1. CHOLERA DISEASE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the demand for cholera vaccines is exceeding supply, as 24 countries have reported nearly 200,000 cases this year.

Cholera Disease

• About: It is a water-borne disease.
• Caused by: An acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
• Symptoms: Profuse watery diarrhoea, Vomiting, and Leg cramps
• Transmission: A person may get cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium.

oThe disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.

• Vaccine: Currently there are three WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines (OCV), Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus.

oAll three vaccines require two doses for full protection.

oIt is not covered in Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Steps Taken for Control Cholera

• Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC): Serve as a platform for technical exchange, coordination, and collaboration on cholera-related activities.
• Ending Cholera: To eliminate cholera in up to 20 countries by the year 2030.
• Country Support Platform (CSP): Enhance GTFCC support to countries.

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2. INDIA - ESTONIA RELATIONS (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Estonia, a global leader in digital innovation, seeks to collaborate with India to enhance cybersecurity infrastructure in both nations. This partnership aims to leverage Estonia's advanced digital expertise to bolster cybersecurity measures in India.

India - Estonia Relations

• Historical Relations: India first recognized Estonia on 22 September 1921, when Estonia was admitted into the League of Nations.

oIndia re-recognized the Republic of Estonia on 9 September 1991, following its declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.

oDiplomatic relations between India and Estonia were established on 2 December 1991.

• Commercial Relations: India and Estonia have potential for increased economic engagement in information technology, cybersecurity, e-governance, and blockchain.

oIndian Exports to Estonia: Major exports include machinery, garments, iron and steel, leather products, travel goods, coffee, tea, spices, footwear, and pharmaceuticals.

oEstonian Exports to India: Key exports are iron and steel, fertilizers, electrical machinery, paper products, and paper pulp.

• Foreign Trade Agreement: In December 2018, Indian Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Estonia was valued at 4.89 million Euro, mainly in manufacturing, construction, wholesale trade, transportation, accommodation, food service, information and communication, real estate, and human health and social work.
• e-Residency Program: Launched in 2014, Estonia's e-Residency Program allows non-Estonians to access banking, taxes, company formation, and payment processing. Over 3000 Indians have established nearly 700 enterprises through this program.

oStart-up Visa: Estonia's Start-up Visa, introduced in 2017, ranks India among the top three for startup applicants in 2019, facilitating tech-based business plans for Indian entrepreneurs.

• Cultural Relations: Estonia shows a keen interest in Indian culture, with Sanskrit instruction beginning at the University of Tartu in 1837 and several publications on Sanskrit literature.

oRenowned Indian musicians and dancers have performed in Estonia in recent years, enhancing cultural ties.

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3. METHANOL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy, which has resulted in over 50 deaths, follows a distressingly familiar pattern of methanol poisoning, echoing similar incidents that occur periodically across various states in India.

Methanol

• About: It is a wood alcohol (CH3OH) that can be used as renewable energy, marine and auto fuel, and as fuel cells.
• Physical Characteristics: Methanol appears as a colorless, fairly volatile liquid with a faintly sweet pungent odor similar to ethyl alcohol.
• Production: Methanol is primarily produced by combining carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. Increasingly, syngas derived from biomass is also used in its production.
• Applications: Methanol is used in chemical synthesis, as a fuel additive, solvent for paints and plastics, and in various consumer products.
• Treatment of Methanol Poisoning

oEthanol Administration: Ethanol competes with methanol for enzymes, preventing its toxic metabolites.

oFomepizole Administration: Slows down the enzyme action that converts methanol to toxic substances like formaldehyde.

Regulation of Methanol in India

• Legal Classification: Methanol is listed in Schedule I of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules 1989 in India.
• Food Safety Standards: The Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations 2018 specify permissible methanol limits in different alcoholic beverages.
• Quality Standards: Indian Standard IS 517 outlines quality requirements for methanol, and the Tamil Nadu Denatured Spirit, Methyl Alcohol, and Varnish (French Polish) Rules 1959 govern packaging and labeling requirements.

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4. WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) celebrated the World Hydrography Day recently.

World Hydrography Day

• About: Initiated in 2006, it aims to raise awareness about hydrography's crucial role in enhancing understanding of the world's seas and oceans.
• History: Celebrated on June 21st each year, it coincides with the establishment of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) in 1921, highlighting its foundational contributions to marine science and safety.
• Theme for 2024: Hydrographic Information - Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities.

