In News:

Recently, Donald Trump threatened to take back the Panama Canal, calling the transfer treaty “foolish”.

Why Trump Called the Panama Canal Transfer 'Foolish'?

• Transit Fees:
  • Trump expressed frustration over high transit fees imposed by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) on U.S. vessels.
  • In 2023, due to droughts affecting Lakes Gatun and Alhajuela (which are crucial for canal operations), the ACP reduced crossing slots by 36%, leading to an increase in transit fees for ships.
• Chinese Presence:
  • Trump is also concerned about the growing Chinese influence in the Panama Canal region.
  • In 2017, Panama became the first Latin American country to sign a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) agreement with China, increasing Chinese investments.
  • Hutchison Ports PPC, a subsidiary of a Hong Kong-based company, operates ports near the canal, raising concerns over China's influence on logistical operations and potential surveillance capabilities.

The Torrijos-Carter Treaties and Canal Transfer:

• Panama Canal Treaty (1977):
  • The treaty transferred control of the Panama Canal from the U.S. to Panama by December 31, 1999.
  • The U.S. would no longer control the canal, and Panama would assume full responsibility for its operation and defense.
• Permanent Neutrality Treaty (1977):
  • Declared the canal to be neutral and open to vessels of all nations.
  • U.S. Right to Defense: The U.S. retained the right to defend the neutrality of the canal and had priority passage in case of military emergencies.

Panama’s Response to Trump’s Criticisms:

• Defense of Transit Rates:
  • President José Raúl Mulino rejected Trump’s claims, defending the transit fees as being in line with international standards and based on a transparent procedure.
• Sovereignty:
  • Mulino emphasized Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, asserting that Panama’s control over the canal was non-negotiable. He categorically denied the presence of Chinese soldiers in the canal, stating that there would never be any.

China’s Response:

• China's Position:
  • China's Foreign Ministry responded by emphasizing that the Panama Canal is a neutral passageway, a vital infrastructure for Panama and the global trade system.
  • China affirmed its respect for Panama's sovereignty and denied any military presence in the canal area.

Implications and Future:

• Diplomatic Tensions:
  • The issue of transit fees and foreign influence, particularly China's presence in the region, is likely to remain a point of diplomatic negotiation.
  • Panama is expected to assert its sovereignty and seek international support to prevent any external interference in the canal’s operations.
• U.S. Influence:
  • The U.S. might attempt to renegotiate terms related to the Panama Canal's operations, especially concerning transit fees and military rights, although Panama remains firm on maintaining control.

Torrijos-Carter Treaties:

• Significance:
  • Panama Canal Treaty and Permanent Neutrality Treaty marked a major shift in U.S.-Latin America relations, ending U.S. control and restoring Panamanian sovereignty.
  • The treaties also ensured the neutrality of the canal while maintaining U.S. military access in emergencies.
• Impact:
  • The treaties were a symbol of Panama’s regained sovereignty and played a key role in stabilizing relations between the U.S. and Panama, as well as resolving tensions over control of the canal.

In News:

Researchers at IIT Bombay have created an affordable device to diagnose and manage tinnitus, a condition involving persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears. The device offers personalized treatment solutions and a comprehensive approach to managing tinnitus.

What is Tinnitus?

• Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of external noise, meaning only the affected individual hears it. It is often caused by underlying conditions such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory system problems.
• It affects over 740 million adults globally, with 120 million experiencing severe symptoms (JAMA Neurology, 2022).
• Common symptoms include sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, irritability, and significant impacts on mental health and social life.
• Treatment may include: Hearing aids, sound-masking devices, medications, and coping techniques to manage the noise.

Device Features:

• Precise Tinnitus Matching: Identifies the exact nature and frequency of sounds experienced by the patient.
• Customizable Treatment: Provides a tailored, multimodal approach to treatment, ensuring each patient gets a unique experience.
• Tracking Progress: Includes tools to monitor disease progression and patient improvement over time.

Affordability and Accessibility:

• The device is cost-effective, addressing the issue of high costs associated with current tinnitus management solutions.
• This breakthrough is especially beneficial for low-income regions, where access to expensive tinnitus treatment is limited.

Impact on Healthcare:

• The device empowers doctors with precise diagnostic tools, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and the efficacy of treatment.
• It aims to enhance patient quality of life by offering an affordable and accessible solution to tinnitus management.

Funding and Development:

• The project has received funding from Tata Centre for Technology and Design (TCTD), IIT Bombay, and Wadhwani Research Centre for Bioengineering (WRCB).

Significance:

• This development represents a technological advancement in tinnitus care, with the potential to greatly reduce the burden of the condition and improve the well-being of affected individuals worldwide.

In News:

After a plant species of the genus Stellaria (family Caryophyllaceae) was reported from Kerala earlier this year, researchers have identified another member of the same genus at Kalimpong district in West Bengal.

Key Highlights:

Discovery and Identification:

• Published: The discovery was published in Phytotaxa.
• Location: Found in Kalimpong district, West Bengal, at altitudes of 2,245-2,450 metres in the Sangser forest.
• Named: The species is named Stellaria bengalensis after the state of West Bengal.

Taxonomy and Characteristics:

• Family: Caryophyllaceae.
• Type: Annual herb.
• Size: Grows to a height of 8 to 10.5 cm.
• Flowers: White in color, with shorter petals, often included within the sepal, and absence of bracts.
• Seeds: Sharp and pointed.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Occurs from May to September.

Distribution:

• Region: Primarily found in the Himalayan region.
• Similar Species: Stellaria mcclintockiae, identified earlier in Kerala (Nelliyampathy Hills).
• Both species grow in muddy soil slopes and are annuals.

Conservation Status:

• Under IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) criteria, the species is assessed as "data deficient", pending further studies.
• Potential Habitat: There is a possibility of finding more populations in the western Himalayas.

Significance:

• Stellaria bengalensis is the second Stellaria species reported in India in 2025.
• India is home to about 22 Stellaria species, predominantly found in the Himalayan region.
• The discovery adds to biodiversity knowledge in India and underscores the importance of studying plant species in the region.

In News:

India to Host World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose: The summit aims to bolster India's media and entertainment (M&E) industry, expand its global influence, and foster innovation and collaboration within the sector.
• Significance: First-ever global summit to cover the entire media and entertainment industry spectrum.
• Objective:
  • Foster Dialogue and Trade: WAVES aims to be a premier platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to engage in meaningful discussions, explore opportunities, and tackle challenges in the M&E sector.
  • Promote India's M&E Industry: Attract trade and investment to India, highlighting its strengths in animation, gaming, entertainment technology, and cinema (both regional and mainstream).

• Focus Areas:
  • Industry Advancements: Discussions will revolve around India’s progress in animation, visual effects, gaming, and cinema.
  • Global Positioning: Establish India as a global powerhouse in the M&E sector, setting new standards for creativity, innovation, and global influence.

WAVES India - Vision and Mission:

• Vision: Position India as a Global Powerhouse: Enhance India’s standing in the dynamic M&E sector, making it a hub of creativity and innovation worldwide.
• Mission:
  • Provide exclusive investment opportunities for global M&E leaders through WAVES.
  • Drive India’s Creative Economy through Intellectual Property (IP) Creation for both domestic and international markets.
  • Develop M&E Infrastructure: Strengthen industry infrastructure and create a skilled workforce to meet global demands.
  • Adapt to New Trends: Embrace emerging technologies and transformations in the M&E landscape.

Expected Outcomes:

• Global Collaboration: Engage global M&E leaders in discussions that provoke ideas and facilitate collaborations.
• Attract Investment: Promote India as a business-friendly investment destination in the M&E sector.
• Skills and Capacity Building: Build capacity in the M&E industry and develop skilled human resources to support international needs.

In News:

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered ancient copper plates and gold coins at the Srisailam Temple in Andhra Pradesh, specifically in the Ghantamandapam area.
• The discovery includes 20 sets of copper plates, totaling 72 leaves, and various gold coins.
• The ASI's Epigraphy Branch in Mysore has completed the documentation of these findings, and the materials are being studied in detail.

Collaboration with Srisailam Devasthanam:

• In collaboration with the Srisailam Devasthanam, ASI plans to publish a book that will detail the findings and their historical significance.
• The book will be printed soon by Pragati Publications in Hyderabad.

Srisailam Temple Overview:

• The Srisailam Temple, also known as the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh.
• It is located in the Nallamala Hills, overlooking the Krishna River.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba Devi.
• It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the Shakti Peethas, making it significant in both Shaivism and Shaktism.

Architectural Significance:

• The temple is built in the Dravidian style, featuring lofty towers and expansive courtyards, and is considered a prime example of Vijayanagara architecture.
• Historical references to the temple date back to the Satavahana period (2nd century AD), and the temple was further endowed by the Kakatiyas and Vijayanagara rulers.

Cultural and Religious Importance:

• The Srisailam Temple is unique for housing both a Jyotirlinga (Lord Shiva) and a Shakti Peetha (Goddess Bhramaramba), a rare combination not found at other temples.
• The great religious figure Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have visited the temple and composed the Sivananda Lahiri there.

Historical Context:

• The copper plates and inscriptions discovered are likely to provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural significance of the temple, as well as the region's ancient religious practices.

In News:

• The Delhi government is reassessing the proposal to permit conjugal visits for prisoners, following the suspension of a similar initiative in Punjab.
• Delhi Chief Minister has sought further input from the Law Department and explored if similar schemes are implemented in other states.

