One Sun One World One Grid'' (OSOWOG) Initiative

India is in advanced discussions with Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, and Singapore to establish cross-border electricity transmission lines as part of the ambitious ''One Sun One World One Grid'' (OSOWOG) initiative.

• The idea for the OSOWOG initiative was put forth by the Prime Minister of India, at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018.
• It is an initiative to introduce a transnational electricity grid that supplies power worldwide. 
• The project is being spearheaded by the governments of India and the UK in partnership with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the World Bank Group.
• Vision: It aims to connect different regional grids through a common grid that will be used to transfer renewable energy power and, thus, realize the potential of renewable energy sources, especially solar energy.
• The idea is to harness solar and other renewable energy sources from different parts of the world, where the sun is shining at any given moment, and efficiently transmit that power to areas where it is needed.
• SOWOG aims to provide power to about 140 countries through a common grid that will ensure the transfer of clean and efficient solar power.
• The OSOWOG initiative is to be carried out in 3 phases:
• In the first phase, the Indian grid would be connected to the grids of the Middle East, South Asia, and South-East Asia to develop a common grid. This grid would then be used to share solar energy as needed, in addition to other renewable energy sources. 
• The second phase would connect the functional first phase to the pool of renewable resources in Africa.
• The third phase would look at achieving true global interconnection with the aim of 2,600 GW of interconnection by 2050. The goal is to integrate as many countries as possible to create a single power grid of renewable energy. This can then be accessed by all countries.
• It will bring together a global coalition of national governments, international financial and technical organisations, legislators, power system operators, and knowledge leaders to accelerate the construction of the new infrastructure needed for a world powered by clean energy.

Accessibility for Disabled Persons is a Fundamental Right

• On November 8, 2024, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment affirming that accessibility for disabled persons is not only a fundamental right but also a crucial aspect of human dignity. The ruling emphasized that the right to access environments, services, and opportunities is essential for individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. This decision highlights the urgent need for societal and infrastructural changes to ensure that differently-abled individuals can participate fully in all aspects of life.

The Essence of the Judgment

• Fundamental Rights and Accessibility: This decision also reaffirms that accessibility is very central to the achievement of diverse rights granted under the Constitution such as the right to equality and the right to life.
• In this regard it was noted that although there are laws that offer protection to the rights indicated, there’s often a lack of enforcement. Disability itself is not a tragedy: it becomes one when the world is designed without the necessary accommodations.
• Current State of Accessibility: The judgment gave a good comparison between the availability of accessibility measures in various states. For instance, some of the areas have made impressive improvement on low floor wheelchair- accessible buses while others are comparatively left behind.
• Newer buildings in major cities adhere to accessibility standards; however, in older structures; many structures do not even have an accessible restroom. Such differences call for the need to have benchmarks set in ensuring that accessibility standards are followed all over the country.

Implications of the Judgment

• Societal Responsibility: The decision of the Supreme Court means that it is a major obligation of society and governmental institutions to make environments available for everyone irrespective of their type or disability.
• These incorporate not only the transport systems in the public domain but also the education systems, workplaces, and public domain. It also directs that; development should be done with efforts to prevent impediments that hamper the chances for participation and integration to occur, meaning that.
• Legal Framework and Policy Changes: The judgment act as a reminder for the review of other laws and policies affecting disability rights in India. It stresses upon the need for good and concrete legislation which should make accessibility compulsory for all departments and organizations. Students are encouraged to include the principles of universal design into urban design and public infrastructural provision to promote their policy-making in line with the policy.

Challenges Ahead

• Implementation Gaps: Despite the clear mandate from the Supreme Court, significant challenges remain in translating this judgment into reality. Implementation gaps persist due to lack of awareness, inadequate funding, and resistance from various stakeholders. Ensuring compliance with accessibility standards requires concerted efforts from government authorities at all levels.
• Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about disability rights among citizens is crucial for fostering an inclusive society. Educational initiatives targeting both the public and private sectors can help dispel misconceptions about disabilities and promote understanding of the importance of accessibility.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s affirmation that accessibility for disabled persons is a fundamental human right marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward inclusivity. As society grapples with this responsibility, it must strive to create an environment where every individual can access opportunities without hindrance. The ruling not only highlights existing disparities but also serves as a clarion call for collective action towards achieving true equality for all citizens, regardless of their abilities. This commitment will ultimately enrich society as a whole by fostering diversity and inclusion.

Agrivoltaic Farming

 Agrivoltaic farming is the simultaneous use of land for both agricultural activities and solar energy generation.

• Concept: This system allows solar panels to be installed above or near crops, enabling efficient land use by generating renewable energy while continuing crop cultivation on the same land.

Benefits of Agrivoltaic Systems

• Enhanced Land Use Efficiency: By combining solar energy production with agriculture, agrivoltaic systems make more effective use of available land.
• Energy Security and Sustainability: provide a renewable energy source that supports agricultural productivity, reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
• Support for Rural Economies: help generating additional income through solar energy production while continuing crop cultivation.
• Potential for Global Application: a model for countries aiming to improve both food security and energy access sustainably, especially in regions where arable land is limited.

Caterpillar fungus

New research into a chemical produced by a caterpillar fungus that has shown promise as a possible cancer treatment has revealed how it interacts with genes to interrupt cell growth signals.

