1. NOAA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: Recently, data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) disclosed that global carbon dioxide levels soared to a record high in 2023.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 

• About: NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science, extending its reach from the sun's surface to the depths of the ocean floor.
• Headquarters:  Washington, D.C.
• Establishment and Mandate: It was established in 1970 within the Department of Commerce with the mandate to study Earth's oceans, atmosphere, and coastal areas as they affect the United States.
• Global Mission: NOAA's mission extends beyond national borders to better understand the natural world and protect its resources, collaborating globally to monitor weather, climate, and environmental changes.
• Leadership in International Policies: It holds key leadership roles in shaping international policies concerning ocean, fisheries, climate, space, and weather, contributing to global initiatives for sustainable resource management.
• Essential Resources and Expertise: NOAA boasts numerous essential resources, including research programs, vessels, satellites, science centers, laboratories, and a distinguished pool of scientists and experts, all of which are internationally recognized for their contributions.

Key Facts of the study by NOAA:

• Global carbon dioxide levels reached a record high in 2023. This surge places us in the Pliocene epoch, a period roughly 4.3 million years ago. The Pliocene epoch was a time of significant environmental change. 
• The 2023 increase was the third-largest in the last decade and is likely a result of an ongoing increase of fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions.
• The NOAA analysis also found record high levels of another greenhouse gas: Methane.

oMore than 85 per cent of the increase from 2006 to 2021 was due to increased microbial emissions generated by livestock, agriculture, human and agricultural waste, wetlands and other aquatic sources The rest could be coming from fossil fuel emissions. 

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2. VOTER VERIFIED PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) announced that petitions advocating for 100% verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips would be addressed soon, just ahead of the first phase of voting scheduled for April 19.

Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

• About: It is an independent system [consists of two parts, namely, VVPAT Printer and VVPAT Status Display Unit (VSDU)] attached with the Electronic Voting Machines that allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended. 
• Objective:

oTo allow voters to verify that their vote was cast correctly.

oTo detect possible election fraud or malfunction.

oTo provide a means to audit the stored electronic results.

• 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.
• Beginning: The Government of India notified the amended Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 in 2013, enabling the Commission to use VVPAT with EVMs.

oThe SC in Subramanian Swamy v ECI (2013) held that VVPAT is an "indispensable requirement of free and fair elections. 

oThe VVPAT was used for the first time in all 21 polling stations of the Noksen Assembly constituency of Nagaland in 2013.

o2019 Lok Sabha elections became the first general election to have 100% of EVMs being attached to VVPATs.

• VVPAT slips counting: EC mandated the counting of VVPAT slips of one randomly selected polling station per Assembly constituency. This was increased to five polling stations per Assembly seat.

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3. TSAT-1A SATELLITE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, the satellite TSAT-1A was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

 TSAT-1A Satellite

• About: It is a result of the successful collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Satellogic, showcasing the synergy between two industry leaders in satellite technology.
• Expert Assembly: Assembled at TASL's AIT plant in Karnataka, the satellite leverages Satellogic's expertise in Earth observation technology and TASL's proficiency in complex system integration.
• TSAT-1A Capabilities:

oSub-Meter Resolution: Capable of capturing incredibly detailed images, the satellite facilitates precise observation of Earth's features, enhancing our understanding of the planet's dynamics.

oMultispectral and Hyperspectral Imaging: Equipped with advanced technology, the satellite can collect data across a wide range of wavelengths, providing comprehensive insights into the observed environment.

oEnhanced Performance: The TSAT-1A offers increased collection capacity, dynamic range, and low-latency delivery, ensuring timely access to valuable data, thus enhancing the efficiency of Earth observation missions.

Impactful Applications:

• Agriculture: The satellite's data will be instrumental in monitoring crop health, assessing soil conditions, and improving agricultural practices, thereby contributing to food security and sustainability.
• Disaster Management: By providing real-time data for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, the TSAT-1A satellite aids in mitigating the impact of natural calamities and saving lives.
• Urban Planning: The satellite's imagery supports infrastructure development and urban planning initiatives by providing valuable insights into land use, population density, and spatial trends.
• Environmental Monitoring: With its capability to track deforestation, pollution levels, and other environmental changes, the TSAT-1A satellite plays a crucial role in monitoring and preserving Earth's ecosystems.

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

Context: In a rare occurrence, 1 trillion cicadas from two different broods are recently expected to begin appearing in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States at the end of April.

Cicadas

• About: Cicadas are hemipteran insects known for their loud, complex and species-specific acoustic signals or songs.

oMost cicadas are canopy dwellers and are found in natural forests with large trees.

