1. IISC REPORT ON CAUVERY BASIN (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has served notices to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments, based on a report by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) that has highlighted the massive reduction of green cover in the Cauvery basin over the past five decades.

Cauvery Basin

• About: It is the largest river in the Karnatka state.
• Known as:  Dakshina Ganga (the Ganges of the South) and considered one of the sacred rivers of India.
• Origin: Bramahagiri Hills near Madikeri in Coorg.
• Tributaries: Harangi, Hemavathi, Lakshmanatirtha, Kabini, Shimsha, Arkavati, Suvarnavathi or Honnuholé,  Bhavani, Lokapavani, Noyyal.

Key Points

• According to the IISc report, the Cauvery basin has witnessed a staggering loss of 12,850 square kilometres (sq km) of green cover between 1965 and 2016. 
• The NGT expressed deep concern over the extensive agricultural and horticultural activities covering 73.5 per cent of the Cauvery basin, with only 18 per cent remaining as forested areas and dense forests limited to just 13 per cent of the region.
• The report highlighted that natural green areas have significantly diminished, declining from 28,154 sq km to 15,345 sq km over the past 50 years. 
• In Karnataka alone, 57 per cent of the green cover, equivalent to 9,664 sq km, has been lost. Tamil Nadu has seen a loss of 29 per cent (2,905 sq km) and Kerala has lost 27 per cent (279 sq km) of its green cover during the same period.
• The forest area in Bandipur National Park has decreased by 15.19 per cent in 50 years, primarily due to development activities and forest fires. 
• Nagarhole National Park has experienced an 11 per cent decline in forest cover due to human intervention and increased horticulture activities.

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2. INDIA-US TRADE POLICY FORUM (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: In New Delhi, India, the 14th Ministerial-level meeting of the India-United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF) was recently convened.

India-United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF)

• About: The Trade Policy Forum (TPF) serves as a continual platform fostering engagement between India and the US, with a primary focus on enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations.
• Key Role of TPF: It functions as a premier forum, the Trade Policy Forum plays a crucial role in addressing and resolving trade and investment issues that arise between India and the United States.
• Focus: TPF is organized into five distinct focus groups, namely Agriculture, Investment, Innovation and Creativity (emphasizing intellectual property rights), Services, and Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers.
• Escalation in Bilateral Trade: The bilateral trade volume between the two nations experienced significant growth, reaching USD 119.5 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22, compared to USD 80.5 billion in the previous year (2020-21).
• FDI Statistics: India attracted a notable USD 55.61 billion in foreign direct investment from the United States during the period spanning April 2000 to June 2022.
• Multilateral Collaborations: Beyond the Trade Policy Forum, India and the US collaborate in various multilateral forums, including the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), I2U2 (India-Israel/ UAE-USA), and IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework).

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3. PMAY - G (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: Recently, the government has hinted at unveiling a revamped version of the flagship Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) for the next five years.

oThe focus of the new scheme is to construct durable houses in rural areas.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin

• Launched: In 2016 to address the housing gaps existing in the rural areas.

oIAY (Indira Awaas Yojna) was overhauled and transformed into Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), starting from April 1, 2016.

• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Rural development.
• Aim: To provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all rural families who are homeless or living in kutcha or dilapidated houses by 2022.

oIt was initiated with the objective of achieving “Housing for All” by 2022.

• Beneficiaries: SCs/STs, former bonded laborers, non-SC/ST populations, widows or the next-of-kin of defense personnel who died in action, ex-servicemen and retired paramilitary members, disabled individuals, and minorities.
• Cost Sharing: Divided between the Central and State Governments, with a ratio of 60:40 in plain areas and 90:10 in North Eastern and hilly states.

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4. GANGA SAGAR MELA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: As groups of pilgrims start arriving at Sagar Island for a holy dip at the confluence of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, the West Bengal government is leaving no stone unturned to describe the gathering as the biggest religious event in the country.

Ganga Sagar Mela

• About: The Gangasagar Mela is an annual event that takes place during Makar Sankranti.
• Rituals at the Confluence: On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, thousands of pilgrims, seers, and tourists partake in a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal to commemorate the event.
• Devotion at Kapil Muni Temple: Pilgrims also engage in offering prayers at the revered Kapil Muni Temple as part of the Gangasagar Mela traditions.
• Spiritual Significance: On the day of Makar Sankranti, specifically on January 14, as the sun transitions to Capricorn from Sagittarius, the bath in the confluence is believed to be a sacred act leading to salvation.
• Nationwide Gathering: Gangasagar ranks as the second-largest congregation of pilgrims, devotees, and enthusiasts in the country, following the renowned Kumbh Mela in Haridwar.

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5. BHITARKANIKA NATIONAL PARK (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The population of saltwater or estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in and around Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park has marginally increased in 2024.

Bhitarkanika National Park

• Location: Kendrapara district, Odisha, India.
• Second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India after Sunderbans.
• Designated as:  National park on September 16, 1998, and recognized as a Ramsar site in August 2002, making it the second Ramsar site in the state, following Chilika Lake.
• Coverage: Spreads across 145 sq km, comprising a network of creeks and canals fed by rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Patasala, forming a distinctive ecosystem.
• Flora: Mangrove species, casuarinas, and grasses such as the indigo bush.
• Fauna: Saltwater crocodiles, Gahirmatha Beach, Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, monkeys, jackals, langurs, otters, sambar deer, jungle cats, foxes, mongooses, wolves, fishing cats, and hyenas.

