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

Context: Radars, jetties, airfield and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles are being deployed at the Indian Navy’s newest base, INS Jatayu, on Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep.

BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles

• About: A joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) and the NPOM of Russia.

oBrahMos is named for the rivers Brahmaputra and Moskva (Russia).

• Range: 290 km 
• Fastest cruise missile in the world: A top speed of Mach 2.8 (nearly three times the speed of sound).
• Two-stage missile system: Solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in second.
• Multiplatform missile: Can be launched from land, air, and sea and multi capability missile with pinpoint accuracy that works in both day and night irrespective of the weather conditions.
• Operates on the "Fire and Forgets" principle: It does not require further guidance after launch.

Minicoy Islands

• Location: Minicoy Island, the southernmost tip of Lakshadweep, rests 398 kilometers (215 nautical miles) southwest of Kochi, India.
• Dimensions and Proximity: With a land area of 4.80 square kilometers, Minicoy boasts one of the largest lagoons in Lakshadweep. 
• Lies between: The island neighbors the bustling 9° Channel, a crucial shipping route, and lies approximately 130 kilometers north of the Maldivian archipelago.

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2. CYPRUS (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The EU has announced the opening of a sea corridor this weekend for shipping humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza in the race to stave off a famine that is already claiming lives.

Cyprus

• About: Cyprus is situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, positioned north of the Sinai Peninsula, south of the Anatolian Peninsula, and west of the Levant.
• Cultural Identity and Geopolitics: While geographically part of West Asia, Cyprus's cultural affiliations and geopolitical influences are predominantly Southeast European.
• Size and Population: As the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus also holds the status of being the third-most populous island in the region.
• Boundaries: Cyprus is strategically positioned east of Greece, north of Egypt, south of Turkey, and west of Lebanon and Syria.
• Capital: Nicosia 
• Political Complexity: The northeastern part of the island is effectively governed by the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, adding a layer of political complexity to the region.

Gaza Strip

• About: It is also known as Gaza, is a Palestinian enclave situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Boundaries: It shares an 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) border with Egypt to the southwest and a 51-kilometer (32-mile) border with Israel to the east and north.
• Both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank are territories claimed by the de jure sovereign State of Palestine.

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3. KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Prime Minister of India visited Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve

• Location: Located at Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam.
• Flora: Tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests. 
• Fauna: One-horned rhinos; Elephant; Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo. It is the home of the world's most one-horned rhinos and has the second-highest number of Rhinos after Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Assam.
• River: Located on the edge of Brahmaputra River and Diphlu River flows through the National Park.
• National Highway (NH): NH 37 passes through the National Park.
• Conservation status: Declared as: 

oNational Park in 1974.

oUNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

oTiger Reserve in 2007.

oRecognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

Other national parks in Assam are:

• Dibru-Saikhowa National Park,
• Manas National Park,
• Nameri National Park,
• Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park.

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

Context: The Blue Leaders High-Level Event on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction was recently held in Belgium, aiming to encourage nations to ratify a new treaty aimed at safeguarding the high seas from pollution, climate change, and overfishing.

BBNJ Treaty

• About: It also known as the Treaty of the High Seas, aims to address the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction.
• Adopted: 19 June 2023.
• Signatories: More than 70 nations including nine ACAP Parties have signed the Agreement.
• Ratified: So far, 88 countries are signatories to the treaty. Only two Chile and Palau have ratified it so far. The BBNJ will “enter into force” when at least 60 countries ratify it.
• Framework of the UNCLOS: The treaty is developed within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the primary international agreement governing activities at sea.
• Holistic Management Approach: It intends to establish a more holistic management system for high seas activities, emphasizing the balance between conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
• Scope: BBNJ encompasses areas beyond exclusive economic zones or national waters, covering almost half of the Earth's surface according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• Regulation: These areas are largely unregulated and least understood in terms of biodiversity, with only 1% currently under protection.
• High Ambition Coalition: Launched at the One Ocean Summit in February 2022, the High Ambition Coalition on BBNJ aims to unite delegations for ambitious outcomes in the negotiations.
• Key Elements of Negotiation: The negotiations focus on elements agreed upon in 2015, including the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building.