Caterpillar fungus

• Caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis) is a fungal parasite of larvae (caterpillars) that belongs to the ghost moth.
• It is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, including the adjoining high Himalaya (3,200-4,500 metres above sea level).
• It is locally known as Kira Jari (in India), Yartsagunbu (in Tibet), Yarso Gumbub (Bhutan), Dong Chong Xia Cao (China) and Yarsagumba (in Nepal).
• In the Indian Himalayas, the species has been documented in the region from the alpine meadows of protected areas such as Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve and Dehan-Debang Biosphere Reserve.
• Conservation status
• IUCN: Vulnerable

What researchers found?

• The chemical Cordycepin, interrupts the cell growth signals that are overactive in cancer, an approach that could be less damaging to healthy tissues than most currently available treatments.
• Cordycepin is converted to cordycepin triphosphate, and this molecule was found to directly affect cancer cells.

Chonkus, the mutant cyanobacteria that could help sink climate change

• Researchers found the mutant cyanobacteria and named it as Chonkus, which could help fight climate change.

Blue Green Algae Characteristics 

Cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, constitute a diverse group of photosynthetic bacteria frequently inhabiting diverse aquatic environments. Despite their moniker, they are not algae; rather, they are referred to as such due to their photosynthetic capabilities and their resemblance to algae. Below are some notable features of blue-green algae:

1. Prokaryotic Nature: Blue-green algae are unicellular or filamentous prokaryotes, devoid of a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles typical of eukaryotic cells.
2. Photosynthetic Pigments: These organisms contain chlorophyll a, the primary photosynthetic pigment. Additionally, they possess other pigments like phycocyanin and phycoerythrin, contributing to their distinctive blue-green hue.
3. Cell Wall Composition: Blue-green algae feature a firm cell wall composed of peptidoglycan, a hallmark of bacterial cells.
4. Habitats: They are predominantly found in freshwater bodies like lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, although they can also thrive in marine environments and damp terrestrial locales such as soil and rocks.
5. Nitrogen Fixation: Certain species of blue-green algae can fix atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into a utilizable form for plants and other organisms.
6. Colonial Forms: Some variants can form colonies or filaments, which may consist of multiple cells.
7. Toxin Production: Specific species have the potential to produce toxins, particularly in conditions of nutrient pollution and high temperatures. This toxin production can lead to harmful algal blooms (HABs) and harm aquatic life and human health.
8. Ecological Significance: Blue-green algae are pivotal in ecosystems as primary producers, furnishing sustenance and oxygen to other organisms. They also play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, particularly through nitrogen fixation.

Blue Green Algae Examples

The following are some examples of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria:

• Nostoc: This genus of cyanobacteria forms bead-like strands of cells clumped together in a gelatinous mass. Nostoc masses can vary in size from microscopic to walnut-sized and are typically found on soil or floating in still water.
• Oscillatoria: Oscillatoria is a genus of cyanobacteria found in freshwater habitats, including hot springs. They appear as trichomes, which are hair-like filaments that can be blue-green, brown, or red in colour.
• Microcystis aeruginosa: This single-celled cyanobacteria is found in surface waters. It can form large blooms that discolour the water and produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.
• Spirulina: Spirulina is filamentous cyanobacteria sometimes sold as a health food supplement. It is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Anabaena: Anabaena is filamentous cyanobacteria capable of nitrogen fixation from the air. It is found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Certain species of Anabaena can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.

Blue Green Algae Prokaryotic or Eukaryotic

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are prokaryotic organisms. This means they lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells. Instead, their genetic material is located in a cell region called the nucleoid, which is not enclosed by a membrane.

Cyanobacteria are commonly called blue-green algae due to their distinct blue-green color, which is caused by pigments such as chlorophyll-a (green) and phycocyanin. Cyanobacteria, despite their name, are bacteria.  They were previously classified as algae because they can perform photosynthesis, which is also seen in algae and plants. Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes, which means they lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound structures found in eukaryotic organisms such as true algae. Despite this scientific distinction, “blue-green algae” is still used colloquially to describe cyanobacteria due to their similar appearance and ecological role in aquatic systems.

Economic Importance of Blue Green Algae

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, present a surprising array of economic advantages. The following is the breakdown of their primary contributions:

1. Natural Fertilisers: Certain species of blue-green algae have the extraordinary ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and these algae can convert it into a form usable by crops. This reduces the need for chemical fertilisers, promoting sustainable agriculture.

Species such as Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Scytonema, and Spirulina are commonly used as biofertilisers in rice fields. They form a symbiotic relationship with rice plants, providing them with nitrogen and benefiting from the organic matter produced by the rice.

1. Food Source: Some species of blue-green algae are cultivated as food! Spirulina is a particularly popular example, valued for its complete protein profile and high vitamin content. It is consumed as a dietary supplement in powder or tablet form and can also be added to smoothies or snacks.
2. Biofuel Potential: Blue-green algae are being investigated as a promising source of biofuel. Their rapid growth rates and ability to thrive in various conditions make them attractive candidates for renewable fuel production. Research is ongoing to enhance their cultivation and conversion processes for large-scale biofuel production.
3. Medicinal Applications: Certain strains of blue-green algae are being studied for their potential medicinal properties. They may be beneficial in areas such as immune system support, wound healing, and even cancer treatment. While research is still in its early stages, the prospects are promising.
4. Wastewater Treatment: Blue-green algae can contribute to wastewater treatment by absorbing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to algal blooms in natural water bodies. This helps to purify the wastewater while also producing biomass that can be utilised for various purposes.

