Legacy of SC Bose

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

On the occasion of Parakram Diwas 2025, the Ministry of Culture is organising a grand celebration from 23rd January to 25th January 2025 at Barabati Fort in Cuttack, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birthplace. 

• 21^st January marks the 80th death anniversary of Rash Behari Bose, a founding leader of the Indian National Army with whom Subhas Chandra Bose was associated. 

What is Parakram Diwas? 

• About: Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor) is celebrated annually on 23rd January to honor the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s greatest freedom fighters. 
  • Parakram Diwas 2025 is being celebrated on the 128th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose (SC Bose). 
• Past Celebrations: 
  • 2021: The first Parakram Diwas was held at Kolkata's Victoria Memorial. 
  • 2022: A hologram statue of Netaji was unveiled at India Gate, New Delhi. 
  • 2023: 21 islands in Andaman and Nicobar were named after Param Vir Chakra awardees like Major Somnath Sharma, Nayak Jadunath Singh etc. 
  • 2024: The event was inaugurated at Red Fort, Delhi, marking the site of the INA trials. 
• Significance: The day symbolizes the courage, valor, and patriotism of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who led the Indian National Army (INA) and advocated for complete independence. 
  • It also serves as a reminder of Netaji’s famous slogan, "Give me blood, and I will give you freedom," which inspired millions in the fight for India's independence. 

What are Key Facts About SC Bose? 

• Early Life: Born in 1897 in Cuttack (now in Odisha, then in Bengal), to Janakinath and Prabhavati Bose, Netaji was raised in a family that valued English education and Hindu customs. 
  • He attended Ravenshaw Collegiate School and later studied at Presidency College, Calcutta, where he became involved in anti-British activism. 
• Ideological Foundations: He was inspired by the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, as well as the themes of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Ananda Math. 
  • He developed a unique synthesis of Western and Indian cultures, focused on India's freedom and revival. 
• Early Political Involvement: SC Bose passed the Indian Civil Service exam in 1920 but resigned in 1921 to join the Indian freedom struggle. 
  • In 1921, Netaji met Mahatma Gandhi in Bombay but disagreed with his approach to independence, particularly his patience and commitment to non-violence. 
• Disagreements with Congress: In 1938, Netaji was elected Congress president at the Haripura session, and advocated for swaraj and opposed an Indian federation under the Government of India Act, 1935. 
  • In 1939, Netaji was re-elected as Congress president in the Tripuri session, defeating Gandhi-backed Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya. Gandhi saw this as a personal defeat, leading to the resignation of 12 out of 15 Working Committee members, including JL Nehru, Patel, and Rajendra Prasad. 
    • Bose attempted to form a new working committee but failed, leading to his resignation and replacement by Rajendra Prasad. 
  • Bose resigned from the chairmanship of the party on 29th April, 1939 and proposed the Forward Bloc to unite the radical-left Congress members, offering an alternative leadership based on anti-imperialism and socialism after independence. 
• Death: After the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WW II, the Japanese surrendered on 16th August 1945, Bose left South East Asia on a Japanese plane and headed toward China. However, the plane allegedly crashed, leaving SC Bose badly burned, but still alive, according to some accounts. 
• Legacy: Bose’s leadership, ideology, and call for complete independence made him one of the most influential figures in India’s freedom struggle.

What was SC Bose Role in India’s Freedom Movement? 

