Current Affairs

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Mumps Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: Mumps, an acute viral infection which historically affects children, has been spreading like wildfire in Kerala, for the past few months. Background:- Not just Kerala, a resurgence in cases was being reported from several States, including Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as well. Cases which began appearing sporadically around November 2023 in the Malappuram and Kozhikode districts of Kerala, have since then spread to Palakkad and Thrissur too, resulting in major community outbreaks. About Mumps Mumps is a self-limiting, airborne viral disease and presents as fever and headache in mostly children and adolescents, with painful swelling of the salivary glands (parotid glands) on both sides of the face. There is no specific treatment and the patient recovers with rest and symptomatic management in about two weeks. With only half of the infected children developing the classical disease and close to 30% remaining asymptomatic, cases mostly go unreported, indicating that the reported cases are a gross underestimation of the actual cases in the community. From the view point of public health, measles, which can cause significant morbidity and mortality, has always been considered a priority, rather than mumps. Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, mumps has never been a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) because of the disease’s no-mortality profile and the perception that it has low public health significance. Health officials maintain that creating public awareness about the disease and the importance of isolation is the most important tool in bringing down the transmission of the disease. Transmission of the disease begins before the symptoms actually manifest and isolation of the patient for a full three weeks is necessary to limit the spread of the disease. Source: The Hindu Campaigning in the name of religion Syllabus Mains – GS 2 Context: Recently the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Rahul Gandhi for hurting the sentiments of Hindus through his remark on ‘shakti’. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), in turn, filed a counter complaint against the Prime Minister for appealing to religious sentiments during his campaign on the same issue. Background: There have been innumerable instances in the past where various parties and its leaders have blatantly appealed for votes in the name of religion. There are leaders across political parties against whom cases have been registered under the RP Act and the Indian Penal Code in this regard. However, the only notable leader who was convicted by the Supreme Court for this corrupt electoral practice was Bal Thackeray of Shiv Sena in the year 1995. The ECI on such occasions at best bars leaders from campaigning, for violation of the MCC, for a short period of two to three days. How is Campaigning in the name of religion dealt with?: What does the law say? Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) provides that appeals by a candidate, or any other person with the consent of a candidate, to vote or refrain from voting on the ground of his religion, race, caste, community or language is a corrupt electoral practice. Section 123(3A) denounces any attempt by a candidate to promote feelings of enmity or hatred among citizens on these grounds during elections. The RP Act further provides that anyone found guilty of corrupt electoral practice can be debarred from contesting elections for a maximum period of up to six years. What does the MCC provide? The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the guidance of political parties and candidates is a set of norms which has evolved with the consensus of political parties. It binds them to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit. This code, which began to be implemented strictly in the 1990s, provides that no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes, religious or linguistic communities. It also provides that there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. Mosques, churches, temples or other places of worship shall not be used as a forum for election propaganda. Though the MCC does not have any statutory backing, it has come to acquire strength in the past three decades because of its strict enforcement by the ECI. History It is pertinent to note that before 1961, Section 123(3) of the RP Act provided that ‘systemic’ appeal by a candidate on the grounds of religion, race, caste or community will amount to a corrupt electoral practice. However, in order to curb communal, fissiparous and separatist tendencies, the word ‘systemic’ was omitted through an amendment in 1961. This meant that even a stray appeal for success in the elections on the ground of one’s religion or narrow communal affiliation would be viewed with disfavour by the law. Ruling of the Supreme Court In Abhiram Singh versus C. D. Commachen (2017) a seven-judge Bench by a majority of 4:3 held that candidates shall not appeal for votes on the basis of not just his/her religion but also that of the voters. The majority view provided a ‘purposive interpretation’ to Section 123(3) rather than just a literal one thereby rendering any appeal in the name of religion of even the voters as a corrupt electoral practice. The elections to Parliament or State legislatures are a secular exercise; constitutional ethos forbids the mixing of religious considerations with the secular functions of the State. Religion should remain a matter of personal faith. Source:The Hindu INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION (IAU) Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved the Chandrayaan-3 landing site name ‘Shiva Shakti’. Background: The announcement defined the origin of the name as, a “compound word from Indian mythology that depicts masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) duality of nature; Landing site of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander. About International Astronomical Union (IAU) International Astronomical Union (IAU) is a significant body that governs international professional

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Small Scale LNG (SSLNG) Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Current Event Context: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri this month dedicated to the nation India’s first small-scale liquefied natural gas (SSLNG) unit at GAIL (India) Ltd’s Vijaipur complex in Madhya Pradesh. Background:- The government has been pushing for the adoption and use of natural gas across sectors, and aims to increase the share of natural gas in its primary energy mix to 15% by 2030 from a little more than 6% at present. Natural gas is far less polluting than conventional hydrocarbons like coal and oil; it is also cheaper than oil, more than 85% of India’s requirement for which is met through costly imports. Natural gas is seen as a key transition fuel in India’s journey towards green energy and future fuels. About Small Scale LNG (SSLNG) SSLNG refers to the liquefaction of natural gas and its transportation using unconventional means in a significantly smaller-scale operation than the usual large-scale liquefaction, regasification, and transportation infrastructure and processes. Simply put, LNG — gas in its liquid or super-chilled form — is supplied in specialised trucks and small vessels to industrial and commercial consumers in regions that are not connected by pipelines. In relatively traditional use cases such as supplying compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles and piped gas for households and manufacturing units, the buyer would regasify the LNG using small vapourisers, and then supply it to end-users. Where the fuel is to be used directly in its liquid form, it would be supplied to end-users without regasification. The SSLNG chain can start from a large-scale LNG import terminal from where the LNG, instead of being regasified and