1. BITCOIN HALVING (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: As athletes train for the 2024 Games in Paris this summer, crypto traders and Bitcoin miners are preparing for what is known as the ‘Bitcoin Halving ’ predicted to happen in April.

Bitcoin Halving

• Bitcoin: It is the first decentralized cryptocurrency. 
• Bitcoin halving: It entails a 50% reduction in the reward granted to Bitcoin miners for processing cryptocurrency transactions and appending them to the blockchain.
• Proof of Work: Bitcoin miners employ advanced computer equipment to solve intricate mathematical puzzles via the Proof of Work mechanism, essential for expanding Bitcoin's blockchain and sustaining its ecosystem.
• Environmental Impact: Bitcoin mining, despite not involving physical excavation, contributes to significant carbon footprints and energy consumption due to the intensive computational processes required for transaction validation.
• Mining Competition: Bitcoin miners, equipped with sophisticated technology and operating on an industrial scale, engage in fierce competition to be the first to solve the mathematical puzzle and claim the current reward of 6.25 Bitcoin (BTC).
• Reward Fluctuations: Although the Bitcoin reward remains fixed, its actual value fluctuates according to market BTC prices and the timing of the reward owner's decision to sell, highlighting the dynamic nature of cryptocurrency economics.

Importance of the Bitcoin Halving for Crypto Investors

• Scarcity: Bitcoin mining increases the supply of BTC in circulation while the Bitcoin Halving reduces the rate at which these coins are released, making the asset more scarce.
• Limited Supply: There can only ever be 21 million BTC in the world, with over 19 million already mined.
• Global Mining Dynamics: Corporate and independent Bitcoin miners are globally distributed, seeking cheap electricity prices in countries like Kazakhstan and Iran.

oChina, previously a dominant force in Bitcoin mining, witnessed a shift due to government crackdowns, leading to a migration of miners to other countries.

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2. METASTASIS Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, doctors at Tata Memorial Centre unveiled a breakthrough mechanism for cancer metastasis and pioneered a nutraceutical therapy to mitigate its risk.

Metastasis:

• Definition: Metastasis denotes the spread of cancer to a different part of the body from where it originated, indicating the cancer has "metastasized."
• Development of Metastases: It occur when cancer cells detach from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form new tumors elsewhere in the body.
• Factors: The likelihood of cancer spreading depends on the cancer type, growth rate, and other behavioral factors identified by the doctor.
• Sites Where Cancer Spreads: Cancer can metastasize to nearly any part of the body, with certain cancers exhibiting preferences for specific organs or tissues.

oExamples include breast cancer spreading to bones, liver, lungs, chest wall, and brain.

• Variety of Targets: Lung cancer may spread to the brain, bones, liver, and adrenal glands, while prostate cancer commonly metastasizes to bones.

Understanding Metastatic Cancer

• Consistency of Cancer Type: Metastatic cancer retains the same name as the primary cancer, such as metastatic breast cancer originating from breast cancer cells.
• Diagnosis: Metastases may be identified during initial cancer diagnosis or later during follow-up checks for signs of recurrence and metastasis.
• Symptoms: It depending on the affected area, ranging from pain and fractures in bone metastasis to headaches and seizures in brain metastasis.
• Tailored Treatment: Treatment for metastasis considers factors like the original cancer type, extent of spread, patient's health, and treatment preferences.

oTreatment modalities may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.

• Management of Metastatic Cancer:

oWhile some cases of metastatic cancer can be cured, for most, treatment aims to slow disease progression and alleviate symptoms.

oThe effectiveness of treatment varies based on cancer type, extent of spread, and response to therapy.

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3. SWACHH BHARAT MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Policies/Schemes)

Context: India's first septic tank cleaning robot, offering an end-to-end solution to eliminate manual scavenging, is strengthening the Swachhata Abhiyan in different corners of the country.

Swachh Bharat Mission

• About: BM commenced in 2014 as a nationwide initiative by the Government of India, succeeding the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan of 2009.
• Objective: Its primary goal is to eradicate open defecation and enhance solid waste management practices across the country.
• Phases of Implementation: Phase 1 of SBM operated until October 2019, with a focus on constructing toilets and achieving an "open-defecation free" (ODF) India by Gandhi Jayanti, 2019.
• Objectives: Instigating awareness and behavioral shifts regarding sanitation practices.

oStrengthening local-level capacities for effective implementation.

• Phase 2: Spanning 2020–21 to 2024–25, concentrates on sustaining ODF status and improving waste management.
• Focus of Phase 2: Sustaining ODF status, Enhancing solid and liquid waste management, and Improving the welfare of sanitation workers.
• Government Subsidies and Financing: The Government provides financial subsidies for toilet construction, waste management infrastructure, and behavior change campaigns.

oBoth the central and state governments contribute to financing the SBM.

