1. PONG DAM (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Over 25,000 people displaced by the Pong dam on the Beas river in Himachal Pradesh have been waiting to be relocated for over five decades. Many of them were surviving by farming around the dam region.

Pong Dam

• About: The Pong Dam, also referred to as the Beas Dam, is situated on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh, serving as an earth-fill embankment dam.
• Purpose: The primary objectives of the dam include water storage for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectric power.
• Formation of Maharana Pratap Sagar: As a result of elevated water levels, an artificial lake named Maharana Pratap Sagar was formed, paying homage to the notable ruler of Mewar.
• Features

oHeight and Length: The Pong Dam stands at a height of 133 meters and stretches 1,951 meters in length, showcasing its earth-fill embankment design.

oCrest Width: At its crest, the dam measures 13.72 meters in width, positioned at an elevation of approximately 435.86 meters above sea level.

oBase Dimensions: The dam's base spans a width of about 610 meters, encapsulating a total volume of 35,500,000 cubic meters.

Beas River

• About: The Beas River, located in north India, originates at an elevation of 4,361 meters on the southern slope of Rohtang Pass in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
• Course of the River: Extending over a distance of approximately 470 kilometers, the Beas River flows southward until it meets the Sutlej River in the Indian state of Punjab.
• Historical Names: Arjikuja in the Vedas, Vipasa in ancient Indian texts, and Hyphasis in Ancient Greek records.
• Tributaries: Bain, Banganga, Luni, Uhlal, Awa, Banner, Chakki, Gaj, Harla, Mamuni, Parvati, Patlikuhlal, Sainj, Suketi, and Tirthan.

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2. ILO REPORT ON UNEMPLOYMENT )Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Global unemployment rate is set to increase in 2024 while growing social inequalities remain a concern, said the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 report released in Vienna.

Key Findings of Report

• In 2023, there was a notable decline in the overall macroeconomic conditions.
• The report highlighted that continuous geopolitical tensions and widespread inflation led central banks to make frequent and assertive interventions.
• Despite the economic slowdown, the global growth in 2023 surpassed expectations slightly, and labor markets exhibited unexpected resilience.
• The report acknowledged improvements in the global jobs gap during 2023. However, it noted that the gap, standing at nearly 435 million, remained high.
• The report also said, the situation is particularly concerning in high-income countries, where employment growth is expected to turn negative in 2024 and only modest improvements are anticipated in 2025.

International Labour Organisation (ILO)

• About: The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the United Nations agency for the world of work.
• Mandate: Its mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
• Motto: ILO’s mandate as the basis for peace is expressed today as Decent Work for all.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Parent organization: Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
• Members: The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands.
  
  

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3. DRISHTI 10 STARLINER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Chief of Naval Staff recently flagged off the first indigenously manufactured Drishti 10 'Starliner' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Navy.

Drishti 10 ‘Starliner

• About: The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is proudly produced within the country.
• Developer: Adani Defence and Aerospace spearheaded the development of this UAV.
• Advanced ISR Platform: Boasting a 36-hour endurance and a 450 kg payload capacity, it serves as a cutting-edge intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform.
• All-Weather Military Capability: This UAV holds clearance for flights in both segregated and unsegregated airspace, functioning seamlessly in all weather conditions.
• Enhanced Naval Capabilities: Designed with high endurance, combat-proven capabilities, and advanced features, it significantly enhances India’s naval prowess.
• Autonomous Operation: The UAV's autonomous nature, combined with mission effectiveness and adaptable payload configurations, renders it invaluable for strategic operations.
• Minimal Maintenance Requirements: A standout feature of the Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’ is its minimal maintenance needs, ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Operational Readiness: The low maintenance requirements contribute to increased operational readiness, minimizing downtime, and maximizing deployment opportunities.
• Advanced Communication Systems: Equipped with state-of-the-art communication systems, including satellite communication and Line-of-Sight (LOS) data links, it ensures reliable and secure data transmission.

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4. TM2 MODULE OF QCD11 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11, Traditional Medicine Module 2, marking the beginning of preparations for its implementation.

International Classification of Diseases

• Developed by: World Health Organization (WHO), the ICD serves as the global standard for classifying diseases internationally.
• Basis of Global Disease Data: The existing global data on diseases relies predominantly on healthcare practices associated with modern biomedicine for diagnosis.
• Utility of ICD: The ICD has widespread global applications, offering crucial insights into the prevalence, causes, and consequences of human diseases and mortality. The data reported and coded with the ICD form the foundation for this knowledge.
• Exclusion of Ayush Systems: As of now, the WHO ICD series does not include the classification of data and terminology related to diseases based on Ayush systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.
• Central Bureau of Health Intelligence: The CBHI, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, serves as the WHO Collaboration Centre for ICD-related activities, facilitating the collection and dissemination of data on various diseases and mortality.

