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List 1

1. Mission Divyastra- AGNI V, MIRV

India announced successful testing of an Agni missile capable of carrying multiple warheads (MIRV) to hit multiple targets simultaneously, known as Mission Divyastra.

Test conducted from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.

MIRV Technology:

Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) allows a single missile to target multiple locations hundreds of kilometers apart.
Known possessors include the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK, with Pakistan and Israel also involved in development.
MIRVs can be launched from both land and sea, including submarines.

Advantages:

MIRVs enable multiple warheads to be released at different speeds and directions, making them more lethal than traditional single-warhead missiles.
Requires advanced technology for large missiles, small warheads, precise guidance, and a complex warhead release mechanism.

India’s Agni Missiles:

Integral to India’s nuclear deterrence, especially against China, offering counter second-strike capability.
The Agni series ranges from short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles (700-5000km), with road and rail mobility enhancing survivability.
Part of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) initiated in 1983.

Agni Missile Family:

Agni I: Short-range (700-1200 km)
Agni II: Medium-range (2000-3500 km)
Agni III: Intermediate-range (3000-5000 km)
Agni IV: Intermediate-range (3500-4000 km)
Agni V: Inter-continental range (5500-8000 km)

2. 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian

US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian to India.

The MQ-9B Predator drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle. MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a maritime-focused version of the SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS).
The MQ-9B drones are also known as “Predators”. They are High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones that can fly for over 40 hours using a satellite.
- Out of the 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, of which the Navy will get 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each of the land version – SkyGuardian.
They can be used for offensive missions, reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence operations.

3. Mineral Security Partnership (MSP):

India became a partner in the MSP, a strategic grouping led by the United States, to secure and build resilient critical mineral supply chains. The MSP aims to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical mineral supply chains globally, adhering to environmental, social, and governance standards.

Mineral Security Partnership, also called Critical Minerals Alliance

The Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) was announced in June 2022 by the US to strengthen critical mineral supply chains. It is also known as the critical minerals alliance.

The goal of the MSP is to ensure that critical minerals are being “produced, processed, and recycled in a manner that supports the ability of countries to realize the full economic development benefit of their geological endowments.”
Specifically, the MSP focuses on critical minerals that are inputs for electric vehicles and advanced batteries.
Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and India have joined the MSP.

4. CE 20 Cryogenic Engine

ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission Milestone: Successful human-rating of the CE20 cryogenic engine, critical for the 2024 manned space missions.
CE-20 Cryogenic Engine:
- Design and Development: Engineered by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
- Application: Powers the Cryogenic Upper Stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle, specifically for Mission Gaganyaan.
- Features:
  - First Indian cryogenic engine utilizing a gas-generator cycle.
  - Ranked among the most powerful upper-stage cryogenic engines globally.
  - Generates a nominal thrust of 186.36 kN in vacuum conditions.
Understanding Cryogenic Stages:
- Complexity: Cryogenic stages present challenges related to the extremely low temperatures of the propellants, causing thermal and structural difficulties.
- Propellant Characteristics: Uses liquid oxygen (boiling point: -183°C) and hydrogen (boiling point: -253°C).
- Efficiency and Thrust: Provides higher efficiency and greater thrust per kilogram of propellant than solid and liquid propellant stages storable at room temperature.

5. Houthi Rebels and Maritime Piracy

(Important for Map-based questions too- Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb strait and Suez Canal region)

Houthi Attacks: Yemen’s Houthi group, backed by Iran, has launched drone and missile attacks on commercial ships at the southern Red Sea, disrupting global trade and causing a spike in global oil prices.
Who are the Houthis: Known as Ansar Allah, the Houthis seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and control the western part of Yemen, including its Red Sea coast.
Reason for Attacks: The attacks aim to support Hamas amid Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, targeting Israeli and supporting vessels.
Target Areas: The attacks focus on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint near the southern end of the Red Sea, leading to the Suez Canal.
Impact on Global Trade:
- Suez Canal: Attacks caused a 50% drop in trade through the canal, prompting rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing delivery times.
- Panama Canal: A severe drought reduced ship crossings, impacting trade volume.
Economic Implications: Longer shipping times have led to supply chain disruptions and potential inflationary pressures, with changes in trade statistics and potential fiscal revenue shortfalls for low-income countries.
Indian Response:
- Attacks targeted ships linked to or perceived as supporting Israel, including Indian ports.
- The Indian Navy deployed assets for surveillance and rescue, conducted large-scale exercises, and responded to piracy in the Arabian Sea.
International Response:
- Operation Prosperity Guardian: Led by the US with UK participation, aims to protect merchant shipping in the southern Red Sea.
- Mission Aspides: An EU naval mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

6. Dugongs

(Dugong has come in the past in Prelims exam)

Dugongs, often referred to as “sea cows,” are herbivorous marine mammals inhabiting warm coastal waters from East Africa to Australia, primarily feeding on seagrass in shallow meadows which are vital for their survival.
They belong to the order Sirenia, which includes manatees, and are noted for their social nature, forming groups that vary in size based on food availability and habitat conditions.
Dugongs face multiple threats including habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, hunting, and marine pollution, leading to their classification as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN due to declining populations and habitat degradation.
In India, dugongs are found in regions rich in seagrass such as the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Gulf of Kutch.

