500 Most Probable Topics- List 10

13. Safeguard Measures under World Trade Organization (WTO)

• India and other nations have criticized the EU for not ending its safeguard measure on imports of certain steel products after a review.

About Safeguard Measures:

• Defined as “emergency” actions under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.
• Allow a WTO member to temporarily restrict imports of a product to protect a specific domestic industry from serious injury or threat thereof caused by increased imports.
• Can include quantitative import restrictions or higher duty rates.
• Classified as one of three types of contingent trade protection measures, alongside anti-dumping and countervailing measures.
• Must be temporary, non-selective, progressively liberalized, and often require compensation to affected members.
• Do not require a finding of an “unfair” practice.
• “Serious injury” is defined as a significant impairment in the position of a domestic industry, evaluated based on all relevant factors.

14. Biomarkers

• Biomarkers, short for ‘Biological Markers’, are measurable physical, chemical, or biological characteristics present in the human body.
• Defined by the WHO as any measurement reflecting an interaction between a biological system and a potential hazard, which may be chemical, physical, or biological.
• Serve crucial roles in diagnosing diseases, determining appropriate medication and dosages, and aiding in drug design.
• Include various biomolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, genes, DNA, RNA, platelets, enzymes, and hormones.

Classification of Biomarkers:

• Molecular: Measured in biological samples such as blood plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and others.
• Radiographic: Derived from imaging studies, e.g., bone mineral density.
• Histologic: Reflect biochemical or molecular alterations in cells, tissues, or fluids; crucial for cancer staging.
• Physiologic: Related to body processes, such as blood pressure and heart rate.

15. Candidates Chess Tournament 2024

India’s 17-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh recently made history by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto to become the youngest ever challenger to the world title.

About Candidates Chess Tournament:

• It is the final event in the World Championship cycle before the World Championship match itself. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has organized the World Championship cycle since 1948 and the Candidates Tournament since 1950.
• Since 2013, the Candidates Tournament has occurred every two years. The number of players in the tournament varied over the years, between eight and fifteen players. Currently, it is an eight-player, double round–robin event (that is all-play-all with both colours).
• Why is the Candidates Tournament Important?
  • It is the second most important tournament in the World Championship cycle, as the winner of the Candidates Tournament plays the reigning world champion in the championship match. 
  • Multiple tournaments are part of the World Championship cycle, but the real point of all of them is to qualify for the Candidates Tournament. 

16. Schengen Visa

European Union has announced that Indian nationals can now be issued long-term multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years.

• A mandatory document for some non-Europeans to travel within the Schengen area, covering all 27 member countries.
• Allows free movement across member-state borders without identity checks for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period).
• Does not grant the right to work.

Schengen Area

• A group of 27 European countries with abolished internal borders for unrestricted people movement.
• Members include 23 of the 27 EU states (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania) and all European Free Trade Association members (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
• Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway are part of the Schengen Area but not of the EU.
• Key features:
  • No internal border checks, except under specific threats.
  • Harmonized controls at external borders based on set criteria.

17. Tundra Ecosystem

• Study warns that warming could transform tundra from carbon sinks to carbon sources due to climate change.

About Tundra Ecosystem:

• Treeless regions in the Arctic and mountain tops with cold, windy climates and low rainfall.

Characteristics of Tundra Regions:

• Low temperatures: Ranges from -34 to -6 degrees Celsius (-30 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Short growing seasons: Only 50 to 60 days, with up to 24 hours of sunlight.
• Permafrost: A layer of permanently frozen soil beneath the surface.
• Minimal precipitation: Often as snow, similar in dryness to deserts.
• Limited biodiversity: Fewer plant and animal species due to harsh conditions.
• Carbon sink: Stores significant amounts of carbon due to slow decomposition rates.

Types of Tundra:

• Arctic Tundra: North of the taiga belt in Northern Hemisphere, includes parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
• Alpine Tundra: Above tree lines in mountains worldwide, like the Rockies, the Andes, the Himalayas, and the Alps.
• Antarctic Tundra: Includes sub-Antarctic islands and parts of Antarctica.

Flora and Fauna:

• Flora: Mosses, lichens, sedges, cotton grass, birches.
• Fauna: Arctic foxes, snow geese, polar bears.

18. NOTTO-ID

News: Union Health Ministry Directive on Organ Transplants

• The Union Health Ministry has issued a directive to eliminate commercial dealings in organs, particularly involving foreign citizens.
• There will be stricter monitoring of organ transplants by local authorities.

