1. KLI-SOFC (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Economy)

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) project in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.

Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC)

• Aim: To enhance internet speed, opening up new possibilities and opportunities for the Lakshadweep Islands.
• Communication Infrastructure: The dedicated submarine OFC ensures a paradigm shift in Lakshadweep's communication infrastructure, enabling faster and more reliable internet services.
• Submarine Cable Connectivity: Under the KLI project, submarine cable connectivity has been extended from the mainland (Kochi) to eleven Lakshadweep Islands, including Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Chetlet, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Androth, Kiltan, Bangaram, and Bitra.
• Benefit of the KLI Project

oThe project will play a significant role in achieving the objective of ‘Digital India’ and ‘National Broadband Mission’ and in rolling out of various e-governance projects of the Government of India in Lakshadweep Islands.

oE-Governance, Tourism, Education, Health, Commerce, and Industries will get a boost. 

oThe population of Lakshadweep Islands will be provided high-speed wireline broadband connectivity.

oHigh-speed broadband will be provided through FTTH and 5G/4G Mobile networks.

oThe bandwidth created under this project will be available to all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to strengthen their telecom services in the Lakshadweep Islands.

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2. SC VERDICT ON HINDENBURG ISSUE Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Supreme Court recently directed SEBI and investigating agencies to probe Hindenburg Research's conduct in the Adani Group's case, emphasizing potential legal violations and urging suitable action for losses suffered by Indian investors.

Adani-Hindenburg Issue

• Hindenburg Research has alleged that the Adani Group was “engaged in a stock manipulation and accounting fraud”. 
• The Adani Group has interests in varied sectors such as ports and logistics, power generation, agribusiness, real estate, defence, solar energy, financial services, natural resources, and media.
• The research firm alleges that the Adani group has engaged in ₹17.8 trillion (US$ 218 billion) brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud schemes over the course of decades.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

• Establishment: As a statutory body in the year 1992.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Ministry: Ministry of Finance
• Aim: To protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and regulate the securities market.
• Power and Functions

oThe Securities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2014 empowers SEBI to oversee money pooling arrangements exceeding Rs. 100 crore, allowing the authority to seize assets in cases of noncompliance.

oThe SEBI Chairman holds the authority to authorize "search and seizure operations," and the SEBI board can request information, including telephone call data records, related to securities transactions under investigation.

oSEBI is entrusted with the registration and regulation of venture capital funds and collective investment plans, which include mutual funds.

oSEBI's mandate extends to promoting and regulating self-regulatory bodies while also striving to eliminate fraudulent and unfair trading activities in the securities markets.

o

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3. DAMPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Env and Eco)

Context: As a first, the Forest Department in Odisha has planned a ‘nocturnal trail’ for people, especially students and researchers, in the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Cuttack Districts of Odisha State, close to the state capital, Bhubaneswar. Nestled in the Khordha uplands of the 'North-Eastern Ghats' biotic region.
• Geography and Size: Covering 193.39 sq.km of rolling table land and small sprawling hillocks.
• This area has been designated as a wildlife sanctuary since August 1982.
• Wildlife Conservation: Known for the successful conservation of elephants, which is the principal species thriving in this sanctuary.
• Vegetation: The floral diversity within the sanctuary spans six types, including secondary moist miscellaneous semi-evergreen forests, moist Kangada (Xyliaxylocarpa) forests, Coastal Sal forests, thorny bamboo brakes, planted Teak, and Eupatorium scrub.
• Reservoirs: Two water reservoirs, namely Deras Dam and Jhumka Dam, are situated within the sanctuary.
• Flora: Kochila, Kalicha, Belo, Kangada, Giringa, Sunari, Sal, Kumbhi, Jamu, Karanja, Teak, and Sidha.
• Fauna: Leopard, Chital, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Wild pig, Common langur, Rhesus monkey, small Indian civet, etc.

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

Context: Scientific landfills are considered containment systems that isolate waste from the surrounding environment.

