1. NIPUN BHARAT MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Education)

Context: Educated mothers of young children can be valuable assets for the NIPUN initiative, contributing to its goal of improving foundational literacy and numeracy. Their involvement can significantly enhance early childhood education outcomes.

NIPUN Bharat Mission

• About: The mission has seen energetic implementation in many states, with a new framework for the foundational stage of education developed and released well before frameworks for other stages.
• Full Form: (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy.
• Launched: July 5, 2021
• Framework for Early Education: This framework includes teacher training oriented towards the new goals, specially designed teaching-learning materials for use by children and teachers in early grade classrooms.
• Importance of In-School Efforts: In addition to these in-school efforts, there are a set of interlinked social and demographic trends which, if leveraged, could provide a boost to the NIPUN efforts.
• Focus: A focus on parents, specifically the mothers of young children (between ages 4 and 8), is essential to see how their contribution can help in strengthening children’s learning journey.

Key Points

• Overall Improvement: According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) surveys, between 2010 and 2022, the number of mothers who have studied beyond Grade 5 increased from 35% to nearly 60%.
• Young Rural Mothers: In 2010, less than 10% of young rural mothers had completed more than 10 years of schooling. By 2022, this number had risen to well over 20%.
• Northern States: In states like Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana, 30-40% of mothers of young children have received schooling beyond Grade 10.
• Higher Educational Achievement

o In Tamil Nadu, the percentage of mothers of young children who studied beyond Grade 10 is close to 43%.

o In Himachal Pradesh, this figure is higher than 54%.

o Kerala tops the list with almost 72% of these mothers receiving high school education.

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2. NATURAL FARMING IN INDIA (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: In Budget proposals for 2024-25, Union Finance Minister of India announced that in the next two years, one crore farmers across the country will be initiated into natural farming supported by certification and branding.

Natural Farming In India

• About: It is a chemical-free, traditional farming method. It is viewed as an agroecology-based diversified farming system that integrates crops, trees, and livestock, promoting functional biodiversity.
• First popularised by: The Japanese scientist and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka. 
• In India: Agriculturalist Subhash Palekar has helped popularised the practice across the country.
• First practice: Karnataka
• Focus: Restoring soil health, maintaining biodiversity, ensuring animal welfare, efficiently using natural and local resources, and promoting ecological fairness
• Four Pillars of Natural Farming: Jivamrita/jeevamrutha, Bijamrita/beejamrutha. Acchadana/mulching and Whapasa/moisture.
• Major States: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are among the leading states.
• Area in India is under Natural Farming: 6.5 lakh ha. Area.
• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): The government aims to encourage farmers to transition to chemical-free farming methods.
• initiative seeks to attract farmers to natural farming practices by highlighting their benefits.
• Objective: To instill a shift in farmers' mindset from relying on chemical-based inputs to using cow-based, locally-produced inputs.

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3. ASIAN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS CENTRE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management)

Context: Recently, India has taken over as the Chair of Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) for 2024-25.

Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre

• Established in: 1986.
• Mission and Focus: ADPC works on cooperation and implementation of disaster risk reduction and building climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific.
• Safer Communities and Sustainable Development: The vision is to achieve safer communities and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction in Asia and the Pacific.
• Founding Members: India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• Governing Bodies: The governing and advisory bodies of ADPC are the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Advisory Council, and Regional Consultative Committee (RCC).
• International Charter: The ADPC Charter was signed by nine founding member countries and became effective in 2018 after ratification by all founding members.
• Autonomous Operation: As of January 2020, ADPC operates as an autonomous international organization governed by the Board of Trustees.
• Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand, with sub-centers in various countries of operations.

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4. RIGHT TO BE FORGOTTEN (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a case that will likely define the "right to be forgotten," akin to the "right to erasure" in European privacy laws. This ruling could shape information privacy regulation in the country.

Right to be Forgotten

• Definition: The right to be forgotten refers to the ability to remove one's digital footprint from Internet searches and other online content when it infringes upon privacy rights.
• CJEU Ruling: In May 2014, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) confirmed the existence of the right to be forgotten, affirming its importance in privacy law.
• Google Spain Case: The right was notably applied in the “Google Spain case,” where Spanish lawyer Mario Costeja González successfully petitioned to remove outdated information related to a property sale from Google's search results.

