10th October 2024

• Subject: Science
• Section: Defence
• Context:
  The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved two major defense deals involving the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance drones from the U.S.-based General Atomics and the indigenous construction of two nuclear attack submarines. This procurement includes 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians (distributed between the navy and air force). With CCS approval, this finalizes the procurement process, and General Atomics will establish a maintenance and overhaul facility in India.
• Significance:
  Both the MQ-9B drones and nuclear submarines enhance India’s defense by enabling intelligence collection, long-range tracking, and precision strikes.
• About MQ-9B Predator Drones:
  • Variant of the MQ-9 Reaper, capable of autonomous and remote-controlled operations.
  • Equipped with high-precision missiles and long endurance, ideal for various surveillance and combat roles.
  • Operates above 40,000 feet and carries a payload up to 5,670 kg with endurance of 40 hours.
• Nuclear Submarine Project (SSN):
  • Part of Project 75-Alpha, which expands India’s nuclear submarine fleet.
  • Complements existing ballistic missile submarines, with enhanced endurance for strategic operations.
• Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS):
  • India’s key security decision-making body led by the Prime Minister, with ministers from Defense, Home Affairs, Finance, and External Affairs.

2. Australia and New Zealand Prepare for Potential Bird Flu Outbreak

• Subject: Science
• Section: Health
• Context:
  Australia and New Zealand have raised biosecurity measures due to the threat posed by the H5N1 avian influenza strain, particularly the highly contagious clade 2.3.4.4b variant, which has caused significant losses in birds and mammals worldwide.
• About Clade 2.3.4.4b:
  • A highly transmissible H5N1 strain impacting millions of birds and mammals globally, now spreading to regions near Oceania.
• Increased Risk During Spring:
  • Migratory patterns increase the likelihood of virus transmission, particularly from September to November.
• Avian Influenza Basics:
  • Affects birds, with potential transmission to mammals, including humans. Spread through direct or contaminated contact.

3. ASEAN Summit Calls for Peace in Myanmar

• Subject: International Relations
• Section: International Grouping
• Context:
  The ASEAN summit in Vientiane urged an end to the ongoing violence in Myanmar post-coup and reaffirmed the five-point consensus on peace.
• Five-Point Consensus:
  • End violence, promote dialogue, appoint an ASEAN envoy, provide humanitarian aid, and establish an implementation timeline.
• About ASEAN:
  • Established in 1967 to promote regional stability among Asia-Pacific nations, with headquarters in Jakarta and member countries across Southeast Asia.

4. Global Wildlife Population Decline Reported by WWF

• Subject: Environment
• Section: Biodiversity
• Context:
  WWF’s Living Planet Report notes a 73% decline in global wildlife populations from 1970 to 2020, urging collective action to combat climate and biodiversity crises.
• Report Highlights:
  • The Living Planet Index reveals steep declines in freshwater (85%), terrestrial (69%), and marine (56%) ecosystems.
• Key Threats to Wildlife:
  • Habitat loss, over-exploitation, pollution, and invasive species.
• India’s Wildlife Successes:
  • Efforts in tiger conservation and habitat management have shown positive results, including new population assessments of snow leopards.

5. Indian Government Approves Nationwide Fortified Rice Distribution

• Subject: Science
• Section: Health
• Context:
  India’s government has extended fortified rice distribution across all schemes to address nutritional deficits, despite concerns over indiscriminate use without health warnings.
• Rice Fortification Details:
  • Micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins are added to rice to improve nutrition.
• Health Concerns:
  • Potential risks for individuals with conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease if excess iron is consumed.
• Alternative Solutions:
  • Experts recommend a diverse diet and community-driven solutions to address malnutrition sustainably.

6. RBI Maintains Rate and Adopts Neutral Policy Stance

• Subject: Economics
• Section: Monetary Policy
• Context:
  The Reserve Bank of India has held the benchmark interest rate at 6.5% while shifting to a neutral stance, allowing flexibility in response to inflation and growth changes.
• Policy Decision Factors:
  • Stable retail inflation and balanced growth projections. The neutral stance allows responsiveness to future economic changes.
• Monetary Policy Committee (MPC):
  • Statutory body responsible for setting India’s interest rates and maintaining price stability.
• Key Risks:
  • Inflation pressures from unpredictable weather and geopolitical conflicts.

7. RBI’s Climate Risk Data Initiative – RB-CRIS

• Subject: Economics
• Section: Monetary Policy
• Context:
  The RBI proposed RB-CRIS, a repository aimed at addressing data gaps on climate risks affecting the financial system.
• RB-CRIS Features:
  • Provides climate data for regulated entities to enhance climate risk assessments and financial resilience.
• Disclosure Framework:
  • Requires entities to disclose climate risks and strategies, with phased adoption based on organizational size.

8. Carbon-Trapping Sedimentary Rock Discovery from Slag

• Subject: Geography
• Section: Geomorphology
• Context:
  New sedimentary rock formed from coastal slag deposits shows potential for carbon sequestration, opening avenues for reducing industrial carbon emissions.
• Slag Carbon Sequestration:
  • The rock traps carbon through mineral carbonation, where CO₂ reacts with calcium in slag to form calcite.
• Environmental Benefits:
  • Reduces carbon emissions and mitigates harmful metal release in coastal areas.
• Applications:
  • Can be used to protect coasts from erosion while sequestering carbo