supplied through pipelines, can be transported to consumers by cryogenic road tankers or small vessels. The chain can also start at locations with ample natural gas supply or production, where small liquefaction plants can be set up. The SSLNG unit at Vijaipur, which is GAIL’s largest gas processing facility, is an example of the latter kind of location Why SSLNG? A major challenge in scaling up gas consumption lies in the transportation of gas to places that are not connected by the country’s natural gas pipeline grid — a problem that also hinders the use of LNG directly as fuel for long-haul trucks and inter-city buses. Large-scale pipeline projects that are in the works will take years to be completed; even so, last-mile delivery challenges may persist in many parts of the country. In this scenario, new-age solutions with fast turnaround times can help expand the reach, access, and consumption of natural gas.SSLNG is one such promising solution. Source: Indian Express Global Gender Gap Index Syllabus Mains- GS 3 Context: The Global Gender Gap Index for 2022 was released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and it ranks India at 135 out of 146 countries. In 2021, India was ranked 140 out of 156 countries. Background: In 2021, India was ranked 140 out of 156 countries. About Global Gender Gap Index: The Global Gender Gap index “benchmarks the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. On each of the four sub-indices as well as on the overall index the GGG index provides scores between 0 and 1, where 1 shows full gender parity and 0 is complete imparity. In 2022, India’s overall score has improved from 0.625 (in 2021) to 0.629. “India’s (135th) global gender gap score has oscillated between 0.593 and 0.683 since the index was first compiled. In 2022, India scored 0.629, which is its seventh-highest score in the last 16 years,” states the report. Indias status with respect to four dimensions Political Empowerment This includes metrics such as the percentage of women in Parliament, the percentage of women in ministerial positions etc. Of all the sub-indices, this is where India ranks the highest (48th out of 146). However, notwithstanding its rank, its score is quite low at 0.267. Some of the best ranking countries in this category score much better. For instance, Iceland is ranked 1 with a score of 0.874 and Bangladesh is ranked 9 with a score of 0.546. Moreover, India’s score on this metric has worsened since last year – from 0.276 to 0.267. The silver lining is that despite reduction, India’s score is above the global average in this category. Economic Participation and Opportunity This includes metrics such as the percentage of women who are part of the labour force, wage equality for similar work, earned income etc. Here, too, India ranks a lowly 143 out of the 146 countries in contention even though its score has improved over 2021 from 0.326 to 0.350. Last year, India was pegged at 151 out of the 156 countries ranked. India’s score is much lower than the global average, and only Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are behind India on this metric. Educational Attainment This sub-index includes metrics such as literacy rate and the enrolment rates in primary, secondary and tertiary education. Here India ranks 107th out of 146, and its score has marginally worsened since last year. In 2021, India was ranked 114 out of 156. Health and Survival This includes two metrics: the sex ratio at birth (in %) and healthy life expectancy (in years). In this metric, India is ranked the last (146) among all the countries. Its score hasn’t changed from 2021 when it was ranked 155th out of 156 countries. Source: Indian Express SHANGHAI CORPORATION ORGANISATION (SCO) Syllabus Prelims- Current Event Context: Recently, the fourth edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum was organized in New Delhi. Background: This initiative aimed to broaden startup interactions among the SCO Member States, foster an environment conducive to innovation, promote job creation, and inspire young talent to develop innovative solutions. About SHANGHAI CORPORATION ORGANISATION (SCO) The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent international intergovernmental organization that was

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Lalita Kala Academy Syllabus Prelims – Polity Context: In an unprecedented move, the Ministry of Culture has curtailed the powers of the Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) Chairman, V Nagdas, barring him from taking any “administrative actions”, including on matters related to “appointment, recruitment, transfer, disciplinary action and financial decisions”, without consulting the ministry. Background:- The Lalit Kala Akademi or National Academy of Art (LKA) is India’s national academy of fine arts. About Lalita Kala Academy Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Art), New Delhi was inaugurated on 5th August 1954 by the then Minister for Education, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. It was registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, on 11th March 1957. Lalit Kala Akademi, the youngest of the three Akademies founded by Govt. of India, establishes to direct its focus on activities in the field of Visual Arts. Following are some of the powers and functions of LKA :- To encourage and promote study and research in the fields of creative arts such as painting, sculpture and graphics etc.; To encourage and coordinate the activities of the regional art organisations and State Lalit Kala Akademis; To promote cooperation among artists and art associations and development of such associations; To encourage, where necessary, the establishment of Regional Art Centres; To encourage the exchange of ideas between various schools of art by organising conferences, seminars, exhibitions, etc., on all India basis involving scholars and educationists and State Academies, Zonal Cultural Centres and Art Organisations like faculties of art in universities, art colleges and schools, art museums, art galleries and art associations; To foster cultural contacts within the country and also with other countries, through art exhibitions, exchange of personnel and art objects, etc. To award scholarships and prizes to deserving artists and to accord recognition to artists for outstanding achievements; To promote study, research and survey of folk, tribal and traditional arts and crafts techniques, preserve and project their art forms and to organize regional surveys of and to encourage surviving indigenous craftsmen, painters and sculptors; Source: Indian Express India TB Report – 2024 Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Health Context: India TB Report 2024 was released by the Union Health ministry on Wednesday. Background: India’s contribution to the global burden is 27%, which is down one percentage point from the previous year’s 28%. Key Takeaways from the Report: The gap between the estimated number and actual cases of tuberculosis (TB) is closing, according to the India TB Report 2024.This is an important marker as the “missing cases” are assumed to not have received treatment, continuing to spread the infection to others. There were only 2.3 lakh missing cases in 2023, as compared to 3.2 lakh the year before, the report states. This gap has been reducing over the years, especially with the government’s Ni-kshay portal tracking all TB patients. According to the report, the majority of the TB cases are still reported by the government health centres, even as there has been an uptick in notifications by the private sector. Nearly 33% or 8.4 lakh of the 25.5 lakh cases reported in 2023 came from the private sector. To compare, only 1.9 lakh cases were reported by the private sector in 2015, the year considered to be the baseline by the programme that is geared towards the elimination of the disease. The report shows that India reached its 2023 target of initiating treatment in 95% of patients diagnosed with the infection. It says 58% of those diagnosed