1. J.S. VERMA COMMITTEE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: After the brutal rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College on August 9, there has been a strong demand for the death penalty for the accused, despite the 2013 Justice J.S. Verma Committee's recommendation against capital punishment for rape, considering it a regressive step for sentencing and reformation.

J.S. Verma Committee

• About: It was constituted to recommend amendments to the Criminal Law so as to provide for quicker trial and enhanced punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault against women.  
• Report Submitted: on January 23, 2013.
• Committee Recommendation:

o Enhanced Sentences for Rape: The committee recommended increasing the minimum sentence for rape from 7 years to 10 years, 20 years, and life imprisonment, but did not advocate for the death penalty.

o Punishment: The committee proposed rigorous imprisonment of at least 20 years to life for those causing a person to be in a persistent vegetative state, with life imprisonment meaning the rest of the individual's natural life.

o Stance on Death Penalty: The committee observed that the deterrent effect of the death penalty on serious crimes is a myth, noting that the murder rate in India has declined over 20 years despite fewer executions.

o Marital Rape Exception: The Verma Committee recommended the removal of the marital rape exception, asserting that a relationship between the perpetrator and victim is not a valid defense against rape.

o Government's Position on Marital Rape: Despite the committee's recommendation, the Union government did not criminalize marital rape and maintained the exception in Section 63 of the BNS.

o Gender Rights: The committee emphasized that true empowerment of women includes social, educational, and economic equality, not just political equality. It called for systemic changes in education and societal behavior to address gender biases.

Role of Union Cabinet

• Decision on Death Penalty: The Union Cabinet decided not to adopt the recommendation against the death penalty when clearing an ordinance on sexual assault in 2013.
• Introduction of Death Penalty for Certain Rape Cases: Key amendments introduced the death penalty for rape leading to the victim's death or persistent vegetative state (Section 376A of the IPC) and for repeat offenders (Section 376E).
• Amendments: In 2018, further amendments included the death penalty as the maximum punishment for participants in gang rape where the victim is under 12 years old (Section 376DB), and life imprisonment for raping a victim under 16 (Section 376DA).

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2. ATACAMA DESERT (Syllabus GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: According to a new study of University of Chile, Chile’s Atacama salt flat is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 centimetres per year due to lithium brine extraction — a process in which salt-rich water is pumped to the surface and into a series of evaporation ponds to eventually obtain lithium.

Atacama Desert

• Location: It is a high plateau desert situated on the western coast of South America, in the northern region of Chile.
• Borders: Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia.
• Volcanoes: Hosts 12 volcanoes, mainly located in the western outliers of the Andes.
• Climate: Very dry and arid
• Driest Desert: The Atacama Desert is the driest nonpolar desert in the world, as well as the only true desert to receive less precipitation than the polar deserts.

Key Findings of the New Study

• Satellite Data Analysis (2020-2023): Researchers at the University of Chile analyzed satellite data from 2020 to 2023 to study deformations in the Earth's crust of the Atacama salt flat, a major lithium source.

oLithium, also known as “white gold”, is one of the most sought-after metals on Earth. It is used in rechargeable batteries, which power not only laptops and mobile phones but also electric vehicles a crucial part of the world’s plan to tackle climate change.

• Deformation in Affected Areas: The worst-affected regions are where mining companies extract lithium-rich brine most intensively.
• Reason for Surface Subsidence: The rapid extraction of brine outpaces the natural recharge of aquifers, causing the Earth's surface to sink (subsidence).
• Extent of the Affected Area: The study identified that the area impacted by subsidence measures approximately 8 km from north to south and 5 km from east to west.

Environmental Impact of Lithium Mining

• Water Consumption for Lithium Production: The brine evaporation method for lithium extraction consumes vast amounts of fresh water, with 2,000 tons of water needed to produce just one ton of lithium. This exacerbates water scarcity in the arid Atacama Desert.
• Contamination of Soil and Water: Chemicals like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide used in lithium extraction contaminate the environment, harming ecosystems and endangering species.

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3. BIOE3 POLICY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Union Cabinet approved the 'BioE3' (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy for fostering high-performance biomanufacturing of the Department of Biotechnology.

BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy

• About: The policy aims to promote high-performance biomanufacturing.
• Focus: This involves producing diverse products, addressing farming and food challenges, and advancing bio-based manufacturing through advanced biotechnology.
• Innovation-Driven Support: The policy supports R&D and entrepreneurship across various thematic sectors to drive technology development and commercialization.
• Establishment of Hubs: It plans to set up biomanufacturing, bio-AI hubs, and biofoundries to foster innovation and growth.
• Regenerative Bioeconomy Models: Prioritizes green growth and aims to expand India's skilled workforce and boost job creation.
• Strategic/Thematic Sectors: Focuses on high-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, enzymes, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture, and marine and space research.
• Support for National Initiatives: Aligns with government goals like Net Zero carbon economy and Lifestyle for Environment, and promotes Circular Bioeconomy.
• Vision for a Sustainable Future: Aims to advance a sustainable, innovative future and address global challenges like climate change, food security, and human health.

o The proposed outlay for Vigyan Dhara is Rs 10,579 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters.

o The scheme has three broad components -- science and technology institutional and human capacity building; research and development; and innovation, technology development and deployment.

