{"id":22491,"date":"2024-03-12T20:08:02","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T14:38:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=22491"},"modified":"2024-03-21T16:10:12","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T10:40:12","slug":"daily-current-affairs-12-03-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/12-03-2024\/daily-current-affairs-12-03-2024","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs 12-03-2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Rules Notified for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Government Policies and Interventions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Ministry of Home Affairs<\/strong> notified the Citizenship Amendment Rules under the C<strong>itizenship Amendment Act (CAA) <\/strong>which was enacted in December 2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Background<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In December 2019, Parliament passed an amendment to The <strong>Citizenship Act, 1955,<\/strong> to include a provision for grant of <strong>citizenship to migrants belonging to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities<\/strong> who entered India before <strong>December 31, 2014 from Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The law was notified on January 10, 2020 amidst protests around the country, particularly in Assam, <strong>but could not be implemented in the absence of the Rules.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On May 28, 2021, the Union government issued an order under Section 16 The Citizenship Act, 1955, <strong>giving district collectors in 13 districts with high migrant populations the power to accept citizenship application<\/strong>s from groups identified in the 2019 amendment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It seeks to <strong>fast-track Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians<\/strong> \u2013 with the exception of Muslims \u2013 who migrated to India owing to religious persecution in <strong>Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In essence, the 2019 amendment <strong>relaxed the eligibility criteria<\/strong> for certain classes of migrants (on religious lines) from <strong>three neighbouring Muslim-majority countries<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exemption<\/strong>: Certain categories of areas, including tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, and areas protected by the \u2018Inner Line\u2019 system, were exempted from the purview of the CAA.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The concept of Inner Line<strong> separates the tribal-majority hills of the Northeast from the plains areas. <\/strong>To enter and stay in these areas, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Highlights of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024<\/strong><br><br><strong>Eligibility: Who can apply for Citizenship<\/strong><br>&#8211; An individual of Indian origin seeking registration as a citizen of India<br>&#8211; An individual married to a citizen of India, seeking registration as a citizen of India<br>&#8211; An application from a minor child of an Indian citizen, seeking registration as a citizen of India, etc.<br><br><strong>Document to be attached for Citizenship by naturalization<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Form VIIIA Submission:<\/strong> The applicant submits Form VIIIA, which includes all necessary personal details and information required for the naturalization process.<br>&#8211; <strong>Affidavit Verification:<\/strong> The applicant must provide an affidavit verifying the accuracy of the statements made in the application.<br><strong>&#8211; Character Affidavit:<\/strong> Additionally, the applicant must furnish an affidavit from an Indian citizen attesting to the applicant&#8217;s character. This affidavit acts as a testament to the applicant&#8217;s reputation and conduct.<br>&#8211; <strong>Language Declaration:<\/strong> The applicant is required to declare that they possess adequate knowledge of one of the languages specified in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India.&nbsp;<br><br><strong>Process for application submission<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Submission of Application: <\/strong>Applications are to be submitted electronically by the applicant to the Empowered Committee through the District Level Committee designated by the Central Government.<br>&#8211; <strong>Acknowledgment:<\/strong> Upon submission, an acknowledgment in Form IX is electronically generated.<br>&#8211; <strong>Document Verification: <\/strong>The District Level Committee, led by a Designated Officer, verifies the documents submitted along with the application.<br><strong>&#8211; Oath of Allegiance:<\/strong> The Designated Officer administers the oath of allegiance specified in the Second Schedule to the Citizenship Act, 1955, to the applicant.&nbsp;<br>&#8211; <strong>Renunciation Declaration:<\/strong> Every application includes a declaration by the applicant renouncing their citizenship of their current country, irrevocably and without future claim.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Issues\/Challenges<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The legal challenge: <\/strong>The 2019 amendment was challenged before the Supreme Court in 2020 by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and others, on the grounds of discrimination.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The right to equality: <\/strong>The challenge to the CAA rests on the ground that it violates <strong>Article 14<\/strong> of the Constitution, which says that \u201cthe State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India\u201d.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The petitioners\u2019 argue that <strong>using religion as a qualifier or a filter violates the fundamental right to equality.