Chonkus

• It was discovered in the shallow sunlit waters off the coast of Italy’s Vulcano Island, where volcanic gas-rich groundwater seeps into the sea.
• It has the capacity to absorb a lot more carbon than the average cyanobacteria floating in the ocean.

Debroy Committee report on Indian Railways

The Bibek Debroy Committee 2015 report aimed to make Indian Railways economically possible and aggressive, with a focus on decentralization, safety, and modernization, however, reforms are yet to be carried out absolutely.  

• The Bibek Debroy Committee, formed in 2014, aimed toward suggesting complete reforms for the Indian Railways to improve operational efficiency, financial viability, and competitiveness.
• Chaired by famed economist Bibek Debroy, the committee posted its landmark report in 2015, offering massive adjustments to transform Indian Railways.
• The report highlighted issues across decision-making systems, economic control, human sources, and the want for liberalization inside Indian Railways.

Key Recommendations of the Bibek Debroy Committee

• Empowerment of Railway Officers:

• The committee emphasized empowering field officers, including General Managers (GMs) and Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs), through granting them more decision-making authority.
• The government has partly carried out this by empowering GMs and DRMs to make independent decisions, take care of various tenders, and control divisions as enterprise devices.

• Establishment of an Independent Regulator:

• A principal advice was to establish an independent regulatory body to ensure honest opposition and alter pricing.
• The Rail Development Authority (RDA) was permitted in 2017, supposed to offer expert advice on service pricing, enhance non-fare sales, and foster opposition.

• Liberalization of Indian Railways:

• The committee advocated “liberalization,” permitting private operators to take part in rail services to grow competitiveness and enhance services.
• It clarified that liberalization does not imply “privatization” but targets at creating an aggressive environment.
• However, due to opposition from railway unions and political parties, the government has no longer fully implemented this recommendation.
• Private participation is limited to choose Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, usually in freight services.

Redesignation of Railway Board Chairman as CEO:

• To expedite decision-making, the committee encouraged designating the Chairman of the Railway Board as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with last decision-making authority.
• This was implemented in 2020, with the primary Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board appointed, making the Board feature greater like a corporate entity.

• Offloading Non-Core Services:

• The committee cautioned that Indian Railways recognize its core feature of running trains, whilst outsourcing non-center services such as protection (Railway Protection Force), medical, and educational centers for employees.
• The authorities are thinking about this recommendation to lessen operational burdens and improve consciousness on middle railway services.

• Reforms in Accounting System:

• A fundamental overhaul of the accounting machine was encouraged to shift from coins-based accounting to accrual-based accounting, enhancing economic transparency.
• This recommendation was applied through an Accounting Reforms challenge, with Indian Railways now preparing financial statements on both accrual and money bases.

• Safety Measures and Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK)

• In reaction to the committee’s guidelines on safety, the Ministry of Railways created the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) in 2017 with a fund of ₹1 lakh crore for changing, renewing, and upgrading vital security assets.
• In 2022-23, the authorities extended RRSK with an additional ₹45,000 crore in budgetary guidance.

• Integration of Advanced Technology

• The committee recommended integrating advanced technology to modernize railway operations, together with the adoption of high-velocity trains like Vande Bharat and safety structures like KAVACH.
• The establishment of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya for talent development and potential construction in rail technology aligns with this goal, which specializes in empowering the team of workers with current abilities.

Implementation Status

• Out of the 40 recommendations made by the committee:
• 19 have been fully well-known, including the redesignation of the Railway Board Chairman as CEO, accounting reforms, and putting in place RRSK.
• 7 were partly normal, inclusive of empowering DRMs and implementing decentralization on the division level.
• 14 guidelines were rejected, particularly because of opposition from unions or political issues, especially concerning liberalization and private area access in passenger services.

Conclusion

• The Bibek Debroy Committee’s pointers laid the muse for a contemporary, efficient, and financially sustainable Indian Railways.
• While numerous tips have been carried out, together with structural changes, protection budget, and decentralization, others remain pending due to numerous challenges.
• The reforms introduced have made high progress, yet the journey to completely modernize Indian Railways maintains.

Digital Population Clock

Recently, Bengaluru’s first digital population clock was inaugurated at the Institute for Social Economic Change (ISEC).

Digital Population Clock

• It will access real-time estimates of Karnataka’s and population of India.
• The project was jointly taken up by ISEC, and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• It would update the figures of the state’s population for every 1.10 minute (one minute 10 seconds) and the country’s population at every two seconds.
• It aims to increase awareness of population dynamics and provide accurate data for research.
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is installing similar clocks in 18 Population Research Centres across India.
• The clock has been equipped with a satellite connection for precise timekeeping. It operates autonomously with all necessary components integrated into the system
• It is also equipped with state-of-the-art software and tools to facilitate detailed demographic studies.
• Significance: The clock will play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of population trends.
• The new census data research workstation would further strengthen the academic research, policy analysis, and capacity building in population studies.

