1. GARDI SUGDUB (Syllabus: GS Paper 2/3 – IR/Env & Eco)

Context: Recently, on a tiny island of Panama’s Caribbean coast, people of Guna community are forced to leave Gardi Sugdub due to climate change and rising sea level.

Gardi Sugdub

• About: It is one of about 50 populated islands in the archipelago of the Guna Yala territory, Panama.
• Annual Flooding: Every year, especially when the strong winds whip up the sea in November and December, water fills the streets and enters the homes.
• Impact: Climate change isn't only leading to a rise in sea levels, but it's also warming oceans and thereby powering stronger storms.
• Guna People: These are the indigenous people of Panama and Colombia.

oGuna people live in three politically autonomous comarcas or autonomous reservations in Panama, and a few small villages in Colombia.

oCommunity Organization: In Guna Yala, each community has its political organization, led by a saila.

üThe saila is customarily both the political and religious leader of the community.

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2. CARBON FOOTPRINT (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The steel ministry plans to write to all major steel companies with export interests to assess their preparedness for reducing their carbon footprint and for facing the green challenges emerging in global markets.

Carbon Footprint

• About: It is the amount of greenhouse gases—especially carbon dioxide—released into the atmosphere by a particular human activity.
• WHO Definition: A carbon footprint as a measure of the impact of human activities on the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels.
• Quantification: It is quantified in terms of the weight of CO2 emissions produced, measured in tonnes.
• Measurement: Carbon footprint is measured in terms of the weight of CO2 emissions produced, quantified in tonnes. 
• Direct and Indirect Emissions: Carbon footprint includes direct emissions, such as from driving a car, as well as indirect emissions required to consume any goods and services.
• Types of Carbon Footprints

oOrganizational Carbon Footprint: This includes emissions from all activities across an organization, encompassing energy use, industrial processes, and company vehicles.

oProduct Carbon Footprint: This involves emissions throughout the entire life cycle of a product or service, from the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing to its use, final reuse, recycling, or disposal.

Difference from Ecological Footprint

• Carbon footprint is different from ecological footprint. While the carbon footprint measures the emission of gases that contribute to global warming, the ecological footprint focuses on measuring the use of bio-productive space.

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3. BAOBAB TREE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, it was noted that the world's eight baobab species have a unique distribution: six in Madagascar, one in Africa, and one in Australia.

Baobab Tree

• About: The tall and uniquely shaped deciduous trees which are famously spotted on the island of Madagascar.

oKnown for their great heights, with some extending up to 50 metres, and exceptionally long lifespans going up to 2,000 years.

• Distribution: Grows in low-lying areas in Africa and Australia. Found in dry savannah habitats.

oThe trees belong to the genus Adansonia, which comprises eight distinct species:

üAdansonia digitata found in continental Africa, Adansonia gregorii in Northwestern Australia:

üSix other species endemic to Madagascar.

• In India: Baobabs trees are found in abundance in Mandu town (Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh), where the Bhil tribe has preserved them for centuries.
• One near the Golconda Fort in Andhra Pradesh that is believed to be more than 400 years old.
• Unique Appearance: Baobabs have thick trunks with large circumferences and thin, spindly branches, giving them a distinctive "upside-down tree" appearance during the dry season.

oThis is how it became known as "The Tree of Life".

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4. ARBITRATION IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Chief Justice of India recently emphasized that arbitration has become a preferred method of dispute resolution in commercial justice, underscoring its pivotal role.

Arbitration in India

• Statutory recognition: Arbitration in India was statutorily recognized as a form of dispute resolution for the first time when Indian Arbitration Act, 1899 was enacted.

oIt was confined to the three presidency towns only i.e. Madras, Bombay and Calcutta. 

• Codification: It was further codified in Section 89 and Schedule II of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, where provisions of arbitration were extended to different regions of British India to which the Act of 1899 was not extended. 
• Arbitration Act, 1940: It repealed the Act of 1899 along with the relevant provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. 

oThe Act of 1940 was a reflection of the English Arbitration Act, 1934 and was a comprehensive legislation on the subject but it had no provisions to deal with enforcement of foreign awards and hence, dealt only with domestic arbitrations. 

• Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996: It repealed the Act of 1940 and was based on UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, 1985 and covered both domestic and international arbitration. 
• Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2015: The amendment of 2015 imposed a time limit in a strict sense for concluding the process of arbitration. 

oThe time period was fixed at 12 months which could be extended for an extra time period of 6 months for which the arbitration tribunal will take extra fees for the purpose.

• Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019: It seeks to encourage Arbitration, Mediation, Conciliation and other methods of ADR with the establishment of the ACI that will ensure professional and uniform standards that meet the global expectation.

Constitutional provisions

• Fundamental rights: Alternative Dispute resolution in India was founded on the constitutional basis of Article 14 (Equality before law) and Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty). 
• Directive Principles of State Policy: 

oArticle 39A: It states that the state shall make a principle of state policy relating to equal justices and free legal aid. 

oArticle 40: It gives a directive to the state to take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such power and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self -government. 

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5. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: A recent study in the European Heart Journal warns that consuming high levels of xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in various products, may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes by causing blood clots.

Artificial Sweeteners

• About: It provide a sweet taste without the high calorie content of regular sugar, aiding in weight management.
• Chemical Synthesis: These sweeteners are synthesized chemically to provide a sweet taste without the high calorie content found in regular sugar.
• Examples: Saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), sucralose, neotame, and advantame.
• Benefits

oThese sweeteners have minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making them suitable for individuals with diabetes.

oIndividuals with PKU can safely consume artificial sweeteners since they are free from phenylalanine, a compound harmful to those with this genetic disorder.

oArtificial sweeteners are used in various food and beverage products, providing low-calorie options for diet sodas, sugar-free desserts, and low-calorie snacks.

Xylitol

• About: It is a sugar alcohol naturally found in small amounts in fruit and vegetables, and it's also produced by the human body.
• Advantage: As an additive, xylitol resembles sugar in taste and appearance but contains 40% fewer calories, making it a popular choice for low-calorie products.
• Common Uses: It's utilized in various products such as sugar-free gum, candies, toothpaste, and baked goods, often at concentrations much higher than its natural occurrence.
• Keto-Friendly: Xylitol is frequently featured in products labeled "keto-friendly," particularly in European markets, catering to consumers following low-carb diets.

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6. INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Indian delegation participated in the inaugural Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)

• About: The initiative, spearheaded by the US, seeks to bolster economic cooperation among participating nations, fostering resilience, sustainability, inclusivity, growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Launched by: United States (US) in Tokyo at the QUAD summit on May 23, 2022. 
• Aim: The framework intends to “advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness” in these economies. 
• Not an FTA: IPEF is not a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Transpacific Partnership (CPTPP). 
• IPEF Pillars: Trade, Supply chains resilience, Clean Economy, and Fair Economy.
• Members: Quad members (India, USA, Australia and Japan),

o7 members of ASEAN (Except Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar).

oTogether they account for 40 per cent of the world’s economic output and 28 per cent of trade.

India and IPEF

• Participation in Key Pillars: India is a part of three key pillars of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF):

oResilient Economy (Supply Chain)

oClean Economy (Decarbonization and Infrastructure)

oFair Economy (Anti-Corruption and Tax)

• Non-Participation in Connected Economy (Trade) Pillar: India has opted not to join the Connected Economy (Trade) pillar of the IPEF.

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7. CBIC (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs has invited suggestions on the draft ‘Central Excise Bill, 2024’, which aims to enact a comprehensive modern central excise law with an emphasis on promoting ease of doing business and repealing old and redundant provisions.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC)

• About: CBIC, formerly known as the Central Board of Excise and Customs, operates within the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• Establishment: Under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963
• Structure: The CBIC is led by a Chairman appointed by the Indian Government.
• Divisional Structure: The organization is divided into various divisions and zones, each managed by a Chief Commissioner or Director General.
• GST Intelligence Wing: CBIC also houses a GST intelligence wing tasked with detecting and preventing tax evasion related to Goods and Services Tax.

