1. EVENT HORIZON TELESCOPE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Scientists have unveiled new details of a colossal black hole 53 million lightyears away first photographed by the earth-wide Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) in 2017. The feat provided the first visual evidence that black holes exist, confirming a fundamental prediction of general relativity.

Event Horizon Telescope (EHT)

• About: The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) is a network of synchronized radio observatories worldwide.
• Imaging Black Holes: The primary objective of the EHT is to capture detailed images of black holes.
• Frontiers of Universe Exploration: Scientists utilize the EHT to explore new frontiers in the vast expanse of the Universe.
• Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Technique: EHT observations employ VLBI, a technique that enhances angular resolution for capturing images of black holes.
• Earth-sized Virtual Telescope: Comprising 8 telescopes globally, the EHT forms an Earth-sized virtual telescope, offering unprecedented sensitivity and resolution.
• Globally Distributed Components: The components of the EHT are strategically distributed across the globe, creating a collaborative effort for groundbreaking astronomical observations.

Black Hole

• Meaning: It is a cosmic body of extremely intense gravityfrom which nothing, not even light, can escape.

oA black hole can be formed by the death of a massive star. 

oWhen such a star has exhausted the internal thermonuclear fuels in its core at the end of its life, the core becomes unstable and gravitationally collapses inward upon itself, and the star’s outer layers are blown away.

• Background

o1st predicted by: Albert Einstein in 1916, with his general theory of relativity.

oFirst interpretation of "black hole": By David Finkelstein in 1958, as a region of space from which nothing can escape.

oThe term "black hole" was coined: In 1967 by American astronomer John Wheeler.

oCygnus X-1: The first black hole identified by several researchers independently in 1971.

oDetection: Because light cannot get out, black holes are invisible and can only be tracked with the help of spatial telescopes.

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2. JAIL AND BAIL UNDER UAPA Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: Underlining that the oft quoted phrase, ‘bail is rule, jail is the exception’, does not find any place in the stringent anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Supreme Court on February 7 denied bail to Gurwinder Singh, an accused in an alleged “Khalistan module.”

Law under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)

• Restrictions on Bail: Section 43D (5) of the Act imposes limitations on the release of a person accused of certain offenses.
• Public Prosecutor's Role: The provision stipulates that no bail or self-bond release is permitted unless the Public Prosecutor is given an opportunity to be heard on the release application.
• Exception in Release Conditions: Even if the accused is in custody, release on bail or self-bond is not allowed if the court believes there are reasonable grounds for considering the accusations as prima facie true.
• Prima Facie Assessment: The law places the responsibility on the accused to convince the court, based on the police version, that it is unreasonable to believe the accusations are prima facie true.
• Shifting Onus and the UAPA Framework: This provision shifts the burden onto the accused, challenging the traditional presumption of innocence until proven guilty, particularly within the framework of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Narrowing the Room for Bail

• Supreme Court's 2019 Ruling: In 2019, the Supreme Court, led by Justice A M Khanwilkar in a two-judge bench, made a significant ruling in the case of Zahoor Ahmed Shah Watali v NIA.
• Limited Examination in UAPA Bail Granting: The ruling emphasized that when granting bail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), courts should refrain from examining the evidence and instead accept it at face value.
• Broad Probabilities Standard: The apex court clarified that the court's role is to record a finding based on broad probabilities regarding the accused's involvement in the stated offense or otherwise.
• Appeal Against Delhi High Court Ruling: The Supreme Court's decision came in response to an appeal against a Delhi High Court ruling by a bench headed by Justice S Muralidhar, which had granted bail to a Kashmiri businessman.
• Arduous Task Post Charges Framing: After charges are framed, the court highlighted that the accused might face a challenging task in convincing the court that, despite the framing of charges, the presented materials do not establish reasonable grounds for believing the accusation is prima facie true in order to secure bail.

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3. EPIDEMIC DISEASES ACT 1897 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The  22nd Law Commission of India has submitted its Report No. 286 titled “A Comprehensive Review of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897" to the Government of India.

Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897

• About: An Act to provide for the better prevention of the spread of Dangerous Epidemic Diseases.
• Whereas it is expedient to provide for the better prevention of the spread of dangerous epidemic disease.
• Coverage: It extends to the whole of India except 3[the territories which, immediately before the 1st November, 1956, were comprised in Part B States.
• Power to take special measures and prescribe regulations as to dangerous epidemic disease
• Empowering State Government: When an outbreak of a dangerous epidemic disease threatens [the State], the "[State Government]" can take necessary measures.

oIf existing laws are deemed insufficient, the State Government may prescribe temporary regulations through public notices.

• Specific Measures for Epidemic Control: The "[State Government]" holds the authority to take specific measures and prescribe regulations.

oThese measures include the inspection of individuals traveling by various means, such as railways.

oSuspected individuals may be segregated in hospitals or temporary accommodations based on inspections by authorized officers.

• Prohibition of violence: No person shall indulge in any act of violence against a healthcare service personnel or cause any damage or loss to any property during an epidemic.
• Penalty: Any person disobeying any regulation or order made under this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

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4. GOVERNMENT-E-MARKETPLACE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Government-E-Marketplace (GeM) has recorded Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) worth three lakh crore rupees in the current fiscal year so far.

Government-e-Marketplace (GeM)

• About: It is an online public procurement platform in India.
• Launched: In August 2016
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India
• Objective: To create an open and transparent procurement platform for government buyers to facilitate the online procurement of goods and services.
• Key Features

oIt is a one stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods and Services.

oThe portal is open for all government buyers— Central and State Ministries, departments, public sector enterprises etc.

oPrivate buyers cannot buy on the platform but private people can sell products to government bodies through the portal.

• Significance of GeM

oTransparent and Cost-effective Procurement.

oPromotion of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

oEntry of Small Local Sellers.

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5. PM-WANI FRAMEWORK (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: The Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj recently inaugurated the 'Smart Gram Panchayat' project, extending PM-WANI service to Bihar's Gram Panchayats.

PM-WANI Framework

• About: The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister of India approved the proposal of Department of Telecom (DoT) to proliferate Broadband through Public Wi-Fi networks under the framework of the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) on 9th December 2020.
• Alignment with National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP): This framework aligns with the objectives outlined in the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP), which aims to establish a strong digital communications infrastructure.
• Broadband Provision via Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Providers: The PM-WANI framework is designed to facilitate the delivery of broadband services through Public Wi-Fi Hotspot providers.
• Components: The framework comprises key elements, including Public Data Office (PDO), Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA), App Provider, and Central Registry.
• Importance of PM-WANI Framework: To facilitate ease of doing business and encourage local shops and small establishments to become Wi-Fi providers, it has been approved that the last-mile Public Wi-Fi providers require no license, no registration and will not need to pay any fees to DoT.
• Access broadband on PM-WANI Wi-Fi: The potential user who wants to access Broadband through Public Wi-Fi will need to download the relevant App, get authenticated, and thereafter access Broadband at any Public Wi-Fi Hotspot.
• PM-WANI ecosystem:  PM-WANI ecosystem consists of four parts: Public Data Office (PDO), Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA), App Provider, and Central Registry.
• Benefits of PM-WANI

oWANI Wi-Fi architecture can lead to enhanced internet penetration which could lead to an increase in gross domestic product.

oIt can scale up internet access in rural areas, thereby narrowing the digital divide.

oCan generate jobs in small- and medium-scale sectors.

oCould provide affordable internet access to the mass underserved section of society and help boost digital India.