Conjugal Visits - Definition & Context:

• Conjugal visits involve allowing prisoners to spend private time with their legal partners or spouses, including intimate relations, within prison premises.
• No national policy exists in India for conjugal rights of prisoners, leading to varied implementations across states.

Punjab’s Pilot Project - ‘Parivar Mulakat’:

• Ludhiana Central Jail introduced the 'Parivar Mulakat' programme in September 2022, allowing face-to-face meetings with family in designated rooms.
• The initiative was suspended shortly after its launch due to security concerns, particularly difficulty in conducting thorough body checks on visitors.

Challenges in Delhi:

• Overcrowded prisons in Delhi make it challenging to manage the logistical demands of conjugal visits, especially with up to 1,200 daily visitations.
• The Home Department has received proposals but no progress has been made over the past year.

Legal Precedents on Conjugal Rights:

• Punjab and Haryana High Court (2014) ruled that prisoners have a right to conjugal visits to facilitate procreation.
• Madras High Court (2018) allowed a life convict on parole for conjugal relations, and in 2023, a judge called for similar considerations for Tamil Nadu.

Human Rights Argument:

• Advocates argue that denying conjugal visits to prisoners violates basic human rights of both prisoners and their spouses, particularly those aged 21-50, who are often in sexually active years.
• Amit Sahni, a social activist, filed a PIL highlighting that most prisoners in Delhi are denied conjugal rights despite their eligibility.

Government’s Position:

• Delhi DG (Prisons) had argued that temporary leave such as parole and furlough serve the purpose of family ties, questioning the need for conjugal visits within prison.

Need for Legal Framework:

• Legal experts suggest the creation of a law and policy framework to regulate conjugal visits, ensuring clear guidelines for their implementation.
• S.D. Singh, a Supreme Court advocate, emphasized that conjugal visits should be legally recognized as a right, requiring formal legislation for consistent implementation.

Future Considerations:

• The Delhi government’s reassessment may lead to a policy that considers both human rights and security concerns in its decision on conjugal visits.

In News:

Artisans in Srinagar, Kashmir, have revived the extinct dodo bird in papier mâché forms. These figurines are exported worldwide, particularly to Mauritius and Europe, ahead of the Christmas season. Over 50,000 dodo figurines have already been sent to international markets in 2024.

Key Highlights:

The Dodo:

• Scientific Name: Raphus cucullatus.
• Extinct Since: 1681, approximately 80 years after humans began interacting with them.
• Endemic to Mauritius: A flightless bird from the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, a national symbol of the country.
• Extinction Causes: Overhunting and the introduction of invasive species like rats, pigs, and cats that preyed on their eggs.
• Physical Traits: Grey or brown plumage, about 3 feet tall, flightless and fearless.

Papier Mâché Craft in Kashmir:

• History: Practiced for over 600 years in Kashmir, introduced during the reign of King Zain-ul-Abidin (15th century).
• Techniques: Involves creating decorative objects using paper pulp, with traditional Persian motifs.
• Recent Addition of Dodo: The dodo was introduced to the papier mâché craft around two decades ago, likely by Mauritian tourists.

International Market and Demand:

• Mauritius: A significant market for the papier mâché dodo, as the bird is a national emblem of Mauritius.
• Europe: Exported to European countries during the Christmas season, contributing to the popularity of Kashmir’s handicrafts.
• Kashmir's Karkhanas: Local craft workshops in Srinagar are producing thousands of dodo figurines each season, with over 3,000 dodos produced this year.

Cultural and Economic Impact:

• Artisans' Contribution: Local artisans are helping keep the memory of the extinct dodo alive, while boosting Kashmir’s handicraft industry.
• Global Recognition: The dodo is now a sought-after item in global markets, linked to the traditional art of Kashmir.
• Kashmir Handicrafts: Several crafts from Kashmir, including papier mâché, have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags for their distinct cultural and regional significance.

In News:

Researchers at IIT Bombay, led by Viren Menezes from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, have developed a shockwave-based, needle-free syringe to deliver drugs painlessly and safely. The research was published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials and Devices.

Key Features of Shock Syringe:

• Unlike traditional syringes, the shock syringe uses high-energy shockwaves (traveling faster than the speed of sound) to deliver drugs, without the need for needles.
• The device is designed to reduce pain, tissue damage, and infection risk.
• The shock syringe aims to eliminate the discomfort and fear associated with needles.

How the Shock Syringe Works:

• The shock syringe is slightly longer than a ballpoint pen and contains a micro shock tube with three sections: driver, driven, and drug holder.
• Pressurized nitrogen gas is applied to the driver section, which creates a microjet of liquid drug. The microjet travels at speeds nearly twice as fast as a commercial airplane.
• The drug is then delivered through the nozzle of the syringe, penetrating the skin rapidly and gently.

Design Considerations:

• The syringe's nozzle has an opening of 125 μm (approximately the width of a human hair), ensuring a balance between precision and speed.
• Continuous monitoring of pressure ensures safe and effective drug delivery with minimal skin damage.

Testing and Results:

• Lab tests were conducted on rats, injecting three types of drugs:
  • Anaesthetics (Ketamine-Xylazine): Shock syringe produced similar results to needles in terms of effect onset and duration.
  • Viscous drugs (e.g., Terbinafine): The shock syringe outperformed needles, delivering the drug more deeply into the skin layers.
  • Insulin for diabetic rats: The shock syringe lowered blood sugar levels more effectively and sustained the effect for a longer period.
• The skin analysis revealed less damage and inflammation with the shock syringe compared to traditional needles.

Advantages:

• Painless drug delivery: Patients experience little to no discomfort.
• Reduced tissue damage: The shock syringe causes less skin trauma and inflammation.
• Faster healing: Wounds from the injection heal quicker compared to traditional needles.
• Better drug absorption: Especially for viscous drugs, the shock syringe delivers more efficient and deeper drug penetration.

Potential Applications:

• The shock syringe could revolutionize immunization drives, making vaccinations faster and more efficient.
• It could significantly reduce the risk of bloodborne diseases caused by needle-stick injuries.
• The device is designed to perform over 1,000 injections, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability with minimal nozzle replacements.

Future Prospects:

• While promising, the future of shock syringes in clinical use depends on:
  • Further innovation for human use.
  • Obtaining regulatory approval.
  • Ensuring the device’s affordability and accessibility.

In News:

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered rock grooves created during the Neolithic age near Boothapandi village, Kanniyakumari district.
• The discovery was made by K. Hari Gopalakrishnan (Archaeological Officer, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts) and M. Faisal (Sembavalam Research Centre).

Key Highlights:

• Groove Characteristics:

• The grooves are approximately 4,000 years old, formed by Neolithic people for tool sharpening.
• Tools used for activities like hunting, ploughing, and digging were sharpened here.
• The grooves resulted from wear and tear of tools that had broken or worn out during use.

• Groove Dimensions:

• Largest groove: 15 cm in length, 4 cm in width.
• Smallest groove: 8 cm in length, 3 cm in width.

• Similar Discoveries:

• Similar grooves have been found in other parts of Tamil Nadu, including Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram.

• Significance:

• The grooves provide evidence of Neolithic human habitation in the region.
• Ongoing excavations are expected to uncover more about Neolithic culture in the area.The Hindu 

In News:

The real effective exchange rate (REER) index of the rupee touched a record 108.14 in November, strengthening by 4.5 per cent during this calendar year, according to the latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data.

Key Highlights:

• Record REER Index:

• The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) of the rupee reached an all-time high of 108.14 in November 2024.
• This marks a 4.5% appreciation in REER during the calendar year 2024, according to RBI data.

• What is REER?

• REER is a weighted average of a country’s currency value against the currencies of its major trading partners, adjusted for inflation differentials.
• It considers 40 currencies accounting for about 88% of India's trade.

• REER Calculation:

• Nominal Exchange Rates: The exchange rate between the rupee and each partner's currency.
• Inflation Differentials: Adjusts for inflation differences between India and its trading partners.
• Trade Weights: Based on the trade share with each partner.

• Recent Trends in REER:

• In 2023, REER dropped from 105.32 in January to 99.03 in April.
• It has since been on an appreciating trend, reaching 107.20 in October and 108.14 in November 2024.

• Dollar Strengthening Impact:

• Despite the rupee weakening against the US dollar (from 83.67 to 85.19 between September and December 2024), it has appreciated against the euro, British pound, and Japanese yen.
• The dollar's strengthening was fueled by global economic factors, including inflation expectations in the US and high bond yields, which led to capital outflows from other countries, including India.

• Impact on Exports and Imports:

• Overvaluation: A REER above 100 signals overvaluation, which can harm export competitiveness (exports become costlier) while making imports cheaper.
• Undervaluation: A REER below 100 indicates a currency is undervalued, boosting exports but increasing the cost of imports.

• India's Inflation and REER:

• India's higher inflation relative to trading partners is a key factor behind the rupee’s rising REER, despite its depreciation against major currencies.
• This suggests the rupee is overvalued, which could explain why the RBI may allow the rupee to depreciate further against the dollar.

• Global Context:

• The strengthening of the US dollar, influenced by factors such as tariff policies under the Trump administration and tighter US monetary policies, plays a significant role in the depreciation of the rupee against the dollar.
• This dynamic affects India's trade balance, with potential consequences for export growth.