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Targeted towards Muslims:<\/strong> The petitioners have argued that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam to identify illegal immigrants, along with the CAA, will result in the targeting of Muslims.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secularism<\/strong>: There is also the larger issue of whether making religion a ground for eligibility for citizenship violates secularism, which is a basic feature of the Constitution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Section 6A of The Citizenship Act, 1955 and Assam:<\/strong> Section 6A was introduced in the Citizenship Act after the signing of the <strong>Assam Accord <\/strong>in 1985 which determines who is a foreigner in the state of Assam and sets <strong>March 24, 1971 as a cut off date<\/strong> which contradicts the cut off date given in the CAA 2019.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Widespread protests: <\/strong>The protest in Assam and other northeastern states turned violent over fears that the move will cause a loss of their &#8220;political rights, culture and land rights&#8221; and motivate further migration from Bangladesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Government\u2019s stand<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The government has said that Muslims have been excluded from the group of \u201cpersecuted\u201d minorities because <strong>Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh are Islamic countries where Muslims are in majority.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, it will be tested whether these three countries were picked essentially to keep Muslims out \u2014 this is because groups like <strong>Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka, the Rohingya in Myanmar, or minority Muslim sects like Ahmadiyyas and Hazaras<\/strong> are also persecuted minorities in these countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What lies ahead?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The court will have to look into two issues:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether the <strong>special treatment given to the so-called \u201cpersecuted minorities\u201d from the three Muslim-majority neighbouring countries only is a reasonable classification <\/strong>under Article 14 for granting citizenship, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the <strong>state is discriminating against Muslims by excluding them.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Supreme Court has earlier held that the law has to <strong>clear two legal hoops to pass the equality test<\/strong> when it is challenged on the grounds of Article 14.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First, any differentiation between groups of persons must be founded on an \u201cintelligible differentia\u201d, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Second, \u201cthat differentia must have a rational nexus to the object sought to be achieved by the Act\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>SC can strike down a classification if it is found to be arbitrary. <\/strong>The court recently struck down the electoral bonds scheme on the ground that it was \u201cmanifestly arbitrary\u201d \u2014 that is, \u201cirrational, capricious or without an adequate determining principle\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-law\/caa-issues-in-the-legal-challenge-to-the-law-9208839\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>China\u2019s Protest over PM Modi\u2019s Visit to Arunachal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Internal Security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>India<\/strong> has <strong>rejected <\/strong>China&#8217;s objection to PM Modi&#8217;s visit to Arunachal Pradesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, routinely objects to Indian leaders&#8217; visits to the state to highlight its claims. Beijing has also named the area as <strong>Zangnan.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>China\u2019s Claim Over Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong> known as the <strong>North Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA)<\/strong> until <strong>1972,<\/strong> is the largest state in the northeast and shares international borders with to the north and northwest, Bhutan towards the west and Myanmar to the east.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The state is like a <strong>protective shield to the northeast.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>China\u2019s Claims:<\/strong> China claims Arunachal Pradesh as a <strong>part of southern Tibet. <\/strong>And while China may lay claim to the entire state, its main interest lies in the <strong>district of Tawang,<\/strong> which is in the north-western region of Arunachal and borders Bhutan and Tibet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"506\" height=\"345\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/-h5UKMxnqTV5gELC9oYq0b562Xk_L0F8qg4-Hid6VtiOnbOyJZqI-YYx3yrTa6npcQRfzdQkdD5jaanj3WF9DbTjKzWvCmu-dgiaZqomuzbxUPCfaCd9zM48BLkoQAxKOjmEm3c4nNAx4TUK2PHh6yw\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the 1962 war, <strong>Indian troops fought off the Chinese forces in Tawang and Anjaw district of Walong region.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Does China Claim Arunachal Pradesh?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tawang monastery: <\/strong>Tawang also hosts the <strong>Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse (Tawang Monastery),<\/strong> which is the<strong> second largest monastery of Tibetan Buddhism in the world.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The monastery was founded by <strong>Merag Lodroe Gyamtso<\/strong> in the year <strong>1680-81<\/strong> to honour the wishes of the <strong>fifth Dalai Lama.