1. KAMBALA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Recently, Bengaluru made history by hosting its first Kambala race over the past weekend, featuring 159 pairs of buffaloes and their skilled jockeys speeding through specially designed slush tracks in the city's Palace Grounds.

Kambala

• About: It is a folk sport practiced in coastal Karnataka districts, especially in regions where Tulu speakers form a majority. 
• In the past, races were hosted by various families and groups in sludgy fields in the days after paddy was harvested.
• Cultural Significance: Kambala is a matter of prestige for many families, especially from the Bunt community in the coastal areas. 
• Pairs of buffaloes are groomed by them round the year in the hope of winning a Kambala event.

4 Categories in Kambala

• Negilu (plough), where light ploughs are used to tie buffaloes for the race. The event is for entry-level animals.
• Hagga (rope), where buffaloes are raced by jockeys with just a rope tying the pair together.
• Adda Halage, in which jockeys stand over a horizontal plank dragged by buffaloes.
• Kane Halage, where a wooden plank is tied to buffaloes.

Kambala outlawed by the Supreme Court

• Several organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), had filed a petition against all traditional sporting events, complaining about animal abuse.
• The complaint against Kambala was that the buffaloes’ noses are tied with a rope and the animals are whipped continuously during the race, which amounts to cruelty. 
• The SC, which heard these petitions, ruled to ban Jallikattu, Kambala and bullock cart racing in 2014.

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2. LIGHTNING DISASTER Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management)

Context: Recently, Gujarat experienced unseasonal rains and hailstorms, resulting in the tragic deaths of twenty-seven people due to lightning strikes.

Lightning  Disaster

• About: Lightning is a powerful and visible electrical phenomenon that takes place when there is a buildup of electrical charges within clouds and between clouds and the ground.
• Effects of Lightning Discharge: The discharge of this electrical energy results in a brilliant flash of light and a rapid expansion of air, creating the characteristic thunder that accompanies lightning.
• Risks of Cloud-to-Ground Lightning: It is dangerous because it can electrocute people due to its high electric voltage and current.
• India's Early Warning System: India ranks among the five countries worldwide with an early warning system for lightning.
• According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2021 data, lightning accounted for 2,880 deaths, comprising 40% of all accidental deaths caused by "forces of nature."
• Regional Frequency of Lightning: Lightning frequency is highest in northeastern states and West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar.
• Bihar's Vulnerability to Lightning: Bihar is one of the most vulnerable states to lightning strikes, with a significant number of deaths reported annually.
• Lightning as a Natural Disaster: The Union government opposes declaring lightning a natural disaster. 
• The government believes that education and awareness can help prevent lightning-related deaths effectively.

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3. MISSION SAKSHAM & PASHAN 2.0 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development is organizing a national event to launch the Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang Children, an important commitment under the Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi program of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.

• As per the National Education Policy 2020, integration of Divyang students into mainstream schools should be prioritized, rather than establishing segregated educational institutions.

Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.

• Fund: Centrally-sponsored program, executed in collaboration with State Governments/ UT administrations. 
• Vision: To combat the pervasive issue of malnutrition affecting children under the age of 6, adolescent girls aged 14-18, and pregnant or lactating women. 
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Pivotal to the program's design is its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
• It particularly targets SDG 2, focusing on Zero Hunger, and SDG 4, emphasizing Quality Education. By addressing malnutrition, Poshan 2.0 contributes directly to the forefront of achieving these global development goals.
• Focus on Nutrition: Poshan 2.0 places a special emphasis on the foundational significance of nutrition and early childhood care and education. By prioritizing these aspects, the mission aims to ensure the well-being, growth, and comprehensive development of children, fostering their transition into healthy and productive adults.
• Inclusivity and Eligibility: The scheme welcomes all eligible beneficiaries, with the sole precondition being registration at the nearest Anganwadi center with Aadhaar identification.
• This approach ensures accessibility and inclusivity in providing the necessary support to those in need.
• Target Beneficiaries: Adolescent girls aged 14-18 years, with identification and selection of beneficiaries carried out by the concerned states. 

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4. INDO-GANGETIC PLAIN (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Recently, agricultural scientists have suggested that the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of north India could alleviate its annual smog issue by adopting eco-friendly farming practices observed in south India's Cauvery basin, including mulching and nitrogen-fixing.

• One of the major causes of smog formation over the IGP is burning of paddy stubble.