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4. GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy/Sci & Tech)

Context: Farmer union leaders from 18 states and activists advocating farmers’ rights have written a letter to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Minister demanding a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops.

Genetically Modified Crops

• About: It can be defined as organisms (i.e., plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. 
• Technology called:  Modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”.
• Aim: To overcome the boundaries of plant species by incorporating a foreign gene into seeds to achieve specific effects; this foreign gene may originate from a plant, an animal, or even a soil bacterium.
• GM crops in India: BT cotton, BT Brinjal, DMH 11 Mustard (allowed for environmental release only).
• First GM Crop: India introduced Bt cotton seeds in 2002.

o BT cotton is the only genetically modified (GM) crop that has been approved for commercial cultivation in India.

• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): It is the apex body that allows for the commercial release of GM crops.

Genetic Modification (GM) Technology

• About: It enables the transfer of specific traits between species using advanced laboratory techniques.
• First Time introduced: U.S. in the mid-1990s, with corn, soybeans, and cotton being the most widely grown.
• Applications: Improvements in nutrition, stress tolerance, disease resistance, biofuel efficiency, and environmental remediation.

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5. UPS VS NPS VS OPS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Union Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which will provide government employees with as- sured pension after retirement. The scheme will be effective from April 1, 2025, according to the government announcement.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

• About: The UPS promises retirees a fixed pension, unlike the NPS. This was one of the major criticisms of the NPS.
• Key Features: 

o Assured Pension: Guarantees 50% of the employee’s average basic pay from the last 12 months before retirement, with a minimum qualifying service of 25 years. This amount decreases proportionately for shorter service periods, down to a minimum of 10 years.

o Assured Minimum Pension: Ensures a minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month if the employee retires after a minimum of 10 years of service.

o Assured Family Pension: Provides 60% of the retiree’s last drawn pension to their immediate family upon the retiree's death.

o Inflation Indexation: Pensions are adjusted for inflation using the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, similar to the adjustment for serving employees.

o Lumpsum Payment at Superannuation: An additional benefit, calculated as 1/10th of the monthly emolument (pay plus dearness allowance) for every six months of completed service, paid along with gratuity.

Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

• About: Pension to government employees at the Centre as well as states was fixed at 50 percent of the last drawn basic pay.
• In addition, there was Dearness Relief — calculated as a percentage of the basic salary — to adjust for the increase in the cost of living.
• The OPS was abolished at the Centre in 2003 and the National Pension Scheme (NPS) came into force on April 1, 2004.

New Pension Scheme (NPS)

• About: It was launched in January 2004 for government employees and was opened to all sections in 2009.
• It laid in its promise of an assured or ‘defined’ benefit to the retiree. It was hence described as a ‘Defined Benefit Scheme’.
• Also known as: National Pension Scheme.
• Replaced: Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
• Introduced by: The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

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6. AMRABAD TIGER RESERVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: After nearly 11 years, the state government has given the final approval for relocating four villages from the core area of Amrabad Tiger Reserve to an external area, advancing the long-awaited project.

Amrabad Tiger Reserve

• About: It is a part of the Nallamala Forest track, boasts a wealth of biological diversity, including several endemic species of flora and fauna.
• Largest Tiger Population: This forest tract is home to the largest number of tigers in Telangana.
• Hilly Terrain and Catchment: The reserve's hilly terrain, with deep valleys and gorges, forms the catchment area for the Krishna River.
• Large Tiger Reserve: Amrabad Tiger Reserve is one of the largest tiger reserves in India, covering approximately 2611.4 sq km in Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda districts of Telangana. It is the second-largest in core area and the sixth-largest in total area among India's 51 tiger reserves.
• Sanctuary to Reserve: Initially notified as a sanctuary in 1983, it was re-designated as Amrabad Tiger Reserve after the bifurcation of Telugu States in 2014.
• Forest Divisions: The reserve spans three forest divisions: Amarabad and Achampet in Nagarkurnool district, and Nagarjunsagar division in Nalgonda district.
• Major Reservoirs: The reserve’s rivers and streams feed major reservoirs such as the Srishailam Dam and Nagarjunsagar Dam.

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7. CLASSICAL LANGUAGES IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Special centres set up for the promotion of Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia after they were designated classical languages are demanding autonomy in their functioning in order to better carry out their functions.

