CONTEXT: The new research station will be located just a few kilometres away from the Maitri station currently operating in the eastern Antarctica region.

• A team of Indian polar scientists has identified a site for India's new research station in Antarctica, called Maitri-II.
• The research base will be located near the existing Maitri station in eastern Antarctica.
• India has been conducting expeditions to Antarctica for over three decades, focusing on marine, biological, geological, and atmospheric sciences. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa is the nodal agency for these expeditions.
• Maitri, India's second research base in Antarctica, has been operational since 1989. However, due to aging and limitations, there's a need for a new facility, Maitri-II.
• The new site for Maitri-II was identified during a visit by a delegation of experts led by M Ravichandran, Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary. Factors like water availability, transportation, and waste management were considered during the site inspection.
• The Survey of India is currently conducting a topographical survey of the site, and high-resolution maps are expected early next year.
• Maitri-II will be constructed adhering to environmental norms and will be a state-of-the-art facility.
• The development plan, consultant identification, tendering, contract awarding, and prefabrication are each expected to take 18 months. The new research base is scheduled to be operational in January 2029.

ANTARCTICA

• It is the southernmost continent and lies entirely within the Antarctic Circle spread around the South Pole.
• It separated from the rest of the world by the icy waters of the Southern Ocean which comprises of the southern portions of the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans.
• It is the fifth-largest continent.
• The continent is a high plateau that is frozen throughout the year.
• There is no coastal plain.
• There are mountain ranges, peaks, a rift valley, and volcanoes.
• Two broad inlets, the Weddell Sea and the Ross Sea and the Trans-
• Antarctic Mountains that cross the entire continent divide the land into West Antarctica and East Antarctica. The former faces the Pacific Ocean. The Antarctic Peninsula points towards South America. It is the continuation of the Andes Mountain range.
• East Antarctica, faces the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Mount Erebus, an active volcano, is actually of the Ross Sea.
• It is the only continent that is completely covered by permanent ice and snow hence it is known as the white continent.
• The valleys between the mountain ranges are dry, windy, frozen and barren and strangely called oases.

CONTEXT: Japan will attempt to become just the fifth country in the world to soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon.

• The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the successful insertion of its "Smart Lander for Investigating Moon" (SLIM) into lunar orbit at 1:21 PM IST.
• SLIM's elliptical lunar orbit connects the Moon's south and north poles with a period of about 6.4 hours.
• The altitude ranges from about 600 kilometers at the closest point to the Moon (perilune) to 4,000 kilometers at the furthest point (apolune).
• JAXA plans to lower the apolune point until mid-January 2024, and the perilune point will be lowered to an altitude of 15 kilometers on January 19.
• The descent towards the Moon is set to begin on January 20, with the mission aiming for a soft landing.
• SLIM, also known as the "Moon sniper," is on a uniquely long route to the Moon and is the second Japanese mission targeting a soft landing.
• Weighing just 200 kilograms, SLIM is designed to demonstrate precision landing capabilities, aiming to land within 100 meters of the chosen site.
• This mission is critical for ensuring spacecraft can land close to scientifically interesting sites on the Moon, accessible by a rover.
• SLIM's objective includes landing near a small crater named Shinoli in the Moon's equatorial region.
• If successful, SLIM will be the smallest and lightest spacecraft to land on the Moon, marking Japan's entry into the list of countries achieving soft landings on the lunar surface.
• The Chandrayaan-3 lander, by comparison, weighed about 1,750 kilograms.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

It is Japan's national agency for air and space activities, established through the amalgamation of three distinct organizations on October 1, 2003. JAXA holds responsibilities for satellite research, technology advancement, and satellite launches into orbit. Additionally, it engages in ambitious missions like exploring asteroids and contemplating human exploration of the Moon. The agency operates under the motto "One JAXA" and follows the corporate slogan "Explore to Realize," formerly known as "Reaching for the skies, exploring space."

Chandrayaan-3

The Chandrayaan-3 program marks India's third lunar mission and second endeavor to achieve a gentle landing on the moon's  surface. Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 14, 2023, the spacecraft successfully entered lunar orbit on August 5, 2023, with a historic moment occurring on August 23, 2023, when the lander achieved a successful touchdown near the lunar south pole.