Saltwater Crocodile

• Scientific Name: Crocodylus porosus.
• Distribution: Found in brackish waters of wetlands and marine intertidal environments from Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar to the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Australia's northern coast.
• Features: Males average 5m in length and 500kg in weight, while females are smaller. Nocturnal hunters known for their aggressive nature, leading to frequent attacks on people and livestock.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern.

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6. UNIFORM CIVIL CODE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Defence Minister of India recently stated that Uttarakhand is likely to become the first state in the country to implement a Uniform Civil Code.

Uniform Civil Code

• About: A UCC refers to a a common set of personal laws to be followed by the citizens, irrespective of religion, in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption.
• Origin: The UCC's roots trace to colonial India, as the British government's 1835 report highlighted the importance of consistent laws for crimes, evidence, and contracts, excluding the personal laws of Hindus and Muslims.
• Source: Under Article 44, the State is bound by a constitutional mandate to endeavour to universalize and secularize personal laws, throughout the Indian territory.
• Objective: To address the discrimination against vulnerable groups and replace the system of fragmented personal laws, that are segregated at present on the basis of religious beliefs like the Hindu code bill, Shariat law, and others, into one Uniform Code.
• Goa: After its liberation in 1961, Goa, with a population of just six lakh at that time, retained the Portuguese Civil Code, making it the only state to have a uniform civil code for all religions.

Judicial Pronouncements Associated with UCC

• In Shah Bano case (1985): SC emphasised the importance of UCC for having a common basis for jurisdiction.
• Sarla Mudgal Case(1995): SC reiterated the need for a Uniform Civil Code to help national integration by removing ideological contradictions.
• Shayara Bano v. Union of India (Triple Talaq Case): SC held triple talaq as unconstitutional and un-Islamic, raising the question of the Uniform Civil Code to stop such personal law practices.

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7. ATAL INNOVATION MISSION (AIM) (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci & Tech)

Context: Recently launched in New Delhi, the 6th Edition of the Youth Co:Lab fellowship prioritizes supporting youth-led startups in areas such as agriculture fintech, innovative solutions for indigenous peoples, and assistive technology.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

• Establishment: 2016
• Purpose: It serves as the country's premier effort to cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Objective: To create and promote an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, spanning from schools and universities to research institutions, MSMEs, and industries nationwide.
• Efficient Monitoring and Management: All activities under the initiative are systematically monitored and managed in real-time through advanced Management Information Systems (MIS) and dynamic dashboards.
• Implementing Agency: NITI Aayog is the designated agency responsible for the implementation of the initiative.
• Components of AIM: Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL), Atal Incubation Centres, Atal New India Challenge, Mentor of Change Program, Atal Community Innovation Center and Atal Research & Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE)

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8. AYUSHMAN BHARAT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: More than 30 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued to beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

• About: It is also known as Jan Arogya Abhiyaan, the National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM), or Modicare.

oThis initiative has been created to align with SDG principles, which is “leave no one behind”.

• Ministry:  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• Implementing Agency: National Health Authority (NHA).
• Aim: To make significant changes in healthcare by addressing all aspects of health (like prevention, promotion, and outpatient care) across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
• Launched by: National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• Funding: Centrally Sponsored Scheme  (expenditure incurred in premium payment will be shared between Central and State governments).
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): It was introduced in 2021 to issue Unique Digital Health IDs (UHID) to every Indian citizen. 

oThis initiative facilitates electronic access to health records for hospitals, insurance companies, and citizens as needed.

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9. GLOBAL SURGERY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Global surgery is the neglected stepchild in global health. The neglect is more shocking in South Asia which has the largest population globally lacking access to essential surgery.

Global Surgery

• About: It is primarily dedicated to ensuring fair access to emergency and essential surgical services.
• Focus: The primary emphasis lies in addressing access gaps in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Inclusive Approach: The scope extends beyond LMICs to encompass prioritized attention to access disparities and underserved populations in high-income countries (HICs).
• Surgical Services: The term "surgeries" in this context encompasses crucial procedures like surgery, obstetrics, trauma, and anesthesia (SOTA).
• Consensus on Procedures: Despite minor variations, there exists a general consensus among various international groups regarding approximately thirty procedures falling within the realm of emergency and essential surgery.

Global consensus on global surgery

• 1st: One key development that played a significant role in this transformation was the Disease Control Priorities Network (DCPN) report on essential surgery sponsored by the World Bank.
• 2nd: The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) which brought together experts and stakeholders:

oTo examine the status of surgical care access around the world;

oIdeate the indicators for monitoring surgical care preparedness;

oSystemic capacity and impact; and

oTo develop implementable strategies such as the national surgical, obstetrics, and anaesthesia plan (NSOAP).

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10. NATIONAL SCIENCE AWARD (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci & Tech)

Context: The government recently called for nominations/applications for the newly instituted national science award, Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), which recognizes individuals or teams in various fields of science, technology, and tech led innovation.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)

• About: Similar to the prestigious Padma awards, these awards will not include any cash component; instead, they will likely bestow only a certificate and medallion on the awardee.
• Frequency of award: Annually.
• Categories covered: Total 13.

oIt will include: Physics, chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics and computer science, earth science, medicine, engineering science, agricultural science, environmental science, technology and innovation, atomic energy, space science and technology, and a 13th category, simply called ‘Others’.

• Highest Award: The RVP shall be one of the highest recognition in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India.

oScientists/technologists/ innovators working in government, private sector organisations or individuals working outside any organization.

• Award announced: On the National Technology Day.

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