrow for lifelong protection, with vaccines like those for measles and rubella known to stimulate LLPC production.
• Notably, some potent vaccines, such as mRNA COVID-19 shots, may not effectively activate LLPCs in the bone marrow.
• For vaccines to confer long-term protection, they must generate both memory B cells and LLPCs in the bone marrow, with variations in vaccine effectiveness in producing these cells explaining differences in their durability.

Why is it in the News?

Kerala's shift towards an alternative approach for the implementation of smart electricity meters, sidelining the Central government's Rs 3 lakh crore project, poses a challenge to the Union Government's initiative of replacing 250 million traditional meters with smart meters in all households by March 2025.

About the Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP):

• The Indian government has initiated the Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) to revolutionize the country's energy sector through the implementation of smart meters.
• By replacing 25 crore conventional meters, the SMNP aims to enhance the operational efficiency and revenue management of distribution companies (DISCOMs).
• Under the leadership of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of four National Public Sector Enterprises, the scheme is set to make waves in the energy sector.
• EESL, comprised of NTPC Limited, PFC, REC, and POWERGRID, operates under the Ministry of Power and is committed to undertaking the necessary capital and operational expenditures with zero upfront investment from states and utilities.
• The Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model facilitates the recovery of smart meter costs via the monetization of energy savings resulting from improved billing accuracy, reduced meter reading costs, and increased efficiency.
• In accordance with guidelines set forth by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the strategic deployment of these smart meters adheres to industry standards.

Smart meters offer a multitude of advantages:

• • Consumers can monitor their electricity usage and make informed decisions to reduce their bills.
  • Utilities benefit from enhanced operational efficiency, enabling better power demand management.
• Web-based Monitoring: The interconnected smart meter network can mitigate utilities' commercial losses, enhance revenue generation, and propel power sector reforms.
• The Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) paves the way for a more efficient and sustainable energy landscape in India, revolutionizing the way utilities operate and consumers engage with their electricity usage.

What are Smart Meters?

• A smart meter serves as an advanced tool for recording electricity consumption and voltage levels, offering a significant upgrade over traditional metering systems.
  • While conventional meters simply measure power usage, smart meters take it a step further by transmitting real-time data to utility providers at intervals of 15 minutes or hourly.
• Smart meters truly live up to their name by utilizing internet connectivity to facilitate two-way communication.
  • On one hand, they empower consumers with up-to-date information on energy usage patterns, enabling them to make informed decisions and manage consumption more efficiently.
  • On the other hand, utility providers gain valuable insights for monitoring purposes and ensuring accurate billing.
• In essence, smart meters pave the way for improved energy management, increased transparency, and enhanced efficiency, catering to the evolving needs of both consumers and utility providers in today's digital era.

Why is it in the News?

During the celebration of Holi across India, Bhang, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant or true hemp, is widely favored for consumption.

What is Cannabis?

• Cannabis is found mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains – in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal – along with the Deccan region.
• Cannabis is termed Ganzai in Telugu, Ganja in Tamil, and Bangi in Kannada.
• The cannabis plant can be 4 to 10 feet tall at maturity.
• Its plant also grows on wastelands and can easily be spotted on roadsides.
• Three products can be obtained from the plant – fiber, oil, and narcotics.
• Bhang is obtained from the seeds and leaves of the plant, which are reduced to powder.
• Then, the powder is filtered and prepared for drinking, mixed often with cold, flavored milk or thandai on Holi.

Additional Uses and Benefits of Cannabis:

• According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), cannabis ash can be applied to animals' skin in cases of hematoma, a condition characterized by blood clotting outside of blood vessels.
• Hemp-seed oil is employed in varnish industries as a substitute for linseed oil and in soft soap manufacturing, as well as possessing numerous medicinal properties.
• In Himachal Pradesh, cannabis cultivation is concentrated in Chhota/Bada Bhangal of Kangra and the Karsog area of Mandi district.
• While cultivating cannabis for addictive narcotics is illegal, states permit regulated cultivation for industrial or horticultural purposes, focusing on fiber and seed extraction.
• Cannabis-based treatments, such as bhang application on paddy seeds, can enhance germination and control threadworms in paddy nurseries, particularly in the temperate regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Heated and crushed cannabis leaves are often transformed into a paste to alleviate pain from a honey bee or wasp stings.

Why is it in the News?

Effective execution of elections demands thorough planning, where a crucial aspect is the meticulous formulation and implementation of the District Election Management Plan (DEMP).

About the District Election Management Plan (DEMP):

• The District Election Management Plan (DEMP) is a comprehensive document designed to ensure the smooth conduct of elections, employing statistics and analysis.
• According to the Election Commission of India, the DEMP must be prepared at least six months before the tentative poll day.
• Collaboration among election officials, administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies, etc., is crucial for the execution of the DEMP.

Key components of the DEMP include:

• District Profile: A district profile providing foundational electoral strategy, featuring political maps outlining constituencies, key demographic and infrastructure statistics, and a brief on the district’s administrative setup and socio-economic features.
• Polling Stations: Detailed strategies for enhancing the availability and accessibility of polling stations, ensuring essential facilities such as ramps, electricity, lighting, drinking water, toilets, and internet connectivity.
• Special Attention to PwD and Senior Citizens: Addressing the requirements of voters with disabilities and senior citizens through dedicated help desks, round-the-clock control rooms, home voting options, and advanced postal ballot voting for essential service personnel.
• Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Plan: Integration of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) plan, focused on increasing electoral participation.

