1. India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH: - The Indian Army has sent a team to participate in the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH, which is being held from 13th to 26th September 2024 in Salalah, Oman.
2. The Green Hydrogen Catapult, a United Nations initiative to bring down the cost of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. This is a very different pathway compared to both grey and blue.
Grey hydrogen is traditionally produced from methane (CH4), split with steam into CO2 – the main culprit for climate change – and H2, hydrogen.
Blue hydrogen follows the same process as grey, with the additional technologies necessary to capture the CO2 produced when hydrogen is split from methane (or from coal) and store it for long term.
3. Veli-Akkulam Lake: - New study finds significant ecological degradation in the Veli-Akkulam lake primarily driven by bioinvasion.It found that by the 2000s, the native species were replaced by the exotic and invasive Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), which has now been overtaken by the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
Further complicating the ecosystem are other invasive species like the Amazon African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis).
This phenomenon as “invasion meltdown,” where multiple non-native species not only establish themselves but also exacerbate the impacts on native life forms. In addition to invasive fish species, water hyacinth, an invasive plant, was also found in the lake system, as per the study.
5. Europa Clipper is a NASA mission designed to explore Jupiter's moon Europa, a promising candidate for extraterrestrial life. The spacecraft will orbit Jupiter and conduct multiple flybys of Europa, using advanced instruments to study its icy surface and potential subsurface ocean.
Key objectives include:
Investigating the moon's habitability: Determining if there are conditions suitable for life beneath Europa's icy crust.
Studying the ice shell and ocean: Understanding the nature and properties of the ice and ocean, as well as their interactions.
Analyzing the moon's composition: Determining the distribution and chemistry of key elements and compounds on Europa.
6. Barakah Nuclear Plant: - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has achieved a major milestone with the completion of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which is the first nuclear power facility in the Arab world.
7. New Species in Australia: - Australia’s National Species List has been updated with 750 newly recognized species, reflecting the country’s rich biodiversity.Western Laughing Tree Frog (Litoria ridibunda): This frog is special because it makes a laughing sound instead of the usual croak that frogs are known for.David Attenborough Worm (Marphysa davidattenboroughi): A colorful, glowing marine worm that has been named in honor of Sir David Attenborough, the famous nature documentary host.
Cracking-Clay Pilbara Planigale (Planigale tealei): This tiny marsupial, which looks a bit like a shrew, has adapted to live in the clay habitats of the Pilbara region.
8. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) was a NASA space mission designed to test a method of planetary defense against near-Earth objects. The mission involved intentionally colliding a spacecraft with a small asteroid moonlet to alter its orbit.
Key points:
Objective: To demonstrate asteroid deflection technology for potential future use if an asteroid were ever discovered to be a threat to Earth.
Target: The asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, which orbits the larger asteroid Didymos.
Impact: On September 26, 2022, DART successfully collided with Dimorphos, altering its orbit around Didymos.
9. NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS (NCPCR): - Context: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has told the Supreme Court that madrasas are unsuitable or unfit places for children to receive proper education.Background:
The submissions by NCPCR were in response to petitions challenging an Allahabad High Court judgment which struck down the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act, 2004. The High Court had ordered the transfer of madrasa students to regular schools. The apex court stayed the implementation of the High Court decision in April.
About National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body established in 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
The commission works under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
NCPCR’s mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programs, and administrative mechanisms are aligned with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). A child is defined as a person falling in the age group of 0 to 18 years.
Functions:
Examine and Review Laws: Examine and review the safeguards provided by or under any law for the time being in force for the protection of child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation.
Inquiries into Child Rights Violations: It can inquire into violations of child rights, either through complaints received or suo motu (on its own).
Monitor Implementation of Laws: NCPCR monitors the implementation of laws like the Right to Education Act, 2009, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Conduct Research and Studies: The commission conducts studies and research on issues related to child rights.
Spread Awareness: NCPCR undertakes initiatives to spread awareness about child rights among various stakeholders including schools, civil society, and the general public.
Composition:
The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government, preferably a person with experience in child welfare.
It has six members, of whom at least two should be women. These members are also appointed by the Central Government.
NCPCR enjoys powers akin to a civil court. It can:
· Summon individuals and examine them on oath.
