April 2024

Current Affairs

CDP – SURAKSHA Portal for Horticulture

Context: The Union government has launched the CDP-SURAKSHA portal to streamline the subsidy disbursal system to horticulture farmers so as to give a major boost to horticulture farming in India under the cluster development program of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

About CDP-SURAKSHA Portal

SURAKSHA Stands for ‘System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance’
It is a digital platform to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development program which seeks to promote horticulture crops.
Instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers through e-RUPI vouchers.
It has features like database integration with the PM-Kisan scheme, cloud-based server space from National Informatics Centre (NIC), content management system, geotagging, etc.
Farmers, vendors, implementing agencies, cluster development agencies and officials of National Horticulture Board can access the portal.
Allow the farmer to log in using her mobile number and place order for planting materials such as seeds, seedlings, and plants, etc.
On placing the order, farmer would have to pay her share and the government's subsidy contribution will also be generated automatically then.
The government's subsidy payment will be made via e-RUPI to the vendor once the farmer has paid her contribution.
The farmer would have to verify the delivery of order through geo-tagged photos and videos of her field.
With the completion of this verification process, the implementing agency will release the money to the vendor who has to upload the payment invoice on the portal.
The amount to implement the agency will be released by the cluster development agencies. But, in this process of payment, the subsidy benefit has been availed by the farmer immediately at the first stage.
In the earlier system, a farmer had to give the full amount to buy planting materials and then seek the release of the subsidy amount.
Both public & private banks are part of this initiative- SBI, HDFC, ICICI and Bank of Baroda.

About Cluster Development Program under National Horticulture Board

Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Programme for Horticulture Cluster Development to enhance the global competitiveness of the Indian horticulture sector.
National Horticulture Board has been designated as the Nodal Agency for implementation of the Cluster Development Programme as a component of the Central Sector Scheme of NHB.
Designed to leverage the geographical specialization of horticulture clusters and promote integrated and market-led development of pre production, production, post-harvest, logistics, branding, and marketing activities.
MoA&FW has identified 55 horticulture clusters.
For the implementation of the CDP, cluster-wise Cluster Development Agencies (CDAs) have been appointed based on the recommendations of the State/Central Government.

World Cybercrime Index (WCI)

Context: The first edition of World Cybercrime Index has been published by researchers from University of Oxford.

Overview of the World Cybercrime Index (WCI)

First-ever global ranking of countries by level of cybercrime threat published by researchers of University of Oxford and UNSW Canberra.
Based on research by an international team of experts
Ranks the most significant sources of cybercrime at the national level
Shows a small number of countries are key cybercrime hotspots
Covers five major categories of cybercrime:
- Technical products/services (malware, botnets, hacking tools)
- Attacks and extortion (denial-of-service, ransomware)
- Data/identity theft (hacking, phishing, account compromises)
- Scams (advance fee fraud, business email compromise)
- Cashing out/money laundering (credit card fraud, money mules)

Top Cybercrime Hotspots

Specialization of Countries in Cybercrime

Russia and Ukraine: highly technical cybercrime hubs
Nigeria: less technical forms of cybercrime, such as scams
Romania and US: both high-tech and low-tech crimes
India: mid-tech crimes, specializing in scams, considered a "balanced hub"

Challenges in Cybercrime Tracking

Offenders mask physical locations behind fake profiles and technical protection.
Cybercriminals cannot be easily accessed or surveyed directly due to the illicit, anonymous nature of their activities
Technical data is insufficient to map locations as attacks are routed globally

Significance of the WCI

Cybercrime as a Global Issue & Socio-Economic Impact of Cybercrime

Relevance to India

Ranks 10th in the World Cybercrime Index: India's high ranking in the WCI highlights the significant level of cybercrime threat the country faces.
Cybercrime complaints soared by 200% in 2023, with financial losses reaching ₹168.5 crores.
Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore are among the world's top cities for ransomware detections.
The Indian cybersecurity market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% during 2024-2032. It is estimated at USD 4.70 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 10.90 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 18.33% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The Indian government's launch of the National Cyber Security Policy and the establishment of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) demonstrate its recognition of the cybercrime threat and its commitment to strengthening the country's cybersecurity posture.
The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) has developed a Training of Trainers module and several training programmes for various levels of police personnel on the new criminal laws.

