1. MINERALS PACT WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India is planning to soon sign new and updated mineral pacts with about a dozen countries in Africa.

Minerals Pact with African Countries

• Countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Objective: The aim of these mineral agreements will encompass not only meeting the demand for critical minerals, but also addressing all of India’s mineral requirements.
• Minerals: Cobalt, nickel, graphite, diamonds, platinum, and uranium are among the major minerals found in Africa. 

o Currently, India has memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with six African countries — Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

o India has courted several African nations under multilateral initiatives, such as the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuel Alliance.

• Strategic Mineral Supply Chain: The DRC has the largest cobalt reserves in the world, at around six million metric tonnes, as of 2023.
• Expanding Lithium Plants: Chinese-funded new lithium plants in Zimbabwe are set to begin operations in 2024. Others in the pipeline are Mali, Ethiopia, the DRC, and Namibia, according to S&P Global.

India's Response to Mineral Demand

• Acceleration in Mine Auctions: To meet its mineral demand, India has accelerated the pace of auctioning mines, with a particular emphasis on critical minerals.
• Critical Minerals List and Auctions: The Centre released its first critical minerals’ list in June 2023 and announced the first round of critical minerals auctions in November of the previous year.
• Number of Mineral Blocks: Currently, 38 critical mineral blocks are up for auction. Since 2015, a total of 354 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned, according to the Ministry of Mines data.

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2. NELSON MANDELA AWARD FOR HEALTH (Syllabus GS Paper 1 – Awards)

Context: National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has been awarded with the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion

• About: It recognizes individuals, institutions and/or governmental or non-governmental organizations that have demonstrated remarkable contributions to health promotion.
• Established by: WHO in 2019.
• Initiative of: Ministers of Health of Member States of the African Region.
• Aim: The Award aims at rewarding work that has extended far beyond the call of normal duties.

Nelson Mandela

• Early life: Born in South Africa, Mandela's upbringing was deeply rooted in the complexities of his nation's history and struggles.
• Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary: Mandela emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against apartheid, advocating for the dismantling of racial segregation and discrimination.
• Political Leader and Philanthropist: He not only led the anti-apartheid movement but also dedicated himself to philanthropic endeavors aimed at uplifting the marginalized communities.

o He advocated for a democratic South Africa where all races, languages, and viewpoints could coexist harmoniously, striving for equality and inclusivity.

• Presidency (1994-1999): Mandela's presidency marked a pivotal moment in South Africa's history, symbolizing the triumph of democracy over oppression.
• Published Works: Long Walk to Freedom" and "Conversations with Myself".

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3. STATE OF ENVIRONMENT IN FIGURES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down to Earth magazine recently launched the State of India’s Environment report 2024.

State of Environment in Figures Report

• About: It is the annual publication by Down to Earth and Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and a “unique collation of statistics which provides a snapshot of the state of affairs in the country using numbers”. 
• Covers subjects: Health, energy, climate change, water, agriculture, waste and air pollution, among others

Key Highlights of the Report

• The share of buses in India's registered vehicles dropped from just over 11% in 1951 to 0.07% in 2020.
• Most thermal power plants are non-compliant with sulphur dioxide emission norms; only 16% meet the standards, and only 9% of the capacity allocated to states/UTs is compliant.
• 21% of municipal solid waste in India remains unprocessed, and over 80% of legacy waste remains unremediated in 15 states and Union Territories.
• In 2022, an average of 30 farmers and farm labourers committed suicide every day in India; since 2023, there have been 195 major farmer protests across 22 states, mostly about land acquisition and other issues beyond the MSP.
• In 2022, young people constituted nearly 83% of India’s total unemployed population, with 66% of them being educated.
• State of the states: In 26 states/UTs, non-communicable diseases account for 50 per cent of the total deaths. 

o These states/UTs include Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and most states in the northeastern parts of the country, among others. 

o Twenty-three of the states/UTs have not achieved 100 per cent tap water connections in rural households, with West Bengal emerging as one of the states lagging behind.

• State of climate: 2023 was India’s second hottest year on record -- 102 weather stations across 26 out of 36 states/UTs witnessed record-breaking temperatures.

o India ranks as the 20th most disaster-affected country in the world.” 

o In terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, India’s share jumped up 115 per cent between 1994 and 2019: in 2019, the country emitted 2,647 million tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent of GHGs.

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4. POTENCY TEST (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently returned from Germany, a political party MP in Bengaluru has been detained by a Special Investigation Team probing sexual assault allegations, potentially subjecting him to various medical tests, including potency assessment.