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>China claims that the <strong>monastery is evidence <\/strong>that the district once belonged to Tibet.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They cite historical ties between the Tawang monastery and the Lhasa monastery in Tibet to support their claim over Arunachal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Shimla Convention 1914<\/strong><br><br>&#8211; The<strong> 1914 Simla convention<\/strong>, which included a <strong>Chinese representative on an equal footing with a Tibetan representative, <\/strong>gave birth to the <strong>McMahon Line separating Tibet from India<\/strong> in the eastern sector.&nbsp;<br>1. It clearly defined the frontiers of the boundary between India and Tibet.<br><br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"477\" height=\"269\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/jgksUPWtyyfRnLvrmu7KBgMxjE0zf4SYOneHoIiryJ03dclgioTLB7klLAAils2k9IB4JI187WOu5IrDAebVWXyzqLZUeSz6zYYflS06gKkarl1uhK4qMLGvAOZjlolg2QQsaVSQ9huIKZALJ5bggRM\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cultural connections and China\u2019s anxieties: <\/strong>There are some tribes in the upper Arunachal region which have <strong>cultural connections to the people of Tibet.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Monpa tribal population practices Tibetan Buddhism <\/strong>and are also found in some areas of Tibet.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>China fears that the <strong>presence of these ethnic groups in Arunachal<\/strong> could at some stage give <strong>rise to a pro-democracy Tibetan movement <\/strong>against China.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Political significance<\/strong>: When the <strong>Dalai Lama escaped Tibet in 1959<\/strong> amid China crackdown, he entered India through <strong>Tawang<\/strong> and stayed in the Tawang monastery for some time which has been a bone of contention between India and China.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Bhutan factor:<\/strong> If China gains control of Arunachal, it would mean that the kingdom of Bhutan would have China as its neighbour on both the western and eastern borders.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>China has already engaged in massive construction of motorable roads to connect strategic points on Bhutan&#8217;s western side.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>China wants to extend its roads from Doka La to Gamochin, which is under the guard of the Indian army.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>China&#8217;s efforts to move closer to the Siliguri corridor is a security threat for both India and Bhutan.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arunachal&#8217;s strategic location<\/strong>: Arunachal Pradesh is the closest location for India to target China with missiles.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Also, Arunachal is the best location for India to deploy a multi-layered air defence system for possible attacks from China.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thus control over Arunachal will give China a strategic advantage.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water power: <\/strong>China has control over India&#8217;s water supply to the northeastern region.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For India, the Brahmaputra accounts for nearly 30% of freshwater resources and 40% of total hydro power potential of the country. Almost 50% of the basin of the Brahmaputra is in Chinese territory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Tsangpo river which originates in Tibet flows into The Tsangpo river, which originates in Tibet, flows into India and is called Siang in Arunachal Pradesh before it becomes the Brahmaputra.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>China has constructed several dams and can use water as a geo-strategic weapon against India by causing flooding or drought in the region.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Way Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fearing a Chinese threat of \u201cwater wars\u201d, India has initiated its biggest hydroelectric project of 11,000 megawatt (MW) in Upper Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The hydro electric projects overdrive in the north-east, and especially in Arunachal Pradesh, which shares its border with China, is seen as a strategic move to counter the potential impact of Chinese flow diversion through the dams it is constructing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India&#8217;s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh is internationally recognised and accepted.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India has repeatedly rejected China\u2019s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of the country.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/india\/pm-modi-arunachal-pradesh-visit-china-objection-india-rejects-9209206\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>30 Years of SR Bommai Judgment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Indian Polity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Supreme Court of India<\/strong> delivered the landmark SR Bommai Judgment 30 years ago.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u2018SR Bommai v Union of India\u2019<\/strong>, the Supreme Court interpreted <strong>Article 356<\/strong> of the Constitution, which contains<strong> provisions for the imposition of President\u2019s rule<\/strong> in a state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Background: <\/strong>S.R. Bommai was the <strong>Chief Minister <\/strong>of the Janata Dal government in <strong>Karnataka<\/strong> between August 1988 and April 1989.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>His government was dismissed <strong>under Article 356<\/strong> of the Constitution and <strong>President\u2019s Rule was imposed<\/strong>, in what was then a mostly common mode to keep Opposition parties at bay.