7. GM Mustard

Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) is a domestically developed transgenic mustard and a genetically modified version of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) mustard.
It is a hybrid of the Indian mustard variety ‘Varuna’ and the East European variety ‘Early Heera-2’, incorporating two foreign genes (‘barnase’ and ‘barstar’) from the soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, facilitating the creation of high-yield mustard hybrids.
DMH-11 has demonstrated approximately 28% higher yield than the national average and 37% more than regional averages, with its utility being acknowledged and authorized by the GEAC.
The “Bar gene” is utilized to preserve the genetic purity of the hybrid seeds.

8. Decline in Pampore Saffron

Decline in saffron production in Khrew, Pampore, Pulwama district, Kashmir; only one farmer remains.
Numerous cement industries impact saffron quality and quantity.
Saffron from Crocus sativus L. flower; used as a spice.
Kashmir is the world’s second-largest saffron producer with 11-12 tonnes annually.
Kashmiri saffron has high crocin content (8%), enhancing color and medicinal properties.
Cement factory dust harms saffron flowers, reducing quality and quantity.

9. GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission

Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F14
- Three-stage launch vehicle with solid, earth-storable, and cryogenic stages.
- 16th flight of GSLV, 10th using indigenous cryogenic stage.
Satellite: INSAT-3DS
- Aimed at enhancing weather forecasting and disaster warning.
- Funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- Part of the Third Generation Meteorological Satellites.
Payloads:
- Multi-spectral Imager: Images Earth in six wavelength bands.
- 19-channel Sounder: Measures atmospheric profiles like temperature and humidity.
- Data Relay Transponder (DRT): Relays data from weather stations to user terminals.
- Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SA&SR) Transponder: Relays distress signals in the Ultra high frequency band.
Objectives and Capabilities:
- Enhances meteorological observations and weather forecasting.
- Improves disaster warning systems.
- Augments existing INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellite services.
- Facilitates accurate weather forecasts and effective disaster management.
- Enhances data collection and dissemination.
- Provides satellite-aided search and rescue services.

10. FDI in Space

FDI Policy Amendment in Space Sector:
- Union Cabinet approved FDI between 49-100% in the space sector.
- Automatic Route:
  - Up to 74% FDI for satellite manufacturing, operation, data products, ground and user segments.
  - 100% FDI for manufacturing satellite components, systems/sub-systems for satellites, ground segment, and user segment.
  - Up to 49% FDI for launch vehicles, spaceports, associated systems/sub-systems.
- Government Approval Required:
  - Above 74% for satellite activities and beyond 49% for launch-related activities.
- Previously limited to establishing and operating satellites with government approval.
Goals and Impact:
- Attract investors, improve business ease, stimulate investment, income, and job growth.
- Aligns with Indian Space Policy 2023 to boost private sector role, enhance capabilities, and establish a commercial space presence.
- FDI policy reform aimed at liberalizing entry, providing clear guidelines for space-related investments.
- Consulted with stakeholders like IN-SPACe, ISRO, NSIL, and the industry for policy formulation.
- Expected to increase private participation, generate employment, facilitate technology absorption, and support ‘Make In India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

11. Bru (Reang) Refugees

News- Tripura government allocated land for last batch’s rehabilitation; permanent settlement initiated by Home Ministry agreement in January 2020.
Background: Brus, also known as Reangs, are an indigenous tribal group from northeast India, concentrated in Mizoram, Tripura, and Assam; in Tripura, they are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG); religious practices vary, with Hinduism in Assam and Tripura, and Christianity in Mizoram.
Bru-Reang Refugee Crisis: Originated from ethnic persecution in Mizoram starting in 1995; demands in Mizoram to remove Brus from electoral rolls due to non-indigenous claims; led to tensions, organization into groups like Bru National Liberation Front and Bru National Union; demanded Bru Autonomous District Council in Mizoram; significant migration to Tripura following 1997 ethnic clashes, with ~35,000 Brus in refugee camps in Kanchanpur, Tripura.

12. Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Goal: To create two crore “lakhpati didis” by providing skill training to help women earn over ₹1 lakh per year.
Technology Utilization: Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive drones for agricultural use, fostering technological advancement in farming.
Training: About 15,000 women’s SHGs will be trained in drone operation and repair, alongside other skills like LED bulb making and plumbing.
Impact: The scheme is designed to empower women in rural areas through skill development and technology, transforming agricultural practices with precision farming and pest control.

13. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Project was signed at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, under the framework of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).

Structure: IMEC will include Railroad, Ship-to-Rail networks, Road transport routes, an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline, and a high-speed data cable.
Corridors:

- - East Corridor: Connects India to the Arabian Gulf.
  - Northern Corridor: Links the Gulf to Europe.
Signatories: India, the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, the European Union, Italy, France, and Germany.
Ports Involved:
- India: Mundra, Kandla, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (Navi Mumbai).
- Middle East: Fujairah, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and Ras Al Khair.
- Europe: Piraeus (Greece), Messina (Italy), and Marseille (France).
Key Railway Connections: Fujairah port (UAE) to Haifa port (Israel) via Saudi Arabia (Ghuwaifat and Haradh) and Jordan.

14. Seaweed Cultivation in India

Seaweeds, or macroscopic algae, thrive in marine, coastal, and rocky shore environments.
Known as the “Medical Food of the 21st Century,” they’re used in diverse sectors such as nutrition, industry, biomedicine, agriculture, and personal care.
Key for producing agar, agarose, and carrageenan, with applications in laboratories, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing.

Abundant along the Tamil Nadu and Gujarat coasts, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with significant beds around Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Goa, Karwar, Varkala, Vizhinjam, Pulicat, Andhra Pradesh, and Chilka in Orissa.

Red Algae like Gelidiella acerosa and Gracilaria spp., and Brown Algae such as Sargassum spp. and Turbinaria spp. are cultivated for agar and alginate production.
The current seaweed availability falls short of the industry’s raw material needs, exacerbated by unsustainable harvesting practices.
Seaweed farming presents a profitable opportunity with simple, low-cost technology and a short growth cycle, although it currently faces challenges due to overharvesting and insufficient seed stock.

The nation’s Seaweed Mission aims to kickstart cultivation along its 7,500-km (4,660-mile) peninsular coastline and boost national production from 30,000 tonnes at present to 11 million tonnes by 2025.

15. Ardvarks

Aardvarks in sub-Saharan Africa are nocturnal, solitary mammals feeding mainly on ants and termites, and are adapted to a range of habitats like savannas, grasslands, and woodlands.
Climate warming threatens their survival by promoting arid conditions that restrict their movement, as observed in studies by Oregon State University using faecal samples.
Climate change increases the likelihood of prolonged droughts, impacting aardvark distribution and survival, with significant ecological roles in termite control and habitat creation through burrowing.

16. GREEN MINERALS

Often referred to as “minerals of the future”, green minerals are metals and other mineral resources that are needed to support the transition to clean energy technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. These include — bauxite, cobalt, copper, lithium, granite, manganese and nickel.

17. Electoral Bonds (EBs):

Interest-free bearer bonds for political donations, available in denominations from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore.
Can be bought by individuals and companies from specified SBI branches, requiring a KYC-compliant account.
15-day life span for donation use to political parties, maintaining donor anonymity.
No purchase limit; donations are tax-exempt under specific Income Tax Act sections.
Eligibility for Parties: Must be registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and have obtained at least 1% of the votes in the last significant election.
Must be done by eligible parties through a designated account, with the donation amount disclosed to the Election Commission.

18. Rupa Tarkasi from Odisha got GI Tag

Rupa Tarakasi: Exquisite silver filigree craft from Cuttack, Odisha, dating back to the 12th century, flourished under Mughal patronage.
Process: Transforms silver into thin wires/foils for intricate designs, incorporating copper, zinc, cadmium, tin.
Artisans: Known as “Rupa Banias” or “Roupyakaras”.
Creations: Jewelry for Odissi dancers, decorative artifacts, accessories, religious/cultural items.

19. Green Steel and CABM

Green steel is produced using environmentally friendly methods that significantly reduce or eliminate the carbon emissions traditionally associated with steel manufacturing.
Production Methods:
- Utilizes renewable energy sources like wind and solar, replacing coal and other fossil fuels.
- Employs hydrogen reduction technology, where hydrogen is used as a reducing agent to convert iron ore to steel, resulting in water vapor emissions instead of CO2.

CABM and Its Impact on Indian Steel Exports

The EU’s revised Emission Trading System (ETS) and the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are designed to reduce greenhouse gases and promote low-carbon production technologies.
Impact on Indian Steel:
- These measures increase compliance costs for producers using traditional, high-carbon methods, affecting the competitiveness of Indian steel in the EU.
- The CBAM imposes a carbon price on steel imports, potentially making Indian steel less attractive in the EU due to higher costs associated with its carbon intensity.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

Purpose: CBAM is designed to prevent carbon leakage by aligning the carbon cost of imports with that of goods produced within the EU.
Goal: Part of the EU’s Green Deal, the mechanism aims to support global decarbonization efforts and advance the EU’s objective of becoming climate-neutral by 2050.