• Dramatic Escape: Bose was arrested in 1940 before he could campaign to remove the monument dedicated to the Black Hole tragedy of Calcutta, where 123 Europeans died on 20th June 1756 (1 year before Battle of Plassey).  
  • His escape from India in 1941, travelling under various disguises, marked his relentless pursuit of independence, even in the face of British surveillance. 
• International Alliances: After reaching Europe, Bose sought support from Nazi Germany, Soviet Union and later Imperial Japan in Asia, countries that were interested in defeating Britain during World War II.  
  • Bose was allowed to start the Azad Hind Radio and was provided with a few thousand Indian prisoners of war captured by the Axis powers in WW II. 
• Journey to South East Asia: In February 1943, Bose and his aide Abid Hasan traveled from Germany in a submarine, crossing the Atlantic ocean, Cape of Good Hope, and Indian Ocean, before reaching Tokyo by air, completing a 90-day, perilous journey. 
• Indian National Army (INA): INA was formed in 1942, consisting of thousands of Indian prisoners of war captured by the Japanese, and supported by Japanese troops.  
  • Under the Chalo Delhi campaign, INA under SC Bose crossed the Indo-Burma border and marched towards Imphal and Kohima in March 1944. However, it ended in Imphal with the defeat of Japan. 
  • Initially, Captain Mohan Singh was appointed as the commander of INA.  
• Azad Hind Government: In October 1943, Bose formed the Provisional Government of Azad Hind in Singapore. The headquarters moved to Rangoon in January 1944. 
  • It was recognized by 9 countries namely Japan, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Burma, Thailand, Philippines, Manchuria, and the Republic of China (under Wang Jingwei). 
• INA Women’s Regiment: Bose also created the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, which was composed of women who fought alongside men in the struggle for independence. 
• INA Trails: The nationalist sentiment reached a crescendo around the trials of Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon that developed into violent confrontations against the British raj. 
  • INA Trials were a series of military tribunals held by the British colonial government in 1945-46 to try INA officers and soldiers for treason. 

What are Key Facts about Rash Behari Bose? 

• About: Born in Bengal, Rash Behari Bose was inspired by revolutionary ideals from a young age and joined the independence movement at 16. 
• Revolutionary Activities: He gained prominence during the Alipore Bomb Case (1908), and took part in the bomb plot to assassinate Viceroy Charles Hardinge in 1912. 
  • In 1913, Rash Behari Bose met Jatin Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin) under whose mentorship, Bose became more determined to fight for India's freedom. 
  • He became a key figure in the Ghadar Movement, an international political movement founded by Indian expatriates to overthrow British rule. 
  • In Japan in 1924, Rash Behari Bose met Subhas Chandra Bose, facilitated by Veer Savarkar. 
• Escape to Japan: Fleeing British intelligence, he left India in 1915, eventually taking refuge in Japan. 
  • In 1924, he founded the Indian Independence League (IIL) in Japan, with the goal of organizing and mobilizing Indians for the struggle against British rule. 
• Azad Hind Fauj: In 1942, Rash Behari Bose formed Azad Hind Fauj to fight for India’s freedom.  
  • He handed over the leadership of the INA to Subhas Chandra Bose, recognizing his potential to lead the independence struggle. 

Conclusion 

The legacy of both Subhas Chandra Bose and Rash Behari Bose continues to inspire India's independence movement. While Subhas Bose led the Azad Hind Fauj, Rash Behari Bose laid its foundation and played a crucial role in uniting revolutionaries for India’s freedom struggle, leaving an indelible mark in history. 

Drishti Mains Question: How did Subhas Chandra Bose’s vision for India’s independence differ from Mahatma Gandhi’s approach?

Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees' Struggle for Indian Citizenship

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has instructed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to consider the Indian citizenship application of a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee, who has been residing in India since 1984.  

• This directive emphasizes the rights of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees under Indian law.

What is the Plight of Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees? 

• Historical Background: Indian-origin Tamils were brought to Sri Lanka by the British during colonial times as indentured laborers for plantation work. 
• Social Isolation: These Tamils were largely excluded from the political and civil life of Sri Lanka, facing marginalisation from both the Sinhalese (people of Sri Lanka)  and native Tamil communities. 
• Post-1948 Struggles: After Sri Lanka's independence (1948), rising Sinhalese nationalism further disenfranchised Indian-origin Tamils, who were denied citizenship rights and relegated to statelessness (a person is not recognized as a citizen by any country). 
• Bilateral Agreements: The Sirimavo-Shastri Pact (1964) and Sirimavo-Indira Gandhi Pact (1974) outlined that up to six lakh Indian-origin Tamils and their descendants could be granted Indian citizenship, but this process stalled due to various factors, including the Sri Lankan civil war. 
• CAA 2003: Indian-origin Tamils who returned to India before 1982 were granted citizenship, but subsequent arrivals after 1983 were categorized as 'illegal migrants' under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2003. 
  • Indian-origin Sri Lankan Tamils refugees, who fled the Civil War in Sri Lanka fought between the separatist Tamil forces (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)) and the Sri Lankan government from 1983 to 2009, are not eligible for Indian citizenship despite living in India for decades.  
    • The lack of a formal refugee law leaves refugees in legal uncertainty, with no clear path to citizenship or permanent status. 
• Court Rulings: Madras High Court in P. Ulaganathan vs Government of India, 2019 case, emphasized that their exclusion infringes upon the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21 of the Constitution), making the case for an urgent resolution. 
  • In the Abirami S. vs Union of India (2022) case, the Madras High Court called for a humanitarian approach to grant citizenship to Indian-origin Tamils, supporting the principles of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019, which eases citizenship conditions for Hindus from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. 

