1. ONE STATION ONE PRODUCT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Prime Minister of India will inaugurate ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) stalls at 205 railway stations across Southern Railway, including 168 in Tamil Nadu, through video conferencing.

One Station One Product:

• About: OSOP scheme which promotes the ‘Local for Vocal’ vision of the Government of India provides a market for local/indigenous products and creates additional income opportunities for the marginalised sections of the society,
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Railways.
• Vision: To promote ‘Vocal for Local’.
• Designed by: National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
• Objective: To transform each railway station into a promotional hub, dedicated to showcasing local and indigenous manufacturing products.
• Allotment Process: The allotment of sale outlets is conducted through a rotational basis, ensuring fair opportunities for all eligible applicants.
• Pilot Launch: The pilot phase of the "One Station One Product" scheme was initiated on March 25, 2022, marking the beginning of its implementation.
• Welfare for Local Artisans: To contribute to the welfare of local artisans, potters, weavers, tribals, and similar communities involved in indigenous craftsmanship.
• Eligibility: Granted the opportunity to set up a temporary stall or kiosk at the railway station for a period of 15 days. This privilege comes upon the deposition of Rs 1,000 with the Railways.
• Role in Identification: The zonal railways play a crucial role in the implementation of the scheme by identifying suitable stations, eligible products, and vendors, ensuring a strategic and efficient execution.

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2. PACT WITH TIPRA MOTHA (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Internal Security)

Context: The Centre recently signed a tripartite agreement with the Tripura government and the state’s main opposition party, the TIPRA Motha.

Demands of Tipra Motha

• Greater Tipraland: Establishment of a separate state for Tripura's tribals.

oInclusion of tribals living outside the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) area.

• Enhanced Powers for TTAADC: Direct funding from the Centre, Establishment of its own police force, Share of revenue from gas exploration in the state.
• Recognition of Roman Script: Declaration of the Roman script as the official script for the indigenous Kokborok language.

The Accord:

• About: The accord aims to amicably resolve issues of indigenous people of Tripura concerning history, land, political rights, economic development, identity, culture, and language.
• Establishment: A joint working group/committee will be constituted to address and implement mutually agreed points on the aforementioned issues within a specified timeframe.
• Ensuring an Honourable Solution: The agreement intends to ensure an honourable solution through the concerted efforts of the joint working group/committee.
• Maintenance of a Conducive Atmosphere: All stakeholders are required to abstain from engaging in any form of protest or agitation from the day of signing the agreement to uphold a conducive atmosphere for implementing the pact.

Tipra Motha Party (TMP)

• About: It also known as the Tipraha Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance, operates as a regional political entity and was formerly a social organization in Tripura, India.
• Leadership: The TIPRA is under the leadership of Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma, who spearheads its activities and initiatives.
• Significance: As the second largest party in the Tripura Legislative Assembly, the TMP holds considerable sway and influence in the state's political landscape.

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3. SELA TUNNEL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure)

Context: China has lodged a diplomatic protest with India over Prime Minister Narendra of India’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he inaugurated the strategically important Sela tunnel.

Sela Tunnel

• About: It connecting Tezpur in Assam to Tawang in Arunachal, stands as a testament to modern engineering prowess.
• Length: 8.6 km
• Altitude: 13000 feet
• Strategic Connectivity: Sela Tunnel holds immense strategic importance, facilitating year-round access to Tawang and other frontier areas adjacent to China.
• Enhancing Defense Logistics: The tunnel's construction is poised to streamline the movement of troops and arms, facilitating quicker deployments and logistics along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
• Time-Saving Transport: With a reduction of over an hour in travel time from Tezpur to Tawang, the tunnel promises to enhance regional accessibility and foster economic growth.