were offered a test to check whether their infection was resistant to the first line drugs, an increase from 25% in 2015. The report recommends drug susceptibility treatment to ensure that people who may have drug resistant TB are able to access e therapies from the get go instead of being treated with the first-line therapy initially. Source: Indian Express ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS (AIF) Syllabus Prelims – Economy Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently made changes to the norms governing investments in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) by regulated entities (REs). Background: These revisions were implemented to ensure uniformity in implementation among REs and address concerns raised by various stakeholders. About Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are privately pooled investment funds that invest in accordance with a defined investment policy. They aim to provide investors with exposure to alternative asset classes beyond traditional equities and fixed income. These funds collect capital from sophisticated investors (both Indian and foreign) and invest it according to a defined investment policy. Categories of AIFs: Category I AIFs: These funds can invest in start-ups, early-stage ventures, social ventures, SMEs, and sectors considered socially or economically desirable by the government or regulators. Category II AIFs: These funds include private equity funds, real estate funds, debt funds, and funds for distressed assets. They do not undertake excessive leverage. Category III AIFs: These funds employ complex trading strategies, including leverage through derivatives. Hedge funds fall under this category. Tenure and Liquidity: Category I and II AIFs are typically close-ended with a minimum tenure of three years. Category III AIFs can be either open-ended or close-ended. Regulation: AIFs adhere to the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. They can be structured as companies, LLPs, trusts, etc. Investor Base: AIFs attract high rollers, including domestic and foreign investors. Institutions and high net worth individuals often invest in AIFs due to the substantial investment amounts required. Risk and Returns: AIFs offer potentially higher returns but come with higher risks due to their focus on alternative assets. Investors should assess their risk tolerance before investing. Source: Hindu QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY Syllabus Prelims – Science Context: Scientists are proposing a new technology known as quantum cryptography to protect sensitive communications. Background: Quantum cryptography harnesses the fundamental uncertainty of quantum physics to create unbreakable encryption keys. Quantum Cryptography offers a promising avenue for safeguarding sensitive information, making it a crucial field in the realm of cybersecurity. About QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY: Quantum cryptography, also known as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), is a method for creating

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Agriculture Context: Earlier this month, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda inaugurated a Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) set up at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi, a big-screen dashboard of all digital innovations in the sector. Background:- ICCC is a “significant leap forward” in leveraging technology for the advancement of agricultural practices. About Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC): The ICCC is a tech-based solution involving multiple IT applications and platforms, which is designed to help in making informed decisions. The centre is housed in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, which is responsible for legislation, policy formation, and implementation of initiatives in the agriculture sector. The ICCC uses state of the art technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to collect and process large amounts of granular data — on temperatures, rainfall, wind speed, crop yields and production estimations — and presents it in graphical format. On eight large, 55-inch LED screens installed at the ICCC, you can see information on crop yields, production, drought situation, cropping patterns (geographic region-wise and year-wise) in map, timeline, and drill-down views. You can also see the relevant trends (periodic and non-periodic), outliers, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and receive insights, alerts, and feedback on agriculture schemes, programmes, projects, and initiatives. The ICCC uses platforms including the Krishi Decision Support System (DSS) to collect micro-level data, process it, and present the macro picture. What is the objective of the ICCC? The ICCC will enable comprehensive monitoring of the farm sector by making available at one place geospatial information received from multiple sources, including remote sensing; plot-level data received through soil survey; weather data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD); sowing data from Digital Crop Survey; farmer- and farm-related data from Krishi MApper, an application for geo-fencing and geo-tagging of land; market intelligence information from the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg); and yield estimation data from the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES). Can the command and control centre generate individual farmer-specific advisories? Going forward, the ICCC can create an ecosystem based on which individual farmer-level advisories can be generated through apps like Kisan e-mitra, a chatbot developed for PM-Kisan beneficiaries. The AI-/ machine learning-based system will identify a farmer through his/ her mobile number or Aadhaar, and match it with the farmer’s field information obtain through land records, historical crop sowing information from the crop registry, weather data from IMD, etc. It will then generate a customised advisory in the local language of the farmer. For this, the system will use the Bhashini platform that allows translation into several Indian languages. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FARMER’S ADVISORY: The ICCC allows visualisation of GIS based soil carbon mapping as well as soil health card data for a particular district together at one place. This, when visualised with weather-related data from IMD for the selected district, will allow a customised and authentic advisory to be sent to the farmer about the type of crops that can be grown, and water and fertiliser requirements. DROUGHT ACTIONS: According to officials, increase or decrease in yield from a specific region (as per GCES data) can be correlated with weather, rainfall, and other information visualised through the Drought Portal, enabling the administration to understand the reason for increase/ decrease in yield and to take decisions proactively. CROP DIVERSIFICATION: An analysis of crop diversification maps, together with field variability for paddy, will enable decision-makers to identify regions with scope for diversified cropping. FARM DATA REPOSITORY: Krishi Decision Support System (K-DSS), a platform under development, will act as an agriculture data repository. Integrated spatial and non-spatial data will be superimposed as a layer on the GIS map, and various AI/ ML models would be run on the data. The K-DSS will help in evidence-based, efficient, and data-driven decision-making. VALIDATION OF YIELD: Yield as captured through Krishi MApper can be analysed with the yield generated through GCES application for a plot. Source: Indian Express H5N1 Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: Since 2020, a highly pathogenic type of bird flu, H5N1, has been spreading across the globe, posing an existential threat to birds and wildlife. The virus has infected birds in more than 80 countries (as of December 2023) and resulted in culling of millions of chickens and turkeys at commercial poultry farms. It also struck numerous