How is the Right Interpreted in India?

• Lack of Statutory Framework: India does not have a specific statutory framework for the right to be forgotten, but the concept is recognized through broader privacy rights.
• Recognition of Privacy Rights: The 2017 Supreme Court judgment in Justice K S Puttaswamy v Union of India established the right to privacy as a fundamental right, linking it to the right to life, equality, and freedom of expression.
• Historical Context: In the 1994 case of Rajagopal vs. State of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court discussed the “right to be let alone,” which aligns with the principles underlying the right to be forgotten.

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5. SOUTH AFRICA’S CLIMATE CHANGE BILL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Ecology)

Context: South Africa has enacted a law mandating emissions curbs for large fossil-fuel industries and requiring climate-adaptation plans from towns and villages.

South Africa’s Climate Change Bill

• Approval: The Climate Change Bill was approved by South Africa’s National Assembly in November.
• Energy Dependence: South Africa primarily uses coal for electricity and is among the top 15 GHG emitters globally.
• Emission Statistics: In 2017, net emissions were 512 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, marking a 14% increase from 2000.
• 2022 Emissions: By 2022, emissions had decreased to 405 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, a 3% reduction from 2021.
• Uncertainty and Factors

o Data Comparison: It’s uncertain if the 2022 decrease is directly comparable or linked to the temporary drop in emissions due to COVID-19.

o Energy Sector Contribution: The energy sector contributes approximately 80% of gross emissions, with energy industries responsible for about 60% and transport for roughly 12%.

o Agriculture and Tourism: South Africa's economy heavily relies on agriculture and tourism, facing increasing Western pressure to move away from fossil fuels.

India's Legislative Landscape on Climate Change

• Absence of Comprehensive Legislation: India lacks a unified, comprehensive law specifically dedicated to climate change.
• Proposed Council on Climate Change Bill: In 2022, Priyanka Chaturvedi introduced the Council on Climate Change Bill, which aimed to establish a Council chaired by the Prime Minister to advise on climate-related issues, but progress has been slow.
• Existing Relevant Acts: Climate change considerations are embedded within various existing laws, including the Environmental Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, Energy Conservation Act, and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

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6. INTEGRATED DISEASE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - Health)

Context: The Lok Sabha was recently informed that 1,862 disease outbreaks were reported to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme last year, with Kerala recording the highest number.

Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)

• About: IDSP operates as a state-based, decentralized surveillance program in India.
• Launch and Support: Initiated with World Bank assistance in November 2004 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• Objectives: To maintain a decentralized, laboratory-based IT-enabled system to monitor disease trends, detect, and respond to outbreaks early through trained Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).

o The IDSP, under Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), has also been strengthened to use advanced data modelling and data analytical tools, contains real-time data reporting, accessible at all levels.

• Designed: To capture case-based data of more than 33 plus health conditions along with special surveillance of ILI/SARI, COVID-19 and Monkey Pox.

o It provides a single operating platform of public health surveillance of the individuals at district, state and national levels. At present, all the 36 states and UTs have completely migrated to IHIP portal.

• Programme Components

o Surveillance Integration: Establishes surveillance units at the Centre, State, and District levels for integrated and decentralized activities.

o Human Resource Development: Provides training for State Surveillance Officers, District Surveillance Officers, RRTs, and other medical and paramedical staff on disease surveillance principles.

o Information Communication Technology: Utilizes ICT for the collection, collation, analysis, and dissemination of data.

o Strengthening Public Health Laboratories: Focuses on enhancing the capacity of public health laboratories.

o Zoonotic Disease Coordination: Ensures inter-sectoral coordination for handling zoonotic diseases.

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7. GAGANYAAN MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: One of the four astronauts undergoing training for the Gaganyaan mission will travel to the International Space Station as part of a collaborative effort with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Gaganyaan Mission

• About: Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew of 3 members.        
• Duration: 3 days.
• Orbit: Low Earth orbit, approximately 400 km above the Earth's surface.
• Launching vehicle: LVM3(Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III), Comprising solid, liquid and a cryogenic stage.
• Fourth: India will be the fourth nation to do so after the United States, Russia and China.
• Module: 

o Crew Module:  A spacecraft designed for transporting human beings.

o Service Module: Powered by two liquid propellant engines.