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6. CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY SPECIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Env nd Eco)

Context: Millions of iconic migratory animal species are in peril because of anthropogenic pressures, said a report released at the start of the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) of Wild Animals in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Key Points

• The State of the World’s Migratory Species has revealed that aquatic ecosystems are the worst-hit — 97 per cent of migratory fish listed under CMS face the risk of extinction. These fish species have seen a steep decline in relative abundance in the past 50 years on average.
• Twenty-eight of the total fish species facing threats are categorised as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.
• There are 4,508 species that are considered to be migratory, have had a global IUCN Red List assessment and occur in multiple Range States (non-endemic species). Of these, 3,339 (74 per cent) are not currently listed in the CMS appendices.
• Of the 3,339 non-CMS species, 277 (eight per cent) are considered to be ‘Globally Threatened’ and another 122 species (four per cent) have been categorised as ‘Near Threatened’. The report recommends considering 399 Globally and Near Threatened species to meet the CMS criteria listed in the appendices.
• Causes: Overexploitation, habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation 

  Convention On The Conservation Of Migratory Species Of Wild Animals (CMS)

  • About: It is an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  • Signed in:  1979, in Bonn, Germany. Also known as the Bonn Convention.
  • It is the only global, & UN-based, intergovernmental convention established exclusively for the conservation and management of migratory species (terrestrial, aquatic, & avian), their habitats and migration routes.
  • Type: The convention has legally binding agreements and non-legally binding Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) which are tailored according to conservation needs.
  • Appendix I of CMS: It lists the Migratory species threatened with extinction, and Parties strive towards strictly protecting them.
  • Appendix II of CMS: Migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international cooperation.
  • Member:  133 parties. India is a party to this convention since 1983 (China, Russia, US, Canada, Japan are not its members).

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7. ASEAN (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India-ASEAN today held discussions on taking forward their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

• Established: In 1967, by the Bangkok Declaration.
• Type:  A political and economic union of 10 member statesin Southeast Asia.
• Members: Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
• Objective: It promotes inter-governmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and socio-cultural integration between its members and countries in the Asia-Pacific.
• Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia.

India-ASEAN Relationship (Significance)

• Economic reasons: With ASEAN now India’s fourth-largest trading partner engaging in bilateral trade in 2019-20 worth $86.9 billion. 
• For Peace & Security in the region: ASEAN countries are known for maritime and border smuggling of drug, arms, and ammunition. Cooperation with ASEAN countries is also important for security and peace establishment in N-E region from insurgents’ group.
• Connectivity and development: Connectivity with ASEAN countries maintaining Northeast India in the centre will assure the north-eastern states economic progress.
• Countering China: Improved commercial connections with ASEAN nations would provide a counterbalance to China’s position in the area, as well as economic growth and development for India.
• Meeting India’s principle of ‘Act East policy’ and Indo-Pacific vision: ASEAN countries are the key or central pillar of the India’s foreign policy of ‘act east.’ And India’s ‘Act East’ policy is a core tenet of its Indo-Pacific vision.
• Establishing democratic and rule-based Indo-Pacific region: ASEAN holds a pivotal place in the Indo-Pacific rules-based security architecture, which is critical for India because most of its commerce is dependent on maritime stability.
• Key defence importer: ASEAN countries can emerge as the major import demand of India’s defence equipment’s like Philippines recently finalised the order of Brahmos missile from India.
• Others key areas of engagement: Maritime pollution, Soft power, Climate change etc.

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8. INDIA-QATAR RELATIONSHIP (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: In a significant diplomatic breakthrough for India, eight former Indian Navy personnel, who were initially sentenced to death in Qatar, have been released, marking a crucial turn of events in a case that has garnered international attention.

Background of the Case

• In September 2022, former Indian naval officers were taken into custody by Qatari authorities on undisclosed charges.
• After being detained for several months, it was disclosed by Qatari authorities that the eight former naval officers had been engaged in espionage activities, allegedly spying on Qatar's confidential submarine program for Israel.
• Initially, the first bail request was turned down. But, in December 2023, the appellate court in Qatar commuted their death sentence to imprisonment ranging between three years and 25 years. 
• The government of India, with the diplomatic channels managed to released these former officers.

  India-Qatar Relations

  • Historical Ties: India and Qatar share a natural partnership that dates back to 1973.
  • Political Relationship: 2023 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations between India and Qatar.

  oIndia was among the earliest nations to recognize Qatar's independence in 1971.