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SR Bommai went to court <strong>against the Governor\u2019s decision to recommend President\u2019s Rule.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SC Verdict: <\/strong>The SC unanimously held that the President\u2019s proclamation can be <strong>subject to judicial review<\/strong><strong>on grounds<\/strong> of illegality, malafide, extraneous considerations, abuse of power, or fraud.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>While the President\u2019s subjective appraisal of the issue cannot be examined, the <strong>material relied<\/strong> on for making the decision can be reviewed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Guidelines Laid by the SC<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Parliamentary Approval: <\/strong>It made Parliamentary approval necessary for imposing President\u2019s rule.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Till then, the President can only suspend the state legislature.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the Parliament does not approve the proclamation within two months, then the government that was dismissed<strong> would automatically stand revived.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test of Majority:<\/strong> The majority enjoyed by the Council of Ministers shall be <strong>tested on the floor of the House.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prior Warning: <\/strong>The centre should give a<strong> warning to the state and a time period of one week to reply.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery:<\/strong> Article 356 is justified only when there is a<strong> breakdown of constitutional machinery<\/strong> and not administrative machinery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Significance of the Judgement:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The judgment restricted the<strong> arbitrary use of Article 356 <\/strong>and emphasized the principles of <strong>federalism and the autonomy of state governments<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is considered a crucial decision in upholding the<strong> democratic and federal structure of the Indian Constitution.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The SR Bommai case has had a lasting impact on Indian politics and has been <strong>cited in subsequent cases<\/strong> dealing with similar issues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ruling also <strong>drew a redline for centre-state relationships.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Article 356: President\u2019s Rule<\/strong><br><br>&#8211; President&#8217;s Rule is when the <strong>state government is suspended<\/strong> and the central government directly administers the state through the office of the governor.<br>&#8211; <strong>Article 356<\/strong> of the Constitution of India is based on<strong> Section 93<\/strong> of the <strong>Government of India Act, 1935.<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Grounds: <\/strong>If the President receives a report from the state&#8217;s Governor or otherwise is convinced or satisfied that the state&#8217;s situation is such that the state government cannot carry on the governance <strong>according to the provisions of the Constitution.<\/strong><br>1. <strong>Article 365:<\/strong> President&#8217;s Rule can be imposed if any state fails to comply with all directions given by the Union on matters it is empowered to.<br>&#8211; <strong>Approval by Parliament:<\/strong> The imposition of the President\u2019s rule requires the <strong>sanction of both the houses of Parliament.<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Duration: <\/strong>If approved, it can go on for a period of <strong>six months.<\/strong> However, the imposition<strong> cannot be extended for more than three years<\/strong> and needs to be brought before the two houses every six months for approval.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: PIB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Sweden Becomes Member of NATO<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/International Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sweden has officially become the 32nd member of NATO after completing the accession process in Washington.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>NATO,<\/strong> also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Headquarters:<\/strong> Brussels, Belgium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Background:<\/strong> It was established by 12 countries from Europe and North America with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as Washington Treaty) in 1949 in Washington, D.C\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The objective was to provide collective security against the Soviet Union attack in the aftermath of World War II.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collective Defense:<\/strong> According to Article 5, NATO works on the principle of collective defense, where an attack on any NATO member is considered an attack on all NATO members.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>So far, Article 5 has been invoked once &#8211; in response to the 9\/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Members:<\/strong> It comprises <strong>32<\/strong> member states \u2013 two North American countries (USA and Canada) and 29 European countries and one eurasian country (Turkey).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Finland became the 31st member in 2023.