1.    Sustainable Funding for Research and Development

2.    Article 371A and Its Impact on Coal Mining in Nagaland.

3.    Nitrogen Pollution: Sources, Impacts, and Solutions. 

4.    Understanding Leap Years: Significance and Evolution. 

5.    Recap of Exercise MILAN 2024 and Recent Developments in the Indian Navy. 

6.    UAE's Removal from FATF Grey List and Impact on Indian NBFC Investments. 

7.    Discovery of Chromosomal Disorders in Prehistoric Skeletal Remains. 

8.    Mission Utkarsh: Combating Anaemia Through Ayurveda.

9.    Introduction of Melanochlamys Droupadi: A New Marine Species.

10.     Appointment of Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar as Lokpal Chairperson. 

1. Sustainable Funding for Research and Development

GS Paper 3: Covers achievements in science, government policies, and their impact on growth & development.

Why in News? 

• National Science Day celebrated on 8th February, commemorating CV Raman's discovery of the Raman Effect.
• Highlights the role of science in sustainable development.

National Science Day:

• Honors CV Raman's discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928.
• Significance: Raises awareness about scientific applications, celebrates scientists' contributions, and underscores the importance of science in human welfare.

India's R&D Expenditure:

• Declined to 0.64% of GDP in 2020-21.
• Calls for doubling R&D spending, aligning with the 2013 Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.

Challenges in Sustainable Funding for R&D:

• Under-utilization of budgets in key departments like DBT, DST, and DSIR.
• Delays in disbursements impacting project progress.
• Uncertain government budget allocation and insufficient private sector investment.

Improving R&D Spending in India:

• Advocates consistent investment, philanthropic funding, and industry-academic collaboration.
• Encourages venture capital and angel investors to support R&D projects.
• Highlights government initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and various fellowships to promote research.

1. Article 371A and Its Impact on Coal Mining in Nagaland

GS Paper 3: Covers mineral and energy resources, government policies, and issues arising from policy implementation.

Why in News? 

• Article 371A of the Indian Constitution presents challenges for regulating coal mining in Nagaland, particularly in light of recent fatalities in rat-hole mines.

Article 371A Overview:

• Introduced in 1962, grants special provisions to Nagaland, protecting Naga customary law, social practices, and land ownership.
• Limits the authority of the state government over land and resources, governed by local customary laws.

Regulation of Rat-Hole Mining in Nagaland:

• Nagaland's coal mining policy permits rat-hole mining due to the scattered nature of coal deposits.
• Licences granted to individual landowners have specific conditions and production caps.
• Despite regulations, instances of illegal mining persist, impacting safety and the environment.

Challenges Posed by Article 371A:

• Hinders effective regulation of small-scale mining due to limitations on state government authority.
• Recent mine accidents underscore safety risks and the need for stricter regulations.

Way Forward:

• Enhance monitoring and enforcement to curb illegal mining activities.
• Conduct outreach programs to raise awareness about safety and environmental concerns.
• Foster collaboration for sustainable mining practices among stakeholders.

Top of Form

1. Nitrogen Pollution: Sources, Impacts, and Solutions

GS Paper 3: Covers conservation, environmental pollution, and government interventions, GS Paper 1: Relevant to understanding the impact of human activities on natural resources.

Why in News? 

• Recent research indicates that nitrogen pollution could lead to severe water scarcity in global river sub-basins by 2050.

Overview of Nitrogen Pollution:

• Nitrogen pollution refers to the excessive presence of nitrogen compounds in the environment, primarily in water bodies.
• Mainly driven by increased consumption of nitrogen-based fertilisers, leading to environmental imbalance.

Sources of Nitrogen Pollution:

1. Agricultural Activities: Increased use of nitrogen-based fertilisers.
2. Industrial Processes: Production of nitrogen-based chemicals and fertilisers.
3. Livestock Farming: Waste products containing nitrogen compounds.
4. Biomass Burning: Releases nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

Impacts of Nitrogen Pollution:

1. Eutrophication: Excessive nitrogen promotes algae growth, leading to oxygen-depleted zones in water bodies.
2. Human Health: Respiratory conditions, methemoglobinemia, and ozone layer depletion.
3. Environmental: Harmful effects on marine ecosystems and agricultural crops.

Government Initiatives:

1. Bharat Stage (BS VI) Emission Standards: Aim to reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions.
2. Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS): Promotes the use of controlled-release fertilisers for efficient nutrient management.
3. Soil Health Cards: Provide farmers with soil nutrient status and fertiliser recommendations.
4. Nano Urea: A patented fertiliser aimed at reducing the indiscriminate use of conventional urea.

