1. HUMAN AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Chad has become the first country in 2024, and the 51st globally, to eliminate the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), a neglected tropical disease.

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT)

• About: is a vector-borne parasitic disease.
• Also known as: Sleeping Sickness
• Caused by: Protozoan parasites transmitted by infected tsetse flies.
• Forms of human African trypanosomiasis: 

oTrypanosoma brucei gambiense: This causes over 90% of all trypanosomiasis cases. It is found in 24 countries of west and central Africa.

oTrypanosoma brucei rhodesiense: This causes less than 10% of all trypanosomiasis cases. It is found in 13 countries of eastern and southern Africa.

• Symptoms: Early symptoms include swollen bumps around the bite, a fever, and muscle and joint pain.
• Treatment: Treatment depends on what type of protozoa caused the infection and whether the infection has spread to other areas of your body.

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2. SECTION 45 AND TWIN TEST (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Economy/Internal Security)

Context: The Delhi High Court has stayed a trial court's decision to grant bail to the Delhi Chief Minister, who faces charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following a challenge by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) citing the court's failure to apply the required 'twin test' for bail under PMLA.

Section 45 and Twin Test

• Section 45 of the PMLA: It  lays down stringent conditions for granting bail, emphasizing that bail is the exception rather than the norm for offences under this law.
• The Twin Test Requirement: In bail applications under the PMLA, courts must apply a "twin test" when the public prosecutor opposes bail. This test necessitates two key considerations:

oReasonable Grounds for Innocence: The court must assess whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that the accused is not guilty of the offence.

oLikelihood of Reoffending: It must also determine whether the accused is unlikely to commit any offence while on bail.

• Comparative Legislation: Similar provisions are found in other laws dealing with serious crimes, such as drug trafficking and terrorism, illustrating a broader legal approach to restrict bail in cases deemed highly detrimental to public interest.
• UAPA Example: The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) imposes strict bail conditions akin to the PMLA, ensuring that bail is not granted unless the court finds the accusations prima facie true or determines exceptional circumstances warranting release.

Legal challenges to twin test

• Nikesh Tarachand Shah v Union of India (2017): The court ruled the bail provision unconstitutional due to unreasonable conditions, citing violations of the right to equality.
• Parliamentary Response: Finance Act, 2018: Parliament reintroduced the provisions through an amendment, prompting fresh legal challenges across various High Courts and eventually the Supreme Court.
• Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v Union of India (2022): A three-judge Bench of supreme court disagreed with the earlier ruling, emphasizing the seriousness of money laundering and its implications for national security.

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3. CHENAB RAIL BRIDGE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Infrastucture)

Context: The Indian Railway conducted a successful trial run on the newly-constructed world's highest railway bridge, Chenab Rail Bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chenab Rail Bridge

• Location: It is located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
• Height: The bridge is situated 359 metres above the Chenab riverbed and has a length of 1315 m.
• World Record: It is the highest single-arch railway bridge in the world.
• Rail Link Project: The bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project.
• Collaboration: IITs, DRDO, and the Geological Survey of India.
• Lifespan: 120 years

Chenab River

• About: The Chenab River is a major river in India and Pakistan.
• Tributary: It is a tributary of the Indus River.
• Origin: The river is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga, at Tandi in the upper Himalayas in the Lahaul and Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh.
• Known as the: Chandrabhaga in its upper reaches.
• Flow Through J&K: It flows west through the Jammu and Kashmir union territory, between the Siwalik Range (south) and the Lesser Himalayas (north).
• Confluence and Length: After receiving the Jhelum River near Trimmu, the Chenab empties into the Sutlej River. Its total length is about 605 miles (974 km).
• Tributaries of the Chenab River: The tributaries include Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar, and Lidrari.

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4. CLAUDE 3.5 SONNET (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Anthropic, the main competitor of OpenAI, has unveiled Claude 3.5 Sonnet, marking the debut of its new AI model series, Claude 3.5.

Claude 3.5 Sonnet

• About: Claude 3.5 Sonnet is a large language model (LLM) developed by Anthropic, belonging to the family of generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs).
• Predecessor: Claude 3.5 Sonnet precedes the Claude 3 Sonnet introduced by Anthropic in March of a recent year, showcasing iterative advancements in AI model development.
• Anthropic's Model Series: Positioned as the middle model in size within Anthropic's upcoming series of AI models, Claude 3.5 Sonnet serves as an intermediate between smaller and larger variants.
• Performance Comparisons: Anthropic claims Claude 3.5 Sonnet significantly outperforms its predecessor, Claude 3 Opus, demonstrating marked improvements in performance metrics.

oSpeed: Anthropic has highlighted that Claude 3.5 Sonnet operates twice as fast as its immediate predecessor, Claude 3 Sonnet, enhancing efficiency in processing capabilities.