History of Sulthan Bathery

Context: Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad, Kerala, is home to a temple that was partly destroyed by Tipu Sultan and used as a store for arms in the 1700s. There have been political debates going on regarding the question of changing its name to Ganapathyvattam.

About Ganapathyvattam temple:

Sulthan Bathery has a Jain stone temple that was once known as Ganapathyvattam.
- Built in the Vijayanagara architectural style was constructed by Jains who migrated to Wayanad from areas in present-day Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the 13th century.
- The temple was partly destroyed during the invasions of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore in the second half of the 18th century.
- The temple is part of the Jain circuit of Kerala.
- Presently, it is under Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance.

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The erstwhile Hindu temple:
- During the time of Kulashekara (an Indian dynasty ruling over parts of Kerala from 9th to 12th century), the Ganapathyvattam temple was situated here.
- There are beliefs that the kings of Purakizha completed the construction of the temple.
- Later, the temple came under the rulers of Kottayam.
- Tipu destroyed the Temple and used the stones for building a Fort.
- The remains or site of this fort does not exist now.
- Chief deity: Ganapathi (Lord Ganesh)
- Other deities: Baghavathi, Ayyappan, Nagaraja and Shiva.

History of Sultan Bathery:

930 AD: ruler Erayappa of the Ganga dynasty led his troops to the south-west of Mysore and, after conquering it, called it Bayalnad, meaning the land of swamps.
12th century AD: The Ganga dynasty was dethroned by the Kadamba dynasty of North Canara.
1104 AD: Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala invaded Bayalnad followed by the Vijayanagara dynasty in the 16th century.
1610 AD: Udaiyar Raja Wadiyar of Mysore drove out Vijayanagara and became the ruler of Bayalnad.
Under Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan:
- Between 1750 and 1790, northern Kerala was invaded several times by the rulers of Mysore, Hyder Ali and Tipu.
- The armies of Tipu destroyed temples and churches.
- Tipu Sultan used the Maha Ganapathy temple in Sulthan Bathery as a battery or store for weapons for his army in the Malabar region.
- This led to the British recording Ganapathyvattam as Tipu Sultan’s Battery, and the name survived as Sulthan Bathery.
Under British rule:
- East India Company (EIC) seized Wayanad from Pazhassi Raja.
- EIC administered the district until it was superseded by the British Raj in 1858.

About Mysore Kingdom:

Independent state created as a result of the Mughal Empire’s fall.
Wadiyars were in charge of this region.
Became a never-ending battleground as a result of several powers’ interest in this land.
Haider Ali gained control over the state.

Haider Ali:

Nanjaraj (the sarvadhikari) and Devaraj Dulwai), reduced Krishnaraja Wadiyar to the status of a puppet.
Under the leadership of the ministers Nanjaraj and Devaraj, Haidar Ali began his career in the Mysore army.
Introduced Western training techniques for his army.
Enlisted assistance from the French to establish a weapons factory in Dindigul (now in Tamil Nadu).
Involved in the First and Second Carnatic Wars in South India.
Mysore sided with the French in the Carnatic Wars.
Nizam of Hyderabad, the Marathas, and the English formed an alliance against Haider Ali, the king of Mysore, in the first Anglo-Mysore war (1767–69). English had to sign the humiliating Treaty of Madras in 1769.
Treaty of Mangalore, signed in 1784: ended the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–1784).
Tipu Sultan succeeded his father Haider Ali after his death.