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5. MEASLES AND RUBELLA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci & Tech-Diseases)

Context: India has been bestowed with the prestigious measles and rubella champion award for its exemplary efforts in combating these diseases.

Measles

• About: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is a cause of death among young children globally.
• Cause and Classification: It is caused by a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus with 1 serotype and classified as a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family.
• Impact on Vulnerable Populations: Particularly dangerous for children from economically weaker backgrounds, as it targets malnourished children and those with reduced immunity.
• Serious Complications: Measles can lead to serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia.

Rubella

• About: Rubella is also called German Measles and is a contagious, generally mild viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults.
• Cause and Comparison with Measles: It is caused by the rubella virus, an enveloped single-stranded RNA virus. Rubella isn't as infectious or severe as measles, though they share some signs and symptoms like the red rash.
• Risk: Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause death or congenital defects known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), resulting in irreversible birth defects.

Government Initiatives

• The Measles and Rubella Partnership

oAbout: The partnership is anchored by a multi-agency planning committee.

oMembers: Notable members include the American Red Cross, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), UNICEF, and World Health Organisation.

oShared Goal: All participating organizations are committed to reducing global measles deaths and preventing rubella illness.

• Mission Indradhanush

oAbout: Launched on 25 December 2014, this seeks to drive towards 90% full immunisation coverage of India and sustain the same by year 2020. 

oAim: To ensure full immunisation with all available vaccines for children up to two years of age and pregnant women.

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6. SEA DEFENDERS-2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Bertholf ship reached Port Blair ahead of the ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ joint exercise.

Sea Defenders-2024

• About: It stands as proof to the deepening strategic ties between the two nations and is a crucial step in enhancing maritime safety and promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Location: Off the coast of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Focus of the Exercise: Maritime piracy and asymmetric threats, including simulated drone attacks, search and rescue operations, firefighting, pollution response, and counter-drug interdiction.
• Simulated Medical Evacuation: Enhancing readiness in emergency situations.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

• About: The Indian Coast Guard is a multi-mission organization, conducting round-the-year real-life operations at sea.
• Role: Protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law.
• Jurisdiction: Covers territorial waters, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone of India.
• Functions: Safeguards maritime interests, assists vessels in distress, and protects the maritime environment.
• History: Formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
• Nodal Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Defence.
• Administration: Headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG).
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.

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7. GREAT BARRIER REEF (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A widespread coral bleaching event has engulfed the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australian authorities have confirmed. The reef is spread over an area larger than Italy.

Great Barrier Reef

• Location: Situated in the Pacific Ocean, it can be found off the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia, within the Coral Sea.
• Largest Coral Reef Area: Indonesia
• Coral Reef Areas in India: Gulf of Mannar, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Lakshadweep Islands and the Gulf of Kutch.
• UNESCO World Heritage Status: The Great Barrier Reef earned the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
• Marine Protected Area: A substantial portion of this remarkable ecosystem falls under the protective umbrella of a marine protected area. 

oThis area is overseen and managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority of Australia.

• Biodiversity: The Great Barrier Reef boasts an incredible array of marine life. Estimates suggest it serves as the habitat for around 1,500 species of fish and over 600 diverse coral species.

Initiatives to Protect Corals

• A number of global initiatives are being taken to address the issues, like:
• International Coral Reef Initiative
• Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)
• Global Coral Reef Alliance (GCRA)
• The Global Coral Reef R&D Accelerator Platform.

  Coral Bleaching

  • About: It  is a phenomenon triggered by environmental stressors affecting coral reefs.
  • Causes: Coral Bleaching occurs when corals face stress from factors such as changes in temperature, pollution, or elevated levels of ocean acidity.
  • Mechanism of Zooxanthellae: Under stress conditions, the zooxanthellae, symbiotic algae within coral polyps, produce reactive oxygen species, detrimental to the corals.
  • Expulsion of Zooxanthellae: In response to stress, corals expel the zooxanthellae from their polyps, leading to the exposure of their pale white exoskeleton and the characteristic bleached appearance.
  • Consequences: The expulsion of zooxanthellae disrupts the symbiotic relationship crucial for the survival and growth of corals.