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Criteria for Membership of NATO<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Under NATO\u2019s \u201copen door policy\u201d based on <strong>Article 10, <\/strong>membership at present is open to only European nations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These countries must fulfill certain criterias such as \u201ca functioning democracy based on a market economy; fair treatment of minorities; a commitment to resolve conflicts peacefully; and making military contribution to NATO operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New members are admitted with the unanimous <strong>consent of all members.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Significance of NATO&#8217;S Expansion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Benefits for Eastern Europe: <\/strong>The enlargement of NATO will help to promote democratic reform and peaceful coexistence between the nations of Europe.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enhanced Collective Defense: <\/strong>The enlargement of NATO strengthens the collective defense capabilities of member states.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Addressing New Security Concerns: <\/strong>The expansion of NATO allows it to adapt to new security threats such as terrorism, cyber attacks, and hybrid warfare, which require a coordinated and collective response from member states.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Counterbalancing Russian Influence:<\/strong> NATO expansion serves as a counterbalance to Russian influence in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"486\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/mpcxTVBpDUzpuYrk1GLOmR3JMSUPc8wMP7goV1SFd_LGqd3S3CV0fax3GCN5-lY7XwcAFxiavCm-WCIqLDgsZZkFz_Za0bcAEguybd_3KkNEWuMfOysXdR9g_VhvL6bz1xOfiLcvOTbakoTqPFEAl-A\"><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: AIR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Agni-V Missile Equipped with MIRV Technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Defence and Security&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India recently successfully tested a <strong>new Agni-V missile with MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle) technology, <\/strong>capable of carrying multiple warheads and striking multiple targets.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>MIRV technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle)<\/strong> technology is the capability that allows multiple warheads to be loaded on a single missile delivery system and programmed to hit different targets, thus greatly enhancing the missile\u2019s destructive potential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They can all be <strong>made to hit the same location too,<\/strong> one after the other, thus ensuring complete annihilation of the target.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"317\" height=\"297.14112233850597\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/BF4xzbx43yZI55bN__qIdpA8pOtWTX3DkE46WH51qkzDqPMIR_byrOtoHAEw50KwlBcg6GWAPWVwR8LT0LvFeb-LSvBMcTNHIpql2VAIVNPxTgIa7_g7yr_jFhZvO6MW-jLK8lyu1aZR_kX3zsyBZWk\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The technology was <strong>developed in the 1960s<\/strong> and first deployed in the 1970s by the United States and the then Soviet Union.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over the years,<strong> France, the United Kingdom, and eventually China<\/strong> have developed this technology. Pakistan too has claimed to have tested an MIRV-equipped missile called Ababeel, first in 2017 and then in 2023.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The number of warheads that a missile can carry depends on its <strong>design, weight, size, range and other parameters.<\/strong> The one that India tested can carry <strong>three to four<\/strong> warheads.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, an <strong>MIRV-equipped missile has never been used so far in any conflict situation.<\/strong> Arms control advocates argue that MIRV technology incentivises the <strong>urge to strike first,<\/strong> thus increasing the risk from nuclear weapons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advantages oF MIRV Technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apart from the obvious advantage of <strong>inflicting multiple damages<\/strong> with a single strike, MIRV is a sought-after military technology for its <strong>ability to penetrate missile defence systems.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A missile defence system is a network of technologies aimed at <strong>detecting, tracking, intercepting and destroying an incoming missile. <\/strong>It\u2019s considered a good safeguard against traditional missiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Another key strategic benefit, especially for countries like <strong>India which has a no-first use policy for nuclear weapons<\/strong>, is the capability to cause crippling damage in a response strike. The response strike could be disproportionate, and can thus <strong>serve as a deterrence to the enemy.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Agni-V Missile: One Missile, Many Weapons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"373\" height=\"437\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/6Yt0UBmxD2PP3o4WvHFsjaEbrQn5OOFHiByuWujLeBjv715HnXATSkMaD1p_T_niNVxdq3tBUWG_jL_pXWaLkPnBLoxNxGOAb6w3GHhn6QUFiB2UCWI5nMeYz0HgiSv7didzUeDIWnSmF1ltdDNVbgU\"><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The integration of MIRV technology is a long-awaited upgrade for the Agni family of <strong>short, medium and intercontinental range ballistic missiles indigenously developed<\/strong> by the DRDO.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agni missiles are the main <strong>land-based delivery systems<\/strong> for India\u2019s nuclear weapons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Developed in the 1990s<\/strong>, the first-generation Agni missiles were deployed in the armed forces in the mid-2000s.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agni-I to Agni-IV missiles have ranges between <strong>700 to 3,500 km<\/strong> and can carry single payloads weighing between <strong>12 and 40 kilotons.