1. GOOGLE GEMINI (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, Google introduced Project Gemini, an artificial intelligence (AI) model designed to exhibit human-like behavior.

Google Gemini

• About: Gemini is an AI model that cannot be accessed directly. Rather, it acts as a base that Google and, ultimately, other developers can use to build products on top of.
• Built by: Gemini was built from the ground up to be multimodal, which means it can operate across and combine different types of information, including text, audio, image, code, and video.
• It can recognise images, speak in real-time, and even solve physics with remarkable ingenuity.
• Gemini 1.0 comprises 3 Models: Ultra, Pro, and Nano.

oGemini Ultra: It is Google’s most powerful LLM ever and is aimed at enterprise applications that will run it for “highly complex tasks.

oGemini Pro: It is the most general-purposed of the three and has already been plugged into Bard for prompts that require advanced reasoning, planning, and understanding.

oGemini Nano: It described as the most efficient model for on-device tasks, has been baked into the Pixel 8 Pro to process tasks like information summarisation and Smart Reply.

• Tensor Processing Units: Gemini 1.0 on its AI-optimised infrastructure using its in-house designed Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) v4 and v5e.

Is Gemini better than ChatGPT 4?

• Gemini seems to be more flexible that GPT4 at the moment. Also it ability to work with video and on devices without Internet give it an edge. 
• Gemini is now free to use while ChatGPT4 is only for paid users.

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2. UNESCO TAG TO SHANTINIKETAN Syllabus GS Paper 2 - World Organization)

Context: Visva-Bharati University has finally replaced the controversial plaques commemorating UNESCO’s world heritage tag to Santiniketan with a board approved by the Centre.

Shantiniketan 

• About: It was the home of Rabindranath Tagore, where he lived and composed many of his literary works, including songs, poems, and novels.
• Location: Birbhum District, West Bengal, India
• Built by: Debendranath Tagore (father of Rabindranath Tagore)
• Shantiniketan Festivals: Briksharopan (festival of Planting Saplings) and Halakarshan (festival of Plowing the Fields)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• About: It is a place that is listed by UNESCO for its special cultural or physical significance. 
• Maintained by: International ‘World Heritage Programme’, administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
• Selection Criteria: Sites must be already classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically, such as ancient ruins, historical structures, cities, monuments, etc.
• India’s Role: India has been a member of the World Heritage Committee thrice before (1985-91, 2001-07& 2011-15) and is serving a fourth term (2021-25).
• India’s Sites: 41 World Heritage Sites. 
• 33 are cultural, 7 are natural, and one, the Khangchendzonga National Park, is of mixed type.

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

Context: Recently, the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI), Izatnagar, Bareilly, has found the exact status of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus subtypes (EEHV) and its subtypes circulating among Asian elephant population in India.

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses (EEHV)

• About: EEHV is responsible for one of the most devastating viral infectious diseases in elephants worldwide, especially young Asian elephants.

oIn India, the incidence of EEHV-HD was first reported in 1997.

• Transmission of the Disease: EEHV is mostly spread through mucosal secretions which include: Saliva, Breast milk, Nasal secretions, Vaginal secretions and Trunk to trunk contacts.

oThe disease can only affect elephants and is not infectious to humans or other animals.

• Symptoms: Lethargy, Selective appetite to complete anorexia, Pyrexia, Edema of the head and trunk and limb, Reduced trunk movement and Cyanosis of the tongue.
• Treatment: Treatment involves a combination of antiviral therapy, aggressive fluid therapy to counter hemorrhaging, immuno-stimulant drugs, and antipyretics and analgesics to manage symptoms.

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4. EXPORT OF NON-BASMATI RICE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the Indian government approved the export of non-basmati white rice to five African countries through the National Cooperative Export Ltd (NCEL).

• According to a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notification, broken rice exports have been approved for Kenya, Egypt, Madagascar, Comoros and Equatorial Guinea.