Arunachal Pradesh

• About: It is a state in northeast India, nestled in the easternmost reaches of the country.
• Historical Formation: Formed from the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) region, India officially declared Arunachal Pradesh as a state on 20 February 1987.
• Capital: Itanagar 
• Bordering States: Arunachal Pradesh shares borders with the Indian states of Assam and Nagaland to the south, fostering regional connectivity and interactions.
• International Borders: Internationally, Arunachal Pradesh shares its borders with Bhutan in the west, Myanmar in the east, and a contentious 1,129 km border with China's Tibet Autonomous Region in the north, delineated by the McMahon Line.

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4. AID IN DYING BILL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Justice)

Context: France recently sparked global debate over the choice versus life argument by enshrining abortion as a right in its Constitution, marking a significant policy shift.

Aid in Dying Bill

• About: The bill targets individuals with incurable illnesses that will lead to death in the short- or middle-term, imposing strict conditions.
• Options for Administration: Patients eligible under the bill can administer lethal medication themselves or appoint a chosen person or medical professional for assistance.
• End-of-Life Relief: The bill aims to alleviate end-of-life suffering for individuals with incurable illnesses.
• Age Restriction: The medical option is limited to adults, excluding those with certain psychiatric conditions and disorders like Alzheimer’s.
• France's Position: If passed, France will align with European countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal in allowing euthanasia or assisted suicide.
• Global Landscape: Australia, select states in the United States, and Japan have also legalized similar practices.
• Confirmation and Assessment: Patients must reaffirm their decision within 48 hours, followed by a two-week medical team review before a verdict is reached.
• Existing Laws: France currently permits passive euthanasia, wherein patients can opt for the removal of life support and receive continuous and deep sedation.

Euthanasia

• Definition: Euthanasia is defined as the hastening of death of a patient to prevent further sufferings.
• Active Euthanasia: Active euthanasia refers to the physician deliberate act, usually the administration of lethal drugs, to end an incurably or terminally ill patient’s life.
• Legal Status in India: A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court in Common Cause vs Union of India (2018) recognised a person’s right to die with dignity.

oTerminally ill persons can opt for passive euthanasia and execute a living will to refuse medical treatment.

oThe Court recognised the right to die with dignity as a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life).

• Legality of Active Euthanasia:
• In India, active euthanasia is illegal.

oSection 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the attempt to commit suicide, and Section 306 deals with abetment of suicide, both punishable offenses.

oOnly those who are brain dead can be taken off life support with the help of family members.

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5. CENTRAL VIGILANCE COMMISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Hon’ble President of India, through a warrant under Section 4(1) of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, appointed Shri AS Rajeev as Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission.

Central Vigilance Commission

• About: It is an apex Integrity Institution, possessing full independence and autonomy in its operations.
• Establishment: As a result of the Government of India's Resolution, based on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, led by Shri K. Santhanam in 1964.
• Statutory Status: The CVC gained its statutory status through the CVC Act of 2003.
• Composition: Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson) and not more than two Vigilance Commissioners (Members).
• Organization: The CVC has its own Secretariat, the Chief Technical Examiners' Wing (CTE), and a wing of Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries (CDI). 
• Appointment: By the President on the recommendations of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
• Term: The chairperson and the members are four years from the date on which they enter their office or till they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Removal: The President can remove the chairperson or any other member from the office.
• Functions

oTo exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (CBI) insofar as it relates to the investigation of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

oTo tender advise to the Central government and its authorities on such matters as are referred to it by them.

oTo exercise superintendence over the vigilance administration in the ministries of the Central government or its authorities.

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6. SAMUDRAYAAN MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has completed a key test for India’s first manned submersible mission called Samudrayaan.

Samudrayaan Mission

• About: It is India's inaugural manned mission intended to explore the depths of the ocean.
• Objective: India has a unique maritime position with a 7,517 km coastline along nine mainland states and 1,382 islands. The mission aims to boost the central government’s vision of a new India that highlights the blue economy as one of the 10 core dimensions of growth.
• Exploring Depths: It aims to develop a manned submersible capable of carrying three individuals to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean.
• Studying Resources and Biodiversity: The mission is designed to study deep ocean resources and conduct biodiversity assessments.
• Part of the Deep Ocean Mission: Samudrayaan is part of the broader Deep Ocean Mission aligned with the Central Government's Blue Economy policy.
• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) oversees the execution of the mission.