About Tipu Sultan:

Last Muslim ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.
Navy:
- Defeat in the Third Anglo-Mysore War convinced Tipu to take measures to build a navy.
- Issued a Hukmnanah (ordinance) in 1796 for a strong naval force.
- The Navy was put under command of 11 Mir Yam (Lords of Admiralty), with headquarters at Seringapatam.
- Naval divisions or Kachehris at Jamalabad (Mangalore), Wajidabad and Majidabad.
Ammunitions: munitions industry in Nagar, which were regarded as equal in quality to those produced in Europe.
Rocket technology: Pioneer of rocket technology; expanded iron cased Mysorean rockets; commissioned a military manual Fathul Mujahidin.
Economy:
- Attempted to revive commerce and forged commercial linkages with other parts of India and West Asia
- Built a public sector company with state finance.
- He introduced sericulture.
- Member of the Jacobin club; planted a liberty tree at Seringapatam.
Agriculture and Revenue Settlement:
- Modified land revenue management.
- Laid down rules for distribution of arable land among old and new ryots;
- Preference given to hereditary ownership of land and rent was fixed.
- These became the basis for the Ryotwari Settlement introduced by the East India Company in South India.
- Captain Alexander Read first introduced Ryotwari Settlement in Baramahal district surrendered by Tipu after his defeat in 1792.

Calendar: Introduced a new calendar in 1784; known as Mauludi Era and had 354 days; first year from the year of birth of Prophet Muhammad.
Administrative innovations: a new coinage system.
Deployed rockets during Anglo-Mysore Wars, including the Battle of Pollilur and Siege of Seringapatam.
Third Anglo Mysore war (1790-92): Defeated by EIC and the Treaty Seringapatam was concluded. Under the treaty, Tipu lost half of Mysore’s territory.
Fourth Anglo-Mysore war (1799): conclusive; led to the fall of Seringapatam. English chose a Hindu boy from the earlier ruling royal family i.e., Wadiyars, as the Maharaja and imposed subsidiary alliance on him.

ISRO’s ‘zero orbital debris’ milestone

Context: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that its PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) re-entered the Earth's atmosphere in March 2024 without leaving any debris in orbit.

Major Highlights:

Mission launch: The PSLV-C58 mission was launched on January 1, 2024.
Primary Mission: The mission's main objective was to deploy XPoSAT satellite into the intended orbit of 650 km, which it successfully accomplished.
POEM-3: After deploying the satellite, the leftover part of the PSLV rocket, the terminal stage (fourth stage), was not discarded. Instead, it was ingeniously repurposed into a stabilised platform named POEM-3 (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3).

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM):

Developed by: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
POEM is an experimental mission or space platform to perform in-orbit experiments using the final, and otherwise discarded, stage of ISRO’s PSLV.
- PSLV is a four-stage rocket where the first three spent stages fall back into the ocean, and the final stage (PS4) — after launching the satellite into orbit — ends up as space junk.
- In POEM, the spent final stage will be utilised as a stabilised platform to perform experiments.
POEM has a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system which will act as the platform’s brain for attitude stabilisation with specified accuracy.
POEM will derive its power from solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank, and a Li-Ion battery. It will navigate using four sun sensors, a magnetometer, gyros & NavIC.

Zero orbital debris milestone:

Deorbiting POEM-3: To ensure POEM-3 would not remain as space junk, its orbit was lowered from a high altitude of 650 km to a much lower one at 350 km. This significantly reduced the time it took for POEM-3 to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up.
Passivation: To further minimise risks, any leftover fuel on POEM-3 was eliminated in a process called passivation. This reduced the chance of an accidental explosion during re-entry that could create debris.
Zero-Debris Goal Achieved: On March 21, 2024, POEM-3 re-entered the earth’s atmosphere, meeting its fiery end. Due to the well-planned deorbiting and passivation manoeuvres, the PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission resulted in practically zero debris left behind in Earth's orbit. This is a significant achievement in space sustainability, reducing the potential hazards of space debris for future missions.

