1. STUDY ON ELEPHANT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context:  Elephants in the eastern Himalayan floodplains bury their calves in a ‘legs upright’ position, a new study has found.

Study of Journal of Threatened Taxa

• Novel Elephant Behaviours in Shared Spaces: Rampant environmental changes and forest destruction force Asian and African elephants into human territories to meet their dietary and ecological needs.
• Unearthing Elephant Calf Burials: Elephant calf burial, previously mentioned in African literature, has been documented in the northern Bengal landscape by Parveen Kaswan and Akashdeep Roy.
• Habitat Challenges and Conservation Concerns: With only 5% of their historic home range remaining globally, elephants face habitat fragmentation and land-use challenges.

oIndia, hosting over 60% of the Asian elephant population, confronts conservation issues due to substantial dietary requirements and habitat loss outside protected areas.

• Northern Bengal: Northern Bengal districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, accommodate over 500 elephants, highlighting the significance of the region for elephant conservation.

Asian Elephant: Key Facts

• Current Global population: 50,000 – 60,000, of which more than 60% are in India.
• Indian States with Highest Population: Karnataka (6000+), followed by Assam (5,700+) and Kerala (3,000+) 
• Threats: Poaching, Habitat loss, Human-Elephant conflict, and mistreatment in captivity.
• Gestation: they have the longest pregnancy of any living mammal (22 Months). 
• Conservation status: IUCN: Endangered, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, CITES: Appendix I, CMS: Appendix I.

oElephant declared as the national heritage animal by GoI in 2010.

• World Elephant Day: 12 August

African Elephant

• About: They are slightly larger than Asian Elephants and can be identified by their larger ears. (Asian elephants have smaller, rounded ears)
• African Savanna (or bush) elephant: IUCN Red List: Endangered
• African Forest Elephants: IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

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2. INDIA-MYANMAR RELATIONS (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Recently, the Legislative Assembly in Nagaland unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to reconsider its decision to seal the Indo-Myanmar border, following a similar resolution passed earlier this week by the Mizoram Assembly.

India–Myanmar Border

• About: It is the international border between India and Myanmar (formerly Burma). 
• Length: 1,643 kilometres (1,021 mi) in length and runs from the tripoint with China in the north to the tripoint with Bangladesh in the south.
• The border between India and Myanmar runs along four states: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Capital city: Naypyidaw

India Myanmar Relations

• Historical, Ethnic, and Cultural Ties: India and Myanmar share deep historical, ethnic, cultural, and religious connections.
• Strategic Relations: Myanmar's strategic location makes it a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia. India and Myanmar have engaged in cooperation to counteract drug trafficking and insurgent groups along their shared border.
• Economic Relations: India and Myanmar are members of BIMSTEC, SAARC, and the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, which have facilitated closer ties and increased influence among Southeast Asian nations.
• Trade Relations: Bilateral trade has been growing steadily to reach US$ 2178.44 million (2016-17), of which Indian exports amounted to US$ 1111.19 million and India's imports to US$ 1067.25 million.

oIndia is the fifth largest trading partner of Myanmar but trade remains below potential.

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3. GDP-GVA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: A senior government official recently attributed the divergence in gross domestic product (GDP) and gross value added (GVA) data for the third quarter of FY24 to reduced fertilizer subsidy disbursements.

• India's GDP spiked to a six-quarter high of 8.4% in Q3 FY24, surpassing estimates, while GVA growth stood at 6.5% during the same period, according to data from the statistics ministry.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

• About: The GDP is the total market value of all final goods and services in an economy.
• Country performance can be evaluated by comparing GDP figures from one year to another and by comparing them to other nations.
• Types of GDP

oGrowth of GDP: It can be either due to increase in actual production or due to increase in prices of goods and services or combination of both the above two factors.

oNominal GDP: It is the value of GDP at the current prevailing prices.

oReal GDP: It is the value of GDP at some constant set of prices.

• Factors: Land, Labour, Capital and Management within the domestic boundaries of a country.
• Formula: GDP = Consumption + Investment + Government Spending + Net Exports.

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4. BIOLOGICAL INVASION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Environment)

Context: In recent news, the phenomenon of biological invasion has gained attention as plants and animals increasingly move across habitats and ecosystems, either through human intervention for profit or inadvertently during global shipments.

