1. INDIA-BANGLADESH RELATIONS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: As Bangladesh's Prime Minister landed in Delhi, jubilant crowds filled the streets of Dhaka and roamed the Prime Minister's residence, while the army announced it was taking control of the country.

India-Bangladesh Relation

• Historical Ties: The foundation of India’s relationship with Bangladesh was established during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where India provided essential military and material support for Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan.
• Geopolitics: Bangladesh is India's most strategic neighbour from the perspective of India's Northeast. India's "Act East Policy" can only be realized with the support of Dhaka.
• Security and Border Management: India's relationship with Bangladesh is also linked to its relationship with China, as India seeks to prevent Bangladesh from becoming part of China's strategic encirclement.
• Economic Cooperation: Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has grown significantly, reaching USD 18 billion in 2021-2022 from USD 10.8 billion in 2020-2021.

oBangladesh has become India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, while India is Bangladesh’s second biggest trade partner with exports totaling USD 2 billion.

oA joint feasibility study for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was completed in 2022, addressing the impact of Bangladesh losing its LDC status post-2026.

• Defence Cooperation: India and Bangladesh share a 4,096.7 km border, the longest land boundary India has with any neighbor, including Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

oJoint Military Exercises: The two nations conduct joint military exercises such as Army Exercise Sampriti and Navy Exercise Bongo Sagar to enhance defense collaboration.

• Energy: Bangladesh imports nearly 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from India, underscoring their energy cooperation.

oIn 2018, a memorandum was signed with Russia and Bangladesh for the Rooppur Nuclear power plant project, marking Bangladesh’s entry into nuclear energy.

• Infrastructure: Inaugurated in 2023, this rail link connects Bangladesh with India’s northeast and grants access to Chattogram and Mongla ports, benefiting trade and development.

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2. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR (L-G) (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: In its verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that the Centre-appointed Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) has the authority to nominate 'aldermen' to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) independently, without requiring the aid and advice of the Delhi Government's Council of Ministers.

Lieutenant Governor (L-G)

• About: According to Article 239, each Union Territory in India is to be governed by the President, who appoints an administrator for this purpose. A LG is specifically appointed for the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Delhi.
• Availability: The rank of LG is only available in three U.Ts of India: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, and Puducherry.
• Role: L-G is a representative of the President and acts on the aid and recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
• Authority on Specific Matters: In respect of matters related to Police, Public Order, and Land, L-G exercises his authority to the extent delegated to him by the President.
• Discretionary Powers of L-G: If no single party secures a majority in the Legislative Assembly elections, L-G can act independently to ask the leader of the single largest party or a coalition to form the government.
• Eligibility Criteria: 

oThe candidate should be an Indian citizen.

oThe candidate should be at least 35 years old.

oThe candidate should not be a part of Parliament or a State Legislature.

oThe candidate should not hold any other profitable office.

• Legislative Power: The Delhi Assembly has the power to legislate on all subjects except law & order and land.
• Article 239AA: It contains special provisions for the NCT of Delhi. Crucially, it provides for the creation of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, the Council of Ministers which comprises members of this assembly, and the offices of the Chief Minister and the Delhi L-G.

Supreme Court Rule

• The apex court held that Parliament has the authority to legislate on subjects in the State List concerning the NCT of Delhi, including the subject of ‘local government’.
• Application to the DMC Act: The subject of ‘local government’ includes the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, under which the court's decision was evaluated.
• Validation of Aldermen Nomination: The court upheld the validity of the L-G's nomination of 10 aldermen in January 2023 as a proper exercise of power.

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

Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has given clearance to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to produce 200 Astra air-to-air missiles for its Su-3O and LCA Tejas fighter aircraft.

Astra Missile

• About: Astra is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile designed to be mounted on fighter aircraft.
• Development: Indigenously developed by DRDO and manufactured by BDL for the Indian Air Force.
• Target Engagement: Built to engage and destroy high manoeuvrability and supersonic aerial targets.
• Combat Capability: Capable of advanced air combat and engaging multiple high-performance targets.
• Global Ranking: Considered one of the best in its class of air-to-air missile systems.
• Variants: Being developed in multiple variants to meet specific operational requirements.
• Features of ASTRA Mk-I

oDimensions and Weight: Measures 3.6 meters in length with a diameter of 178 mm, and weighs 154 kg.

oRange and Speed: Has a range of 80 to 100 km in a head-on chase and can travel at speeds up to 4.5 Mach (almost hypersonic).

oGuidance System: Utilizes an inertial guidance system with a fiber optic gyroscope and terminal guidance through active radar homing.

oDeveloped by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

oOperational Conditions: Capable of operating in all weather conditions, both day and night, with high reliability and a very high Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP).