  • Economic Ties: In 2021, India ranked among the top four export destinations for Qatar and one of the top three sources of Qatar's imports.

  oThe bilateral trade between India and Qatar, valued at $15 billion, primarily revolves around LNG and LPG exports from Qatar to India.

  oDuring 2021-22, India's exports to Qatar amounted to US$ 1.83 billion, while imports from Qatar were US$ 13.19 billion.

  Qatar

  • Located: in the Western Asia, on the Northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
  • Bounded by: Saudi Arabia in the south, rest of three sides; it is surrounded by the Persian Gulf.
  • A strait of the Persian Gulf: Divides Qatar from its nearby island nation of Bahrain.
  • Capital: Doha.

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9. FARMER PROTEST 2.0 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, farmers resumed their journey to Delhi after more than two years since their previous protest, as three Union ministers convened a second round of discussions with them in Chandigarh.

Farmer Protest 2.0

• Background: In 2020, farmers rallied against three contentious laws at Delhi borders, leading to their eventual repeal in 2021. The laws included The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act.
• Preparation for Delhi Chalo March: The Delhi Chalo march, scheduled to commence at 10 am, faces pre-emptive measures by the Haryana government. Fencing around the state aims to deter a recurrence of the 2020-21 protests.
• Farmers' Protest 2.0 vs. 2020 Agitation

oAgenda Shift: Demands include legal MSP guarantee, full debt waiver, farmer pension, Swaminathan Commission's formula implementation, and withdrawal of 2020 protest cases.

oLeadership Dynamics: New unions, specifically Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, spearhead the movement.

oGovernment Response: Negotiation process initiated before the march. Meetings on February 8 and 12 between farmer leaders and Union ministers.

oSecurity Measures: Barbed wire, cement barricades, and road nails; Delhi under Section 144; Haryana-Punjab borders closed.

Demands of the farmers

• Full debt waiver for farmers and labourers;
• Implementation of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, with provisions for written consent from farmers before acquisition, and compensation at four times the collector rate;
• Punishment for the perpetrators of the October 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri killings;
• India should withdraw from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and freeze all free trade agreements;
• Pensions for farmers and farm labourers;
• Compensation for farmers who died during the Delhi protest, including a job for one family member;
• Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 should be scrapped;
• 200 (instead of 100) days’ employment under MGNREGA per year, daily wage of Rs 700, and scheme should be linked with farming;
• Strict penalties and fines on companies producing fake seeds, pesticides, fertilisers; improvements in seed quality;
• National commission for spices such as chili and turmeric;
• Ensure rights of indigenous peoples over water, forests, and land.

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10. EURASIAN LYNX (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: COP14 will see proposals to include Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in CMS Appendix II and its subspecies Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) for Appendix I. The proposal has been made by North Macedonia with co-proponents Uzbekistan, Albania and Bosina and Herzegovina.

Eurasian Lynx

• About: The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is one of the four extant species within the medium-sized wild cat genus Lynx. 
• Distributed:  Northern, Central and Eastern Europe to Central Asia and Siberia, the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas.
• Range: The Eurasian lynx, spanning Western Europe to Central Asia, has seen a significant reduction in its original habitat over the past few centuries.
• Decline: Remnant populations in Central Europe have endured persecution by humans, while substantial numbers still thrive in the Baltic countries, Scandinavia, and the Carpathian Mountains.
• Balkan Lynx: The Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) is an exceptionally rare sub-species of the Eurasian lynx.
• With fewer than 50 individuals remaining, it stands as one of the rarest cats globally, primarily confined to the southwest of the Balkans.
• Threats to the Balkan Lynx: It faces severe challenges in its limited habitat, including habitat destruction and direct persecution, including threats to its prey.

oThese factors collectively pose significant threats to the survival of the Balkan lynx population.

• Lynx Habitat: The lynx thrives in large forested areas, crucial for providing cover during hunting activities. These habitats also ensure an abundant supply of prey, essential for the lynx's sustenance and survival.

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