Exercise AUSTRAHIND

• The 3rd edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND, a joint military exercise between India and Australia, began on November 8, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra.
• This annual exercise alternates between India and Australia, with the previous edition held in Australia in December 2023.

Objectives: 

• To strengthen military cooperation by enhancing interoperability for joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and semi-desert environments, in line with Chapter VII of the UN mandate.
• Focus areas include joint planning, high physical fitness standards, and tactical drills for effective joint operations.

Significance:

• The exercise promotes an exchange of tactical knowledge and operational best practices between Indian and Australian forces.
• It also fosters camaraderie and professional understanding, contributing to stronger defense ties between India and Australia.

Horn of Africa

• It is the easternmost extension of African land.
• It comprises the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
• Part of the Horn of Africa region is also known as the Somali peninsula.
• It contains such diverse areas as the highlands of the Ethiopian Plateau, the Ogaden desert, and the Eritrean and Somalian coasts and is home to the Amhara, Tigray, Oromo, and Somali peoples, among others.
• Costal line: Its coasts are washed by the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean, and it has long been in contact with the Arabian Peninsula and southwestern Asia. 
• The Horn of Africa is separated from the Arabian Peninsula by the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (the strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden).
• The region faces severe food insecurity, worsened by the climate crisis and conflict, and malnutrition and cholera are key challenges.

Menhir

An Iron Age menhir, a memorial pillar locally known as ‘Niluvu Rayi’ found in Kamasanpalli village of Nagarkurnool district in Telangana, faces neglect.

• A menhir is a large upright standing stone.
• Menhirs may be found singly as monoliths, or as part of a group of similar stones.
• They are widely distributed across Europe, Africa, and Asia, but are most numerous in Western Europe.
• Their size can vary considerably; but their shape is generally uneven and squared, often tapering towards the top. 
• Often menhirs were placed together, forming circles, semicircles, or vast ellipses.
• Megalithic menhirs were also placed in several parallel rows, called alignments. The most famous of these are the Carnac, France, alignments, which include 2,935 menhirs. 
• They are sometimes engraved with abstract forms (line, spiral) or with objects'' images like axes.
• Identifying the uses of menhirs remains speculation. However, it is likely that many uses involved fertility rites and seasonal cycles.

Millimeter Wave Transceiver for 5G Rural Connectivity

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a key Telecom R&D body under India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee).
• The collaboration aims to develop a Millimetre Wave Transceiver for 5G Rural Connectivity to enhance telecom infrastructure in rural areas.
• The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. 
• TTDF aims to fund telecommunication product innovation to provide affordable broadband and mobile services, addressing India’s digital divide.

 Millimetre Wave Backhaul Technology Project

Project Objectives

• Affordable Connectivity: The project aims to provide affordable broadband and mobile services in rural areas, helping reduce the digital divide.
• It also Aims to generate intellectual property rights (IPRs) and develop a skilled workforce for emerging millimetre wave/Sub-THz technology for 5G/6G
• Innovative Technology: Focuses on millimetre wave backhaul technology where small cell-based stations connect to a gateway via fibre, using a mixed optical and millimetre wave approach to reduce costs and size.
• Boost to Local Manufacturing: Emphasis on polymer and metal materials in the transceiver aims to reduce dependency on semiconductor industries and encourage SME participation in local manufacturing

Benefits

• Enhanced Network Capacity: Millimetre wave technology offers significantly higher bandwidth compared to traditional technologies which enables faster data rates and improved network capacity.
• Improved Network Coverage: The smaller size and lower cost of millimetre wave equipment will facilitate the deployment of more network infrastructure which will lead to improved network coverage.
• Economic Growth: The project will contribute to India’s economic growth by stimulating domestic manufacturing, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in the technology sector.
• Technological Advancement: The development of millimeter wave technology will position India at the forefront of wireless communication technologies, driving innovation and attracting global investment.

New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)

• The  New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) will be a key determinant of COP29 (also touted as a ‘finance COP’) turning out to be successful. COP29 is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.
• The foundation of climate finance actions is unequivocally centred on addressing the “needs and priorities of developing countries”, as mandated in Article 9 of the Paris Agreement. NCQG, set to be finalized at COP29, will shape the future of climate finance.

What are the New Collective Quantified Goals?

• The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance is a key element of the 2015 Paris Agreement, aimed at setting a new financial target to support developing countries in their climate actions post-2025.  This goal builds on the previous commitment made at the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009, where developed countries pledged to mobilise $100 billion per year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries.

Key Details about the findings

 COP 29

• The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis. A key focus of COP29 will be on finance, as trillions of dollars are required for countries to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change.

Ottavalo’s Andean Mouse

• A new species of mouse with a remarkably long tail, dubbed Otavalo’s Andean mouse, has been discovered near a dormant volcano in Ecuador.