Microplastics

• About: Microplastics are minute fragments of diverse plastic materials present in the surroundings.
• These minute plastic particles pose a threat to marine environments and the creatures that inhabit them.
• A recent study revealed a groundbreaking discovery: microplastics, which are minuscule plastic particles, have been identified in human blood for the very first time.
• Two main categories of Microplastics

oPrimary Microplastics:  These are released into the environment from a variety of sources.

oSecondary Microplastics: These are created when larger plastics break down.

Microbeads: A type of microplastic, are very tiny pieces of manufactured polyethylene plastic that are added as exfoliants to health and beauty products, such as some cleansers and toothpaste.

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5. LI-ION BATTERY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: India should explore alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for scaling up electric mobility, the government's principal scientific advisor said, amid a global scramble for critical minerals.

Li-ion Battery

• Type: rechargeable battery.
• Battery Structure: Electrolyte and Electrodes in Li-Ion Batteries
• The government's plan to make India a 100% EV nation by 2030 includes a focus on the production of lithium-ion cells.
• The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2019 was collectively granted to John B. Goodenough, M.M Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino in recognition of their contributions to the advancement of lithium-ion batteries.
• Applications: Electronic gadgets, Electric Vehicle, Tele-communication, Aerospace, Industrial applications

Lithium

• Also Known as: White Gold
• It is a soft and shiny grey metal, that is present in the Earth's crust. 
• It's an extremely reactive and alkaline element.
• Primarily utilized in ceramics, glasses, greases, pharmaceuticals, air conditioners, and aluminium production.
• Major Global Lithium Reserves: Chile > Australia > Argentina are the top countries with Li reserves.
• Lithium Triangle: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia.
• Lithium Reserves in India: Karnataka, Rajasthan, Odisha, Gujrat & Andhra Pradesh.

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6. LANCET REPORT ON CANCER (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context: India ranked second in terms of cancer burden in Asia in 2019. The country recorded 1.2 million new cases and 929,600 deaths, according to a study published by The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal.

Highlights of the Study

• China had the highest cancer burden in the continent in 2019 — 4.8 million new cases and 2.7 million deaths. 
• Japan ranked third with 887,300 new cases and 437,700 deaths.
• Overall, cancer seems to be a major public health threat in Asia.
• Top Five Cancers in most Asian Countries: Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer (both sexes), breast cancer (among females), colon and rectum cancer (both sexes), stomach cancer (both sexes), and prostate cancer (among males) were among.
• According to the Study: The high prevalence of smokeless tobacco such as khaini, gutkha, betel quid, and paan masala is a public health concern in South Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Steps Taken by India to Control Tobacco Consumption 

• India adopted the tobacco control provisions under WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
• The Promulgation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance, 2019 prohibits Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement of e-Cigarettes.
• The Government of India launched the National Tobacco Quitline Services (NTQLS) which have the sole objective to provide telephone-based information, advice, support, and referrals for tobacco cessation.
• mCessation Programme is a similar initiative which uses mobile technology for tobacco cessation. It was launched in 2016 as part of the government’s Digital India initiative.

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7. BUXA TIGER RESERVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Two years ago, a fleeting glimpse of a tiger gave way to disappointment in West Bengal’s Buxa National Park, as the big cat was not to be seen again.

Buxa Tiger Reserve

• Location: BTR is located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal.
• Establishment: In 1983, Buxa Tiger Reserve holds the distinction of being the 15th tiger reserve in India.
• Boundaries: BTR's northern boundary aligns with the international border with Bhutan.

oThe Sinchula hill range extends along the northern side, while the eastern boundary touches that of Assam.

• Biodiversity: It represents the highly endemic Indo-Malayan region.

oThe fragile "Terai Ecosystem" is an integral part of this reserve.

• International Boundaries: The Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan is contiguous to the north, and Manas National Park lies to the east of BTR.
• Rivers: Jayanti, Sankosh, Raidak, Churnia, Turturi, Dima, Nonani, and Phashkhawa.
• Conservation Initiatives

oRajabhatkhawa Vulture Breeding Center: Situated at Buxa Tiger Reserve, was established for the breeding and conservation of endangered Indian vultures.