Deep Ocean Mission

• About: The mission aims to bolster the Blue Economy Initiatives of the Government of India through strategic exploration and utilization of marine resources.
• Central Sector Scheme Launch: Launched as a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the mission signifies a coordinated governmental effort towards deep-sea exploration.
• Multi-Ministerial, Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Adopting a high-level, multi-ministerial, and multi-disciplinary approach, the mission seeks comprehensive insights into both living and non-living resources in the Indian Ocean.

MATSYA 6000 

• About: It is a manned submersible vehicle developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
• Purpose and Mission: Developed under the Samudrayaan mission, MATSYA 6000 aims to facilitate humans in exploring mineral resources in the deep ocean.
• Endurance and Capability: The vehicle boasts an operational endurance of 12 hours and can sustain for 96 hours in case of emergencies.
• Technological Advancement: Its development enhances the capability for deep-sea man-rated vehicle development.
• Global Significance: Expected to launch in 2024-25, MATSYA 6000 positions India among six countries capable of crewed under-sea expeditions beyond 5,000 meters.

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7. BHOJSHALA COMPLEX (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Art & culture)

Context: The Madhya Pradesh High Court here on Monday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to carry out a scientific survey of the medieval-era Bhojshala complex in Dhar district.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• About: It is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture
• Founded in: 1861
• Father of Indian Archaeology: Alexander Cunningham
• Function: The organization is responsible for the management and preservation of over 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and national heritage.
• Heritage Preservation: Engaging in a range of activities, the organization conducts surveys of antiquarian remains, explores archaeological sites, and undertakes excavation projects. 

Bhojshala complex:

• About: Bhojshala is an ASI-protected monument believed by Hindus to be a temple of Goddess Vagdevi, while the Muslim community regards it as Kamal Maula Mosque.
• Religious Practices: Hindus are permitted to worship inside the Bhojshala complex every Tuesday, whereas Muslims are allowed to offer namaz at the site every Friday, as per an ASI order from April 7, 2003.
• Historical Transformation: Raja Bhoj, the paramount ruler of the Parmar dynasty, initially built a college at Dhar, which later became known as Bhojshala, attracting students from distant places for education.
• Conversion of the Temple: The remnants of the Bhojshala or Saraswati temple were eventually repurposed into a mosque by a Muslim ruler, who renamed it Kamal Maulana Mosque, marking a significant historical transformation.

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8. MIRV TECHNOLOGY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Vice-President of India extended his congratulations on the success of Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of the indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV).

MIRV TECHNOLOGY

• About: MIRVs represent a pinnacle in strategic military technology, transforming the capabilities of ballistic missile payloads.
• The Birth of MIRV Technology: The United States' successful test of the Minuteman III in 1968 marked the inception of MIRV technology, with its deployment for actual use by 1970.
• Enhanced Effectiveness and Survivability: MIRV innovation allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, enabling several smaller warheads to replace a single larger one. 
• This enhances the effectiveness and survivability of missile systems against anti-ballistic missile defenses.
• Profound Strategic Shift: The strategic shift prompted by MIRVs has been profound, empowering nations to achieve greater target damage and reduce the effectiveness of enemy missile defense systems.
• Altering the Landscape of Global Nuclear Deterrence: MIRV technology has fundamentally altered the landscape of global nuclear deterrence by providing nations with the means to enhance their offensive capabilities and diminish the effectiveness of defensive systems.

Agni-5 Missile

• About: Agni is a long-range missile developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO.
• Long-Standing Arsenal: The family of Agni missiles has been in the arsenal of the Indian armed forces since the early 1990s.
• MIRV Technology Integration: This latest variant of the missile is equipped with what is known as MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology.
• Rare Technological Capability: MIRV technology, first developed at least five decades ago, is possessed by only a handful of countries.