• Implications for India’s Economy:

• Overvalued currency (as indicated by REER above 100) can lead to a trade deficit, as imports become cheaper and exports less competitive.
• A weaker rupee, particularly against the dollar, could boost Indian exports but raise the cost of imports.

In News:

India possesses diverse fisheries resources that provide livelihood opportunities to approximately three crore fishers and fish farmers. The country has witnessed an 83% increase in the national fish production since 2013-14, that stands at a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23.

Importance of Fisheries Extension Services:

• Livelihood Support: Fisheries provide livelihoods to over 3 crore fishers and fish farmers in India. The sector's growth is crucial for enhancing sustainable practices and ensuring long-term productivity.
• Growth in Fish Production: India’s fish production has seen an 83% increase since 2013-14, reaching 175 lakh tons in 2022-23, with 75% of production coming from inland fisheries. India is the second-largest fish and aquaculture producer globally.
• Role of Extension Services: Extension services bridge the gap between scientific advancements and fishers, offering guidance on:
  • Species lifecycle management
  • Water quality management
  • Disease control
  • Sustainable rearing technologies and business models.

Government Initiatives to Strengthen Fisheries Extension:

• Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs):
  • Launched under PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) in 2020, MSKs are one-stop centers providing comprehensive extension services.
  • Support to Fish Farmers: MSKs offer:
    • Disease testing, water, and soil analysis.
    • Training on sustainable aquaculture practices.
    • Technology infusion in seed/feed management.
  • Focus on Inclusivity: Government assistance (up to 60%) is available for women and marginalized communities to set up MSKs.
  • Examples:
    • Thrissur, Kerala: Equipped with labs for water and microbial analysis.
    • Maharashtra (Nasik and Sangli): Capacity-building efforts on seed/feed inputs.
  • Collaborations: MSKs mobilize start-ups, cooperatives, and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to share best practices, including regenerative and conservation management in the face of climate change.
• Sagar Mitras:
  • Role: Deployed in coastal states and union territories, Sagar Mitras act as a vital interface between the government and marine fishers.
  • Functions:
    • Collection and dissemination of daily marine catch data, price fluctuations, and market insights.
    • Dissemination of important information: weather forecasts, fishing zones, local regulations, and hygienic fish handling.
    • Provide support on disaster preparedness and natural calamities.

Enhancing Extension Services through Digital Platforms:

• AquaBazaar: A virtual learning platform initiated by the National Fisheries Development Board to provide expert guidance on:
  • Seed production and breeding of commercially important fish species.
  • Practical demonstrations to improve fishers' knowledge.
• Digital Outreach: Expanding such platforms will improve access to resources for fishers, especially in rural and remote areas.

Institutional Convergence and Capacity Building:

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Fisheries extension services should be integrated with the over 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and state-level agricultural extension services for effective outreach.
• Formalizing the Sector: The World Bank-assisted project aims to create work-based digital identities for fishers and fish farmers, enhancing their access to extension services, training, and awareness programs.

Challenges in Fisheries Extension Services:

• Fragmented Initiatives: Multiple government schemes and programs lack institutional convergence, leading to inefficiencies in reaching the grassroots level.
• Digital Divide: Many rural and coastal areas face challenges in terms of digital literacy and internet connectivity, limiting the effectiveness of online platforms.
• Impact of Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns and resource depletion due to overfishing demand adaptive strategies and the promotion of climate-resilient practices.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

• Institutional Convergence: Combining existing extension machinery like Krishi Vigyan Kendras with fisheries extension services to leverage established networks and knowledge.
• Expand Digital Outreach: Platforms like AquaBazaar should be expanded to ensure wider access to expert knowledge, training, and best practices.
• Private Sector Collaboration: Encouraging public-private partnerships can enhance technology dissemination, capacity building, and resource mobilization in the fisheries sector.
• Focus on Sustainability: Developing climate-resilient and sustainable fisheries practices will be essential to address challenges posed by environmental changes and overfishing.

In News:

Private aviation is releasing more than its ‘fair share’ of emissions.

Key Highlights:

• Aviation Sector's Global Emissions:
  • The aviation sector contributed 2% of global CO2 emissions in 2022, around 800 Mt CO2 (International Energy Agency).
  • If considered as a nation, aviation would rank among the top 10 emitters worldwide.
  • Emissions from aviation have grown faster than other sectors like rail, road, or shipping in recent decades.
• Private Aviation and Its Impact:
  • Private jets emit 5 to 14 times more CO2 per passenger than commercial flights and 50 times more than trains.
  • Emissions from private aviation increased by 46% between 2019 and 2023.
  • Each private flight contributes 3.6 tonnes of CO2 on average, intensifying global warming.
  • Private aviation is responsible for significant nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and the creation of vapor trails, which further amplify environmental damage.

Trends in Private Aviation Growth:

• Global Trends:
  • The number of private jets increased from 25,993 in December 2023 to 26,454 in February 2024.
  • In the U.S., 69% of private aviation activity is concentrated.
  • 8,500 more jets are expected to be delivered in the next 10 years globally.
• Private Aviation in India:
  • 112 private planes were registered in India as of March 2024, placing it among the top 20 countries for private aircraft ownership.
  • India's private aviation sector is expanding, driven by the growing billionaire and millionaire population.
  • Private aircraft ownership in India stands at 1 per 1 lakh population, which is low compared to countries like Malta (46.51 per lakh) and the U.S. (5.45 per lakh).

Emission Reduction Efforts and Solutions:

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs):
  • SAFs are bio-based or waste-derived fuels that can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuels.
  • Airlines like SpiceJet (2018) and AirAsia (2023) have tested SAFs, but large-scale adoption is hindered by high costs and limited production.
  • India aims to leverage its ethanol production chain, with potential to meet 15-20% of aviation fuel demand by 2050 if only surplus sugar is used.
• Hydrogen and Electric Aviation:
  • Hydrogen offers a higher energy density than kerosene and emits only water vapor, making it a clean fuel alternative. However, hydrogen faces challenges with storage, infrastructure, and aircraft redesign.
  • Battery-electric propulsion offers zero emissions but is currently limited by battery weight, energy density, and charging infrastructure.

India’s Policy and Initiatives:

• Government Initiatives:
  • UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) aims to enhance rural connectivity.
  • NABH (Nextgen Airports for Bharat Nirman) seeks to increase airport capacity by five times.
• Sustainability Efforts:
  • Indian airlines have tested SAFs, such as a 25% jatropha oil blend by SpiceJet in 2018.
  • Ethanol for aviation fuel: India plans to use surplus sugar for ethanol, potentially fulfilling 15-20% of aviation fuel needs by 2050.
• Challenges to Decarbonisation:
  • SAFs are costly and limited in availability.
  • Hydrogen requires extensive infrastructure and aircraft redesign.
  • Battery-electric solutions are currently unsuitable for long-haul flights due to energy limitations.

In News:

Octopuses and their relatives are a new animal welfare frontier

• Cephalopods are highly intelligent, marine invertebrates that include species such as octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish.
• They are members of the class Cephalopoda in the phylum Mollusca, which is known for its diversity and complex morphology.
• Cephalopods are often considered one of the most behaviorally and morphologically complex classes within this phylum.

Key Features and Anatomy

Cephalopods exhibit several distinctive features:

• Body Structure: They have a head-foot structure, where the head is merged with the foot, and arms/tentacles surround the head. The arms and tentacles are derivatives of the foot, with some species possessing additional appendages for grasping or movement.
• Tentacles and Beak: Cephalopods possess tentacles, often with suction cups or hooks for capturing prey. They also have beak-like jaws, which are used to break down food.
• Eyes and Vision: Their unique W-shaped pupils enhance their vision. Most cephalopods are believed to be colorblind, but they exhibit remarkable visual camouflage through chromatophores (pigment cells) and reflectors beneath their skin, which can produce a wide range of colors and patterns.
• Movement: Cephalopods use jet propulsion to move. By expelling water from their mantle cavity, they can quickly travel through the water. Some species, like octopuses, also "walk" using their arms, while squids and cuttlefish employ fins for propulsion.
• Circulatory System: They have three hearts. Two hearts pump deoxygenated blood, while the third pumps oxygenated blood. Their blood is blue due to the presence of copper-based hemocyanin, which is effective in cold, low-oxygen environments.
• Neural Systems: Cephalopods are known for their advanced nervous systems. A significant portion of the neurons, especially in octopuses, are not located in the central brain but are distributed across the arms in “mini-brains” or ganglia, which helps coordinate movement and sensory functions independently.

Cognitive Abilities

Cephalopods have garnered significant attention due to their impressive cognitive abilities. Their intelligence is demonstrated in several areas:

• Problem-Solving: They are capable of using tools and strategies to solve complex tasks, such as escaping enclosures or catching prey.
• Learning and Memory: Cephalopods exhibit sophisticated learning behaviors, including associative learning and memory. Some species are known to delay gratification, choosing more preferred food items over immediate but less desirable ones. They also show evidence of "reversal learning," where they can adjust their behavior in response to changing environmental cues.
• Camouflage and Communication: Cephalopods can manipulate their skin's color and texture for camouflage, aiding in hunting and predator avoidance. For example, the Australian giant cuttlefish uses its chromatophores to communicate with potential mates or warn off competitors.

Species Diversity

Cephalopods are classified into three primary superorders:

• Octopodiforms: Includes octopuses (e.g., Octopus vulgaris), which are known for their intelligence and ability to solve problems.
• Decapodiforms: Includes squids and cuttlefish (e.g., Sepia officinalis, Architeuthis dux), which possess unique locomotion and hunting strategies.
• Nautiloids: Includes the chambered nautilus, the only cephalopod with an external shell, which is considered more primitive compared to other cephalopods.