• • Planning, training, welfare, and deployment strategies for election personnel, along with training initiatives for district-level teams to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and equip all election personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)?

• Management of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) is vital to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, encompassing strategies for secure storage, availability, transportation, and maintenance of both EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs).
• The District Election Management Plan (DEMP) contributes to enhancing the voting process by ensuring its organization and accessibility to all voters.
• Furthermore, the principles employed in the DEMP, such as meticulous planning, collaboration, and transparency, offer valuable insights applicable beyond elections, providing lessons for broader governance.
• The emphasis on advanced planning, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder collaboration highlighted by the DEMP is instrumental in addressing challenges effectively.

Why is it in the News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02 landing experiment at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga recently.

What is a Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02?

• Continuing our exploration into reusable landing vehicles, RLV-LEX-02 marks the second mission in our series conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range.
• Following the success of RLV-LEX-01 last year, this latest endeavor showcases the remarkable autonomous landing capability of our reusable launch vehicle (RLV).
• Notably, RLV-LEX-02 demonstrates the vehicle's ability to navigate and safely land from off-nominal initial conditions immediately upon release from a helicopter.

Methodology of the Experiment:

• The RLV LEX-02 mission showcased the autonomous landing prowess of our reusable launch vehicle under demanding circumstances following its release from a helicopter.
• Dubbed 'Pushpak', this winged vehicle was airlifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter and released from a height of 4.5 km.
• Navigating autonomously, it adeptly approached the runway, making precise cross-range corrections before executing a flawless landing.
• Utilizing a combination of its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system, it safely came to a stop.
• Notably, the winged body and all flight systems previously employed in RLV-LEX-01 were repurposed for RLV-LEX-02 after undergoing necessary certification and clearances.
• This remarkable mission was executed collaboratively by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC), and the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU).

What is the Reusable Launch Vehicle?

• The reusable launch vehicle represents a pioneering space plane design characterized by a low lift-to-drag ratio, which mandates high glide angles during approach and consequently requires landing at velocities reaching 350 kmph.
• Integral to its innovation are a multitude of indigenous systems developed meticulously. These encompass sophisticated navigation systems, leveraging pseudolite technology for precise localization, as well as instrumentation and sensor arrays, among other advancements, all spearheaded by ISRO.

Why is it in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently received Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, during his two-day State visit to the neighboring nation.

What is the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award?

• The Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan's most prestigious civilian award, was recently conferred upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day State visit to the neighboring nation.
• As the first foreign Head of Government to receive this esteemed accolade, Prime Minister Modi joins a select group of individuals honored for their exceptional contributions to Bhutanese society, service, integrity, and leadership.
• According to the ranking and precedence established within Bhutan's honor system, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo represents the pinnacle of lifetime achievement, taking precedence over all other orders, decorations, and medals.
• Prime Minister Modi received the award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening India-Bhutan relations and his dedicated service to the Bhutanese nation and its people.
• Past recipients of the Order of the Druk Gyalpo include:
  • Her Majesty The Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck in 2008
  • His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup in 2008, and
  • His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra in 2018.
• With Prime Minister Modi's recent addition to this esteemed list, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo continues to symbolize Bhutan's appreciation for remarkable individuals who significantly impact the country and its people.

Why is it in the News?

The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has initiated action on the Netravati Waterfront Promenade Development Project in Mangaluru.

About the Netravati River:

• The Netravati River, also known as Netravathi Nadi, originates from the Bangrabalige valley, Yelaneeru Ghat in Kudremukh, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, India.
• It passes through the revered pilgrimage site Dharmasthala, earning recognition as one of India's sacred rivers.
• Converging with the Kumaradhara River at Uppinangadi, it eventually flows into the Arabian Sea, south of Mangalore city, serving as the primary water source for Bantwal and Mangalore.
• The Netravati railway bridge, a prominent structure, acts as the gateway to Mangalore.
• Historically known as the Bantwal River, it was documented as unfordable during the South-West Monsoon in the 1855 Gazetteer of Southern India.
• The river's navigability by small country craft and its influence on local geography and transport, including the naming of the Netravati Express train, underscores its significance in the region's history.
• Instances of flooding, notably in 1928 and 1974, have shaped the lives of residents, prompting relocations and resilience

About the National Green Tribunal:

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the National Green Tribunal Act of 2010.
• While its principal seat is located in New Delhi, it also holds sessions in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
• The NGT is entrusted with the responsibility of adjudicating applications or appeals, ensuring their final disposition within six months of filing.

Composition:

• The tribunal comprises a Chairperson, Judicial Members, and Expert Members, each serving a non-renewable term of five years.
• The appointment of the Chairperson is made by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• A Selection Committee, constituted by the Central Government, is responsible for appointing both Judicial and Expert Members.
• The tribunal can accommodate a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 full-time Judicial and Expert Members.

Powers & Jurisdiction:

• Established to efficiently handle cases concerning environmental protection and conservation of natural resources, including forests.
• It possesses appellate jurisdiction akin to a court.
• While not bound by the procedural formalities outlined in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the NGT operates based on the principles of natural justice.

Why is it in the News?

