1. INDIA-AUSTRIA RELATIONS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The Prime Minister of India visited Vienna, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Austria since Indira Gandhi's visit in June 1983.

India-Austria Relations

• Evolution of ties: Diplomatic relations between India and Austria were established on November 10, 1949, this year marks its 75th anniversary.
• Political Relation: There have been several high-level visits between the two countries. Notable visits include those by Austrian President to India in 2005 and Indian Vice President to Austria in 2010. 
• These visits have helped to reinforce political ties and bilateral cooperation.
• Trade Relations: Total bilateral trade for 2023 (January-December) was $2.93 billion.

o Main Exports to Austria: Electronic goods, apparels, textile, footwear, rubber articles, vehicles & railways parts, electrical machinery, and mechanical appliances.

o Main Imports from Austria: India’s main imports from Austria include machinery, mechanical appliances, railway parts, iron, and steel.

• Cultural Relations: India-Austria cultural relations date back to the 16th century when Balthasar Springer traveled to India in 1505 with the Portuguese fleet.
• Indology Tradition: Austria's tradition of Indology began between 1825 and 1920, marked by renowned philologists and archaeologists.

o Sanskrit teaching at Vienna University started in 1845, peaking in 1880 with the establishment of an independent chair for Indology.

o Rabindranath Tagore visited Vienna twice, in 1921 and 1926, fostering cultural and intellectual exchange between India and Austria.

• Scientific and Technological Cooperation: India and Austria have cooperated on various scientific and technological projects, including collaboration in areas like renewable energy, environmental technology, and space research

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2. WORLD POPULATION PROSPECTS 2024 (Syllabus GS Paper 1 – Social Issues)

Context: The world's population is projected to peak within this century, with a current probability of 80%, up from 30% a decade ago, according to the World Population Prospects 2024.

World Population Prospects 2024

• About: It is the 28th edition of the UN's official population estimates and projections.
• Released by: United Nation
• Coverage: It provides population estimates from the 1950s to the present for 237 countries or areas, based on historical demographic trends.
• Future Projections: The 2024 revision includes population projections up to the year 2100, offering various plausible outcomes at global, regional, and national levels.

Key Findings

• Population Projections: The global population is set to peak at around 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s before gradually declining to 10.2 billion by 2100, marking significant demographic shifts.
• Revised Population Forecasts: Recent estimates suggest a 6% lower population projection for 2100 compared to a decade ago, indicating a downward revision of 700 million individuals.
• Peak Population Distribution: One in four people reside in countries where populations have already peaked, with significant variations across nations anticipated through 2054.
• Factors Driving Population Dynamics: Decreasing fertility rates, influenced by education, contraceptives, urbanization, and shifting societal norms, are pivotal in shaping global population trends.

India Scenario

• Population Growth and Momentum: Despite crossing the replacement fertility rate, India's populationS is expected to continue growing until the mid-2060s due to momentum, suggesting that current population control policies might be counterproductive.
• Capitalizing on Demographic Dividend: India is set to benefit from a large working-age population until the 2050s, making investments in education, health, and infrastructure essential to maximizing this demographic advantage.
• Challenges of Early Childbearing: Early childbearing remains a critical issue, with a notable adolescent fertility rate and persistent child marriages, impacting the health and opportunities for young women and their children.
• Need for Reform and Education: To address early pregnancies and improve women's health and economic participation, reforms should focus on enhancing education and delaying marriage and childbirth.

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3. U.S.- INDIA BUSINESS COUNCIL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: A U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) delegation, led by its Executive Vice Chairman, met with the Union Minister in Delhi to discuss various collaboration opportunities.

U.S.- India Business Council (USIBC)

• About: The USIBC represents top global companies operating in the U.S. and India, facilitating connections between businesses and governments in both nations.
• Formation: The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) was established in 1975 at the request of the U.S. and Indian governments.
• Aim: The Council seeks to create an inclusive trade environment between India and the U.S. by representing industries, connecting businesses with governments, and fostering long-term partnerships.
• Membership: The USIBC comprises approximately 200 member companies, with 70% based in the United States and 30% in India.
• Headquarters: Washington D.C.
• Regional Offices: The USIBC maintains offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
• Association: The USIBC is affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Key Points of the Meeting

• Green Initiatives: Focus on deploying Greenfield renewable energy, battery storage, and emerging green technologies.
• Advanced Technologies: Emphasis on advancements in quantum technology, artificial intelligence, critical metals, and semiconductors.
• Anusandhan NRF: Proposal for a research foundation in India modeled after the U.S. National Research Foundation.
• Biotech Growth: The biotech industry in India has grown to $140 billion, with over 4,000 companies.
• Space Collaboration: The NISAR mission with NASA and ISRO showcases India's capabilities in the space sector.

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4. THIRTY METER TELESCOPE (TMT) (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, Indian scientists developed an open-source tool to generate infrared star catalogue for Thirty Meter Telescope.

Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)

• About: It is a groundbreaking international scientific endeavor aimed at revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.
• Most Advanced Observatory: It will be the world’s most advanced ground-based optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared observatory.
• Innovative Technologies: The TMT integrates cutting-edge innovations in precision control, segmented mirror design, and adaptive optics.
• Segmented Mirror Design: At its core lies a segmented mirror composed of 492 individual hexagonal segments, which together form a single light-collecting surface.
• Key Features

o Mirror Size: The TMT’s primary mirror, with a diameter of 30 meters, will be the largest in the Northern Hemisphere, surpassing other planned extremely large telescopes.

o Segmented Mirror: The mirror consists of 492 hexagonal segments, each measuring 1.4 meters, working together to create a powerful light-gathering surface.

o Location: Proposed to be built on Mauna Kea, an iconic site on the island of Hawaiʻi, chosen for its high altitude and clear skies, ideal for astronomical observations.

Discoveries

• As the TMT project progresses, it promises to enable groundbreaking discoveries in various fields of astronomy.
• Advanced Technologies: Its segmented mirror technology, adaptive optics, and precise control systems will facilitate unprecedented observations of distant galaxies, exoplanets, and cosmic phenomena.
• India’s Role: India is a key partner in the TMT project, with the India TMT Center at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) leading the national collaboration.

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5. NATURAL CONSERVATION ZONE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: In a positive move for the Aravalis in the National Capital Region, the Prime Minister's Office and a ministerial group led by the Home Minister have instructed the Urban Affairs Ministry to maintain the Aravalis' status as a Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ).

 Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ)

• About: It is outlined in the Delhi NCR Regional Plan 2021 and encompasses the entire Aravalli range.
• Components: The zone incorporates the forests, water bodies, and groundwater recharge areas of the Aravalli range.
• Construction Restrictions: Only 0.5 percent of the NCZ area is permitted for construction, exclusively for regional parks and sanctuaries.
• Prohibited Uses: Construction for commercial, residential, tourism, and real estate purposes is strictly prohibited within the NCZ.

Aravalli Range

• Location: North-western of India, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat through Haryana and Rajasthan
• Historical Significance: It stands as one of the oldest fold mountains globally, bearing witness to millions of years of Earth's history.
• Length: 670 km 
• Formation: Its formation is deeply rooted in the collision of tectonic plates during the Proterozoic era, shaping the landscape we see today.
• Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar Peak (1722m) on Mount Abu.
• Rivers: Major rivers like Banas, Sahibi, and Luni originate from the Aravalli, contributing to the rich hydrology of the region and its surrounding areas.

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6. NATIONAL GOPAL RATNA AWARD 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Policies)

Context: Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award 2024 will begin on July 15. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field.

National Gopal Ratna Award 2024

• About: It is awarded under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).
• Authority: Since 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been conferring the National Gopal Ratna Award annually.
• Objective: To encourage milk-producing farmers, dairy cooperative societies/MPC/FPOs, and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs).
• Award Categories for This Year

o Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds

o Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/Milk Producer Company (MPC)/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)

o Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)

• Special Award: It has been incorporated this year to encourage and boost dairy development activities in North Eastern Region (NER) states.
• Award Components

o Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPCs: Certificate of merit, a memento, and a monetary prize.

o Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT): Certificate of merit and a memento only; no cash prize will be provided.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

• Launched: In 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development (NPBBD).
• Aim: To conserve and develop indigenous breeds in a focused and scientific manner.
• Two Major Components: Research and development of high-quality semen to increase the chances of female calf births.
  
  

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

Context: Dengue cases have surged in several parts of the country recently, with Karnataka experiencing a sharp increase in the past few days. Kerala and Tamil Nadu are also seeing a rise in cases.

Dengue Cases in Worldwide

• Current Data: As of April 30, 2024, India has recorded 19,447 cases of dengue and 16 deaths according to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control.
• Global Dengue Situation: By April 30, 2024, the World Health Organization reported over 7.6 million cases of dengue globally, including 3.4 million confirmed cases, over 16,000 severe cases, and over 3,000 deaths.
• Active Transmission: As of May 30, 2024, dengue transmission was active in 90 countries, with significant underreporting in many endemic regions.
• Underestimated Burden: The WHO highlighted that the true burden of dengue is likely underestimated due to inadequate detection and reporting in some endemic countries.
• Factors Contributing to Dengue Spread

o Monsoon and Urbanization: The onset of monsoon season in at least five countries, including India, has created ideal conditions for Aedes mosquito breeding. Urbanization and population movements also contribute to the increased burden.

o Global Spread: Dengue incidence has dramatically increased, with about half of the world's population at risk. It is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical climates, mainly in urban and semi-urban areas.

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.

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8. HEAT DOME (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: A sweltering heatwave has engulfed the entire western United States, with California being the hardest hit as a dozen cities break all-time high-temperature records. This scorching heat and dry conditions are due to a heat dome centered over California.