Space Debris:

Space debris in the low earth orbit (LEO) mainly comprises pieces of spacecraft, rockets, and defunct satellites, and the fragments of objects that have deteriorated explosively as a result of anti-satellite missile tests.
This debris often flies around at high speeds of up to 27,000 kilometres per hour. Due to their sheer volume and momentum, they pose a risk to several space assets.
With the rise in the number of satellites in orbit around the earth, space debris has become a pressing issue, particularly in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Currently, there are 7,000 operational satellites orbiting the earth at different altitudes along with millions of pieces of space debris.
- According to ISRO’s Space Situational Assessment report 2022, the world placed 2,533 objects in space in 179 launches in 2022, up from 1860 objects in 135 launches in 2021.
As more communication satellites/constellations are launched and more anti-satellite tests are conducted, more on-orbit breakup and collisions occur, producing smaller and smaller fragments in orbit.
- The number of space objects (debris or functional equipment) greater than 10 cm in size in LEO is expected to be about 60,000 by 2030, per ISRO estimates.
Space debris also leads to two major risks – it creates unusable regions of the orbit due to excessive debris, and leads to the ‘Kessler syndrome’ – creation of more debris due to cascading collisions resulting from one collision.

How are space agencies dealing with debris?

Currently, there are no international space laws pertaining to LEO debris.
However, most space-exploring nations abide by the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines 2002 specified by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), which the U.N. endorsed in 2007.
The U.S. Space Command tracks and catalogues space debris larger than 10 centimetres in LEO and larger than 0.3-1 metres in geosynchronous orbit (GEO).

Project NETRA:

Initiative by ISRO, an early warning system in space to detect debris and hazards to Indian satellites and thus gaining capability in space situational awareness (SSA).
NETRA will use telescopes, radars, data processing units, and other tools to spot and track objects as small as 10 cm, up to a range of 3,400 km.

Enteric diseases

Context: India's Dr. Gagandeep Kang received the 2024 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award for her influential research on enteric diseases in children, which has significantly impacted vaccine development and health policy both in India and globally.

About enteric disease:

Caused by: Micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause intestinal illness. These diseases most frequently result from consuming contaminated food or water
Transmission: Can spread from person to person.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea, and fever. In severe cases, enteric diseases can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and even death.
Common types:
- Amebiasis: Caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Symptoms include stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea and weight loss.
- Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC): It is a form of the bacteria E. coli that causes gastrointestinal illness. It can be found in cattle, as well as some other animals. It is spread to humans through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or by contact with animals and their environments.
- Botulism: It is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
- Cholera: It is a bacterial illness caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): A fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by the development of abnormal, infective proteins called prions.
- Giardiasis: Caused when a person ingests the parasite Giardia, usually from water or food that has been contaminated.
- Hepatitis A: It is an acute liver infection caused by a virus. Infections occur from ingesting food or water contaminated by infected feces and it can be easily passed from person to person.
- Listeriosis: It is an intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The Listeria bacteria are spread by ingesting contaminated foods such as ready-to-eat meats, soft cheeses, milk and raw vegetables.
- Salmonellosis: Caused by the bacteria Salmonella. It is mainly spread by ingesting food or water contaminated by feces or through contact with infected persons.
- Typhoid fever: Caused by the bacteria Salmonella enterica Typhi. Symptoms range from fever with mild illness to severe disease.

Adjudicating authority under PMLA, 2002

Context: The Adjudicating authority under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 has passed a confirmation order for the attachment of properties and assets of National Herald newspaper. In this regard, it is important to understand certain basic aspects of adjudicating authority under PMLA, 2002.

About Adjudicating Authority:

The ED Director issues attachment orders for attachment of properties that may have been acquired with the proceeds of crime.
This provisional attachment order needs to be confirmed within 180 days by the adjudicating authority or else the attached property is automatically released.
In this phase of 180 days, the accused can continue to use the property until the confirmation order by adjudicating authority.
This confirmation order can be challenged in PMLA’s appellate tribunal within 45 days and further in the High Court.
In case of conviction, the trial court can order for confiscation of property and place its authority under the Central government.
Appointment: The Central Government appoints an Adjudicating Authority to exercise jurisdiction, powers and authority conferred by or under this Act.
Composition: An Adjudicating Authority shall consist of a Chairperson and two other Members. One Member each shall be a person having experience in the field of law, administration, finance, or accountancy.
The Central Government shall appoint a Member to be the Chairperson of the Adjudicating Authority.
A person shall, however, not be qualified for appointment as Member of an Adjudicating Authority,
- in the field of law, unless he-
  - is qualified for appointment as District Judge; or
  - has been a member of the Indian Legal Service and has held a post in Grade I of that service.
- in the field of finance, accountancy, or administration unless he possesses such qualifications, as may be prescribed.
Term of Office: The Chairperson and every Member shall hold office as such for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office. No Chairperson or other Member shall hold office as such after he has attained the age of sixty-five years.
Salary and allowances payable to and the other terms and conditions of service of the Member shall be such as may be prescribed. Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of service of the Member shall be varied to his disadvantage after appointment.
If, for reasons other than temporary absence, any vacancy occurs in the office of the Chairperson or any other Member, then, the Central Government shall appoint another person in accordance with the provisions of this Act to fill the vacancy and the proceedings may be continued before the Adjudicating Authority from the stage at which the vacancy is filled.
When the Chairperson of the Adjudicating Authority is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence, illness or any other cause, the senior-most Member shall discharge the functions of the Chairperson of the Adjudicating Authority until the date on which the Chairperson of the Adjudicating Authority resumes his duties.
Resignation: The Chairperson or any other Member may resign by writing to the Central Government.
Removal: The Chairperson or any other Member shall not be removed from his office except by an order made by the Central Government after giving necessary opportunity of hearing.
In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the Chairperson by reason of his death, resignation or otherwise, the senior-most Member shall act as the Chairperson of the Adjudicating Authority until the date on which a new Chairperson, appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act to fill such vacancy, enters upon his office.
Bench: A Bench may be constituted by the Chairperson of the Adjudicating Authority with one or two Members as the Chairperson of the Adjudicating Authority may deem fit. The Benches of the Adjudicating Authority shall ordinarily sit at New Delhi and at such other places as Central Government may, in consultation with the Chairperson, by notification, specify.
Central Government shall, by notification, specify the areas in relation to which each Bench of the Adjudicating Authority may exercise jurisdiction.
The Chairperson may transfer a Member from one Bench to another Bench.
If at any stage of the hearing of any case or matter it appears to the Chairperson or a Member that the case or matter is of such a nature that it ought to be heard by a Bench consisting of two Members, the case or matter may be transferred by the Chairperson or, as the case may be, referred to him for transfer, to such Bench as the Chairperson may deem fit.
The Adjudicating Authority shall not be bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice and, subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Adjudicating Authority shall have powers to regulate its own procedure.

Bose, Barkatullah, a history of Indian governments before freedom

Context: Recent political discussions have focused on the establishment of the Provisional Government in 1943 by Subash Chandra Bose, which marked a significant moment in India's political history.

Azad Hind government:

Subhas Chandra Bose proclaimed the formation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind (Free India) in Singapore on October 21, 1943.
- Bose was the Head of State of this provisional government, and held the foreign affairs and war portfolios.
- A. C. Chatterjee was in charge of finance, S. A. Ayer became minister of publicity and propaganda, and Lakshmi Swaminathan was given the ministry of women’s affairs.
A number of officers from Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj were also given cabinet posts.
The Azad Hind government claimed authority over all Indian civilian and military personnel in Britain’s Southeast Asian colonies (primarily Burma, Singapore, and Malaya) which had fallen into Japanese hands during World War II.
To give legitimacy to his government, Bose chose the Andamans. The Azad Hind government obtained de jure control over a piece of Indian territory when the Japanese handed over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1943, though de facto military control was not relinquished by the Japanese admiralty.
The government also handed out citizenship to Indians living in Southeast Asia, and 30,000 expatriates pledged allegiance to it in Malaya alone.
Diplomatically, Bose’s government was recognised by the Axis powers and their satellites: Germany, Japan, and Italy, as well as Nazi and Japanese puppet states in Croatia, China, Thailand, Burma, Manchuria, and the Philippines.
Immediately after its formation, the Azad Hind government declared war on Britain and the United States.