Public knowledge and awareness about Hepatitis B, a deadly disease that can cause end-stage liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, is dismal in India, according to a new study conducted by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

What is Hepatitis B?

• It is a severe liver infection that can lead to liver damage, cancer, and death.
• The virus spreads through contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids.
• One can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment, or from mother to child during childbirth.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B:

• Hepatitis B is a severe viral infection of the liver that can cause inflammation and scarring.
• Symptoms include fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain, and jaundice.

Causes of Hepatitis B:

• Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
• HBV is found in the blood and body fluids of an infected person. It can spread through contact with fluids, such as:
  • Blood, through needle sharing or accidental needle sticks
  • Contact with body fluids, such as saliva, etc.
  • Sexual contact with someone who has HBV
  • From a mother to a child through childbirth
• Hepatitis B can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as:
  • Sharing personal items like toothbrushes or razors with someone who has HBV
  • Getting a tattoo or body piercing with contaminated equipment

Types of Hepatitis B:

• There are three main types of hepatitis B: acute, chronic, and carriers.
  • Acute hepatitis B is a short-term illness that occurs within the first six months after exposure to the virus. It is the most common type of hepatitis B in children.
  • Chronic hepatitis B is a long-term illness that can lead to serious health problems, including liver failure and liver cancer.
  • Carriers of hepatitis B have the virus in their blood but do not show any symptoms.

Treatment for Hepatitis B

• Several medications can help treat hepatitis B.
• These include antiviral drugs, which can help reduce the amount of virus in the body, and immunomodulators, which can help boost the immune system to better fight the virus.
• If the liver is damaged, one may also need medication to help protect it from further damage.
• HBIG (Hepatitis B Immuno Globulin) is one of the best ways to treat hepatitis B.
  • Adults who have been exposed to hepatitis should get HBIG and vaccination as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours but not later than 14 days after the exposure.

Prevention of Hepatitis B:

• The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated.
• The vaccine is given as a series of shots.
• The first shot is usually given at birth; the rest at 1–2 months old, 6–18 months old, and 4–6 years old.
• If one was not vaccinated as a child, they can receive the vaccines as an adult.

Why is it in the News?

In Jaipur, Rajasthan, a centuries-old tradition called "Gulaal Gota" will be observed during Holi, involving the throwing of colors through a unique medium, dating back around 400 years.

What is a Gulaal Gota?

• A Gulaal Gota is a small ball made of lac, filled with dry gulaal.
• Weighing around 20 grams when filled with gulaal, these balls are thrown at people on Holi, getting smashed to bits on impact.
• Local artisans say that making Gulaal Gotas involves first boiling the lac in water to make it flexible.
  • Lac is a resinous substance that is secreted by certain insects. It is also used to make bangles.
• After shaping the lac, colour is added to it. At first red, yellow, and green are added as other colours can be obtained through their combinations.
• After the processing is done, artisans heat the lac.
• It is then blown into a spherical shape with the help of a blower called “phunkni”.
• Then, gulaal is filled in the balls before they are sealed with lac.

Where does the raw material for Gulaal Gota come from?

• Lac is brought from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
• The female scale insect is one of the sources of lac.
• To produce 1 kg of lac resin, around 300,000 insects are killed.
• The lac insects also yield resin, lac dye, and lac wax.

How did Gulaal Gotas become a tradition in Jaipur?

• Gulaal Gotas are made by Muslim lac makers, called Manihaars, only in Jaipur.
  • Manihaars’ ancestors were shepherds and horse traders who arrived from Afghanistan.
  • They settled in Bagru, a town located close to Jaipur, and learned lac-making from Hindu lac makers or Lakhere.
• The city of Jaipur was established in 1727. Its founder Sawai Jai Singh II, an admirer of art, dedicated a lane at the Tripoliya Bazaar to the Manihaar community.
• This is where lac bangles, jewelry, and Gulaal Gota are mostly sold, to date.

What is the economics of this tradition?

• One box of six Gulaal Gota balls is sold for Rs 150, which is much costlier than water balloons.
• Usually, the whole family of artisans is engaged in this work, including women.
• For Manihaars, lac bangles are the main source of sustenance as making Gulaal Gota is a seasonal work.
• Artisans say that the bangles are eco-friendly as they are made without any chemicals.

Why the demand is falling?

• Jaipur has of late become a hub of many factories where cheap, chemical-based bangles are made with minimum lac.
• Original lac bangles are costlier than the manufactured ones. Hence, the demand for lac-only bangles has fallen.
• Many of the community’s younger members are also more interested in taking up blue-collar jobs instead of artisan work.

Government Support and Artisan Empowerment:

• The Indian government has issued artisan cards to Lac Bangle and Gulaal Gota craftsmen, enabling them to access benefits under various government schemes.
• Many artisans have ventured abroad to exhibit their craft, such as Awaz Mohammad, who was invited to showcase his work at the G20 summit in New Delhi last year.
• In efforts to preserve tradition, some Gulaal Gota artisans are advocating for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which can enhance product visibility and underscore its unique regional identity.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the Supreme Court stayed the Centre’s notification of the Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) until the Bombay High Court arrives at a final decision on the challenge to the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules.

