Society 

Prime Minister marks 9 years of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan - PIB

Components of the Accessible India Campaign

1. Built Environment Accessibility
   • Focuses on making public buildings and infrastructure barrier-free and accessible to PwDs.
2. Transportation System Accessibility
   • Aims to create accessible modes of public and private transport for PwDs.
3. Information and Communication Ecosystem Accessibility
   • Enhances accessibility in digital and communication platforms to provide equal access to information for all.

Tourism Ministry approves 40 Projects worth Rs. 3295.76 Crore for Development of lesser-known Tourism sites in 23 States - PIB

The Ministry of Tourism has approved 40 projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore for the development of lesser-known tourism sites in 23 states across India. This initiative is a significant step toward promoting a balanced distribution of tourists, easing pressure on high-traffic sites, and fostering regional economic growth through sustainable tourism. The funding for these projects has been facilitated under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.

"Mission Mausam" to be a game-changer for India's weather forecast capabilities - PIB 

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, while inaugurating the 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14), highlighted "Mission Mausam" as a transformative initiative to enhance India's weather forecasting capabilities. The event also marked the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a landmark in India's scientific journey

Mission Mausam

• Nature of the Initiative: Mission Mausam is a multi-faceted and transformative project designed to expand India’s capacity in atmospheric sciences, weather surveillance, modeling, forecasting, and management.
• Technology Integration:
  • Leverages advanced observation systems, high-performance computing, AI, and machine learning for better forecasts.
  • Deploys next-generation radars, satellite systems, and Earth system models to improve data precision.
• Key Focus Areas:
  • Enhanced Weather Information: Highly accurate and timely data on monsoon patterns, air quality, cyclones, and extreme weather events.
  • Weather Interventions: Innovations for managing fog, hail, and rainfall.
  • Capacity Building: Promotes training, research, and awareness generation to strengthen national capabilities.
  • GIS-Based Decision Support System: Automated tools for real-time data dissemination
• Implementation Agencies:
  • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
  • National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
  • Collaboration with national and international institutes, academia, and industries for a multidisciplinary approach.

World Affairs 

South Korea’s martial law - The Hindu 

• On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, curbing political activities, media freedom, and forcing striking workers to return to work.
• The decree was reversed within six hours after widespread opposition, including from his own party. The National Assembly voted 190-0 against it, and an impeachment motion was filed against Yoon.

Martial Law

• Martial law suspends civilian governance, placing military authorities in control of critical aspects such as parliament, media, and political parties.
• It is typically used in response to significant national emergencies, aiming to restore order and maintain public safety.
• Article 77 of South Korea’s Constitution permits the declaration of martial law in cases of national emergency. 
• However, South Korea’s constitution allows it to be overturned by the National Assembly.
• 16 martial law declarations have occurred since the end of World War II, with the last one in 1987 following the Gwangju Uprising.

Polity

Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, developing National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) - PIB

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is developing the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to create a unified system that integrates State Legal Metrology Departments and their portals. This initiative aims to enhance fair trade, consumer protection, and transparency in business practices.

National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap)

• The portal enables businesses to apply for licenses, obtain approvals, and manage registration certificates online, simplifying the process and reducing the compliance burden.
• eMaap combines the functions of State portals, including licensing, verification, enforcement, and compliance into a single platform, promoting transparency and efficiency.
• The system eliminates the need for stakeholders to register on multiple state portals, fostering ease of doing business.

Impact on Stakeholders

• For Traders and Industries: eMaap streamlines license issuance, renewals, and amendments, while reducing paperwork and ensuring compliance with the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
• For Consumers: The portal ensures accurate trade instruments and enhances confidence in market transactions by providing easy access to certificates and promoting awareness of rights and responsibilities.
• For Government: The platform supports data-driven decision-making, simplifies enforcement, and aids in the formation of efficient policies.

Environment 

Madhya Pradesh gets its eighth tiger reserve in Ratapani - Indian Express

The Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was declared a tiger reserve by the state government. Despite receiving in-principle approval from NTCA in 2008, the notification faced delays due to encroachments and increased human-wildlife conflict, highlighted in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

About Ratapani Tiger Reserve

• Location: Situated in the Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges, covering Raisen and Sehore districts in Madhya Pradesh.
• Boundaries and Water Bodies:
  • Western boundary: Formed by the Kolar River.
  • Key water bodies: Includes the Dahod reservoir and Ratapani reservoir (home to crocodiles and aquatic fauna).
• Flora: Dominated by dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests.
• Cultural significance: houses Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and other historical/religious sites.
• The existing tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh:  Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Pench, Sanjay-Dubri, Satpura, and Veerangana Durgavati.
• Significance: Ratapani serves as an important wildlife corridor for tigers, connecting various protected areas, and contributes to the broader conservation efforts of the Satpura Tiger Landscape.