Other provisional governments:

In 1915, the Provisional Government of India was formed in Kabul by a group known as the Indian Independence Committee (IIC).

Note:

The Berlin Committee, later known as the Indian Independence Committee after 1915, was an organisation formed in Germany in 1914 during World War I by Indian students and political activists residing in the country.
The purpose of the committee was to promote the cause of Indian Independence.
Members: Virendranath Chattopadhyaya,Chempakaraman Pillai, Jnanendra Das Gupta, and Abinash Bhattacharya.

During World War I, Indian nationalists abroad (mostly in Germany and the US), as well as revolutionaries, attempted to further the cause of Indian independence with aid from the Central Powers.
The IIC, with the help of the Ottoman Caliph and the Germans, tried to bring insurrection in India, mainly among Muslim tribes in Kashmir and the British India’s northwestern frontier.
IIC established a government-in-exile in Kabul under the presidency of Raja Mahendra Pratap, and prime minister ship of Maulana Barkatullah, revolutionary freedom fighters.

For more information, follow the links:

National One Health Mission

Context: The union cabinet approves creation of post of Director of National Institute of One Health at the level of scientist ‘H’ to spearhead National One Health Mission for integrated disease control and pandemic preparedness

About One Health:

One Health is an integrating idea that brings different sectors together to solve the health, productivity, and conservation challenges and has major implications for India.
India with its diverse wildlife, one of the largest livestock populations and high density of human population, carries heightened risks for inter-compartmental spread of diseases.

About National One Health Mission:

Launched in 2022.
The goal is to develop strategies for integrated disease surveillance, joint outbreak response, coordinated research and development (R&D) and ensure seamless information sharing for better control of routine diseases as well as those of a pandemic nature.
It will help India to achieve integrated disease control and pandemic preparedness by institutionalizing the One Health approach
Under the mission, a national network of high-risk pathogen (Biosafety level or BSL 3 and BSL 4) laboratories has been created.
Under the mission, efforts are being made to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning and disease modelling to address these issues and coordinate capacity building in epidemiology across sectors.
- Emerging approaches such as genomic surveillance from wastewater showed promise during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be expanded to other sentinels such as places where animals (livestock or wildlife) congregate for a broader set of diseases to be taken up so that we mainstream these approaches to be a part of routine surveillance across human, livestock and environmental sectors.

13 Ministries and Departments as well as science funding agencies such as Department Of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Department of Pharmaceuticals, and AYUSH, the Ministries of Health, Animal Husbandry and Environment as well as Defence came together to shape the mission, taking one of the most holistic approaches to one health and pandemic preparedness in the world.
While diseases that affect humans such as COVID-19, diseases that affect animals such as foot and mouth disease or lumpy skin disease can hit productivity and trade. Similarly, these and other diseases such as canine distemper affect wild animals and their conservation. Only a coordinated approach is essential to enhance readiness for prevalent diseases and potential pandemic threats like avian influenza or Nipah.
Pandemic preparedness is incomplete without there being a focus on strong R&D. Focused R&D efforts are crucial for enhancing preparedness against emerging diseases by creating essential tools like vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, which are vital for both India and the global Community.

National Institute of One Health (NIOH)

It is being set up in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
It is part of a National One Health Mission.
The institute will focus on a ‘One Health’ approach, recognizing the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental health. This approach is crucial for tackling zoonotic diseases, which can jump from animals to humans.
The director of NIOH will serve as the mission director for the multi-ministerial and multi-sectoral National One Health Mission for integrated disease control and pandemic preparedness by bringing human, anima, plant and environmental sectors together.

Garudan Thookkam

Context: Devotees at the Sarkara Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, participated in the ‘Garudan Thookkam’, which is a ritual art form.