International Hydrographic Organisation

• About: It is an intergovernmental technical consultative organisation established under the Convention on the IHO.
• Established in: 1921.
• Headquarters: Monaco, Europe.
• Aim: Ensures surveying and charting of all seas, oceans, and navigable waters worldwide.
• Membership: Currently comprises 100 member states as of 2024, encompassing coastal and landlocked nations.

oIndia has been a member since 1955.

• Objectives:

oEnsures accuracy and uniformity of hydrographic charts and publications worldwide.

oCoordinates activities of national hydrographic offices to promote uniformity in nautical charts and documents.

oAdopts reliable and efficient methods for hydrographic surveys and exploitation.

oAdvances sciences and techniques in hydrography and descriptive oceanography.

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5. CONTAINER PORT PERFORMANCE INDEX (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: As many as nine ports of India have made it to the global top 100 rankings in the latest edition of Container Port Performance Index.

Container Port Performance Index (CPPI)

• About: It is a widely recognized benchmark evaluating port performance based on productivity, efficiency, and reliability metrics.
• Released by: World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence.
• Published: Annually
• Stakeholders and Utility: CPPI serves as a crucial reference for national governments, port authorities, development agencies, supra-national organizations, and private operators in optimizing trade, logistics, and supply chain operations.
• Highlights of CPPI 2023

oTop Performers: Yangshan port (China) and Salalah port (Oman) achieved the highest rankings in the 2023 index.

oIndian Ports: Nine Indian ports secured spots in the top 100 global ports, marking significant progress in global rankings.

oSpecific Port Achievements

üVisakhapatnam Port improved its ranking to 19th globally, showcasing notable advancements from previous years.

üMundra Port climbed to 27th place, demonstrating substantial improvement since the last assessment.

üOther Indian Ports in Top 100: Pipavav (41), Kamarajar (47), Cochin (63), Hazira (68), Krishnapatnam (71), Chennai (80), and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (96) also featured prominently in the 2023 rankings, underscoring India's growing influence in global maritime logistics.

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6. REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE (RLV) (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Pushpak, ISRO’s reusable launch vehicle, successfully completed its third and final test under the LEX (03) series conducted by the ISRO.

Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)

• About: It is a launch vehicle that is designed to return to Earth substantially intact after launching satellites into designated orbit.
• Aim: It may be launched more than one time or that contains vehicle stages that may be recovered by a launch operator for future use in the operation of a substantially similar launch vehicle, thereby reduce the associated cost.

oRLVs may contain additional avionics and propellant, making them heavier than their expendable counterparts. 

• Technology: The RLV is essentially a space plane with a low lift-to-drag ratio, requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitated a landing at high velocities of 350 kmph.
• It uses: Pseudolite system, Ka-band Radar Altimeter, NavIC receiver, indigenous Landing Gear, Aerofoil honey-comb fins and brake parachute system.
• Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstration (RLV-TD) Programme: It is planned as a series of technology demonstration missions that have been considered as a first step towards realising a Two Stage to Orbit (TSTO) fully reusable vehicle.

Pushpak

• About: It is India’s futuristic Reusable Launch Vehicle, often referred to as the "swadeshi space shuttle."
• Design and Technology: It is designed as an all-rocket, fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. It incorporates technologies from the X-33, X-34, and DC-XA flight demonstrators.
• Reusable Upper Stage: Pushpak features a reusable upper stage, including expensive electronics, which is safely brought back to Earth after each launch.
• Capabilities: Future capabilities of Pushpak include in-orbit satellite refueling and satellite retrieval for refurbishment, enhancing its versatility in space missions.
• Addressing Space Debris: Pushpak contributes to India’s goal of minimizing space debris, crucial for sustainable space exploration.
  
  
  
  

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7. MEHRAULI CITY (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Delhi's historic Mehrauli area hosts numerous monuments, including the famous Qutub Minar, as well as many lesser-known or hidden structures scattered throughout its nooks and crevices.