Ethical and Conservation Concerns

Due to their intelligence and advanced nervous systems, cephalopods are becoming a focus of ethical debates regarding their treatment. Recently, California and Washington have enacted bans on octopus farming, and Hawaii is considering similar measures. These decisions are driven by the growing understanding of cephalopods' cognitive abilities and their capacity for suffering. As a result, there are increasing calls for humane treatment regulations similar to those for vertebrates.

Environmental and Ecological Role

Cephalopods play crucial roles in marine ecosystems. As carnivorous predators, they help maintain the balance of marine food chains by hunting smaller prey. Some species, such as the cuttlefish, also play important roles in communicating and signaling within their species through visual displays.

In News:

Google’s GenCast AI is an advanced weather forecasting model developed by DeepMind that uses machine learning techniques to provide more accurate and longer-term weather predictions compared to traditional forecasting methods.

How GenCast Works:

• Training on Reanalysis Data:
  • GenCast is trained on 40 years of reanalysis data (from 1979 to 2019). This data combines historical weather observations with modern weather forecasts, providing a comprehensive picture of past weather and climate conditions.
• Ensemble Forecasting with AI:
  • Unlike traditional Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, which run simulations based on physical laws and initial conditions, GenCast uses an ensemble forecasting approach where multiple predictions are generated by an AI model, not an NWP model.
  • It produces a range of possible weather scenarios, each with different starting conditions, to reflect the uncertainty in weather forecasts.
• Neural Network and Diffusion Model:
  • GenCast uses a neural network architecture with 41,162 nodes and 240,000 edges that process weather data. Each node accepts data, manipulates it, and passes it to another node, helping to refine and improve predictions.
  • It uses a diffusion model, a type of AI model commonly used in generative AI. The model takes noisy input data, processes it through 30 refinement steps, and gradually produces a clearer forecast (de-noising the data).
  • The result is a probabilistic forecast, such as "there's a 25% chance of rain in Chennai on December 25," rather than a deterministic forecast, which would provide exact quantities like "5 mm of rain."
• Faster Processing:
  • The entire forecast process is incredibly efficient. GenCast can generate 50 ensemble forecasts at once with a spatial resolution of 0.25° x 0.25° (latitude-longitude) and temporal resolution of 12 hours.
  • Using Google's TPU v5 units, it can produce these forecasts in just 8 minutes—far faster than traditional supercomputers, which can take several hours to run NWP simulations.

Key Features of GenCast:

• Better Performance on Extreme Weather: GenCast has shown superior accuracy in predicting extreme weather events, such as tropical cyclones, compared to traditional NWP models like those from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).
• Probabilistic Forecasting: GenCast produces probabilistic forecasts, offering predictions like the likelihood of rain rather than precise measures, which helps with better preparation, especially for extreme weather events.
• Long-Term Forecasting: GenCast can generate forecasts for up to 15 days, which is longer than most traditional models, and is particularly useful for anticipating events like wind power generation and tropical cyclone tracking.
• Efficiency: GenCast's speed and resource efficiency set it apart from traditional NWP models, reducing forecast times dramatically.

Comparison with Traditional Weather Models:

• Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP): Traditional NWP models rely on solving complex physical equations to simulate the atmosphere and provide deterministic forecasts. These models require significant computational power and are typically limited to weather predictions for about a week.
• GenCast's Probabilistic Forecasts: In contrast, GenCast offers probabilistic predictions, making it better suited for providing early warnings about extreme weather, with better lead times for disaster preparation.

Future Developments:

While GenCast is impressive, Google acknowledges the importance of traditional NWP models for both supplying initial conditions and providing the foundational data needed to train AI models like GenCast. Ongoing collaboration with weather agencies is crucial to enhancing AI-based methods for weather prediction.

Overall, GenCast represents a significant leap forward in the use of AI for weather forecasting, with potential for greater accuracy, efficiency, and longer-term predictions compared to current methods.

In News:

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) report titled "State Finances – A Study of Budgets of 2024-25" provides a comprehensive analysis of the fiscal position of Indian states.

Key Highlights

• States' Performance Post-Pandemic

• Improved Tax Revenue: The average tax buoyancy has increased significantly from 0.86 (2013-2020) to 1.4 (2021-2025), reflecting enhanced tax collection efficiency.
• Capital Expenditure: There is a consistent rise in capital expenditure, which increased from 2.4% of GDP in 2021-22 to 2.8% in 2023-24 and is budgeted at 3.1% in 2024-25. This indicates a growing focus on investment in infrastructure like highways and bridges.

• Fiscal Discipline and Debt Levels

• Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD): The gross fiscal deficit is projected at 3.2% of GDP in 2024-25, a slight increase from 2.9% in 2023-24.
• Debt-to-GDP Ratio: While states' debt-to-GDP ratio decreased from 31.0% in March 2021 to 28.5% in March 2024, it remains higher than the pre-pandemic level of 25.3% in 2019.

• Increased Borrowing and Debt Pressure

• Market Borrowings: States' reliance on market borrowings has increased, accounting for 79% of the GFD in FY25. Gross market borrowings surged by 32.8%, totaling Rs 10.07 trillion in FY23-24.
• Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs): Continued losses in DISCOMs, accumulating Rs 6.5 lakh crore by 2022-23 (2.4% of India's GDP), continue to strain state finances.

• Rising Subsidy Burden

• Many states are offering subsidies and loan waivers, such as farm loan waivers and free services (electricity, transport, etc.), which risk diverting funds away from critical infrastructure projects. This includes significant subsidies for income transfers to farmers, women, and youth.

• Fiscal Transparency Concerns

• Revenue Generation Issues: Revenue growth from non-tax sources and central grants is slowing. The pace of State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) growth has also slowed down, which impacts overall state revenues.
• Lack of Fiscal Transparency: Inadequate reporting of off-budget liabilities obfuscates the true fiscal position, leading to a lack of clarity and accountability in state finances.

Recommendations by the RBI

• Debt Consolidation: States are encouraged to create clear and transparent debt reduction paths, with consistent reporting of off-budget liabilities to improve fiscal accountability.
• Expenditure Efficiency: Focus on outcome-based budgeting, ensuring funds are directed towards productive and sustainable investments, particularly in climate-sensitive areas.
• Subsidy Rationalization: States should contain and optimize subsidies to ensure they don't overshadow essential growth-promoting expenditure.
• Efficient Borrowings: Reduce over-reliance on market borrowings to control fiscal deficits and minimize financial risks.
• Revenue Generation: Improve collection mechanisms for SGST, strengthen non-tax revenue sources, and increase grants to reduce dependence on borrowings.

Balancing Subsidies and Fiscal Discipline

• Importance of Subsidies: Welfare programs like subsidies for healthcare, food security (e.g., Public Distribution System), and LPG connections (e.g., Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) play a crucial role in human development and economic equality by supporting vulnerable populations.
• Importance of Fiscal Discipline: Excessive welfare spending without corresponding revenue generation can lead to high deficits and public debt, threatening long-term fiscal stability. Maintaining fiscal discipline ensures sustainable public finances, promotes investor confidence, and supports economic growth.

In News:

The Belagavi Session of 1924, marking its centenary in December 2024, holds significant historical and cultural value in India's freedom struggle. This session, the 39th All-India Congress session, was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi, the only instance he served as the Congress president. It took place in Belagavi, Karnataka, from December 26-27, 1924, amidst a growing momentum for India’s fight against British colonial rule.

Key Aspects of the Belagavi Session:

• Gandhi's Leadership: This was the only Congress session Gandhiji chaired, marking a pivotal moment in the freedom movement. His leadership emphasized non-violence, self-reliance, and unity among diverse groups, setting the stage for future movements like the Salt March and Quit India Movement.
• Focus on Social Change: Gandhi used the session to push for social reforms, including the abolition of untouchability, promotion of khadi (hand-spun cloth), and supporting village industries. These initiatives aimed to make Congress a movement for both political freedom and social upliftment.
• Promoting Hindu-Muslim Unity: Gandhi strongly advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity, recognizing its critical importance in the larger struggle for independence. His stance emphasized communal harmony during a time of social and political divisions.
• Cultural Impact: The session also featured musical performances, including contributions from Hindustani maestros like Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and Gangubai Hangal. The Kannada song “Udayavagali Namma Chaluva Kannada Nadu” became an anthem for the region's unification movement.
• Legacy: The session had a lasting impact, with initiatives such as promoting khadi, reducing Congress membership fees, and creating new avenues for peasant participation in the freedom movement. The Pampa Sarovara well, dug during the event, continues to provide water to parts of Belagavi.

Centenary Celebrations:

The centenary of the Belagavi Session is being celebrated with a range of events, including:

• A Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on December 26, 2024.
• A public rally with the theme “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan.”
• Cultural events and exhibitions are also planned, including competitions, tableaux, and charkha marathons.

In News:

India is preparing to launch its first quantum satellite within 2-3 years as part of its National Quantum Mission (NQM), a significant initiative aimed at positioning India as a global leader in quantum technologies. This satellite will play a pivotal role in enhancing the security of communications, particularly in the face of the potential threat posed by quantum computers to existing cryptographic systems.

What is a Quantum Satellite?