Ottavalo’s Andean Mouse:

• It is a new species of mouse with a remarkably long tail.
• It was discovered near Mojanda, a dormant volcano with a caldera filled with lakes. The site is about a 50-mile trip from Quito, a city situated in the high Andes of northern Ecuador.
• It has been identified as endemic to the temperate, high-altitude Andean regions of the montane forest.
• It was named in honor of the local Otavalo culture, which is widely recognized for its musical heritage and skilled weaving and textile commerce.
• Features:
  • In comparison to related species, the Otavalos Andean mouse is slightly larger, with shorter hair on its back.
  • It has a coat of “fine, dense, and soft” fur.
  • The fur on its back and sides is described as “dark drab,” while its sides show a more brownish tone.
  • On its stomach, the fur is a lighter gray with a hint of “ground cinnamon,” giving it a distinct color gradient across its body.
  • The most distinguishable feature of the new mouse species is its tail, which is longer than the length of the entire body combined.
  • The tail is overall covered with fine hairs and a row of scales with a white tip.

Project Shaurya Gatha

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan launched Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’, an initiative of the Department of Military Affairs and the United Service Institution (USI) of India, to conserve and promote India’s military heritage through education and tourism.
• It was launched at the second edition of the annual Indian Military Heritage Festival organised by the USI.
• The two-day festival, which was formally inaugurated by Gen. Chauhan, aims to engage global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector undertakings, non-profits, academicians, and research scholars focusing on India’s national security, foreign policy, military history and military heritage, a Defence Ministry statement said.
• Despite India’s long and rich military history and strategic culture, much of the general public remains unaware of the various facets of the nation’s military heritage and security concerns, the Ministry said.
• The Indian Military Heritage Festival seeks to bridge this gap in national discourse and the nation’s cultural calendar, it said, adding that it aims to enhance understanding of India’s military traditions, contemporary security and strategy issues, and efforts to achieve self-reliance in military capability through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
• Gen. Chauhan also released prominent publications on military topics, including ‘Because of this: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971’ by Air Marshal Vikram Singh (retd); Valour and Honour – a joint publication of the Indian Army and the USI of India; and War-wounded, Disabled Soldiers, And Cadets – a joint publication of the USI and War Wounded Federation.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) arranged a photo exhibition highlighting its journey and achievements in contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat through innovations in defence research.

Seaplane

Kerala tourism Ministry is launching a seaplane service meant to boost the tourism sector at Bolgatty Waterdrome in Kochi.

Seaplane:

• It is any of a class of aircraft that can land, float, and take off on water. 
• It is a fixed-winged aeroplane designed for taking off and landing on water. It offers the public the speed of an aeroplane with the utility of a boat.

Types of Seaplane

• Floatplanes: Floatplanes are the most common type of seaplane. They have floats, which are buoyant structures, permanently attached to the fuselage. Floatplanes rely solely on water for takeoff and landing, making them ideal for flying over lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
• Flying Boats: Unlike amphibious seaplanes and floatplanes, flying boats have their hull entirely designed to float on water. These aircraft have a boat-like shape, with the main body of the plane floating on the water’s surface. Flying boats are capable of carrying larger passenger loads and have the capability to take off and land in rougher water conditions.

Advantages of seaplanes

• They can fly low and have access to both land and sea, they are perfectly suitable for coastal surveillance.
• They can observe coastal activity such as border control, investigations or weather anomalies.

Bernoulli''s principle states that within a flowing fluid, an increase in velocity occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure. In aviation, this principle explains how faster air over an aircraft''s curved wings results in lower pressure above the wings, generating lift and enabling the aircraft to fly.

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Environmental activists have sounded an alarm over the growing threat to elephants in Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, following the death of a young male elephant due to electrocution.

• Location: It is located in Shimoga District of Karnataka.
• It covers an area of 395.6 sq. km. 
• It was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 23rd November 1974.
• Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary, present on a small island in the River Tunga, is also a part of this sanctuary. 
• The Tunga Anicut Dam is situated within the sanctuary and provides shelter for otters and water birds.
• There are a large number of human settlements inside Shettihalli Sanctuary, mainly consisting of families that were displaced by the construction of the Sharavathi Dam in the 1960s.
• Vegetation:
• The sanctuary has mostly Dry and Moist Deciduous Forests in the eastern and central parts.
• Towards the west, with an increase in rainfall, there are Semi-evergreen Forests. 
• Flora: Major tree species include silver oak, teak, Indian Thorny Bamboo, Calcutta Bamboo, Asan, Tectona Grandis, Sweet Indrajao, Amla, etc.
• Fauna:
• It houses mammals like Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Gaur, Elephant, Sloth Bear Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Pig, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, etc.
• Birds include Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bulbuls, Parakeets, Doves, Pigeons, Babblers, Flycatchers, Munias, Swallows, Woodpeckers, Peafowl, Jungle fowl and Partridges.

Snakebite Envenoming

Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has officially declared snakebite envenomation as a notifiable disease under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939.

• It is a life-threatening medical condition caused by venomous snake bites.
• It is a major health concern in rural and snake-endemic regions.
• It poses a risk to vulnerable populations, including agricultural workers, children, and those living in tropical and subtropical areas. 
• Snake antivenoms are effective treatments to prevent or reverse most of the harmful effects of snakebite envenoming and are included in the WHO list of essential medicines.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised snakebite as a global public health issue and launched a strategy to reduce snakebite-induced deaths and disabilities worldwide.
• India’s Action plan
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare earlier this year published the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming.
• The plan aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030 through a ‘One Health’ approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health interventions.
• Advantages of notifiable disease
• By making snakebite a notifiable disease, the Tamil Nadu government aims to improve the collection of vital data, strengthen clinical infrastructure, and ensure the efficient distribution of anti-snake venom.
• This move is expected to lead to better prevention strategies, reduce mortality rates, and enhance treatment facilities across the state.
• Under the new directive, both government and private hospitals are now required to report cases of snakebites and related fatalities to the government.
• This mandatory reporting system will be integrated with the State’s Integrated Health Information Platform under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program. 

