1. IPCC’S ASSESSMENT REPORTS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)
Context: Over the years, the IPCC reports have substantiated the fact that the world is much warmer now and that humans have played a crucial role in this warming.
About Sixth Assessment Cycle (AR6):
- Release of the Report: At the 58th session of IPCC in Interlaken, Switzerland.
- The Report: It is the 4th and final instalment of the sixth assessment report (AR6). It is based on results from three Working Groups (WGs):
oWG I evaluated the physical science basis of climate change,
oWG II evaluated the impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability, and
oWG III evaluated the mitigation.
Global stocktake
- About: It is a process conducted every five years by UNFCCC countries to evaluate the world's progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.
- Purpose: To measure collective progress, identify gaps, and guide future climate action strategies.
- The first GST occurred from 2022 to 2023, concluding at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UNFCCC in Dubai.
- Member countries agreed on the text of the first GST at COP28, requesting alignment of the IPCC's work with subsequent stocktakes.
IPCC's AR7 Cycle
2. ISRO’S INSAT-3DS Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)
Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently launched INSAT-3DS, a new-generation meteorological satellite designed for enhanced monitoring of the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, oceans, and environment.
INSAT-3DS
- About: INSAT-3DS Satellite represents a follow-on mission of the Third Generation Meteorological Satellite from Geostationary Orbit.
- Orbit Adjustment: Subsequent orbit-raising maneuvers will ensure that the satellite is positioned in a Geo-stationary Orbit, optimizing its functionality.
- Funding and Support: GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission is fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), highlighting government support for advanced meteorological endeavors.
- Enhanced Capabilities: The mission is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.
- Augmentation of Services: The INSAT-3DS satellite will augment the Meteorological services alongside the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites, bolstering India's capabilities in weather monitoring.
Why GSLV?
- Enhanced capacity: GSLV stands out as a more potent rocket in comparison to PSLV due to its enhanced capacity and strength.
- Payload Capacity to Geostationary Orbits: GSLV demonstrates its prowess by transporting payloads exceeding 2,200 kg to geostationary orbits.
- Payload Capacity to Low Earth Orbits: The rocket can carry payloads exceeding 6,000 kg to low earth orbits, showcasing its robust performance.
- Understanding Cryogenics: Cryogenics, the field of science dealing with the behavior of materials at extremely low temperatures, plays a crucial role in GSLV's operation and its engine's performance.
3. INDONESIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)
Context: The Prime Minister of India recently congratulated the people of Indonesia on the successful Presidential elections and the newly-elected President Prabowo Subianto.
Indonesia
- About: Indonesia is a country located off the coast of mainland Southeast Asia in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
- It is an archipelago that lies across the Equator and spans a distance equivalent to one-eighth of Earth’s circumference.
- Archipelagic Nature and Size: Indonesia is the world’s largest island country with more than 17,000 islands. Its vast expanse covers a significant portion of the Earth's surface.
- Population and Demographics: Indonesia boasts the 4th largest population in the world.
oIt holds the distinction of having the highest Muslim population of any country globally.
- Historical and Cultural Ties with India: India and Indonesia have shared two millennia of close cultural and commercial contacts.
oThe exchange of Hindu, Buddhist, and later Muslim faiths between India and Indonesia has played a significant role in shaping Indonesia's cultural landscape.
- Land boundaries with several countries.
oPapua New Guinea, East Timor and Malaysia
- It also shares maritime boundaries with:
oSingapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Palau and Australia.
- Major Mountains: Mount Kerinci (Sumatra), Mount Rinjani (Lombok), Mount Semeru (Java), Mount Lawu (Java) and Mount Merbabu (Java)
- Major Active Volcanoes: Mount Merapi (Java), Mount Semeru (Java), Mount Krakatoa (Sunda Strait), Mount Tambora (Sumbawa) and Mount Agung (Bali).
- Major islands: Sunda Islands, Greater Sunda Islands, Java, Sumatra, Borne, Sulawesi, Bali, Lombok and New Guinea.
4. EUROPEAN WOOD BISON (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)
Context: The war between Ukraine and Russia has threatened the European bison population with extinction.
European Wood Bison
- About: The European wood bison (Bison bonasus) stands as the largest and heaviest terrestrial mammal in Europe.
