1. WORLD DRUG REPORT 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context: According to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, global drug use saw a concerning rise in 2022, with 292 million users worldwide, marking a 20% increase over the past decade.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

• About: It stands as a prominent global figure in combatting illegal drugs and international crime, while also overseeing the execution of the primary United Nations initiative on counterterrorism.
• Establishment: In 1997.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
• Focus: Helping to make the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism.

oThe UNODC's efforts are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 16, which aims to advance peace, justice, and robust institutions.

• Functions:

oDrug Control: The UNODC endeavors to combat illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse. It fosters global collaboration, drug demand reduction, and alternative development initiatives.

oCrime Prevention: The organization aids member states in preventing and tackling diverse criminal activities such as organized crime, human trafficking, smuggling, and cybercrime.

oCorruption: The UNODC aids nations in combating corruption, money laundering, and financial offenses detrimental to economic progress and stability.

oTerrorism Prevention: The agency contributes significantly to aiding member states in preventing and countering terrorism, including addressing terrorism financing.

Key findings of World Drug Report 2024

• Cannabis is the most widely used drug worldwide, followed by opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy.
• Women with drug use disorders face significant barriers, with only one in 18 receiving treatment compared to one in seven men.
• Global opium production decreased by 74% in 2023, driven by a 95% drop in Afghanistan and a 36% increase in Myanmar.
• Afghanistan and Myanmar remain key centers in the global narcotics trade.
• The Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran) and Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle are notorious drug smuggling hubs in Asia.

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2. SENGOL (Syllabus GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: Opposition has demanded that Sengol be removed from Parliament.

Sengol

• About: It is a sceptre that symbolizes the transfer of power from the British to the Indians, marking India's Independence.
• History of Sengol

oChola Empire Origin: The history of Sengol dates back to the Chola Empire, where it was believed to be used in the coronation ceremony of Thirumayam Setupati in 1645.

oSymbol of Legitimacy: According to historians, the Sengol sceptre served as a symbol of legitimacy and succession within the Chola lineage.

oModern Crafting: In more recent history, the famous jeweller Vummidi Bangaru Chetty from the Madras Presidency, along with Vummidi Ethirajulu and Vummidi Sudhakar, crafted the Sengol.

oPresentation: On the eve of August 14, 1947, Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam presented the Sengol to Jawaharlal Nehru, marking the symbolic transfer of power.

Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam

• About: Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam is a prominent Shaiva monastic organization based in Dharmapuram, Tamil Nadu. It was established in the 10th century by Tirugnanasambandar.
• Historical Relevance: It is one of the oldest and most revered Adheenams (monastic institutions) in the Shaiva tradition, established in the 10th century by the sage Tirugnanasambandar, one of the four main Nayanars (saints) of Shaivism.
• Features: The Adheenam focuses on promoting Shaivism's teachings, rituals, and literature, including publishing Thevaram and Tiruvasakam.

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

Context: Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed six consecutive developmental trials of High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ in Chandipur, Odisha.

ABHYAS

• About: It is designed to provide a realistic threat scenario for the practice of weapon systems, enhancing the effectiveness of training exercises. It is High-speed Expendable Aerial Target.
• Purpose: Designed for realistic threat scenario practice of weapon systems
• Development: Conceptualized and designed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE)
• Trial location: At Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
• Mission Objectives: Achieved safe release of booster, launcher clearance, and required end-of-launch velocity.
• Features:

oConfiguration: Utilized a revised robust configuration with a single booster. 

oAutonomous Flying: Equipped with an indigenous autopilot system developed by ADE for autonomous flight.

oAugmentation Systems: Features Radar Cross Section, Visual, and Infrared augmentation systems necessary for weapon practice.

oGround Control System: Laptop-based system for integration, pre-flight checks, data recording, flight replay, and post-flight analysis.

• Production Agencies: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence.

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4. DARKNET (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Cybersecurity)

Context: Recently, the National Testing Agency (NTA) faced a new threat from the ‘darknet’, causing staff to doubt exam security.

Dark Net 

• About: It is also referred to as the dark web, is a maze of secret websites accessible only through encrypted channels.
• Browser Requirement: It is the hidden collective of internet sites that can only be accessed by a specialized web browser.
• Privacy: The Dark Net is used for keeping internet activity anonymous and private, useful for both legal and illegal applications.
• Tor Browser: Users access the Dark Web using tools like the Tor (The Onion Router) browser, which routes internet traffic through a network of relays.
• Original Purpose: Initially designed to ensure secure and anonymous exchanges, particularly for governmental and military purposes, the Dark Net has regrettably become synonymous with criminal enterprises.