NOTTO-ID Requirements:

• NOTTO-ID is now mandatory for organ allocation in deceased donor transplants.
• In living donor transplants, NOTTO-ID must be generated within 48 hours post-surgery, via the NOTTO website.

National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO):

• NOTTO is a national-level organization under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• Functions as the apex center for coordination and networking for organ and tissue procurement, distribution, and registry.

19. Soil Acidification

Recent report highlighted that over 30 per cent of cultivable land in India is said to carry acidic soil which is impacting plant growth.

Soil Acidification:

• It is a process where the soil pH decreases over time. This process is accelerated by agricultural production and can affect both the surface soil and subsoil.
• Acidic soils in India are widespread in the humid southwestern, northeastern and Himalayan regions.
• Some contributing factors to soil acidification include:
  • the application of high levels of ammonium-based nitrogen fertilisers to naturally acidic soils
  • leaching of nitrate nitrogen, originally applied as ammonium-based fertilizers
  • harvesting plant materials (plant material is alkaline so when it is removed the soil is more acidic than if the plant material had been returned to the soil).

20. Coral Bleaching

US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the fourth global mass coral bleaching event has been triggered by extraordinary ocean temperatures.

Coral Bleaching

• Coral bleaching occurs when corals undergo stress due to environmental changes such as temperature fluctuations, pollution, or high ocean acidity.
• Stress leads to the production of harmful reactive oxygen species by zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae within coral polyps), prompting corals to expel these algae.
• The expulsion of zooxanthellae reveals the corals’ pale white exoskeleton, causing a bleached appearance and disrupting their crucial symbiotic relationship.

Reasons for Coral Bleaching:

• Change in Ocean Temperature: Primarily driven by climate change, increased sea temperatures are a significant cause of coral bleaching.
• Runoff and Pollution: Stormwater can dilute ocean waters and carry pollutants that bleach coastal corals.
• Overexposure to Sunlight: High solar irradiance, particularly in high temperatures, exacerbates bleaching in shallow water corals.
• Extremely Low Tides: Exposure to air during very low tides can lead to bleaching in shallow corals.

21. Global Financial Stability Report

• A semiannual report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessing the stability of global financial markets and emerging-market financing, released in April and October.
• Focuses on financial and structural imbalances that could disrupt global financial stability and emerging-market access to financing.

Highlights of the Report:

• Warns of risks to the global financial system from high inflation, rising unregulated credit market lending, and increased cyber-attacks on financial institutions.
• Highlights geopolitical risks, including conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, which could lead to sustained high prices and prevent central banks from lowering interest rates.
• In 2023, India was the second-largest recipient of foreign capital after the U.S., but this could change if Western central banks continue with high interest rates.
• Points out concerns with the growing unregulated private credit market, where non-bank financial institutions lend to corporate borrowers.
• Notes that many borrowers in the private credit market may not be financially stable, with earnings not covering interest costs, posing future risks to the broader financial system.

22. Indelible Ink

• Indelible ink contains silver nitrate, a colorless compound that becomes visible under ultraviolet light, including sunlight. The quality of the ink increases with the concentration of silver nitrate.
• Remains resistant to soap, liquids, and detergents for up to 72 hours after application.
• The ink formula includes alcohol as a solvent to hasten drying, though the precise chemical composition and protocol for making the ink are not widely known.

Historical and Legal Context:

• First produced at the request of the Election Commission of India by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd. has been licensed to manufacture the ink since 1962 and exports it to over 25 countries, including Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Mongolia, Malaysia, Nepal, South Africa, and the Maldives.
• Mentioned in the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) of 1951, Section 61, which allows for the marking of voters’ thumbs or fingers with indelible ink at polling stations to prevent multiple voting.

23. National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024- Aadharshila:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) recently released the National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024 titled ‘Aadharshila’.

• Aadharshila (translated as foundation stone) is a detailed 48-week curriculum meant for learning in the age group of three to six-year-olds in anganwadis. 
• It has been finalized by an internal committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of School Education and Literacy, the Ministry of Education, the NCERT, the Institute of Home Economics, Delhi University and civil society organisations.