• Mission Structure:

oRural sanitation (SBM-Gramin) falls under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

oUrban sanitation (SBM-Urban) is overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

India's first Septic Tank

• About: India has introduced its first septic tank/manhole cleaning robot, which promises to revolutionize sanitation practices in the country.
• Innovative Solution: The robot offers an innovative end-to-end solution to eliminate manual scavenging.
• Importance of Swachh Bharat Campaign: This initiative aligns with the Swachh Bharat Campaign, aiming to enhance sanitation and hygiene across India.
• Mechanism: The robot utilizes advanced technology to clean septic tanks and manholes efficiently and safely.

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4. MENA REGION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: Researchers from the European Geosciences Union recently conducted a study projecting future water storage changes across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa in response to global warming and a climate intervention method aimed at mimicking planet cooling effects.

Highlight of the Report

• Water Stress in MENA Region: MENA is currently among the most water-stressed regions worldwide, with 12 out of the 17 most water-stressed countries situated here.
• Impact on Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS): TWS encompasses all water on land surfaces and subsurfaces and is projected to decrease in wetter areas around the Caspian and Mediterranean seas but increase across most of the MENA region.
• Mediterranean Vulnerability: Despite better water storage, the Mediterranean region is expected to suffer reduced water availability due to decreased rainfall and increased irrigation demand under future climate scenarios.
• Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention (SAI): The study examined the impact of SAI on mitigating global warming effects in the region, which aims to mimic the cooling effects of volcanic eruptions by injecting sulphur dioxide into the stratosphere.
• Regional Trends: Global warming generally decreases TWS extremes, with some exceptions. SAI implementation partly mitigates reductions in extreme TWS in certain regions like Iran and Iraq.

Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

• About: MENA stands for the Middle East and North Africa region, encompassing approximately 19 to 27 countries.
• Population Dynamics: The World Bank identifies 21 countries in MENA, representing about 6% of the world's population, according to 2020 data.
• Resource Reserves: OPEC data reveals that the MENA region holds over 50% of the world's oil reserves and 40% of its natural gas reserves.
• Global Economic Significance: MENA's significant production of petroleum and natural gas positions it as a crucial contributor to the global economy and energy supply.
• Countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, and Yemen.

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5. RTE ACT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: Maharashtra Recently became the latest state to dilute private schools' obligations under The Right Of Children To Free And Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act).

The Rule

• About: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has introduced an amendment stating that private unaided schools within a 1km radius of government or aided schools will not be obligated to allocate 25 percent of their admissions to disadvantaged groups and weaker sections.
• Priority Admission to Government or Aided Schools: Instead, students residing in these neighborhoods will be given priority for admission to nearby government or aided schools, effectively bypassing the quota system in private schools.
• Extension to Future Private Schools: This exemption will also extend to private schools established in the future, as long as they fall within a one-kilometer radius of a government or aided school, aligning with the intent to prioritize government or aided school admissions for local students.
• Maharashtra's Alignment with Karnataka and Kerala: With this amendment, Maharashtra joins Karnataka and Kerala in granting exemptions to private schools from the RTE (Right to Education) admissions provision, reflecting a trend among certain states in India.
• Reference to Karnataka and Kerala Rules: Karnataka first implemented a similar rule in December 2018, referencing the Kerala rules established in 2011, which allow fee concessions for RTE quota students only if there are no government or aided schools within a one-kilometer radius for students entering Class 1.

Rationale Behind the Rule

• Drop in Enrolment in Government Schools: Karnataka's law minister highlighted the decline in government school enrolment due to parents preferring private schools even when government schools are available nearby.
• Failure to Reimburse RTE Quota Fees: States have reportedly failed to reimburse private schools for students admitted through the RTE quota, as mandated by Section 12(2) of the RTE Act.
• Divergent Responses to the Moves: Private unaided schools, like the Independent English Schools' Association in Maharashtra, support the new rules, anticipating a reduction in RTE admissions and an increase in government school enrollments.

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6. GARBHINI-GA2 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Researchers have developed an India-specific artificial intelligence model (Garbhini-GA2) to precisely determine the gestational age of a foetus in the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

Garbhini-GA2

• About: It is a vital component of an interdisciplinary initiative known as the DBT India initiative (GARBH-Ini) programme, focused on advanced research concerning birth outcomes.
• Collaborative Development: The model was crafted collaboratively by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad.
• Addressing Population Specifics: Garbhini-GA2 is the inaugural late-trimester GA estimation model tailored and validated using data from the Indian population, aiming to rectify potential inaccuracies stemming from the use of Western population models during the later stages of pregnancy.
• Enhanced Accuracy: The Garbhini-GA2 model significantly enhances accuracy, reducing estimation error by nearly threefold in determining the foetus' age.
• Improved Maternal and Infant Care: The utilization of Indian population data facilitates the provision of appropriate care for pregnant women and aids in determining precise delivery dates, consequently mitigating maternal and infant mortality rates.
• Flagship Programme Validation: Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, emphasizes the nationwide validation process of GARB-Ini, the department's flagship programme, underscoring its importance.
• Contributors and Investigators: The project involved contributions from various investigators, including Himanshu Sinha, an associate professor at the Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, and Shinjini Bhatnagar, the principal investigator of the programme and a distinguished professor at THSTI.