Surface Web 

• About: These are websites that search engines can easily index and access, open to the public and including everything from news articles to online shopping platforms.
• When you search on Google, you’re exploring the Surface Web, which represents only about 10% of the entire web.
• Examples: News websites, blogs, e-commerce platforms, and educational resources.

Deep Web

• About: The Deep Web encompasses content that search engines cannot index. While it’s not hidden, it remains inaccessible to traditional search engines.
• Data Leaks: Although search engines don’t index the Deep Web, some data may leak through data breaches or targeted attacks.

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5. FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF) (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India has reached a "high level of technical compliance" with FATF's global anti-money laundering requirements, although the agency highlighted the need for enhanced supervision and implementation of preventive measures in certain non-financial sectors.

 Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

• About:  leads global action to tackle money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing.
• Founded in:  1989 on the initiative of the G7.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• FATF Membership: Consists of 39 countries, including major nations such as the United States, India, China, Saudi Arabia, Britain, Germany, France, and the EU.

oIndia joined FATF in 2010.

• Objectives: To set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
• Function: 

oCoordinate global response: Development of FATF Recommendations, also known as FATF Standards, to ensure a coordinated global response against organized crime, corruption, and terrorism.

oEffective Money Pursuit: Assistance provided by FATF to authorities in tracking and seizing the funds of criminals engaged in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and human trafficking.

oEvaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Frameworks: Assessment conducted by FATF to evaluate the strength of a country's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks.

oMutual Evaluations (ME): FATF conducts regular peer-reviewed evaluations known as Mutual Evaluations (ME) to assess countries' compliance with the standards set by FATF.

FATF has maintained Two list: 

• Blacklist Countries (NCCTs): Designated as "high-risk jurisdictions subject to call for action" due to significant deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimens.

oFATF urges members and non-members to apply enhanced due diligence when dealing with these countries.

oCurrent blacklisted countries: North Korea and Iran.

• Grey List Countries: Under global watch by FATF for inadequate prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.

oInclusion serves as a warning of potential blacklisting.

oExample: Current grey list includes Barbados and Albania.

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6. MOTOR NEURON DISEASES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context:  The annual conference on MND 'Awareness, Care, and Management' at Nimhans, Bengaluru, emphasized that symptomatic and supportive treatments significantly improve condition management.

Motor Neuron Diseases (MNDs)

• About: MNDs are progressive neurological disorders that damage motor neurons, affecting voluntary muscle control crucial for activities like walking and speaking.
• Role of Motor Neurons: It is located in the brain and spinal cord transmit signals to muscles, directing their movements and functions.
• Age: While MNDs can manifest at any age, symptoms typically emerge after 50 years of age.
• Symptoms: Early signs include muscle weakness and speech difficulties, often leading to eventual paralysis as the disease advances.
• Gender Disparity: MNDs tend to affect more males than females.
• Causes of MND: The exact cause of MND remains unclear, but it is likely influenced by a blend of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors.

oApproximately 1 in 10 cases are familial, stemming from inherited genetic mutations or errors.

oMND encompasses various conditions such as ALS, progressive bulbar palsy, and spinal muscular atrophy, each with distinct characteristics and impacts.

• Prognosis: The average life expectancy post-diagnosis of ALS ranges from 3 to 5 years, though supportive care can extend survival in some cases.
• Treatment: Presently, there is no known cure or universally effective treatment for MNDs.

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7. SANGYAAN APP (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: The Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF) recently launched the Sangyaan mobile app.

Sangyaan App

• About: It is a comprehensive application designed for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest legal developments in India.
• Developed By: Tech Team of the Railway Protection Force.
• Aim: To educate and empower RPF Personnel by providing comprehensive information to understand the provisions of both new and old criminal laws.
• Focus on New Criminal Acts:

oThe Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023,

oThe Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and

oThe Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023.

• Key Features of Sangyaan App:

oComprehensive Legal Access: The app offers mobile-optimized access to the bare acts of BNS, BNSS, and BSA 2023 for easy reading and reference.

oComparison of Laws: Users can compare specific sections of new and old laws with the Corresponding Sections Comparison table.

oSection-wise Analysis: Detailed analysis of key BNSS and BNS sections focuses on field operations and procedural aspects.

oAdvanced Search Tools: Sangyaan features advanced search options, allowing efficient navigation through legal texts by section, chapter, and subject.

oInclusive Legal Database: The app includes additional essential legal acts and rules related to railway security, ensuring comprehensive access to critical information.

oUser-Friendly Design: Sangyaan's design ensures precise, efficient, and effective engagement with critical legal information for RPF operations.