Performance of Claude 3.5 Sonnet

• Coding Proficiency: Claude 3.5 Sonnet sets a new industry benchmark in coding proficiency, as evaluated by HumanEval.
• Graduate-Level Reasoning (GPQA): According to Anthropic, Claude 3.5 Sonnet excels in graduate-level reasoning tasks, demonstrating advanced capabilities in understanding and processing complex questions.
• Undergraduate-Level Knowledge (MMLU): In terms of undergraduate-level knowledge tasks, Claude 3.5 Sonnet performs exceptionally well, surpassing expectations with its depth of understanding and accuracy.
• Writing Quality and Tone: Anthropic reports that Claude 3.5 Sonnet excels at producing high-quality content with a natural and relatable tone, demonstrating its capability to generate engaging and coherent text.

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5. GOMPHONEMOID DIATOM (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Researchers have discovered a new genus of the Gomphonemoid diatom found in the clean water river of the Eastern Ghats.

Gomphonemoid diatom

• About: Diatoms are microscopic algae that produce 25% of global oxygen, contributing to approximately every fourth breath we inhale.
• Aquatic Food Chain: Diatoms serve as the base of the aquatic food chain, supporting marine ecosystems.
• Indicators: Due to their sensitivity to water chemistry changes, diatoms are excellent indicators of aquatic health.
• Habitat: They are found in almost every aquatic environment including fresh and marine waters.
• In India: Diatoms are the first recorded microorganisms in India, with Ehrenberg's first report dating back to 1845 in his publication Mikrogeologie.

oIndia hosts nearly 6,500 diatom taxa, with 30% being endemic, reflecting the country's unique biodiversity.

• Discovery of Indiconema: Scientists from the Agharkar Research Institute discovered Indiconema, a diatom differing in having a pore field at both the head and foot pole.

oIndiconema species from the Eastern and Western Ghats, highlighting patterns of endemic species distribution.

• Biogeographic Connections: Indiconema is suggested to be sister to Afrocymbella, an East African genus, with historical studies supporting similarities between diatom species from India, East Africa, and Madagascar.

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6. STATISTICAL REPORT ON AGRICULTURE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: A new statistical report released indicates a shifting consumer preference in India, with fruits and vegetables capturing the top position among all crops in value terms for 2022-23, surpassing cereals with a 28% share.

Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors 2024

• About: The report is a comprehensive and insightful document which provides detailed tables and analysis of values of output of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fishing sectors from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
• Released by: National Statistical Office (NSO),
• Nodal Agency: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Key findings of Report:

oComparison with Cereals: In 2022-23, the value of output for 'fruits and vegetables' surpassed that of cereals by about Rs 15,000 crore, despite cereals occupying more acreage.

oComposition of Crop Group: Apart from 'cereals' and 'fruits & vegetables', other segments like pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, spices, and medicinal plants make up the remaining 45% share in terms of value.

oSectoral Distribution in Agriculture: The crop group holds a dominant 54% share in the overall agriculture and allied sector's value of output in 2022-23, followed by livestock (31%), forestry (8%), and fishing (7%).

oDeclining Contribution of Crop Sector: While still the largest contributor, the crop sub-sector's share of gross value of output (GVO) in agriculture and allied sectors has decreased from 62% in 2011-12 to 54% in 2022-23.

oRegional Variations: Uttar Pradesh reported the highest value of output of cereals, whereas West Bengal led in the output value of fruits and vegetables in 2022-23.

oDominance of Gram and Arhar in Pulses: Gram and Arhar (lentil) collectively accounted for nearly 59% of the output in the 'pulses' group of crops, as per the report by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

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7. PROCESS FOR VERIFICATION OF EVM/VVPATS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Following the 2024 Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, 11 candidates have requested verification of the burnt memory of EVM Ballot Units, Control Units, and VVPAT units for transparency and assurance.

Process for the Verification of EVM/VVPATs

• Responsibility of District Election Officer: The DEO is tasked with overseeing the entire verification process as outlined in the SOP.
• Request for Verification: Candidates ranked second and third in an election can request verification of up to 5% of EVMs and VVPATs per constituency. If both request, each can verify 2.5%.

oEVMs facilitate candidate selection through button presses.

oWhen a vote is cast, the VVPAT machine, attached to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), prints a slip displaying the voter's choice.

• Selection of Units for Verification: Candidates can specify units for verification by providing either polling station numbers or unique serial numbers of EVMs and VVPATs.
• Notification and Processing: DEOs compile all applications and forward them to the state Chief Electoral Officer, who notifies the manufacturers within 30 days post-results declaration.
• Timeline for Verification: It begins after the 45-day Election Petition period, unless a court order mandates otherwise, likely starting in mid-August for the current cycle.