· Demand documents and public records.
· Issue recommendations for action against violators of child rights.
Consider the following statements regarding the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR):
NCPCR can conduct suo motu inquiries into violations of child rights.
The Chairperson of NCPCR is appointed by the President of India and must be a retired supreme court judge.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
10. CYBER SECURITY: - Recently, Home minister Shah inaugurated four Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) platforms — Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), the ‘Samanvaya’ platform, a Cyber Commandos programme and a Suspect Registry.
Home minister Shah inaugurated four I4C platforms — Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), the ‘Samanvaya’ platform, a Cyber Commandos programme and a Suspect Registry.
Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)
The Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) has been established at the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) in New Delhi.
It involves representatives from major banks, financial intermediaries, payment aggregators, telecom service providers, IT intermediaries, and law enforcement agencies from various states and union territories.
The primary goal of CFMC is to facilitate immediate action and seamless cooperation to tackle online financial crimes. This initiative exemplifies “Cooperative Federalism” in law enforcement.
Samanvaya Platform (Joint Cybercrime Investigation Facilitation System)
The Samanvaya Platform is a web-based module designed to act as a one-stop portal for cybercrime data repository, data sharing, crime mapping, data analytics, and cooperation among law enforcement agencies across the country.
It aims to streamline the process of cybercrime investigation and enhance coordination among various agencies.
Cyber Commandos Programme
The Cyber Commandos Programme involves the creation of a special wing of trained “Cyber Commandos” within states, union territories, and central police organizations.
These commandos are trained to counter cyber security threats and assist in securing the digital space. The programme aims to bolster the cyber defense capabilities of the country.
Suspect Registry
In the Suspect Registry system, the I4C will share a list of all the repeat offenders in their server, which can be accessed by police personnel of any state and also by the bank officials before opening bank accounts.
11. NATIONAL BOARD FOR WILDLIFE (NBWL): - The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has cleared multiple projects – a transmission line in Little Rann of Kutch, a controversial transmission line project in Goa’s Mollem national park as well as a clutch of infrastructure projects in tiger corridors of central India, among others.
Background:
The NBWL is primarily responsible for promotion and conservation of wildlife.
About National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is a statutory organization under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
It was constituted in 2003, replacing the Indian Board for Wildlife, which was formed in 1952.
Chaired by the Prime Minister of India, it serves as the top advisory body on matters concerning wildlife conservation and protection.
Key Functions:
Policy and Planning: The NBWL is responsible for formulating policies and plans for the conservation of wildlife and forests in India.
Approval of Projects: It evaluates projects like construction, mining, or development activities in or around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. No project can be carried out in such areas without NBWL’s clearance.
Advisory Role: It advises the central and state governments on wildlife-related issues, including the creation and management of protected areas.
Conservation of Endangered Species: The NBWL plays a significant role in identifying and protecting endangered species. It helps in creating programs and laws to ensure their protection.
Monitoring Protected Areas: It oversees the functioning of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves, ensuring their proper management.
Safeguarding Biodiversity: The board promotes measures for the conservation of biodiversity, aligning with international treaties like the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Boundary Alterations: No changes to the boundaries of protected areas can be made without the NBWL’s approval.
Consider the following statements regarding the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):
The NBWL is a statutory organization constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
Projects involving construction or development activities in or around protected areas require the clearance of the NBWL.
The NBWL can directly alter the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries without further approval from any other authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
12. PresVu: - Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals announced that the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the nation’s top drug regulatory authority, has approved its innovative eye drops designed specifically to reduce the need for reading glasses in individuals with presbyopia.
Background: –
According to the company, the eye drop PresVu is the first of its kind in India, and Entod has applied for a patent for this invention in terms of its formulation and the process.
Key takeaways
Presbyopia is an age-related disorder in which the eyes gradually lose their capacity to concentrate on adjacent objects.
Cause: Presbyopia occurs due to the gradual stiffening of the lens inside the eye. The lens becomes less flexible, reducing its ability to change shape and focus light on the retina for close-up tasks.
This condition typically becomes noticeable in individuals around the age of 40 and continues to progress with age. Doctors believe that spectacles are one of the most efficient strategies to manage the illness.