Biological Invasion

• About: They are a significant force driving change across various dimensions of life on Earth.
• Global Status of Invasions: Invasions occur when species colonize new, isolated geographic regions, and globally, alien species rank among the top five major drivers of change alongside land- and sea-use change, direct exploitation, climate change, and pollution.
• Extinction Threat: No place on Earth remains untouched by biological invasion, leading to the extinction of thousands of species, with at least 218 invasive species causing over 1,200 local extinctions.
• Negative Impact on Native Species: Approximately 85% of the effects of biological invasions on native species are detrimental, as highlighted in the IPBES assessment report.
• Rising Economic Burden: The economic cost of biological invasions has been increasing fourfold each decade since 1970, indicating a growing challenge for global economies.

Invasive Alien Species

• About: It  stand as one of the five primary direct drivers causing biodiversity loss worldwide, alongside land and sea use change, direct organism exploitation, climate change, and pollution.
• Continuous Rise in Alien Species: The number of invasive alien species has been on a continual ascent for centuries, affecting all regions and ecosystems across the globe.
• Dominance of Water Hyacinth: The water hyacinth holds the title of the world's most widespread invasive alien species on land, underscoring its significant impact on various ecosystems.

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

Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two flight tests of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile.

Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

• About: It is a man-portable air-defence system developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
• Technological Advancements: The missile features advanced technologies such as a miniaturised reaction control system (RCS) and integrated avionics, successfully demonstrated during tests.
• Purpose and Design: VSHORADS is a fourth-generation Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) specifically crafted to counter low-altitude aerial threats over short distances.

oThese systems are characterized by their short-range, lightweight, and portable nature, suitable for individual or small group operation.

• Indigenous Development: DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, spearheaded the indigenous design and development of VSHORADS, collaborating with other DRDO facilities and Indian industry partners.
• Features:

oProtection and Defense: It is tailored to provide short-range air defense capabilities, safeguarding ground forces and critical assets from aerial threats, including helicopters and low-flying aircraft.

oOperational Range: The system boasts a range of up to 6 kilometers, effectively covering short distances to intercept incoming threats.

oTechnological Components: The missile integrates several cutting-edge technologies such as a Dual-band IIR Seeker, a miniaturized Reaction Control System, and integrated avionics.

oPropulsion and Mobility: Propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor, the missile and its launcher are designed for portability, facilitating quick deployment even in challenging terrains.

o

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6. INDIAN SEMICONDUCTOR MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Nearly two years after the government initially launched the 76,000crore incentive scheme aimed at fostering a domestic ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing, the results are becoming evident.

Indian semiconductor Mission

• About: ISM has been setup as an Independent Business Division within Digital India Corporation to formulate strategies for developing semiconductors and display manufacturing facilities.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics & IT.
• Objective:

oFormulate a comprehensive long-term strategy for developing sustainable semiconductors and display manufacturing facilities.

odeveloping trusted semiconductor supply chain, including raw material

ofacilitate indigenous Intellectual Property (IP).

oencourage, enable and incentivize Transfer of Technologies (ToT).

• SemiconIndia Programme

oThe Union Cabinet had approved the comprehensive Semicon India programme with a financial outlay of INR 76,000 crore for the development of a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in 2021.

oISM has been working as nodal agency for the Schemes approved under Semicon India Programme.

Semiconductors

• About: Semiconductors are materials with electrical conductivity between that of conductors and insulators. silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge).
• Relation with temperature: Resistance decreases with increasing temperature and vice-versa.
• Types:  Intrinsic semiconductors are pure semiconductors, while extrinsic are doped with impurities to enhance conductivity.
• Reason for vast applications: The electrical conductivity of a semiconductor device can be controlled over a wide range. 

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7. NUCFDC (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation will launch National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC).

NUCFDC

• Formation: NUCFDC serves as the central entity for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), streamlining their operations and regulatory interactions.
• Objectives:

oModernization and Strengthening: Its primary goal is to modernize and fortify the Urban Cooperative Banking Sector in India, fostering mutual benefits for banks and customers.

oFacilitating Communication: NUCFDC acts as a platform to enhance communication between banks and regulators while addressing sector-specific challenges.

• Capital Target: NUCFDC aims to raise a capital of Rs. 300 crores, providing a robust financial foundation.
• Regulatory Approval: It has obtained the Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the RBI, authorizing its operation as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC). Additionally, it will function as a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) for the sector.
• Services Offered by NUCFDC: NUCFDC plans to establish a shared technology platform for UCBs, expanding their service offerings while minimizing operational costs.
• Consultancy and Fund Management: Besides liquidity and capital support, NUCFDC can provide consultancy services and efficient fund management solutions.

Significance of NUCFDC

• It aligns with the national objectives of 'Sahakar se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation) and 'Aatma Nirbhar' Bharat (Self-Reliant India), contributing to the economic growth and resilience of the nation.

Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs)

• Definition: Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) are primary cooperative banks situated in urban and semi-urban areas, although lacking a formal definition.
• Evolution: Until 1996, UCBs were restricted to lending exclusively for non-agricultural purposes, a policy that has since been overturned.
• Community-Centric Origins: UCBs historically revolved around specific communities, localities, and workplace groups, serving as integral financial institutions for small borrowers and businesses.

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8. Exercise Samudra Laksamana (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Exercise Samudra Laksamana is underway from 28 Feb - 02 Mar 24 at/ off Visakhapatnam.

Exercise Samudra Laksamana

• About: It is a joint naval exercise between the navies of India and Malaysia.
• Aim: To strengthen bonds and enhance interoperability between the two forces.
• Participant of India: Indian Naval Ship Kiltan
• Participant of Malaysia: Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir.
• Two Phase of Exercise:
• During the harbour phase, professional interactions, official calls, social engagements, visits by the local populace, and various sports events will take place. 
• The Sea Phase of the exercise aims to refine the skills of both navies to enhance interoperability, ensuring peaceful and secure seas for all.

INS Kiltan

• About: It is a formidable anti-submarine warfare corvette serving the Indian Navy as part of Project 28, marking a significant advancement in naval capabilities.
• Third Kamorta-class Corvette: Among the four Kamorta-class corvettes, INS Kiltan stands out as the third, showcasing India's prowess in naval construction and modernization efforts.
• Localization Endeavors: With a remarkable feat of localization, INS Kiltan incorporates approximately 90% of its content sourced from within India, underlining the nation's drive towards self-sufficiency and indigenous defense production.

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9. PROJECT ODISERV  (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues)

Context: Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, launched Project ODISERV in Sambalpur to prepare young graduates of Odisha for employment opportunities in the financial services sector.

Project ODISERV

• About: This Project aims to empower the youth of Odisha, making them more employable and helping them fulfill their aspirations.
• Training Impact: Already, 1100 students in Odisha have received training under Project ODISERV, enhancing their readiness for the job market.
• Skill Enhancement Program: A 100-hour training program is set to equip Odisha’s youth with essential skills needed in the banking, finance, and insurance industries, enhancing their competencies and employability.
• Contribution to Entrepreneurship: Project ODISERV's launch is significant as Odisha strives to become a hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups, especially through initiatives like the 100 Cube initiative.
• Expansion of Certification Program: Project ODISERV plans to introduce the Certificate Programme for Banking Finance & Insurance (CPBFI) in 60 colleges across 11 cities and 10 districts in Odisha, including Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Cuttack, Khordha, Balasore, and Puri.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

• About: NSDC stands as the principal architect of the skill ecosystem in India.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India.
• Implementation Partner: NSDC acts as the strategic implementation partner to the Skill India Mission.
• Youth Empowerment: NSDC's goal is to empower India's youth through efficient vocational training initiatives.
• Futuristic Skill Development: NSDC focuses on offering opportunities in futuristic skills to the potential workforce.

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10. INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: India is likely to experience a warmer summer this year with El Nino conditions predicted to continue at least until May, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Key Points of IMD

• Heatwave Prediction: More heatwave days than normal are predicted over northeast peninsular India, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, north interior Karnataka, as well as many parts of Maharashtra and Odisha.
• Above-Normal Rainfall: The country is likely to record above-normal rainfall in March, exceeding 117 percent of the long-period average of 29.9 mm.
• Above-Normal Temperatures: India is likely to see above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures in most parts of the country from March to May.
• Absence of Heatwave Conditions: Heatwave conditions are not expected over north and central India in March.
• Prediction of La Nina: La Nina conditions, generally associated with good monsoon rainfall in India, are likely to set in by the second half of the monsoon season.
• February's Record Minimum Temperature: India recorded an average minimum temperature of 14.61 degrees Celsius in February, the second highest in the month since 1901.

India Meteorological Department

• About: It is a principal government agency for meteorology and related matters.
• Historical Background: Devastating cyclones in 1864 and severe drought in 1866 highlighted the lack of a systematic meteorological monitoring system.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• Headquarter: New Delhi
• Functions:

oConducts a series of surface and glacial observatories.

oConducts Upper Air altitude observations.

oProcesses data received from India’s constellation of satellites.

oUtilizes satellites such as Kalpana-1, Megha-Tropiques, and instruments on board the IRS and the INSAT series of satellites.

oCollaborates with agencies such as the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

• Collaborates with the National Institute of Ocean Technology for advanced prediction.
• Responsible for setting up monitoring centres at key locations for earthquake monitoring and measurements.

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