A quantum satellite is a type of communication satellite that uses quantum physics principles to secure data transmission. Unlike conventional satellites that rely on classical encryption, quantum satellites leverage quantum mechanics to achieve unbreakable encryption through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

Key Features:

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Ensures secure key sharing, revealing any attempts of eavesdropping.
• Security Advantage: Provides "unconditional security" by detecting any interference during the transmission process.
• Data Transmission: Unlike conventional satellites that encode data in classical bits, quantum satellites encode information in quantum states or qubits.

What is Quantum Cryptography?

Quantum cryptography is a technique that uses the laws of quantum mechanics to secure communications. The most widely used method is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which ensures that the keys used to encrypt and decrypt messages remain secret and unbreakable.

Key Mechanisms:

• Quantum Measurement: Any attempt to measure the quantum state (such as a photon carrying information) changes its state, alerting the sender and receiver to potential eavesdropping.
• Quantum Entanglement: When two quantum particles (photons) are entangled, a change in one will instantaneously affect the other, ensuring that the key remains secure.

Why is Quantum Satellite Important?

The advent of quantum computing threatens the cryptographic methods that secure current digital communications. Quantum computers, with their vast computational power, could potentially crack encryption codes that are currently deemed secure. Quantum satellites aim to counteract this threat by using quantum cryptography to make communications tamper-proof.

Security in the Quantum Era:

• Classical Encryption: Relies on mathematical problems that are difficult to solve without the decryption key.
• Quantum Encryption: Uses quantum properties, such as superposition and entanglement, to offer superior security.

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023 with a budget of ?6,000 crore for implementation over eight years (2023-2031). The mission aims to accelerate the development and application of quantum technologies, with a focus on quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum metrology.

Key Objectives:

• Development of Quantum Computers: Building intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 qubits.
• Quantum Communication: Establishing secure, satellite-based quantum communication systems within India and internationally.
• Research and Innovation: Fostering quantum technologies and creating a self-reliant ecosystem.

India’s Advancements in Quantum Technology

India is making significant progress in quantum research and communication. The Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru has identified Hanle, Ladakh as an ideal location for quantum communication experiments due to its optimal atmospheric conditions.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has already demonstrated successful free-space quantum communication over short distances (300 meters). The upcoming quantum satellite will build upon this progress to create secure quantum communication networks within India and internationally.

Global Context: Micius Satellite and China’s Lead

China is a global leader in quantum communications, having launched the world’s first quantum satellite, Micius, in 2016. Micius demonstrated the feasibility of secure quantum communication by generating pairs of entangled photons. India’s quantum satellite will build on this technology to create robust, long-range quantum communication networks.

Limitations of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

Despite its promise, QKD faces several limitations:

• Technological Maturity: The technology is still in the experimental phase, and large-scale commercial implementation is not yet feasible.
• Authentication Issues: QKD lacks reliable methods to authenticate the transmission source, leaving it vulnerable to impersonation attacks.
• Infrastructure Costs: Establishing and maintaining QKD networks requires specialized hardware, leading to higher costs.
• Denial-of-Service Risks: Eavesdroppers can trigger the abort mechanism, leading to transmission interruptions.
• Signal Loss: Atmospheric and distance-related attenuation can degrade the quality of quantum signals.

National Quantum Mission and Sectoral Impact

The NQM aligns with India's national priorities, including Digital India, Make in India, and Start-up India. The mission’s outcomes are expected to impact various sectors, such as:

• Healthcare: Quantum computing for drug design and medical research.
• Space Exploration: Enhancing communication security for space missions.
• Banking and Financial Services: Strengthening data security and transaction integrity.
• Energy: Improving energy systems and smart grids through advanced sensing technologies.

In News:

The European Union (EU) has announced the launch of IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite), a highly ambitious space program that aims to enhance satellite connectivity, security, and resilience for both governmental and civilian applications. The initiative is set to rival major global satellite systems, such as Elon Musk's Starlink, and aims to provide secure, high-speed broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved regions.

Key Features of IRIS²:

• Satellite Constellation: The system will consist of 290 satellites, including 264 in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 18 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
• First Launch: The first satellite for the program is scheduled for launch in 2029.
• Secure Connectivity: IRIS² is designed to provide secure, high-speed broadband services, particularly for European regions that lack reliable connectivity.
• Collaboration: The project is a collaboration between the EU, the European Space Agency (ESA), and private sector partners, including SES, Eutelsat, and Airbus.
• Funding: The program is funded through a €10.6 billion (~$11 billion) investment, with a 12-year concession for its implementation.

Applications of IRIS²:

• Governmental Use:
  • Border Surveillance: Enhanced monitoring for national security.
  • Crisis Management: Reliable communication during natural disasters and emergencies.
  • Infrastructure Security: Safeguarding key national infrastructure.
  • Defense: Boosting military communication resilience.
• Civilian Use:
  • Broadband Access: Providing internet access in rural and underserved areas.
  • Smart Energy: Supporting management of energy grids and related technologies.
  • Transportation: Ensuring reliable communication and navigation in aviation, maritime, and automotive sectors.
  • Remote Healthcare: Improving healthcare access in remote locations.

Significance of IRIS²:

• Strategic Asset: The program will strengthen EU sovereignty in space technology and improve its technological independence, reducing reliance on non-European satellite systems.
• Cyber and Communication Resilience: IRIS² is designed to enhance resilience against cyber threats and communication disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted service for both public and private sectors.
• Commercial Benefits: The satellite network will provide high-speed connectivity for businesses across Europe, offering a boost to commercial activities in remote and underserved areas.
• Complementary to Existing EU Programs: IRIS² complements other EU space initiatives, such as Copernicus (Earth observation) and Galileo (satellite navigation), enhancing the EU's capabilities in the space sector.

Overview of the IRIS² Satellite Network:

• Deployment in LEO and MEO:
  • 264 satellites in LEO will provide low-latency communication for a wide range of applications.
  • 18 satellites in MEO will offer broader coverage and support for global connectivity.
• Funding and Partners: The program is funded by the EU, ESA, and private firms, including SES, Eutelsat, and Airbus, ensuring both public and private sector involvement in the project.
• Applications:
  • The network will provide secure satellite services for critical government functions, including surveillance, defense, and crisis management.
  • It will also support civilian uses, such as broadband, smart grids, and transportation, and will facilitate cloud-based services.

Strategic and Geopolitical Importance:

• Boost to European Competitiveness: By developing its own satellite system, the EU will enhance its competitive position in the global space sector.
• Security and Autonomy: IRIS² will help Europe maintain control over its communication infrastructure, strengthening its autonomy and reducing dependence on external players for critical services.
• Resilience in Crisis Situations: In times of disruption (e.g., natural disasters, cyberattacks), IRIS² will ensure that Europe can maintain secure, reliable connectivity.

In News:

A recent study has revealed a dramatic decline in the number of bird species at Assam's Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary (BBBS). The sanctuary, once home to a rich diversity of avian species, has experienced a 72% decline in bird species over the past 27 years. The study, published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, highlights the severe biodiversity crisis facing the sanctuary.

Key Findings:

• Bird Species Count Decline:
  • In 1997, the sanctuary recorded 167 bird species.
  • Recent surveys (2022-2024) have only recorded 47 species, marking a 71.85% decline in species count.
• Surveys:
  • 2011 Survey: Recorded 133 species (86 resident, 23 migratory, 24 local migrants).
  • 2017-2018 Survey: Found 120 species, along with a variety of other biodiversity, including macrophytes, fish, and aquatic ferns.
• Impact on Migratory Birds:
  • Migratory species like Brown Shrike, Citrine Wagtail, and White Wagtail (winter migrants), and the Lesser Kestrel (summer migrant) were recorded recently.
• Main Causes of Decline:
  • Anthropogenic Activities: Overfishing, poaching, excessive harvesting of aquatic plants, and egg collection.
  • Land Use Changes: Habitat degradation due to agriculture, machinery noise, and land being used as pasture areas.
  • Disruption of Food Chain: Habitat loss and changes in foraging and breeding grounds for both migratory and resident birds.
• Species of Concern:
  • Poached Birds: Lesser whistling duck, Fulvous whistling duck, White-breasted waterhen, Indian pond heron, Eastern spotted dove, and Yellow-footed green pigeon.
  • Threatened Species: The sanctuary is home to globally threatened species like the Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant.

About Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary:

• Location: Situated between Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in Assam, the sanctuary spans 11.25 sq. km at an altitude of 90-95 meters above sea level.
• History: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1996, it was originally part of the Subansiri River which has now shifted 7 km from the wetland.
• Climate & Vegetation:
  • Moist tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of around 2,000 mm.
  • The vegetation includes flooded valley grasslands and wetland plants, providing crucial habitat for migratory birds.
• Significance for Avian Species:
  • Hosts a variety of migratory waterfowl, especially during the winter.
  • Home to globally threatened bird species like the Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant, along with resident birds such as the Indian Pond Heron and Fulvous Whistling Duck.

Conservation Efforts:

• The decline in bird species at the sanctuary has raised alarm about the degradation of wetland habitats.
  • The study emphasizes that habitat loss can disrupt the food chain, water table, and nutrient cycle, which in turn harms both the ecosystem and human communities.
• The authors of the study advocate for intense conservation efforts to restore and protect the sanctuary’s biodiversity.

Assam's Biodiversity:

• Assam is one of India's most biodiverse states, with around 950 bird species, including 17 endemic species.
• The state also hosts 55 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA), which are vital hotspots for avian species.