• Objective: To send Indian astronauts, known as Gagannauts, into space, making India the fourth nation in the world to independently conduct manned space missions.
• Astronaut training: Human Space Flight Centre of ISRO and Russian government-owned Glavkosmos signed a contract for astronaut training.

International Space Station (ISS)

• About: It is the largest modular space station in low Earth orbit. The project involves five space agencies:

o The US' NASA, Russia's Roscosmos, Japan's JAXA, Europe's ESA, and Canada's CSA. It orbits Earth approximately every 90 minutes, at an altitude of around 400 kilometers.

• Designed: Between 1984 and 1993.
• Objective: To enable long-term exploration of space and provide benefits to people on Earth.
• Orbit: It orbits earth at an average altitude of 400 km and circles the globe every 90-93 minutes at a speed of 28,000 km/h.

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8. TELL UMM AMER HERITAGE SITE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: The World Heritage Committee (WHC) decided to include the Palestinian site of Tell Umm Amer in both the UNESCO World Heritage Site List and the Lost of World Heritage in Danger during its 46th session in New Delhi.

Tell Umm Amer Heritage Site

• About: Also known as the ‘Monastery of Saint Hilarion,’ is an ancient Christian monastery founded in the fourth century by Hilarion the Great, a key figure in Palestinian monasticism.
• Location: Situated on the coastal dunes of the Nuseirat Municipality, 10 km south of Gaza City.
• Established by: Hilarion, who became a monk at age 15 and attracted followers due to his reputed miracles.
• UNICEF Listing: The site is recognized by UNICEF as "the first monastic community in the Holy Land" and a significant center of religious, cultural, and economic activity.
• Abandonment and Rediscovery: The monastery likely fell into disuse after a seventh-century earthquake and was rediscovered by local archaeologists in 1999.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

• Formation: 1945, is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris.
• Objective: It works to achieve peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms.

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9. PKVY & MOVCDNER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers recently released a report on Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in the Northeast Region.

 Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

• About: Launched in 2015, PKVY is part of Soil Health Management under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.
• Objective: The scheme aims to promote organic farming to improve soil health and produce chemical-free agricultural products.
• Certification System: Promotes Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) For India (PGS-India), focusing on mutual trust and local relevance, without third-party certification.
• Funding Pattern: Central and State Governments contribute in a 60:40 ratio; for North Eastern and Himalayan States, it's 90:10, and 100% for Union Territories.
• Target: Aim to form 10,000 clusters of 20 hectares each and convert nearly two lakh hectares to organic farming by 2017-18.
• Benefits: Supports and promotes organic farming, leading to improved soil health and the production of chemical-free agricultural products.

Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER)

• About: It is a Central Sector Scheme, a sub-mission under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• Launched by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Implementation: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, during the 12th plan period.
• Objective: To development of certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers and to support the development of entire value chain starting from inputs, seeds, certification, to the creation of facilities for collection, aggregation, processing, marketing and brand building initiative.

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10. CALLER ID SPOOFING (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Cyber Security)

Context: Recent reports reveal scammers are using caller ID spoofing to disguise their numbers, making it appear as though the call is from a trusted organization.

Caller ID Spoofing

• About: It is a technique that allows the phone number displayed on a call recipient's device to be falsified.
• Spoofing Techniques: It have been refined by enthusiasts, telemarketers, and fraudsters over the years.
• Uses: Malicious individuals use caller ID spoofing to conceal their identity during illicit activities.
• Social Engineering Attacks: Spoofed caller IDs are used in social engineering attacks, exploiting the trust associated with familiar phone numbers.
• Call Blocking: It can bypass standard call blocking systems and exploit vulnerabilities in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems.
• Legal Status: Caller ID spoofing is legal in many jurisdictions, leading to the emergence of commercial spoofing services since 2004.
• Economic Impact: Caller ID spoofing incurs significant costs for telecommunication service providers, defrauded users, and law enforcement agencies.
• International Efforts: The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a UN agency, focuses on improving and standardizing global communication technologies.
• TRAI's Recommendations: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended the integration of a Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) system to display caller names based on KYC documents.
• A 2022 TRAI consultation paper briefly acknowledged caller ID spoofing but lacked a detailed plan to tackle the issue.

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