1. INTERPOL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security)

Context: Recently, concerns have surfaced regarding the misuse of Interpol's notice system, notably the issuance of less scrutinized blue corner notices, raising questions about political motives in targeting refugees and dissidents. 

International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol)

• About: It is the world's largest international police organization.
• Headquarters: Lyon, France
• Network of nations: A network comprising 192 member nations and headquartered in Lyon, France.
• Objective: to enable police around the world to work together to make the world a safer place.
• Working mechanism: The Interpol basically connects police across the world even if these individual member nations do not have diplomatic relations. 

oThe Interpol facilitates information exchange, knowledge sharing and research between nations. 

oThis is done by issuing colour-coded 'notices' in four languages - English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.

oThe Interpol doesn't have law enforcement powers such as arrest. 

• India’s status: India has been a member since 1956. 

oNational Central Bureau: India maintains a National Central Bureau which serves as the national platform for cooperation between domestic law enforcement units and the international police community. 

oContact point: The NCB is the designated contact point for the Interpol. 

oCollaboration: India has collaborated with the Interpol in tackling a myriad of organised crimes.

Different Types of Interpol Notices

• Red Notice: Issued to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition. 
• Yellow Notice: Issued to help locate missing persons, often minors, or to help identify persons who are unable to identify themselves. 
• Blue Notice: Issued to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a crime. 
• This does not guarantee extradition or arrest of the person.
• Black Notice: A request to seek information on unidentified bodies in member nations.
• Green Notice: Issued to provide warnings and intelligence about persons who have committed criminal offences and are likely to repeat these crimes in other countries.
• Orange Notice: Issued to provide warnings about warn of an event, a person, an object or a process representing a serious and imminent threat to public safety.
• Purple Notice: Issued to provide warnings about warn of an event, a person, an object or a process representing a serious and imminent threat to public safety.

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2. KIRU HYDEL PROJECT (Syllabus GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: The Central  Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided 30 places across the coun- try, including three linked to former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in Delhi, Gurugram, and Bhagpat in Uttar Pradesh.

Kiru Hydel Project

• About: The Kiru Hydel Power Project is situated between the existing Kirthai II and Kwar hydel power projects.
• Budget:  Rs 4,287 crore.
• Geographical Location: Positioned near the convergence of the Chenab River and Singad and Bela streams.
• Developed by: Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL) is a joint venture of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, the Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation and the Power Trading Corporation.
• Timeline: The project aims to initiate commercial operations by July 2025.
• Features

oIt features a 123-meter tall dam above the Chenab's river bed level.

oThe reservoir will have a storage capacity of 41.5 million m³ of water.

oIncorporates a 700-meter-long, horse-shoe-shaped diversion tunnel for excess water release.

oAn underground powerhouse, situated at the left bank of the river, will house four turbines, each with a capacity of 156 MW, totaling 624 MW.

• Potential Impact: Expected to contribute to meeting energy demands in northern India and rural areas of the state.

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3. RASHTRIYA UDYAMITA VIKAS SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: Recently, the union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship inaugurated the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana, in Sambalpur, Odisha.

Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana

• About: Specifically designed for beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme, this project emphasizes the government's dedication to fostering entrepreneurs nationwide.
• Aim: The primary goal is to equip individuals with comprehensive entrepreneurship training, emphasizing the creation of job providers rather than job seekers.
• Focus: The initiative concentrates on reskilling and upskilling employees to boost their competitiveness and adaptability in the face of disruptive technology.
• Training: Over a span of 22 weeks, participants will undergo comprehensive entrepreneurship training, blending theoretical knowledge with practical exposure through experiential learning.
• Varied Training Modes: Training sessions will be conducted through offline, online, and hybrid modes, offering flexibility and accessibility to participants. Upon completion, certificates will be awarded, enhancing the course's credibility and value.
• Launched virtually: Across 9 cities including Bhopal, Kanpur, Indore, Varanasi, Bharatpur, Shillong, Silchar, Dibrugarh and Guwahati.

Skill India Mission

• Launched: On July 15, 2015
• Implemented by: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
• It is a comprehensive program to train and develop industrial, entrepreneurial skills among Indians.
• Aim: To train a minimum of 300 million skilled people by the year. 2022
• Initiatives under the Skill India Mission

oPradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

oRecognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

oNational Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) & SANKALP

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4. Comptroller and Auditor General of India (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: A Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) of India report has highlighted two projects that failed to materialise due to lapses in following procedures by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). 

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

• Constitutional Body: The Constitution of India (Article 148) provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
• Appointment: The CAG is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal.

oHe is not eligible for further office, either under the Government of India or of any state, after he ceases to hold his office.

• Term of office: The CAG holds office for a period of six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

oHe can resign any time from his office by addressing the resignation letter to the president.