In News:

India is expanding its digital infrastructure with the launch of two major undersea cable systems aimed at enhancing its Internet connectivity with Asia and Europe. The India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX) are set to provide additional data links between India and these regions, supporting the growing demand for data usage. This also marks India’s increasing involvement in submarine cable resilience and security discussions.

Key Points:

• New Cable Systems:
  • India Asia Xpress (IAX): Connects Chennai and Mumbai with Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
  • India Europe Xpress (IEX): Connects Chennai and Mumbai with France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Djibouti.
• Total Length: Both cables, together spanning over 15,000 kilometers, will expand India’s undersea cable network.
• Ownership and Investment:
  • Both cable systems are owned by Reliance Jio, with a strategic investment from China Mobile.
• Geopolitical Impact:
  • These expansions are a response to growing Internet traffic, as well as India's rising geopolitical ambitions. They help bolster India’s defense strategy, improving cable resilience against disruptions from cyberattacks or physical damages.
  • India’s active role in maritime cable network security is being closely watched, especially in key regions like the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea.
• Past Cable Disruptions:
  • In March, three cables connecting India to West Asia and Europe were disrupted, impacting Internet traffic. However, India’s alternate routing systems and data centers ensured services remained operational, highlighting the country’s resilience.
• International Role:
  • India’s role in submarine cable resilience is growing. Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal is part of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Impact on India’s Connectivity:

• Bangladesh's Role:
  • Plans to sell bandwidth from Bangladesh to Northeast India were recently put on hold. However, this does not significantly impact India as Northeast India already benefits from substantial fiber-optic connectivity through Power Grid Corporation of India’s transmission lines.

About Underwater Cables:

• What Are Undersea Cables?
  • Undersea cables are fiber-optic cables laid under the ocean to transmit data across vast distances at high speeds.
• New Cable Systems:
  • IAX: Connects India to Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia).
  • IEX: Connects India to Europe (France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Djibouti).
• How They Work:
  • Fiber-optic technology uses laser beams through thin glass fibers to transmit data.
  • The cables are protected by multiple layers of insulation, plastic, and steel wires and are buried near shores or laid directly on the ocean floor in deep sea regions.
• Cable Features:
  • Data Capacity: New cables can carry up to 224 Tbps (Terabits per second).
  • Durability: Designed to avoid damage from fault zones, fishing areas, or anchors.
  • Speed: Faster and more cost-efficient than satellite communications for large-scale data transfer.

Why Undersea Cables Over Satellites?

• Higher Capacity: Submarine cables handle far more data than satellites.
• Cost-Effective: More affordable for high-volume data transfers.
• Reliability: Cables provide more stable connections, especially for large-scale data, compared to satellites.

In News:

Dark comets are a newly identified class of celestial objects that challenge our traditional understanding of comets and asteroids. Unlike regular comets, these objects exhibit characteristics that blur the lines between comets and asteroids, leading astronomers to closely study their nature, origin, and significance.

Discovery and Background

The first hint of dark comets appeared in 2016, when asteroid 2003 RM exhibited strange orbital deviations that suggested it might be a comet in disguise. NASA further fueled this interest in 2017 when it discovered ‘Oumuamua, an interstellar object that entered our Solar System. Though initially classified as an asteroid, its erratic motion and lack of a visible tail led scientists to consider it a dark comet. Since then, several more objects with similar characteristics have been discovered, and astronomers now identify these objects as a new class—dark comets.

Characteristics of Dark Comets

• Appearance: Dark comets do not exhibit the brilliant, glowing tails typically associated with comets. Instead, they resemble asteroids, appearing as faint points of light in space. Unlike bright comets, they do not have a visible coma (a cloud of gas and dust) or a tail, making them much harder to detect.
• Size: Dark comets are typically small, ranging from a few meters to a few hundred meters in diameter. Due to their small size, there is less surface area for material to escape, preventing the formation of the iconic tails seen in traditional comets.
• Orbital Path: These objects follow elongated, elliptical orbits. While some of them travel close to the Sun, they can also venture to the outer reaches of the Solar System, far beyond Pluto, and even into the Oort Cloud—the distant region where long-period comets are believed to originate.
• Spin and Gas Dispersion: Dark comets often rotate rapidly, dispersing gas and dust in all directions. This rapid spin contributes to their invisibility, as the gas and dust are scattered evenly, making it more difficult for astronomers to detect their presence.
• Composition: The composition of dark comets may also play a role in their lack of visibility. Over time, the materials that form the bright tails of comets may be depleted, especially for older objects. As a result, dark comets may not release enough gas to produce a visible coma or tail.

Types of Dark Comets

There are two main categories of dark comets:

• Inner Dark Comets: These are smaller objects that reside closer to the Sun and typically travel in nearly circular orbits. They are often just a few meters in size, with less surface area for gas and dust to escape.
• Outer Dark Comets: These larger objects, measuring over 100 meters in diameter, travel in highly eccentric orbits, similar to Jupiter-family comets. These dark comets follow elliptical paths that bring them close to the Sun and then send them back toward the outer reaches of the Solar System.

Importance of Studying Dark Comets

Dark comets may hold critical clues about the early Solar System and the formation of Earth. Studying these objects can provide insights into the origins of water on Earth, as well as the ingredients necessary for life. Their unique composition and orbits also offer potential for understanding the processes that led to the formation of planets.

Recent Discoveries and Advancements

Astronomers recently discovered 10 new dark comets with the help of the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on a large telescope in Chile. The DECam, designed to study distant galaxies and stars, has enabled researchers to detect these faint objects by analyzing images of the night sky. Further progress is expected with the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which will feature the largest digital camera ever built. This new instrument will allow astronomers to capture more detailed images of the night sky and detect fainter objects, potentially doubling or even tripling the number of known dark comets in the next decade.

Key Facts:

• Dark comets lack the characteristic glowing tails of typical comets, instead resembling asteroids.
• They exhibit erratic motions and follow elliptical orbits, often extending beyond Pluto and into the Oort Cloud.
• They are typically small (a few meters to hundreds of meters wide) and spin rapidly.
• The first dark comet was identified in 2016, with more discoveries made in the years since.
• The Dark Energy Camera (DECam) in Chile has been instrumental in detecting these elusive objects, with a new Vera C. Rubin Observatory expected to further enhance detection in the future.
• Studies suggest that between 0.5% and 60% of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) could be dark comets, many originating from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

In News:

The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report 2024 was released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI). The report focuses on the theme “Poverty Amid Conflict”, examining the interplay between violent conflict and multidimensional poverty.

Key Findings:

• Global Poverty Levels:
  • 1.1 billion people (~18% of the global population) live in acute multidimensional poverty across 112 countries.
  • India has the largest number of people living in multidimensional poverty, with 234 million people.
• Multidimensional Poverty Indicators:
  • The MPI assesses poverty across three key dimensions:
    • Health: Child mortality, malnutrition.
    • Education: Years of schooling, school attendance.
    • Living Standards: Access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, cooking fuel, housing quality, and ownership of basic assets.
  • A person is considered MPI poor if they are deprived in one-third or more of the weighted indicators.
• Impact of Conflict:
  • Countries experiencing violent conflict exhibit higher deprivations across all 10 MPI indicators when compared to non-conflict nations.
  • 40% (455 million people) of those living in poverty are in conflict-affected regions. These regions include active war zones, fragile states, and areas with low peace.
• Child Poverty:
  • 584 million children (27.9% of all children globally) are living in extreme poverty, highlighting the disproportionate impact on the younger population.
  • In contrast, 13.5% of adults are living in extreme poverty.
• Regional Distribution:
  • The regions with the highest poverty rates are Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, which together account for 83.2% of the global poor.
  • Rural Poverty: A majority of the poor (83.7%, or 962 million people) live in rural areas, with 70.7% of the poor concentrated in rural parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
• Countries with the Highest Poverty:
  • India: 234 million people.
  • Pakistan: 93 million people.
  • Ethiopia: 86 million people.
  • Nigeria: 74 million people.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo: 66 million people. These five countries account for 48.1% of the global poor.
• Poverty Amid Conflict:
  • The report underscores that 2023 witnessed the highest number of conflicts since World War II, leading to the displacement of 117 million people due to violent conflicts and other factors like natural disasters.
  • Conflict zones continue to experience higher poverty, as nearly 40% of the world's poorest people live in these areas.

India's Poverty Situation:

• India's Poor Performance:
  • India has 234 million people living in multidimensional poverty, making it the country with the largest share of the global poor.
  • Regional Disparities: Poverty rates in rural areas remain high due to poor infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, and underdeveloped services outside of agriculture.
  • Poor Nutrition: Malnutrition, especially among children, is a significant concern.
  • Education: The quality of education remains subpar, especially in government-run schools, affecting learning outcomes.
  • Water and Sanitation: Inadequate access to clean drinking water and sanitation is prevalent, especially in rural areas.
  • Economic Setbacks: The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the economic situation, leading to job losses and reduced incomes.

Government Initiatives for Poverty Alleviation:

• National Food Security Act (NFSA): Provides subsidized food grains to 67% of India's population, targeting rural areas (75%) and urban areas (50%).
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Aims to provide LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
• Ayushman Bharat: Health insurance coverage up to ?5 lakh per family, designed to protect against catastrophic healthcare costs.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focuses on reducing malnutrition, particularly among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
• Right to Education Act (RTE): Guarantees free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 years.
• Swachh Bharat Mission: Works to ensure universal sanitation coverage, including the construction of toilets and promoting cleanliness.

