1. SDG INDEX 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2/3 – Governance/Economy)

Context: NITI Aayog has released its fourth evaluation report assessing India's progress on the 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDG India Index 2023-24

• About: The SDG India Index 2023-24, in its fourth edition, serves as India’s primary tool for assessing progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Released by: NITI Aayog, the Index was launched in collaboration with UNDP, emphasizing its comprehensive national and subnational coverage.
• Measurement Framework: The Index tracks progress across India's States and Union Territories (UTs) on 113 indicators aligned with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s National Indicator Framework (NIF).
• Composite Scores: Ranging from 0 to 100, aggregate goal-wise scores to provide an overall performance assessment for each State and UT.
• Significance of Scores: A score of 100 indicates that a State/UT has achieved all SDG targets, with higher scores reflecting greater progress towards these goals.

Key Findings

• India SDG Score: The country's overall SDG score has risen to 71 for 2023-24, up from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018.
• State-specific Scores: State scores range from 57 to 79 in 2023-24, indicating substantial progress from the 2018 range of 42 to 69.
• Progress in Key Goals: Notable advancements in Goals 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land).
• Goal-specific Improvements: Goal 13 (Climate Action) showed the highest increase, from 54 in 2020-21 to 67 in 2023-24, followed by Goal 1 (No Poverty) from 60 to 72.
• State Categorization: 32 States and UTs are in the front-runner category, with 10 new entrants including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
• Fastest Moving States: Between 2018 and 2023-24, Uttar Pradesh saw the highest score increase by 25 points, followed by Jammu & Kashmir (21), Uttarakhand (19), Sikkim (18), Haryana (17), Assam, Tripura, and Punjab (16 each), and Madhya Pradesh and Odisha (15 each).

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2. EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Social Issues/Education)

Context: The centralization of recruitment for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) now mandates Hindi competency, leading to a surge in transfer requests nationwide. This policy change has sparked significant concern among staff.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

• About: A scheme for making model residential schools for Indian tribals (ST- Scheduled Tribes) across India.
• Origin: It started in the year 1997-98.
• Objective: To impart quality education to tribal students, with an emphasis on not only academic education but the all-around development of tribal students.
• Nodal Ministry:  Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Implementing agency: National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS). 
• Coverage:

o EMRS Guidelines of 2010: At least one EMRS is to be set up in each Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) / Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) having 50% ST population in the area.

o Budget 2018-19 announcement: Every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an Eklavya Model Residential School by the year 2022.

ü These are being set up by grants provided under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.

• Features: Each school has a capacity of 480 students, catering to students from Class VI to XII.

o 10% of the seats of EMRS can be filled up by non-ST candidates (shall not exceed the total strength of 480).

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS)

• About: An autonomous organization that was established under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
• Objective: To establish, endow, maintain, control, and manage the schools and to do all acts and things necessary for or conducive to the promotion of such schools. 
• Governance: Function through an Executive Committee under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, Tribal Affairs.
• Target: NESTS and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have set up targets to complete the construction of a total of 452 new schools and the pending 67 schools under its old scheme by the year 2025.

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3. EXERCISE PITCH BLACK 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent reached at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.

Exercise Pitch Black 2024

• About: It is a biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
• Name: The name ‘Pitch Black’ was derived from the emphasis on nighttime flying over large unpopulated areas.
• Largest Edition in History: The 2024 edition is slated to be the largest in the 43-year-long history of Ex Pitch Black, including participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel from various air forces.
• Force Integration: The exercise provides the Indian Air Force (IAF) with an opportunity for force integration with participating nations and the mutual exchange of best practices.
• Previous Participation: The IAF has previously participated in the 2018 and 2022 editions of this exercise.
• Focus: The exercise focuses on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation, with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen, and Typhoon fighter aircraft.
• IAF Contingent: The IAF contingent comprises over 150 highly skilled Air Warriors, including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other subject matter experts, operating the Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles.
• Strengthening Deployment and Operations: The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for participating nations to strengthen their ability to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region, and build strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment.

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4. BIMSTEC (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Recently, India hosted the 2nd Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) foreign ministers' meeting in Delhi. 

BIMSTEC

• About: It is a regional organization signing the Bangkok Declaration.
• Establishment: 1997 
• Full form: The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
• Aim: To promote regional unity and cooperation. Member States include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. 

o The Permanent Secretariat is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

• Chairmanship of BIMSTEC: Rotates according to the alphabetical order of the English names of the Member States.
• Initially known as: BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation)
• Members: 7 Countries

o India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Thailand.