Potency Test

• About: It is conducted to examine whether a male has the capacity to develop or maintain a penile erection to be able to perform a sexual act. It is commonly used in legal contexts like sexual assault, divorce proceedings, and paternity disputes.
• Section 53 of CrPC: It authorizes the use of modern scientific techniques, including potency tests, for investigating sexual offenses.
• Relevance in Sexual Assault Cases:

o Countering Defence Claims: Potency test reports are presented by the prosecution to counter claims of the accused's incapability for sexual intercourse.

o Potency's Variability: Potency can vary due to physiological and psychological factors, making test results indicative but not definitive.

• Legal Evolution and Impact:

o Shift in Legal Definition: Pre-2013, rape was narrowly defined, often focusing on peno-vaginal intercourse as the benchmark for determining the severity of the offense.

o Expanded Definition of Rape: Post-2013 amendments to Indian Penal Code (IPC), rape now encompasses a broader range of acts beyond peno-vaginal intercourse, reducing the necessity of potency tests in some cases.

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5. GENDER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Awards)

Context: Indian peacekeeper Radhika Sen conferred U.N. military gender advocate of the year award for 2023.

Gender Advocate of the Year Award

• About: It recognises individual military peacekeeper's dedication and efforts in promoting principles of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.
• Establishment: 2016.
• Aim: This award aims to acknowledge the dedication of individual military peacekeepers.
• Selection Process: The awardee is selected among candidates nominated by Force Commanders and Heads of Mission from all peace operations, highlighting their exceptional contributions to gender equality and peacekeeping efforts.
• India's Contribution: India, currently the 11th largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the United Nations with 124 deployed, has played a significant role in promoting gender equality within peacekeeping missions.

o Earlier, Major Suman Gawani from India was a co-recipient for 2019. She had served with the UN Mission in South Sudan.

• Tradition of Contribution: India has traditionally been among the largest troop and police-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, showcasing its commitment to global peace and security.
• Significance as a Contributor: India's status as the 2nd largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping underscores its substantial contribution to international efforts in maintaining peace and stability.

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6. STUDY OF CHROMOSOMES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: A recent study revealed the rapid evolution of the Y chromosome, showing that only 14-27% of ape Y chromosome DNA sequences are similar to those in humans. This suggests a much faster evolutionary rate for the male sex chromosome.

Key Points of Study

• Chromosome Similarity: Over 90 percent of ape X chromosome sequences align with the human X chromosome, showing relative stability in evolution.
• Recent Divergence: Some ape species diverged from the human lineage only seven million years ago, a brief period in evolutionary terms, indicating rapid evolution of Y chromosomes.
• Previous Characterisation: Prior to this study, the sex chromosomes of our closest relatives, non-human apes, were only partially characterized, whereas human sex chromosomes had been fully sequenced.
• Divergence of Orangutans and Chimpanzees: Bornean and Sumatran orangutans diverged from each other approximately 1 million years ago, while chimpanzees and bonobos diverged around 2.5 million years ago. 

o Human lineage divergence from ape lineages occurred roughly 7-20 million years ago.

• Use of Computational Tools: Scientists used a computational tool known as alignment to identify chromosomal regions that have remained relatively unchanged throughout evolution, providing insights into evolutionary pressures on the genome.

Difference between DNA, Gene, and Chromosome

• DNA: It is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism. 

o DNA is made of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder a shape known as a double helix.

o Composition: It is made up of four letters, representing four chemicals: Adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine. 

o The DNA palindromes can be over one hundred thousand letters long. 

• The DNA palindromes on the primate X and Y chromosomes almost always contain genes, a unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring.
• Gene: It is considered the basic unit of inheritance.

o Transmission: Genes are transmitted from parents to offspring, shaping the genetic makeup and influencing traits in the offspring.

o Coding for Proteins: Most genes encode for specific proteins or segments of proteins, serving diverse functions essential for cellular processes and overall bodily functions.

• Chromosome: These are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells. 

o Each chromosome is made of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

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7. CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AUTHORITY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed Rs 3 lakh fine on IAS coaching institute for advertising "misleading claims guaranteeing success" in prelims and mains in UPSC Civil Service exam 2022.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

• About: CCPA is a regulatory body established in 2020 based on the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• Establishment: In 2020
• Control by: Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
• Composition: Chief Commissioner as head, and only two other commissioners as members.
• Objective: To promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.
• Powers of the Authority: Section 21 of the Act defines the powers given to the CCPA to crack down on false or misleading advertisements.

o The CCPA aims to protect the rights of the consumer by cracking down on unfair trade practices, and false and misleading advertisements that are detrimental to the interests of the public and consumers. 

o The CCPA will have the powers to inquire or investigate matters relating to violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices suo motu, or on a complaint received, or on a direction from the central government. Under Section 20 of the Consumer Protection Act, the proposed authority will have powers:

o To recall goods or withdrawal of services that are dangerous, hazardous or unsafe.

o Pass an order for refund the prices of goods or services so recalled to purchasers of such goods or services. 

o Discontinuation of practices which are unfair and prejudicial to consumer’s interest.