Three-phase Approach towards enhancing Jointness across the Armed forces

•  The Army chief General outlined the 3-phase approach towards improving jointness throughout the armed forces, at a time while the military is ready to give its Theaterisation version to the decision-makers.
• Theaterisation, which calls for jointness and integration, is a protracted-awaited reform for the excellent use of the military’s assets to fight future wars.
• The Theaterisation version being pursued involves raising;
• The China-centric northern Theatre command in Lucknow, 
• The Pakistan-centric western Theatre command in Jaipur, and 
• The maritime Theater command in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Three-phase approach

• Jointness 1.0: It focused on integrating acquisition making plans, courses, and operational joint logistic nodes, with three completely operational and four greater in development.
• Jointness 2.0: The progress was made in aligning doctrines, general operating tactics and growing joint preservation agencies for fundamental systems. 
• Jointness 3.0: The military goals to extend common operational planning systems, tech sharing, and resources like UAVs and ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) structures.

Integrated vs Jointness

• Jointness approaches that at the same time as the three Services develop and expand in their respective spheres with their impartial identification, they function together and so coordinate their operations in battle.
• Integrated Commands, then again, are searching to merge individual service identities to gain a composite and cohesive entire.

Advantages

• Better acclimatization of troops within the given battlespace for operational performance.
• Training needs and administrative requirements of the troops may be better understood for specialization and engaging in drills.
• Quick mobilization of troops is viable for the high-intensity war-like situation.
• The allocation of military hardware can come to be theater unique and bring about optimisation of the resources.
• Unified command will permit for spark off and particular choice making and get rid of hierarchical redundancies.

Challenges in Implementation

• Difference of opinion among three forces: There are differences among the 3 forces on scope, form, and control of the commands.
• Transfer of Resources: There is a competition at the type of battle-preventing equipment with a purpose to be deployed underneath a single command and ambiguity surrounding the transfer of weapons, structures, and assets from one theater command to another.
• Curriculum Framework: In terms of getting ready the educational bedrock for army employees to serve in theater commands, the country appears to be in the back of the curve. 

Conclusion

• The 3-phase approach to improve jointness lays a strong foundation for developing a cohesive and efficient command form. 
• However, a hit implementation requires overcoming inter-provider variations, revising academic frameworks, and ensuring robust resource allocation mechanisms.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)

• It is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder.
• “Thrombotic” refers to the blood clots that form.
• “Thrombocytopenic” means the blood has a lower-than-normal platelet count.
• “Purpura” refers to purple bruises caused by bleeding under your skin.
• In TTP, blood clots form in small blood vessels throughout your body. 
• The clots can limit or block the flow of blood to your organs, such as your brain, kidneys, and heart. This can prevent your organs from working properly and damage your organs.
• The increased clotting that occurs in TTP also uses up your platelets. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help form blood clots. These cell fragments stick together to seal small cuts and breaks in your blood vessels to stop bleeding.
• When your platelets are used up, you do not have enough platelets to form blood clots when necessary. This can cause internal bleeding, bleeding underneath the skin, and other bleeding problems.

What causes TTP?

• TTP occurs when you do not have the right amount of an enzyme (a type of protein in your blood) called ADAMTS13.
• This enzyme controls how your blood clots. If you do not have enough ADAMTS13, your body makes too many blood clots.
• TTP can be inherited or acquired. 
• TTP usually occurs suddenly and lasts for days or weeks, but it can continue for months. 
• TTP can also cause red blood cells to break apartfaster than your body can replace them. This leads to a rare form of anemia called hemolytic anemia.
• Symptoms of TTP may include any of the following:
• Bleeding into the skin or mucus membranes
• Confusion
• Fatigue, weakness
• Fever
• Headache
• Pale skin color or yellowish skin color
• Shortness of breath
• Fast heart rate (over 100 beats per minute)
• TTP can be fatal. Without treatment, it can cause long-term problems, such as brain damage or a stroke.
• Treatment: Plasma treatments and medicines are the most common ways to treat TTP. If these treatments do not work, you may need surgery. 

What is RCEP & CPTPP?

 India should be a part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and become a member, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said.

• Subrahmanyam emphasised that India will have to get into the global value supply chain as 70 per cent of the world’s trade happens through the global supply chain. 

What is the RCEP?

• The RCEP bloc comprises 10 ASEAN group members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam) and their five FTA partners — China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. 
• The RCEP negotiations were launched during the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh in November 2012. 
• The RCEP economies are home to almost a third of the world’s population.
• The 15 RCEP countries agreed on the terms of the deal in 2019, setting up the path for it to be signed during the summit.
•  These 15 economies cover nearly a third of the global population and about 30 per cent of its global gross domestic product.
• RCEP is projected to add $186 billion to the world economy.
• RCEP is considered as the world’s largest free trade agreement by members’ GDP.
• India pulled out of the RCEP in 2019 after entering negotiations in 2013.
• Notably, RCEP marks the first time China, Japan and South Korea have been brought together under a single trade agreement — a process that has been otherwise marred by historical and diplomatic disputes.
• The RCEP will progressively lower tariffs and aims to counter protectionism, boost investment and allow freer movement of goods within the region.
• The RCEP negotiation includes: trade in goods, trade in services, investment, economic and technical cooperation, intellectual property, competition, dispute settlement, e-commerce, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other issues.