Key Compounds of Nitrogen:

• Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Greenhouse gas, contributes to ozone layer depletion.
• Di-Nitrogen (N2): Constitutes 78% of the atmosphere, chemically unreactive.
• Ammonia (NH3): Used in fertilisers, contributes to eutrophication and air pollution.
• Nitrate (NO3): Found in wastewater and fertilisers, causes health issues and eutrophication.
• Nitric Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide: Major air pollutants, contribute to respiratory illnesses.

Way Forward:

1. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Implement precision agriculture and cover cropping.
2. Improved Wastewater Treatment: Upgrade infrastructure to prevent nitrogen-rich compounds from entering water bodies.
3. Incentivizing Green Infrastructure: Promote projects that mitigate nitrogen runoff.
4. Enhancing Public Awareness: Educate stakeholders about responsible nitrogen management practices.

Top of Form

1. Understanding Leap Years: Significance and Evolution

Quick Facts For Prelims: Provides essential information about leap years, relevant for factual questions in exams.

Why in News?

• In 2024, February 29th marks Leap Day, an additional day added to the calendar during leap years, extending the year to 366 days.

What is a Leap Year?

• A leap year has 366 days, with an extra day added to February, occurring every four years.
• This adjustment keeps the calendar aligned with the Earth's orbit around the Sun, preventing it from falling out of sync with the seasons.

Evolution of Leap Years:

• The Julian calendar's approximation of the solar year led to accumulating errors, necessitating reform.
• Pope Gregory XIII initiated calendar reform in 1582, introducing the Gregorian calendar and refining the leap year rule.
• The Gregorian calendar omitted leap years for end-of-century years not divisible by 400, preventing overcompensation.

Math of Leap Year:

• Leap years are multiples of four, except for end-of-century years not divisible by 400.
• For example, 2000 was a leap year, while 1900 was not. Similarly, 2024, 2028, 2032, and 2036 are leap years.
• The additional rule compensates for the slight discrepancy between the solar year and the calendar year.

Top of Form

1. Recap of Exercise MILAN 2024 and Recent Developments in the Indian Navy

Quick Facts For Prelims: Provides essential information about Exercise MILAN 2024, relevant for factual questions, GS Paper - 3 (Defence Technology): Covers developments in naval capabilities and advancements, GS Paper - 2 (India and its Neighbourhood): Relates to India's maritime engagements with neighbouring countries.

Why in News?

• Exercise MILAN 2024 concluded with the closing ceremony held aboard the INS Vikrant, marking the end of the Sea Phase off Visakhapatnam.

Understanding MILAN 2024:

• MILAN 2024, the 12th edition of the biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise, aimed to enhance professional interaction between friendly navies.
• Held at Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command, it featured a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase.
• The Sea Phase involved participation from navies of Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, alongside the Indian Navy's carriers and units.

Recent Developments in the Indian Navy:

• Commissioning of New Ships:
  • INS Vikrant: India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, symbolizing progress in defense manufacturing.
  • INS Mormugao: A stealth guided-missile destroyer enhancing anti-surface warfare capabilities.
  • INS Vagir: A new Kalvari-class submarine strengthening underwater power.
  • INS Sandhayak: The first Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ship commissioned into the Indian Navy.
• Recent Acquisition Programs:
  • Project 17A Frigates: Advanced stealth frigates under construction at indigenous shipyards.
  • Project 75I Submarines: Construction of six indigenously-designed submarines with advanced stealth and firepower.
• Submarine Rescue Advancements:
  • Acquisition of advanced Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs) enhancing submarine rescue capabilities.
  • Induction of two indigenous Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) strengthening submarine rescue operations.

Top of Form

1. UAE's Removal from FATF Grey List and Impact on Indian NBFC Investments

Quick Facts For Prelims: Provides essential information about UAE's exit from the FATF grey list, relevant for factual questions, GS Paper - 2 (Groupings & Agreements): Relates to India's engagement with international organizations and its impact on India's interests, GS Paper - 3 (Money Laundering): Discusses measures to combat money laundering and its implications on financial sectors.

Why in News?

• The recent removal of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list has positive implications for investment landscapes, particularly in India's Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).