Supreme Court Order on EVMs

• Upholding EVM-VVPAT System: The Supreme Court upheld the use of the EVM-VVPAT system for elections, rejecting the plea to revert to ballot papers.
• Verification of Burnt Memories: The court directed the Election Commission to allow candidates who secured second or third place to request verification of burnt memories of EVMs and VVPATs from up to 5% of machines per constituency.
• Process of Verification: Candidates or their representatives must identify specific EVMs for verification by polling station or serial number. They have the right to be present during the verification process.
• Cost of Verification: The Election Commission will notify the expenses for verification, which candidates requesting the process must bear. If tampering is found, these expenses will be refunded.

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8. SURVEY OF ARAVALI (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The forest and mining departments will carry out the first baseline study of the Aravalli in seven districts of Haryana before put ting into action a 6-month plan to protect and revive the ancient hills.

Baseline Survey

• It is a comprehensive study of the hills in 7 districts of Haryana - Gurgaon, Nuh, Faridabad, Rewari, Mahendergarh, Charkhi Dadri and Bhiwani. It will become the foundation of a plan to protect the Aravalli and restore degraded forest land.

Aravalli Range

• Location: North-western of India, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat through Haryana and Rajasthan
• Historical Significance: It stands as one of the oldest fold mountains globally, bearing witness to millions of years of Earth's history.
• Length: 670 km 
• Formation: Its formation is deeply rooted in the collision of tectonic plates during the Proterozoic era, shaping the landscape we see today.
• Geological Context: As part of the Indian Shield, it represents a significant geological formation formed through ancient cratonic collisions.
• Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar Peak (1722m) on Mount Abu.
• Rivers: Major rivers like Banas, Sahibi, and Luni originate from the Aravalli, contributing to the rich hydrology of the region and its surrounding areas.
• Erosional History: Despite once towering to great heights, the Aravalli has weathered over millions of years, attesting to the relentless forces of erosion.
• Minerals: The range boasts abundant mineral resources like copper, zinc, lead, and marble, contributing to economic activities and historical significance.
• Division: It can be classified into two main sections: the Sambhar-Sirohi ranges, featuring notable peaks like Guru Shikhar, and the Sambhar-Khetri ranges, characterized by discontinuous ridges.

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9. WORLD INVESTMENT REPORT 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: According to the World Investment Report 2024, foreign investment in Africa saw a slight decline in 2023, but the clean energy sector emerged as a significant positive highlight.

World Investment Report 2024

• About: It focuses on trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide, at the regional and country levels, and emerging measures to improve its contribution to development.
• It also provides analysis on global value chains and the operations of multinational enterprises, with special attention to their development implications.
• Released by: UNCTAD

Key findings

• The Report indicates that the value of international project finance deals in African nations plummeted by 50 per cent to $64 billion in 2023, following a 20% decrease in 2022.
• The largest greenfield announcement in 2023 was a green hydrogen project in Mauritania, anticipated to bring in $34 billion in investment.
• Africa has accounted for about 30% of all investment values relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in developing countries, with the figure slightly lower at 27% in 2023.
• Global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 2% to $1.3 trillion in 2023 amid an economic slowdown and rising geopolitical tensions.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 

• About: UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly.
• Objective: Its objective is to assist developing countries, especially the least developed countries, and countries with economies in transition, to integrate beneficially into the global economy.
• Focus: on four main areas: trade and development, investment and enterprise, technology and innovation, and macroeconomics and development policies.
• Founded in: 1964. 
• Headquarter: Located in Geneva, Switzerland. 

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10. CO-OPERATIVE BANKS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Reserve Bank of India canceled the licence of the City Co-operative Bank, Maharashtra for lacking adequate capital and earning prospects.

Co-operative Banks

• About: It refer to those financial institutions under the Banking System in India that operate on the principles of cooperation and mutual benefit for their members.

oThey belong to their members who are both the owners and customers of the bank.

• Basis of establishment: Co-operative banks are financial entities established on a co-operative basis and belonging to their members. 

oThe customers of a co-operative bank are also its owners.

oLike other banks, the cooperative banks are founded by collecting funds through shares, accept deposits and grant loans.

• Regulation: In India, they are registered under the Co-operative Societies Act of the State concerned or under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002.

oThey are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

oThey are governed as per the Banking Regulations Act 1949 and Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act, 1955.

• Classification Of Co-operative Banks: Divided into two categories which can further be subdivided:

oUrban Co-operative Banks: Operate in urban and semi-urban areas, catering mainly to small borrowers and businesses.

üCategorized into Scheduled Banks and Non-Scheduled Banks based on their regulatory status.

oRural Co-operative Banks: Focus on serving the financial needs of rural areas.

üDivided into two main categories:

üShort-Term Structures: Include State Cooperative Banks, District Cooperative Central Banks (DCCBs), and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).

üLong-Term Structures: Include State Cooperative Agricultural and Rural Development Banks (SCARDBs) and Primary Cooperative Agricultural and Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs).

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