1. LAB GROWN FISH (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has entered into a collaborative research agreement with a private sector startup seeking cultivated technology solutions to grow fish meat in the laboratory.

Lab Grown Fish Project:

• About: A research project to develop lab-grown fish meat has been undertaken by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) for the first time in India.
• Aim: To establish India in the field of cultured marine fish meat, thereby addressing the growing seafood demand and reducing excessive pressure on wild resources.

Lab Grown fish:

• About: It is merely a type of lab-grown-or cultivated/cultured meat. Seafood without the sea is 'grown' in the same way as other cultivated meats are grown - without the need to raise and kill an animal.
• Produced by: Isolating specific cells from fish and growing them in a laboratory setting using media that is free of animal components. 

oThe final product is expected to replicate the flavour, texture, and nutritional qualities of 'real' fish meat.

• Countries growing lab fish: Israel is the frontrunner, followed by Singapore, the United States, and China.

Need to Grow Fish Meat in the Laboratory

• Solution to Overfishing: Ongoing experiments worldwide aim to create commercially viable lab-grown fish meat to meet the increasing demand for seafood and alleviate pressure on wild resources.
• Marine Ecosystem Impact: Overfishing has led to a decline in fish populations, affecting entire marine ecosystems. Lab-grown fish meat offers a potential solution to this environmental challenge.
• Reducing Environmental Impact: Lab-grown fish meat is anticipated to be free from antibiotics and environmental contaminants. It also avoids contact with microplastics and heavy metals found in polluted seas and oceans.

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2. HUMBOLDT’S ENIGMA Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Explorers and naturalists have been asking this question for centuries. Many have also been curious as to why some areas are more biodiverse than others.

oOne of them was Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) – a polymath who recorded observations on various natural phenomena across the fields known today as geography, geology, meteorology, and biology.

Humboldt’s enigma

• Proposed by: Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) – a polymath who recorded observations on various natural phenomena across the fields known today as geography, geology, meteorology, and biology.
• About: It proposed that there is a relationship between temperature, altitude, and humidity on one hand and the occurrence patterns of species – or their biodiversity – on the other. 

oEx: Mountains, like the eastern Himalayas.

• Biodiversity in mountain region: Mountains host two processes that generate biodiversity.

oFirst: geological processes, like uplifts, result in new habitats where new species arise, so the habitats are ‘cradles’.

oSecond: species on some climatologically stable mountains persist there for a long time, so these spots are ‘museums’ that accumulate many such species over time.

• Biodiversity in India: The tropical areas south of the Tropic of Cancer, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, are considered India's most diverse.

oThe Western Ghats plus Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot lies within this zone, showcasing high biodiversity.

• Coastal Tropical Sky Islands: The Shola Sky Islands in the Western Ghats, exemplify biodiversity hotspots.

oOld lineages persist on mountaintops, showcasing the impact of stable climates and fluctuating habitats in lower elevations.

• Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Drivers: Climate dissimilarity is a crucial factor in driving biodiversity in the eastern Himalaya.

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3. INDIA’S NOMINATION - WORLD HERITAGE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art & Culture)

Context: The “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” will be India’s nomination for recognition as UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2024-25.

• The twelve component parts of this nomination are, Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Khanderi fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.

About UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• About: Any place or site recognised by UNESCO for its cultural and natural importance and is considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
• Recognition: They are recognised under the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972 and effective from 1975.
• Universal application: Meaning, World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.
• Selection criteria: A masterpiece of human creativity; An important exchange of human values; Exceptional cultural testimony; Significant stages in architectural history; A traditional settlement; Outstanding universal significance; Areas of natural beauty; Representing major earth stages; Significant ongoing ecological processes; Important habitats for biodiversity conservation.

  Suvarnadurg Fort

  • About: The Maratha Military Landscapes in India, evolving during the 17th to 19th centuries, depict an exceptional fortification and military strategy conceived by the Maratha rulers.

  
  Panhala Fort

  • About: The inception of the Maratha Military ideology dates back to 17th Century during the reign of the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by the 1670 CE and continued through subsequent rules until Peshwa rule till 1818 CE.

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4. MELURSUS URSINUS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, a survey conducted in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, spanning 38,540 square kilometres during September 2021, revealed that sloth bears exhibited a surprisingly harmonious coexistence with humans, contrary to expectations.