Functions of CBIC

• Administration of Indirect Taxes: CBIC is responsible for the administration of all indirect tax-related matters in India.
• Policy Formulation: It formulates policies regarding the levy and collection of Customs, Central Excise duties, Central Goods & Services Tax (GST), Integrated Goods & Services Tax (IGST), and oversees prevention of smuggling.
• Administrative Authority: CBIC acts as the administrative authority for its subordinate organizations, such as Custom Houses, Central Excise and Central GST Commissionerates, and the Central Revenues Control Laboratory.
• Tax Collection: It ensures prompt deposit of taxes collected by collection agencies into the public exchequer, including taxes on foreign and inland travel.
• Customs Administration: At various locations such as International Airports, Seaports, Custom Houses, International Air Cargo Stations, International Inland Container Depots (ICDs), Land Customs Stations, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), etc.

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8. WHITE GOODS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, white goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and FMCG companies have encountered import delays and higher duties as customs authorities at various ports hold up consignments due to third-party invoicing issues.

White Goods

• About: These are large home appliances such as stoves (British: cookers), refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, tumble driers, dishwashers, and air conditioners. 

oThey are large electrical goods for the house which were traditionally available only in white. 

oEven though you can purchase them today in a wide range of different colors, they continue being called white goods.

• Major appliances:Consumer durables made of enamel-coated sheet steel – are the same as white goods.
• White goods vs. brown goods

oThe term contrasts with brown goods, which are relatively light electronic consumer durables such as computers, digital media players, TVs and radios.

• Interconnected White Goods:

oWhite goods, including appliances like refrigerators, are increasingly becoming interconnected through the Internet.

oThe trend involves these appliances collecting and exchanging data, contributing to the Internet of Things (IoT).

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9. THISMIA MALAYANA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Researchers recently discovered that a new plant species, Thismia malayana steals nutrients from underground fungi.

Thismia malayana

• About: It is a newly discovered plant species belonging to the group of mycoheterotrophs.
• Group: Mycoheterotrophs, such as Thismia malayana, do not undergo photosynthesis but instead act as parasites, obtaining carbon resources from fungi on their roots.
• Habitat: Discovered in the tropical rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia, specifically in Gunung Angsi Forest Reserve and Gunung Benom in the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve.
• Nutrition: Thismia malayana obtains its carbon resources from fungi on their roots.
• Interconnectedness: The existence of Thismia malayana highlights the intricate interconnectedness within ecosystems, particularly between plants and fungi.
• Adaptation: This plant demonstrates adaptation through its symbiotic relationship with colonizing fungi, a relationship typically benefiting both parties.
• Proliferation: Thriving in low-light conditions of dense forest understories, Thismia malayana has specialized flowers pollinated by fungus gnats and other small insects.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to threats to its habitat and population.

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10. MONGLA PORT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India has expressed interest in operating the Mongla Port in Bangladesh and constructing a new terminal there amid China's efforts to run the strategically-located port.

Mongla Port

• Location: Mongla, also called Mongla Port, formerly Chalna Port, is a port city in southwestern Bangladesh.

oFormerly located at Chalna, about 11 miles (18 km) upstream on the Pusur River, the port now serves as the main seaport for the country’s western region.

• Geographic Position: Mongla Port lies close to the shore of the Bay of Bengal and the Pashur River.
• Rank and Activity: Mongla Port is the second largest and second busiest seaport in Bangladesh.
• Alternative: Due to increasing congestion in Bangladesh’s largest port in Chittagong, many international shipping companies have turned to Mongla as an alternative.
• Major Exports: Jute, leather, tobacco, frozen fish, and shrimp.
• Major Imports: Grain, cement, fertilizer, coal, and wood pulp.
• Tourism Gateway: Mongla serves as a gateway for tourist ships traveling to the Sunderbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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