Classical Languages in India

• About: It is defined as a language that possesses a distinct literary tradition and a substantial corpus of ancient written works.
• Criteria: The Government of India has established specific criteria for declaring a language as classical, including a high antiquity of early texts, a valuable literary heritage, originality, and distinctiveness from modern forms.
• Currently Classical Languages: As of now, 6 languages hold the prestigious 'Classical' status in India: Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).
• Demand of classical language tag: Marathi, Bengali, Assamese and Maithili.
• The Ministry of Culture provides the guidelines regarding Classical languages.

Present Criteria for Declaration of a Classical Language

• Antiquity Requirement: A language must demonstrate a high antiquity of its early texts or recorded history spanning 1,500-2,000 years.
• Body of Ancient Literature: It should possess a substantial body of ancient literature or texts that are considered valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
• Original Literary Tradition: The literary tradition of the language should be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
• Distinct from Modern Format: The classical language and its literature should be distinct from its modern format, possibly showing discontinuity with its later forms or offshoots.

Benefits

• International Recognition: Two major annual international awards are granted to distinguished scholars of the classical language to honor their contributions.
• Academic Support: A Centre of Excellence for Studies in the classical language is established to promote research and advanced studies.
• University Integration: The University Grants Commission is requested to create Chairs for the classical language in Central Universities, fostering academic growth and preservation.

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8. PM-WANI (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Policies)

Context: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has proposed reducing broadband connection rates for telcos and Internet service providers (ISPs) from public data offices (PDOs) under the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM Wani) program.

PM-WANI

• About: PM WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) is a scheme meant to increase Wi-fi access throughout the country. 
• Launched in: 2020.
• Launched by: Department of telecommunication.
• Aim: To democratise content distribution and broadband access at affordable rates through public Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Components:

o Public Data Office (PDO): It will establish, maintain, and operate only WANI compliant Wi-Fi Access Points and deliver broadband services to subscribers.

o Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): It will be an aggregator of PDOs and perform the functions relating to Authorization and Accounting.

o App Provider: It will develop an App to register users and discover WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby area and display the same within the App for accessing the internet service.

o Central Registry: It will maintain the details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs. To begin with, the Central Registry will be maintained by C-DoT.

Status of public Wi-Fi hotspots under PM-WANI

• National Digital Communications Policy 2018: Aimed to deploy 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022 under the ‘Connect India’ mission to build a robust digital communication infrastructure.
• Bharat 6G Vision: Set a target of 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022 and 50 million by 2030 to support the Digital India 2030 mobile and broadband policy objectives.

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9. GIR NATIONAL PARK & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: To protect wildlife and ensure human safety on roads through Gir National Park, the Gujarat forest department has installed high-tech speed monitoring systems and thermal cameras along a 1-km stretch of State Highway 26.

Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (GNPWLS)

• About: The Gir Forests represent the largest compact area of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India.
• Home to the Asiatic Lion: It is the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), an endangered species.
• Conservation: The sanctuary is internationally recognized for its efforts in saving the Asiatic lion from extinction.
• Declared Sanctuary: Gir Forests was officially declared a sanctuary in 1965.
• National Park Status: Out of the 1153.42 sq. km area of the sanctuary, 258.71 sq. km was designated as a National Park.
• Rich Biodiversity: The forests support a wide range of mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, and a rich variety of flora.
• Unique Habitat: Gir is the only place where Asiatic lions exist in their natural habitat today.
• Symbiotic Relationship: The Maldharis, a religious pastoral community, have a traditional, symbiotic relationship with the lions and live in settlements called "nesses.“
• Other National Parks in Gujarat: Black Buck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park.

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10. BHISHM CUBES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2/3 – Health/Sci & Tech)

Context: India has pledged to donate four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to Ukraine to boost emergency medical care amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

BHISHM Cubes

• About: It standing for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri, is designed to enhance medical readiness and disaster response capabilities across India.
• Developed by: Agra-based Air Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).
• Announced by: Prime Minister of India at the Global South Summit.
• Features:

o Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube: The project features mobile hospitals, known as BHISHM Cubes, which are fully equipped to treat up to 200 casualties during emergencies.

o Advanced Medical Capabilities: These mobile units include operation theaters, mini-ICUs, ventilators, and diagnostic equipment, making them capable of handling a wide range of injuries, from fractures to severe bleeding.

o Rapid Deployment: It can be deployed within 12 minutes, ensuring a swift response during the critical "golden hour" following a disaster.

o Transportability and Flexibility: The units consist of 72 easily transportable components, which can be moved by hand, cycle, or drone.

o Cutting-edge Technology Integration: The project incorporates advanced medical equipment, AI, and data analytics to optimize medical service efficiency and coordination during emergencies.

o Versatility in Emergency Response: BHISHM Cubes are robust and versatile, suitable for airdrops and ground transportation, making them adaptable to different emergency scenarios.

o Software-Driven Efficiency: The state-of-the-art BHISHM software system is used for inventory management, ensuring that medical supplies are efficiently utilized and ready for redeployment.

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