1. STUDY ON TROPICAL CYCLONE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Ocean surface waves brought on by tropical cyclones (TC) have increased over time, according to a new study (Nature Communications), which has cautioned that these could be a concern in the future.

Key Finding of Reports

• The fastest-increasing rates of tropical cyclone wave footprint (17-32 per cent per decade) were in the North Atlantic, eastern Pacific and North Indian Ocean. 
• According to the researchers, the rise in wave area is the primary cause of the trend of rising global wave energy.
• All ocean basins show a significant long-term increase in the maximum wave height, with the largest increase of 5 per cent per decade in the North Atlantic.
• The researchers suggested that the ocean warming caused by tropical cyclones goes deep enough to persist for months or years and travel far from its point of origin, potentially altering the broader patterns of ocean circulation that partly regulate Earth’s climate.

Tropical Cyclone

• About: A tropical cyclone is a warm-core low pressure system that develops over tropical or subtropical waters and has an organised circulation. 
• Example: These include hurricanes and typhoons. TCs produce high winds, large waves, extreme water levels and heavy rainfall.
• Main Role: It play an important role in maintaining the energy balance at the air-sea interface. TCs take heat energy from the ocean surface to fuel their development. 
• They also dissipate kinetic energy into the ocean through waves.
• Recent Tropical Cyclone: Freddy was a long-lived tropical system that traversed the Indian Ocean and seriously impacted Madagascar, Mozambique and parts of southeast Africa with intense rain and flooding.

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2. GRANT OF REMISSION Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court highlighted that the grant of remission to 11 men serving life sentences in the Bilkis Bano case was a "classic case" of exploiting a Supreme Court order to breach the law.

Grant of Remission

• About: Remission is the complete ending of a sentence at a reduced point. It differs from furlough and parole, as it involves a reduction in sentence rather than a temporary break from prison life.
• Nature of Sentence: In remission, the nature of the sentence remains unchanged, while the duration is shortened. The individual is not required to serve the remainder of the original sentence.
• Release and Conditions: The effect of remission is the assignment of a specific release date for the prisoner, and legally, they attain the status of a free person.

Background of the Remission System

• Legal Basis: The Remission system is defined under the Prison Act, 1894, outlining rules for awarding marks to prisoners, thereby shortening their sentences.
• Judicial Perspective: In the Kehar Singh vs. Union of India (1989) case, the court emphasized that prisoners have the right to be considered for remission. Denying this right goes against principles of reformation and leaves the convict without hope for freedom.
• Executive Power: State of Haryana vs. Mahender Singh (2007) established that while there is no fundamental right to remission, the state, through its executive power, must consider individual cases, taking relevant factors into account.

Constitutional Provisions on Remission

• President's Power: Under Article 72, the President can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions for offenses tried by a court-martial, under Union government executive power, and in cases involving death sentences.
• Governor's Power: Article 161 grants the Governor the authority to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions for offenses falling under the State's executive power.

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3. JAN ASUSHADHI KENDRA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: Recently, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, addressed the program in New Delhi, overseeing the distribution of store codes for the operation of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra to PACS in five states.

Jan Aushadhi Kendra

• Establishment of PMBKs: Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, PMBKs were established, with the initiative launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in November 2008.
• Objective: To provide quality medicines at affordable prices for all, with a particular focus on reducing out-of-pocket expenses in healthcare, especially for the economically disadvantaged.
• Generic Drugs at Lower Prices: PMBKs offer generic drugs that are available at lower prices while maintaining an equivalent standard in terms of quality and efficacy compared to more expensive branded drugs.
• Availability of Medicines: All therapeutic medicines are made accessible through Jan Aushadhi Stores, ensuring a wide range of medicines for various medical needs.
• Target: Jan Aushadhi Kendras to 10,000 by March 2024.

Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)

• About: PACS is a basic unit and smallest cooperative credit institution in India.
• Objective: It provides short-term, and medium-term agricultural loans to the farmers for the various agricultural and farming activities. It works at the grassroots gram Panchayat and village level. The PACS functions at the base of the co-operative banking system and constitute the major retail outlets of short term and medium-term credit to the rural sector.
• The first PcooperativeACS was formed: In the year 1904.
• Registered under: The Co-operative Societies Act and also regulated by the RBI. They are governed by the “Banking regulation Act-1949” and Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act 1965.