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8. ASTEROID 2011 UL21 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Mountain-sized asteroid, 2011 UL21 made a close approach to Earth recently.

Asteroid 2011 UL21

• About: It is a giant space rock, was first discovered in 2011 and completes an orbit around the sun every 3 years.
• Size and Classification: It is larger than 99% of known near-Earth asteroids, estimated to have a diameter of 2.5 kilometers, and is nicknamed the Planet Killer due to its size.
• Characteristics: This asteroid is exceptionally bright with an absolute magnitude of 15.8, making it one of the brightest near-Earth asteroids observed.
• Earth Approach and Safety: Despite its nickname, Asteroid 2011 UL21 poses no current threat to Earth and is not projected to collide with our planet.

Near Earth Objects (NEO)

• About: It is an asteroid or comet which passes close to the Earth's orbit.
• Orbital Mechanics: NEOs are influenced by gravitational interactions with nearby planets, which can alter their orbits over time.
• Proximity to Earth: A NEO is defined as any object whose orbit brings it within 1.3 astronomical units (AU) of the sun, placing it within about 45 million kilometers of Earth's orbit.
• Classification: NEOs that intersect Earth's orbit are categorized into Atens (with orbits smaller than Earth's) and Apollos (with orbits larger than Earth's).
• Impact: Even small NEOs, starting from about 20 meters in diameter, can cause significant damage upon impact with Earth's surface.
• Potentially Hazardous Objects (PHOs): NEOs larger than 140 meters in diameter that intersect Earth's orbit are classified as potentially hazardous objects due to their potential impact threat.

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9. MYSURU TOURISM CIRCUIT (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: The Karnataka Tourism Department aims to extensively promote the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Somanathapur as a key attraction on the Mysuru tourism circuit ahead of Dasara festivities this year.

Sites of Somnathpura

• Keshava Temple: This Temple at Somanathapura is a remarkable example of Hoysala architecture.

oConstructed by: Commander of the Hoysala Army, Somanatha

oDedication to Lord Krishna: It is a Trikuta (three shrined) temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in forms of Janardhana, Keshava, and Venugopal.

oIdol Issues: The main idol of Keshava is missing, and those of Janardana and Venugopal are damaged, affecting the temple's completeness.

• Chennakeshava Temple: It is devoted to Lord Vishnu, referred to as 'Chennakeshava', meaning 'beautiful Vishnu'.

oCommissioned by: King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE

oExquisite Carvings: The exterior of the temple is adorned with intricately carved stones depicting scenes from the life of Vishnu, and episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

oDiverse Deities: Despite its primary dedication to Vishnu, the temple complex also features shrines dedicated to various forms of Shiva.

Mysuru Tourism Circuit

• About: Karnataka's tourism department introduces a new Mysuru circuit to enhance tourist experiences.
• Expansion: Tourists visiting Mysuru can explore beyond the city to places like Belur, Halebid, Somanathapura, and surrounding areas.
• Purpose: The state aims to elevate both circuits to international standards.
• Promotion of Lesser-Known Sites: Efforts include developing places like Shiggaon taluk, birthplace of Saint Kanakadasa, and enhancing recognition for Saint Shishunala Sharif's 'karma bhumi'.

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10. JUNO PROBE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: New findings from NASA's Juno probe provide a fuller picture of how widespread the lava lakes are on Jupiter's moon Io.

Juno Probe

• About: JUNO stands as an acronym for Jupiter’s Near-Polar Orbiter, reflecting its mission to explore the largest planet in our solar system.
• Designed by: NASA
• Launch and Journey: Launched in 2011, the Juno spacecraft embarked on a 5-year journey to reach Jupiter, initiating its quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the gas giant.
• Unprecedented Exploration: Entering Jupiter's orbit on July 4, 2016, Juno became the first spacecraft to delve beneath the planet's dense clouds, shedding light on Jupiter's secrets and offering insights into the solar system's formation.
• Orbital Path: Juno follows an elliptical orbit around Jupiter, completing a circuit every 11 days, passing close over the poles.
• Objectives: Initially designed for a primary mission, Juno's objectives expanded over time, transitioning into a comprehensive Jupiter system explorer with flybys of its moons.
• Mission: Juno's mission goals encompass understanding Jupiter's origin and evolution, locating its solid planetary core, mapping its magnetic field, measuring atmospheric water and ammonia, and observing its auroras.

Lava lakes: These are lakes of molten or solidified lava in volcanic craters or depressions. They may form when a vent or crater becomes partially filled with molten lava. Most lava lakes are comprised of basaltic lavas.

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