Indo-Gangetic Plain

• About: The Indo-Gangetic Plain, also referred to as the North Indian River Plain, is a vast and fertile expanse covering approximately 700 thousand km2 (172 million acres). 
• Geographic Extent: Encompassing major portions of modern-day northern and eastern India, eastern Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the southern plains of Nepal, the Indo-Gangetic Plain holds geographical significance. The region is alternatively known as the Indus–Ganga Plain.
• Rivers and Urban Areas: Named after the prominent Indus and Ganges rivers, the plain is characterized by the presence of these significant water bodies. 
• Moreover, the Indo-Gangetic Plain is dotted with large urban areas, including several notable cities.
• Boundaries: The northern boundary of the plain by Himalayas, the southern edge of the Indo-Gangetic Plain is defined by the Deccan Plateau.

Cauvery

• About: It is the largest river in the Karnatka state.
• Known as:  Dakshina Ganga (the Ganges of the South) and considered one of the sacred rivers of India.
• Origin: Bramahagiri Hills near Madikeri in Coorg.
• Tributaries: Harangi, Hemavathi, Lakshmanatirtha, Kabini, Shimsha, Arkavati, Suvarnavathi or Honnuholé,  Bhavani, Lokapavani, Noyyal.

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5. SHETTIHALLI SANCTUARY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the state government to expeditiously address the issues causing delays in notifying the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) status for the Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary in Shivamogga, setting a six-month deadline for resolution.

Eco-Sensitive Zones

• About: The Indian Government designates Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
• Area under ESZ: It could go up to 10 Km around Protected Areas.
• Prohibited Activities: Mining, sawmills, the establishment of major hydroelectric projects, commercial use of wood, Tourism

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Shimoga District of Karnataka.
• Coverage Area: 395.6 square kilometres.
• Declared a wildlife sanctuary: On 23rd November 1974.
• Vegetation: Predominantly covered by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
• Eastern and central parts are mostly covered by dry and moist deciduous forests, while the western parts have semi-evergreen forests.
• Flora: Major tree species include silver oak, teak, Indian Thorny Bamboo, Calcutta bamboo, Asan, Tectona Grandis, Sweet Indrajao, Amla, etc.
• Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Gaur, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Pig, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, etc.
• Birds include Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bulbuls, Parakeets, Doves, Pigeons, Babblers, Flycatchers, Munias, Swallows, Woodpeckers, Peafowl, Jungle fowl, and Partridges.

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6. ABHA ID (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: Recently, the National Medical Commission (NMC) mandated medical colleges to adopt the ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID registration system to facilitate the acquisition of accurate clinical material and ensure effective training for MBBS, MD, and MS students.

Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID

• About: ABHA is a randomly generated 14-digit number designed to uniquely identify individuals, authenticate them, and interconnect their health records across various systems and stakeholders.
• Launched: In 2021, by NHA (National Health Authority), a division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, introduced as part of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
• Opt-In for Digital Security: Individuals have the option to voluntarily create a secure ABHA, allowing them to access and share their health data with participating healthcare providers and payers.
• Centralized Health Record Management: ABHA assists citizens in consolidating their health records in one secure location, promoting efficient record management.
• Digital Accessibility for Stakeholders: Users, insurance companies, and hospitals can digitally access health records, fostering streamlined communication and collaboration in the healthcare ecosystem.
• Health Information Access: ABHA facilitates easy digital access to lab reports, prescriptions, consultation details, and diagnoses from verified doctors by presenting the Health ID.
• Nationwide Digital Connectivity: It digitally connects hospitals across the country, promoting seamless information exchange and collaboration in the healthcare sector.
• Voluntary Nature and Opt-Out Option: Having an ABHA health ID card is not mandatory, providing individuals the choice to register for the facility or erase their information from the ABHA database if they wish to opt out.

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7. ACCESS TO JUSTICE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Chief Justice of India emphasized that access to justice is a right that cannot be secured by delivering pro-people verdicts alone and must be complemented by meaningful administrative steps.