20. Muthuvan Tribe and Nilgiri Tahr Conservation:

Tamil Nadu Forest Department includes the Muthuvan tribe in the Nilgiri Tahr conservation project.

Muthuvan Tribe:
- Resides in the border hill forests of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Practices animism and spirit worship, including forest gods.
- Known for their coexistence with wildlife and traditional ecological knowledge.
- Governed by the ‘Kani System’ with village heads known as ‘Kani’.
Project Tahr:
- Aims to improve understanding and conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr through surveys, radio telemetry, and habitat restoration from 2022 to 2027.
- Focuses on public awareness and addressing threats to the species.

21. Reasons for Low Tax Base in India

Presence of a large informal sector which largely deals in cash and makes tracking difficult.
Tax exemption for agriculture, which is the primary income source for nearly 60% of Indians.
High incidence of tax litigation: About 5 lakh cases pending in the country are because of tax litigation.
Lack of technical expertise and resources (financial and manpower) resulting in less effective tax administration.

22. India’s Appeal Against WTO Ruling:

Context: India has appealed a WTO dispute settlement body decision, which found India in breach of its commitment to zero tariffs under the Information Technology Agreement (ITA).

WTO Dispute Settlement:

Dispute Resolution Methods:
- Mutual agreement between parties.
- Adjudication, including panel and Appellate Body reports implementation.
Dispute Settlement Stages:
- Consultations: Initial discussions between parties to resolve the issue.
  - If unresolved, either party can request a dispute settlement panel.
- Adjudication: Involves panel rulings, which can be appealed to the WTO’s Appellate Body.
  - The Appellate Body’s functionality is currently hindered due to the US blocking new appointments.
- Implementation: Enforces the ruling, with countermeasures possible if parties fail to comply.

India’s Stance on IT Product Tariffs at WTO:

Background: EU, Chinese Taipei, and Japan filed a WTO dispute against India in 2019 for imposing tariffs on ICT goods like mobile phones and broadcasting equipment, alleging a breach of the 1996 ITA commitments.
India’s Argument:

- India contended that at the ITA’s signing, modern products like smartphones didn’t exist, thus not covered under the tariff elimination commitment.
- Asserted that the decision to increase import tariffs on mobile phones has spurred significant investments, notably from major companies like Apple and Foxconn, bolstering India’s mobile phone exports to potentially exceed $10 billion annually.

23. Roen olmi :

Species: Termitomyces, locally known as ‘roen olmi’ in Goa, associated with termite hills.
Edibility: Popular edible wild mushroom in Goa, consumed during monsoons.
Habitat: Endemic to the Western Ghats, thriving in humid forest conditions.
Ecological Role: Significant biodegrading agent in ecosystems, transforming dead plant material into soil.
Health Benefits: Recognized for nutritional value, unique taste, and ethno-medicinal properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

24. BioTRIG:

- A new waste management technology using the pyrolysis system.
- Seals waste in an oxygen-free chamber, heated above 400°C to produce useful chemicals.
- Products: Bio-oil, syngas, and biochar fertiliser aimed at improving rural Indian lives.
- Significance:
  - Syngas and bio-oil power the pyrolysis system and generate surplus electricity for local use.
  - Bio-oil as a clean alternative to conventional cooking fuels.
  - Biochar used to store carbon and enhance soil fertility.
  - Computer simulations affirm BioTRIG‘s effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
  - Potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approx. 350 kg of CO2-eq per capita annually.
  - Aims to reduce indoor air pollution, boost soil health, and provide clean energy in rural areas.

25. Indian Laurel

News– Forest department officials in Papikonda National Park, Andhra Pradesh, guided by knowledge from the Konda Reddi tribe, discovered that this particular tree species stores water within its bark, a crucial adaptation during the dry summer months.

Scientific Name: Terminalia elliptica (syn. T. tomentosa)
Nicknamed “crocodile bark” for its bark pattern.
Habitat: Found in dry and moist deciduous forests in southern India up to an elevation of 1000 meters.
Distribution: Native to southern and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Applications:
- Wood: Used for furniture, cabinetwork, joinery, paneling, specialty items, boat-building, railroad cross-ties (treated), decorative veneers, and musical instruments (e.g., guitar fretboards).
- Leaves: Feed Antheraea paphia silkworms, producing tussar silk, a commercially valuable wild silk.
- Bark: Medicinally used against diarrhea; source of oxalic acid.
- Bark and Fruit: Provide pyrogallol and catechol, used to dye and tan leather.