Background:

• Under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is entrusted with the responsibility of disseminating information about government policies, schemes, and programs through various mediums of communication.
  • In fulfilling its role, the Ministry publicizes the policies, initiatives, schemes, and programs of the Government of India through press releases, press conferences, webinars, publication of books, etc.
  • To carry out this crucial function, the Ministry has several attached and subordinate offices, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
• A significant aspect of the responsibility of facilitating public information about the functioning of the Government of India involves countering the dissemination of fake, false, and misleading information.
  • The PIB has been carrying out this function for a long through a wide distribution of accurate and reliable information, issuing rebuttals, etc.
• In the age of social media where information spreads rapidly, the spread of fake and manipulated information, especially related to the functioning of a democratically elected Government, is dangerous to society as it has the potential to intensify social, economic, and political conflicts, weaken public trust in democratic institutions, and even endanger the life of the citizens.

What is the PIB Fact Check Unit (FCU)?

• The Press Information Bureau has been at the forefront of taking proactive measures to combat fake news related to the Government of India.
• In November 2019, PIB established a Fact Check Unit (FCU) to tackle the issue of fake news about the Government of India, its various ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, and other Central Government organizations.
• The unit verifies claims about government policies, regulations, announcements, and measures.
  • Through an established rigorous fact-checking procedure, the PIB Fact Check Unit helps dispel myths, rumors, and false claims and provides accurate and reliable information to the public.

Organization

• The PIB Fact Check Unit is headed by a senior DG/ADG level officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS).
  • The day-to-day operations of the Unit are handled by IIS officers at various levels. The Unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB who functions as the Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.

Fact-Check Mechanism

• Users send requests over WhatsApp, email, or a web portal. Each such request received is considered a ‘Query’.
  • Queries are segregated by the Unit based on their relevance to matters about the Government of India.
  • Only queries about the Government of India are considered and taken up as Actionable Queries, while others are deemed not relevant for action.
  • The information in question is checked rigorously through multiple layers of cross-checking through Government Open-source information, use of technological tools, and verification from the concerned Government of India organization.
• Should the Unit come across a piece of information that the Unit ascertains must be busted publicly for the larger benefit of the people of India, after investigation and verification from official & authoritative sources, it publishes a 'Fact Check' on its social media platforms.
  • Often a single fact check can be a result of multiple queries.

Fact-checked content can be segregated into the following three categories:

1. Fake: any factually incorrect news, content, or, piece of information related to the Government of India, spread intentionally or unintentionally, that can deceive or manipulate the audience, with or without the intention to cause potential harm, can be flagged as Fake
2. Misleading: any information presented, either partially true or with selective presentation of facts or figures or with distortion of facts or figures and to deceive or mislead the recipient of the information.
3. True: any information that is found to be factually correct after investigation

Why is it in the News?

India will host the fifth meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation startup forum in January next year according to the commerce and industry ministry.

About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Startup Forum:

• The SCO Startup Forum is a platform for the stakeholders from the startup ecosystems from all SCO Member States to interact and collaborate.
• The entrepreneurial activities aim to empower the local startup communities in the SCO Member States.
• The SCO Startup Forum aims to create multilateral cooperation and engagement for startups among the SCO Member States.
• This engagement will empower the local startup ecosystems in the SCO Member States.

The following are the objectives of the engagement:

• Sharing of best practices to promote entrepreneurship and innovation to build knowledge-exchange systems
• Bringing Corporations and Investors across to work closely with startups and provide local entrepreneurs with much-needed support and market access
• Increasing scaling opportunities for startups by providing solutions in the field of social innovation and providing Governments with a plethora of innovative solutions
• Creating open procurement channels to enable matchmaking for procuring innovative solutions from startups
• Facilitating cross-border incubation and acceleration programs that will enable the startups to explore international markets and get focused mentorship.

Upcoming Events:

• India is set to host the second meeting of the Special Working Group for Startups and Innovation (SWG) in November 2024 and the SCO Startup Forum 5.0 in January 2025.

Past Initiatives:

• SCO Startup Forum 1.0: Established in 2020, laying the groundwork for multilateral cooperation among SCO Member States' startups.
• SCO Startup Forum 2.0: Held virtually in 2021, introducing the SCO Startup Hub, a centralized platform for the SCO startup ecosystem.
• SCO Startup Forum 3.0: Organized physically in 2023 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), marking a significant milestone for SCO Member States' startup collaboration.
• 1st Meeting of the SWG: Led by India, the first meeting of the SCO Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation in 2023 focused on the theme 'Growing from Roots', emphasizing foundational growth within the startup ecosystem.

Why is it in the News?

A recent film has been launched, depicting the inspiring life story of Indian freedom fighter Usha Mehta.

About Usha Mehta:

• Born in 1920 in the village of Saras, near Surat in Gujarat, Usha Mehta, affectionately known as Ushaben, embodied the Gandhian principles of non-violence and civil disobedience from a young age.

Early Activism:

• At the tender age of eight in 1928, she participated in a protest march against the Simon Commission, demonstrating her early commitment to India's independence struggle.
• The Secret Congress Radio: In 1942, amidst the fervor of the Quit India Movement, Usha Mehta and her colleagues boldly established the Secret Congress Radio.
  • This clandestine radio station played a pivotal role in connecting freedom movement leaders with the masses, ensuring the dissemination of crucial information, and maintaining the spirit of resistance against colonial rule.

