1. INDIA-FRANCE TIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India and France recently firmed up a road map for a defence-industrial partnership that would provide for the co-development and co-production of key military and civilian hardware.

India France Relations

• India’s Nuclear Test: France was one of the first countries to support India’s nuclear tests in 1998, and the two countries signed a strategic partnership in the same year.
• Defence Supplier: France has become India's second-largest defence supplier in the past five years, cementing its position as a key defence partner for the country.

oExercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), Exercise Garuda (Air Force).

• Collaboration across sectors, such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology.

oBilateral trade was USD 13.4 billion in 2022-23, France is one of the top 11 foreign investors in India.

• Civil Nuclear Agreement: France was the first country after the USA to sign a civil nuclear agreement with India in 2008.

oFrance has been a strong supporter of India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council and the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

• Stable Indo-Pacific: Both adopted the Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region in 2018.

oBoth will work on setting up the Indo-Pacific Triangular Cooperation (IPTDC) Fund aimed at supporting climate and SDG focused innovations and Start-ups from third countries of the Indo-Pacific.

France

• About: It is a country located primarily in Western Europe.
• Borders with:  Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, 

oGermany to the north east, 

oSwitzerland to the east, 

oItaly and Monaco to the south east, 

oAndorra and Spain to the south, 

oand a maritime border with the United Kingdom to the north west.

• Extend from: Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea.
• It is the third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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2. GOLDEN TIGER Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Assam Chief Minister recently posted a picture of the rare golden tiger spotted in Kaziranga National Park on the occasion of National Tourism Day.

Golden Tiger

• About: It is essentially a Bengal tiger displaying a distinctive coloration due to a recessive gene. This unique variant, like white and black tigers, is a color form rather than a distinct subspecies.
• Distinctive Coloration: The hallmark of a golden tiger is its remarkable blonde or pale-golden fur accompanied by red-brown stripes, in contrast to the typical black stripes found in other tiger variants.
• Recessive Trait: The golden tiger's unique coloring is a result of the "wideband" recessive trait, affecting the expression of black pigment. This trait plays a pivotal role in determining the tiger's overall appearance and distinguishes it from its orange-with-black-stripe counterparts.
• Not a Separate Subspecies: It is crucial to note that, akin to white and black tigers, the golden tiger is not a separate subspecies but rather a captivating manifestation of genetic diversity within the Bengal tiger population.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve

• Location: Located at Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam.
• Flora: Tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests. 
• Fauna: One-horned rhinos; Elephant; Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo. 
• River: Located on the edge of Brahmaputra River and Diphlu River flows through the National Park.

Conservation status:

• National Park in 1974.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
• Tiger Reserve in 2007.
• Recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

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3. AYODHYA BYPASS PROJECT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure)

Context: PM GatiShakti spurs project planning and implementation of Ayodhya Bypass Project.

Ayodhya Bypass Project 

• About: It is a significant Greenfield initiative covering a total length of 67.57 kms. 
• Consist of: 4/6 Lane Northern Ayodhya Bypass (35.40 kms) and a 4/6 Lane Southern Ayodhya Bypass (32.172 kms). 
• Aim: To enhance connectivity across key districts like Lucknow, Basti, and Gonda.
• Economic Impact: Ayodhya, strategically located between Lucknow and Gorakhpur, serves as a crucial passage for commodities such as leather, engineering goods, and building materials. 
• Freight Movement: It will facilitate seamless transportation, reduce travel time to critical national highways, and benefit around eight influence areas surrounding Ayodhya.
• Integration with National Highways: This Project aligns with national highways like NH-27 (Lucknow–Ayodhya-Gorakhpur), NH-330A (Raebareli-Ayodhya), NH-330 (Sultanpur-Ayodhya-Gonda), and NH-135A (Akbarpur-Ayodhya), contributing to enhanced connectivity and reduced travel time.
• Synergies with Proposed Projects: Prayagraj–Raibareili Project, Gorakhpur-Siliguri Corridor, and Gorakhpur-Bareilly Corridor, fostering regional development and connectivity.
• Significance: Ayodhya's regional infrastructure plays a vital role in the overall development and connectivity of the surrounding areas. The Ayodhya Bypass Project is a crucial component contributing to the region's growth and prosperity.

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4. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a survey indicating the existence of a large Hindu temple before the construction of the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• About: It is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture.
• Founded in: 1861.
• Father of Indian Archaeology: Alexander Cunningham.
• Function: The organization is responsible for the management and preservation of over 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and national heritage.
• Heritage Preservation: Engaging in a range of activities, the organization conducts surveys of antiquarian remains, explores archaeological sites, and undertakes excavation projects. 

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5. RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: Recently, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Minister Parshottam Rupala interacted with beneficiaries of Rashtriya Gokul Mission and Fisheries Department.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

• Launched: In 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development (NPBBD).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying
• Aim: To conserve and develop indigenous breeds in a focused and scientific manner.
• Two Major Components: Research and development of high-quality semen to increase the chances of female calf births.
• The setting up of semen stations to ensure easy access to high-quality semen for livestock rearers across the country.
• Objective of Mission

oDevelopment and preservation of native breeds.

oImplement a program for the enhancement of indigenous cattle breeds to elevate their genetic characteristics and boost their population.

oAugment milk output and efficiency.

oElevate common cattle by introducing superior indigenous breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, Tharparkar, and Red Sindhi.