What is the CPTPP?

• CPTPP is a free trade bloc spanning five continents, made up of Pacific rim countries of Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan. 
• The UK will formally join the bloc on December 15, 2024.
• It was initially known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) but was renamed after the United States withdrew from the agreement in January 2017.
• Negotiations for what was then simply the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) began in March 2010 and concluded on October 5, 2015.

Benefits of CPTPP include:

• Elimination of tariffs and reduction in non-tariff barriers in CPTPP export markets.
• Common and transparent trade and investment rules between 11 Asia-Pacific countries, assisting in the reduction of administration costs.
• Rules that encourage SME participation in government procurement opportunities in all CPTPP countries, including the requirement for suppliers to have access to an independent review body when procurement processes do not comply with the rules.
• Commitments addressing a number of ‘21st century’ trade and investment issues, including rules against corruption, reducing unfair competition by state-owned enterprises, and ensuring a liberalised environment for electronic commerce.
• Longer term integration benefits facilitating better access to regional supply chains for goods and services (also known as Global Value Chains).

What does India’s absence mean?

• India can join later and other countries — notably Indonesia and Japan —  have been lobbying it hard to stay. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi was emphatic about rejecting terms the other members agreed.
• While India’s exit devalues the pact, it also removes the single biggest obstacle to its completion, said Anthony Nelson of consultancy Albright Stonebridge.
• India’s biggest concern is a wave of cheap goods from China and elsewhere. For other countries, losing India means they won’t access a market that is notoriously hard to get into, but also they won’t be able to include India as easily in supply chains.
• Supporters of the deal argue that India will lose investment while its consumers will pay more than they should. Southeast Asian countries also see India as a counterweight to China’s growing dominance.

Workshop on Drone technology in Fisheries

• Early A workshop on drone technology in fisheries was held at ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi.

 Fisheries and Aquaculture sector :

• They are a key source of food, nutrition, employment, income, and foreign trade.
• Fish, rich in protein and omega-three fatty acids, enables the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
• India’s Position in Fisheries: 2nd largest fish-producing state, with ~8% of global production.
• Top aquaculture producer, third biggest in capture fisheries, and a leading shrimp exporter.
• Record Fish Production: Fish manufacturing grew from 7.52 lakh tonnes in 1950-51 to 175.45 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
• Inland fisheries and aquaculture manufacturing doubled since 2013-14, reaching 131.33 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.
• Doubling of Exports: Seafood exports multiplied from Rs 30,213 crore (2013-14) to Rs 60,523.89 crore (2023-24), with the USA as the largest market.
• The sector contributes 1.069% to National GVA and 6.86% to Agriculture GVA, with consistent growth from 2014-15 to 2021-22.
• Government Efforts: The Government of India has invested Rs 38,572 crore during the last decade to force the Blue Revolution, transforming the fisheries zone.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): PMMSY specializes in sustainable, inclusive growth in fisheries and aquaculture.
• Other programmes consist of contemporary aquaculture practices, satellite tv monitoring, and the exploration of drone technology for several programs.

Technology in Fisheries

• Efficient software of technology is important for both fish manufacturing and utilization, overlaying fishing craft, tools, gear, processing, and distribution.
• Digital technologies like ICT, IoT, AI, machine knowledge, blockchain, and Cloud-part computing can help the enlargement and sustainability of the aquaculture and fisheries sectors.
• Drone Technology in Fisheries: Drones are used for water sampling, disorder detection, feed control, aquaculture farm management, and fish advertising.
• Underwater drones assist screen fish behavior and stumble on distress.

Importance 

• Increased Productivity: Technology enables fishermen to capture more fish with fewer assets and time.
• Enhanced Safety: Real-time updates on climate and sea conditions reduce risks for fishermen.
• Reduced Waste: Better storage and transportation reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring that more of the catch reaches customers.
• Sustainability: Monitoring gear can assist prevent overfishing and inspire accountable practices.
• Economic Upliftment: Improved efficiency and access to market facts help fishermen earn higher profit.

Issues and Concerns :

• Slow development: Technological improvements in fishing and processing have been sluggish in India, relying largely on inshore, small-scale fishing strategies
• High Initial Cost: Many fishermen can not afford the contemporary technology, leading to inequalities inside the sector.
• Training and Adaptation: Many fishers want schooling to apply new technology successfully, which may be tough for older technologys or people with restrained literacy.
• Environmental Concerns: Certain technologies, if misused, can make contributions to overfishing and disrupt marine ecosystems.
• Dependency on Technology: Over-reliance on technological tools can make fishers inclined if the era fails or requires renovation.

Conclusion:

• Technology has amazing capability to revolutionize India’s fisheries sector, making it more efficient, sustainable, and resilient.
• However, the adoption of technology ought to be balanced with considerations of cost, environmental effect, and training to make certain long-term benefits for the sector and its stakeholders.