• Scientific name: Cicadoidea
• Distribution: At least 3,000 cicada species are distributed worldwide, in essentially any habitat that has deciduous trees, with the majority being in the tropics.

oThe generic diversity of cicadas in India and Bangladesh ranks the highest in the world, followed by China.

• Benefits: Cicadas, with their acoustic signatures, act as indicators of a healthy forest ecosystem. They prune mature trees, aerate the soil, and once they die, their bodies serve as an important source of nitrogen for growing trees.
• Food: They are mostly herbivorous and have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to feed on the sap of trees and plants. 
• Species Diversity: With over 3,000 species, cicadas can be broadly categorized into annual cicadas, seen every year, and periodical cicadas, which emerge once every decade or two.

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5. POLAR VORTEX (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Recently, scientists made the intriguing discovery that the Earth's polar vortex has undergone a mysterious reversal.

Polar Vortex

• About: refers to the circulation of strong, high-altitude winds in the stratosphere during winter in the hemisphere facing away from the sun.
• Emergence: It emerges during winter when the pole is tilted away from the sun, causing darkness and cooling in the polar stratosphere.
• Temperature Dynamics: The cooling of the polar stratosphere in contrast to the warmer tropical stratosphere creates a temperature gradient that drives the polar vortex.
• Formation of Arctic Polar Vortex: The resultant temperature contrast leads to the formation of robust west-to-east winds in the stratosphere, known as the Arctic polar vortex.
• Impacts of Polar Vortex Variability: Under certain weather conditions, the polar vortex can weaken and expand, allowing frigid Arctic air to spill southward into regions unaccustomed to such cold.
• Consequences of Polar Vortex Disruptions: This can trigger extreme cold snaps, snowstorms, and other severe winter weather events in areas like North America, Europe, and Asia.

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6. PERMANENT COMMISSION FOR WOMEN (Syllabus: GS Paper 1/3 – Women Related Issues/Security Forces)

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court examined extending permanent commission to women short service commission officers across the Indian Force, while also ordering interim reinstatement for a discharged woman officer from the Indian Coast Guard, following a 14-year tenure, as it considers similar career opportunities for women short service agreement (SSA) officers.

Permanent Commission

• About: It means a career in the Army till retirement age. 

oFor PC, the entry is through National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, and Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya.

• Short Service Commission: It provides an option for women for joining the Army and serving as a Commissioned Officer for 10/14 years. 

oAfter 10 years, a woman officer can either opt for a PC or opt-out or have the option of a 4 years extension, during which they can resign at any time.

Women’s Entry into Armed Forces

• Origin: The induction of women officers in the Army started in 1992. 

oThey were commissioned for a period of five years in certain chosen streams such as the Army Education Corps, Corps of Signals, Intelligence Corps, and Corps of Engineers. 

• Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES): Recruits under the Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES) had a shorter pre-commission training period than their male counterparts who were commissioned under the Short Service Commission (SSC) scheme.

oIn 2006, the WSES scheme was replaced with the SSC scheme, which was extended to women officers. They were commissioned for a period of 10 years, extendable up to 14 years.

• Permanent Commission for Women: The Ministry of Defence has taken steps to ensure the implementation of the grant of PC to women officers in the Armed Forces.

oIndian Air Force: All Branches, including Fighter Pilots, are open for female officers.

oIndian Navy: All non-seagoing Branches/Cadre/Specialisation has been opened for induction of women officers through SSC.

oIndian Army: Women officers are granted PC in the Indian Army in all the ten branches where women are inducted for SSC.

• Extension: In 2008, the government extended the permanent commission to women in two branches - Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army Educational Corps (AEC).

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7. EMPS 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Schemes)

Context: Recently, on April 1, 2024, India implemented the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS), 2024, aiming to incentivize the adoption of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers and foster the growth of an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ecosystem.

Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024

• About: The Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, is launching the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024).
• Objective: EMPS 2024 aims to expedite the uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs) across India.
• Financial Allocation: EMPS 2024 is a fund-limited scheme with a total budget of Rs. 500 crore.
• Duration of the Scheme: The scheme is set to operate for a duration of four months, commencing from April 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024.
• Focus: EMPS 2024 prioritizes the adoption of electric two-wheelers (e-2W) and three-wheelers (e-3W) to bolster green mobility initiatives and foster the growth of the EV manufacturing ecosystem.
• Eligible EV categories: Two Wheelers (electric) (e-2W) and Three-wheeler (electric) including registered e-rickshaws & e-carts and L5 (e-3W).
• Components of EMPS 2024:

oSubsidies/Demand Incentive: incentive for electric 2W (e-2W) and electric 3 W including registered e-rickshaws & e-carts and L5 (e-3W)

oAdministration of scheme: Including IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities and fee for Project Management Agency.