- Also known as: Wisent.
- Subspecies Decline: Once comprising three subspecies, only one, Bison bonasus bonasus, remains extant, with the other two having succumbed to extinction.
- Habitat: Thriving in grasslands, deciduous, and mixed forests, the European wood bison is adaptable to diverse ecosystems.
- Role: Noteworthy for its role as an ecosystem engineer, the wisent plays a crucial part in restoring grassland habitats, fostering biodiversity.
- Distribution: The European wood bison is distributed across Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, the Russian Federation, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red list Status: Near Threatened
- Threats: Rapid environmental change and hunting by humans were the main drivers of the wisent’s extirpation across Europe, highlighting critical threats to its survival.
5. NATIONAL TRIBAL FESTIVAL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Policies)
Context: The annual "Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival," recently inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India, came to an end.
National Tribal Festival – Aadi Mahotsav
- About: Aadi Mahotsav stands as a flagship national-level festival. Its essence lies in honoring the diverse products, culture, and heritage of Indian tribes.
- Purpose: A national initiative to spotlight tribal culture, tradition, and heritage.
- Scope: Showcases tribal art, cuisine, commerce, and crafts on a grand scale.
- Hosted annually by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED).
oTRIFED spearheads the coordination and execution of Aadi Mahotsav.
Highlights of Festival
- Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes Launch: Aimed at fostering startup culture and economic innovation among tribal entrepreneurs.
- Inaugural B2B Workshop: It attracted representatives from key industry bodies for networking and collaboration.
- Industry Participation: Active involvement of industry stalwarts such as Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), ASSOCHAM, IFCA, and leading startups like ITC, Patanjali, Zomato, etc.
- Showcasing Tribal Products: Tribal entrepreneurs showcased their products, paving the way for collaboration and bulk supplies through State Corporations, SHGs, and individual buyers and various collaboration and market linkages were explored.
TRIFED
- About: TRIFED is a national-level apex body operating under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs' supervision, providing administrative oversight. It was established under the Multi-state co-operative societies act 1984.
- Objectives: The organization aims to equip tribal people with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to streamline their operations.
- Headquarter: New Delhi.
6. VAYU-SHAKTI 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security forces in India)
Context: The Indian Air Force recently conducted the demonstration exercise Vayu-Shakti 2024 at the Pokhran Range near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
Vayu-Shakti 2024
- About: It is a “triennial” exercise, conducted once every three years. It is aimed at showcasing the capability of the IAF to conduct full spectrum operations (day & night).
- Collaborative Manoeuvres: The exercise highlighted collaborative manoeuvres with the Indian Army, showcasing their joint operational capabilities.
- Precision and Long-Range Operations: The exercise showcased the Indian Air Force's prowess in precision and long-range weapon delivery, along with effective operations from various air bases.
- Participation and Aircraft: 121 aircraft, including Tejas, Prachand, Dhruv, Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Jaguar, Hawk, C-130J, Chinook, Apache, and Mi-17.
- Indigenous Weapon Systems: The exercise will showcase the capabilities of indigenous Surface to Air Weapon systems Akash and Samar in tracking and shooting down intruding aircraft.
7. MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)
Context: The External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India recently met with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Norway, Portugal, Poland, and Belgium to discuss bilateral ties and global matters, including the situation in West Asia and reformed multilateralism.
Munich Security Conference
- About: Often referred to as the ‘Davos of Defence,’ the Munich Security Conference (MSC) is an annual international forum.
- Objective of the conference: Discussing critical security and foreign policy matters, it serves as a platform for dialogue and debate.
- Purpose of the MSC: To facilitate dialogue and debate among political leaders, policymakers, military officials, experts, and civil society representatives.
- Founded by: German official and publisher Ewald-Heinrich von Kleist at the peak of the Cold War.
- Originating in: 1963, it has emerged as a pivotal event in international security.
- Location of the Conference: The Conference is held annually in Munich, Germany.
Significance of MSC
- Expansion of Participation: Over the years, the MSC has broadened its participant base, welcoming influential players from rising powers such as China, Brazil, and India.
- Adaptation to Global Dynamics: In response to shifting geopolitical landscapes, the MSC has diversified its discussions, incorporating topics like the Problem in West Asia, Arab uprisings, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the Ukraine War.