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agni-V, the version that has been equipped with MIRV technology, can travel <strong>more than 5,000 km,<\/strong> and can potentially enter the intercontinental range as well, considered to be 5,500 km and above.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meanwhile, DRDO has also been developing <strong>Agni-P missiles,<\/strong> which are <strong>modernised versions of the short-range Agni-1 and Agni-2 variety. <\/strong>There was the expectation that it would be integrated with MIRV technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The acquisition of MIRV technology by India was keenly awaited after China developed it in the last decade. With Pakistan also claiming to have tested a missile with this technology,<strong> integrating this in Agni missiles had become an imperative.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The next generation <strong>Agni-VI missile<\/strong>, currently under development, is also expected to be equipped with MIRV.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: IE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>5th Mass Bleaching of Great Barrier Reef<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently, the <strong>fifth Mass Bleaching event<\/strong> hit Australia&#8217;s <strong>Great Barrier Reef<\/strong> in the past eight years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Coral Reef<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is an <strong>underwater ecosystem<\/strong> characterized by reef-building corals.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reefs are formed of <strong>colonies of coral polyps<\/strong> held together by <strong>calcium carbonate<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The coral polyps live in an <strong>endosymbiotic relationship<\/strong> with algae.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Temperature: 20\u00b0C- 35\u00b0C; Salinity:<\/strong> <strong>Between 27% to 40%<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shallow Water:<\/strong> Coral reefs grow better in shallow water; less than 50 m.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Great Barrier Reef: <\/strong>Located in the <strong>Coral Sea, Australia (World Heritage Site).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coral reefs in India: <\/strong>Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Andaman &amp; Nicobar, Lakshadweep Island and Malvan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/uC7iHxAHSx4zEifD8cT--OQPFUoHL0AA2CHKwoEJV8vZLEs1KZgVIccEv3Skz4xyPNB9bw7s7LEHLMT4NoqzwrHLeIoqCtu2XTJxyLZl7lEd-gMdtnt3tq6b527_KGllmztsHOasWJ4QumgZO_Qct0Y\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Coral Bleaching?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When corals are stressed by changes in conditions such as <strong>temperature, light or nutrients<\/strong>, they expel the algae living in their tissue, causing them to turn white, hence bleached.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, Corals can survive a bleaching event, but they are under more stress and are subject to mortality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"539\" height=\"382\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/HVEPHBHVAVW6qQFObPMpAJvSA7HiC783wuVlwbfjKXJBNjVWuNjPMDVfy2U2a7IxJiGAgaVbcNvb2lCyca3LPlz_oRw0U9SN85z5AQMf7d4kX5ZzuMnTpydbuZwIzsto6YfmtG3IXLSQ5oIcNN1lslI\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Factors Causing Mass Bleaching<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Climate change induced warming, El-nino events, less oceanic tides and currents, anthropogenic activities like fishing, pollution and coastal degradation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Benefits&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide an important ecosystem for underwater life (Marine Ecosystem).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contribution to Blue Economy and employment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coral reef systems generate $2.7 trillion in annual economic value through goods and service trade and tourism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basis of Food Chain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guard against incoming storms &amp; Carbon sequestration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medicinal Properties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Way Ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Limit global average temperature<\/strong> well below 2\u00b0C above pre-industrial levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborative efforts are needed to tackle <strong>overfishing &amp; marine pollution<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steps should be taken in direction of <strong>Climate resiliency<\/strong> (Paris agreement,&nbsp; SDG 8 &amp; 12)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>R &amp; D should be done for <strong>heat resistant corals.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: DTE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>News in Short<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Gorsam Kora Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/Culture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently, the <strong>Gorsam Kora Festival <\/strong>was celebrated as <em>\u2018India-Bhutan Friendship &amp; Shared Cultural Heritage of Himalayan Buddhism\u2019<\/em> in <strong>Tawang of Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About the Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is an annual festival, celebrated in the scenic <strong>Zemithang Valley<\/strong> along the <strong>Nyanmjang Chu River<\/strong> of Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh, India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is held at the <strong>Gorsam Chorten<\/strong>, a 93-foot-tall Stupa built during the <strong>13th century AD<\/strong> by a local monk,<strong> Lama Pradhar.