1. HOUTHIS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – World History)

Context: The US launched more strikes on Yemen’s Houthis overnight as the Iran-backed militant group continues to roil global shipping markets with attacks around the Red Sea.

Houthis

• About: The Houthis, a substantial clan, belong to the Zaidi Shia sect, tracing their origins to Yemen's northwestern Saada province.
• Houthi Movement: It is a Shia Islamist political and military organization that emerged from Yemen.
• In the 1990s, the Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah (Supporters of God), emerged in opposition to the dictatorship of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
• Houthi Involvement in Yemen's Civil War: Presently, the Houthis are a faction engaged in the ongoing and violent civil war that has ravaged Yemen since 2014.
• Territories: The Houthis currently exert control over territories in the west and northwest of Yemen, including the capital, Sana’a.
• Houthi Alignment with Iran: Backed by Iran, the Houthis are a significant component of Iran's self-declared "Axis of Resistance," an informal coalition with an anti-Israel and anti-West stance.
• Axis of Resistance Companions: Noteworthy members of the Axis of Resistance, alongside the Houthis, include Hezbollah and Hamas.
• Yemeni Civil War: In Yemen, the Houthis are in conflict with the internationally recognized Yemeni government, led by Sunni factions and supported by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

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2. COMMITTEE FOR SCs (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Union government has formed a five-member committee of Secretaries, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

Committee for Sub categorization of SCs

• Formation of the committee: January 2023.
• Members: Secretaries from the Home Ministry, Law Ministry, Tribal Affairs Ministry, and Social Justice Ministry, is mandated to explore various strategies. 
• Aim: To address the dominance of relatively forward and dominant communities, responding to the demand for sub-categorization raised by the Madiga community.

Background

• Historical Struggle: The Madiga community initiated the quest for sub-categorization in 1994 through the Madiga Dandora movement.
• Persistent Advocacy (MRPS): Over the years, the movement continued with the formation of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti (MRPS) to advocate for sub-categorization.
• Commission Inquiries: The Madiga community has been struggling since 1994 for the sub-categorisation of SCs.

oThis demand first led to the formation of the Justice P. Ramachandra Raju Commission in 1996 and later a National Commission in 2007 - both of which had concluded that there could be ways to do this. 

Sub-Categorisation of Scheduled Caste (SCs):

• Under-representation among SCs: States argue that certain Scheduled Castes (SCs) remain under-represented despite existing reservation policies.
• Need: Many reports underline the inequality within the SCs, drawing attention to the need for addressing the disparities.
• Special Quotas: To address the under-representation, special quotas have been framed and implemented in various states.
• Initiatives in Specific States: Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar have introduced special quotas specifically targeting the most vulnerable Dalits.

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3. IRAN PAKISTAN TENSIONS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Iran and Pakistan have carried out air attacks on each other’s territories, along their 909 km-long border.

Iran-Pakistan Tensions

• About: The recent triggering event in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Pakistan involved Iranian missiles and drones striking targets in Panjgur, Balochistan. 
• Focus of the attack: It  was on the strongholds of Jaish al-Adl (JAA), a Sunni Salafist militant group advocating for independence in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province.
• Jaish al-Adl (JAA): Formed in 2012 as a successor to the Jundallah organization, Jaish al-Adl emerged after the capture and execution of its leader Abdolmalek Rigi by Iran. 
• Objective: To secure recognition of Baluchi cultural, economic, and political rights from the Iranian government. However, Tehran labels it a terrorist group due to deadly attacks on Iranian outposts and security forces.
• JAA's Activities: JAA primarily targets Iranian security personnel, government officials, and Shia civilians through various tactics such as ambushes, assassinations, assaults, hit-and-run raids, kidnappings, and suicide bombings. 
• Pakistan's Response: In response to Iran's strike, Pakistan targeted hideouts of two Baloch militant groups—Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)—both designated as "terrorist organizations" by Pakistan.
• Baloch Liberation Front (BLF): Founded in 1964, the BLF played a significant role in Baloch insurgencies in Iran and Pakistan.
• Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA): Founded around 2000, BLA began a violent struggle for Baloch self-determination in Pakistan in 2004. Led by Basheer Zeb, BLA, like BLF, has carried out various attacks.
• Allegations of Indian Support and China's Involvement: Pakistan has alleged that BLF and BLA maintain close ties with India, receiving arms, training, and financial aid. These militant groups, however, and India reject these claims, emphasizing a complex geopolitical scenario in the region.

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4. GULF OF ADEN (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: In another swift operation on the high seas, an Indian destroyer came to the aid of a cargo vessel soon after it got hit by a drone in the Gulf of Aden.