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8. RED FLAG 24 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent recently arrived at the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska to participate in the prestigious multi-national exercise, Red Flag 24.

Red Flag 24

• About: It is an advanced training program that spans over a period of two weeks, focusing on honing the skills and tactics required in aerial combat scenarios.

o The exercise is designed to replicate a realistic and challenging environment, bringing together aircrew and equipment from different nations and services.

• Organized by: United States Air Force Warfare Centre (USAFWC), while the Alaska exercise is managed by the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), a component of the United States’ Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
• Scale and Participation: Approximately 3100 service members are expected to fly, maintain, and support more than 100 aircraft during the exercise.
• IAF's Involvement: The Indian Air Force deployed Rafale fighter jets for the Red Flag 24 exercise, showcasing international cooperation.
• Historical Context: Since its inception in 1975, Red Flag exercises have aimed to create a comprehensive learning environment by simulating realistic combat scenarios.
• Locations: There are two distinct Red Flag exercise locations: Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.

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9. RECOMBINANT PROTEINS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Researchers at the Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, have developed a novel method for the production of recombinant proteins.

Recombinant Proteins

• About: These are proteins encoded by recombinant DNA that has been cloned in an expression vector that supports expression of the gene and translation of messenger RNA.
• Modification: Gene modification via recombinant DNA technology can result in the expression of mutant proteins.
• Variation: Recombinant proteins are manipulated versions of native proteins, generated diversely to enhance production, alter gene sequences, and produce commercial goods.
• Fusion of Sequences: They are formed by fusing sequences that might not naturally occur in an organism.
• Mass Production Methods: Recombinant proteins, including vaccine antigens, insulin, and monoclonal antibodies, are mass-produced by cultivating modified bacterial, viral, or mammalian cells in large bioreactors, with yeast Pichia pastoris being widely used.
• Applications of Recombinant Proteins:

o Essential for exploring health and disease mechanisms in biomedical research.

o Crucial in the development of biotherapeutic agents for various diseases.

o Utilized in the production of protein-based polymers for drug delivery, antibodies, enzymes for disease treatment, and protein scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Protein 

• About: It serves as the workhorse in biological systems, facilitating crucial processes such as gene expression, cell growth, proliferation, nutrient uptake, intercellular communication, and apoptosis.
• DNA as the Blueprint: The blueprint for protein synthesis is encoded within DNA, which acts as a template for tightly regulated transcriptional processes, resulting in the production of messenger RNA (mRNA).
• Building Blocks: Proteins are constructed from building blocks known as amino acids, with approximately 20 different types that can link together in various combinations.

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10. PRESIDENT OF USA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Donald Trump became the first former US president ever convicted of a crime after a New York jury found him guilty on all charges in his hush money case.

President of USA

• About: The President of the United States serves as both the Head of State and the Head of Government, wielding executive powers and overseeing the administration of the government.

o The President of India does not have the same level of executive authority as the President of the United States. They act on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

• Term and Re-election: The President serves a term of four years and can be re-elected for a maximum of two terms, allowing for continuity or change in leadership based on popular mandate.

o The President of India serves a fixed term of five years.

• Eligibility: The US Constitution outlines age, citizenship, and residency requirements for presidential candidates.
• No Limitations on Character: There are no explicit restrictions based on character or criminal record for presidential candidacy.
• Prison Cell Presidency: Even serving as president from a prison cell isn't prohibited by the Constitution.
• Limited Role: The President does not have a direct role in forming the government. Instead, the President is elected separately from the legislative branch, and government formation is the prerogative of the winning party in Congress.
• Pardon Power: The President of the US holds the constitutional right to pardon or commute sentences related to federal crimes, a power granted without limit by the US Supreme Court.
• Impeachment and Removal: According to the US Constitution, the President can be impeached and removed from office for conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanours, ensuring a mechanism for accountability and checks on executive power.

o The Indian Constitution specifies that the President can be removed only for "violation of the Constitution," a phrase left undefined, leaving room for interpretation and potential political contention.

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