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4. APPS FOR NEWS CRIMINAL LAWS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: Recently, the union government launched e-Sakshya, Nyaya Setu, Nyaya Shruti, and e-Summon App for three new criminal laws.

Newly Launched Apps

• Launched by: Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Aim: The apps aim to strengthen the technical competency of the entire system.
• e-Sakshya: Under this portal, all videography, photography, and testimonies will be stored on the e-evidence server, accessible to courts immediately.
• e-Summon: Under e-Summon, court summons will be sent electronically to the police station and the recipient.
• Nyaay Setu: It will provide the police with all the information related to the investigation in just one click.
• Nyay Shruti: It facilitates court hearings electronically and the automated system connects with the police, prisons, prosecution, forensics, and designated access points.

oThrough Nyay Shruti, courts can hear witnesses via video conferencing, saving time and money, and expediting case settlements.

Three new Criminal Laws of India 

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, replacing the Indian Penal Code 1860,
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and 
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023,replacing Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

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5. OL DOINYO LENGAI VOLCANO (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: A new study reveals that the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano has been both erupting magma above ground and sinking over the past decade. This dual phenomenon has been ongoing simultaneously for the last 10 years.

Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano

• Location: Ol Doinyo Lengai is situated in northern Tanzania, at the southern end of Lake Natron.
• Significance: The local Maasai people refer to it as the “Mountain of God.”
• Geological Characteristics: It is an active stratovolcano with distinctive geological features and rises to an elevation of 9,442 feet (2,878 meters).
• Rift System: The volcano is part of the East African Rift System, which hosts several volcanoes.
• Unique Magma Composition: Its basalts are rich in sodium and potassium, and its lavas are so alkaline that they resemble washing soda.
• Active Craters: The volcano has multiple active centers, with recent eruptions primarily occurring from its northern crater.
• Rare Eruption Type: Ol Doinyo Lengai is unique for its actively erupting carbonatite magma, which is extremely runny, rich in alkali elements, and low in silica.
• Study Findings: Recent research indicates that since 2013, the crater’s upper slopes have been sinking due to a deflating magma reservoir located 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) beneath the surface.
• Data Collection: Researchers used data from Sentinel-1 and Cosmo-SkyMed satellite systems to map the changes in the ground around Ol Doinyo Lengai over time.
• Observations: Maps showed a circular ground patch around the northern crater, indicating a steady rate of displacement away from the satellite.

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6. CONSOLIDATED FUND OF INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - Polity)

Context: The Lok Sabha passed the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2024 by a voice vote, authorising the Centre to draw money from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet expenditure estimated for the financial year 2024-25.

Consolidated Fund of India

• Constitutional Basis: It was constituted under Article 266 (1) of the Constitution of India.
• Composition: It is made up of all revenues received by the Centre from taxes (e.g., Income Tax, Central Excise, Customs) and non-tax revenues, as well as all loans raised by the Centre (internal and external).
• Utilization: All government expenditures are incurred from this fund, with withdrawals requiring Parliamentary authorization. Exceptional items are met from the Contingency Fund or the Public Account.
• Audit: The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) audits the fund and reports to the relevant legislatures on its management.

Other Types of Fund in India

• Contingency Fund of India

oPurpose: It is used for urgent unforeseen expenditures as authorized by the President of India in case of any contingency.

oCorpus: It has a fixed corpus of 500 crores, with subsequent authorization required from Parliament.

oConstitutional Provision: Article 267 provides for the Contingency Fund of India.

oState Contingency Funds: Article 267(1) provides for contingency funds for each state.

• Public Account of India

oNature of Account: It contains all public money (other than those in the Consolidated Fund of India) received by or on behalf of the Indian government.

oUsage: The government does not need Parliamentary permission to make advances from this account, which primarily handles banking transactions.

oConstitutional Provision: Article 266(2) provides for the Public Account of India.

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7. ARTICLE 370 AND 35(A) (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Prime Minister of India highlighted the Parliament's five-year-old decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35(A) as a pivotal moment, marking the start of a new era of progress and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Article 370

• Introduction: Article 370, established in October 1949, granted Kashmir autonomy in internal matters, allowing it to establish regulations in all areas except foreign affairs, finance, defense, and communications.
• State Provisions: Kashmir created its own constitution and flag and restricted property rights for outsiders.
• Purposes of Article 370: Served as a temporary measure until the state's constituent assembly was formed and could decide on legislative matters beyond the Instrument of Accession.
• Article 35A: It allowed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature to define 'permanent residents' and grant them special rights and privileges, such as in public sector jobs and property acquisition.
• Historical Context

oInstrument of Accession: Allowed Kashmir to maintain its constitution, flag, and criminal code as part of its accession to India.

oPolitical Changes: Kashmir had its own Prime Minister and President until 1953 when New Delhi removed Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah and abolished the position.

oRemoval of Article 370: On 5 August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status, or autonomy, granted under Article 370 and also Article 35A of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir.