species of wild birds. Background: The worrying sign, however, is the rapid spread of the flu — once largely confined to birds — among mammals. The infection has also infiltrated mainland Antarctica for the time in history. About Bird flu: The Bird flu, also known as avian flu, refers to an infectious viral illness that mainly infects and spreads among poultry and some wild birds. There are different strains of bird flu virus, which have been circulating for a very long time among at least 100 bird species, including wild waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, without much harming them. From time to time, a form of the flu virus jumps from wild birds to poultry farms, and replicates in cramped warehouses of farmed birds. It then quickly evolves into a highly pathogenic flu virus that causes a larger wave of illness and death than usual among birds. The currently circulating type of H5N1 is one such highly pathogenic flu virus. It has descended from a virus that caused an outbreak on a goose farm in Guangdong, China, in 1996. The new version of H5N1 first emerged in Europe in 2020 and then rapidly reached Europe, Africa, and Asia. By late 2021, it had spread to North America and in the fall of 2022, it appeared in South America. In February 2024, the virus stormed through mainland Antarctica. How has H5N1 impacted animals across the world? Apart from the farm birds, the virus has severely impacted wild birds. Some wild birds, which are already on the verge of extinction, have also been

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   India Employment Report 2024 Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Economy Context: The India Employment Report 2024, prepared jointly by the Human Development and the International Labour Organization, was released recently. Background:- It has analysed trends and patterns of the Indian labour market for two decades, including the COVID-19 years, and listed the “emerging characteristics of the employment challenges now confronting the economy as well as the impact of growth on employment.” key findings Basic long-term feature of the employment situation in the country continues to be insufficient growth of the non-farm sectors and the ability of these sectors to absorb workers from agriculture. India’s working-age population (aged 15–59) increased from 61% in 2011 to 64% in 2021 and is projected to reach 65% in 2036.About 7-8 million young people are added each year to the labour force. The authors warn that unemployment in the country is “predominantly a problem among youth”, especially those with a secondary level of education or higher, and that it has intensified over time. In 2022, the share of unemployed youth in the total unemployed population was 82.9%,” report noted, adding that the share of educated youth among all unemployed people also increased, from 54.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022. Also, among the educated (secondary level or higher) unemployed youth, women accounted for a larger share (76.7%) than men (62.2%). There is a significant gender gap in the labour market, with low rates of female labour force participation. The gender gap in the LFPR has remained almost consistent over the past two decades. In 2022, the LFPR of young men (at 61.2%) was almost three times higher than that of young women (at 21.7%), and the gender gap was similar in both rural and urban areas. The ILO and IHD stated that the jobs remained low-productive and low-earning. Real wages and earnings showed a decline or had stagnated. While India’s large young workforce is a demographic dividend, the report noted that they don’t appear to have the skills to deliver — with 75% of youth unable to send emails with attachments, 60% unable to copy and paste files, and 90% unable to put a mathematical formula into a spreadsheet. Reports Recommendations: Make production and growth more employment-intensive. Improve the quality of jobs. Make systems for skills training and active labour market policies more effective. Bridge the deficits in knowledge on labour market patterns and youth employment. Integrating employment creation with macro and other economic policies to boost productive non-farm employment. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises must be supported and decentralised. The ILO and IHD recommended that measures such as crafting policies to boost women’s participation in the labour market including larger provision for institutional care facilities, adaptable work arrangements, improved public transport, improved amenities and enhanced workplace safety must be taken in mission mode to address this gender gap in employment. Source: The Hindu Ladakh’s residents on a hunger strike Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity Context: On March 6, in Leh, Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakh’s famous educationist and environmentalist, began a 21-day hunger strike.The strike was in support of thousands of Ladakh residents who have been demanding safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.Mr. Wangchuk discontinued his hunger strike on March 26; it is currently being continued by women in Leh. If their demands stay unmet, the youth, monks, and the elderly have said they will join the hunger strike as well, in phases. Background: In August 2019, the State of Jammu and Kashmir was split into two UTs: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It ended people’s exclusive rights on land and jobs.Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, Ladakh became a UT without a legislature. Why a hunger strike Residents of Ladakh says that the UT is administered by a Lieutenant Governor, who is a not a Ladakh resident.Several bureaucrats in key positions, influencing decisions for the region’s future, were also not residents of Ladakh. Further the existing Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) in Leh and Kargil were rendered powerless after the national government declared Ladakh a UT. The draft Ladakh Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2023 is a case in point. While the LAHDCs have the powers to make decisions on land use and its management, the draft policy, which has been designed to attract investments in Ladakh, completely excludes them from having any powers related to land allotment- and lease-related decision-making. Protestors contend that Sixth Schedule could help tackle these issues because it enables the establishment of regional and district councils with the authority to make laws regarding land use for grazing, agriculture, residential purposes, and towards other purposes that cater to the residents’ interests. Considering more than 97% of Ladakh’s population of over 2.74 lakh (2011 Census) is tribal, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes recommended in 2019 that Ladakh be brought under the Sixth Schedule. Source: The Hindu X- CLASS SOLAR FLARE Syllabus Prelims- Current Event Context: Earth was recently hit by an X-class solar flare that was strong enough to ionize part of the planet’s atmosphere. Background: This intense solar outburst was detected by satellites from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically their Space Weather Prediction Center. About X- CLASS SOLAR FLARE The Solar flares are massive eruptions of charged particles on the sun. They emit intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation. These flares come in various intensities, with smaller A-class and C-class flares denoting relatively minor events. In contrast, the stronger M-class flares can amplify the auroras visible on Earth. The X-class flares are the most powerful type of solar flares. Effects X-class Solar Flares on Earth Geomagnetic Storms: X-class flares release an immense amount of energy, including charged particles and electromagnetic radiation. When these particles reach Earth, they interact with our planet’s magnetosphere, causing geomagnetic storms. During a severe geomagnetic storm, the magnetosphere weakens temporarily, allowing solar radiation to penetrate deeper into the atmosphere. Satellite Disruption: Long-lasting radiation storms from X-class flares can harm satellites orbiting Earth. Satellites may experience malfunctions or even permanent damage due