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7. PARLIAMENTARY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation presided over a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs at Daman.

Parliamentary Consultative Committee

• About: These committees are constituted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

oThey are typically formed after the new Lok Sabha is constituted.

oUpon the dissolution of each Lok Sabha, these committees stand dissolved and are reconstituted with the new Lok Sabha.

• Composition: Guidelines on composition, functions, and procedures are formulated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
• The Ministry organizes meetings during both parliamentary sessions and intersession periods.
• Members are drawn from: Both Houses of Parliament.
• Membership: It is voluntary, at the discretion of members and party leaders.
• Committee size: From a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 30 members.
• Functions

oThese committees are affiliated with various ministries/departments of the Central Government.

oThe Minister/Minister of State of the relevant ministry chairs the consultative committee.

oThey provide a platform for informal discussions between ministers and Parliament members on government policies and programs.

oConsultative Committees are distinct from Parliamentary Committees, which have specific characteristics and functions:

• Appointed or elected by the House, nominated by the Speaker/Chairman, Operates under the direction of the Speaker/Chairman, Presents reports to the House or the Speaker/Chairman, Secretariat provided by the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha.

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8. G-33 COUNTRIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Ahead of the 13th ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), a majority of the G-33 countries have called for a permanent solution to public stockholding for food security.

G-33 Countries

• About: The G33, also known as the Friends of Special Products in agriculture, constitutes a coalition primarily comprising developing and least developed countries.
• Membership: Despite its name, the G33 boasts 47 member nations, showcasing a diverse representation. Key countries include India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Turkey, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Korea.
• Establishment and Purpose: Formed before the 2003 Cancun ministerial conference, the G33 emerged to coordinate efforts during the Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations, with a primary focus on agricultural matters.
• Defensive Posture and Dominance: India's dominance within the group underscores its "defensive" stance concerning agriculture in WTO negotiations. The G33 aims to curtail the level of market opening demanded of developing nations.
• Advocacy for Special Measures: The G33 advocates for the implementation of a "special products" exemption, enabling developing countries to exclude specific products from tariff reductions. Moreover, it pushes for a "special safeguard mechanism," allowing tariff hikes in response to sudden import surges.

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9. SHAHPUR KANDI BARRAGE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: The completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage has effectively ceased the flow of water from the Ravi river into Pakistan, according to a report.

Shahpur Kandi Barrage

• Foundation: The Shahpur Kandi Barrage Project was initiated with the laying of its foundation stone by former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1995.
• Location: Situated on the Ravi River, the Shahpur Kandi barrage straddles the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
• Purpose: By redirecting water previously flowing towards Pakistan, the Shahpur Kandi barrage enables India to utilize it for the benefit of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, effectively optimizing water resources.
• Utilization of Water: The newly-built barrage enhances India's capacity to fully exploit the water resources allocated to it, ensuring efficient utilization within the region.

Indus Water Treaty (IWT)

• Signed in: 1960.
• Purpose: A water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, arranged and negotiated by the World Bank.
• Signatories: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan, former Vice President of the World Bank
• Major Provisions of the treaty: 

oThe three western rivers to Pakistan: Indus, Chenab and Jhelum to Pakistan for unrestricted use, barring certain non-consumptive, agricultural and domestic uses by India.

oThe three Eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas and Sutlej were allocated to India for unrestricted usage. 

oThis means that 80% of the share of water went to Pakistan, while leaving the rest 20% of water for use by India.

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10. OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, the failure to comply with a two-decade-old order issued by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) is likely the primary cause of the deaths of a large number of Olive Ridley sea turtles along the Odisha coast each year.

Olive Ridley Turtle

• About: The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
• Habitat Distribution: Temperate waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. 

oThe Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha is renowned as the largest rookery, serving as a breeding colony for sea turtles worldwide.

• Sea Turtles in India: Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green and Olive Ridley.
• Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary: It is recognized as the largest breeding colony (rookery) of sea turtles globally.
• Threats: Habitat Destruction, Effects of Pollution, Change in Climate Condition, Fishing and Poaching.
• Conservation Status

oIUCN Red List: Vulnerable

oWildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1

oCITES: Appendix I

Central Empowered Committee (CEC)

• About: The CEC was established by an Order dated 9th May 2002, issued by the Supreme Court of India in the case of T.N. Godavarman Thirumalpad Vs Union of India and Ors.
• Monitoring Mandate: Its primary function is the monitoring of the implementation of the orders issued by the Hon’ble Court, which includes overseeing cases of non-compliance.
• Scope: The CEC's monitoring extends to various aspects such as encroachment removals, adherence to working plans, compensatory afforestation, plantations, and other conservation matters.

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