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8. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Social Justice)

Context: The Prime Minister of India has extended greetings on International Women's Day.

International Women’s Day (IWD)

• About: It is a global celebration recognizing women's achievements in various spheres – social, economic, cultural, and political.

oThe day serves as a call to action, urging the acceleration of gender parity and emphasizing ongoing challenges for women's equality.

• Theme for International Women’s Day 2024: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress
• Campaign Theme: Inspire Inclusion.
• Origin: Tracing its roots to the early 20th century, International Women’s Day emerged from labor movements in North America and Europe.

oThe first observance was the National Women’s Day in the United States on February 28, 1909, initiated by the Socialist Party of America to commemorate a garment workers’ strike.

• Significance of International Women’s Day

oThe day's significance lies in its role in shedding light on critical issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women.

oIt provides a platform for collective action and collaboration in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment.

oInternational Women’s Day serves as a reminder that gender parity remains elusive, with estimates suggesting it may take over a century to achieve equality.

oThe day calls for reflection, advocacy, and action to break down barriers and advance the cause of women and girls worldwide.

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9. EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Education)

Context: Recently, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda announced plans to make 740 Eklavya Model Residential Schools operational nationwide by 2025-26.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools

• About: A scheme for making model residential schools for Indian tribals (ST- Scheduled Tribes) across India.
• Origin: It started in the year 1997-98.
• Objective:  To impart quality education to tribal students, with an emphasis on not only academic education but the all-around development of tribal students.
• Nodal Ministry:  Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Implementing agency: National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS). 
• Coverage: 

oEMRS Guidelines of 2010: At least one EMRS is to be set up in each Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) / Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) having 50% ST population in the area.

oBudget 2018-19 announcement: Every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an Eklavya Model Residential School by the year 2022.

• These are being set up by grants provided under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.
• Key Features: Each school has a capacity of 480 students, catering to students from Class VI to XII.

o10% of the seats of EMRS can be filled up by non-ST candidates (shall not exceed the total strength of 480).

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya

• Establishment: The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti scheme was founded in 1986-87 in alignment with the National Policy on Education, 1986.
• Residential and Affiliation: These are fully residential and co-educational institutions affiliated with CBSE, New Delhi.

Kendriya Vidyalayas

• Approval: The Scheme of Kendriya Vidyalayas (Central Schools) received approval in 1962, following recommendations of the Second Central Pay Commission.
• Organization: The Central School Organization commenced as a unit of the Ministry of Education to oversee Kendriya Vidyalayas.

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10. AADHAAR-VOTER ID LINKAGE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Though linking your Aadhaar with your voter ID is optional, a recent petition in the Supreme Court has brought attention to the lack of clarity in the forms for registering electors regarding this choice.

Aadhaar Linking by the EC

• About: The Election Commission of India initiated the process of linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs on February 15, 2015, under then-Chief Election Commissioner H S Brahma's announcement.
• Suspension of Aadhaar Linking Drive: The drive to link Aadhaar with the electoral roll was suspended after the Supreme Court's ruling on August 11, 2015, restricting Aadhaar's usage to specific government schemes.
• EC's Proposal for Aadhaar Linking: In 2019, the EC proposed to link Aadhaar with the electoral roll once again, urging the government to amend election laws for Aadhaar collection.
• Government's Response and Legislation: The government responded with the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021, passed in December 2021, facilitating Aadhaar and Voter ID linking.
• Resumption of Aadhaar Collection: Following the Act's enactment, the EC reintroduced the collection of Aadhaar numbers from July 2022, offering it on a voluntary basis through Form 6B and amended registration forms.

Significances of this Linkage

• Universal Coverage: At the end of 2021, 99.7% of the adult Indian population possessed an Aadhaar card, surpassing the coverage of other official documents like driver’s licenses, ration cards, and PAN cards, which are typically sought for specific purposes.
• Reliable & Cost-Effective: Aadhaar's biometric authentication feature enhances reliability, making Aadhaar-based verification faster and more cost-efficient compared to other identification methods, thereby streamlining various processes.

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