Impact on Investments in Indian NBFCs:

• Investment Policies: A 2021 RBI circular outlined investment regulations for NBFCs, distinguishing between investments from compliant and non-compliant FATF jurisdictions.
• Impact on UAE Investors: UAE's removal facilitates easier investment for UAE-based investors in Indian NBFCs.
• Cross-Border Investment Facilitation: Eased restrictions encourage cross-border investments between India and the UAE, benefiting both countries' financial sectors.
• Increase in FPI and FDI: Reduction in KYC requirements for FPIs from the UAE may boost FPI inflows into India and increase FDI, contributing to economic growth.

Understanding Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs):

• Definition: NBFCs are companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956, engaged in various financial activities excluding certain specified activities.
• Difference from Banks: Unlike banks, NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits, issue cheques drawn on themselves, or access deposit insurance facilities.

About FATF:

• Purpose: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organization established to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Grey List: Countries or jurisdictions under increased monitoring for deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regimes.
• Impact: Removal from the grey list signifies compliance with international standards, enhancing credibility and facilitating international financial transactions.

Top of Form

1. Discovery of Chromosomal Disorders in Prehistoric Skeletal Remains

Quick Facts For Prelims: Provides essential information about the discovery of chromosomal disorders in ancient skeletal remains, relevant for factual questions in prelims.

Why in News?

• Researchers have identified chromosomal disorders in prehistoric skeletal remains dating back approximately 5,500 years, revealing the presence of genetic conditions such as Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome in ancient populations.

Key Points:

• Chromosomal Trisomy: Individuals with chromosomal trisomy carry three copies of a chromosome, leading to conditions like Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18).
• Down Syndrome: It occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21, causing intellectual disabilities and health issues.
• Edwards Syndrome: This genetic condition occurs when a baby is born with three copies of chromosome 18, causing physical growth delays during fetal development.
• Ancient Cases: Some cases of chromosomal disorders date back to ancient periods, including the Bronze Age (about 2,700 BCE) and the Neolithic period (about 3,500 BCE).
• Findings in Iron Age Spain: In early Iron Age Spain (800-400 BCE), researchers detected three cases of Down syndrome and one case of Edwards syndrome, suggesting a potentially higher frequency of trisomy carriers in those societies.

Top of Form

1. Mission Utkarsh: Combating Anaemia Through Ayurveda

Quick Facts For Prelims: Provides essential information about Mission Utkarsh and its focus on combating anaemia, relevant for factual questions in prelims.

Why in News? 

• The Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Women and Child Development have joined forces to improve the nutrition of adolescent girls through Ayurveda interventions as part of Mission Utkarsh.

Key Points:

• Objective: Mission Utkarsh aims to elevate districts at the bottom to state and national averages through collaborative efforts of 15 central ministries or departments.
• Target Group: In the first phase, the focus is on improving the anaemic status of adolescent girls (14-18 years) in five aspirational districts across Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
• Anaemia Combat: The primary objective is to combat anaemia and work towards achieving an "Anaemia Mukt Bharat" (Anaemia Free India).
• Definition: Anaemia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.

Top of Form

1. Introduction of Melanochlamys Droupadi: A New Marine Species

Quick Facts For Prelims: Provides essential information about the discovery of a new marine species and its characteristics, relevant for factual questions in prelims.

Why in News? 

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has discovered and named a new marine species of head-shield sea slug along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, naming it Melanochlamys droupadi after President Droupadi Murmu.

Key Points:

• Identification: Melanochlamys droupadi belongs to the genus Melanochlamys and is characterized by a short, blunt, cylindrical body with two dorsal shields.
• Distinct Features: The species is small, brownish-black, with a distinctive ruby red spot at the hind end, and is a hermaphrodite.
• Reproductive Season: Reproduction occurs between November and January.
• Adaptation: Melanochlamys droupadi secretes transparent mucus, which shields it from sand grains while crawling beneath smooth sand, making its body rarely visible.
• Geographical Distribution: While species in this genus are typically found in temperate regions of the Indo-Pacific Oceanic realm, Melanochlamys droupadi is one of three truly tropical species, alongside Melanochlamys papillata from the Gulf of Thailand and Melanochlamys bengalensis from the West Bengal and Odisha coast.

Top of Form

1. Appointment of Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar as Lokpal Chairperson

Quick Facts For Prelims: Provides essential information about the recent appointment of the Lokpal chairperson, relevant for factual questions in prelims.

Why in News?

• Former Supreme Court Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar has been appointed as the chairperson of Lokpal, filling the post that had been vacant for nearly two years.

Key Points:

• Appointment Process: The chairperson and members of the Lokpal are appointed by the President based on the recommendations of a Selection Committee chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Composition: The Lokpal can have a total of nine members, including the chairperson. This comprises four judicial members and four non-judicial members.

Top of Form