Multiple Caps

• Incentive Caps: EMPS and FAME II both impose caps on incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), but with different structures.
• Impact on Price and Incentives: EMPS's multiple caps lead to reduced monetary support, potentially increasing vehicle prices.
• Effect on Vehicle Affordability: CSE estimates significant reductions in incentives under EMPS, notably by 63% for two-wheelers and 37-38% for e-autos and e-rickshaws.

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8. EARLY WARNING FOR ALL INITIATIVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management)

Context: India is helping Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Mauritius develop early warning systems to reduce the loss of life and property due to extreme weather events.

Early Warning for All Initiative

• About: It is an initiative announced by the United Nations in 2022.
• Aim: To ensure that everyone is protected from hazardous weather, water or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027.
• Need: 50% of the countries do not have an early warning system.
• India’s efforts: India is helping five of the 30 countries identified across the world for the first phase of the initiative of establishing early warning systems.

Early Warning System:

• About: It is a collection of capacities aimed at producing and distributing timely and relevant warning information regarding potential extreme events or disasters.
• Types of Threats Addressed: EWS covers a range of threats including floods, droughts, fires, earthquakes, and tsunamis, which pose risks to human lives and livelihoods.
• Elements

oRisk Knowledge: It  is crucial for prioritizing mitigation and prevention strategies.

oMonitoring and Predicting: Systems with monitoring and predictive capabilities provide timely risk estimates.

oDisseminating Information: Communication systems deliver reliable and understandable warning messages to affected areas.

oResponse: Effective coordination, governance, action plans, and public education are essential for response.

Role of Early Warning Systems

• Life Preservation and Economic Impact Reduction: Early warning systems save lives and reduce economic losses from natural hazards.
• Global Targets: Increasing multi-hazard early warning systems aligns with global disaster risk reduction goals.
• Coastal Warning for Fishermen: EWS provide crucial alerts, such as advising fishermen to avoid hazardous seas.

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9. SUVIDHA PORTAL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Election Commission announced that its Suvidha portal has garnered over 73,000 applications since the declaration of the Lok Sabha polls.

Suvidha Portal

• About: It is an initiative by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to uphold democratic principles in elections.
• Streamlining Processes: It simplifies the process of obtaining and addressing requests for permissions and facilities during elections.
• Diverse Permission Requests: Suvidha Portal handles a wide range of permission requests transparently, following the First in First Out principle.
• Online Accessibility: Political parties and candidates can conveniently submit permission requests online from any location, at any time, with offline submission options also available.
• Permission Catering: It caters to permissions for various election-related activities such as rallies, setting up temporary party offices, canvassing, etc.
• Supported by: IT platform, Suvidha Portal is managed by nodal officers across state departments, ensuring efficient management of requests.
• Companion App: The portal offers a companion app that allows applicants to track the real-time status of their requests.

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10. JENU KURUBA COMMUNITY  (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Issues related to SC/ST)

Context: Basic facilities have recently remained a distant dream for the Jenu Kuruba settlement in Kodagu, even decades after independence.

Jenu Kuruba Community 

• About: This community primarily resides in the forested areas spanning across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, with a significant presence in the districts of Mysore and Coorg, covering over 3000 square kilometers.
• Cultural Identity: With a population exceeding 40,000, the Jenukuruba tribe stands out for its unique appearance and cultural traditions, as noted by Narayan K in 1995.
• Meaning: In Kannada, 'Jenu' translates to honey, while 'kuruba' denotes the caste, reflecting the tribe's traditional occupation as honey gatherers within the lush forests of the Western Ghats in Southern India.
• About the People

oPhysical Characteristics: Characterized by dark skin, medium build, and curly hair.

oOccupation: The Jenukuruba people historically engaged in various activities such as food gathering, collection of minor forest produce, and craftsmanship in handling elephants.

oLifestyle: Jenukurubas typically reside in small settlements known as Hadi, where they have traditionally practiced shifting cultivation, leading a semi-nomadic lifestyle.

oSocial Organization: Jenukuruba society operates on a semi-nomadic structure, where authority and decision-making processes are decentralized within settlements, led by a head-man (yajamana) and a ritual head or shaman (gudda), with religious matters centralized under the guidance of religious heads.

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