Establishing an Underground Radio Station:

• With the outbreak of the War in 1939, the British government imposed stringent measures, including the suspension of all amateur radio licenses throughout the Empire.
• Operators were mandated to surrender their equipment to the authorities, under threat of severe repercussions for non-compliance.

Key Figures in the Operation:

• Usha Mehta, alongside Babubhai Khakar, Vithalbhai Jhaveri, and Chandrakant Jhaveri, played instrumental roles in orchestrating the Congress Radio initiative, defying the ban on amateur radio broadcasting.

The Congress Radio Trial:

• The trial of the five accused individuals—Usha Mehta, Babubhai Khakar, Vithalbhai Jhaveri, Chandrakant Jhaveri, and Nanak Gainchand Motwane, who facilitated crucial equipment—captivated public attention in Bombay.
  • While Vithalbhai and Motwane were acquitted, Mehta, Babubhai, and Chandrakant faced severe sentences for their involvement.

Usha Mehta's Legacy:

• Following her release from Pune's Yerawada Jail in March 1946, Usha Mehta was lauded in nationalist circles as "Radio-ben," symbolizing her courageous defiance and commitment to the freedom struggle through underground broadcasting.

 Independence, PhD, & Padma Vibhushan

• When India finally achieved independence in 1947, the British had divided the country into two parts – India and Pakistan, sending the region into chaos.
  • The divide results in massive bloodshed with more than 10 million Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs seeking to find their home.
  • Mehta was torn. “In a way, I was very happy, but sad at the same time because of partition.
  • It was an independent India but a divided India,” she was quoted as saying in the book Freedom Fighters Remembered.
• She was away from active politics in independent India due to her ill health but continued to remain a staunch Gandhian till the very end.
• She penned the script for a documentary on Gandhi produced by her colleague at the radio station, and earned a PhD in Gandhian thought at the University of Bombay.
• She taught political science and ran the politics department at the university.
• She also taught at Wilson College for 30 years.
• She was also the president of the Gandhi Peace Foundation.
• In 1998, she was awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan.
• She lived a simple life and never married or had children.
• She died on 11 August 2000 at the age of 80.

Why is it in the News?

Dr. Neeraj Mittal's unanimously elected as co-chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s digital innovation board recently.

About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU):

• Established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, the ITU has evolved into the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICT).
• Recognized as a vital intergovernmental organization, the ITU facilitates collaboration between governments and private sector entities to advance global telecommunication and ICT services.

Key Points:

• Status: Designated as a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1947.
• Membership: Boasting a diverse membership of 193 countries and over 1000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.

Functions:

• Allocation of global radio spectrum and satellite orbits.
• Coordination and establishment of technical standards about telecommunication/ICT.
• Initiatives to enhance ICT accessibility in underserved communities worldwide.
• India's Engagement: India has maintained an active presence within the ITU since 1869, consistently participating in its endeavors.
  • Notably, India has been a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952.
• Headquarters: Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the ITU serves as the global epicenter for fostering collaboration and innovation in the realm of ICT.

What is the Digital Innovation Board?

• The Digital Innovation Board is a pivotal component of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, aimed at addressing pressing needs within the realm of innovation as outlined in the Kigali Action Plan, which was adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022.
• Comprised of Ministers and Vice Ministers of Telecom/ICT from 23 Member Countries of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), spanning across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North, and South America, this board serves as a strategic advisory body.
• ITU initiated the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development to tackle significant challenges and opportunities in innovation.
• This alliance operates through three key mechanisms:
  • The Digital Transformation Lab
  • The Network of Acceleration Centers, and
  • The Digital Innovation Board.
• The Digital Innovation Board's primary objective is to offer strategic guidance, expertise, and advocacy in promoting local capacity building, fostering innovation, and encouraging entrepreneurship in digital development.
• Its overarching mission is to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all stakeholders.

Why is it in the News?

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was recently arrested in the Delhi excise policy case, in which he had been issued multiple summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

About the Enforcement Directorate (ED):

• Established in 1956 as the 'Enforcement Unit' under the Department of Economic Affairs, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) underwent a name change in 1957.
• Presently, ED operates under the Department of Revenue (Ministry of Finance) administrative control for operational purposes.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• ED is responsible for enforcing the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• In case of FEMA violations, ED has the authority to attach the assets of offenders.
• ED is also empowered to conduct searches, seizures, arrests, prosecutions, and surveys against PMLA offenses.

Appointment Process for ED Director:

• The Central Government appoints the ED Director based on the recommendations of a committee, which comprises:

Chairperson: Central Vigilance Commissioner

Members: Vigilance Commissioners, Home Secretary, Secretary DOPT, and Revenue Secretary.

What is the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22?

• The Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, also known as the new liquor policy, was introduced on November 17, 2021, to transform liquor sales in the city.
• This policy marked a significant departure from the traditional model by privatizing liquor shops and aiming to enhance customer experience while curbing black market activities.
• However, amidst controversy and allegations of procedural irregularities, Delhi ultimately reverted to its previous excise regime.

Key Features:

• The new policy divided Delhi into 32 zones, each open for bidding by firms, departing from individual licenses to zone-based bidding.
• 849 retail vend licenses were auctioned by the Excise department.
• Notably, the policy allowed for discounts to retail customers and reduced dry days to three from 21.
• It proposed innovative measures such as home delivery of liquor and lowering the drinking age from 25 to 21, although these were not implemented.