What are the Challenges Faced by Stateless Individuals? 

• Lack of Basic Rights: Stateless individuals are often denied fundamental rights like education, healthcare, and social services, as they don't have recognized citizenship. 
• Limited Legal Protection: Without legal status, stateless refugees are vulnerable to exploitation, including forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, as they lack the protection that nationality and legal status afford. 
• Economic Exclusion: They often cannot work legally, open bank accounts, or access public welfare programs, leading to economic insecurity. 
• Social Marginalization: Stateless individuals face social exclusion and discrimination, both from state authorities and society, leading to isolation and a lack of integration. 
• Intergenerational Impact: Statelessness can be passed down through generations, leading to a cycle of deprivation and disenfranchisement. 
  • Stateless children may lack property inheritance, parental support, and legal protections. This uncertainty can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, and  depression. 

What is the Process of Acquisition of Indian Citizenship? 

• India's citizenship laws incorporate both jus soli and jus sanguinis principles, balancing birthright and descent in the framework. 
  • ‘Jus soli’ grants citizenship based on birthplace, while ‘jus sanguinis’ recognizes blood ties. 
• Indian citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, registration and naturalization, as outlined in the Citizenship Act, 1955. 
  • By Birth: Persons born in India between 26th January 1950 and 1st July 1987 are Indian citizens regardless of parentage.  
    • Between 1st July 1987 and 2nd February 2004,  if at least one parent is an Indian citizen, the child is a citizen.  
    • After 3rd December 2004, both parents must be Indian or one must be Indian and the other not an illegal migrant. 
  • By Registration: Citizenship can be acquired by registration under certain conditions, such as a person of Indian origin who has resided in India for 7 years ( Section 5(1)(a)). 
    • Persons of Indian origin who are ordinarily residents in any country or place outside undivided India. 
    • Spouses of Indian citizens who have been residing in India for 7 years before applying for registration. 
    • Minor children of Indian citizens. 
  • By Descent: A person born outside India on or after 26th January 1950, is a citizen by descent if their father was an Indian citizen by birth.  
    • For those born between 10th December 1992, and 3rd December 2004, either parent must be an Indian citizen by birth.  
    • After 3rd December 2004, parents must declare the child does not hold another passport, and the birth must be registered at an Indian consulate within one year. 
  • By Naturalization: Requires 12 years of residence in India, and fulfills all qualifications in the third schedule of the Citizenship Act. 

 

Way Forward 

• Legislative Action: The Indian government must take corrective legislative action to grant citizenship to Indian-origin Tamils, including those who arrived post-1983. This may require retroactive measures to manage statelessness. 
  • According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), there are around 29,500 Indian-origin Tamils currently living in India, and India has a moral and legal obligation to provide them with a pathway to citizenship. 
• Naturalization Process: Simplify and expedite the process for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to acquire Indian citizenship, based on residence (Naturalization) and integration. 
• Humanitarian Approach: The government must adopt a compassionate and humanitarian stance, going beyond legal technicalities to restore the dignity and rights of Indian-origin Tamils. 
  • Implement programs for vulnerable groups, like UNHCR's "Safe from the Start" in Ethiopia, to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in refugee camps. 
• Reconciliation: Foster dialogue and peace-building efforts between refugees and local communities to enhance social cohesion.

Read more: Issue of Tamilians in Sri Lanka

Drishti Mains Question:  Discuss the legal challenges faced by Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India. How does their statelessness affect their access to basic rights and services?

Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025

Source: DTE

Why in News?

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report. 

• The report highlights rising cyber threats to critical infrastructure, driven by geopolitical tensions, outdated systems, and a cybersecurity skills gap, stressing the need for enhanced security and resilience.

What are the Key Issues Highlighted in Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025? 

• Vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure: Critical infrastructure sectors like water, biosecurity, communications, energy, and climate are vulnerable to cyberattacks due to outdated technologies and interconnected systems.  
  • Cybercriminals and state actors target operational technology, including undersea cables, risking global data flow.  
  • In 2024 there was a sharp increase in phishing and social engineering attacks, with 42% of organizations reporting such incidents. 
  • Example: A 2024 cyberattack on a US water utility disrupted operations, highlighting vulnerabilities in water treatment facilities. 

• Geopolitical Tensions: Geopolitical conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine war, have heightened cyber and physical attacks on critical sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and water.  
  • Nearly 60% of organizations state that geopolitical tensions have affected their cybersecurity strategy. 

 

• Biosecurity Threats: Advancements in Artificial intelligence (AI), genetic engineering, and biotechnology have heightened biosecurity risks, with cyberattacks on bio-laboratories threatening research and safety protocols.  
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of these dangers, as seen in 2024 attacks on labs in South Africa and the UK. 
• Cybersecurity Skills Gap: The report highlights a critical cybersecurity skills gap, with a shortage of up to 4.8 million professionals globally.  
  • Two-thirds of organizations face notable skills gaps, with only 14% having the required skilled personnel for the current cyber landscape.  
• Cyber Resilience: 35% of small organizations feel their cyber resilience is insufficient. 
  • Public-sector organizations face greater challenges, with 38% reporting low resilience and 49% lacking cybersecurity talent, a 33% rise from 2024. 
• Regional Cybersecurity Disparities:  
  • The report highlights global cybersecurity disparities, with low confidence in incident response rising from 15% in Europe/North America to 36% in Africa and 42% in Latin America. 
• Losses Due to Cybercrime: Cybercrime has become a highly profitable venture, with minimal operational costs and potentially high returns.  
  • The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) estimates losses from cybercrime exceeded USD 12.5 billion in 2023.  

Way Forward 

• Strategic Investment in Cybersecurity: The Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 calls for strategic investment in cybersecurity, urging governments to modernize legacy systems, upgrade operational technologies, and protect critical sectors like water, energy, and biosecurity from rising threats. 
  • The 2022 cyberattacks on Costa Rica highlighted the need to view cybersecurity as a critical investment for the future, not just an expense. 
  • Balancing investments in cybersecurity with competing business priorities is critical. 
• Public-Private Collaboration: Public-private collaboration is vital for sharing threat intelligence, developing secure technologies, and enhancing cybersecurity resilience. 
  • Also, Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may find it challenging to invest in cybersecurity without strong government incentives.  
• Investing in Cybersecurity Skills: There is a need for expanding specialized training programs, offering certifications, and incentivizing workforce development to build a skilled talent pool to counter evolving cyber threats. 
• Focus on Resilience over Prevention: With evolving cyber threats, nations must prioritize resilience by enhancing rapid response mechanisms, establishing crisis management frameworks, and ensuring continuity of essential services during attacks. 
• International Cooperation: To address borderless cyber threats, nations must collaborate through forums like the United Nations (UN) and G20 to establish cybersecurity standards, while developed nations should assist emerging economies in strengthening their cybersecurity frameworks and resilience against cyberattacks. 

Conclusion 

The Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 highlights rising cyber threats to critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for strategic investments, international cooperation, and robust cybersecurity frameworks. As cyber threats evolve, nations must prioritise protecting critical infrastructure to ensure national security, public safety, and economic stability. 

Drishti Mains Questions:  Discuss the key cybersecurity challenges India faces in the digital age and suggest measures to enhance its cybersecurity framework for protecting critical infrastructure.

Saint Narahari Tirtha

Source: DC 

Why in News? 

A three-foot statue of 13^th century saint Narahari Tirtha depicting him with script on palm leaves and flanked by devotees was discovered at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

 

What are the Key Facts Related to Saint Narhari Tīrtha? 