About PresVu
The active ingredient — chemical compounds in medicines that have an effect on the body — in PresVu is pilocarpine.
The compound contracts the iris muscles, which control the size of the pupil and help humans see things clearly, thereby enabling one’s eyes to focus better on nearby objects, according to Entod Pharmaceuticals.
PresVu also claims to employ “advanced dynamic buffer technology” — effectively, a base solution — to adapt to the pH level of tears. This guarantees that the eye drop has consistent efficacy and safety for extended use, keeping in mind that such drops will be used for years at a stretch.
PresVu is a prescription-only medication, and experts say its effects are unlikely to endure more than four to six hours.
13. TEAL CARBON: - India’s first study on ‘teal carbon’, undertaken at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district, has highlighted the significance of wetland conservation to address the challenges of climate adaptation and resilience.
Background: –
The concept of teal carbon is a recent addition to the environmental science
About Teal Carbon
Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, encompassing carbon sequestered in vegetation, microbial biomass, and dissolved and particulate organic matter.
Teal carbon being a colour-based terminology reflects the classification of the organic carbon based on its functions and location rather than its physical properties.
As opposed to teal carbon, black and brown carbon are primarily produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter from sources such as wild fires, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial activities. They contribute to global warming.
At the global level, the storage of teal carbon across the ecosystems is estimated to be 500.21 petagrams of carbon (PgC), which is a unit to measure carbon. Peatlands, freshwater swamps, and natural freshwater marshes account for significant amount of this storage.
Additional information
The study in news has depicted the potential of teal carbon as a tool to mitigate climate change if the anthropogenic pollution in the wetlands can be controlled.
Though wetlands play a crucial role in regulating greenhouse gases, they are vulnerable to degradation from pollution, land use changes, water extraction, and landscape modifications.
Wetlands, when degraded, could release methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Which of the following statements regarding “Teal Carbon” is/are correct?
Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands.
Unlike black and brown carbon, teal carbon contributes to global warming.
Peatlands, freshwater swamps, and natural freshwater marshes account for a significant portion of global teal carbon storage.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
14. INDIA GENERATES HIGHEST PLASTIC POLLUTION IN WORLD: - Context: India contributes to a fifth of global plastic pollution according to a study published in the journal Nature recently.
Background: –
The study was carried out by researchers from University of Leeds.
Key takeaways from the study
Plastic Waste in India:
India burns roughly 5.8 million tonnes (mt) of plastic each year, and releases another 3.5 mt of plastics into the environment (land, air, water) as debris.
Total contribution to global plastic pollution: 9.3 mt per year, surpassing Nigeria (3.5 mt), Indonesia (3.4 mt), and China (2.8 mt).
Global Plastic Waste Production:
The world produces 251 mt of plastic waste annually.
Around 52.1 mt (20%) of this waste is unmanaged, i.e., released into the environment.
Managed vs Unmanaged Waste:
Managed waste is collected and either recycled or sent to landfills.
Unmanaged waste includes burnt plastic releasing toxic gases like carbon monoxide and unburned debris (polluting both land and water bodies globally).
Unmanaged Plastic Statistics:
43% (22.2 mt) of unmanaged waste is unburned debris.
The remaining 29.9 mt is burned in open fires or dumpsites, causing significant air pollution.
Global North-South Divide:
69% of plastic pollution comes from 20 countries in Southern Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia.
High-income countries (HICs) in the Global North produce more plastic waste but have better waste management, resulting in less pollution.
Plastic Pollution in the Global South:
Open burning is the dominant form of pollution due to poor waste management infrastructure.
The Global South lacks the resources to implement robust waste management systems, contributing to more uncontrolled debris and burning.
International Treaty on Plastic Pollution:
Negotiations for a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution began in 2022.
In 2022, the UN Environmental Assembly agreed to develop such a treaty — which experts say might be the most important environmental accord since the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015 — by the end of 2024.
15. FINANCIALISATION: - Context: Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran cautioned that financialisation might distort macroeconomic outcomes.
Background:
India’s stock market capitalisation was about 140% of the GDP, the Indian financial sector is seeing high profitability all pointing towards the surge of finanacialisation.