TM2 Module of ICD11

• About: The Ministry of Ayush has formulated the Code for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Medicine using the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardised Electronic Portal (NAMASTE).
• Categorization: In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Ayush has collaborated on categorizing data and terminology related to diseases based on Ayush - Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems. This falls under the TM2 module of the ICD11 series.
• Agreement: The Ministry of Ayush has entered into a Donor Agreement with the World Health Organization to support and advance initiatives related to Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Medicine.

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5. ACT 1994 OF ORGAN TRANSPLANT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context: Delhi High Court has prescribed an ideal timeline of 6-8 weeks to complete the process of transplanting organs from living donors.

What does the 1994 Act say?

• Source of Transplants: A transplant can originate from a pool of organs donated by deceased persons' relatives or from a living person known to the recipient.
• Living Donations Under the Act: The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 permits living donations, primarily from close relatives like parents, siblings, children, spouse, grandparents, and grandchildren.
• Documentation for Living Donations: In cases of living donations from close relatives, whether Indian or foreign, various documents including identity proofs, family tree, pictures, and documents proving the donor-recipient relationship must be submitted.

oAn external committee thoroughly examines such cases to prevent illegal dealings.

• Penalties: Imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines up to Rs 1 crore.

Authorisation Committee

• About: The Committee plays a crucial role in overseeing and approving organ transplant procedures involving non-relatives. 

oThis is particularly vital when organs are donated for reasons of affection, attachment, or special circumstances, ensuring ethical compliance and preventing illegal practices.

• Composition: As per Section 9(4), the Authorisation Committee's composition is subject to Central Government prescription. 
• Nomination: States and Union Territories are mandated to constitute one or more Authorisation Committees, with members nominated by the respective governments, as outlined in the same section.
• Inquiry: Section 9(5) mandates the Committee to conduct a comprehensive inquiry when reviewing transplant applications. 
• Verification: Verification of the authenticity of the donor and recipient is a critical aspect, aiming to ensure that the donation is free from commercial motives.
• Rule-Making Authority: Section 24 empowers the Central Government to formulate rules, pending parliamentary approval, to fulfill the Act's various purposes.

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6. INS KABRA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Indian warship, INS Kabra, an indigenous fast attack craft, docked at the Colombo port in a move aimed at fostering bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka.

INS Kabra

• Origin: The vessel is named after an island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
• Car Nicobar Class Affiliation: It belongs to the Car Nicobar class of high-speed offshore patrol vessels, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the Indian Navy.
• Series Placement: It is the eighth vessel in a series of 10 Fast Attack Crafts.
• Cost-Effective Design: These vessels are specifically designed as a cost-effective platform for various operations, including patrol, anti-piracy, and rescue missions within India's Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Island-Inspired Names: Both the class and its vessels are named after Indian islands, contributing to a distinct nautical identity.
• Water Jet Propulsion Pioneers: The class marks a significant milestone as the first water jet propelled vessels in the Indian Navy.
• Impressive Speed and Manoeuvrability: Boasting a top speed exceeding 35 knots, the vessel, offers excellent manoeuvrability, making it an ideal choice for high-speed interdiction of fast-moving targets.
• maneuverability

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7. BHARAT TEX 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Ministry of Textiles under National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) is organizing a hackathon titled “Fostering Innovations in Technical Textiles –Hackathon for unleashing creativity in technical textiles” under “BHARAT TEX 2024” scheduled to be held on 26-29 Feb, 2024.

Bharat Tex 2024

• Dedication to Global Leadership: Bharat Tex 2024 goes beyond a trade show, symbolizing India's commitment to becoming a global textile leader through the display of innovation, collaboration, and the "Make in India" spirit.
• 5F Vision: The event is in harmony with India's 5F vision, encapsulating the entire textile production journey from Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, exemplifying a comprehensive approach.
• Curtain Raiser Highlights: At the curtain raiser event, the Textile Minister unveiled the official event logo, launched the dedicated website, and presented a promotional video, marking the official commencement of the event's promotional activities.