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4. PRAVASI BHARTIYA DIWAS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Poilty/IR - Diaspora)

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted people on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

• Historical Background: It has been observed annually since 2003 on January 9 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa in 1915.

oThe day acknowledges the noteworthy contributions of the Overseas Indian community to India's development.

• Establishment: In 2003, Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was later revised in 2015 to be observed every two years, accompanied by theme-based conferences.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award: The PBSA is the highest honor for Indians residing abroad.

oBestowed by the President of India during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions, initiated in 2003, this award recognizes outstanding contributions by the overseas Indian community.

• Significance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

oThis day serves as a crucial occasion for the overseas Indian community to interact with both the government and the local populace.

oConventions provide a valuable platform for networking among overseas Indians worldwide.

oParticipants can share their diverse experiences and insights in various fields during these gatherings.

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5. ONLINE GAMING (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Supreme Court will shortly commence the final hearing of multiple cases between tax authorities and the online gaming industry over tax demands adding up to nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore.

• Gaming companies argue that the 28% tax should be applicable only from 1 October, but the government contends that the revision clarified an existing law, and, thus, its demand for tax dues was not retrospective.

Size of the Gaming Industry

• India’s gaming industry is expected to become a $5 billion industry by 2025, growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 28-30 per cent.
• The real-money gaming segment generated over 10,000 crore in revenue in 2022.
• Currently, online gaming companies pay the government a GST of 18 per cent levied on the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or the platform fee. Besides this, TDS of 30 per cent is deducted on the winnings. 

Regulation of Online Gaming in India

• 7th Schedule Empowerment: The Constitution of India grants State governments the authority to legislate on matters related to betting and gambling through Entry 34 and on sports through Entry 33 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule.
• Limitation on State Legislation: While States can legislate on betting, gambling, and sports, they lack the jurisdiction to legislate on games of skill, as these are distinct from activities falling under the ambit of games of chance.
• Judgements on Online Gaming: Various court judgments affirm the legality of betting on games of skill, distinguishing them from games of chance. 
• This aligns with the constitutional protection provided under Article 19(1)(g) and Article 21 for playing online games and sports of skill.
• State Authority: States are vested with the power to enact laws and regulate gambling activities, including betting on the practice of gambling.
• Legal Entity Requirement: Any online gaming platform, whether domestic or foreign, that offers real money online games to Indian users must be a legal entity incorporated under Indian law.

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6. LUNAR GATEWAY STATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The UAE recently announced its participation in developing a module on NASA’s Lunar Gateway Station alongside the USA, Japan, Canada, and the European Union.

Nasa’s Lunar Gateway Station

• About: The Lunar Gateway is a vital element of NASA's Artemis program, signaling a significant step in space exploration.
• Countries involved: USA, Japan, Canada, and the European Union
• Features and Purpose: Similar to the ISS but orbiting the Moon, the Gateway facilitates long-term lunar presence, deep space missions, and scientific research.
• First-Ever Space Station Beyond Low Earth Orbit: The Gateway marks a historic development as the first space station situated outside of low Earth orbit (LEO).
• Deep Space Missions: Positioned to offer crucial support for extended human missions on the Moon, the Gateway enables launches for deep space exploration.
• Elliptical Orbit and Strategic Positioning: The Gateway follows a highly elliptical orbit, strategically positioned both close to the Moon's surface and farther away for efficient Earth resupply missions.
• Communication Relay: Serving as a communication relay, the Gateway acts as a base for scientific research, contributing to advancements in lunar exploration.
• Functionality: Weighing around 40 tonnes, the Gateway consists of modules for communication, living space, spacewalks, and operations, showcasing a comprehensive design.
• Extended Astronaut Occupancy: Astronauts can stay aboard the Gateway for up to 90 days, conducting lunar surface missions for science experiments and technology testing.

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7. ONE DISTRICT ONE PRODUCT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Economy)

Context: Recently, UP Vishwakarma expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the One District One Product Scheme.