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Schemes Context: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently addressed the beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi scheme. Background:- Recalling the launch of PM SVANidhi Yojna during the covid pandemic, Prime Minister threw light on a recent study which states that the income of street vendors has grown manifold and the digital records of purchases are also helping them avail benefits from the bank. About PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) PM SVANidhi is a central-sector micro-credit scheme launched on 1st June 2020 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to provide handholding support to street vendors. The scheme facilitates a working capital collateral-free loan of ₹10,000, with subsequent loans of ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 with a 7% interest subsidy. The scheme focuses on increasing the digital footprint in India by promoting the use of digital transactions among street vendors. To incentivize the adoption of digital transactions, a cashback of up to ₹100 per month is given to Street Vendors. The scheme aims to formalize the street vendors and open up new opportunities for this sector to move up the economic ladder. A recent study by SBI has hailed the performance of the scheme stating that 43% beneficiaries are women street vendors. Moreover 44% of the PM SVANidhi beneficiaries belong to OBC category, while Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes account for 22%. PM SVANidhi has helped promote ‘inclusive entrepreneurship’ and proven to be a gender equalizer. Source: PIB State governments and Governors Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity Context: The Supreme Court has criticised the Tamil Nadu governor R.N. Ravi for refusing to re-induct lawmaker K. Ponmudi as minister even after the suspension of his conviction by the top court. Background: This is the newest chapter in the conflict between states ruled by opposition parties, and their Governors, who are appointed by the President on the Centre’s advice. Law on Governor-state relations: Although envisaged as an apolitical head who must act on the advice of the council of ministers, the Governor enjoys certain powers granted under the Constitution, such as giving or withholding assent to a Bill passed by the state legislature, or determining the time needed for a party to prove its majority, or which party must be called first do so, generally after a hung verdict in an election. There are, however, no provisions laid down for the manner in which the Governor and the state must engage publicly when there is a difference of opinion. The management of differences has traditionally been guided by respect for each other’s boundaries. What have been the friction points in recent years? In recent years, these have been largely about the selection of the party to form a government, deadline for proving majority, sitting on Bills, and passing negative remarks on the state administration. For example: Allegations of the Centre using the Governor’s position to destabilise state governments have been made since the 1950s. In 1959, Kerala’s E M S Namboodiripad government was dismissed based on a report by the Governor. In December 2020, KeralaGovernor Arif Mohammed Khan turned down a request to summon a special sitting of the Assembly to debate the three central farm laws. Following the Karnataka polls in 2018, Governor Vajubhai Vala invited the BJP to form the government and gave B SYeddyurappa 15 days to prove majority. Challenged by Congress and JDS in the Supreme Court, it was reduced to three days. Why does this friction happen? Governors have become political appointees.The Constituent Assembly envisaged governor to be apolitical. But politicians become Governors. In 2001, the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution, headed by retired CJI M N Venkachaliah and set up by the Atal Behari Vajpayee, said “Governor owes his appointment and his continuation in the office to the Union Council of Ministers, in matters where the Central Government and the State Government do not see eye to eye, there is the apprehension that he is likely to act in accordance with the instructions, if any, received from the Union Council of Ministers”. There is no provision for impeaching the Governor, who is appointed by the President on the Centre’s advice. While the Governor has 5-year a tenure, he can remain in office only until the pleasure of the President. In the Constitution, there are no guidelines for exercise of the Governor’s powers, including for appointing a CM or dissolving the Assembly. There is no limit set for how long a Governor can withhold assent to a Bill. Source: Indian Express PREVENTIVE DETENTION Syllabus Prelims – Polity Context: The Supreme Court emphasized the need to prevent the arbitrary use of preventive detention powers, overturning a Telangana High Court decision. Background: It clarified that preventive detention is meant to avert future harm, not as a form of punishment, and should be based on careful consideration of facts. About PREVENTIVE DETENTION Preventive detention involves detaining an individual without trial in order to prevent them from committing a crime. Unlike criminal proceedings, which relate to punishing someone for an offense they have committed, preventive detention does not involve an offense. The objective of preventive detention is prevention, not punishment. It aims to prevent the detainee from engaging in activities prejudicial to the security of the state. Legal Basis in India: The power to enact preventive detention laws in India comes from the Constitution itself. Article 22 of the Indian Constitution addresses preventive detention: Article 22(3)(b) allows for preventive detention and puts restrictions on personal liberty to ensure state security and public order. Article 22(4) states that no law providing for preventive detention shall authorize the detention of a person for a period longer than three months. In case of extended detention, an advisory board’s report is required for sufficient cause. Source: Economic Times ANTHRAX Syllabus Prelims – Science Context: Recently, Thailand ordered a close watch on livestock after an outbreak of anthrax in neighbouring Laos. Background: The situation has

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Vaikom Satyagraha Syllabus Prelims & Mains – History Context: Hundred years happened since the famous Vaikom Satyagraha-the first among temple entry movements. Background:- Vaikom, a temple town in the princely state of Travancore, saw the start of a non-violent agitation on March 30, 1924 — the first among temple entry movements that would soon sweep across the country. About Vaikom satyagraha The princely state of Travancore had a feudal, militaristic, and ruthless system of custom-ridden government. The idea of caste pollution worked not only on the basis of touch but also sight — lower castes were forbidden entry to any “pure” place, such as temples and the roads surrounding them. The second half of the 19th century, Travancore saw several social and political developments ushering in unprecedented social change. First, Christian missionaries converted large sections of lower castes seeking to escape the clutches of caste oppression. Second, the reign of Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma (1860-80) saw many progressive reforms, such as universal free primary education — including for the lower castes. While religion and custom remained pervasive, the absolute material and intellectual deprivations of lower castes did not continue. The Ezhavas, in particular, emerged as the most educated and organised untouchable community in Travancore. While a small Ezhava elite had started to emerge, in many cases, the