World Immunisation Day

• Immunisation is one of the most effective and cost-efficient intervention for controlling and eradicating diseases, saving millions of lives globally each year. Vaccines help protect individuals from many diseases. 

• By reducing the incidence of infectious diseases, immunisation not only safeguards individuals but also strengthens community health by building herd immunity. 

• World Immunisation Day, observed annually on November 10, aims to raise awareness about the vital role vaccines play in preventing infectious diseases and protecting public health. 

• This day encourages governments, healthcare providers, and communities worldwide to emphasize the importance of vaccines and extend immunisation coverage, especially to underserved populations.

• Immunisation has been a central focus in India’s public health strategy for decades, leading to remarkable progress in reducing disease prevalence and child mortality rates. 

• World Immunisation Day serves as an opportunity to reaffirm India’s commitment to achieving universal immunisation and to reflect on the progress made through landmark initiatives, including the Universal Immunisation Programme and Mission Indradhanush. 

Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)

• The Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is one of India’s most comprehensive public health initiatives, aiming to provide life-saving vaccines to millions of newborns and pregnant women each year. 

• Initially launched in 1978 as the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, it was rebranded as the UIP in 1985 when its coverage was extended beyond urban centres to rural areas, addressing disparities in healthcare access. 

• In 1992, the UIP was incorporated into the Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme and later, in 1997, into the National Reproductive and Child Health Programme. 

• Since 2005, under the National Rural Health Mission, the UIP has become a central component of India’s public health efforts, focusing on ensuring that vaccines reach every child, even in the most remote parts of the country.

• With a targeted annual reach of around 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women, the UIP has become one of the most cost-effective health interventions in the country, significantly reducing the under-5 mortality rate from 45 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 32 per 1,000 live births (SRS 2020). 

• With consistent efforts to reach and vaccinate all eligible children against vaccine-preventable diseases, the country’s immunisation coverage for FY 2023-24 stands at 93.23 per cent nationally.

• Currently, the programme provides free immunisation against 12 diseases, including nine nationwide, such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, and hepatitis B. 

• Additionally, it offers vaccines against Rotavirus diarrhoea, Pneumococcal pneumonia, and Japanese Encephalitis in specific regions. 

• Under this initiative, a child is considered fully immunised after receiving all vaccinations as per the national schedule within the first year of life. 

• Notable milestones include India’s elimination of polio in 2014 and maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015, achievements that underscore the impact of the UIP in protecting public health.

Mission Indradhanush

• Mission Indradhanush, launched in December 2014, is a strategic initiative by the Indian government aimed at increasing the full immunisation coverage for children across the country, with a goal to reach 90 per cent coverage. 

• Mission Indradhanush specifically focuses on areas with low immunisation rates, including hard-to-reach regions and communities where children are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. 

• This mission adopts a targeted approach, prioritising districts and pockets where immunisation levels remain low, thereby striving to bridge critical gaps in vaccine coverage and ensuring that no child is left unprotected. 

• Since its inception, 12 phases of Mission Indradhanush have been completed, covering 554 districts nationwide.

• Mission Indradhanush has been integrated into other significant national programmes, such as the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and the Extended Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, further enhancing its outreach. 

• Under these programmes, immunisation efforts extended to 16,850 villages across 541 districts and 48,929 villages across 117 aspirational districts, respectively. 

• The first two phases of Mission Indradhanush alone led to a 6.7 per cent increase in full immunisation coverage in just one year, reflecting its early success.

Polio-free India

• On March 27, 2014, India, along with 10 other countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region, was officially certified as polio-free. India’s last reported case of polio was on January 13, 2011, in Howrah, West Bengal. 

• However, despite this certification, the country remains vigilant due to the persistent risk of poliovirus importation from the two countries where polio remains endemic — Afghanistan and Pakistan.

• India’s successful fight against polio has strengthened its broader immunisation infrastructure, which is now being leveraged to protect against a range of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs). 

Elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNTE)

• India’s success in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNTE) stands as a major public health accomplishment. Achieved in April 2015, well ahead of the global target of December 2015, MNTE validation was completed across all of India’s 36 states and Union Territories. 

• This milestone signifies that the incidence of maternal and neonatal tetanus has fallen to less than one case per 1,000 live births, effectively eliminating it as a public health problem. 

India declared Yaws-free in 2016

• In 2016, India became the first country to be officially recognised as yaws-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO), achieving this well before the global target year of 2020. 

• This recognition highlights India’s proactive and sustained efforts to eradicate the disease, which primarily affects rural and marginalised communities. 

• The elimination of yaws reflects comprehensive public health efforts focused on early treatment, health education, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.

U-Win

• The U-WIN Portal represents a major leap forward in India’s immunisation efforts, providing a fully digitised record of vaccination for pregnant women and children from birth to 17 years under the Universal Immunisation Programme. 

• This digital platform aims to streamline vaccine delivery and record-keeping, ensuring that every individual can easily access and manage their immunisation records. 

• The U-WIN portal is available in 11 regional languages, including Hindi, to ensure widespread usability across diverse linguistic communities. As of September 16, 2024, the platform has registered 6.46 crore beneficiaries, conducted over 1.04 crore vaccination sessions, and recorded 23.06 crore administered vaccine doses.