• About: Saint Narahari Tirtha (1243-1333 AD) was a Dvaita philosopher, intellectual, scholar, statesman and saint in the Madhva tradition. 
  • He hailed from Chikakolu (modern-day Srikakulam) in Andhra Pradesh, born into an aristocratic family in the Gajapati empire of Odisha. 
• Role in the Eastern Ganga Dynasty: For over 30 years, Narahari Tīrtha assisted the kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. 
  • He helped the rulers follow Sanātana Dharma and established a structured executive system for managing temple affairs. 
  • His efforts are documented in inscriptions found at Simhachalam and Srikurmam temples. 
• Religious Contributions: He was a follower of Madhvacharya, the originator of Dvaita philosophy and  propagated the Madhvacharya’s Vaiṣṇavism in the region, ensuring its firm establishment in a non-interfering, secular manner.  
  • His influence helped maintain the religious and cultural traditions in the region. 
  • Titles of honor like "Loka Surakṣaṇa Ati Nipuṇaḥ" and "Yo Avati Kalinga Bhu Sambhavān" have been bestowed to recognize his contributions. 
• Intellectual Legacy: He was a prolific writer, composing several texts, though only 2 works—Gita Bhasya and Bhavaprakasika have survived.  
  • He is also credited with composing the first Devaranamas in Kannada. 
• Cultural Contributions: He also contributed to the development of regional art forms and played a vital role in propagating Yakṣagana Bayalaṭa (a dance-drama form from coastal Karnataka) and the classical dance style that evolved into Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh. 
• Legacy: After his death, Narahari Tīrtha was consecrated near Chakratirtha at Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.  
  • His contributions continue to influence the temple traditions of Puri Jagannath, reinforcing the Madhva tradition in Odisha. 

Exercise Stimulates Neuronal Growth

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has revealed that exercise not only strengthens muscles but also stimulates neuron growth through biochemical and physical mechanisms. 

What are the Key Findings of the Study? 

• Nerve-Muscle Crosstalk: The study challenges the traditional view that nerves only control muscles, revealing a bidirectional relationship:  
  • In which muscles promote nerve growth by releasing chemical signals, while the mechanical forces from muscle contractions help improve nerve structure and support regeneration. 
• Role of Myokines: Exercise increases the secretion of myokines, a biochemical compound released by muscles. Which significantly enhance neuronal growth (4x faster) and improve neural maturity and functional abilities. 
• Physical Stress and Neuronal Growth: Physical forces generated during muscle contraction mechanically stimulate nerves, promoting neuronal growth comparable to myokine exposure. 

What are Key facts about Nervous System and Neurons? 

• Nervous System: The nervous system facilitates communication between body parts using electrical and chemical signals, enabling responses to internal and external changes.  
• Types and Function: It has two main components like the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).  
  • The CNS includes the brain (controls body functions and consciousness), and the spinal cord (transmits signals to and from the body).  
  • The PNS consists of all nerves outside the CNS and is divided into the Autonomic Nervous System (which regulates involuntary functions, like heart rate and digestion) and the Somatic Nervous System (which controls voluntary movements and sensory input).  

• Neurons: Neurons (also called neurons or nerve cells) are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system. 
  • The cells responsible for receiving sensory input from the external world, for sending motor commands to our muscles, and for transforming and relaying the electrical signals at every step in between. Each neuron has three main parts:  
    • Dendrites: Receive incoming signals from other neurons or sensory receptors. 
    • Axon: Carries electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles. 
    • Axon Terminals: Release neurotransmitters to pass signals to the next cell. 
  • Neurons communicate with each other through synapses, where neurotransmitters bridge the gap between cells. 

 

Gulf of Aden and Red Sea

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

India’s Defence Minister hinted at a possibility of an increase in threats like maritime piracy, terrorism, and regional conflicts in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and the sea areas adjacent to East African countries.  

• In addition, 2024 was commemorated as the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ that constitute a third of the Navy’s workforce. 

What are Key Facts About the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea? 