National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

• Initiated by: Ministry of Textiles 
• Four-Year Duration: The mission spans four years, from 2020-21 to 2023-24.
• Objective - Global Leadership in Technical Textiles: Aims to establish India as a global frontrunner in the field of Technical Textiles.
• Market Size Target: The mission aspires to elevate the domestic market size of the technical textile sector to $40-50 billion by 2024, maintaining an annual growth rate of 15-20%.
• Support for 'Make in India': Aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative by advocating the domestic production of associated machinery and equipment.
• Aim: To reduce import dependence and boost domestic manufacturing of capital goods in the sector.
• Components:
• Research, Innovation, and Development
• Promotion and Market Development
• Export Promotion
• Education, Training, Skill Development
• Strategic Focus: Concentrates on expanding the application of technical textiles in flagship missions and programs across various sectors. 

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8. KISAN CREDIT CARD (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying minister announced that fishermen will be provided cards similar to the Kisan Credit Card.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Origin: It was introduced in 1998 based on a model scheme prepared by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• Implementing Agencies: Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks & Cooperatives
• Objectives: To meet the short-term credit requirement for cultivation.

oTo manage post-harvest expenses.

oTo meet the consumption requirement of the farmer’s household.

• Key Features

oKCC offers several benefits, including an ATM-enabled RuPay Card, simplified documentation, automatic limit escalation, and unrestricted withdrawals within the set limit.

oExpansion of Eligibility: In 2004, the eligibility criteria for the program were broadened to encompass farmers' requirements for investment credit, covering both agricultural and non-farm activities.

oDiverse Financial Support: KCC caters to various financial needs of farmers, such as post-harvest expenses, loans for selling produce, and meeting household consumption requirements.

oFlexible Repayment Schedule: The repayment period under KCC is determined based on the crop's harvesting and marketing duration, offering flexibility to farmers.

oLoan Duration: KCC provides short-term agriculture loans with a maximum tenure of 1 year and long-term loans with a duration of up to 5 years.

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9. KUKI AND ZOMI TRIBES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The suggestion that the government could review the Scheduled Tribes status of Kukis in Manipur has drawn strong reactions from the Kuki-Zomi organisations in the state.

Kuki and Zomi Tribes

• About: These tribes are prominent ethnic groups originating from the Bangladesh region.
• Residence in Manipur and Mizoram: Primarily, the Kuki and Zomi tribes are residents of Manipur and Mizoram in India.
• Aliases: The tribes are also recognized as Chin or Mizo people, sharing common ancestry and culture.
• Language and Cultural Ties: Members of these tribes speak various dialects within the Chin-Kuki-Mizo language family, falling under the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan languages.
• Connection to Zo People and Other Tribes: The Kuki and Zomi tribes are closely related to the broader Zo people, alongside other tribes like Chin and Mizo.

Process of Amendment in the ST List

• Parliamentary Law: Any tribe or tribal community's inclusion or exclusion from the list is solely determined by laws enacted by the Parliament of India.
• Article 342: Amendments to the list of Scheduled Tribes are made through notifications issued under clause (1) of Article 342.
• Limitations on Modifications: According to a Supreme Court verdict, neither State governments, courts, tribunals, nor any other authority has the authority to modify, amend, or alter the Scheduled Tribes list specified in the notification under Article 342(1).
• Proposal Origin and Parliamentary Action: The center emphasizes that the initiation of proposals for inclusion or exclusion from the Scheduled Tribes list must come from the respective State government. 
• Lokur Committee: Established in 1965, decided on the criteria used by the government to declare communities as Scheduled Tribes.

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10. TEA INDUSTRY IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India’s tea industry is experiencing challenges reminiscent of the “dark phase” of 2002-07, calling for introspection and resilience.

Tea Industry in India

• Global Ranking: India stands as the second-largest global tea producer.
• North East States: The northern part of India dominates production, contributing approximately 83% in the 2021-22 period. Assam leads, followed by West Bengal, with distinct regions like Dooars, Terai, and Darjeeling.
• Southern States: The southern region contributes about 17% to the country's total tea production, with key states being Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
• Consumption: India ranks among the top tea-consuming nations, with 80% of its production consumed domestically.
• Export: India is a major player, ranking among the top 5 global tea exporters, accounting for approximately 10% of total exports.

oDiverse Markets: India exports tea to over 25 countries, with major importers including Russia, Iran, UAE, USA, UK, Germany, and China.

oTea Types: The exported tea varieties include black tea, regular tea, green tea, herbal tea, masala tea, and lemon tea.

• Global Reputation: Indian Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas are renowned globally for their quality, with strong geographical indications.
• GI Tag: Darjeeling Tea, known as the "Champagne of teas," was the first product to receive a GI tag.
• Governing Body: The Tea Board of India is responsible for the development and promotion of the tea industry within the country.

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