• Removal: He can be removed by the president on the basis of a resolution passed to that effect by both the Houses of Parliament with special majority, either on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
• He can be removed by the president on the same grounds and in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court. 

• Duties of CAG: His duty is to uphold the Constitution of India and laws of Parliament in the field of financial administration.

oHe audits the accounts related to all expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, Consolidated Fund of each state and UT having a legislative assembly.

oHe audits all expenditure from the Contingency Fund of India and the Public Account of India as well as the Contingency Fund and Public Account of each state.

oHe audits all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and other subsidiary accounts kept by any department of the Central Government and the state governments.

oHe audits the receipts and expenditure of all bodies and authorities substantially financed from the Central or State revenues; government companies; other corporations and bodies, when so required by related laws.

oHe ascertains and certifies the net proceeds of any tax or duty and his certificate is final on the matter.

• Audit reports: He submits 3 audit reports to the President: audit report on appropriation accounts, audit report on finance accounts and audit report on public undertakings.

oHe submits his audit reports relating to the accounts of the Centre and State to the President and Governor,who shall, in turn, place them before both the houses of Parliament and the state legislature respectively.

oNo minister can represent the CAG in Parliament (both Houses) and no minister can be called upon to take any responsibility for any actions done by him.

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5. ALBANIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Albania’s Foreign Minister recently announced plans for Albania to open an Embassy in New Delhi, reciprocated by India's soon-to-be-established diplomatic mission in Tirana.

Albania

• About: It is a country in Southeast Europe
• Location: Albania is situated in Southeast Europe, nestled within the Balkans and bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas of the Mediterranean.
• Bordering Nations: It shares land borders with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south.
• Diverse Landscapes: Albania spans an area of 28,748 km2 (11,100 sq mi) and boasts diverse climatic, geological, hydrological, and morphological conditions.
• Varied Terrain: The country's terrain includes rugged snow-capped mountains such as the Albanian Alps, Korab, Skanderbeg, Pindus, and Ceraunian Mountains, as well as fertile lowland plains that extend along the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines.
• Capital: Tirana.
• Major Rivers: Drin, Seman, Shkumbin, and Vjose.
• Mountain: Mount Korab

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6. PIGEONPEA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) a new fast-breeding protocol is likely to make it easier for scientists to develop better quality varieties of the pigeonpea crop at a faster rate.

Pigeonpea

• About: It is an important legume crop and protein-rich food primarily consumed as dal in India.
• Scientific name: Cajanus cajan
• Geographic Distribution: Predominantly cultivated in semi-arid regions of India, known as arhar or tur.
• Major Producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
• Climatic Conditions:

oRain: Requires 600-650mm annual rainfall with moist conditions for initial weeks and dry conditions during flowering.

oTemperature: Suitable range is 26°C to 30°C in the rainy season and 17°C to 22°C post-rainy.

oSoil: Suitable for all types, especially sandy loam or loam soil.

• Environmental Factors: Sensitive to low radiation during pod development, flowering during monsoon or cloudy weather leads to poor pod formation.
• Agricultural Practices: Commonly intercropped with various crops, estimated 80-90% in India.
• Diseases: Major diseases include Wilt, Sterility mosaic disease, Phytophthora blight, Alternaria blight, and Powdery mildew.
• Health Benefits: Low glycemic index, rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

New Protocol of ICRISAT

• Reduced Breeding Cycle

oTraditional Duration: Developing a new pigeon pea variety typically takes around 13 years.

oAccelerated Timeline: The new protocol reduces the breeding cycle to 2-4 years.

oFactors Influencing Duration: The longer duration of pigeon pea crops is attributed to its short-day nature, photosensitivity, and seasonal specificity.

• Ideal Conditions for Speed Breeding

oOptimal Photoperiod: A photoperiod of 13 h: 8 h: 13 h at vegetative: flowering: pod filling stages is recommended.

oLight Spectrum Importance: Broad spectrum light and far-red wavelength light are crucial for early crop establishment and flowering onset.

oChallenges of Natural Conditions: Under natural conditions, pigeon pea takes about four months to flower if sown in June, resulting in unwanted biomass accumulation.

Impact on Pulse Production

• Enhanced Self-Reliance: The new protocol will enhance self-reliance in pulse production, especially benefiting countries like India, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
• Past Successes: ICRISAT has previously achieved success in speed breeding of other crops such as wheat, barley, rice, cowpea, soybean, and amaranth, indicating the potential for widespread impact.

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7. BRAHMOS MISSILE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Indian naval warships will be able to strike enemy targets at a greater distance with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) giving its approval for procurement of next-generation BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.

BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles

• About: A joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) and the NPOM of Russia.

oBrahMos is named for the rivers Brahmaputra and Moskva (Russia).

