1. HEATSTROKE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context: The Union Health Ministry has issued standardised guidelines for confirming heatstroke and heat-related deaths in the country.

Heatstroke

• About: It is the most severe heat-related illness, characterized by the body's inability to regulate its temperature effectively.
• Temperature Rise: During heat stroke, the body's temperature escalates rapidly, often exceeding 106°F within a span of 10 to 15 minutes.
• Mechanism Failure: The sweating mechanism fails during heat stroke, leading to the inability of the body to cool down through perspiration.
• Symptoms: Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness (coma), seizures, hot and dry skin, or profuse sweating.

  Guidelines related to Heatstroke

  • About: It is aimed at helping hospitals become aware of the criteria to label a death as heat-related/ heat stroke and bring in evidence-based medical decision-making processes.
  • Prepared by: National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
  • Non-Specific Autopsy Findings: Autopsy findings in heat-related deaths are non-specific and vary based on the duration of survival after exposure.
  • Hyperthermia Diagnosis: It heavily relies on thorough scene investigation and understanding the circumstances of death.
  • Recommendation

  o Recognition of non-specific autopsy findings is emphasized.

  o Collaboration with forensic medicine departments for autopsies is recommended.

  o Relevant samples should be sent to pathology departments for histopathological evaluation.

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2. DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Cyber Security)

Context: Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directed telecom operators to block over 28,000 mobile handsets nationwide for their connection to cybercrime, aligning with the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) released by Union Minister to combat telecom resource misuse in cybercrime and financial frauds.

Digital Intelligence Platform

• About: The Department of Telecommunications has developed the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) as a secure and integrated platform.
• Purpose and Functionality: DIP facilitates real-time intelligence sharing, information exchange, and coordination among various stakeholders including TSPs, LEAs, FIs, social media platforms, and identity document issuing authorities.

o The platform also contains information regarding the cases detected as misuse of telecom resources. It can only be accessed by authorised stakeholders and not by the public.

• Inclusivity: Stakeholders involved in DIP encompass telecom service providers, law enforcement agencies, banks, financial institutions, social media platforms, and identity document issuing authorities.
• Information Repository: The portal hosts information on cases identified as misuse of telecom resources, enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Utility for Stakeholders: The shared information within DIP serves as a valuable resource aiding stakeholders in their respective domains, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
  
  

CHAKSHU

• About: It is a new platform by the Department of Telecommunications, simplifies reporting on fraud calls and messages and facilitates real-time intelligence-sharing among stakeholders.
• Fraudulent Communication: Indian citizens can report fraudulent communication, whether received through calls, SMS, or social media platforms like WhatsApp, using Chakshu. 

o The platform triggers re-verification, leading to disconnection if failed.

• Tracking Misuse of Telecom Resources: The platform includes information on cases detected as the misuse of telecom resources, enhancing the ability to combat fraudulent activities.

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3. INTER-SERVICES ORGANIZATION ACT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Government has notified the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act through a Gazette notification to be enforced with effect from May 10, 2024.

Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act

• About: The Act grants authority to Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs to control service personnel under their command.
• Objective: This empowerment aims to ensure effective maintenance of discipline and administration within the armed forces.

o The Act emphasizes the need to maintain the unique service conditions of each individual service while exercising control over personnel.

• Features:

1.Inter-services Organisation: It will be deemed to have been constituted under the Bill.

o These include the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Defence Space Agency, and the National Defence Academy.  

o The central government may constitute an Inter-services Organisation which has personnel belonging to at least two of the three services: the army, the navy, and the air force.

2.Control of Inter-services Organisations: The act empowers the Commander-in-Chief or the Officer-in-Command of an Inter-services Organisation to exercise command and control over the personnel serving in or attached to it.

3.Other forces under central government: The central government may notify any force raised and maintained in India to which the Bill will apply.  This would be in addition to army, navy, and air force personnel.

4.Commander-in-Chief: The officers eligible to be appointed as the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command are: (i) a General Officer of the regular Army (above the rank of Brigadier), (ii) a Flag Officer of the Navy (rank of Admiral of the Fleet, Admiral, Vice-Admiral, or Rear-Admiral), or (iii) an Air Officer of the Air Force (above the rank of group captain).

5.Commanding Officer: The act provides for a Commanding Officer who will be in command of a unit, ship, or establishment. 

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4. HD 3386 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently introduced a new high-yielding wheat seed variety, HD 3386.

HD 3386

• About: It is resistant to yellow, and leaf rust diseases mostly reported in the key wheat growing region of northwest region – Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• Approved by: Central seed committee of the agriculture ministry.
• Objective: The new wheat seed variety is aimed at replacing the currently used seed HD2967 also developed by IARI in 2010 and was sown in around 25% of the total wheat sown area of 34 million hectare in the country last season.
• Availability: A new wheat seed variant will be available to farmers on a large scale in the next two years.

Importance of Wheat as a Rabi Crop

• Crop for Winter Season: Wheat serves as a crucial winter crop, known as rabi crop, due to its cultivation during the winter months.
• Major Wheat-Growing States: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat.
• Government Intervention through MSP: Government ensures price stability by purchasing wheat from farmers at a Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Role in Food Security Programs: Procured wheat is utilized in government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)

• About: It stands as India’s premier institution for research, higher education, and training in agricultural science.
• Administration: It is under the administration of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), adding to its prestige and authority.
• Contributions: IARI has significantly contributed to both science and society through its exemplary research, innovative technology generation, and the nurturing of human resources.

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5. DENGUE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Researchers have found a potential link between anomalies in sea-surface temperatures in Indian Ocean and the intensity of dengue epidemics globally, offering hope for improved prediction of dengue outbreaks.