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9. STUDY OF INFAAR (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) published the surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019-22. 

Key Points of INFAAR Data

• Importance of Data in AMR Policy: Antibiotic use in food animal production is a significant contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), necessitating informed policy decisions. 
• Diversity of Aquaculture Systems: The fisheries sector encompasses freshwater, brackish-water, and marine production systems, each with distinct characteristics and challenges.
• Bacterial Isolates and Resistance Profiles: The study analyzed resistance profiles of various bacterial isolates, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio species, highlighting concerning resistance patterns across different environments.
• Multidrug Resistance Analysis: Multidrug resistance (MDR) was prevalent among both aquaculture and food animal isolates, indicating resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes and posing challenges for treatment.
• Importance of Surveillance and Recommendations: The report emphasized the importance of ongoing surveillance efforts and provided recommendations to address AMR in the animal food sector, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and interventions.

INFAAR

• About: INFAAR, a network of laboratories under ICAR, supported by FAO and USAID, focuses on AMR surveillance in fisheries and livestock sectors.
• Collaborative Support: It receives technical assistance from FAO and USAID to enhance its surveillance capabilities.
• Laboratory Composition: INFAAR consists of 20 laboratories, comprising 17 ICAR Research Institute Laboratories, one Central Agriculture University Laboratory, one State Agriculture University Laboratory, and one State Veterinary University.
• Expansion Goals: It aims for further expansion to broaden its reach and impact in combating AMR in the agriculture sector.

Fishery and Livestock Sector

• Significant Contribution: India possesses abundant livestock and poultry resources, with the livestock sector alone contributing approximately 25.6% of the total value of output in the Agriculture, Fishing & Forestry sector at current prices.
• Contribution to GDP: The livestock sector's overall contribution to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was around 4.11% at current prices during the fiscal year 2012-13. In contrast, the fishery sector accounted for 0.83% of the total GDP and 4.75% of the Agriculture sector's GDP during the same period.
• Role in Livelihoods: Fishery serves as a crucial source of livelihood for approximately 14 million people in India. Moreover, it contributed Rs 30,213 crore through exports during the fiscal year 2013-14.
• Global Standing: India holds the position of being the second-largest producer of fish globally, with a substantial share of 5.68% of the global total, according to statistics provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

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10. CITIZENSHIP (AMENDMENT) ACT 2019 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified the Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024 that would enable the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by the Parliament in 2019.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019

• Amended the Citizenship Act, 1955: The act amended the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make illegal migrants eligible for citizenship of India. 
• Citizenship on the basis of religion: The CAA provides citizenship on the basis of religion to six undocumented non-Muslim communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians) from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who entered India on or before 31st December, 2014.
• Definition: Under the Act, an illegal migrant is a foreigner who:

oEnters the country without valid travel documents like a passport and visa, or

oEnters with valid documents, but stays beyond the permitted time period.

• Exemption: Illegal migrants may be put in jail or deported under The Foreigners Act, 1946 and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.

oIt exempts the members of the six communities from any criminal case under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport Act, 1920.

oThe two Acts specify punishment for entering the country illegally and staying here on expired visas and permits.

• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for citizenship under CAA, applicants must have entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The current citizenship criteria include being born in India or residing in the country for at least 11 years.
• OCI Registration Provision: The proposed amendment includes a provision for the cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration if the OCI cardholder violates any provision of the Citizenship Act or any other applicable law.
• Citizenship by registration or naturalisation: The Act allows a person to apply for citizenship by registration or naturalisation if the person meets certain qualifications.
• Relaxations: Under The Citizenship Act, 1955, one of the requirements for citizenship by naturalisation is that the applicant must have resided in India during the last 12 months, as well as for 11 of the previous 14 years.
• Disclosure of Entry Year: Applicants must disclose the year they entered India without proper documentation through the online portal.
• Document Exemption: Unlike conventional processes, applicants under CAA won't be required to submit any documents, streamlining the application process for eligible individuals.

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