• Gulf of Aden: 
  • About: It is an extension of the Indian Ocean, situated between the Arabian Peninsula to the north and the African continent to the south.  
  • Location: It is bounded by Somalia and the Socotra Islands to the south, Yemen to the north, the Arabian Sea to the east, and Djibouti to the west. 
    • It connects to the Somali Sea via the Guardafui Channel and to the Red Sea through the Strait of Bab el Mandeb. 
  • Economic Importance: Around 10% of global seaborne petroleum and over USD 110 billion in India’s trade pass through the Gulf of Aden. 

 

• Red Sea:  
  • About: It is the world's northernmost tropical sea and is underlain by the Red Sea Rift, making it part of the Great Rift Valley. 
    • The name Red Sea may originate from the seasonal blooms of a red-colored cyanobacteria (Trichodesmium erythraeum). 
    • The Red Sea Rift, a divergent boundary between the African and Arabian Plates, is part of the Great Rift Valley system stretching from East Africa to the Middle East. 
  • Location: The Red Sea lies between Africa and Asia and is a semi-enclosed extension of the Indian Ocean. 
    • It connects to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea via the Bab el Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden in the south. 
    • In the north, it bifurcates into the Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez at the Sinai Peninsula, connecting to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. 

• Bordering Countries: The Red Sea borders six countries i.e., Yemen and Saudi Arabia to the east, and Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti to the west. 
  • The Gulf of Aqaba is bordered by Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. 
• Islands: Prominent islands include Tiran near the Gulf of Aqaba, Shadwan at the Gulf of Suez, and Yemen-controlled Kamaran, Perim, Hanish, and Socotra.  
  • The largest group of islands are the Farasan Islands in the east and the Dahlak Archipelago in the west. 

Colombia's Escalating Conflict

Source: TH 

Colombia faces a surge in violence as rival militias clash, threatening its fragile peace process and prompting a state of emergency with military deployments. 

• Violence involves guerilla groups that rejected the earlier peace accords.  
  • The deal terminated the conflict between the Colombian government and the Marxist–Leninist guerillas (1964-2016). 
  • Groups are fighting for control of a strategic border region with coca leaf plantations, the raw material for cocaine production.  
• Hundreds of refugees sought safety in Tibu, a city in Colombia, where several shelters were established to house them.  
• About Colombia: It is called "gateway to South America" due to its location connecting South America with Central and North America.  
  • Its vast grasslands are called Los Llanos and open in both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. 
  • About 10% of the world's animal species live in Colombia, despite it covering less than 1% of Earth's land area. 
  • It is the world’s largest producer of cocaine. 

 

Read More: India-Latin America Trade Relations 

Renaming Gulf of Mexico and Denali

Source: HT 

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and revert Denali to Mount McKinley, to honor American greatness.  

• Governance on Naming: International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) (US and Mexico are members), ensures uniformity but allows domestic alternative names, with no formal renaming protocol.  
  • Mexico and Cuba aren't bound to the new name, and international agreements still use the Gulf of Mexico. 
• Gulf of Mexico: It is the  world’s largest gulf, bordered by Cuba, Mexico, and the US, connects to the Atlantic via the Straits of Florida and to the Caribbean via the Yucatán Channel. 
  • The Gulf of Mexico supplies 14% of US crude oil, 5% of natural gas, and hosts  48% of the US petroleum refining capacity and 51% of the natural gas processing capacity.
• Mount McKinley: Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America, is located in Alaska and was renamed Denali in 2015 to honor the indigenous Koyukon people. 
  •  Reverting to Mount McKinley honors President William McKinley (1897-1901) for his leadership in the Spanish-American War and US economic growth. 
• Similar Global Disputes: The "Persian Gulf" vs. "Arabian Gulf" between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the "Sea of Japan" vs. "East Sea" between Japan and South Korea, and territorial naming disputes in the South China Sea. 

 

 Read more: India-US Relations 

Wind Turbines Along Railway Tracks

Source: BS 

Indian Railways (IR) is exploring the use of wind turbines along railway tracks as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.  

• A pilot project by Western Railway installed mini vertical-axis turbines generating 1-10 kW of electricity, harnessing wind from passing trains. 