Dengue

• About: It is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes.
• Found: Tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.
• Symptoms: Usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days. Symptoms may include: high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and rash.
• Severe Symptoms: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue and restlessness.
• Treatment: There is no specific treatment for dengue.

Indian Ocean basin-wide (IOBW) Index

• About: It represents the regional average of sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean.
• Association with: IOBW is closely associated with dengue epidemics in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

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6. WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on 11th May and 12th October. It is a day to raise awareness about the importance of migratory birds and the need to protect them.

World Migratory Bird Day 2024

• About: It is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.
• Held: In 2024, World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on two days, 11 May and 12 October, aligning with the cyclic nature of bird migration in different hemispheres.
• Theme 2024: Focus on Insects
• Theme 2023: “Water: Sustaining Bird Life!”
• Aim: To focus on the conservation of migratory birds.
• History: It was initiated in 2006 by the Secretariat of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
• Significance: It has a global outreach and is an effective tool to help raise global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.

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7. UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY (Syllabus: GS Paper 2– IR)

Context: India voted in favour of a draft UN General Assembly resolution supporting Palestine’s bid to become a full UN member. Currently, Palestine is a non-member observer state at the UN.

UN General Assembly 

• Establishment: In 1945 under the United Nations (UN) Charter
• Member Countries: 193 members.
• UNGA President: The UNGA is headed by its President, who is elected for a term of one year.
• Composition: The United Nations General Assembly comprises all 193 Members of the United Nations.
• Mandate: It provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter.

o India was the first non-Arab State to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people in 1974. 

o India was also one of the first countries to recognise the State of Palestine in 1988 and in 1996.

• Functions of the UNGA:

o The UNGA appoints a Secretary-General based on the Security Council's recommendation.

o It conducts elections for non-permanent members of the Security Council.

o Approval of the UN budget.

o It deliberates, debates, and provides recommendations on matters related to international peace and security.

o The UNGA reviews reports from the other four United Nations organs and evaluates the financial positions of member states.

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8. KISHTWAR HIGH ALTITUDE NATIONAL PARK (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A team of four scientists from the University of Kashmir, Srinagar and the National Development Foundation, Jammu have captured four snow leopards (Panthera uncia) on camera in Kishtwar High Altitude National Park.

Kishtwar High Altitude National Park

• About: It is situated in the Kishtwar district of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Establishment: Declared as a Kishtwar High Altitude National Park in 1980, it was primarily established to safeguard the dwindling population of Snow Leopards.
• Ecological Significance: Serving as a vital ecological corridor, the park harbors a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.
• Vegetation: The tract is situated on the high altitudes i.e., sub-alpine and alpine zone.

o The altitude range of 2300 m to 6000m is observed in this tract.

• Flora: Fir, Himalayan Yew, Deodar, Blue Pine, and Spruce.

o Alpine regions feature extensive alpine scrub and meadows, enhancing the park's natural beauty.

• Fauna: Brown bears, Himalayan musk deer, Hangul, Ibex, Wild boar, Indian muntjac, Serow Capricornis, Himalayan Tahr, and Bharal.

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9. CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security)

Context: Recently, the Union Home Ministry formed a panel to evaluate if Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel should handle the entire security process at the Parliament complex.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

• Origin: The CISF was established in 1969 after the HEC Ranchi fire incident, with a primary focus on safeguarding industrial undertakings.
• Operational Framework: With a sanctioned strength of 1.8 lakh personnel, the CISF operates under a Director-General and nine sectors, including specialized wings like the Airport Sector and Fire Service Wing.
• Central Armed Police Force (CAPF): As a member of the seven CAPFs, the CISF stands out for its comprehensive role covering security, fire protection, and consultancy services.
• Diverse Deployment: Beyond industrial areas, the CISF is deployed in over 350 locations, including airports, space installations, heritage sites, and government buildings, offering its services for a fee.
• Significance of CISF's Duties:

o Security Across Sectors: The CISF protects critical infrastructure such as atomic power plants, space installations, airports, and metro rail networks while providing security and fire protection consultancy services.

o Airport Security and Delhi Metro: Ensuring airport security at various international and domestic airports and managing security operations on the Delhi Metro, the CISF enhances public safety and counter-terrorism measures.

o Disaster Management and Fire Wing: Playing a vital role in disaster management and operating the largest firefighting force in the country, the CISF's Fire Wing is uniquely positioned to respond effectively to emergencies.

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10. UN COUNTER-TERRORISM TRUST FUND (Syllabus: GS Paper 2– IR)

Context: Recently, India contributed $5,00,000 to the UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the global fight against terrorism.

United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund

• Establishment: 2009 by the Secretary-General.

o Transferred to the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in 2017.

• Objectives: To enhance the capacities of member states in eastern and southern Africa to combat issues related to the financing of terrorism and to prevent the movement and travel of terrorists.
• India's Contribution Focus: Primarily support UNOCT's global programs, notably the Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Countering Terrorist Travel Programme (CTTP).
• Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism: It is a prospective treaty designed to outlaw all types of international terrorism and prevent terrorists, their backers, and financiers from obtaining funds, weapons, and safe locations.

UN Office of Counter-Terrorism

• Establishment: 15 June 2017 through the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution.
• Functions: The five primary functions of UNOCT are as follows:

o Lead the implementation of counter-terrorism mandates from the General Assembly across the UN system, under the Secretary-General's authority.

o Enhance coordination and coherence among entities of the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact to ensure balanced execution of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

o Enhance the provision of UN counter-terrorism capacity-building aid to Member States.

o Enhance visibility, advocacy, and resource mobilization for UN counter-terrorism endeavors.

o Ensure that counterterrorism is prioritized throughout the UN system and that efforts to prevent violent extremism are firmly grounded in the Strategy.

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