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

Context: Woman Robot Astronaut "Vyommitra" will fly into Space ahead of ISRO's ambitious “Gaganyaan" mission, which will be India’s first human manned Space Flight carrying Indian Astronauts into Space.

Gaganyaan Mission

• About: Gaganyaan project envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bring them back safely to earth.
• Expected Launch: In 2025)
• It is part of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme (IHSP), which was initiated (2007) by the ISRO to develop the technology needed to launch crewed orbital spacecraft into low earth orbit (LEO).
• Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk-lll (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) the three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle will be used for carrying the orbital module.

oIndia’s heaviest rocket consists of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage.

• Objective: To demonstrate the capability to send humans to low earth orbit on board an Indian launch vehicle and bring them back to earth safely.

VyomMitra:

• About: It is a spacefaring humanoid, is currently under development by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for deployment on the Gaganyaan spacecraft.
• Humanoid Essentials: A humanoid, by definition, is a robot designed to resemble a human being in appearance.
• Half-Humanoid Design: Vyommitra, named after combining "vyoma" (space) and "mitra" (friend), is often referred to as a half-humanoid due to its structure, featuring a head, two hands, and a torso, but lacking lower limbs.
• Functional Anatomy: Like all robots, the capabilities of a humanoid are determined by the computer systems to which it is connected, shaping its overall functionality.

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2. CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The CBI is facing a shortage of 23% manpower, including in the posts of Special Director, Joint Directors and DIGs, said the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Central Bureau of Investigation

• Origin: The CBI was established as the Special Police Establishment in 1941, to investigate cases of corruption in the procurement during the Second World War.
• Formalised agency: to investigate allegations of corruption in various wings of the Government of India by enacting the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
• The CBI is not a statutory body but derives its power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
• Establishment of the CBI: In 1963, the CBI was established by the Government of India with a view to investigate serious crimes  and maintain integrity in administration.
• The establishment of the CBI was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption (1962–1964).
• Composition: There shall be a director of CBI who heads the department. 
• Nodal Ministry: under the superintendence of the Department of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances which falls under the prime minister’s office.
• Functions

oIts primary objective involves conducting investigations into violent crimes using a robust system and advanced technology.

oIts role extends to addressing and countering cybercrimes and crimes related to social platforms.

oIts presence serves to assist, oversee, and provide backing to law enforcement agencies when handling complex and high-profile cases.

oThe agency is responsible for probing cases involving corruption, bribery, misconduct, and misbehavior among federal government employees. 

oIt operates under the supervision of the Central Vigilance Commission.

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3. AROMA MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology highlighted J&K's role model status for India, citing the depiction of lavender farms of Bhaderwah town in a tableau on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital.

Aroma Mission

• Launch: Introduced in 2016.
• Developed by: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Aim: To enhance the cultivation of aromatic medicinal plants, such as lavender, Aloe Vera, Mehndi, Menthol, and Mint, through innovative technology.
• Technical and Infrastructure Support: Seeks to offer technical and infrastructure assistance for distillation and value addition to farmers nationwide, while also establishing effective buy-back mechanisms to ensure fair prices for farmers.
• Targets: The cultivation of an additional 30,000 hectares of aromatic crops with CSIR interventions, catalyzing the overall cultivation to about 60,000 hectares. 

oThis initiative aims to produce an extra 700 tonnes of essential oil for industries.

• Economic Impact: The cultivation expansion is expected to generate a business worth at least 200 crores, utilizing the essential oils for perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
• Focuses: On developing superior varieties and agro-technologies for specific agro-climatic regions, promoting value addition of aromatic crops, conducting skill development activities, managing intellectual property, fostering entrepreneurship, and facilitating business development.

Purple Revolution 

• About: The Union Ministry of Science & Technology launched the Purple Revolution in 2016 through CSIR's Aroma Mission.
• Free Lavender Saplings for New Farmers: First-time farmers received free lavender saplings under the mission, while experienced growers were charged Rs. 5-6 per sapling.
• Economic Shift to Aroma Crops: High monetary returns prompted farmers in Jammu and Kashmir's hilly areas to transition from traditional farming to aroma crops like lavender.

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4. ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: A second, more powerful atmospheric river storm was headed for Southern California recently, threatening to unleash life-threatening floods and landslides.