Gulf of Aden

• About: The Gulf of Aden is an extension of the Indian Ocean, situated between the Arabian Peninsula and the African continent.
• Origin: The gulf derives its name from "Aden," a port city located on the coast of Yemen.
• Bounded by: Somalia and the Socotra Islands to the south, Yemen to the north, the Arabian Sea to the east, and Djibouti to the west, the Gulf of Aden holds a strategic position in the region.
• Connectivity: The gulf is linked to the Somali Sea in the south through the Guardafui Channel and to the Red Sea in the west through the Strait of Bab el Mandeb.
• Coverage: Covering an area of approximately 410,000 square kilometers, the Gulf of Aden spans about 900 km in length and 500 km in width.
• Cities Along the Gulf: Aden, Mukalla, Ahnwar, Balhaf, Berbera, Bosaso, and Djibouti City, each contributing to the region's cultural and economic diversity.
• Characteristics: With an average depth of 500 meters and a maximum depth of 2,700 meters, the gulf boasts significant depth variations.

oThe gulf's terrain is the Sheba Ridge, an extension of the Indian Ocean ridge system that runs along its middle.

• Significance: Beyond its geographical significance, the Gulf of Aden serves as a crucial component of the Suez Canal shipping route, linking the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

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5. STUDY ON RHINOCEROS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A new study has highlighted the sensitivity of rhinoceros populations to rising temperatures due to climate change, which are expected to quickly increase above the animals’ acceptable maximum threshold.

Key Points of Study

• Impact on Rhino Populations: The rising heat in southern Africa is adversely affecting both black and white rhinos, as highlighted by research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
• Climate Change Projections: The study emphasizes that southern Africa will witness elevated temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, based on the IPCC's high greenhouse gas emissions scenario.
• Rhino Vulnerability: Rhinos in southern Africa face challenges with the temperature increase, as they lack the ability to sweat and rely on bathing and shade for cooling.
• Focus on National Parks: The research concentrated on five major national parks in southern Africa, namely Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, and Eswatini, which collectively host most of the rhino population.
• Threats to Rhino Survival: The research team found that temperature changes surpass the tolerance of rhinoceros species, and alterations in precipitation patterns further threaten their survival.
• Urgent Need for Adaptation Strategies: The study emphasizes the necessity for park managers to plan adaptations, including increased water supplies, tree cover, and monitoring for stress, to ensure the survival of rhinoceros populations as temperatures rise.

Rhinoceros

• About: It is a member of any of the five extant species of odd-toed ungulates in the family Rhinocerotidae.
• Habitat: Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands, tropical moist forests, deserts and shrublands
• IUCN Red List Status

oWhite Rhino: Near Threatened.

oBlack Rhino: Critically endangered.

oGreater One Horned: Vulnerable.

oJavan: Critically Endangered

oSumatran Rhino: Critically Endangered

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6. SCHEMES FOR MALNUTRITION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues)

Context: The government’s flagship scheme to address malnutrition is likely to get a marginal increase in the interim budget.

oThe women and child development (WCD) ministry’s integrated Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme may receive a boost of up to 3%, to ₹21,170 crore, for the next financial year.

Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0

• Fund: Centrally-sponsored program, executed in collaboration with State Governments/ UT administrations. 
• Vision: To combat the pervasive issue of malnutrition affecting children under the age of 6, adolescent girls aged 14-18, and pregnant or lactating women. 
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Pivotal to the program's design is its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
• Focus on Nutrition: By prioritizing these aspects, the mission aims to ensure the well-being, growth, and comprehensive development of children, fostering their transition into healthy and productive adults.
• Objectives

oTo enhance the development of human capital in the nation:

oTackle the obstacles associated with malnutrition;

oFoster awareness of nutrition and encourage healthy eating habits for enduring health and well-being; and

oCombat deficiencies related to nutrition through strategic approaches.

• Sub-schemes: ICDS, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) and National Creche Scheme.
• Scheme components

oNutrition Support for POSHAN through Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) Early Childhood Care and Education [3-6 years] and early stimulation for (0-3 years); 

oAnganwadi Infrastructure including modern, upgraded Saksham Anganwadi; and Poshan Abhiyaan

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7. BAMBOO COMPOSITE (Syllabus: GS - Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, on the second day of the India International Science Festival (IISF 2023) in Faridabad, Haryana, the focus was on the Know-How Technology of "Bamboo Composites."