Heat Dome

• About: It is a type of high-pressure system that forms over a large area in the atmosphere, and causes extremely hot and dry weather conditions.
• Formation of Clear Skies: As the warm air is not able to rise upward, the sky remains clear since clouds form under the opposite circumstances when rising warm air cools down and condenses.
• Increased Sunlight Exposure: The high-pressure system allows more sunlight to reach the earth, resulting in more warming and drying of the soil.
• Solar Heating Effect: The trapped air undergoes heating from the sun over time, contributing to a gradual increase in temperature.
• Duration of Heat Domes: While heat domes usually endure for a few days, they can persist for weeks, often resulting in hazardous heat waves.
• Atmospheric Compression and Temperature Rise: Under high pressure, descending air undergoes compression, intensifying both its warmth and dryness, consequently elevating temperatures.
• Role of the Jet Stream: A heat dome’s formation is tied to the behaviour of the jet stream, an area of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere that usually helps move weather systems along the Earth’s surface.

Impact of Climate Change on Heat Domes

• Scientists are still debating how climate change impacts blocking weather events that cause heat domes, but rising global temperatures have made heat domes larger and more intense.
• A 2021 study by 27 climate researchers from the World Weather Attribution found that the searing temperatures during the 2021 heat dome in Canada would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.
• A study published in Nature in 2023 indicated that the intensity of heat domes is outpacing the rate of global warming, suggesting that climate change is fuelling their intensity.

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9. MULE ACCOUNT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Reserve Bank of India governor has urged banks to step up efforts against ‘mule accounts’. 

Mule Account

• About: These are essentially bank accounts that receive funds from illegal activities and then transfer those funds to other accounts, acting as a bridge for money laundering and other illegal practices.
• In India, mule accounts are being opened by Indian nationals who offer their bank accounts for use in lieu of money.
• Types of Money Mules:

o Victim Mule: It is unaware that their account has been compromised and is used by a fraudster for money laundering. Their account details are typically obtained through data breaches.

o Misled Party: It sends and receives money on behalf of a fraudster, believing the money is legitimate. This often happens when someone responds to a job advertisement that involves handling transactions.

o Deceiver: It opens new accounts using stolen or synthetic identities to facilitate the transfer of stolen money.

o Peddler: A peddler sells their genuine account to a fraudster, who then uses it for sending and receiving stolen money.

o Accomplice: It opens a new account in their own name or uses an existing account to send and receive money as directed by a fraudster.

Detection of Mule Accounts in India

• High Undetected Rate: At a partner bank in India, BioCatch reported that nine out of ten mule accounts were undetected.
• Initial and Subsequent Activity: Initially, 86% of mule account activity came from within India. After a month, this figure decreased to 20%, with 16% of these sessions using a VPN.
• Geographic Trends: Most mule account activity 15% is concentrated in Bhubaneswar. Lucknow and Navi Mumbai each account for 3.4%, while Bhagabatipur and Gobindapur in West Bengal show 1.7% and 2.6%, respectively. Mumbai and Bengaluru report 2.2% and 1.8% of mule account activity, respectively.
• Low VPN Usage: The report indicates that the initial connection for reported mule accounts usually occurs in India with low VPN usage, implying these accounts are predominantly created and operated by Indian nationals.

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10. KARNATAKA GIG WORKERS BILL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the government of Karnataka has released a draft of the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill.

Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers Bill

• Protection Against Unfair Dismissals: The bill introduces measures to protect workers from unjust termination, ensuring they cannot be dismissed without valid reasons.
• Two-Tier Grievance System: A two-tier system is established for workers to file grievances, offering a structured process to address and resolve issues.
• Transparency in Automated Monitoring: Increased transparency is mandated for automated monitoring and decision-making on platforms, aiming to safeguard workers' rights and fairness.
• Rights-Based Bill: The bill is introduced as a ‘rights-based bill’, focusing on enhancing and protecting the rights of workers.
• Contractual Obligations: Contracts between aggregators and workers must include a comprehensive list of termination grounds, ensuring clarity and fairness.
• Valid Reason for Termination: Aggregators must provide valid reasons in writing and give a 14-day notice before terminating a worker’s contract.
• Right to Refuse Gigs: Workers are allowed to refuse a set number of gigs weekly without facing negative consequences, as long as they provide a reasonable cause.
• Weekly Payments and Deductions: Aggregators are required to make payments to workers weekly and must provide explanations for any deductions from their pay.

Gig Worker

• Definition: A gig worker is an individual engaged in temporary, contract, or freelance jobs within the gig economy.
• Alternative Terms: Gig workers are also referred to as independent contractors, freelancers, or on-call workers.

Gig Economy

• About: It is a labor market that relies heavily on temporary and part-time positions filled by independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time permanent employees.
• Benefits: It offers adaptability for workers, businesses, and consumers by accommodating flexible work arrangements and lifestyles.

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