Access to Justice

• About: Access to justice is a basic right that guarantees protection of law to all. It is integral to rule of law.
• Evolution: In the past, access to justice primarily denoted an individual's formal right to engage in legal proceedings, either as a litigant or a defendant.
• Natural Rights and State Action: The traditional view held that access to justice, being a natural right, did not necessitate active involvement or intervention by the state.
• Dual Purposes of the Legal System: The term "access to justice" directs attention to the fundamental goals of the legal system.
• It serves as a mechanism for individuals to assert their rights and resolve disputes, operating under the overarching authority of the state.
• Formal Access to Justice: Involves the adjudication of disputes through court proceedings, adhering to established civil and criminal procedures.
• Informal Access to Justice: Encompasses alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration, conciliation, mediation, Lok Adalats, and Nyaya Panchayats.

Constitutional Provisions

• Preamble: The Preamble ensures social, economic, and political justice as well as equality of status and opportunity for every citizen of India.
• Article 14: Within the territory of India, the state is prohibited from denying any person equality before the law and equal protection of the law.
• Article 21: Guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty.
• Article 39A: the State to ensure that the legal system promotes justice based on equal opportunity.

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8. DARK PATTERN (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: Recently, the government has taken decisive steps to address the growing issue of e-commerce companies misleading consumers into making unintended decisions by specifying penalties and tightening regulations on unfair trade practices in the digital business sector.

• The government chose to delineate the penalties because the existing consumer protection law does not explicitly identify 'dark patterns' as an unfair practice, despite its extensive coverage of all deceptive practices and misrepresentations within a broad scope.

Dark Pattern

• About: Dark patterns, also known as deceptive patterns, refer to the tactics employed by websites or apps to lead users into unintended actions or discourage behaviors that are unfavourable for the companies.
• Coined by: Harry Brignull, a user experience (UX) designer in 2010, this term encapsulates the strategies used by platforms to manipulate user behavior.
• Examples: Intrusive ads that are difficult to dismiss, often due to tiny, hard-to-find "X" buttons, leading users to accidentally click on the ad instead.

Use of Dark Patterns

• Social media companies and Big Tech firms such as Apple, Amazon, Skype, Facebook, LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Google use dark or deceptive patterns to downgrade the user experience to their advantage.
• In social media, LinkedIn users often receive unsolicited, sponsored messages from influencers.
• Dark pattern in India: Section 2(9)(v) of Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides for consumer’s right to seek redressal against unfair trade practice or restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.

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9. PMKVY 4.0 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Schemes)

Context: The government is readying to launch a National Skill Development Plan, said people familiar with the development.

Key Points

• Aim: It will help map human resource requirements in each district of the country which will form the basis for setting up skilling targets.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
• Under the Program: under the fourth-phase of the flagship skilling scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0).
• Focus Area: Labour market and skill gap analysis, mapping demand for skilled workforce in the formal sector and employment generation capacity in each district.

PMKVY 4.0

• Focus: Local opportunities in the farm and non-farm sectors, as well as skilling requirements of the local industry within each district.
• It will also seek to address the requirements of industry from emerging sectors such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and mechatronics.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

• About: PMKVY is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Implemented by: National Skill Development Corporation.
• Objective: To enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood.

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10. RAT HOLE MINING (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, six highly skilled 'rat-hole' miners from UP's Jhansi have teamed up with the Army on the mission to rescue 41 trapped workers from the depths of Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel.

Rat Hole Mining

• About: Rat Hole Mining entails the excavation of extremely narrow tunnels, typically ranging from 3 to 4 feet in depth, where laborers—often children—enter to extract coal. 
• Meghalaya is primarily involved in rat hole mining due to the challenging topography and the specific characteristics of coal found in this area.

Types of Rat Hole Mining:

• Side-cutting: Narrow tunnels are dug in the hill slopes, and workers go inside the holes to find the coal seam.
• Box-cutting: Rectangular openings are made, which can vary upto 10 to 100 sq m.
• Ban: In 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ban on it, citing concerns about its lack of scientific validity and its potential danger to workers. 
• The state government of Meghalaya has contested this NGT ban in the Supreme Court.

Impact of Rat Hole Mining

• Environmental Impact in Meghalaya: Rat-hole mining practices in Meghalaya, particularly in the Jaintia Hills district, have resulted in the acidity of numerous rivers, adversely affecting water sources.
• Degraded Water Quality: The aftermath of rat-hole mining includes degraded water quality characterized by elevated levels of sulfates, iron, and toxic heavy metals, coupled with low dissolved oxygen (DO) and high biological oxygen demand (BOD).
• Coal Piling and Pollution: Areas surrounding the mines are employed for coal stockpiling, emerging as a significant contributor to air, water, and soil pollution in the region.

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