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

Context: A flood alert has been issued downstream of the Tungabhadra dam in Karnataka's Koppal district after one of the 33 crest gates of the dam was washed away. 

Tungabhadra Dam

• Location: The dam is built across the Tungabhadra River in Hosapete, Ballari district, Karnataka.
• Alternate Name: Tungabhadra Dam is also known as Pampa Sagar.
• History: The Tungabhadra Dam was first conceived in 1860 to address recurrent famine in the Rayalaseema region.
• Height: The dam stands at a height of about 49.5 meters.
• Coverage: The Tungabhadra reservoir covers an area of 378 square kilometers, primarily in Karnataka's Vijayanagar district.
• Importance: The reservoir is one of the major sources of water for irrigation, industrial use, and drinking water in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Tungabhadra Board: It was established by a presidential order in 1953 to manage the reservoir.

oComposition: The Board includes a chairman appointed by the Union government and four members representing the Union government, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Tungabhadra River

• About: It is formed at the confluence of two streams, Tunga and Bhadra, near Shimoga in Karnataka.
• Source and Flow: Both streams rise in the Western Ghats and merge to form the Tungabhadra, which flows into the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
• Boundary River: The Tungabhadra forms part of the boundary between the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

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2. NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL RANKING FRAMEWORK (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Education)

Context: The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has been ranked as the best educational institution in India for the sixth consecutive year since 2019, according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)

• About: This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country
• Launched in: 2015 by the Ministry of Education.
• Parameters used for rankling:  Teaching, Learning and Resources,” “Research and Professional Practices,” “Graduation Outcomes,” “Outreach and Inclusivity,” and “Perception”.
• First edition: 2016.

India Rankings of HEIs in India 2024:

• Leading in Universities and Research: The Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, ranked as the top institution under both the universities and research categories.

oIt has retained the top spot in universities since 2016 and in research since 2021.

• NIRF introduced three New Categories: State Public Universities, Skill Universities, and Open Universities. Anna University, Chennai, topped the State Public Universities category, while Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) led the Open Universities ranking.
• In category-specific rankings: IISc Bengaluru claimed the top spot among universities, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia.
• Topped medical Institution Category: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
• Top in Management: The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
• Best ‘innovational institution: IIT Bombay followed by IIT Madras and IIT Delhi.

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3. WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Every Year, World Elephant Day is observed on August 12 to raise awareness about the challenges in elephant conservation and their protection worldwide.

World Elephant Day 2024

• Establishment: Patricia Sims of Canada and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand, a project of HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand, collaborated to create World Elephant Day on August 12, 2012.
• Patricia Sims' Role: Since its inception, Patricia Sims has been responsible for overseeing World Elephant Day activities and initiatives.
• Partnerships for Conservation: The project has joined forces with over 100 organizations dedicated to elephant conservation, enhancing global awareness and support.
• Global Response: World Elephant Day has mobilized millions worldwide, showcasing their concern for elephant welfare and willingness to contribute to their protection.
• Theme 2024: World Elephant Day 2024 Day is “Personifying prehistoric beauty, theological relevance, and environmental importance.”

Different Types of Elephants

• Mainly classified into two main species: Asian and African elephants.

Asian Elephant: Conservation in India

• Population: Around 26,000
• Conservation status – IUCN: Endangered, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, CITES: Appendix I, CMS: Appendix I.
• Elephant declared as the national heritage animal by GoI in 2010.
• Project Elephant: Launched in 1992 as centrally sponsored scheme.

oObjectives: To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors,

oTo address issues of man-animal conflict,

oWelfare of captive elephants.

• African Forest Elephant: Critically Endangered
• African Savanna Elephant: Endangered

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4. SMITHOPHIS MIZORAMENSIS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Scientists from Mizoram University and the Max Planck Institute have discovered a new snake species, Smithophis mizoramensis, in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram.

Smithophis mizoramensis

• About: Smithophis mizoramensis is a new snake species discovered in Mizoram.
• Naming After Discovery: The species is named Smithophis mizoramensis after its place of discovery.
• Mizo Name Given: The snake is also known by its Mizo name “Tuithiangrul,” meaning “Mizo Brook Snake.”
• Habitat: Smithophis mizoramensis inhabits both lowland and highland areas of Mizoram, particularly near rivers and their surroundings.
• Species Classification: 

oGlobal Count: The discovery raises the total number of Smithophis species worldwide to five.

oPrevious Records: Smithophis atemporalis and Smithophis bicolor are two other species from this genus previously recorded in Mizoram.