Possible Challenges: 

• Logistics: Complex installation and maintenance coordination, particularly in urban areas with limited space. 
• Safety: Turbine failures could pose risks to trains and passengers. 
• Wind Conditions: Optimal wind conditions may not align with railway corridor locations. 
• Space Constraints: Sufficient spacing for turbines may be difficult to achieve along tracks. 
• Economic Viability: High installation and maintenance costs. 

Indian Railways (IR)’ Renewable Energy Progress: 

• By November 2024, IR commissioned 487 MW of solar power, 103 MW of wind power, and 100 MW of Renewable Energy Round-the-Clock (RTC).  
• A total of 2,014 MW of renewable capacity is planned, supporting its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Read More: Rerouting Indian Railways' Future 

Athletics Federation of India (AFI)

Source: TOI 

Bahadur Singh Sagoo has been elected as the new president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).  

• Bahadur Singh Sagoo is a one-time Asian medallist and two-time national champion, won a gold medal in the shot put at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. He also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. 

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) 

• About: AFI was established in 1946 as a non-governmental, non-profit, autonomous apex body for athletics in India. 
  • It is affiliated with World Athletics, the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), and the Indian Olympic Association. 
• Objective: To popularize athletics, improve athlete performance, and make the sport commercially viable. 
• Structure: AFI consists of 32 affiliated state and institutional units. 
• Functions: It organizes National Championships, selects teams for international events, and promotes athletics through competitions. It also focuses on grassroots development, coaching programs, and special camps to nurture talent. 

World Athletics Day: 

• It is celebrated annually on 7^th May (first Day was celebrated on 15th May 1996). 
• It was established in 1996 by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now known as World Athletics, to promote youth participation in athletics. 

Read More: Athletics Federation of India (AFI). 

Cosmic Story of Pluto and Charon

Source: IE 

A recent study suggests that Pluto’s largest moon, Charon, was formed after a violent collision between Pluto and another celestial body. This was followed by a “kiss-and-capture” event, where the two began orbiting each other. 

• Unusual Orbit: Unlike Earth, whose moon orbits the planet, Pluto and Charon are considered a "binary system" where they orbit around a common center of mass, essentially orbiting each other, within the Kuiper Belt making their relationship unique in the solar system. 
  • The Kuiper Belt, beyond Neptune's orbit, is a cold region housing icy objects, similar to the asteroid belt but farther from the Sun. 
• Pluto’s Planetary Status: Pluto, once the ninth planet, was reclassified as a "dwarf planet" in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union. 
  • NASA’s New Horizons mission revealed surprising features on Pluto, such as ice mountains, nitrogen glaciers, and a heart-shaped region called Tombaugh Regio, changing its image from a barren rock to a dynamic, complex world. 
• Moons of Pluto: Charon (largest in size), Nix, Hydra, Kerberos, and Styx. 

Pluto: 

• Discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. 
• Diameter: 1,400 miles, smaller than Earth's Moon. 
• A year on Pluto lasts 248 Earth years; a day lasts 153 hours (about 6 Earth days). 
• The atmosphere consists of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide, with a blue tint and haze layers. 
• Surface temperature ranges from -228°C to -238°C, too cold to support life.

Read More: Spherical Shape of Planets 

Anti-Dumping Duty on Cypermethrin

Source: ET 

Recently, China has imposed an anti-dumping duty on the import of cypermethrin insecticide from India, citing substantial damage to its domestic industry. 

Cypermethrin: 

• It is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide commonly used in agriculture and for household pest control. 
  • Pyrethroids are derived from pyrethrins (a natural compound) found in Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium flowers. 
• It targets a wide range of pests, including ants, cockroaches, and agricultural insects.  
• It is a neurotoxin that acts quickly on insects, killing them by affecting their central nervous system. 

Anti-dumping Duty: 

• Anti-Dumping Duty is a tax imposed on imported goods that are believed to be sold at a price lower than their fair market value in the exporting country. 
  • In India, it is imposed by the Ministry of Finance based on recommendations from the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
• It is calculated as the difference between the normal value and the export value of the product.  
  • Dumping occurs when a country exports goods at prices lower than those in its domestic market, constituting an unfair trade practice as per World Trade Organisation that can distort international trade. 

Read More: Anti-Dumping Duty