24. Ringwoodite

• Scientists have discovered a massive ocean located 700 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface, contained within a mineral called ringwoodite.
• This hidden reservoir holds three times the volume of all Earth’s surface oceans combined.
• The discovery was made through seismic activity studies, revealing how ringwoodite can trap water, functioning similarly to a sponge.
• This finding suggests the existence of a comprehensive water cycle within the Earth and highlights the significant presence of liquid water beneath the planet’s surface.
• Ringwoodite is formed under the high temperatures and pressures of the Earth’s mantle and is characterized by its ability to contain water, iron, and hydrogen.

25. Discovery in Salas y Gómez

• Scientists have discovered 160 marine species in the Salas y Gómez region.

About Salas y Gómez:

• An underwater mountain chain in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean, part of the Chilean Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Extends from the East Pacific Rise to the Nazca ridge.
• The region is isolated by geographical features like the Atacama Trench, the Humboldt Current System, and an extreme oxygen minimum zone.
• Contains waters mostly in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), with parts in the national waters of Chile and Peru.
• Known for its unique biodiversity and high levels of marine endemism, making it a candidate for protection under potential high seas marine protected areas as part of the UN High Seas Treaty discussions.

26. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)

• GFCF measures the growth in fixed capital, including items like buildings and machinery, which are essential for production.
• Private GFCF indicates the investment levels of the private sector in an economy, while overall GFCF includes government investments as well.

Importance of GFCF:

• Fixed capital enhances workers’ productivity, leading to increased goods and services production, thereby stimulating economic growth and improving living standards.
• The availability of fixed capital is a key determinant of an economy’s output and consumer market capacity.
• Developed economies, such as the U.S., generally have more fixed capital per capita compared to developing economies like India.

27. Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM)

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile.
• Developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, with contributions from other laboratories and Indian industries.
• Features advanced avionics and software for enhanced and reliable performance.
• Flight was monitored using various range sensors including radar, Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS), and telemetry, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the flight path.

What is a Cruise Missile?

• A guided missile used against terrestrial or naval targets, remaining within the atmosphere throughout its flight.
• Flies at a relatively constant speed for the majority of its journey and maintains a low altitude, level trajectory, making it difficult to detect.

Types of Cruise Missiles:

• Subsonic Cruise Missiles: Travel at speeds less than Mach 1.
• Supersonic Cruise Missiles: Exceed the speed of sound, known for their rapid approach to the target.
• Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: Utilize scramjet engines to achieve speeds greater than Mach 5, allowing for extremely fast and distant reach.

28. Heatwave Declaration by IMD

• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) declares a heatwave based on specific temperature criteria and conditions.

Criteria for Heatwave Declaration:

1. Temperature Thresholds:
   • Plains: 40°C or more.
   • Coast: 37°C or more.
   • Hills: 30°C or more.
2. Departure from Normal Temperature:
   • Normal Heatwave: Temperature departure of 4.5 to 6.4°C.
   • Severe Heatwave: Temperature departure of more than 6.4°C.
3. Absolute Maximum Temperature:
   • Heatwave: Maximum temperature exceeds 45°C.
   • Severe Heatwave: Maximum temperature exceeds 47°C.

Implementation Criteria:

• Declaration is made when at least two stations in a meteorological subdivision report such high maximum temperatures or departures.
• These conditions must persist for at least two consecutive days.

29. Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)

• Recently inaugurated by the Secretary of the Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO in Kerala.

About SPACE:

• Developed by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.
• Serves as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems used by the Indian Navy on ships, submarines, and helicopters.
• Features:
  • Consists of two components: a floating platform and a submersible platform that can be lowered up to 100 meters using winch systems.
• Uses:
  • Primarily for evaluating complete sonar systems, facilitating quick deployment and recovery of scientific packages like sensors and transducers.
  • Suitable for various surveys, sampling, and data collection across different water and seabed parameters using advanced scientific instruments.
  • Supports data processing and sample analyses in modern laboratories, enhancing Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.

What is Sonar?

• Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) uses sound waves to explore and map the ocean.
• Essential for creating nautical charts, locating underwater hazards, searching and identifying objects in the water column and seabed (e.g., shipwrecks), and oceanographic mapping.
• Favored in oceanography because sound waves travel further in water than radar and light waves.

30. Iron Age

A team of archaeologists claimed to have discovered a unique Iron Age megalithic site at Ooragutta near Bandala village in SS Tadvai mandal of Mulugu district, Telangana.

