1. KARNATAKA BANNED COLOUR AGENT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Karnataka became the third State in South India to ban the use of certain colouring agents in cotton candy and gobi manchurian that are found to be harmful.

oThe decision follows similar steps taken in Tamil Nadu and Goa, and came after a survey by the Public Health Department that showed the presence of harmful chemicals present in the food samples, making them unsafe for consumption.

Points of Survey

• Presence of Harmful Chemicals: Laboratory tests revealed the presence of harmful chemicals in many samples.
• Cotton Candy Analysis: Out of the 25 cotton candy samples collected, 15 were deemed unsafe due to the presence of colors.
• The remaining 10 samples were considered safe as they were made without added colors.

Harmful Chemicals Identified

• Traces Found: Sunset yellow, tartrazine, and rhodamine-b detected in cotton candy samples, while tartrazine, sunset yellow, and carmoisine were found in gobi manchurian.
• Rhodamine-B Ban: It is a suspected carcinogenic substance, is already banned.

oIt is a chemical compound widely utilized in synthetic dyes across various industries, including textiles, cosmetics, plastics, and food coloring.

• Tartrazine Restrictions: Tartrazine, though approved, has usage restrictions, especially in freshly prepared food items.
• Long-term Effects: Prolonged consumption of snacks with artificial colors can lead to severe diseases like cancer.

Regulatory Measures

• Regulations: Food Safety and Standards Act prohibits the use of artificial colors beyond approved limits.
• Penalties: Offenders face license cancellation, hefty fines starting from ₹10 lakh, and imprisonment ranging from a minimum of seven years to life for using banned chemical substances in food products.

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2. SOLAR WASTE (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: According to a recently published study, India recently generated approximately 100 kilotonnes (kt) of solar waste in the financial year (FY) 2022-2023.

Solar Waste

• About: Solar waste encompasses waste from both manufacturing processes and the field, as highlighted in the study.
• Manufacturing Waste Streams: Manufacturing waste comprises scrap production and waste from PV modules failing quality tests.
• Field Waste Streams:

oTransport and handling-related waste, incorporating damaged modules.

oWaste resulting from damage incurred during the operational lifetime of solar modules.

oEnd-of-life waste when modules are no longer functional.

Findings of the Study

• Projected Increase in Solar Capacity: By 2030, India's current installed solar capacity is estimated to triple, generating about 340 kt of waste.
• Concentration of Solar Waste in Five States: Approximately 67% of this waste is expected to be produced by Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh due to their higher solar capacity.
• Expansion Plans of Renewable Energy-Rich States: These states, with significant solar capacity, intend to extensively expand their solar capacity in line with India's 500 GW renewable energy target.
• Higher Quantum of Waste Production: Consequently, the rate of producing solar waste will be notably higher in these states as they contribute the majority of GWs towards India's renewable energy goals.
• Cumulative Waste Projections: The study projects that the cumulative waste, including existing and new capacity deployed between FY24 and FY30, will reach about 600 kt by 2030.
• Long-Term Waste Projection: By 2050, the cumulative waste is expected to escalate to about 19,000 kt, with 77% of it generated from new capacities.

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3. LIANAS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: As the world grapples with rising temperatures, a groundbreaking study led by the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia exposes an unlikely menace Lianas.

Lianas

• About: A liana is a long-stemmed, woody vine that uses trees or other vertical supports to climb towards the canopy in search of sunlight, rooted in the ground like a shrub or tree.
• Taxonomic Distinction: The term "liana" doesn't denote a taxonomic category but describes a growth habit akin to a tree or shrub, derived from the French word "liane."
• Ecological Adaptation: Lianas adopt a climbing strategy to access direct sunlight in forest canopies, employing trees and other support structures for vertical growth.
• Characteristics: Long, flexible stems with abundance of soft tissue that allow for rapid growth, vegetative regeneration, and pliability.
• Factors Driving Liana Dominance: 

oForest Disturbance: Lianas outcompete trees in disturbed forests, lacking structural support essential for liana growth, fostering their proliferation.

oClimate Influence: Warmer temperatures and lower precipitation favor lianas over trees, enhancing their competitive success.

oTopographical Considerations: Lianas thrive towards tropical lowlands, gaining an edge over trees in these regions.