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This landmark is <strong>older than the Tawang Monastery<\/strong>, and is an icon for <strong>Himalayan Buddhism<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/bAILGLIfkZ_w2QrUgPIUrm9HhH7sM4Zx-T3G6os93YHAiwHo1HUp2Sz_P50OLr-ZwW5vSG6TvY1wlgnbMP6MDZKihPjPx1r64SIzq00oenYACqKL_n2VujAa1SxkkbT1rTei76wYzHWRHMIwEBxjQPk\" width=\"260\" height=\"179\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is observed during the last day of the first month of the Lunar calendar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It features a diverse array of events, including enthralling performances by local cultural troupes and the Indian Army bands, and martial performances like <strong>Mallakhamb and Zanjh Pathaka.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It symbolises the enduring <strong>friendship between India and Bhutan<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Historical Significance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>14th Dalai Lama<\/strong> found refuge upon his escape from Tibet in 1959 in Zemithang Valley.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Gorsam Chorten is modelled after the <strong>Boudhinath Stupa of Nepal<\/strong> and has a spiritual companion, the <strong>Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse of Bhutan<\/strong>, built in 1740.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: AIR<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Polity and Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kishor Makwana assumed the charge of Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NCSC is a<strong> constitutional body <\/strong>established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and Anglo-Indian communities as well as to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 338 <\/strong>of the Indian constitution deals with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Composition of NCSC<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other members.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are <strong>appointed by the President <\/strong>by warrant under his hand and seal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their conditions of service and tenure of office are also determined by the President.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Powers of the NCSC<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>While investigating any matter or inquiring into any complaint, it has all the <strong>powers of a Civil Court.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Central Government and the State Governments are required to consult the Commission on all major policy matters affecting the Scheduled Castes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Report of the NCSC<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Commission presents reports to the <strong>President,<\/strong> annually or at such other times as it may deem fit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>President places all such reports before the Parliament<\/strong>, along with a memorandum explaining the action taken on the recommendations made by the Commission.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2013507#:~:text=Shri%20Kishor%20Makwana%20assumed%20the,NCSC)%20in%20New%20Delhi%20today.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Conservation, GS2\/ International Treaties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently, an event on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) was held to urge nations <strong>to ratify a new treaty<\/strong> to protect the high seas from pollution, climate change and overfishing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About the BBNJ Treaty (aka High Seas Treaty)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is a landmark international agreement aimed at the conservation and <strong>sustainable use of marine biological diversity<\/strong> in areas beyond national jurisdiction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is <strong>a significant step<\/strong> towards protecting the ocean, promoting equity and fairness, tackling environmental degradation, and preventing biodiversity loss in the high seas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was <strong>adopted by consensus<\/strong> at the <strong>5th BBNJ Intergovernmental Conference<\/strong> in New York in March 2023.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Currently, it has been signed by representatives from more than 80 countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is <strong>expected<\/strong> that the treaty can <strong>enter into force<\/strong> by the June 2025 <strong>UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Provisions of the Treaty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It sets up a procedure to establish large-scale marine protected areas in the high seas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It establishes the sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear rules to conduct environmental impact assessments before human activities take place in the high seas are also part of the agreement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It foresees capacity building and the transfer of marine technology between the Parties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>The High Seas and their Importance<\/strong><br><br>&#8211; <strong>Areas beyond national jurisdiction<\/strong> (often referred to as the high seas) comprise around two-thirds of the ocean\u2019s surface and 95% of its volume.<br>&#8211; These areas provide invaluable ecological, economic, social, cultural, scientific, and food-security benefits to humanity.<br>&#8211; Despite their importance, these areas have been vulnerable to over-exploitation and degradation due to the lack of a comprehensive legal framework.