BJD leaders seek ST Commission’s intervention over potential adverse impact of Polavaram Dam project in Malkangiri - The Hindu 

Polavaram Dam Project

• Location: Under-construction on the Godavari River in Eluru and East Godavari districts, Andhra Pradesh.
• National Project Status: Designated as a National Project by the Union Government of India.
• Objectives of the Project:
  • Irrigation: Aims to improve irrigation in East Godavari, Vishakhapatnam, West Godavari, and Krishna districts.
  • Hydropower: Expected to generate 960 MW of hydropower.
  • Drinking Water: Will provide drinking water to 28.5 lakh people in 611 villages.
  • Irrigation Potential: Has the potential to irrigate 4.368 lakh hectares of land.
  • Interlinking of Rivers: Part of the Godavari-Krishna link project

Godavari River

• The Godavari is the largest river system in peninsular India and is also referred to as the Dakshin Ganga.
• Bounded by the Satmala Hills (north), Ajanta Range and Mahadeo Hills (south), Eastern Ghats (east), and Western Ghats (west).
• Source: Rises from Trimbakeshwar, near Nasik, Maharashtra.
• Length: Flows for 1,465 km before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• The basin spans the states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, with parts of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• The right bank tributaries of the Godavari River include Pravara, Manjira, and Maner, while the left bank tributaries include Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, and Sabari, with major tributaries such as Wainganga, Penganga, Wardha, Pranhita, and Indravati.

Why global plastic treaty talks collapsed - Indian Express

The week-long global talks in Busan, South Korea, aimed at curbing plastic pollution ended in failure as countries couldn't agree on regulating plastic production. The negotiations were part of the United Nations Environment Assembly's (UNEA) mandate to create a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution by 2024. The treaty discussions will continue next year.

India's Stance:

• Emphasized varying responsibilities of nations in addressing plastic pollution.
• Called for technical and financial support for developing countries.
• Opposed production caps, citing lack of clear evidence linking production to pollution.
• Rejected a plastic pollution fee on primary polymer production.
• Stressed the importance of sustainable development for developing nations.

Science and Technology 

Tropical plant Subabul shows potential in managing insulin resistance related to type II diabetes - PIB

Researchers from IASST, Guwahati, have discovered the therapeutic potential of Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) seedpods in managing insulin resistance related to type II diabetes. The study highlights the plant's bioactive compounds as promising alternatives for diabetes treatment.

Subabul 

• About: A fast-growing leguminous tree found in tropical and subtropical regions, traditionally used for food and medicine. It is Native to Mexico
• Distribution in India: Primarily found in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu
• Characterstics: Small, perennial, woody, highly branched tree
• Therapeutic Potential: Researchers at IASST, Guwahati, investigated Subabul seedpods for managing insulin resistance in type II diabetes.
• Bioactive Compounds: The active compounds in Subabul, such as quercetin-3-glucoside, help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, making it promising for diabetes treatment.

How brain rot, Oxford’s new word of the year, can hit you? - Indian Express

The term “brain rot” has been announced as the Oxford University Press (OUP) "Word of the Year" for 2024, reflecting the growing concern over the detrimental effects of excessive consumption of online content on mental health.

Brain rot

• About: “Brain rot” refers to the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state due to overstimulation from excessive consumption of online content, leading to a dulling of cognitive functions.
• Symptoms: Affected individuals often report fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, forgetfulness, and a sense of detachment from reality.
• Impact on Mental Health: Prolonged exposure to overstimulating digital content can lead to neuro-degenerative conditions due to impaired brain function. It can also trigger addictive behavior patterns, where individuals compulsively check notifications.
• Cognitive Effects: Brain rot negatively impacts memory retention and the ability to engage in meaningful tasks,
• Treatment:
  • Digital Detox: Limiting screen time and incorporating screen-free periods, particularly before bedtime, is essential for recovering from brain rot.

• Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals manage anxiety, build self-esteem, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Mindfulness Practices: Engaging in mindfulness and journaling helps process emotions in healthier ways without the distraction of digital media.

Defence 

U.S. approves $1.17 billion deal for support systems for MH-60R helicopters - The Hindu 

The United States has approved a potential $1.17 billion deal under its Foreign Military Sales programme to provide India with support equipment for the MH-60R multi-role helicopters. This follows a prior $2.2 billion deal signed in February 2020 for the procurement of 24 helicopters, nine of which have already been inducted into India's armed services.

MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Role Helicopters

• Maritime Role: A variant of the Black Hawk helicopter designed specifically for naval operations, enhancing India’s maritime defense capabilities.
• Operational Use: The MH-60R is versatile, serving in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and logistical support missions.
• Advanced Arsenal: These helicopters are equipped with advanced weaponry, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, MK 54 torpedoes, and cutting-edge sensors and avionics for enhanced operational efficiency.
• Key Features: The helicopters feature folding rotor blades, a hinged tail for easy storage aboard ships, and advanced data transfer systems for seamless integration into naval operations.