LIANA ADVANTAGE IN DISTURBED AREAS

• Rapid Growth Opportunities: Lianas exploit disturbed areas like logged forests or landslides, quickly ascending towards the canopy using trees for support.
• Climate Resilience: Lianas demonstrate resilience to moisture and temperature variations, bolstering their competitiveness, especially in climates undergoing extreme conditions due to global warming.

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4. Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Union minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas month dedicated to the nation India's first small-scale liquefied natural gas (SSLNG) unit at GAIL (India) Ltd's Vijaipur complex in Madhya Pradesh.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)

• About: LNG is natural gas transformed into a liquid state through intense cooling to approximately -161 degrees Celsius (-259 Fahrenheit), making it 600 times smaller than its original volume and half the weight of water.
• Transportation by Ship: The compressed fossil fuel, primarily composed of methane, can be shipped globally, facilitating its transportation from production sites to consumer markets.
• Regasification and Distribution: Upon arrival at its destination, LNG is regasified in floating terminals and distributed through pipelines for consumption.
• Market Limitations: Despite export potential, the high cost associated with liquefaction and production has hindered LNG's market growth. For instance, in Germany, building floating LNG terminals to substitute Russian gas has incurred significant expenses.
• Energy Consumption: The processes involved in LNG production, transportation, and regasification demand substantial energy, with estimates suggesting a loss of 10-25% of the gas's energy during liquefaction, posing environmental and economic challenges.

Why small-scale LNG?

• Aim: The government aims to boost the share of natural gas in its primary energy mix to surpass 6% by 2030.
• Environmental Benefits of Natural Gas: Natural gas is significantly less polluting compared to conventional hydrocarbons like coal and oil.
• Cost-Effectiveness of Natural Gas: Natural gas is economically advantageous as it is cheaper than oil, despite more than 85% of India's oil requirement being met through costly imports.

Climate Impact of LNG

• Energy Intensive Extraction and Processing: Extraction, transportation, and processing of natural gas into LNG require significant energy, contributing to its climate impact.
• Methane Loss Along Supply Chain: Methane leakage throughout the production, transport, and regasification process heightens LNG's emissions profile.
• Comparative Emissions: LNG emits approximately double the greenhouse gases compared to ordinary natural gas, as highlighted by the Natural Resources Defence Council (NDRC).

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5. SPRING EQUINOX (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: March 19 marked the spring or vernal equinox, the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Spring Equinox

• About: Equinoxes occur twice a year when the Sun aligns directly above the equator during Earth's orbit around it. These moments typically fall around March 19, 20 or 21 and September 22 or 23.
• Equal Night and Day: The term "equinox" stems from the Latin for "equal night," as during these events, day and night lengths are approximately equal worldwide.
• March Equinox and Vernal Awakening: Known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, it signifies the onset of spring, with longer and sunnier days as the hemisphere tilts toward the Sun.
• Equinox and Autumnal Beginnings: The autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere marks the beginning of fall, as the hemisphere starts tilting away from the Sun.
• Hemispheric Contrasts: As the Northern Hemisphere transitions into spring, the Southern Hemisphere begins its descent into fall, signifying opposite seasons.
• Reversed Equinoxes in the Southern Hemisphere: In the Southern Hemisphere, the March equinox heralds the onset of autumn, while the September equinox marks the start of spring.
• Seasonal Effects: Each equinox brings distinct changes: in the Southern Hemisphere, the March equinox brings cooler winds and falling leaves, while in the Northern Hemisphere, it signals later sunrises and earlier sunsets, indicative of impending fall.