• Principles of BIMSTEC: Sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, non-aggression, peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and mutual benefit.
• The Purposes of BIMSTEC: 

o Accelerate economic growth and social progress in the Bay of Bengal region through joint endeavors in equality and partnership.

o Promote collaboration in economic, social, technical, and scientific fields, providing mutual assistance in training and research.

o Cooperate in regional projects to raise living standards, generate employment, and improve transportation and communication infrastructure.

o Maintain peace, combat terrorism and organized crime, address natural disasters and climate change, and eradicate poverty in the region through collaboration with international organizations.

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5. GUIDELINE FOR ROSEWOOD SPECIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has issued guidelines for its members involved in the sustainable harvest and trade of rosewood specimens.

Guideline of CITES for Rosewood Species

• Scope of CITES Regulation: CITES oversees international trade of rosewood species like Dalbergia, Afzelia, Khaya, and Pterocarpus, all listed under Appendix II for regulated trade.
• Guidelines: It issued in July prioritize capacity-building for 13 high-priority and 14 medium-priority rosewood species, crucial for sustainable trade management.
• Threats: Pterocarpus erinaceus faces severe threats from over-exploitation and illegal trade, prompting trade suspension recommendations in its West African range states.
• Role of Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs): Strengthening connections with the CITES-NDF Guidance module ensures sustainable global trade, protecting species while supporting livelihoods and industries.
• Report on CITES-listed Rosewood Species: A comprehensive report by CITES outlines species characteristics, ecological roles, and trade levels, aiding in the formulation of effective conservation strategies.

o CITES will host a workshop in Douala focused on rosewood species in September, aiming to enhance knowledge exchange and conservation efforts among stakeholders.

Pterocarpus erinaceus

• Known by:  Kosso, barwood, African kino tree, muninga, and vene.
• The name mukwa is also used for this species as well as for other Pterocarpus species.
• Found: Sahelian region of West Africa.

o Dalbergia sissoo is a rosewood species from India and Bangladesh, usually known as sheesham or North-Indian rosewood.

• Conservation Status: 

o CITES: Appendix II

o IUCN: Endengenerd

• Application:

o Used for fuel wood in local communities.

o Has medicinal uses in traditional medicine.

o Valued as a material for woodworking.

o Acts as a nitrogen-fixing plant, beneficial for improving nutrient-depleted farming land.

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6. OPERATION AMANAT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security Forces and Initiatives)

Context: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) recently conducted a successful operation named "Amanat," resulting in the retrieval of lost or left-behind luggage and valuable articles.

Operation Amanat

• About: It a new initiative to track lost belongings of passengers.

o Under the Operation Amanat initiative, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) aims to simplify the process of reclaiming lost luggage for passengers.

• Tracking Lost Belongings: It facilitates the tracking and retrieval of lost belongings of passengers within railway premises and trains.
• Details: RPF personnel upload details and photos of lost luggage onto a dedicated web portal.
• Portal link: Mission Amanat – RPF, accessible under the divisions tab.
• Access: Passengers can check the availability of their lost luggage at designated Lost Property Office centres located at various railway stations.

Railway Protection Force (RPF)

• About: RPF is India's security force responsible for safeguarding railway passengers, passenger areas, and railway property.
• Established by: Railway Protection Force Act of 1957.
• Empowered as the only Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with authority to arrest, investigate, and prosecute criminals.
• Administrative Authority: Ministry of Railways, India.
• Leadership: Headed by the Director General (DG), typically held by a senior officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) on deputation.

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

Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has secured a domestic partner to produce the groundbreaking vaccine for Shigella infection.

Shigella

• About: It is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria belonging to the enterobacter family.
• Species of Shigella: Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii, Shigella dysenteriae are the identified species.
• Symptoms: The primary sign of shigella infection is diarrhea, often bloody.
• Symptoms include diarrhea (with blood or mucus), stomach pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

o Some infected individuals show no symptoms but remain contagious through their feces for weeks.

• Transmission: Shigella is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected feces.
• Transmission can occur via contaminated food or water, and even through sexual activity.
• Vulnerable Age Group: Children under 5 years old are most susceptible to shigella infection, though it can affect people of any age.
• Global Impact: Shigellosis causes approximately 188 million cases and 1 million deaths annually worldwide.
• Current Status of Vaccine: There is currently no vaccine or cure available for shigella infections.

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

Context: Researchers have devised a straightforward method to store, identify, and distribute phages, especially in emergency situations involving antibiotic-resistant infections i.e. Transportable Bacteriophage Therapy Discovery.

