1. NEW BUTTERFLY SPECIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A new species of silverline butterfly has been identified in the biodiversity hotspots in India’s Western Ghats.

Conjoined Silverline

• Scientific name: Cigaritis conjuncta
• First time spotted: In 2008 but came under extensive research in 2021.
• Discovery: The breakthrough was achieved by scientists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR) in Bengaluru, in partnership with researchers from the Indian Foundation for Butterflies Trust.
• Location and Findings: In Honey Valley, Kodagu district of Karnataka, the team uncovered five male and four female specimens of the conjoined silverline butterfly. Their findings were documented in the journal Zootaxa.
• Population and Family: During field research, 30 conjoined silverline butterflies were identified. Belonging to the Lycaenidae family, there are 16 silverline butterfly species in India, with 11 found in peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
• Significance: While visually similar to other silverline butterflies, the conjoined silverline distinguishes itself upon closer examination. Its distinct wing patterns make it the second endemic species in the Western Ghats.

---

2. LITHIUM EXPLORATION Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Economy)

Context: The Centre recently signed an agreement to acquire five lithium brine blocks for exploration and development in Argentina.

Lithium Reserves in India

• Lithium Reserves in India: A preliminary survey in Southern Karnataka's Mandya district estimated lithium reserves of 14,100 tonnes. 
• Other potential Sites: Mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, pegmatite belts in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

Lithium Reserves in world

• Major Global Lithium Reserves: Chile; Australia; Argentina are the top countries with Li reserves.
• Lithium Triangle: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia.
• India's Lithium Expedition: India is dependent on China for lithium imports, total imports in FY23were roughly $3 bn.

Argentina

• About: Argentina, country of South America, covering most of the southern portion of the continent. 
• Capital: Buenos Aires
• Bounded by: Chile to the south and west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, and Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
• Four Major Regions: The Andes, the North, the Pampas, and Patagonia.
• Four Main Climate Types: Warm, moderate, arid, and cold.

---

3. TRADE DEFICIT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India’s trade deficit narrowed to to a three month low of $19.8 billion in December from $20.6 billion in November and $23.14 billion in December 2022 as global demand for India’s electronics and engineering goods rose while imports eased due to falling commodity prices.

Trade Deficit

• About: When a nation's imports exceed its exports within a fiscal year, it is identified as a trade deficit. An alternate term for this negative balance of trade is the "trade deficit."
• Scope: The term "trade deficit" encompasses the volume of international trade occurring between countries globally.
• Components: Various products, services, and foreign transactions, including the current account, financial account, and capital account, contribute to the computation of trade deficits.
• Tracking International Transactions: International transaction accounts with negative balances, such as the balance of payments, meticulously monitor all monetary transactions between a country's residents and non-residents.

Causes of Trade Deficit

• Arises when a nation lacks the capability to produce required goods and resorts to importing, accompanied by the payment of import taxes.
• From businesses engaging in production abroad, exporting raw materials used in manufacturing while importing the final goods.

Impact of Trade Deficit

• A trade deficit can elevate the standard of living as residents gain access to a broader array of products.
• It compel the government to acquire additional foreign exchange, leading to local currency depreciation.
• To rectify import-export disparities, a larger trade deficit necessitates attracting foreign investors.

---

4. ZORAVER LIGHT TANK (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The recently unveiled indigenous light tank that the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing will commence "development trials" in the brutal summer heat of Rajasthan's Thar desert.

Zoraver Light Tank

• About: Zorawar Light Tank is a domestically created and designed light tank.
• Collaboration: Developed through a partnership between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro Limited.
• Versatile Terrain Operation: Specifically designed to operate in diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions, marginal terrains, and island territories.
• Rapid Deployment Capability: Highly transportable for swift deployment, ensuring readiness for various operational scenarios.
• Features: Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, drone integration, high situational awareness, and amphibious operational capabilities.
• Optimized Weight and Power Ratio: Weighing less than 25 tonnes, it boasts a high power-to-weight ratio, ensuring superior mobility and efficiency.
• Superior Firepower and Protection: Features advanced weaponry and protective measures to enhance firepower and ensure the crew's safety.
• Reference to Zorawar Singh Kahluria: Named after Zorawar Singh Kahluria, a 19th-century military general who served under Jammu’s Raja Gulab Singh.

---

5. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION NETWORK (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – International Organization)

Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) was inducted into the Steering Group of International Competition Network (ICN) recently. This is significant given the ICN's role in driving adoption of modern competitive standards and convergence across jurisdictions.

International Competition Network

• About: The ICN officially came into existence on October 25, 2001, and it currently boasts a membership of 141 competition agencies representing 129 jurisdictions.
• Mission: To champion the adoption of advanced standards and procedures in competition policy globally.
• Objectives: It strives to formulate recommendations for both procedural and substantive convergence, fostering effective international cooperation for the mutual benefit of member agencies, consumers, and economies worldwide.
• Addressing Global Competition Challenges: A central goal of the ICN is to devise solutions for competition-related challenges with a global impact.

oThis facilitates international communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution through project-oriented working groups covering advocacy, cartels, mergers, agency effectiveness, unilateral conduct, and more.

The Steering Group

• About: ICN operates under the guidance of its apex body, the Steering Group, which plays a pivotal role in both principle and practice. This committee oversees the establishment of Working Groups, approves projects and reviews, and sanctions work plans developed by them.
• Composition: 18 members (15 elected and 3 ex officio), is a key component of ICN's organizational structure. 
• Member Countries: Germany, the US, Singapore, Canada, the UK, Australia, France, Brazil, Portugal, Colombia, Spain, Japan, the European Commission, South Korea, Mexico, Kenya, Italy, and South Africa and India.