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6. GALLANTARY AWARDS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: President of India has approved gallantry awards to 80 military personnel, including 12 posthumous, on the eve of 75th Republic Day.

Gallantry Awards

• About: Gallantry Awards are a recognition of acts of courage and self-sacrifice performed by members of the Armed Forces, legally constituted forces, and civilians.
• Ministry: Ministry of Defence.
• Announced: Twice in a year.
• Categories of Awards: Wartime Gallantry Awards and Peacetime Gallantry Awards.

oWartime Gallantry Awards: Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Mahavir Chakra (MVC), and Vir Chakra

oPeacetime Gallantry Awards: Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra

• Other Recognitions: Sena Medal, Nao Sena Medal, and Vayu Sena Medal. 
• Order of precedence: Param Vir Chakra, the Ashoka Chakra, the Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, the Vir Chakra and the Shaurya Chakra.
• Major facts:

oAll the gallantry awards may be awarded posthumously.

oPersons recommended for the award shall not be involved in any adverse report or should not have been conveyed any displeasure or censure or given any punishment in a court martial proceedings or through administrative action.

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7. MOUNTAIN GOATS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Warmer temperatures caused by climate change are changing the lifestyles of mountain goats in the European Alps, according to research.

Alpine ibex

• About: It is a distinctive species of goat thriving in the mountainous regions of the European Alps.
• Scientific name: Capra ibex
• Taxonomy: Belonging to the genus Capra, the Alpine ibex is one among the ten recognized species. Its closest living relative is identified as the Iberian ibex.
• Size and Horns: This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males being larger in size and sporting longer horns compared to their female counterparts.
• Characteristics: The Alpine ibex is characterized by a coat with a brownish-grey coloration, contributing to its adaptability in the alpine environment.
• Habitat: Predominantly inhabit steep and rough terrains, as well as open alpine meadows.
• Altitudinal Range: These goats are known to dwell at impressive elevations, reaching up to 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level, showcasing their remarkable adaptability to high-altitude living.
• Adaptive Hooves: Equipped with sharp hooves, the Alpine ibex adeptly navigates its mountainous habitat, showcasing remarkable agility and climbing capabilities.

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8. PADMA AWARDS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: The Centre recently announced Padma Shri awards on the occasion of the Republic Day eve.

oIndia's first woman elephant mahout Parbati Baruah famously known as ‘Hasti Kanya’, and tribal environmentalist Chami Murmu, are among the 34 people who have been awarded the Padma Shri.

Padma Shri Awards

• About: It is the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India after the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and the Padma Bhushan.
• Recognition: contributions in various spheres of activity including the arts, education, industry, and social service, among others.
• Eligibility: All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex.
• Not Eligible: Government servants including those working with PSUs.

Padma Awards

• About: These Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• Categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
• Who decide: All nominations received for Padma Awards are placed before the Padma Awards Committee.

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9. CITIZENSHIP IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: New Aadhaar cards and PDF versions of the identity document have started including a more explicit disclaimer that they are “a proof of identity, not of citizenship or date of birth”, signalling to government departments and other organisations not to use it for those purposes.

Citizenship in India

• Union List: Citizenship is listed in the Union List under the Constitution and thus is under the exclusive jurisdiction of Parliament.
• Constitutional articles: The Constitution of India in Article 5 to 11, only talks about who was a citizen till 26 January 1950.
• No definition of Citizen: The Constitution does not define the term ‘citizen’ but details of various categories of persons who are entitled to citizenship are given in Part 2 (Articles 5 to 11).
• Acquisition And Determination Of Indian Citizenship: There are methods of Acquiring Citizenship of India prescribed in the Citizenship Act, 1955, for becoming a citizen of India. They are:

oBy Birth

oBy Acquisition or Incorporation of Territory

oBy Descent

oBy Registration

oBy Naturalisation

• Loss of Citizenship: By Renunciation, By Termination, and By Deprivation

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10. BLACK TIGER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: There have been mixed reactions from wildlife experts and activists after the Odisha government decided to set up a black tiger safari, the first of its kind in the world, near the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).

Black Tiger

• About: A black tiger is a rare colour variant of the tiger, and is not a distinct species or geographic subspecies.
• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Population in India: Similipal reported 16 tigers, with 10 being melanistic.
• Reason of black colour: So-called black tigers are due to pseudo-melanism. Pseudo-melanistic tigers have thick stripes so close together that the tawny background is barely visible between stripes.
• Presence: Melanistic tigers have been recorded only in the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha. As per the 2022 cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation, 16 individuals were recorded at Similipal Tiger Reserve, out of which 10 were melanistic.

Similipal Tiger Reserve

• About: Similipal is a tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha covering 2,750 km2 (1,060 sq mi).
• Located: In the Mayurbhanj District of Odisha’s northernmost region.
• Declared as: Tiger Reserve in the year 1956 under Project Tiger in May 1973.
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: Declared in 1994 by the government of India\.

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