One District One Product Scheme

• About: The ‘One District, One Product (ODOP) was later launched in 2018, to help districts reach their full potential, foster economic and socio-cultural growth, and create employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.
• Funding: It is a centrally sponsored scheme to be shared by the central government and states in 60:40 contributions.
• Origin: It was launched in January 2018, by the Uttar Pradesh Government, and due to its success, was later adopted by the Central Government.

oODOP is basically a Japanese business development concept, which gained prominence in 1979.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
• Agency: Department of Commerce through DGFT is engaging with State and Central Government agencies to promote the initiative of One District One Product.
• Merged with the ‘Districts as Export Hub’ initiative: ODOP initiative is operationally merged with the ‘Districts as Export Hub’ initiative being implemented by DGFT, Department of Commerce, with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as a major stakeholder.
• Objectives of ODOP

oAlleviate economic and regional imbalances among art producers by implementing targeted measures.

oSafeguard traditional knowledge in art and craft production, emphasizing creativity and manufacturing.

oExpand MSME sectors in all districts of Uttar Pradesh to boost local art production.

oEnhance the quality and quantity of local craft production through the development of manufacturing sectors.

oEstablish a stable marketing platform to enhance income, local employment, skills, and livelihood.

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8. RULE OF LAW (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court emphasized that to preserve the rule of law as the essence of democracy, it is the duty of courts to enforce it "without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."

Rule of Law

• About: Rule of law ensures that everyone is subject to the law, emphasizing that no individual is above its authority, fostering equal accountability for all.
• Fundamental Principle: The concept of the Rule of Law is ingrained in the British Constitution, highlighting that no one, regardless of position or status, is exempt from the authority of ordinary courts of law.
• Supremacy of the Law: One of the most fundamental principles, the Rule of Law underscores that the law is supreme, necessitating government actions to align with and operate within the legal boundaries.

Indian Constitutional Articles Regarding the Rule of Law?

• Article 14: It is the foundational constitutional provision, ensuring the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
• Article 19: It guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, and movement, with reasonable restrictions.
• Article 21: It ensures the right to life and personal liberty, stating that deprivation of these rights must follow a lawful procedure.

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9. STUDY ON MIGRATION OF BIRDS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Bird species in northeastern India have started shifting to higher elevations due to increasing temperatures owing to deforestation, a new study showed.

Highlights of Report

• Tropical Montane Forests: Ranging from 150-200 m to 3,500 m in altitude, are distinct ecosystems with a high level of biodiversity.

oEach species in tropical mountains occupies a specific niche, contributing to increased diversity within a confined space.

• Threats to Tropical Montane Forests: Forest loss and climate change pose significant threats to these ecosystems, impacting temperature-sensitive flora, fauna, and biodiversity concentration.

oDespite their ecological importance, there is limited research on the combined effects of forest loss and climate change on tropical montane forests.

• Impact of Temperature on Bird Species: Rising temperatures have led many bird species to migrate to higher elevations, with logged forests experiencing faster transitions due to higher temperatures and lower humidity.
• Study Area: The study focused on the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, known for its diverse bird species.
• Importance of Community Support in Research: Conducting studies in remote wildlife sanctuaries like Eaglenest requires essential support from local communities.

oThe challenging conditions, including lack of infrastructure and amenities, highlight the necessity of community cooperation for successful and sustained research efforts.

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10. GI TAGS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Seven products from Odisha, ranging from the Similipal Kai chutney made with red weaver ants to the embroidered Kapdaganda shawl, have bagged the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in recognition of their exclusivity to the state.

Kapdaganda Shawl

• Woven and embroidered by the Dongria Kondh tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in the Niyamgiri hills in Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.
• Worn by both men and women; the Dongrias give it to their family members as a token of love and affection.

Lanjia Saurpa Painting

• One of the oldest tribal art forms, also known as Idital.
• Belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district; these paintings are exterior murals on mud walls.

Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal

• Known for prickly thorns on stems and the entire plant.
• Green, round fruits have more seeds compared to other genotypes.
• Famous for unique taste and relatively short cooking time; plants are resistant to major insects, requiring minimal pesticide.

Odisha Khajuri Guda (Jaggery)

• Natural sweetener extracted from date palm trees; originates in the Gajapati district.
• Traditionally prepared in a trapezoidal form called ‘Patali Gur’; organic by nature, dark brown, and possesses a unique taste.

Dhenkanal Magji

• Sweet made from buffalo milk cheese; distinct characteristics in appearance, taste, flavor, shape, and size.

Similipal Kai Chutney

• The chutney made with red weaver ants is a traditional delicacy of the tribals in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. 
• The ants are found in the forests of Mayurbhanj, including in the Similipal forests – Asia’s second-largest biosphere. 

Koraput Kala Jeera Rice

• Black-colored rice variety, known as the ‘Prince of Rice,’ renowned for aroma, taste, texture, and nutritional value.
• Consumption aids in increasing haemoglobin levels and improves metabolism.

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