About Garudan Thookkam:

Garudan Thookam (Eagle Hanging) is a form of dance art performed popularly in some Bhadrakali (Goddess Kali) temples in central Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Performance of the ritual art form:

The performers dress up as Garuda by wearing vibrant costumes, and headgear along with make-up.
Pattuvaal, Njori, Kacha, Mundi, Astimala (garlands made from the wood of Mango Tree), Chiraku (wings), Uttareeyam (upper garment), Kireedam (crown) are some of the elements used in the costume of Garuda.
Traditional musical instruments are employed during the performance:
- Chenda: cylindrical percussion instrument originating in the state of Kerala);
- Elathalam: metallic musical instrument which resembles a miniature pair of cymbals; this instrument from Kerala in southern India is completely made out of bronze and has two pieces in it;
- Kombu/Kompu/Kombu Pattu: a wind instrument in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Performance includes 18 Thalavattam (rhythmic patterns).
The whole ritual is performed colourfully with these Garudas taken in a procession on bullock carts or boats or hand-pulled carts.
Legend:
- As per the Hindu mythology, Goddess Kali, after killing the demon king Darika in a fiercely-fought battle, was insatiable and thirsty.
- At this time, Lord Vishnu sent his Vahana Garuda to Kali to quench her thirst.
- The dancing and bleeding Garuda is taken to Kali who is pacified after consuming his blood.

About Sarkara Devi Temple:

Situated: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Main deity: Bhadrakali (Goddess Durga).
Historically important due to the introduction of the famous Kaliyoot festival by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the Travancore sovereign, in 1748.
Another festival, Meena Bharani mahotsavam, is conducted for ten days in the month of March-April every year.
Architecture:
- Sanctum Sanctorum is a two storied rectangular structure.
- Roof is polished with bronze.
- Second storey is decorated with sculptures of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Durga, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Vishnu, Narasimhamoorthi and several other deities.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Context: The U.N. nuclear watchdog’s Board of Governors will hold an emergency meeting to discuss attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

It was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology.
The Agency was set up as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization within the United Nations family.
It is the world’s central intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, contributing to international peace and security and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Though established independently of the United Nations through its international treaty, the IAEA Statute, the IAEA reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
India is a founding member of the IAEA.
Signature and ratification of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) are not preconditions for membership in the IAEA.
North Korea is not a member.
IAEA has 178 members.
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

Additional Protocol

Additional Protocol is not a stand-alone agreement.
Each of the safeguard agreements may be complemented with an Additional Protocol that includes provisions for information about, and access to, all parts of a State's nuclear fuel cycle, from mines to nuclear waste.
It significantly increases the IAEA’s ability to verify the peaceful use of all nuclear material in States with comprehensive safeguards agreements.
As a non-signatory to the NPT, India lacks comprehensive safeguards that NNWS signatories to NPT have. India’s Additional Protocol stipulates that only certain facilities are placed under safeguards.
India’s Additional Protocol applies many of the voluntary safeguards provisions that exist for nuclear weapon states, although India is not recognized by the IAEA as a nuclear weapon state.

Alternate Investment Fund

Context: RBI has recently introduced changes for the investment by its regulated entities in Alternate Investment Funds.

About Alternate Investment Fund:

Alternate Investment Funds are funds that pool capital from investors to invest in asset classes such as real estate, venture capital and private and public equity.
An AIF under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012 can be established or incorporated in the form of a trust or a company or a limited liability partnership or a body corporate. Most of the AIFs registered with SEBI are in trust form.

Under SEBI guidelines, AIFs operate in three categories:

Category I: AIFs invest in start-up or early-stage ventures or other areas which the government considers as economically desirable. Example: Startups, MSMEs, Infrastructure funds.
Category II: AIF includes real estate funds, private equity funds, and funds for distressed assets. Such funds are prohibited from raising debt except for meeting day-to-day requirements.
Category III: AIFs are those investing with a view to make short-term returns and include hedge funds.