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8. SMART 2.0 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) along with National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has launched 'SMART 2.0' program.

SMART 2.0

• Aim: To promote robust clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda with Ayurveda academic institutions/hospitals across the country through mutual collaboration.
• Objective: To generate a tangible evidence to demonstrate efficacy and safety of Ayurveda interventions using interdisciplinary research methods and translating it into public health care.
• SMART 1.0: Around 10 diseases were covered with the active participation of teaching professionals from 38 colleges.

SMART’ (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals) Program

• Objective: To enhance scientific research in priority healthcare areas by leveraging the resources of Ayurveda colleges and hospitals.
• Focus Areas: These include Osteoarthritis, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Chronic Bronchitis, Dyslipidemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
• Communication of Details through NCISM: All pertinent information, such as contact details, eligibility criteria, and the application process, has been disseminated to recognized academic institutions and hospitals through the National Council of Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM).
• Teacher Motivation: The 'SMART' program is set to encourage teachers to undertake projects in designated healthcare research areas. The initiative aims to build a substantial database and foster a culture of research in academic institutions.

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9. CYBER THREAT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: According to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), around 50% of cyber-crime complaints received on the national cyber crime helpline every day have their origin in China and pockets of Cambodia and Myanmar, Rajesh Kumar, chief executive officer of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

Highlights of Report

• Origin: Criminal gangs operating from countries like Cambodia and Myanmar are behind these fraudulent activities.
• Government Action: Since April 2021, ₹1127 crore has been blocked in various bank accounts based on complaints from 4.3 lakh victims.

oOnly ₹100 crore has been returned to complainants, prompting the government to address the concern and develop a mechanism for recovering blocked funds.

• Integration of Financial Institutions with Helpline: 263 banks, e-commerce companies, and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have been integrated with the 1930 helpline.

oAutomated tickets are generated upon receiving complaints, ensuring swift action even if the money transfers across different banks.

• Blocking Operations: MHA reports the blocking of 2,95,461 SIM cards, 2,810 websites, 595 mobile applications, and 46,229 IMEI numbers based on complaints.
• Regional Hotspots: West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam are identified as hotspots for fraudulent procurement of SIM cards.
• Cybercrime Trends and Statistics: Noteworthy cybercrime trends from the previous year include 1.49 lakh complaints against Investment Apps/Websites, 85,000 related to Illegal loan Apps, 43,000 on Customer Care Number and OTP frauds, 34,000 regarding Impersonation or takeover of social media accounts, and 19,000 complaints of Sextortion.

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10. VVPAT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the opposition wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, urging that a delegation of Indian group leaders be granted an opportunity to meet with him and his colleagues to present their perspective on VVPATs.

Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

• About: When a vote is cast, the VVPAT machine, attached to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), prints a slip displaying the voter's choice.

oThe printed slip, visible for seven seconds behind glass, allows voters to confirm the accurate recording of their vote before it drops into a collection box.

• Origins of VVPAT: The idea of the VVPAT machine emerged, leading to the EC referring the matter to its Technical Expert Committee for further exploration.
• Developed by: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL).
• Trails: Field trials in various locations, including Ladakh, Thiruvananthapuram, Cherrapunjee, East Delhi, and Jaisalmer, took place in July 2011.

oAfter design refinement, additional trials, and feedback from political parties, the expert committee approved the VVPAT design in February 2013.

• Legislative Amendments: The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, were amended in 2013 to allow the attachment of a printer with a drop box to the EVM.
• Phase-wise Implementation: The VVPAT was first used in all 21 polling stations of the Noksen Assembly constituency in Nagaland during the 2013 elections.

oThe EC decided to introduce VVPATs gradually, and by June 2017, 100% of VVPATs were utilized in polls.

• Landmark in 2019: The 2019 Lok Sabha elections marked a historic moment as it became the first general election with 100% of EVMs being attached to VVPATs, ensuring a more transparent and verifiable voting process.

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