Supreme Court Judgment on Article 370

• Internal Sovereignty: Post-accession, the erstwhile J&K did not possess internal sovereignty distinct from other Indian states.
• Validity: The presidential order to abrogate Article 370 is deemed valid.
• Temporary Provision: Article 370 was intended as a temporary provision; the J&K Constituent Assembly was not meant to be permanent.
• Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir: The creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh was upheld; no need to review the UT status of Jammu & Kashmir as it was considered temporary.

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8. THADOU TRIBE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society)

Context: The Thadou Students' Association (TSA) has established a global platform to address critical issues facing the Thadou tribes, with a focus on challenges in Manipur.

Thadou Tribe

• About: The Thadou are a Kuki people located chiefly in the hill country adjacent to the Imphal Valley in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, covering about 26,000 square kilometers.
• History: 

oMigration Theories: The Thadou tradition suggests their origin south of their current habitat, with migration possibly driven by intertribal conflict and land needs. 

oCultural Identity: The Thadou view themselves as destined rulers of the Earth and reject any form of domination, a belief that fueled the Kuki rebellion of 1918-1919.

• Cultural Affinities: They share many cultural affinities with neighboring groups such as the Koms, Aimols, Khotlhangs, Lusheis, Chins, Pois, Suktes, Paites, and Gangtes.
• Linguistic Background: The Thadou language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman Family of the Sino-Tibetan Phylum and has similarities with Metei, Kachin, Garo, Lushei, and other Old Kuki dialects.
• Kingship: The Thadou are subdivided into several exogamous clans among which are the Shitlhous, the Dongngels, the Kipgens, the Shingshons, the Chonglois, the Hangshings, and the Phohils. 
• Marriage: Four forms of marriage exist among the Thadou: chongmu, sahapsat, jol-lha', and kijam mang.
• Religious Beliefs: The god Pathen is believed by the Thadou to have created everything. He is also believed to be the ruler of the universe.

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9. LABORATORY CHEMICALS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Finance Ministry has withdrawn a customs duty hike on imported laboratory chemicals, which was proposed post the Budget, after scientists raised a furore.

Laboratory Chemicals

• About: Imported chemicals, reagents, and enzymes fall under the category of laboratory chemicals and are essential for experimental research across various scientific disciplines.
• Types: These include oxidisers, corrosive acids, and compressed gases used by researchers to conduct experiments and develop new products.
• Usage: Laboratory chemicals play a crucial role outside of research settings, particularly in the medical diagnostics industry.
• Cost and Niche Market: Most laboratory chemicals are niche products that can be relatively expensive.
• Customs Department Definition: The Customs Department defines laboratory chemicals as organic or inorganic substances, whether chemically defined or not, imported in packings not exceeding 500 grams or 500 millilitres, specifically intended for laboratory use.

Issue of Increased Basic Customs Duty

• The Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on these chemicals was silently increased from 10% to 150%, as per Budget 2024-25.
• Increase of cost: There was also a 25% hike on imported plastic components used in laboratories.

Imported Chemicals Necessity

• Lack of Domestic Demand: India's local demand for niche chemicals is insufficient to justify the capital investments needed for their production.
• Replicating Experimental Research: Imported chemicals are crucial for replicating experiments from abroad, requiring precise materials that are often unavailable locally.
• Pharmaceutical and Chemical Manufacturing: Despite being a major manufacturer and exporter, India relies on imports for specific chemicals needed in specialized research and development.

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10. NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: Indian scientists have discovered significant natural variations in rice nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) along with associated traits and genes.  

Nitrogen Use Efficiency

• About: It describes how effectively a plant utilizes applied or fixed nitrogen for biomass production. 
• It is the ratio between crop yield and the amount of nitrogen absorbed from the soil or atmosphere.
• Importance: NUE is crucial in crop breeding programs aimed at improving crop yield while lowering input costs, such as fertilizers. It also helps minimize nitrogen’s environmental impact.
• Environmental Benefits: Increasing NUE reduces fertilizer inputs, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water.
• Economic Advantages: A high NUE means that more of the applied nitrogen is absorbed by the crop, which can reduce farmers’ input costs and increase their profits.
• Measure of Efficiency: NUE is a key indicator of environmental sustainability and economic efficiency, showing the relationship between nitrogen inputs and crop yield.
• Example: A nitrogen use efficiency of 50% indicates that half of the applied nitrogen was taken up by the crop after growth was completed.

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