Key Points

• The export of non-Basmati white rice was prohibited on July 20, 2023, citing increasing domestic prices of rice.
• In September 2022, the Centre had banned exports of broken rice. 
• In August 2023, the Centre imposed 20% export duty on par-boiled non-basmati rice.
• In October 2023, the government had given nod for exports of non-basmati white rice to Philippines, Cameroon, Malaysia, Ivory Coast, republic of Guinea, Nepal and Seychelles.
• Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is the agency responsible for regulation of export of Basmati rice.

India’s Status in Rice Exports

• India is the second-largest producer of rice in the world, after China. 
• India has become the largest rice exporter globally, accounting for nearly 40% of global rice exports in 2022/23. 
• Non-basmati white rice constitutes approximately 25% of the total rice exported from the country.
• Basmati Rice production in India: J & K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh.
• Categories of Rice Export: Basmati rice, Parboiled non-basmati rice, Raw white rice and Broken non-basmati rice.

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5. AGNI I MISSILE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, the training launch of the Short-Range Ballistic Missile 'Agni-1' was successfully conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, showcasing the proven very high precision of the missile system.

Agni I Missile

• Range and Classification: Agni-1 is classified as a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with an operational range of 700–900 km.
• Propulsion: This missile operates on a single-stage, solid-fuel propulsion system.
• Payload Capability: Capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, Agni-1 boasts an estimated payload capacity of 1,000 kg.
• Technological Upgrades: Recent enhancements include a more precise guidance system and an upgraded warhead, enhancing both accuracy and destructive power.
• Mobility and Strategic Advantage: Its road-mobile design ensures high mobility, making it a challenging target for adversaries.
• Deployment: Agni-1 underwent its maiden test-fire in 2002, followed by deployment by the Indian Army’s Strategic Forces Command in 2007.
• Origins and Development Program: Originating from the 1983 Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), Agni-1 represents a significant milestone in India's missile development efforts.

IGMDP

• About: Initiated in 1982–83, the program aimed at the Research and Development (R&D) of a diverse array of missiles in India, spearheaded by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Defence administered this program, with operational management entrusted to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Types of Missiles under the Programme 

• Short Range Surface to Surface Missile (SSM) ‘Prithvi’
• Long Range Surface to Surface Missile (SSM) ‘Agni’
• Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (SAM) ‘Akash’
• Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SAM) ‘Trishul’
• Anti-tank Guided Missile (ATGM) ‘Nag’.

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6. INDIAN CYBERCRIME CO CENTRE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security)

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) took action based on inputs from the Indian Cyber Coordination Centre (I4C) by blocking over 100 websites engaged in organized investment and task-based, part-time job frauds, most of which were operated by overseas entities.

Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

• About: it is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to deal with cyber crime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
• Aim: to provide a framework and eco-system for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for dealing with Cybercrime in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.

oI4C is envisaged to act as the nodal point to curb Cybercrime in the country.

• Focus: On tackling all the issues related to Cybercrime for the citizens, which includes improving coordination between various Law Enforcement Agencies and the stakeholders.
• Objectives of I4C

oTo act as a nodal point to curb Cybercrime in the country.

oTo strengthen the fight against Cybercrime committed against women and children.

oFacilitate easy filing Cybercrime related complaints and identifying Cybercrime trends and patterns.

oTo act as an early warning system for Law Enforcement Agencies for proactive Cybercrime prevention and detection.

oAwareness creation among public about preventing Cybercrime.

oAssist States/UTs in capacity building of Police Officers, Public Prosecutors and Judicial Officers in the area of cyber forensic, investigation, cyber hygiene, cyber-criminology, etc.

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7. GREEN RISING YOUTH INITIATIVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, UNICEF's Generation Unlimited, in collaboration with India's Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, unveiled the "Green Rising" initiative at COP28 in Dubai.

• The global "Green Rising" initiative and the "Green Rising India Alliance" marks a collaborative effort involving UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, and a diverse network of public, private, and youth partners.