Bamboo Composite

• About: Bamboo, a versatile and natural resource, is an industrial product developed through an eco-friendly process.
• Declared as grass, bamboo proliferates rapidly with minimal regulations for its growth, cultivation, propagation, and cutting.
• Advantages: Bamboo matures within 3-4 years, in contrast to teak wood's 30-40-year growth period.

oBamboo absorbs CO2 and releases a significant amount of oxygen, aiding in combating global warming.

oBamboo composites exhibit properties similar to teak wood but with enhanced durability, stability, strength, and resistance.

• Manufacturing Technology by: CSIR-AMPRI's bamboo composite technology involves sequential steps, including cutting, stripping, knot removal, chemical treatment, fiber conversion, and compaction.
• Industrial Applications: Industrial trials led to the development of panel boards, beams, pillars, doors, and more using bamboo composites.

o"Baithak," a demonstration structure at CSIR-AMPRI, showcases the versatility and strength of bamboo composites.

• Expansion into Aerospace and Other Sectors:

oThe unique characteristics of bamboo composites make them suitable for aerospace applications.

oBamboo's rapid growth cycle presents opportunities for future wood-like products, fostering employment, especially in rural areas.

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8. EVMs AND VVPATs (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Election Commission has begun a nationwide awareness programme on EVMs and VVPATs ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVM)

• About: EVMs facilitate candidate selection through button presses.
• Comprises two sections: Control Unit and Voting Unit connected by a 5-meter cable.
• Operation: Control unit selected by the Election Commission, assigned to a polling officer.
• Voting Unit placed in the voting area for voters to cast their ballots discreetly.
• Voting Capacity: EVMs record a maximum of 2,000 votes.
• Candidate Accommodation: M2 EVMs can accommodate up to 64 candidates, including NOTA.
• Developed by: Election Commission collaborated with two Public Sector Organizations: Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bangalore, and Electronic Corporation of India Ltd., Hyderabad.
• Both companies actively involved in the production of EVMs.

Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

• About: When a vote is cast, the VVPAT machine, attached to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), prints a slip displaying the voter's choice.
• Origins of VVPAT: The idea of the VVPAT machine emerged, leading to the EC referring the matter to its Technical Expert Committee for further exploration.
• Developed by: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL).

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9. PULIKULAM (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The revival of interest in indigenous cattle breeds, such as the Pulikulam, is gaining momentum.

Pulikulam

• About: Pulikulam, a renowned draught and game breed in Tamil Nadu, is named after its village of origin, Pulikulam. 
• Local names: Palingu maadu,” “Mani maadu,” “Jallikattu maadu,” “Mattu maadu,” and “Kilakattu maadu.”
• Breeding Tract: Madurai, Sivaganga, and Virudhunagar districts in Tamil Nadu, where these distinctive cattle are raised.

• Characteristics: Males exhibit a dark grey color, while females are either white or grey. These small-sized animals have compact bodies, short legs, and distinct features such as black muzzle, eyelids, tail switch, and hooves.
• Features: The breed is characterized by a broad forehead with a central groove, contributing to its unique appearance.

oMales possess a large hump, in contrast to the smaller hump observed in females. The udder is not well developed in this breed.

oPulikulam cattle have curved horns that extend outward, upward, backward, and then inward, culminating in pointed tips spaced widely apart.

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10. SOMNATH TEMPLE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art & Culture)

Context: Seventy-three years ago, somnath temple was inaugurated in a grand ceremony by the President of India, even as the Prime Minister opposed the government associating closely with a religious event,

Somnath Temple

• Located in: Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat, Somnath is a vital Hindu pilgrimage site, considered the holy place of the First Aadi Jyotirling Shree Somnath Mahadev and the sacred soil where Lord Shri Krishna took his last journey, according to the temple's website.
• Attacks on Somnath: Throughout history, the Somnath temple faced numerous attacks, with Mahmud of Ghazni's devastating assault in 1026 CE being the most destructive according to historical accounts.
• Akbar's Tolerance and Aurangzeb's Destruction: In the sixteenth century, Akbar allowed worship in the Somanatha temple, demonstrating tolerance. However, three generations later, Aurangzeb ordered its destruction in 1706, converting it into a mosque.
• Maratha Queen's Restoration Efforts: Falling into disuse and disrepair, Maratha queen Ahalyabai Holkar rebuilt a small temple at the site in 1782, initiating restoration efforts.
• Symbol of British Retaliation: The British Governor General Lord Ellenborough highlighted Somnath as a symbol of Islam's excesses on Hindus in 1842, during a retaliatory strike after the British Army's losses in Afghanistan.
• Post-Independence: Following Independence, the decision to reconstruct Somnath was announced by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1947. Despite opposition from Nehru, a Trust was established, and funds were raised from the public.

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