Melursus ursinus

• About: It also known as the Indian bear, is a myrmecophagous bear species native to the Indian subcontinent.
• Characteristics: Shaggy Coats and Unique Markings: Sloth bears boast shaggy, dusty-black fur, with distinctive cream-colored "V" or "Y" markings on their chests. 
• Taxonomy: First described by George Shaw in 1791, the species was labeled Ursine bradypus, indicating a bearlike creature with slow feet. Although subsequent research clarified their taxonomic relationships, the confusing common name persists.
• Size: Sloth bears typically grow 5 to 6 feet in length, stand 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder, and weigh around 200 to 300 pounds. 
• Habitat: Dry and moist forests, as well as tall grasslands, where boulders and scattered vegetation offer shelter. 
• Found: India, Sri Lanka, and southern Nepal, with historical records in Bangladesh and Bhutan, though their current presence in the latter two is uncertain.

oKarnataka is a home to one of India’s largest sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) populations.

• Sloth Bear Sanctuaries: India boasts four dedicated sanctuaries that provide a habitat for over 620 sloth bears.
• Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary: The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, located in Karnataka, is one of the key habitats for sloth bears in India.
• Asia's Pioneering Sloth Bear Sanctuary: The Ballari district in Karnataka is home to Asia's inaugural sloth bear sanctuary, covering an expansive area of 82.72 sq km.
• Bilikallu Reserve Forest: Originally known as the Bilikallu Reserve Forest, this area underwent a significant transformation when the government officially declared it as the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary in 1994.

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5. MAHATMA GANDHI (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: The nation pays homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 76th death anniversary.

Mahatma Gandhi

• Early Life: Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India, 
• Title: Mahatma and Father of the Nation.
• South Africa Years: Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa, fighting for Indian rights and opposing racial discrimination, earning the title "Mahatma."
• Natal India Congress and Protests: Founded Natal India Congress in 1894 and protested against restrictions on Indian trade, movement, and residence in the Transvaal, burning registration certificates.
• Contribution to National Movement
• Champaran Movement: Situated in Bihar, was orchestrated by Gandhi as a form of civil disobedience. Its aim was to compel the British authorities to accede to the demands of farmers who were coerced into cultivating Indigo. 
• Kheda Movement: This movement advocated for the non-payment of taxes and enforced a social boycott of revenue officials.
• Ahmedabad Mill Strike: It was spearheaded by Gandhi against mill owners. The primary grievance centered around the issue of a plague bonus for workers. Ultimately, the strike culminated in a 35% wage increase for the laborers.
• Khilafat Movement (1919): Played a key role in uniting the nation during the Khilafat Movement, preventing British attempts to divide on religious lines.
• Non-cooperation Movement (1920): Advocated non-cooperation as the path to Independence, setting the goal of Swaraj or self-governance.
• 'Unity' Fast (1924): Undertook a 21-day fast to ease Hindu-Muslim tensions, promoting unity.
• Dandi March: Led the 388-kilometer Dandi March against the salt tax, marking the start of the civil disobedience movement.
• Quit India Movement: Led the Quit India Movement in 1942 with the slogan "Do or Die" against British rule and India's involvement in World War II.

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6. SADA TANSEEQ (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The inaugural edition of the joint military exercise 'SADA TANSEEQ' between India and Saudi Arabia has officially started at Mahajan, Rajasthan.

Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ

• About: It serves as a platform to strengthen the bond between the contingents and aims to achieve shared security objectives.
• Duration: The exercise is scheduled to take place from January 29th to February 10th, 2024, allowing for an extensive period of collaborative training.
• Participation and Representation

oThe Saudi Arabian contingent, consisting of 45 personnel, is being represented by the Royal Saudi Land Forces.

oOn the Indian side, a Battalion from the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry) is representing the contingent with an equal number of 45 personnel.

• Objectives: To train troops from both nations for Joint Operations in Semi-Desert terrain, aligning with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Sharing Best Practices: The exercise provides an opportunity for both sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting operations in the sub-conventional domain.
• Specific Training Activities: The exercise will involve various activities, including the establishment of a Mobile Vehicle Check Post, Cordon & Search Operation, House Intervention Drill, Reflex Shooting, Slithering, and Sniper Firing.
• Fostering Bilateral Relations: Ultimately, 'SADA TANSEEQ' serves as a platform to foster and strengthen bilateral relations between the two friendly nations, providing a valuable avenue for collaboration and understanding.

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7. ISLAMIC RESISTANCE OF IRAQ (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Recently, three US military servicemen were killed in a drone attack on their outpost in Jordan, marking the first time that US soldiers have died in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

oThe strikes targeted Tower 22, a US military outpost (a smaller version of a military base) in Jordan. The country is bordered by Israel to its west, Saudi Arabia to its southeast, Iraq to its northeast and Syria to its north.

Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI)

• About: In Iraq and Syria, US forces have come under repeated assault by a newly created group of Iran-backed militias known as the Islamic Resistance of Iraq.”
• Iran's Anti-Western Alliance: The IRI is part of the 'Axis of Resistance,' a coalition of Iran-backed militias opposing Western and US influence, according to analysts.
• Powerful Militias Integrated into the State: The IRI is considered a front for Iranian-backed factions within the powerful Hashd al-Shaabi militias, which wield significant military and political influence in Iraq.
• IRI's Role in October 2023 Conflict: The term IRI encompasses all Iran-backed militias in Iraq, including their operations in Syria during the October 2023 conflict between Israel and Hamas.
• Drone Attack: On October 17, the IRI claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Harir Air Base in Iraqi Kurdistan, possibly linked to the Shiite group Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba.
• Israel's Offensive and Regional Solidarity: Following Hamas attacks on Israel, the Israeli military's response triggered a continuing offensive in Gaza. 

oIran-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis launched counter-attacks in solidarity with Palestine, contributing to the escalating conflict.

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8. INS SUMITRA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: INS Sumitra, on Anti-Piracy Operations along the East coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, responded to a distress message regarding hijacking of an Iranian flagged Fishing Vessel 'Iman'.

INS Sumitra

• About: It is an indigenously built naval offshore patrol vessel (NOPV), was commissioned into the naval fleet on September 4. 

oThis is the Navy's largest offshore patrol vessel.

• Tone Vessel: The 2200-tonne vessel is the biggest NOPV to be developed at Goa Shipyard.
• Indigenous NOPV: The vessel is the fourth in the series of indigenous NOPV developed for Indian Navy.
• Weapons installed: It also has medium and short range weapons installed in it.

oThey include 76mm guns, Close-in Weapon System (CIWS), electronic support and a communication intelligence system.

• Helipad: It has a helipad to operate one light weight Dhruv helicopter.
• Advanced weapon sensor platform: There is an advanced weapon sensor platform, making INS Sumitra effective for surveillance and ensuring security of offshore installations, including oil filling stations.
• Coastal surveillance: The vessel will give a boost to coastal surveillance and anti-piracy and counter maritime terrorism operations of the Navy.
• Eastern Naval Command fleet: It is suitable for monitoring sea lanes of communication, defence of offshore oil installations and other critical offshore national assets.

oThe latest generation warship will join the Eastern Naval Command fleet for maritime surveillance and coastal security.

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9. UNRWA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – International Organization)

Context: UN officials  urged countries to reconsider their decision to suspend the funding for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), assuring that it would take strict action against any staff member found to be involved in Hamas’ attack on Israel.

UNRWA

• About: UNRWA, an acronym for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, was established in 1949. 
• Objective: To provide assistance to approximately 700,000 Palestinians who were compelled to leave their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, now residing in various countries.
• Refugee Support: UNRWA operates in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, along with Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan—nations where the displaced Palestinians sought refuge. 
• Focus: On delivering education, health, relief, and social services, as well as implementing microfinance and emergency assistance programs both inside and outside refugee camps.
• Refugee Population: Presently, UNRWA serves approximately 5.9 million Palestine refugees, primarily comprising descendants of the original refugees. 
• Notably, over 1 million people in Gaza, constituting 85% of the enclave's 2.3 million population, are seeking refuge in UNRWA schools and facilities following the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Funding: UNRWA relies heavily on voluntary contributions from donor states, with the United States being a significant contributor. Additionally, the agency receives a limited subsidy from the UN, specifically designated for administrative expenses.

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10. NUTRIENT BASED SUBSIDY SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: The indian government has brought di-ammo- niumphosphate (DAP), muriate of potash (MOP) and all other such fertilisers that receive nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) support, under "reasonable pricing" controls.

Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme

• About: Under the NBS policy, the government annually declares a fixed subsidy rate for key nutrients, including Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potash (K), and Sulphur (S).
• Implemented by: Since 2010 by the Department of Fertilizers
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers

oFertilizer manufacturers and importers provide farmers with subsidized prices for Urea and 25 P&K fertilizer grades as part of the government's initiative.

• Aim: The NBS policy strives to enhance the utilization of P&K fertilizers to attain the desired NPK fertilization equilibrium, with a ratio of 4:2:1 for Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potash (K).
• Fertilizer Covered : Nitrogen(N) , Phosphorus(p) , Potassium (K) and Sulphur(S).
• Fortification/Coating Incentive: Fortified/coated variants of subsidized P&K fertilizers, adhering to Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) provisions for Boron and Zinc, receive additional per tonne subsidies.
• Objective of NBS

oTo guarantee the nation's food security.

oTo enhance agricultural productivity.

oTo ensure the equitable use of fertilizers.

• Benefits 

oIt helps farmers in ensuring availability of essential nutrients at subsidized prices.

oIt rationalizes the subsidy on P&K fertilizers, ensuring effective and efficient utilization of government resources.

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