About Financialisation
Financialisation refers to the increasing dominance of financial motives, financial markets, financial actors, and financial institutions in the economy.
Key Aspects of Financialisation
Growth of the Financial Sector: Financialization involves the expansion of financial services, such as banking, insurance, and investment, relative to the overall economy.
Securitization: This is the process of turning assets into financial instruments, which can be traded in markets. It has led to a massive increase in the variety and volume of financial products.
Shift from Industrial to Financial Capitalism: Economies have moved from being driven by industrial production to being driven by financial activities.
Influence on Corporate Governance: Companies increasingly focus on maximizing shareholder value, often prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term investments.
Impacts of Financialization
Economic Policy and Corporate Behavior: Financial markets and institutions have a significant influence on economic policies and corporate strategies.
Income Inequality: Financialization has contributed to increasing income inequality, as the financial sector often sees higher income growth compared to other sectors.
Wage Stagnation: There has been a transfer of income from the real sector (goods and services) to the financial sector, leading to wage stagnation in non-financial industries.
Decline in Manufacturing: In some countries, like the U.S., financialization has been linked to the decline of manufacturing jobs as capital is diverted to financial markets rather than industrial investments.
16. FORUM FOR CHINA-AFRICA COOPERATION (FOCAC): - At last week’s Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China stopped short of providing the debt relief sought by many African countries.
Background: –
The Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) launched in 2000 took on an enhanced role after the 2013 inception of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
About Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is a multilateral platform established to foster cooperation and partnership between China and African countries.
Member Countries:
FOCAC involves China and 53 African countries (all African nations except Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan). It also includes the African Union (AU).
Objectives:
Economic Cooperation: Enhancing trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
Aid and Development: China provides loans, aid, and development assistance to African countries.
Political Cooperation: FOCAC promotes multilateral cooperation on global governance issues.
Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Fostering mutual understanding through student exchanges, training programs, and cultural exchanges between China and Africa.
Peace and Security: Supporting African efforts to maintain peace and security, with China providing assistance in conflict zones, UN peacekeeping, and military cooperation.
Criticisms and Challenges:
China has sought to use FOCAC to counter growing competition in Africa from the United States, the European Union, Japan and others.
Debt Trap Diplomacy: Critics argue that Chinese loans to African nations may lead to debt dependency, with concerns that some African countries might struggle to repay Chinese debts, resulting in loss of control over key assets.
Labor and Environmental Concerns: There have been concerns about the use of Chinese labor for construction projects instead of hiring local African workers, as well as issues related to the environmental impact of certain Chinese-led projects.
Lack of Transparency: Some observers have criticized the lack of transparency in the terms of Chinese loans and agreements, raising concerns about governance and accountability in FOCAC-related projects.
17. PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (PAC): - Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is set to conduct a performance review of regulatory bodies established by Acts of Parliament, including the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Background: –
The review will focus on the effectiveness and efficiency of these bodies in fulfilling their mandates.
About Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is one of the three Financial Parliamentary committees, the other two are the Estimates Committee and the Committee on Public Undertakings.
Parliamentary committees draw their authority from Article 105 (on privileges of Parliament members) and Article 118 (on Parliament’s authority to make rules for regulating its procedure and conduct of business).
Establishment:
The Public Accounts Committee was introduced in 1921 after its first mention in the Government of India Act, 1919 also called Montford Reforms.
The Public Accounts Committee is now constituted every year under Rule 308 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
Appointment:
The Chairman of the Committee is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
It is to be noted that the Committee, not being an executive body, can only make decisions that are advisory by nature.
It presently comprises 22 members (15 members elected by the Lok Sabha Speaker, and 7 members elected by the Rajya Sabha Chairman) with a term of one year only.
No Minister can be a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). This rule ensures that the PAC remains independent and unbiased in its scrutiny of government.
Key Functions of the PAC:
Examine Appropriation Accounts: Reviews the accounts showing the appropriation of the sums granted by the Parliament to meet the government’s expenditure.
Audit Reports: Scrutinizes the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on the expenditure of the government. Also examines various audit reports on revenue receipts, government expenditure, and accounts of autonomous bodies.
Financial Oversight: Ensures that public funds are used efficiently and for the intended purposes. Also checks for any irregularities or deviations from the approved budget.