• Research and Characteristics

oExtended Study: The new species has been under study for 15 years due to its resemblance to related species.

oGenetic Distinction: Genetic analysis shows a 10-14% DNA difference from its nearest relatives.

oUnique Features: The snake exhibits distinct colouration and scale patterns.

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5. GRAIN ATM (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, India's first round-the-clock grain ATM was opened at Mancheswar in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Grain ATM

• About: It is referred to as the Annapurti Grain ATM, designed and developed by the World Food Programme India.
• Objective: to enhance nutritional security in the state by providing 24x7 access to rice and wheat.
• The ATM is designed to address issues in the distribution of  food grains through the Public Distribution System.
• Process: The process to withdraw grains from the ATM is straightforward. Beneficiaries need to input their Aadhar or Ration card number and undergo biometric authentication.

oOnce authenticated, the machine dispenses the entitled grain within five minutes.

Key Features of the New Food ATM

• High Capacity and Accuracy: The World Food Programme in India highlighted that the ATM could dispense up to 50 kilograms of grains with an error rate of just 0.01%.
• Energy Efficiency: It operates on just 0.6 Watts per hour and can be connected to solar panels for automatic refilling.
• Modular Design: The machine's modular design allows for easy assembly and adaptation to various spaces, ensuring consistent 24x7 access.

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6. JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The ruling party and the opposition clashed over Hindenburg Research’s allegations against SEBI Chairperson, with the ruling party rejecting the opposition's call for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation.

Joint Parliamentary Committee

• Establishment: The JPC is an ad-hoc Committee set up by Parliament to examine specific subjects or Bills thoroughly.
• Composition: Includes members from both Houses of Parliament, representing both ruling and opposition parties, and is chaired by a Lok Sabha member appointed by the Speaker.
• Determination of Members: Parliament decides the composition, with no set limit on the number of members.
• Dissolution: The committee is dissolved after fulfilling its term or completing its task.
• Recommendations: Recommendations are advisory and not mandatory, though they are often accepted if they come from a majority of ruling party members.
• Evidence Gathering: The JPC can gather evidence from various sources, including experts, public bodies, and individuals, either on its own initiative or in response to requests.

Powers of the Committee

• Can obtain evidence from experts, public bodies, associations, and individuals, either suo motu or upon request.
• Failure to appear before a JPC in response to summons constitutes contempt of the House.
• Generally not called to give evidence, but the JPC can seek information from ministers with the Speaker’s permission.
• Can collect oral and written evidence and call for documents related to its inquiry.

Notable Cases of JPC Formation

• Bofors scandal (1987)
• Harshad Mehta Stock market scam (1992)
• Ketan Parekh share market scam (2001)
• Soft drink pesticide issue (2003)
• 2G spectrum case (2011)
• VVIP Chopper scam (2013)
• Land Acquisition (2015)
• NRC (2016)
• Personal Data Protection Bill (2019)

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7. THE JEWS OF KERALA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 - Indian Society)

Context: The last woman of Kochi's Paradesi Jew community passed away at the age of 89 in the Mattancherry area, marking the end of an era for the historic community.

The Jews of Kerala

• About: Kerala’s Jewish population, once vibrant with 20,000-50,000 members, has dwindled dramatically. Today, only 4,000-5,000 Jews remain in India, primarily from the Bene Israel community.
• History: Various traditions and records suggest different origins for the Cochin Jews, ranging from migrations during King Solomon’s era to arrivals after the destruction of the Second Temple and a fourth-century migration from Majorca.
• Two Main Jews Community in Kerala:

oMalabar Jews: they also known as Cochin Jews, trace their origins back almost 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon. 

üThey first settled in Cranganore (present-day Kodungallur) and later moved to Cochin due to Portuguese pressure.

oParadesi Jews: Paradesi Jews, who migrated to India from the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th and 16th centuries, settled in Kerala and Madras, becoming significant players in the spice and precious stones trade.