<br><br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"466\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/NEfKzLHpA9U6fDeeeLvTVZRyX-CC7UCkj5N-Zob3Epj1bh6Dfl65Y_Z_5lUd2VF33sPDQfJe5vAwO_jk_OWw_9Kz27emClh4NxocclomCkWqsRARUrTt_OzXaPXAcc9qZIodS7WpfrlT1FvJu7Ti3LI\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/news\/environment\/countries-hope-to-bring-bbnj-or-high-seas-treaty-into-force-by-2025-only-2-have-ratified-it-so-far-94909\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DTE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Lachit Borphukan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/ History<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prime Minister Modi unveiled the 125-feet tall \u2018Statue of Valour\u2019, of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lachit Borphukan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He was born in 1622, in <strong>Charaideo, Assam.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He was chosen as one of the five <strong>Borphukans <\/strong>of the Ahom kingdom by king <strong>Chakradhwaj Singha,<\/strong> and given administrative, judicial, and military responsibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He is best known for his leadership during the <strong>Battle of Saraighat in 1671<\/strong> against the Mughal forces led by Raja Ramsingh under <strong>Aurangzeb.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Ahom Kingdom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It was established by <strong>Chaolung Sukapha<\/strong> in the <strong>13th century.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It endured for six centuries as the ruling power in <strong>Assam.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ahoms governed the region until it was annexed to British India in <strong>1826 <\/strong>through the signing of the <strong>Treaty of Yandaboo.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/city\/guwahati\/modi-unveils-125-foot-statue-of-lachit-at-jorhat-maidam\/articleshow\/108359988.cms\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TOI<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Parthenogenesis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently, researchers from Cambridge University and the California Institute of Technology reported <strong>&nbsp;parthenogenesis in the Drosophila family.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Parthenogenesis:<\/strong><strong>Fatherless reproduction<\/strong> is known as parthenogenesis.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parthenogenesis, which derives from Greek and translates to <strong>\u201cvirgin birth\u201d<\/strong>, is a type of<strong> asexual reproduction<\/strong> in which the offspring of some species develops from the egg or female gamete <strong>without first being fertilised by the male gamete.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drosophila<\/strong> is a genus of small flies, belonging to the family Drosophilidae, whose members are often called &#8220;fruit flies&#8221;.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/drosophila-species-parthenogenesis-genetic-modification\/article67938538.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Oldest Known Dead Galaxy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Space<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp;The <strong>James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)<\/strong> has discovered the oldest known &#8220;dead&#8221; galaxy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dead Galaxies<\/strong> are those that <strong>no longer form stars.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The newly discovered galaxy, named <strong>JADES-GS-z7-01-QU<\/strong>, stopped forming stars <strong>more than 13 billion years ago,<\/strong> when the universe was only <strong>700 million years old.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It means the universe <strong>was only 5%<\/strong> of its current age when it stopped star formation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The recent observations of JADES-GS-z7-01-QU are the <strong>deepest views into the distant universe made to date by the JWST.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>&#8211; <strong>Galaxy:<\/strong> Galaxies consist of stars, planets, and vast clouds of gas and dust, all <strong>bound together by gravity.&nbsp;<\/strong><br>1. The largest contain trillions of stars and can be more than a million light-years across.&nbsp;<br>2. The smallest can contain a few thousand stars and span just a few hundred light-years.&nbsp;<br>3. Galaxies come in a <strong>variety of shapes, <\/strong>mostly spirals and ellipticals, as well as those with less orderly appearances, usually dubbed irregular.<br><br>&#8211; <strong>Milky Way:<\/strong> Earth is a part of the Milky way Galaxy.&nbsp;<br>1. It\u2019s a spiral galaxy with a disk of stars spanning more than 100,000 light-years.&nbsp;<br>2. Solar system takes about 240 million years to orbit the Milky Way just once.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/home\/science\/oldest-dead-galaxy-spotted-by-nasas-james-webb-telescope\/articleshow\/108276559.cms\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TOI<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-75 is-style-round\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/DCA_12-03-2024.pdf\" style=\"border-radius:20px\">Download PDF<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Citizenship Amendment Rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) which was enacted in December 2019.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22491"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22491\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22850,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22491\/revisions\/22850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}