Mehrauli City

• About: It is one of the seven important cities that make up Delhi apart from Siri, Tughlaqabad, Jahanpanah and Shahjahanabad.
• Associated with: Tomar Dynasty, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals and British.
• Mehrauli Archaeological Park: It is spread over 200 acres and features 55 historic structures from various rulers, including the Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Lodhis, Mughals, and the British. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site recently revamped for the G-20 summit.
• Adham Khan's Tomb: Built in the 16th century, it is an octagonal Mughal-era structure located north of Qutub Minar. Known as ‘Bhool-Bhulaiya’ for its maze-like passages, it has served multiple purposes over time, including as a residence and police station.
• Zafar Mahal: Built by Akbar Shah II in 1820 and renovated by Bahadur Shah Zafar II, Zafar Mahal is adjacent to the dargah of Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and houses the tombs of three generations of Mughal emperors.
• Alauddin Masud Shah’s Tomb: The tomb of Masud Shah (1242-46) in the palace complex is made of grey sandstone and is a relic from the Sultanate era.
• Balban's Tomb: The tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, located in Dar-ul Amaan, is notable for being the first site in India to feature a true arch and dome.
• Iltutmish’s Tomb: Built by Shamsuddin Iltutmish in 1235 CE, this tomb features a cenotaph in white marble with elaborately carved arched entrances and indigenous decorative motifs.

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8. NEW PLAN OF FSSAI FOR LICENCE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) aims to expedite licensing for traders and distributors, and may soon start issuing licences within 24 hours of application, to improve ease of doing business.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• About: It is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Headquarters: Delhi
• Aim: To regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
• Legislative Framework: The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaces various central acts like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, Fruit Products Order, 1955, Meat Food Products Order, 1973, Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947, Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order 1988, Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992.
• Composition: It consists of chairperson and 22 members.

oThe Chairperson of FSSAI holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

• Administrative control: It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 

Proposed Plan of FSSAI

• Digital Platform for Licensing: Under the proposed plan, FSSAI will launch a dedicated digital platform. Traders can upload documents online and receive licenses within 24 hours.
• Applicable: This initiative excludes manufacturers. Only traders and distributors can avail themselves of the streamlined licensing process.
• Issue of Licenses with QR Code: FSSAI licenses will be issued digitally, accompanied by a QR code. This QR code grants access to details stored in the FSSAI database, enhancing transparency and security against fraudulent activities.
• Mandatory: All food business operators, including pharmacies selling health supplements or nutraceutical products, must obtain FSSAI registration or a license.

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9. SPACE VARIABLE OBJECTS MONITOR (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, a Long March 2-C rocket launched the French-Chinese satellite Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) from southwestern China, marking a successful mission.

Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM)

• About: It is a collaborative French-Chinese satellite designed to detect and study gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are powerful cosmic events releasing intense bursts of gamma rays.
• Launched: From the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China via a Long March-2C rocket, SVOM entered orbit over 600 kilometers above Earth.
• Instrumentation: Weighing 930 kilograms, SVOM carries four instruments—two French and two Chinese—that are crucial for detecting and analyzing GRBs.
• Orbit and Longevity: Positioned in a strategic orbit, SVOM is expected to operate for at least five years, with potential operational capability extending up to 20 years, offering prolonged observational opportunities.

Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs)

• Origins: GRBs typically originate from the explosion of massive stars or the collision of compact stellar remnants, releasing energy equivalent to billions of suns.
• Cosmic Time Capsules: Observing GRBs provides a unique opportunity to study distant cosmic events, offering insights into the early universe due to the time it takes for their light to reach Earth.
• Scientific Significance: The gamma rays from GRBs carry valuable information about the environments they traverse, such as gas clouds and galaxies, aiding in understanding cosmic evolution.

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10. NFIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2/3 – Govt Scheme/Economy)

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) to boost scientific investigations and improve conviction rates in criminal cases across the country.

National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)

• Operated by: Union Ministry of Home Affairs
• Funding: Central Sector Scheme 
• Duration: 2024-25 to 2028-29
• Components under the scheme: 

oEstablishment   of Campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country.

oEstablishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in the country.

oEnhancement of existing infrastructure of the Delhi Campus of the NFSU.

• Aim: To establish campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across the country.
• Infrastructure Enhancement: The scheme includes setting up more central forensic science laboratories and enhancing the existing infrastructure of NFSU, Delhi.

National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)

• Establishment: It was established by the Government of India in 2020.
• Objective: To address the acute shortage of forensic experts in India and worldwide.
• Unique Status: NFSU holds the status of an Institution of National Importance.
• It is the world's first and only university dedicated to forensic, behavioural, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and allied sciences.
• Forensic Science: It involves using scientific methods or expertise to investigate crimes or examine evidence for legal proceedings.

oIt includes a variety of disciplines, such as fingerprint and DNA analysis, anthropology, and wildlife forensics.

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