Timeline and Scope:

• The Iron Age began between 1200 B.C. and 600 B.C., varying by region, following the Stone Age and Bronze Age.
• Occurred in Africa, Europe, and Asia (Old World), but not in the Americas (New World).

Developments and Innovations:

• Discovery and adoption of iron, replacing bronze for metalworking.
• Initiated in Turkey, then spread across Europe.
• Introduction of iron tools like the ‘ard’ (an iron plow), which enhanced agricultural efficiency.
• Development of iron weaponry, including swords, significantly impacting military capabilities.
• Armies equipped with iron weapons expanded territories and influenced the rise of powerful rulers.
• Technological advancements in construction (forts and bridges), pottery, weaving, and mining.

Cultural and Societal Impacts:

• Enhanced agricultural tools improved farming productivity.
• Superior weaponry led to the formation of formidable armies and territorial expansion.
• Rise of kings and rulers who wielded significant power due to military strengths and strategic advantages.
• Advances in other areas like construction, craftwork, and resource extraction.

Conclusion of the Iron Age:

• The Iron Age is considered prehistoric as it predates widespread written records.
• Ended with the advent of writing systems, although iron remains crucial in modern construction and manufacturing.

31. Ashwagandha

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub native to India, northern Africa, and the Middle East.
• Commonly referred to as Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry.
• The name “Ashwagandha” derives from the Sanskrit words ‘ashwa’ (horse) and ‘gandha’ (smell), indicating the horse-like odor of its roots.
• It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes and potatoes.

• Benefits:

• Used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia
• Acts as an adaptogen, aiding stress adaptation and balance restoration
• Reduces inflammation and anxiety
• Increases energy
• Eases pain and improves sleep

• Bioactive compounds:

• Different parts (root, leaves, berries) have varied concentrations
• Notable compounds include withanolides, associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

32. Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) in India:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently green-lighted investments in the country’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS).

• Definition: Debt securities issued to fund environmental or climate-related projects.
• Announcement: Introduced in the Union Budget 2022-23.
• Framework according to ICMA:
  • Components: Use of proceeds, project evaluation and selection, management of proceeds, and reporting.
• Use of proceeds:
  • Projects encouraging energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
  • Enhance climate resilience/adaptation.
  • Improve ecosystems and biodiversity in line with sustainable development goals.
• Eligible investments:
  • Renewable energy projects (solar, wind, biomass, hydro).
  • Urban transportation (e.g., metro rail), green buildings, pollution control.
• Exclusions:
  • No funding for fossil fuels, nuclear power, or waste incineration.
• Expenditure rules:
  • Only covers government expenses incurred within 12 months before bond issuance.
  • Proceeds must be allocated within 24 months.
• Project replacement: If a project is postponed or cancelled, it will be replaced.
• Evaluation and Reporting:
  • Green Finance Working Committee: Led by the chief economic adviser, evaluates projects biannually.
  • Outcome: Approved projects are funded by bond proceeds through the RBI.
  • Reports: Annual updates on project selection, fund use, and impact.
  • Green Register: Maintains records of issuance, allocations, and project details.
• Bond Issuance:
  • Informed by necessary green expenditures.
  • Issued in 5 and 10-year maturities; tradable like other government bonds.
• Additional Funding: Government also finances green projects through tax receipts.

33. Kerogen:

• It is the portion of naturally occurring organic matter that is non-extractable using organic solvents i.e. it is insoluble in solvents. It represents about 90% of the organic carbon in sediments.
• It occurs in source rock and may expel hydrocarbons upon thermal cracking. Typical organic constituents of kerogen are algae and woody plant material.
• It consists of lighter as well as heavier hydrocarbons and acts like a precursor of oil and natural gas. They have a high molecular weight relative to bitumen, or soluble organic matter. Bitumen forms from kerogen during petroleum generation. 

34. Lake Kariba

Water levels at Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe have dropped dramatically because of the latest El Nino drought.

It is the world’s largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume. It lies along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is 200 kilometers downstream of Victoria Falls.

The lake was filled following the completion of the Kariba Dam wall at its northeastern end, flooding the Kariba Gorge on the Zambezi River.

35. UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

The 23rd session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues recently commenced in New York, United States.