Controversy:

• Before implementation, the policy underwent scrutiny by the Chief Secretary, who alleged procedural lapses and irregularities.
• The report implicated the Deputy CM for making unilateral decisions, leading to financial losses and allegations of kickbacks.
• These kickbacks were purportedly used to influence elections in other states, leading to a CBI investigation and subsequent arrest of the Deputy CM and others.
• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also initiated investigations into alleged money laundering, with claims of substantial proceeds of crime and kickbacks reaching prominent political figures.
• In essence, the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, while aiming for modernization and improved governance in liquor sales, was marred by controversy and allegations of corruption, prompting a thorough investigation into its implementation and aftermath.

Why is it in the News?

On March 21, 2024, people around the world celebrate World Forest Day. It's a day to remind everyone about how important forests are and all the good things they do for us.

About World Forest Day:

• World Forestry Day, also known as International Day of Forests, is celebrated on March 21 each year.
• The day aims to promote the sustainable management, conservation, and development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

The theme for International Day of Forests 2024:

• This year's theme, "Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World" highlights the critical role of innovation and technology in protecting our forests.
  • From advanced monitoring systems that track deforestation to sustainable forestry practices, innovation is key to overcoming the challenges threatening our forests.

History of International Day of Forests:

• The United Nations General Assembly announced March 21 to be the International Day of Forests in 2012.
  • The day aims to respect and promote the value of a wide range of forests. Countries are encouraged to take part in regional, global, and local drives to set up a scope of forest and tree-related campaigns, like planting campaigns.
• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Forum on Forests are the coordinators of the International Day of Forests.

Importance of International Day of Forests:

• As per the UNGA, "The United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other relevant organizations in the field are responsible for organizing the events and campaigns related to the World Forestry Day."
• The importance of the International Day of Forests is to spread awareness and give instruction at all levels to guarantee feasible forest management and biodiversity preservation.

The Enduring Significance of Forests:

• Forests are often referred to as the "lungs of the planet" for a reason.

They play a vital role in:

• Combating Climate Change: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.
• Protecting Biodiversity: Forests provide habitats for countless species of plants and animals, ensuring the health and balance of ecosystems.
• Providing Clean Air and Water: Forests filter air and water, regulating our climate and providing us with essential resources.
• Supporting Livelihoods: Millions of people around the world depend on forests for food, medicine, and income generation.

Celebrating and Taking Action:

• World Forestry Day is a springboard for action and we can get involved by:
• Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working towards forest conservation and sustainable forestry practices.
• Reduce Consumption: Make conscious choices to reduce consumption of paper and wood products, minimizing environmental footprint.
• Plant a Tree: Plant a tree in our community or support tree-planting initiatives.
• Spread Awareness: Educate ourselves and others about the importance of forests and the threats they face.
• By taking action, big or small, we can all contribute to a future where our forests continue to thrive, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.

Why is it in the News?

India’s top 1 percent income and wealth shares have reached historical highs and are among the very highest in the world, according to a paper released by World Inequality Lab.

What is the World Inequality Lab?

• The World Inequality Lab is a global research center that focuses on studying inequality and public policies that promote social, economic, and environmental justice.

The lab's main missions include:

• Expanding the World Inequality Database: The lab gathers and analyzes data on income, wealth, and capital asset distribution across various countries.
• Publishing research: The lab releases working papers, reports, and methodological handbooks to contribute to the understanding of global inequality dynamics.
• Collaborating with international researchers: The lab works with a network of researchers from around the world to compile and analyze data for the World Inequality Database.
• Promoting public debate: The lab aims to raise awareness about inequality by disseminating their findings and engaging in public discourse.
• The World Inequality Lab is known for producing the World Inequality Report, which offers up-to-date and comprehensive data on different aspects of inequality globally, including wealth, income, gender, and ecological inequality.

Key Insights from the Research Paper Released by the WIL:

• A team of four economists, including Nitin Kumar Bharti, Lucas Chancel, Thomas Piketty, and Anmol Somanchi, has compiled comprehensive time series data on income and wealth inequality in India.
• Titled "The Billionaire Raj," the paper asserts that India's current level of inequality surpasses that of the British Raj era.
• In the fiscal year 2022-23, India witnessed its highest recorded levels of income and wealth concentration among the top 1%: 22.6% and 40.1%, respectively.
• India's top 1% income share is noted to be among the highest globally, even surpassing countries like South Africa, Brazil, and the US.
• While India's top 1% holds a significant share of income, the wealth share of this segment is comparatively lower than in South Africa and Brazil.
• The paper accentuates the stark disparities among various income groups in India.
• For instance, the wealthiest 1% possess an average wealth of Rs 5.4 crore, 40 times the national average, whereas the bottom 50% and the middle 40% hold significantly lower amounts: Rs 1.7 lakh (0.1 times the national average) and Rs 9.6 lakh (0.7 times the national average), respectively.
• At the pinnacle of the wealth distribution, approximately 10,000 individuals out of 92 million Indian adults possess an average wealth of Rs 2,260 crore, a staggering 16,763 times the average Indian wealth.