In News:

Recently, the European Union (EU) cleared Bulgaria and Romania for full membership in the Schengen Zone, effective January 1, 2025. This marks the end of a 13-year wait for these Eastern European nations, which joined the EU in 2007.

Key Highlights:

• Schengen Integration: Until now, Bulgaria and Romania were partially integrated into the Schengen Zone, with air and sea travel without border checks since March 2024. However, land border controls were still in place due to Austria's objections, mainly due to concerns over migration and border security.
• Austria's Shift: Austria had blocked full entry for years but finally lifted its veto on December 9, 2024, after a border protection package was agreed upon. This package includes joint border guard deployment at the Bulgarian-Turkish border and temporary land border controls for six months.

Schengen Zone Details:

• What is the Schengen Zone?
  • Created by the Schengen Agreement (1985) and the Schengen Convention (1990), it is the world’s largest area without internal border controls, allowing free movement across most EU countries and some non-EU countries. It currently includes 29 countries (25 EU states and 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
• Key Features:
  • Free Movement: Over 425 million people can travel freely within the zone without border checks.
  • Uniform Visa Policy: Short-term stays of up to 90 days are allowed for tourists and business travelers from outside the Schengen Area.
  • Cross-Border Cooperation: The Schengen Information System (SIS) facilitates security and border management by sharing critical data between countries.
  • Temporary Border Controls: Countries can temporarily reintroduce border controls for security reasons, after notifying other member states and the European Commission.

Bulgaria and Romania

• Bulgaria:
  • Capital: Sofia
  • Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by the Black Sea, Romania, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
  • Political System: Parliamentary Republic
• Romania:
  • Capital: Bucharest
  • Location: Bounded by Ukraine, Moldova, Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary.
  • Political System: Semi-Presidential Republic

Implications of Full Schengen Membership:

• Security and Unity: Romania and Bulgaria's full integration into the Schengen Zone is seen as a boost to both EU security and unity. It solidifies the EU's commitment to free movement while enhancing border security across Europe.
• Impact on Migration: With Bulgaria and Romania’s full membership, the EU’s border management system will be more integrated, helping to address ongoing migration challenges.

In News:

Cyclone Chido makes landfall in Mozambique after leaving trail of destruction in French-administered Mayotte.

About Cyclone Chido:

• Location and Impact:
  • Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, in December 2024.
  • It is the strongest storm to hit Mayotte in at least 90 years.
• Cyclone Characteristics:
  • Wind speeds exceeded 200 km/h (124 mph), with gusts surpassing 225 km/h (140 mph).
  • The cyclone caused significant devastation to the region, prompting expressions of condolences from global leaders.

• Cyclone Classification:
  • According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclones are classified based on wind speed:
    • Depression: 31–49 km/h
    • Deep Depression: 50–61 km/h
    • Cyclonic Storm: 62–88 km/h
    • Severe Cyclonic Storm: 89–117 km/h
    • Very Severe Cyclonic Storm: 118–166 km/h
    • Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm: 167–221 km/h
    • Super Cyclonic Storm: Above 222 km/h
  • Cyclone Chido was classified as a Super Cyclonic Storm, based on its wind speeds exceeding 222 km/h.

About Mayotte:

• Geography:
  • Mayotte is an archipelago in the Mozambique Channel, between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique.
  • It consists of two main islands: Grande Terre (the larger main island) and Petite Terre (the smaller island of Pamandzi).
• Political and Economic Context:
  • Mayotte is an overseas department of France, and it is the poorest territory in both France and the European Union.
  • France colonized Mayotte in 1843 and annexed the entire Comoros archipelago in 1904.
  • A 1974 referendum showed that 95% of Comoros voters favored independence, but 63% of Mayotte's population voted to remain part of France. Subsequently, Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli declared independence in 1975.
  • Mayotte remains administratively under French governance.
• Biodiversity:
  • Mayotte is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly for having one of the world’s largest enclosed lagoons.

Cyclones

• What is a Cyclone?
  • A cyclone is a large-scale, rotating system of air that forms around a low-pressure area, bringing violent storms and extreme weather conditions.
  • In the Northern Hemisphere, cyclones rotate anticlockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they rotate clockwise due to the Coriolis effect.
• Tropical Cyclone Characteristics:
  • Calm Centre (Eye): The cyclone’s center, or "eye," experiences relatively calm weather with low air pressure.
  • High Wind Speed: Cyclones generally have average wind speeds around 120 km/h.
  • Closed Isobars: Isobars (lines of equal atmospheric pressure) are tightly packed, leading to high wind velocities.
  • Formation Over Oceans: Cyclones typically form over warm ocean waters.
  • East-to-West Movement: Influenced by trade winds, cyclones usually move from east to west.
  • Seasonal Nature: Cyclones occur during specific seasons based on regional climatic conditions.

In News:

Scientists develop ‘kisan kavach’ to shield farmers from pesticide sprays.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose: The Kisan Kavach is designed to shield farm labourers from harmful pesticide exposure. Pesticides, often neurotoxins, can be detrimental to health, causing symptoms like dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and even death with high exposure.
• Development:
  • Developed by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC-inStem), Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.
  • Launched by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology.
• Fabric Technology:
  • The suit uses oxime fabric, which chemically breaks down common pesticides on contact, preventing them from penetrating the skin.
  • Mechanism: The fabric works through nucleophilic mediated hydrolysis, deactivating pesticides upon contact and preventing pesticide-induced toxicity and lethality.
• Components of the Kit:
  • Consists of a trouser, pullover, and face-cover.
  • Washable and reusable: The suit retains its protective properties even after 150 washes, in a wide temperature range, and under UV light exposure.
• Affordability:
  • Priced at ?4,000 per kit, with efforts underway to reduce costs through increased production.
• Field Testing and Efficacy:
  • Animal studies: Rodent tests showed that animals exposed to pesticides and covered with ordinary cotton cloth died within four days, while those with the activated fabric remained safe.
  • Human trials are still pending.
• Health Implications:
  • Pesticides are linked to chronic health issues, including cancer, as per studies by the National Institute of Nutrition (Indian Council of Medical Research).
• Global Context:
  • In 2020, India used 61,000 tonnes of pesticides, despite producing much more (2,58,130 tonnes in 2022-2023).
  • Pesticide-related health issues are a major concern, with 60% of India’s adult workforce engaged in agriculture.
• Impact:
  • The suit aims to protect farm labourers from pesticide exposure and promote sustainable agriculture.
  • It could help reduce health complications and improve working conditions for farmers, who often lack proper protective gear.
• Future Plans:
  • Awareness campaigns will be conducted to inform farmers about this protective technology.
  • Efforts are underway to make the kit more affordable as demand increases.

In News:

La Niña, a phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), occurs when the Pacific Ocean region between Indonesia and South America is cooler than usual. This phenomenon influences global weather patterns, including those in India. Here’s how La Niña specifically affects India’s climate:

Monsoon Rainfall:

• La Niña typically results in normal to above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season in India. This is due to the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific, which affects atmospheric circulation and strengthens the monsoon winds.
• In contrast, El Niño usually brings below-average rainfall and droughts to India, leading to agricultural stress.
• Recent La Niña years (2020-2022) saw above-normal monsoon rains, which benefited agricultural productivity, while the El Niño year of 2023 resulted in below-normal rains, impacting water availability and agriculture.

Winter Temperatures:

• During La Niña, winter temperatures in India are generally colder in the north, with cooler nights but relatively warmer days compared to El Niño winters. The planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) tends to be lower, trapping pollutants close to the surface. However, higher wind speeds during La Niña help to disperse air pollution, improving air quality.
• South India may experience colder-than-usual winters during La Niña, but current meteorological data suggests the ongoing winter in India is not strongly influenced by La Niña, as its expected onset has been delayed.

Impact on Summer Heat:

• La Niña generally provides relief from extreme summer heat, as it reduces the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. In contrast, El Niño summers are typically hotter and bring record-breaking heat waves.
• For example, April 2023 saw intense heatwaves across India, attributed to the El Niño phase, but if a La Niña forms and persists into the summer of 2025, it could help moderate the extreme heat.

The "Triple Dip" La Niña Phenomenon:

• A Triple Dip La Niña refers to a rare occurrence where three consecutive La Niña events happen, as was the case from 2020 to 2022. This is significant because these prolonged events can lead to stronger climatic impacts. In contrast, the current El Niño (2023) follows this period, potentially contributing to an irregular transition between La Niña and El Niño phases, which may intensify extreme weather patterns.

Global Climate Changes and La Niña:

• Climate change is believed to be increasing the frequency and intensity of both La Niña and El Niño events. Rising sea and land temperatures are disrupting the balance of the Pacific Ocean and could exacerbate extreme La Niña events, which might lead to harsher winters in India and other regions.

Forecast for 2024-2025:

• As of December 2024, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and global meteorological bodies predict a weak La Niña event to emerge by late 2024 or early 2025. This could lead to colder winters and above-normal rainfall in the 2025 monsoon season, offering some relief from the heatwaves and dry conditions of the previous years.

Conclusion:

If a La Niña forms by the end of 2024, it is likely to bring cooler winters, a relief from extreme summer heat, and above-normal monsoon rainfall in 2025. Given the delayed onset and weakening of the current La Niña, the overall impact on India’s climate in the immediate future might be milder compared to previous La Niña years, but it still holds potential for more favorable conditions for agriculture and air quality.