ritual discrimination, overrode material and educational progress. The issue of temple entry was first raised by Ezhava leader T K Madhavan in a 1917 editorial in his paper Deshabhimani. It was the entry of the Indian National Congress into the picture that changed the dynamics. Madhavan met Gandhi in 1921, and secured the Mahatma’s support for a mass agitation to enter temples. In the 1923 session of the INC in Kakinada, a resolution was passed by the Kerala Provincial Congress Committee to take up anti-untouchability as a key issue. This was followed by a massive public messaging campaign and a movement to open Hindu temples and all public roads to avarnas. Vaikom, with its revered Shiva temple, was chosen as the location for the very first satyagraha. Madhavan and other leaders took the strategic decision to initially focus on opening up the four roads around the temple — not the temple itself — to avarnas.They were promptly stopped and arrested. So, the next morning, another three men entered the forbidden roads and courted arrest. This went on every day — until the police stopped making arrests and barricaded the whole area instead. From then through September, protesters sat in front of the barricades, fasting and singing patriotic songs. Leaders such as Periyar and C Rajagopalachari came to Vaikom to offer support and lead the protesters. At the same time, counter-agitations raged on. In March 1925, Gandhi was finally able to iron out a compromise: three out of the four roads surrounding the temples were opened up for everyone, but the fourth (eastern) road was kept reserved for brahmins. This was finally implemented in November 1925, when the government completed diversionary roads that could be used by the low castes “without polluting the temple”. The last satyagrahi was recalled from Vaikom on November 23, 1925. The Vaikom satyagraha was a remarkable movement, which sustained itself for over 600 days, amidst hostile social forces, police crackdowns, and one of the worst floods in the town’s history in 1924. The final compromise disappointed many. Famously, Periyar, who had envisioned a far more spectacular outcome, fell out with Gandhi over the issue. In November 1936, the Maharaja of Travancore signed the historic Temple Entry Proclamation which removed the age-old ban on the entry of marginalised castes into the temples of the state.This, along with the demonstration of Gandhian methods of civil disobedience as effective tools of protest, was the great success of the Vaikom satyagraha. Source: The Indian Express Havana syndrome Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: Russia dismissed a joint media investigation which found evidence that a Russian military intelligence unit might be responsible for the mysterious health condition known as ‘Havana syndrome’ that affected US diplomats and spies across the world. Background: Havana syndrome typically involves symptoms such as hearing certain sounds without any outside noise, nausea, vertigo and headaches, memory loss, and balance issues. About Havana syndrome Havana syndrome refers to a set of mental health symptoms that are said to be experienced by United States intelligence and embassy officials in various countries. Generally, the word ‘syndrome’ simply means a set of symptoms. It does not mean a unique medical condition, but rather a set of symptoms that are usually experienced together whose origins may be difficult to confirm. Havana syndrome typically involves symptoms such as hearing certain sounds without any outside noise, nausea, vertigo and headaches, memory loss, and balance issues. As the name suggests, it traces its roots to Cuba in late 2016. This was about a year after the US opened its embassy in the capital city of Havana after ties between the two countries were normalised in 2015. Some US intelligence officials and members of the staff at the embassy began experiencing sudden bursts of pressure in their brains followed by persistent headaches, feelings of disorientation and insomnia. Since the Cuban incident, American intelligence and foreign affairs officials posted in various countries have reported symptoms of the syndrome. What did the investigation find? The investigation claims that members of a Russian military intelligence unit, called 29155, could have targeted the brains of US officials by using “directed energy” weapons. The 29155 unit, which has been operational for more than a decade, has been previously accused of carrying out foreign assassination, subversion, and sabotage. What are the causes of Havana syndrome? Study by scientists in the US and examination of the victims began to suggest that they may have been subjected to high-powered microwaves that either damaged or interfered with the nervous system. It was said to have built pressure inside the brain that generated the feeling of a sound being heard. Greater exposure to high-powered microwaves is said not only to interfere with the

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Ring of Fire Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Geography Context: Nine people died and more than 800 got injured in Taiwan after the island was hit by its biggest earthquake in at least 25 years Background:- Notably, Taiwan is prone to earthquakes as it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” — where 90% of the world’s earthquakes take place. The island and its surrounding waters have registered about 2,000 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or greater since 1980, and more than 100 earthquakes with a magnitude above 5.5. Ring of Fire The Ring of Fire is essentially a string of hundreds of volcanoes and earthquake-sites which runs along the Pacific Ocean. It is a semicircle or horse shoe in shape and stretches nearly 40,250 kilometres. The Ring of Fire traces the meeting points of numerous tectonic plates, including the Eurasian, North American, Juan de Fuca, Cocos, Caribbean, Nazca, Antarctic, Indian, Australian, Philippine, and other smaller plates, which all encircle the large Pacific Plate. It runs through 15 more countries including the USA, Indonesia, Mexico, Japan, Canada, Guatemala, Russia, Chile, Peru, and the Philippines. Why is the Ring of Fire vulnerable to earthquakes? The Ring of Fire witnesses so many earthquakes due to constant sliding past, colliding into, or moving above or below each other of the tectonic plates. As the edges of these plates are quite rough, they get stuck with one another while the rest of the plate keeps moving. An earthquake occurs when the plate has moved far enough and the edges unstick on one of the faults. Taiwan experiences earthquakes due to the interactions of two tectonic plates — the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Why are there so many volcanoes in the Ring of Fire? The existence of volcanoes in the Ring of Fire is also due to the movement of tectonic plates. Many of the volcanoes have been formed through a process known as subduction. It takes place when two plates collide with each other and the heavier plate is shoved under another, creating a deep trench. When a ‘downgoing’ oceanic plate [like the Pacific Plate] is shoved into a hotter mantle plate, it heats up, volatile elements mix, and this produces the magma. The magma then rises up through the overlying plate and spurts out at the surface, which leads to the formation of volcanoes. Source: Indian Express Pelagia noctiluca Syllabus Prelims – Environment Context: In an unusual occurrence, a bloom of venomous jellyfish was reported by marine researchers across the Visakhapatnam coast on April 3 (Wednesday) morning. Background: Rarely seen in the East coast of India, scores of the venomous jellyfish species, with three to five centimetres long diameter of bell, were spotted across RK Beach and other parts of the coast, which are frequented by tourists and visitors. About Pelagia noctiluca: Pelagia noctiluca is a venomous species of jellyfish. It is also known as the mauve stinger or purple-striped jellyfish. These are bioluminescent, having an ability to produce light in the dark. It has a painful sting and it can cause different degrees of illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting and anaphylactic shock(a severe allergic reaction that can develop quickly and be life-threatening). Pelagia noctiluca is found worldwide in tropical and warm-temperature seas. Unlike other jellyfish species, it has stingers not just on the tentacles, but on the bell too. A jellyfish bloom is when the population of the species increases dramatically within a short period of time, usually due to a higher reproduction rate. According to marine biologists, jellyfish blooms are reported frequently as a result of rising ocean temperatures, one of the main causes of substantial population growths. Venomous jellyfish blooms have in the past been known to have caused massive damage to the fishing industry and impacted tourism.In the past, a bloom of Pelagia noctiluca had damaged penned salmon at a fish farm in Ireland. Source: The Hindu Previous Year Question Q1.)Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news? Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows. Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides. None of the above ATOMIC CLOCKS Syllabus Prelims – Science Context: Recently,India is taking a significant step by deploying atomic clocks across the nation to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time (IST). Background: This initiative aims for “one nation, one time,” enhancing uniformity and national security. About ATOMIC CLOCKS An atomic clock is a highly accurate timekeeping device that combines a quartz crystal oscillator with an atom (typically caesium or hydrogen). It uses the consistent frequency of atoms to maintain accurate time, making it more stable than conventional quartz clocks. These clocks were invented in 1955 by Louise Essen. How Do Atomic Clocks Work? Atomic clocks use atoms, specifically the electronic transition from one state to another, as their “pendulum.” The vibrations of atoms (such as caesium or rubidium) serve as the basis for precise time measurement. By sending microwaves to these atoms, we can make them vibrate even more regularly. We then compare these vibrations with the vibrations of a quartz crystal in a regular clock. Types of Atomic Clocks: Caesium Atomic Clocks: These are widely used and serve as the primary standard for defining the SI second. Hydrogen Maser Atomic Clocks: Even more accurate than caesium clocks, hydrogen maser clocks find applications in scientific research. Atomic Clocks in India: The Council of Industrial and Scientific Research (CSIR)-National Physical Laboratories (NPL) in New Delhi maintains Indian Standard Time (IST) using caesium and hydrogen maser clocks. To enhance uniformity and national security, India is deploying atomic clocks nationwide. New atomic clocks are being set up in Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, and Hyderabad, in addition to existing ones in Faridabad and Ahmedabad. By June, these new clocks will be installed, and the government will require all device manufacturers to sync with Indian Standard Time. The goal is to connect all atomic clocks using

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Kerala-Centre dispute over States’ borrowing powers Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity Context: The Supreme Court on Monday declined any interim relief to Kerala in its suit seeking that the Union government relax its borrowing restrictions to enable the State to borrow additional funds. Background:- Kerala moved the top Court last year accusing the Union government of arbitrarily imposing a Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) on the State, which brought it to the brink of a financial crisis as it could not no longer pay salaries and pensions or fulfil other essential financial commitments. Fiscal autonomy under the Constitution Article 293 of the Constitution permits States to borrow only from within the territory of India on a guarantee from the consolidated fund of the State and within such limits as outlined by the legislatures of each State. The subject “Public Debt of the State” finds mention in Entry 43 of the State List of the Constitution and thus the Parliament cannot legislate or administer upon such matters. If a State wishes to borrow from the Centre, then such a transaction will be regulated by the FRBM Act, 2023. Pertinently, under Article 293(3), the State has to obtain the consent of the Centre to raise “any loan,” if “any part of the previous loan” extended by the Centre is outstanding. The NBC has been imposed by invoking the powers of the Centre under this provision. About Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) The NBC imposes a limitation on borrowings of a State from all sources including open market borrowings. The Union government decided to deduct liabilities arising from the public account of the States to arrive at such a cap. Additionally, borrowings by State-owned enterprises, where the principal and/or interest are serviced out of the Budget or through assignment of taxes, cess or any other State revenue, are also deducted from the NBC. The NBC for States is fixed at 3% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) or ₹8,59,988 crore in absolute terms for the Financial Year (FY) 2023-24 as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. Source: The Hindu Heat Waves Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Climate Change Context: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that India will see more than average heat wave days in this year’s hot weather season (April to June). Background: The announcement comes even as India is already struggling to keep up with its power demand, which increases significantly during summer season. About Heat wave: A period of abnormally high temperatures is called a heat wave. The IMD declares a heat wave if the maximum temperature of a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees C in the plains and at least 30 degrees C in hilly regions, with a departure of around 4.5-6.4 degrees C from the normal maximum temperature. The IMD can also declare a heat wave if the actual maximum temperature crosses 45 degrees C, and a ‘severe heat wave’ if it crosses 47 degrees C. Qualitatively, a heat wave can also occur when the temperature of the air becomes fatal to the human body. Heat waves in India are typically recorded between March and June, and tend to peak in May. A study published in the journal PLOS Climate in April 2023 found heat waves all over the world are getting more “recurrent, intense and lethal” due to climate change. Heat waves can make people ill, lower agricultural output, trigger water scarcity, increase energy demand, and affect ecosystems and air quality. Source: The Hindu CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION PROGRAMME (CETP) Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) launched the Clean Energy Transitions Programme annual report 2023. Background: The CETP Annual Report 2023 provides an in-depth overview of the program’s accomplishments during the past year. About Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP) The Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP) is launched by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2017. It is a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating progress toward a global net-zero energy system. It leverages the insights and influence of the world’s leading energy authority to accelerate clean energy transitions, particularly in emerging and developing economies. Three Pillars of Activity: Setting Transition Goals: The first pillar assists emerging and developing countries in establishing clean energy transition goals aligned with the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Multilateral Coordination: The second pillar facilitates collaboration among organizations like the Group of 20 (G20) and UN-affiliated bodies. Global-Level Support: The third pillar enables and accelerates clean energy transitions