Atmospheric Rivers

• About: Atmospheric rivers are extended bands in the atmosphere that efficiently transport moist air from the tropics to higher latitudes.
• Moisture Movement: Responsible for 90% of the tropical-to-polar moisture transport, atmospheric rivers stand as Earth's largest freshwater conveyors.
• Formation: These dynamic channels emerge when large-scale weather patterns align, creating concentrated filaments of intense moisture transport.
• Global Occurrence: Simultaneously, ten or more atmospheric rivers can occur across the globe, contributing to diverse weather patterns.
• Pineapple Express: It is, a prominent atmospheric river, channels moisture from the tropical Pacific to the US and Canadian West Coasts.
• Geographical Dimensions: Typically 250 to 375 miles wide and stretching over a thousand miles long, atmospheric rivers display considerable dimensions.
• Seasonal Prevalence: These phenomena are predominantly observed during the winter hemisphere when extratropical cyclones are at their peak.
• Water Vapor Equivalent: On average, an atmospheric river carries water vapor comparable to the flow at the mouth of the Mississippi River, North America's second-longest river.
• Landfall Effects: Passing over land, atmospheric rivers can induce hurricane-like conditions, including rapid rainfall, cyclone-force winds, and heightened wave activity.

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

Context: The Indian Navy commissioned its latest survey vessel, Sandhayak, at Naval Dockyard in Vizag in the presence of defence minister.

INS Sandhayak

• About: The ship is the inaugural unit among four Survey Vessel (Large) constructions at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
• Primary Mission: Designed primarily for extensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, the ship facilitates mapping of Port and Harbour approaches, as well as determining navigational channels and routes.
• Operational Range: The vessel's operational capabilities extend up to maritime limits, covering the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the extended continental shelf.

oVersatile Data Collection: Apart from hydrographic surveys, the vessel is equipped to collect oceanographic and geophysical data, catering to both defense and civil applications.

• Secondary Role: The ship offers limited defense capabilities and can function as a hospital ship during wartime or emergencies.
• Cutting-Edge Hydrographic Tools: The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic tools, including a Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, DGPS Long-range positioning systems, and Digital side-scan sonar.
• Propulsion and Speed: Powered by two diesel engines, the vessel can achieve speeds exceeding 18 knots, ensuring efficient performance during operations.
• Dimensions and Indigenous Content: Impressive Specifications:
• Indigenous Features: Measuring 110 meters in length and displacing 3400 tons, INS Sandhayak showcases an indigenous content of over 80 percent by cost.

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6. PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Cyber Security)

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs fixed a critical vulnerability in its online portal months after a cybersecurity researcher reported it to the Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In).

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

• About: PII is any data or information maintained by an organisation or agency that can potentially be used to identify a specific individual. 
• Include information: Aadhaar, PAN, voter identity, passport, date of birth, contact number, communication address, and biometric information.
• Non-PII information includes: Photographic images (especially of the face or other identifying characteristics), place of birth, religion, geographic indicators, employment information, educational qualifications, and medical records.
• Sensitive PII: When exposed, can be used to identify individuals and potentially cause harm. Some of the most important components that constitute sensitive PII are stored by employers, government organisations, banks, and other digital accounts used by individuals.
• Nonsensitive PII: It is publicly available information and can be stored and transmitted unencrypted. This includes information such as zip code, race, gender, and religion. They cannot be used to accurately identify an individual.
• Risks of PII exposure: Cyberattacks and weaknesses in digital infrastructure can lead to the exposure of citizens’ PII.

Has your PII been compromised?

• Telegram Bot Data Leak: In 2023, a Telegram bot exposed personal data of Indians registered on the CoWIN portal for COVID-19 vaccination, raising concerns.
• Dark Web Sale of Indian Citizen Data: An American cybersecurity firm revealed that personal information of 815 million Indians, including Aadhaar and passport details, was for sale on the dark web, sparking a major data breach incident.
• Government Denies Data Leak: Despite allegations, the Indian government refuted claims of a biometric data leak and CoWIN portal breach. An investigation led to the arrest of a man and a juvenile in Bihar.
• RailYatri Platform Data Breach: January 2023 witnessed a data breach in the RailYatri platform, contributing to the growing concerns about the security of personal information.

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7. UNIFORM CIVIL CODE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Uttarakhand Assembly is likely to pass the State’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill during its four­day­long session this week.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• Meaning: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) calls for the formulation of one law for India, which would be applicable to all religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption. 
• Article 44: Of the Constitution, under Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
• Origin of UCC: The UCC's roots trace to colonial India, as the British government's 1835 report highlighted the importance of consistent laws for crimes, evidence, and contracts, excluding the personal laws of Hindus and Muslims.
• History of Uniform Civil Code

oDuring their rule in Goa and Daman & Diu, the Portuguese separately codified the local customs of each of these territories.

oAfter liberating the territories in 1961 and integrating them into a Union Territory, the Indian government declared that the Portuguese laws, including the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, would continue until amended or repealed by a competent authority.

• Demand of having a UCC in recent times: The demand for a UCC in recent times came to the fore in the judgment pronounced in the Shah Bano Case in 1985, more than three decades after the Constitution was drafted.