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6. WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issue)

Context: Recently, on the International Day of Happiness, the 2024 World Happiness Report has been released.

World Happiness Report 2024

• About: It is a collaborative effort between Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR’s Editorial Board.
• Objective: It reflects a global shift towards prioritizing happiness and well-being as essential factors in shaping government policies.
• Comprehensive Global Assessment: The report reviews the current state of happiness worldwide, offering insights into personal and national variations in happiness through the lens of happiness science.
• 6 Factors: Income, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on in times of trouble, generosity, freedom and trust, with the latter measured by the absence of corruption in business and government.”

Highlights of Report

• Consistent Ranking: India retains its position at 126 in the happiness index, unchanged from the previous year.
• Global Participation: Experts utilize data from over 140 countries to assess and rank the world's 'happiest' nations.
• Notable Improvements in Life Evaluations: Serbia and Bulgaria: Serbia (37th) and Bulgaria (81st) exhibit the most significant increases in life evaluation scores since 2013, leading to notable climbs in the rankings.
• Prominent Rank Climbs: Latvia and Congo (Brazzaville): Latvia (46th) and Congo (Brazzaville) (89th) experience substantial rank increases of 44 and 40 places, respectively, between 2013 and 2024.
• Shifts in Major Nations' Happiness: The United States (23rd) falls out of the top 20 for the first time, attributed to a considerable decline in the wellbeing of Americans under 30.
• Persisting Unhappiness: Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the overall rankings, retaining its position as the world's 'unhappiest' nation.

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7. ACTION ON GOOGLE’S NEW POLICY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the fair trade regulator CCI dismissed four petitions from Indian app companies that challenged Google's new Play Store billing policy, which imposes an 11 to 26% charge on in-app payments.

About the Issue

• Google's Fee Structure: Google imposes platform fees ranging from 11% to 30% for in-app purchases involving purely digital services.
• Justification by Google: Google argues that these fees support the maintenance of Google Play and the growth of the Android ecosystem.
• Differential Charges: Different rates apply based on factors like revenue levels and regional regulations. For instance, in India and South Korea, fees range from 11% to 26% depending on payment methods chosen by developers.

Response of the Competition Commission of India (CCI)

• Google's Fine: The CCI imposed a fine of Rs. 936 crores on Google in 2022 due to concerns over its Play Store policies.
• Appeal Process: Google is currently appealing the fine and orders by the CCI regarding providing developers with more payment options.
• Legal Proceedings: Google's appeal against the fine is pending at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal.
• Return of Indian Apps: Indian apps that took legal action against Google are back on the platform temporarily.
• Status of In-App Payments: In-app payments remain a minor aspect of India's digital economy, primarily limited to specific services like content streaming, dating, and matrimonial services.

Competition Commission of India (CCI): 

• About: It is a quasi-judicial body which gives opinions to statutory authorities and also deals with other cases.
• Establishment: March 2009 by the Government of India under the Competition Act, 2002for the administration, implementation, and enforcement of the Act.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Composition of the CCI: One Chairperson and six Members who shall be appointed by the Central Government.

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8. AFAR TRIANGLE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Geologists predict that in 5 to 10 million years, the tectonic movement will eventually split the African continent into two, creating a new ocean basin.

Afar Triangle

• About: East Africa hosts the continent's longest geological feature, the Great Rift Valley.
• Geological Depression: The northernmost segment of the Great Rift Valley encompasses the vast geological depression known as the Afar Triangle.
• Various Names: Also referred to as the Afar Depression, the Danakil Depression, or the Denakil Plain.
• Origin of the Name: Named after the Afar Ethnic Group who reside in the region, while the term "triangle" reflects the shape of the depression on maps.
• Geologic Dynamism: Recognized as East Africa's most geologically active area, featuring active volcanoes, salt lakes, and lava lakes.
• Rifting Process: The separation of the tectonic plates has been ongoing for millions of years, evidenced by the rifting process seen in the Afar Triangle.
• Recent Rift Formation: In 2005, a significant rift measuring 35 miles in length appeared in the Ethiopian desert, marking the continued separation of the African continent.
• Deep-Seated Geologic Forces: This rift highlights the profound tectonic forces at play, as the Somali plate diverges from the Nubian plate, causing stretching and thinning of the Earth's crust.