---

6. ONE VEHICLE ONE FASTAG (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) recently launched the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative.

One Vehicle, One FASTag Initiative

• About: The NHAI has taken this initiative after the recent reports of multiple FASTags being issued for a particular vehicle and FASTags being issued without KYC in violation of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) mandate.
• Aim: To discourage user behaviour of using single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle.
• Objective: To enhance efficiency of the Electronic Toll Collection system and provide seamless movement at the Toll Plazas.

 FASTag

• About: FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India, managed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
• Payment Mechanism: FASTag facilitates toll payments directly from the linked prepaid or savings account or directly from the toll owner, employing RFID technology.
• Dedicated Lanes: Dedicated lanes for FASTag users have been established at select toll plazas, streamlining the toll collection process.
• Advantages of FASTag Usage

oThe use of FASTag enables seamless digital transactions, simplifying the toll fee collection process.

oFASTag contributes to reducing congestion at toll plazas, ensuring smoother traffic flow.

oNon-stop movement facilitated by FASTag leads to decreased fuel consumption and pollution on highways.

oThe automated nature of the FASTag system significantly reduces the effort involved in managing toll gates.

---

7. INDIAN POST PAYMENT BANKS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India Post Payments Banks (IPPB) has achieved a significant milestone of over eight crore customers benefiting from its innovative and inclusive financial services.

India Post Payments Banks (IPPB)

• Launched: On September 1, 2018, under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication.
• Equity: 100% equity owned by the Government of India.
• Vision: To establish the most accessible, affordable, and trusted bank for the common man in India.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Communications
• Fundamental mandate: Remove barriers for the unbanked and under-banked.

oUtilize a network of 160,000 post offices (145,000 in rural areas) and 400,000 postal employees to reach the last mile.

• Features and Benefits

oEasy, Convenient and paperless account opening

oYou can choose a time slot of your convenience for Doorstep banking

oTakes financial inclusion to the last mile of the nation/Enables banking even in the most remote areas in the country.

• Note: India's First 3D-printed Post Office was inaugurated in Bengaluru (Karnataka) on August 18, 2023.

---

8. WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The World Economic Forum (WEF) is holding its Annual Meeting from January 15 to 19 in Davos, Switzerland.

World Economic Forum

• About: The WEF is a Swiss nonprofit foundation established in 1971, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Initiated by: German professor Klaus Schwab
• Recognized by: Swiss authorities as the international institution for public-private cooperation.
• Mission: Committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.
• Some major reports published by WEF are:

oEnergy Transition Index.

oGlobal Competitiveness Report.

oGlobal IT Report

oWEF along with INSEAD, and Cornell University publishes this report.

oGlobal Gender Gap Report.

oGlobal Travel and Tourism Report.

---

9. MAHANADI RIVER BASIN (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) recently discovered two significant natural gas reserves in the Mahanadi basin block in the Bay of Bengal.

Mahanadi River Basin

• About: The Mahanadi basin spans across Chhattisgarh and Odisha, with smaller portions in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, covering an area of 1.4 lakh Sq.km.
• Bounded by: Central India hills to the north, the Eastern Ghats to the south and east, and the Maikala range to the west, the Mahanadi basin is strategically situated.
• River Course: The Mahanadi, known as the "Great River," stretches over 560 miles (900 km) and originates in the northern foothills of Dandakaranya in Raipur District, Chhattisgarh, at an elevation of 442 m.
• Importance: Ranked second to the Godavari in water potential and flood-producing capacity, the Mahanadi is a significant river in the peninsular rivers system.
• Dams: At Sambalpur, the Hirakud Dam, one of India's largest dams, has formed a 35-mile (55 km) long man-made lake, showcasing human intervention in the river system.
• Tributaries: Left bank tributaries include the Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand, and Ib, while right bank tributaries consist of the Ong, Tel, and Jonk.
• Chhattisgarh Plain: The upper course of the Mahanadi lies in the saucer-shaped basin known as the 'Chhattisgarh Plain,' surrounded by hills on the north, west, and south. Tributaries join from these sides, shaping the river's upper course geography.

---

10. MULTIDIMENTIONAL POVERTY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, a discussion paper released by NITI Aayog reveals that the share of India's population experiencing multidimensional poverty has dropped from 29.17 percent in 2013-14 to 11.28 percent in 2022-23.

National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI)

• About: It is prepared based on the latest National Family Heath Survey of 2019-21.
• First Edition Released: 2021
• Nodal Agency: NITI Ayog
• Indicators: 3 equally weighted dimensions - Health, Education, and Standard of living

Key Findings

Positive Trends in Poverty Reduction

• Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan witness significant decline in poverty.
• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) considers health, education, and standard of living indicators.

Severity of Deprivation

• Severity of deprivation declined less between 2015-16 and 2019-21 compared to 2005-06 and 2013-14.
• Measures the deprivations faced by the average multidimensionally poor person.

Long-Term Poverty Trends

• Discussion paper uses NFHS data from 2005-06 to 2019-21 to analyze long-term poverty trends.
• NITI Aayog collaborates with Oxford Policy and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and UNDP.

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty

• Share of MPI poor in 2022-23 would be lower without the pandemic's impact.
• NHFS-5 data collected between 2019-21 predates the full impact of COVID-19.

SDG Progress and Targets

• India on track to achieve SDG Target 1.2 ahead of 2030.
• Sustainable Development Goals aim to reduce poverty in all dimensions.

---