globally. Source: IEA MOHINIYATTAM Syllabus Prelims – Art & Culture Context: Recently, Kerala Kalamandalam, a prestigious deemed university for arts and culture, has lifted gender restrictions for boys to learn Mohiniyattam. Background: This historic move was unanimously approved during the governing council meeting of the Kalamandalam. Starting from the next academic year, boys will be eligible for admission to the Mohiniyattam course, which was previously restricted to female students. About MOHINIYATTAM Mohiniyattam is an Indian classical dance form that originated in the state of Kerala. It derives its name from the word ‘Mohini’, a female avatar of Lord Vishnu. Its roots date back to the age-old Sanskrit Hindu text on performing arts called ‘Natya Shastra’. Mohiniyattam used to be performed by Devadasis (temple dancers) in temples during the rule of the Chera kings from 9 to 12 C.E. The dance form developed further as a performing art during the 18th and 19th centuries due to the patronage of several princely states. Features It is conventionally a solo dance performed by female artists. It adheres to the Lasya type that showcases a more graceful, gentle, and feminine form of dancing. It emotes a play through dancing and singing, where the song is customarily in Manipravala, which is a mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam language. The dance is characterized by its graceful swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps. More than the footwork, emphasis is given to hand gestures and Mukhabhinaya or subtle facial expressions. The hand gestures, 24 in number, are mainly adopted from ‘Hastha Lakshana

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Surrogacy Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Womens Rights Context: The Union government recently modified the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022    to permit married couples to use donor eggs or donor sperm for surrogacy. The notification outlines that the child to be born through surrogacy must have at least one gamete from the intended parents. Background:- Modified Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022, permit married couples to use donor eggs or donor sperm for surrogacy — a move that provided a big relief to those with medical complications. This revoked a previous amendment made in March 2023 that banned the use of such donor gametes. About Surrogacy in India: It is a contractual process by which a women carries and delivers a child for a couple/individual after an embryo is implanted in her through in-vitro fertilisation(IVF). Commercial surrogacy is banned in India.Only altruistic arrangements where women acting as surrogates do not receive any monetary remuneration or compensation are allowed. Only married couples and ever-married single women (widowed or divorced) can seek a surrogacy. Would be parents can only pay for an altruistic surrogates insurance coverage and medical expense in India. Latest changes to the Surrogacy Regulation Act (2021) On March 14, 2023, Form 2 (Consent of the Surrogate Mother and Agreement for Surrogacy) of the Surrogacy Rules read with Rule 7 was amended to stipulate that donor eggs could not be used for gestational surrogacy of an intending couple. This has now been amended by a notification of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare allowing married couples to use a donor gamete on the condition that a District Magistrate Board certifies that either the husband or the wife suffers from a medical condition. However, the notification outlines that the child to be born through surrogacy must have at least one gamete from the intending parents. This implies that a married couple where both partners are unable to use their gametes due to an existing medical condition cannot opt for surrogacy. The regulatory change is however not applicable to ever married single women as it specifies that a widow or a divorcee undergoing surrogacy must use self-eggs and donor sperm Who all cannot access surrogacy in India? Single persons (ever married i.e. widowed or divorced women are permitted to access), live-in couples, LGBTQ couples, couples older than 45 years. Source: The Indian Express Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Geography Context: The Uttarakhand government has constituted two teams of experts to evaluate the risk posed by five potentially hazardous glacial lakes in the region. These lakes are prone to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), the kind of events that have resulted in several disasters in the Himalayan states in recent years. Background: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has identified 188 glacial lakes in the Himalayan states that can potentially be breached because of heavy rainfall. Thirteen of them are in Uttarakhand. About Glacial Lake Outburst Floods GLOFs are disaster events caused by the abrupt discharge of water from glacial lakes — large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier. As a glacier withdraws, it leaves behind a depression that gets filled with meltwater, thereby forming a lake. The more the glacier recedes, the bigger and more dangerous the lake becomes. Such lakes are mostly dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris. In case the boundary around them breaks, huge amounts of water rush down the side of the mountains, which could cause flooding in the downstream areas — this is referred to as a GLOF event. GLOFs can be triggered by various reasons, including glacial calving, where sizable ice chunks detach from the glacier into the lake, inducing sudden water displacement. Incidents such as avalanches or landslides can also impact the stability of the boundary around a glacial lake, leading to its failure, and the rapid discharge of water. GLOFs can unleash large volumes of water, sediment, and debris downstream with formidable force and velocity. The floodwaters can submerge valleys, obliterate infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings, and result in significant loss of life and livelihoods. In recent years, there has been a rise in GLOF events in the Himalayan region as soaring global temperatures have increased glacier melting. Rapid infrastructure development in vulnerable areas has also contributed to the spike in such incidents. Uttarakhand has witnessed two major GLOF events in the past few years. The first took place in June 2013, which affected large parts of the state — Kedarnath valley was the worst hit, where thousands of people died. The second occurred in February 2021, when Chamoli district was hit by flash floods due to the bursting of a glacier lake. Source: Indian Express TORNADOS Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Geography Context: Recently, a tornado hit the Mainaguri area of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. Background: The tornado hit caused significant destruction, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives and injuring over 300 people. About TORNADOS A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that forms a connection between the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud (or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud). Tornadoes are funnel-shaped storms with very low pressure at the center. They are the smallest but most violent and disastrous of all the storms. Tornadoes generally occur in middle latitudes. Steep pressure gradients result in fast movement of air towards the center. Types of Tornadoes: Multiple-Vortex Tornado: Contains several smaller whirls rotating around a common center. Landspout: A non-supercellular tornado that develops over land. Waterspout: A spiraling funnel-shaped wind current that connects to a large cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud. Waterspouts generally form over bodies of water and are less common at high latitudes. Occurrence: Tornadoes are most common in the mid-latitudes of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres in the spring and summer when thunderstorms are present.