Green Rising" Youth Initiative

• About: The initiative channels youth involvement for impactful grassroots environmental actions, aligning with global climate change mitigation efforts.
• Aim: To mobilize millions of young people worldwide, encouraging their active participation in green initiatives addressing and adapting to the severe impacts of climate change on their communities.
• YuWaah Campaign in India: Focused on inspiring youth through the Mission Life movement, the YuWaah campaign engages them in driving meaningful environmental actions at the grassroots level.
• Declarations and Initiatives: Historic declarations at the conference encompassed food systems, health, renewable energy, and efficiency, targeting the decarbonization of heavy-emitting industries.
• Financial Commitments: Pledges included 726 million dollars for Loss and Damage support, with significant boosts for the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, and Least Developed Countries Fund.
• ALTERRA: UAE's Catalytic Fund: The UAE's launch of the 30 billion dollars ALTERRA fund underscores a commitment to mobilize an additional 250 billion dollars for global climate action.

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8. SUGARCANE CULTIVATION IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: Recently, the Centre prohibited the utilization of 'sugarcane juice and sugar syrup' for ethanol production in the 2023-24 supply year, which commenced this month. This measure aims to ensure sufficient sugar availability for domestic consumption and to regulate prices.

• The government has allowed use of 'B-molasses' for ethanol production in 2023-24, a move which sugar industry bodies welcomed

Sugarcane Cultivation in India

• Two Distinct Agro-Climatic Regions: Tropical and Subtropical
• Tropical region Shared about 45% and 55% of the total sugarcane area and production in the country
• Five Agro-Climatic Zones: (I)North Western Zone (ii) North Central Zone (iii) North Eastern Zone (iv) Peninsular Zone (v) Coastal Zone.
• Suitable Conditions for Production:

oTemperature: Between 21-27°C with hot and humid climate.

oRainfall: Around 75-100 cm.

oSoil Type: Deep rich loamy soil.

• Sugarcane in Major Growing States: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana
• Status of Sugarcane Sector in India
• The Largest Sugarcane Producer: India has emerged as the largest producer of sugarcane in the world, surpassing Brazil during the 2021-22.
• The Second Largest Sugar Exporter: India has consistently been the second-largest exporter of sugar, following Brazil.

B-molasses

• About: It is a viscous substance, principally obtained from the refining of sugarcane or sugar beet juice into sugar.
• It has approximately the same DM content as A molasses but contains less sugar and does not spontaneously crystallize.

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9. HANUKKAH (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Recently, Prime Minister of India extended his greetings to the Jewish community in India and around the world on the occasion of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah

• About: Hanukkah, a festival of lights, commemorates events in Jerusalem in 165 BC.
• Calendar Observance: Begins on the 25th of Kislev, ending on the sacred Zos Chanukah in the Jewish calendar.
• Timing: Occurs between late November and December in the Gregorian calendar.
• Temple Rededication: Marks the rededication of the Second Temple during the Maccabean Revolt.
• Contemporary Celebration: Celebrated from December 18 to 26 this year.

Judainism in Indian 

• Bene Israel: meaning Children of Israel. Marathi speaking. Arrived in Maharashtra 2,100 years ago.
• Cochin Jews: arrived in India 2,500 years ago and settled down in Kerala as traders.
• Baghdadi Jews: Jews who came to India as traders from West Asia, mainly from Baghdad. They are settled mainly in Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata.
• Bene Menashe: The Manipur Jews constitute a community which sees itself as descendants of the Manasseh (Menashe) Tribe (which is one of the 10 lost tribes of Jews).
• Bene Ephraim: Also called “Telugu Jews”. They are a small group who speak Telugu. Their observance of Judaism dates to 1981.

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10. MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the Union Finance Minister of India highlighted that approximately 13.5 crore people escaped "multidimensional" poverty in the last five years. India, maintaining its momentum as the fastest-growing major economy, witnesses significant contributions from all sectors to economic activities.

• India has become the fifth largest economy from being the tenth largest in 2015.

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

• About: The index is a key international resource that measures acute multidimensional poverty across more than 100 developing countries.
• Produced by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)
• Calculation of MPI: Multiplying the incidence of poverty and the average intensity of poverty.
• MPI Ranges: From 0 to 1, and higher values imply higher poverty.

National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

• About: It is prepared based on the latest National Family Heath Survey of 2019-21.

oNFHS is conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

• First Edition Released: 2021
• Nodal Agency: NITI Ayog
• Indicators: 3 equally weighted dimensions - Health, Education, and Standard of living

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