Key Recommendations from the Research Paper:

• The research paper has meticulously compiled data from various sources to construct its estimates on income and wealth inequality.
• Given the absence of official income estimates and wealth statistics based on surveys in India, the paper underscores the necessity for reliable data sources in these domains.
• To tackle the issue of inequality in India, the paper proposes a range of policy interventions.
• These measures encompass a comprehensive overhaul of the tax structure to encompass both income and wealth considerations, alongside substantial public investments in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and nutrition.
• A notable suggestion outlined in the report is the implementation of a "super tax" of 2% on the net wealth of the 167 wealthiest families recorded in 2022-23. This levy is projected to generate revenues equivalent to 0.5% of the national income.
• Furthermore, the imposition of such a tax is envisaged not only to create fiscal leeway for essential investments but also to serve as an effective tool in combatting entrenched inequality within the society.

Why is it in the News?

AI chip leader Nvidia on Tuesday (March 19) announced Project GR00T or Generalist Robot 00 Technology, which promises to revolutionize the evolution of humanoid robots.

What is Project GR00T?

• Project GR00T stands for Generalist Robot 00 Technology.
• It is essentially a general-purpose foundation model for humanoid robots.
• This ambitious project aims to create a general-purpose foundation model for humanoid robots, enabling them to understand natural language, learn new skills from observing humans, and solve various tasks in real-time.
• Robots built on this platform are designed to understand natural language and emulate movements by observing human actions, such as instantly learning coordination, dexterity, and other skills.
• This can help the robots navigate and engage with the real world around them.
• The goal of Project GR00T is to advance the field of embodied artificial general intelligence (AGI) and drive breakthroughs in robotics.
• NVIDIA intends to leverage its expertise in AI and its technological resources to develop this foundational model, which would provide humanoid robots with human-like abilities, such as emotion, reaction, and movement.

The Potential Consequences of Project GR00T and Humanoid Robots in the Workforce:

• As humanoid robots, such as those envisioned by NVIDIA's Project GR00T, become more advanced and capable of handling various hazardous or repetitive tasks, concerns arise over potential job displacement.
  • For instance, Nvidia's partnership with Hippocratic AI to develop AI-powered healthcare agents may lead to a reduction in the demand for nurses.
• However, proponents argue that these robots can serve as valuable aids for humans, enhancing their quality of life and complementing their skills rather than supplanting them entirely.
• Consequently, the impact of humanoid robots on the workforce may ultimately depend on their successful integration into existing labor structures, as well as the willingness and ability of society to adapt to this transformative technology.

Why is it in the News?

Amidst escalating global temperatures, a pioneering study spearheaded by the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, sheds light on an unexpected threat posed by Lianas.

What are Lianas?

• Lianas are long-stemmed, woody vines that have their roots in the ground but use the trunks and branches of trees to climb their way up toward the canopy in order to reach sunlight.
• The term “liana” applies more to this type of lifestyle than to any specific family of plants, as lianas come from a variety of different taxonomic groups.
• They are found in tropical forests all over the world.
• These plants have developed a unique climbing strategy to reach the forest canopy and maximize their access to sunlight for photosynthesis.
• Their flexible stems, adventitious roots, and specialized structures such as tendrils and hooks allow them to twist, twine, and ascend the trunks and branches of trees.

How do Lianas Impact the Forest Ecosystem?

• Lianas can have both positive and negative influences on forest ecosystems, depending on their abundance and the specific environmental context.

Positive Impacts of Lianas on Forests:

• Biodiversity: Lianas enhance forest biodiversity by creating additional habitats, providing food resources, and supporting the life cycles of numerous organisms.
  • Insects, birds, mammals, and even some epiphytic plants rely on lianas for food, shelter, and reproductive sites.
• Nutrient Cycling: Lianas play a crucial role in nutrient cycling within forests. By absorbing nutrients from the forest floor and transferring them to the canopy through their stems, lianas facilitate nutrient exchange between different vertical layers of the forest.

Negative Impacts of Lianas on Forests:

• Competition for Resources: High densities of lianas can lead to competition with trees for essential resources like light, water, and nutrients.
  • This competition may impede tree growth, reduce seedling establishment, and hinder forest regeneration.
• Impact on Forest Structure and Stability: By increasing the likelihood of tree fall during storms or strong winds, lianas can negatively affect forest structure and composition.
  • When lianas grow on tree crowns, they increase the weight and wind resistance of trees, making them more susceptible to uprooting.
• Economic Implications: Lianas can also impact the growth and reproduction of commercially valuable tree species, which has economic implications for forest management and timber production.
  • Moreover, liana-infested trees often have reduced timber quality due to distortions in the tree trunk and branches.
• Low Carbon Sequestration: Their lower carbon sequestering capacity compared to trees further exacerbates the threat to carbon storage.

Why is it in the News?

Even as basmati rice exports from the country are poised to scale a new high, scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) have red-flagged the “illegal” cultivation of its blockbuster varieties in Pakistan.

Unauthorized Cultivation and Export of Pusa Basmati Rice Varieties in Pakistan:

• Despite being officially registered and protected Indian varieties, several IARI-bred Basmati rice varieties, such as Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati-6, and Pusa Basmati 1509, are being illegally cultivated and marketed in Pakistan.
  • Recent YouTube videos even feature newer IARI varieties like Pusa Basmati-1847, PB-1885, and PB-1886, released in late 2021.
• Pakistan's unauthorized Basmati exports have been substantial, with 7.58 lt ($694.55 million) in 2021-22 and 5.95 lt ($650.42 million) in 2022-23 (July-June).
  • This growth is partly due to the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee, allowing the country to offer lower export prices than India.
• The proliferation of these protected varieties in Pakistan can be attributed to the ease of seed multiplication.
  • With just a small quantity of seeds, large-scale cultivation can be established within two years of the variety's release in India.
  • This unauthorized cultivation not only undermines India's intellectual property rights but also impacts the competitiveness of India's Basmati rice exports in the global market.