Initiation of Uttarakhand UCC

• Formation of Expert Committee: In June 2022, the Uttarakhand government established an expert committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to explore avenues for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
• Committee's Mandate and Delay: Despite setting a deadline for the committee to submit its findings by November 2022, extensions were granted repeatedly. This was despite the Chief Minister's announcement in June the previous year about the readiness of a draft UCC.

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8. MOTION OF THANKS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Both Houses of Parliament will resume discussion on Motion of Thanks on President's address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Motion of Thanks

• History: This corresponds to the ‘Speech from the Throne in Britain’.
• Article 87: It outlines provisions for a special address by the President.
• Presidential Address: The President addresses the first session post-general elections and the inaugural session of each fiscal year. The President’s Address is the government’s statement of policy. So, the government drafts it and is responsible for its contents.
• Government Policy: During this address, the President elucidates the government's policies and programs from the past year and forthcoming year.
• Parliamentary Discussion: Both Houses of Parliament deliberate on this presidential address through a motion known as the 'Motion of Thanks.'
• Voting on the Motion: After the discussion, the motion undergoes a voting process, and it must be approved by the House.
• Significance of Approval: Failure to pass this motion signifies the government's defeat and poses a critical juncture in parliamentary proceedings.

Other Motions

• Privilege Motion: Any member from either house(Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) can move a notice in the form of a motion against the member who he/she thinks is guilty of the breach of privilege.
• Censure motion: A censure literally means expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism.
• No-confidence motion: As per Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, any member of the house can move a no-confidence motion. 
• Adjournment Motion: It is the procedure for adjournment of the business of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, which can be moved with the consent of the Speaker. 
• No-Day-Yet-Named Motion: If the Speaker admits notice of a motion and no date is fixed for its discussion, it is called a ‘No-Day-yet-Named Motion’.
• Dilatory Motion: A motion for the adjournment of the debate or a motion to retard or delay the progress of the business under consideration of the House.

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9. NORTHERN IRELAND (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Northern Ireland recently achieved the establishment of a functional government, marking a significant milestone after two years of parliamentary paralysis sparked by new trade rules between the European Union and the United Kingdom due to Brexit.

Northern Ireland’s Unique Position

• About: It (part of the UK) shared a land border with the Republic of Ireland (an EU member).
• Creation and Division: Northern Ireland emerged in May 1921 through the partitioning of Ireland, encompassing the six northeastern counties. Meanwhile, the remaining part of Ireland gained independence in 1922, forming the Republic of Ireland with Dublin as its capital.
• Political Divide and Tensions: Post-independence, Northern Ireland stayed within the United Kingdom, leading to tensions between the predominantly Protestant unionists loyal to the Crown and the mainly Catholic faction aspiring to join the Republic. Presently, unionists support British Union, while nationalists advocate for a united and free Ireland.
• Escalation and Conflict (1960s-1998): The late 1960s witnessed a violent conflict in Northern Ireland, fueled by opposing desires to remain part of the UK or join Ireland. The British Army and police, accused of excesses, exacerbated the situation. 

oThis turbulent period persisted until April 10, 1998, when the Good Friday Agreement was signed, marking the end of the bloodshed and introducing a unique governance system for Northern Ireland.

• Collapse of Parliament in 2022

oBrexit Impact: Following the UK's departure from the EU, Northern Ireland finds itself sharing a land border with the EU member, the Republic of Ireland.

oProduct Standards Divergence: Due to differing product standards between the EU and the UK, mandatory border checks are now required for goods traveling from Northern Ireland to Ireland.

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10. E-NAM PLATFORM (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: With more states opening up or facilitating trade of agricultural commodities on the electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM), there has been a spurt in trading among various markets within the state as well as at the inter-state level.

oThe platform currently allows online trading in 209 agricultural, horticultural and other commodi- ties notified by respective state governments.

Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)

• About: It is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
• Implementing Agency: Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
• Vision: To promote uniformity in agriculture marketing by streamlining of procedures across the integrated markets.
• Mission: The recent integration of APMCs nationwide via a unified online market platform enables pan-India agricultural trade, enhancing price discovery through transparent auctions based on produce quality, coupled with prompt online payments.
• Features

oFarmers' Product Showcase: The eNAM portal empowers farmers to exhibit their products in nearby markets, enabling traders from any location to provide price quotations.

oAPMC Services: e-NAM offers a unified platform for all Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) services, encompassing commodity arrivals, quality and prices, buy and sell offers, and direct e-payment settlements into farmers' accounts.

oStreamlined Licensing Process: Utilizing eNAM services, traders, buyers, and commission agents can acquire licenses from state-level authorities without any prerequisites of physical presence or ownership of a shop or premises in the market yard.

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