8. JNANPITH AWARD (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)
Context: Renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya will receive the 58th Jnanpith Award.
Jnanpith Award
- About: The Jnanpith Award stands as the oldest and most prestigious literary award in India.
- Annually conferred by: Bharatiya Jnanpith to authors for their exceptional contributions to literature.
- Instituted in: 1961
- Eligibility Criteria: The award is exclusively for Indian writers composing in Indian languages specified in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India, along with English.
oPosthumous awards are not granted.
- Evolution of the Award Criteria: Initially (1965-1981), the award recognized authors for their "most outstanding work," offering a citation plaque, cash prize, and a bronze replica of Saraswati.
oG. Sankara Kurup, a Malayalam writer, was the inaugural recipient in 1965 for his poetry collection "Odakkuzhal."
- Language and Gender Representation: The award encompasses works in sixteen languages out of twenty-three eligible ones.
- Hindi leads with eleven awards, followed by Kannada with eight.
oAshapoorna Devi, a Bengali novelist, was the first woman awardee in 1976 for her novel "Prothom Protishruti."
- Recent Awardees: In 2023, Sanskrit scholar Rambhadracharya and Urdu writer Gulzar were jointly honored as the most recent recipients of the award.
9. NAFED (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)
Context: Recently, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister proposed the diversification of crops involving cooperative societies like NAFED entering into five-year contracts with farmers, ensuring purchases at MSP without quantity limitations. This approach would also conserve Punjab’s water resources and safeguard its soil.
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED)
- About: NAFED is an apex organization of marketing cooperatives for agricultural produce in India.
- Establishment and Purpose: It was founded on 2 October 1958 to promote the trade of agricultural produce and forest resources across the nation.
- Legal Status: NAFED is registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act.
- Size and Scope: NAFED is now one of the largest procurement as well as marketing agencies for agricultural products in India.
- Headquarters and Regional Presence: With its headquarters in New Delhi, NAFED has four regional offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, apart from 28 zonal offices in capitals of states and important cities.
- Functions of the NAFED
oFacilitating Marketing and Trading Activities: The cooperative institution aims to facilitate, coordinate, and promote the marketing and trading activities of its partners and associates.
oUndertaking Purchase, Sale, and Supply: Another objective is to undertake the purchase, sale, and supply of various requisites crucial for agriculture, marketing, and processing.
oFunctioning as a Warehouseman: The institution also operates as a warehouseman under the Warehousing Act. It has the authority to own and construct its own godowns and cold storage, thereby facilitating storage and preservation of goods.
10. ONE NATION ONE ELECTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)
Context: A high-level committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is currently at work to submit its report on the feasibility “One Nation One Election” proposal to the Union government by the end of February 2024.
High Level Committee for One Nation One Election
- Committee Formation: A high-level committee, spearheaded by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has been established to examine the feasibility of implementing the "One Nation One Election" proposal.
- Report Submission Timeline: The committee aims to submit its comprehensive report to the Union government by the end of this month.
- Recommendation:
oThe report is anticipated to advocate for India's adoption of the German model of "constructive no-confidence" to ensure political stability and continuity in governance.
- German Model Overview: The German model entails that the removal of a government through a no-confidence motion must promptly lead to the formation of a new government to serve the remainder of the legislative term.
- Potential Economic Benefits: The report is also expected to emphasize the potential economic advantages of synchronized elections, which could bolster the gross domestic product (GDP).
Committee Study and Recommendations
- The high-level committee has extensively examined the German model, and if its recommendations are accepted, it would necessitate an amendment to Rule 198 in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.
- Parliamentary Standing Committee and Law Commission Reports: Previous reports, including one from a parliamentary standing committee in December 2015 and a Law Commission report in 1999, have acknowledged the Speaker of the Lok Sabha's authority to enact such amendments.
- Feasibility Report of 2015: The feasibility report presented to Parliament in December 2015 suggested considering Germany's "constructive no-confidence" model to ensure political stability.
- German Model Specification: Article 67 of the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany delineates the procedures for a "constructive vote of no-confidence," requiring the Bundestag to elect a successor with a majority and request the Federal President to dismiss the incumbent, with a 48-hour period between the motion and the vote.
theIASHub | 19 Feb, 2024 | 5
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