• Range: 290 km 
• Fastest cruise missile in the world: A top speed of Mach 2.8 (nearly three times the speed of sound).
• Two-stage missile system: Solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in second.
• Multiplatform missile: Can be launched from land, air, and sea and multi capability missile with pinpoint accuracy that works in both day and night irrespective of the weather conditions.
• Operates on the "Fire and Forgets" principle: It does not require further guidance after launch.

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8. GIANT SOFTSHELL TURTLE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A team of conservationists, uncovered the nesting site of Cantor's giant softshell turtle on banks of the Chandragiri River in Kerala.

Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle

• About: It is the first breeding site discovered in India.
• Scientific name: Pelochelys cantorii
• Also referred to: As the Asian giant softshell turtle.
• Native:  Rivers of South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and India.
• Habitat: It mainly inhabits inland, slow-moving freshwater rivers, lakes, streams, and estuaries but also extends to coastal areas.
• Features: The species is exceptionally large, reaching over 1 meter in length and weighing more than 100 kilograms. It has a broad head with eyes close to the tip of the snout, giving it a frog-like appearance.
• Threats: The species faces threats such as harvesting by local people for meat, accidental killing, persecution from fishermen when caught in fishing gear, and the destruction of freshwater and coastal habitats.
• Conservation Status

oIUCN:  Critically Endangered (CR)

oCITES: Appendix II

oWildlife Protection Act,1972:  Schedule 1

Chandragiri River

• About: The Chandragiri River, also known as Payaswini or Perumpuzha River, holds the distinction of being the longest river in Kasaragod district, Kerala, India.
• Origin: The Chandragiri River originates in the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the Western Ghats of Kodagu district, Karnataka, where its journey through diverse landscapes begins, enriching the surrounding areas with its flow.

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9. AVDIIVKA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: As the second anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine draws closer, Russia has registered a big victory, capturing the town of Avdiivka.

Avdiivka

• About: It is a city in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine.
• Strategic Location: Avdiivka's position on the frontlines in eastern Ukraine made it a crucial center of resistance against Russian advancement.
• Heavily Fortified Defense: Since 2014, Avdiivka had been fortified extensively, making it a formidable barrier against Russian forces and blocking further incursion into Ukraine.
• Gateway for Russian Advance: Capturing Avdiivka provides Russia with an easier path to penetrate deeper into Ukrainian territory, as noted by The New York Times.
• Proximity to Donetsk: Avdiivka's proximity to Donetsk, a city already occupied by Russia, offers a dual advantage by extending Russian reach into more Ukrainian cities and securing Donetsk from Ukrainian attempts to reclaim it.
• Impact on Ukrainian Morale: The victory in Avdiivka is significant for its potential impact on the morale of Ukrainian soldiers, who have been enduring the grind of war with increasing losses over the past two years.

Industrial Significance of Avdiivka

• Coke Plant Dominance: Avdiivka is distinguished for hosting a significant coke plant, recognized as one of Europe's largest, contributing substantially to the region's industrial landscape.
• Economic Dependency: The economy of Avdiivka is deeply intertwined with the mining and metallurgical sectors, encompassing coal extraction and steel manufacturing, which serve as pivotal contributors to its economic vitality.

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10. FAIR AND REMUNERATIVE PRICE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved ₹340/quintal as the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for sugar season 2024-25 at sugar recovery rate of 10.25%.

Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)

• About: FRP was introduced by the government in 2009 by an amendment to the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966. FRP is the minimum price that Sugar mills are legally bound to pay the farmers for the cane that they buy from them. Mills have the option to pay the FRP in instalments by entering into a contract with farmers.
• Based on: The FRP is based on the Rangarajan Committee report on reorganising the sugarcane industry.
• Replaced: The Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) on the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) consultation.
• Timely Payment Assurance: The FRP system ensured timely payment to farmers, regardless of the profit or loss incurred by sugar mills, with a mandate for payment within 14 days of sugarcane delivery.
• Grading based on Recovery Rate: The FRP system implemented grading based on sugar recovery rates from sugarcane, offering a premium for higher recovery and deductions for lower recovery, with a standard recovery rate of 10.25 percent and corresponding premium and deduction rates.
• Process: Central Government announces Fair and Remunerative Prices which are determined on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and announced by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

oThe CCEA is chaired by the Prime Minister.

oCACP is a department within the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It is an advisory committee, and the Government is not bound to accept its suggestions.

Factors considered in determination of FRP:

• Cost of production of sugarcane.
• Return to growers from alternative crops & general trend of prices of agricultural commodities.
• Availability of sugar to consumers at a fair price.
• Price at which sugar produced from sugarcane is sold by sugar producers.
• Recovery of sugar from sugarcane.
• Realization made from sale of by-products viz. molasses, bagasse, press mud.
• Reasonable margins for the growers of sugarcane on account of risk and profits.

 

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