What is the Basmati Crop Improvement Program?

• The Basmati Crop Improvement Program focuses on refining the unique qualities of Basmati rice, such as its distinct grain characteristics, cooking properties, and pleasing aroma.
• IARI has played a crucial role in the genetic enhancement, leading to the development of high-yielding, semi-dwarf, and photo-insensitive Basmati varieties like Pusa Basmati 1.
• These improvements have significantly reduced the crop duration from 160 to 120 days and increased productivity from 2.5 to 6-8 tons per hectare.
• As a result, these advanced Basmati varieties account for approximately 90% of India's projected $5.5 billion exports in 2023-24.
  • This achievement contributes to substantial foreign exchange earnings and economic growth for the country.

Key Features of IARI-Developed Basmati Rice Varieties:

• IARI has cultivated various Basmati rice varieties with distinct characteristics, including:
• Pusa Basmati 1121: Known as the world's longest Basmati rice, it matures in 145 days with an average yield of 45 q/ha.
• Pusa Basmati 1509: Derived from Pusa 1121 x Pusa 1301, this variety addresses Pusa Basmati 1121's weaknesses, matures in 115 days, and yields 5 tons/ha.
• Improved Pusa Basmati 1 (Pusa 1460): This variety, the first product of molecular breeding in Indian rice, is an enhanced Pusa Basmati 1 with bacterial leaf blight resistance.
• Pusa Basmati 6 (Pusa 1401): Offering superior grain quality, this variety improves upon Pusa 1121's yielding ability, agronomy, and cooking quality.
• Pusa RH10: The world's first superfine grain aromatic rice hybrid, it was released in 2001 for commercial cultivation in specific irrigated ecosystems.

Registration and Cultivation Areas of Pusa Basmati Rice in India:

• All Pusa Basmati rice varieties are officially recognized under the Seeds Act 1966 and can be cultivated within the designated Geographical Indication (GI) area of Basmati rice in India, encompassing seven northern states.
• These varieties are further registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act 2001, which permits only Indian farmers to sow, save, re-sow, exchange, or share the seeds of protected/registered varieties.

Why is it in the News?

In a significant boost to its rich cultural and historical legacy, 6 new sites from Madhya Pradesh have found a place in the tentative UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites (WHS).

Six New Sites From MP In the UNESCO Tentative List:

• The sites included in the tentative list are Gwalior Fort, the Historical Group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur, and God Memorial of Ramnagar, Mandla.
• The UNESCO tentative list includes those that provide a forecast of the properties that a State Party may decide to submit for inscription in the next five to ten years.
• Gwalior Fort: An imposing fortress atop a hill, featuring impenetrable walls, exquisite sculptures, and stunning architecture.
  • Built-in the 6th century AD by Rajput warrior Suraj Sen and expanded by Tomar ruler Maan Singh in 1398.
• Dhamnar Caves: Rock-cut temple site in Mandsaur district, constructed in the 7th century AD.
  • It comprises 51 caves, stupas, chaityas, and dwellings, with a colossal Gautam Buddha statue.
• Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple: Located near Bhopal, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a huge Linga carved from a single stone.
  • Built between 1010 and 1053 AD by Raja Bhoj but was never completed.
• Chambal Valley Rock Art Sites: The world's largest concentration of rock art sites across MP, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, depicting ancient daily life, rituals, and hunting scenes.
• Khooni Bhandara: A unique water supply system built in Burhanpur in 1615 by ruler Abdurrahim Khankhana, still operational today.
• Gond Statue, Mandla: Moti Mahal, a five-storied palace built in Mandla in 1667 by Gond king Hriday Shah, showcasing the strong willpower of the king despite limited resources.

What is UNESCO’s Tentative List?

• A World Heritage Site is a site with outstanding universal value.
• It also denotes cultural and natural significance that transcends national boundaries and is of common importance for current and future generations of all humanity.
• According to UNESCO, a tentative list lists the properties each State Party intends to consider for nomination.
• The government of any nation must have a nomination document ready for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to review once as soon as UNESCO includes it in a location on the Tentative List.
• After this, a UNESCO representative will evaluate the situation and inspect it.

What is the Tentative List Process?

• The States Parties are encouraged to submit their Tentative Lists of properties that they consider cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value and, therefore, suitable for inscription on the World Heritage List.
• The States Parties are encouraged to prepare their Tentative Lists with the participation of stakeholders such as site managers, local and regional governments, local communities, NGOs, and other interested parties and partners.
• The States Parties should submit the Tentative Lists to the World Heritage Centre at least one year before submitting any nomination.
  • The list should not be exhaustive.
• The States Parties can re-examine and re-submit their list at least every ten years.
• The States Parties are also requested to submit their lists using a submission format (English or French) that should contain the name of the properties, geographical location, a brief description of the properties, and why the property is of outstanding universal value.
• Nomination will only be considered once the property is added to the State Party's Tentative List.