• Established: 2000
• Role: Advisory body to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
• Purpose: Discuss indigenous issues concerning economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health, and human rights.
• Mandate:
  • Provide expert advice and recommendations to ECOSOC and other UN bodies.
  • Raise awareness of indigenous issues.
  • Promote integration and coordination of UN activities related to indigenous issues.
  • Prepare and disseminate information on indigenous matters.
• UN Bodies for Indigenous Peoples:
  • UNPFII
  • Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
  • Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

36. Operation Meghdoot:

• Code-name: Indian Armed Forces operation to capture the Siachen Glacier in Northern Ladakh.
• Background:
  • Siachen is a contested area between India and Pakistan since the Karachi Agreement of 1949.
  • The operation countered Pakistan’s “cartographic aggression” in Ladakh north of NJ9842, the agreed end of the Line of Control (LoC).
• Objective: Pre-empt Pakistan Army from seizing Sia La and Bilafond La passes.
• Launch Date: April 13, 1984
• Significance:
  • First military assault on the world’s highest battlefield.
  • Showcased coordination between the Indian Army and Air Force.
  • Secured complete control over Siachen Glacier for India.
• Strategic Importance of Siachen:
  • At about 20,000 feet in the Karakoram Mountain range, it’s the highest militarised zone globally.
  • Dominates key locations: Shaksgam Valley to the north, routes from Gilgit Baltistan to Leh from the west, and Karakoram Pass to the east.
  • Oversees much of Gilgit Baltistan, claimed by India but occupied by Pakistan since 1948

37. Khavda Renewable Energy Park by Adani Green Energy Ltd:

• It is the world’s largest renewable energy park. It is located at Khavda in Gujarat’s Kutch region, boasting an impressive 45 GW capacity predominantly fueled by solar energy.
• The region has the second-best solar radiation in the country after Ladakh and wind speeds five times that of the plains.

38. Kuchipudi:

News- Kuchipudi artists are struggling for survival and going through a tough phase due to lack of patronage.

• Origin: Indian Classical dance from Andhra Pradesh.
• History:
  • Performed by Bhagavathalu, traveling actors, based on Hindu mythology.
  • Elevated to classical dance status in the 15th century by Siddhendra Yogi.
• Features:
  • Known for intricate footwork, graceful movements, and subtle facial expressions.
  • Combines Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressive dance), and Natya (storytelling through dance).
  • Often includes performances on the edge of a brass plate (Tarangam).
  • Accompanied by Carnatic music.
• Cultural Context:
  • Centers around Vaishnavism, particularly Krishna.
  • Closely related to Bhagavata Mela tradition.
• Performer Skills:
  • Requires knowledge of Sanskrit, Telugu, music, and dance manuscripts.
• Costumes and Accessories:
  • Light makeup, traditional ornaments like Rakudi (head ornament), Chandra Vanki (arm band), necklaces like Adda Bhasa and Kasina Sara.
  • Long plait decorated with flowers and jewelry, with ornaments often made of Boorugu wood.
• Musical Instruments:
  • Includes mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute, and tambura.

39. Muria Tribe Settlement in Chukkalapadu:

• Background:
  • Over a decade ago, Muria tribals fled the Dandakaranya region in Chhattisgarh.
  • Fleeing due to conflict between left-wing extremists and state-sponsored Salwa Judum.
  • Settled in reserve forests of Andhra Pradesh.
• Current Challenges:
  • Lack access to primary education, safe drinking water, and social welfare benefits.
  • At risk of displacement.

40. World Cybercrime Index:

• It identifies the globe’s major cybercrime hotspots by ranking the most significant sources of cybercrime at a national level.
• It has been developed as a joint partnership between the University of Oxford and UNSW Canberra.

• It ranks roughly 100 countries and identifies key hotspots according to various categories of cybercrime, including ransomware, credit card theft, and scams.
• Key Findings:
  • Russia tops the list, followed by Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria and Romania. 
  • India captured the number 10 spot in the rankings.

41. Jenu Kuruba Community:

• “Jenu” means honey, and “Kuruba” is the caste; hence, they are known as honey gatherers.
• Native to the Western Ghats forests across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Live in small settlements called “Hadi.”
• Traditional activities include food gathering, collecting minor forest produce, and honey gathering.
  • Practice shifting cultivation, contributing to a nomadic lifestyle.
• Social Life:
  • Semi-nomadic lifestyle, independent of centralized or religious control.
  • Community discipline and power are diffused and maintained locally.
  • Each settlement is led by a head-man (yajamana) and a ritual head or shaman (gudda).