In News:

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has developed SARAT Version 2 to aid Indian Search and Rescue (SAR) agencies like the Indian Coast Guard.

Key Highlights:

Purpose: SARAT is designed to assist in locating missing objects or individuals at sea by simulating the probable search area, considering factors like wind, currents, and waves.

Improvements in Version 2:

• The search area now starts from the last known position of the object, improving the accuracy of the search.
• Enhanced visualizations for better judgment of probable search areas, including colour coding of regions and markers to identify the last known position.
• Optimized search: Reduces the vast search area to a few high-probability regions, allowing for better utilization of limited search resources.

Technical Aspects:

• The tool uses model currents from the Regional Ocean Modelling System run on high-performance computers at INCOIS.
• It accounts for uncertainties in the initial location and the last known time of the missing object using model ensembling.
• Users can select from 60 types of missing objects based on shape and buoyancy.

Interactive Map & Multi-language Support:

• Results are shown on an interactive map, providing the probable search area.
• The tool also sends results as text messages to emails and mobile phones in languages of coastal states, enabling local fishermen to use it effectively during distress situations.

Launched in 2016, Updated in 2024: SARAT was launched in 2016 and the updated version (SARAT Version 2) has been designed with feedback from the Indian Coast Guard and other stakeholders involved in marine search operations.

Access: The updated SARAT Version 2 can be accessed at: https://sarat.incois.gov.in/sarat/home.jsp.

In News:

The One Nation, One Election Bill has made significant progress in India, passing the Lok Sabha with 269 votes in favor and 198 votes against. The bill proposes the synchronization of elections for the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities), aiming to streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and enhance governance.

Key Updates:

• The bill has been approved by the Union Cabinet and will be reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), whose report will be presented for further approval and discussion in Parliament.
• The process will unfold in two phases:
  • Phase 1: Simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
  • Phase 2: Synchronizing local body elections (Panchayats and Municipalities) within 100 days of the general elections.

Historical Context:

• 1951-1967: India previously conducted simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies until disruptions, such as premature dissolutions of assemblies, led to staggered elections after 1967.
• The One Nation One Election concept has been revived to address inefficiencies in the current system, especially the high cost of conducting frequent elections.

Advantages of the One Nation, One Election Bill:

• Cost Reduction: Synchronizing elections can significantly lower the financial burden by eliminating the need for multiple election cycles, reducing the deployment of resources like security personnel and election staff.
• Long-Term Governance Focus: Politicians can prioritize governance and policy implementation rather than election campaigning, fostering long-term stability.
• Increased Voter Turnout: Voter fatigue, caused by frequent elections, may reduce, leading to higher turnout as elections occur less often.
• Fairer Political Competition: Smaller regional parties could have a better chance to compete with larger national parties by reducing election-related costs.
• Efficient Use of Resources: Security forces and administrative resources can be deployed more effectively, avoiding the redundancy caused by multiple election cycles.

Disadvantages of the One Nation, One Election Bill:

• Synchronization Challenges: Aligning elections across a vast and diverse country like India, especially in states with unstable political situations, may prove difficult.
• Federalism Concerns: The implementation may require constitutional changes that could impact India's federal structure, potentially limiting the autonomy of states in election matters.
• Impact on Regional Issues: National issues could overshadow regional concerns, diluting the focus on state-specific matters.
• Challenges for Regional Parties: Larger national parties may dominate the electoral landscape, reducing the influence of regional parties and undermining the federal nature of the political system.
• Accountability Risks: Fixed terms without frequent elections might reduce public scrutiny of elected officials, affecting their accountability.

Constitutional Amendments Required:

The implementation of One Nation, One Election requires amendments to several key constitutional provisions:

• Article 83: Regarding the duration of the Lok Sabha, amendments are needed to synchronize the timing of dissolution.
• Article 85: Deals with the sessions and dissolution of Parliament, which needs to be aligned with the new system.
• Article 172: Pertains to the duration of State Legislatures, requiring amendments for synchronization.
• Article 174: Similar to Article 85, it governs the sessions and dissolution of State Legislatures, needing standardization.

Implementation Challenges:

• Logistical Complexity: Conducting simultaneous elections would require immense logistical coordination, including vast numbers of electronic voting machines and trained personnel.
• Political Accountability: Fixed terms may reduce the accountability that frequent elections bring, potentially leading to governance stagnation.
• Impact on Federalism: Amendments to the Constitution regarding state legislatures might face resistance from states concerned about their autonomy.

In News:

India has reached a historic milestone, surpassing $1 trillion in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows since April 2000. This achievement highlights India’s growing status as a major global investment hub and is further validated by a 26% increase in FDI inflows, which reached $42.1 billion during the first half of FY 2024-25.

Key Highlights of India’s FDI Growth:

• $1 Trillion Milestone: India has attracted a total of $1 trillion in FDI from April 2000 to September 2024. This figure includes equity, reinvested earnings, and other capital inflows.
• 26% Growth in FDI: FDI inflows surged by 26% in the first half of FY 2024-25, totaling $42.1 billion.
• Top Investors: Major investors include Mauritius (25%), Singapore (24%), and the United States (10%). These countries benefit from favorable tax treaties with India, boosting investment.
• Dominant Sectors: FDI has flowed into sectors like services, manufacturing, technology, and telecommunications, with significant investments also in pharmaceuticals, automobile, and construction development.

Factors Behind India’s FDI Success:

• Policy Reforms: India’s liberalized FDI policies, such as allowing 100% FDI in most sectors under the automatic route, have attracted foreign capital. Key reforms like abolishing angel tax and reducing corporate tax rates in the Income Tax Act of 2024 have also enhanced investor confidence.
• Business Environment: India’s rise in global competitiveness is evident in its improvement in rankings. It moved from 43rd to 40th in the World Competitiveness Index 2024 and climbed to 40th in the Global Innovation Index 2023, up from 81st in 2015.

• Investor Confidence: The government’s efforts, including initiatives like "Make in India", Goods and Services Tax (GST), and sector-specific incentives, have fostered a conducive environment for investment.
• Global Investment Standing: India has been the third-largest recipient of greenfield projects globally and saw a 64% increase in international project finance deals.

Contribution of Mauritius and Singapore:

• Mauritius and Singapore lead as the primary sources of FDI into India. Their favorable tax treaties with India make them attractive gateways for foreign investments. Mauritius accounted for 25%, and Singapore for 24% of the total FDI inflows.

Key Sectors Attracting FDI:

• Services Sector: Significant growth in services, especially financial services, has attracted substantial foreign investments.
• Manufacturing and Technology: These sectors have benefited from policies like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which encourage foreign investments in high-tech manufacturing.
• Telecommunications and Pharmaceuticals: India’s growing digital ecosystem and strong pharmaceutical industry continue to attract international investments.

Importance of FDI for India:

• Infrastructure Development: FDI plays a crucial role in financing infrastructure projects, helping meet the country’s significant infrastructure needs.
• Balance of Payments: FDI helps bridge India’s current account deficit, ensuring stable foreign exchange reserves.
• Technology Transfer and Employment: Foreign investments bring advanced technology and create jobs, boosting productivity across sectors.
• Currency Stability: FDI supports the Indian Rupee in global markets by injecting foreign capital.

Challenges:

Despite the positive trends, India faces challenges such as geopolitical tensions, regulatory issues, global economic uncertainty, and infrastructure bottlenecks that can affect investor sentiment and capital inflows.

Way Ahead:

• Focus on Infrastructure: Continued investment in infrastructure development, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), will be crucial for sustained economic growth.
• Workforce Skilling: Collaborative efforts to upskill the workforce will ensure that India can meet the evolving demands of industries.
• Research and Development: Strengthening R&D and innovation will enhance India’s productivity and global competitiveness.

In News:

D. Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion after defeating Ding Liren of China in the final game of their match.

Key Facts about the 2024 World Chess Championship:

• Held At: Singapore, from November 25 to December 12, 2024.
• Players: Reigning champion Ding Liren (China) vs. Challenger D. Gukesh (India).
• Significance: This was the first-ever World Championship match contested by two Asian players. Gukesh became the third Asian to win the World Championship after Viswanathan Anand (India) and Ding Liren (China).
• Historical Context: The World Chess Championship was first established in 1886 with Wilhelm Steinitz as the first official World Champion.
• Governing Body: Organized by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), which has been responsible for the event since 1948.
• Selection Process: Gukesh earned his spot through his victory in the 2024 Candidates Tournament in Toronto, while Ding Liren was the reigning champion after Magnus Carlsen declined to defend his title.

D. Gukesh: Key Details

• Birth: May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India.
• Grandmaster Title: Achieved at age 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, making him the third-youngest Grandmaster in history.
• Chess Rating: He is the youngest player to reach a 2750 FIDE rating.
• Significant Wins:
  • Gold medals in both team and individual events at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
  • Bronze medal in team events at the 2024 Asian Games.
• Remarkable Fact: Gukesh is four years younger than Garry Kasparov was when he won the World Championship in 1985.

FIDE World Chess Championship Overview:

• Founded: 1924 in Paris; headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Governing Body: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and governs global chess competitions. FIDE has 201 member countries.

Indian Chess Achievements:

• Viswanathan Anand: First Indian to win the World Chess Championship (5-time World Champion).
• D. Gukesh: Second Indian to win the World Chess Championship.