Danakil

• About: The Danakil depression in northeastern Ethiopia is one of the world’s hottest places, with temperatures soaring due to its low elevation of 100 meters below sea level.
• Formation: The Danakil plain took shape through the evaporation of an inland water body, leaving behind a stark landscape.
• Hydrological Isolation: Within the Danakil region, water faces a unique fate as all incoming water evaporates, with no streams flowing out from this extreme environment.
• Salt Cover: Over the expanse of the Danakil depression lies more than 10 lakh tonnes of salt, contributing to its distinct geological features.

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9. PEBANISTA YACURUNA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Paleontologists from the University of Zurich have announced the discovery of a new species of freshwater dolphin in the Peruvian Amazon region.

Discovery of the Largest River Dolphin

• New Species Discovered: The newly discovered species is named Pebanista yacuruna after a mythical aquatic people of the Amazon basin.
• Age of the Species: Pebanista yacuruna, found in Peruvian Amazonia, is estimated to be 16 million years old.
• Length: Between 3 and 3.5 meters.
• IUCN Red List Conservation status: Endangered
• Ancestors of Platanistoidea: The species belongs to the Platanistoidea, a group of dolphins prevalent in the world's oceans 24 to 16 million years ago.
• Invasion of Freshwater Ecosystems: Researchers propose that the marine ancestors of Platanistoidea adapted to the prey-rich freshwater ecosystems of proto-Amazonia.
• Pebas Landscape: Ancient Amazonia was characterized by a vast system of lakes and swamps known as Pebas, covering areas in Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil.
• Variety of Habitats: The Pebas landscape included aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems, such as swamps and floodplains.

River Dolphins

• About: River dolphins stand out as some of the rarest modern cetaceans, facing critical endangerment across most extant species.
• Diverse Lineage: Despite their shared aquatic habitat and similar appearances, river dolphins are not directly related, but instead, they are the last survivors of distinct cetacean groups.
• Late Survivors: These unique creatures represent the remnants of various cetacean lineages that once thrived on our planet, underscoring their evolutionary significance amidst modern endangerment.
• Polyphyletic Nature: River dolphins form a polyphyletic group of fully aquatic mammals residing exclusively in freshwater or brackish water.

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10. MINIRATNA COMPANY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA) achieved a significant milestone by being conferred with the status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE).

Miniratna Company

• About: These are also known for their operational excellence and financial stability, but they may require government approval for certain investment decisions.
• Criteria for Miniratna CPSEs: Miniratna CPSEs must have generated profits continuously for the past three years and possess a positive net worth to be eligible for Miniratna status.
• Types of Miniratnas:

oCategory - I: Miniratnas in this category have either made profits in the previous three years or generated a profit of Rs 30 crore or more in one of the preceding three years.

oCategory - II: Miniratnas in this category have made profits in the preceding three years and have a positive net worth in all three preceding years.

Navaratna company- Criteria:

• A score of 60 (out of 100), based on six parameters which include net profit, net worth, total manpower cost, the total cost of production, cost of services,  PBDIT (Profit Before Depreciation, Interest, and Taxes), capital employed, etc., AND
• PSU must first be a Miniratna and have 4 independent directors on its board before it can be made a Navratna.

Maharatnna company - Criteria:

• Three years with an average annual net profit of over ₹2,500 crores, OR
• The average annual Net worth of ₹10,000 crores for three years, OR
• Average annual Turnover of ₹20,000 crore for three years (against Rs 25,000 crore prescribed earlier)

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