Minimum number of investors

No scheme of an AIF (other than angel fund) shall have more than 1000 investors. In case of an angel fund, no scheme shall have more than forty-nine angel investors.

Raising of fund

An AIF cannot make an invitation to the public at large to subscribe its units and can raise funds from the investors only through private placement.
An AIF may raise funds from an investor whether Indian, foreign or non-resident Indians. However, AIF (other than angel fund) shall not accept from an investor, an investment of value less than one crore rupees.
In case of investors who are employees or directors of the AIF or employees or directors of the Manager, the minimum value of investment shall be twenty-five lakh rupees.

Tenure of AIF:

The certificate of registration of an AIF shall be valid till the AIF is wound up.

Procedure of winding up of AIF:

when the tenure of the Alternative Investment Fund or all schemes launched by the Alternative Investment Fund is over; or
if seventy five percent of the investors by value of their investment in the Alternative Investment Fund pass a resolution at a meeting of unitholders that the Alternative Investment Fund be wound up; or
In case of a trust, if it is the opinion of the trustees or the trustee company, as the case may be, that the Alternative Investment Fund be wound up in the interests of investors in the units; or
if the Board so directs in the interests of investors.

Note: Category I and II AIFs are required to be close ended have a minimum tenure of three years. Category III AIFs may be open ended or close ended.

Open ended funds can be bought or sold anytime, the closed ended funds can be bought only during their launch and can be redeemed when the fund investment tenure is over.

Change in AIF category:

Only AIFs who have not made any investments under the category in which they were registered earlier shall be allowed to make an application for change in category.

Report Submission:

Category I and II AIFs and the Category III AIFs which do not undertake leverage are required to submit reports to SEBI on a quarterly basis while Category III AIFs which undertake leverage are required to submit the reports on a monthly basis.

Overseas investment:

Overseas investments by AIFs investments shall not exceed 25% of the investible funds of the scheme of the AIF subject to an overall limit of USD 500 million. The AIF shall have a time limit of 6 months from the date of approval from SEBI for making allocated investments in offshore venture capital undertakings.

Latest change by RBI regarding investment by banks and other entities regulated by RBI in Alternate Investment Fund:

Lenders cannot make investments in any scheme of AIFs that has downstream investments, such as hybrid instruments in a debtor company of the former.
However, lenders are allowed to make investments in any scheme of AIFs that has downstream equity investments in a debtor company of the former.
Provisioning will be required only to the extent of the investment by the lender in the AIF scheme, which is further invested by the fund in the debtor company. Earlier provisioning had to be made on the entire investment of the lender in the AIF scheme.

For ex: earlier, if a lender invested ₹10 crore in a ₹100-crore AIF scheme, which in turn invested ₹1 crore in the debtor company of the lender, the provisioning would be on the entire ₹10 crore. But now the provisioning will be only on the ₹1 crore exposure.

Note: The RBI said investments by lenders in AIFs through intermediaries such as fund of funds or mutual funds are not included in the scope of its latest circular.

Hepatitis Infection

Context: According to the World Health Organisation’s 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, 254 million people were infected with Hepatitis B and 50 million with Hepatitis C in 2022.

India accounted for the second-highest number of cases of Hepatitis B and C in 2022 after China, with 35 million (3.5 crore) infections.

About Hepatitis Infection:

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, caused by Hepatitis virus, that can cause a range of health problems and can be fatal.
There are five main strains of the Hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. While other strains cause acute non-serious infections, types B and C lead to chronic disease and are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths.
Common symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and Jaundice.
India has launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program in 2018 with the aim to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by the year 2030.

Hepatitis B:

It is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. This can occur through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth.
Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis B vaccine is widely available in India and is an integral part of the National immunisation program (Universal immunisation program).

Hepatitis C:

Primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, commonly through sharing contaminated needles. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact, but this is less common.
Many people with hepatitis C may not experience symptoms initially, but over time, it can lead to chronic liver disease and, in some cases, liver cancer.
Antiviral medications are available for the treatment of Hepatitis C. however, no vaccine exists till date for it.