üThe Paradesi Jews adopted local customs and Malayalam language but eventually distanced themselves from the older Malabar Jewish community, creating a distinct separation between the two groups.

• Migration to Israel: Since the 1950s, Kerala’s Jewish community has seen a significant migration to Israel. Today, only 14 Malabar Jews and one Paradesi Jew remain in Kerala, while over 4,000 Cochinim live in Israel.
• Decline: The remnants of Kerala’s Jewish community include the “Jew Streets” in Mattancherry and Kochi, along with seven synagogues, the most famous being the Paradesi Synagogue, now a historical monument.

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8. HARAPPAN DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: The Harappan cities like Dholavira and Mohenjodaro excelled in urban planning with advanced drainage, wastewater management, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Harappan Drainage Systems

• Urban Centres: Harappan cities like Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira, and Lothal were known for their advanced town planning.
• Drainage System: The drainage systems in Harappan cities were sophisticated, with drains running along streets and lanes and vertical pipes in houses to manage wastewater.
• Wastewater Facilities: Houses had vertical pipes leading to chutes that emptied onto the streets, demonstrating advanced wastewater management.
• Water Resources: An extensive network of reservoirs, wells, and canals was developed to meet agricultural and irrigation needs.
• Rakhigarhi Findings: Recent excavations at Rakhigarhi revealed covered and open drains with soakage pits at street corners.

oSimilar soakage jars were found in Banawali, indicating consistent drainage practices.

• Early Evidence: Mohenjodaro showed advanced water management with over 400 wells and a network of baked-brick drains.
• Dholavira’s Techniques: Dholavira in Gujarat is noted for its effective rainwater management strategies in an arid environment.

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9. BIOFORTIFIED CROPS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India released 109 high yielding, climate resilient and biofortified varieties of crops at India Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.

Biofortified Crops

• Definition: Biofortified crops are developed through conventional breeding or genetic modification to enhance their nutrient content.
• Objective: The aim is to create crops that are naturally rich in essential micronutrients, offering higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
• Importance: These crops play a crucial role in combating malnutrition, targeting vulnerable populations, and improving climate resilience.
• Some Biofortified Crop Varieties Developed in India: 87 biofortified cultivars in 16 crops. These include zinc-enriched rice, protein and iron-rich wheat, lysine and tryptophan-enhanced maize, and calcium, iron, and zinc-rich finger millet varieties.
• India’s Biofortification Efforts

oField Crops: The released field crops include seeds for cereals, millets, forage crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, fiber crops, and other potential crops.

oHorticultural Crops: The horticultural crop releases cover various fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, tuber crops, spices, flowers, and medicinal crops.

Government Initiatives

• National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Focuses on promoting high-yielding, nutrient-rich crop varieties and distributing biofortified seeds.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras: KVKs offer training, on-farm trials, and demonstrations to promote the cultivation of biofortified crops.
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana: Provides financial support to states for agricultural development and biofortified crop initiatives.

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10. OMKARESHWAR FLOATING SOLAR PROJECT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Ecology)

Context: Madhya Pradesh has inaugurated the largest floating solar project in central and north India at Omkareshwar, with a capacity of 90 MW. 

Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project

• Location: The Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project is situated at Omkareshwar in District Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.
• Infrastructure: It is developed on the backwaters of the Omkareshwar Dam, a gravity dam on the Narmada River.
• Scale and Impact
• Size: It is the largest floating solar park in India and the largest floating solar project in central and north India.
• Developed by: The project is executed by SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), a wholly owned subsidiary of SJVN, which is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
• Cost: The total project cost is Rs. 646 crores.
• Energy Generation: The project generates 90 MW of energy and is projected to produce 196.5 million units of electricity in its first year and 4,629.3 million units over 25 years.
• Tariff: The project operates on a Build Own and Operate basis for 25 years with a tariff rate of Rs 3.26 per unit.
• Operational Impact: Upon commissioning, it will play a significant role in supporting the Government of India’s mission towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Environmental Benefits

• Carbon Emission Reduction: The project aims to reduce carbon emissions by 2.3 lakh tons, contributing to India’s net-zero emissions goal by 2070.
• Water Conservation: It helps in water conservation by reducing water evaporation from the reservoir.

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