Bacteriophage

• About: It is a virus that specifically infects bacteria.
• Terminology: The term "bacteriophage" comes from Greek words meaning "bacteria eater," reflecting their role in destroying bacterial cells.
• Ubiquity in Nature: Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entities in the world.
• Found: Diverse environments including soil, deep within the earth’s crust, within plants, animals, and oceans.
• Variety and Specificity: Thousands of types of bacteriophages exist, each targeting specific types of bacteria or archaea.
• Also known simply as "phages," these viruses exhibit highly specific host ranges.

• Structure:

oAll bacteriophages consist of a nucleic acid molecule (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.

oThe nucleic acid can be double-stranded or single-stranded, depending on the phage type.

How does it infect bacteria?

• Attachment and Invasion: Bacteriophages attach to susceptible bacteria using tail fibers or surface proteins, injecting their genetic material into the host bacterium.
• Hijacking Cellular Machinery: Once inside, bacteriophages take control of the host cell's machinery, redirecting it to produce viral components instead of performing normal cellular functions.
• Assembly and Lysis: New bacteriophages are assembled within the host bacterium. Eventually, the host cell bursts (lyses), releasing the newly formed phages to infect other bacteria.
• Transduction: During infection, bacteriophages can transfer fragments of host bacterial DNA to new host bacteria in a process called transduction, potentially altering genetic traits.

Uses

• Bacteriophages can effectively target and destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• They offer potential alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in treating infections that resist conventional treatments.
• Phage therapy involves using bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals.
• It is being researched as a promising approach against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), offering tailored treatments for specific bacterial strains.

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9. SUPREME COURT RULING ON ED (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Supreme Court ruled that the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) cannot arbitrarily exercise the power to arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court emphasized that arrests must not be based on the "whims and fancies" of ED officers.

Supreme Court observation on ED arrest:

• Inconsistent Arrest Policies: The court wondered if the ED even had a consistent, uniform, and “one-rule-for-all” policy on when they should arrest people.

o It said the ED’s power to arrest must be based on objective and fair consideration of material against a person.

• Conditions for Arrest: Under the PMLA, ED officers can arrest a person if they have reasons to believe, based on the material in their possession, that the individual is guilty.
• Judicial Concern: A Bench of Justices in a judgment, said the power of arrest given to ED officers under Section 19 (1) of the PMLA was drastic and ran the risk of violating the right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Subjective vs. Objective Opinion: Highlighting that PMLA allowed arrests on the subjective opinion of ED officers, the court said an officer’s “reasons to believe” that a person was guilty and deserved arrest should not be based on mere suspicion.
• Difference Between Suspicion and Belief: “Suspicion requires a lower degree of satisfaction, and does not amount to belief. 

o Belief is beyond speculation or doubt… Existence and validity of the ‘reasons to believe’ goes to the root of the power to arrest. 

o The subjective opinion of the arresting officer must be founded and based upon fair and objective consideration of the material, as available with them on the date of arrest.”

Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)

• About: Money laundering is the process of hiding the source of money obtained from illegal sources and converting it to a clean source, for the purpose of avoiding prosecution, conviction, and confiscation of the criminal funds.
• Aim: To prevent money-laundering
• To provide for confiscation of property derived from or involved in money-laundering
• The Department of Revenue within the Ministry of Finance oversees the investigation of money laundering offenses under the PMLA through the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

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10. GAINS 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth recently launched the "GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)" in Kolkata.

GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme

• About: It is an innovative scheme which seeks solutions to the problems related to the shipyards and promotes technology development using the start-ups created and nurtured in the country.
• Objective: It encourages and enables MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions for further technological advancement.

o It will give a new dimension to the future of Indian defence and with technological advancements and dedication it will enhance the strength of our armed forces and enhance maritime security.

• Unique National Scheme: It is a unique national scheme to encourage and enable MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions that GRSE may incorporate for further technological advancement.
• Leveraging MSMEs and Start-Ups Ecosystem: The aim is to leverage the vast eco-system of MSMEs and Start-Ups to address present and emerging challenges in the ship design and construction industry, while achieving the objectives of Atmanirbharta.
• Alignment with Government Policies: This initiative is in keeping with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India.

Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

• About: MSMEs fall under the regulatory purview of the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act of 2006.
• Classification

o Micro: Investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment: Not more than Rs.1 crore and Annual Turnover ; not more than Rs. 5 crore.

o Small: Investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment: Not more than Rs.10 crore and Annual Turnover ; not more than Rs. 50 crore.

o Medium: Investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment: Not more than Rs.50 crore and Annual Turnover ; not more than Rs. 250 crore.

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