Mission Objectives:

• Demonstrate a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.
• Showcase rover mobility on the moon.
• Conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Components:

Chandrayaan-3 comprises three modules:

• Propulsion Module: Responsible for carrying the lander and rover configuration to a 100 km lunar orbit. This module features the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload for studying Earth's spectral and polarimetric measurements from the lunar orbit.
• Lander Module (Vikram): Carries a scientific payload with instruments such as Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) for measuring thermal conductivity and temperature, Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) for assessing seismicity, and Langmuir Probe (LP) for estimating plasma density variations. Additionally, a passive Laser Retroreflector Array from NASA is included for lunar laser ranging studies.
• Rover Module (Pragyan): Equipped with instruments like Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to analyze the lunar surface and subsurface composition near the landing site.

Recent Attacks and Tensions:

• Drone attack on Chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto near Gujarat raises concerns for Indian oil importers and exporters.
• Red Sea attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels, protesting Israel’s actions, impact global trade routes.
• Choke points Suez Canal and Panama Canal pose threats to over one-third of global trade.

Global Trade Concerns:

• Maritime transport disruption worries the world economy as over 80% of global goods trade relies on sea routes.
• Blockages in busy shipping routes force longer alternate routes, increasing freight rates.

Impact on India:

• Red Sea route disruption may raise Indian agricultural product prices by 10-20%, affecting exporters.
• Trade routes via Cape of Good Hope due to Red Sea issues coincide with higher interest rates in the West, raising demand concerns.

Panama Canal Challenges:

• Shipping via Panama Canal drops over 50% due to drought conditions, leading to longer routes through the Suez Canal.
• Dry rainy season raises fears of prolonged canal bottlenecks, impacting LNG vessels with costly auctions for expedited transit.

Oil Flows to India:

• Global shipping majors like Maersk avoid Red Sea transit, leading to over 50% decline in global oil and petroleum flows.
• Indian imports unaffected; Russian oil passes through, perceived as Iran’s ally despite Red Sea disruptions.

Impact on Freight Rates:

• Red Sea attacks prompt global shipping firms to impose war risk surcharges, potentially causing a 25-30% surge in freight rates.
• EU slowdown affects India's labor-intensive sectors, impacting textiles, gems, and jewelry exports.

Solutions:

A. Immediate Measures:

Red Sea:

• International Maritime Security Coalition: Strengthen the existing US-led coalition to deter Houthi attacks and ensure safe passage of vessels.
• Diplomatic efforts: Engage with Yemeni stakeholders and regional powers to de-escalate the conflict and find a peaceful resolution.
• Alternative Routes: Explore and incentivize the use of safer ports and alternative routes outside the Bab-el-Mandeb for non-essential cargo.

Panama Canal:

• Water conservation measures: Implement stricter water management practices within the canal and surrounding areas to optimize water usage.
• Infrastructure development: Consider expanding existing or building new canal segments to reduce reliance on drought-prone Gatun Lake.
• Diversification of shipping routes: Promote investment in alternative routes like transcontinental land corridors and Arctic shipping lanes to diversify dependence.

B. Long-Term Strategies:

Investment in port infrastructure: Upgrade port facilities across the globe to improve efficiency and accommodate larger vessels.

Technological advancements: Promote adoption of autonomous shipping technologies and fuel-efficient vessel designs to reduce reliance on traditional infrastructure.

Global trade diversification: Encourage trade agreements and partnerships among diverse regions to reduce dependence on specific choke points.

Strengthening multilateral cooperation: Foster international collaboration to ensure the security and stability of key maritime trade routes.

Conclusion:

The challenges at the Red Sea and Panama Canal necessitate swift and decisive action. A multi-faceted approach focusing on immediate solutions, long-term infrastructure development, technological innovation, and international cooperation is critical to mitigate the risks of these disruptions and build a more resilient global trade system.

Background: For decades, the role of government intervention in shaping economic development has been fiercely contested. While free-market proponents advocate for minimal interference, others argue for strategic government involvement to guide and accelerate industrial growth.

This discussion resurfaces in light of various challenges faced by economies globally. Issues like income inequality, technological disruption, and climate change raise important questions about the direction and composition of industrial development. Proponents of active industrial policy see it as a tool to address these issues, foster strategic sectors, and ensure equitable growth.

Important points:

• MII vs. Self-sufficiency: The author argues that MII is not a return to the self-sufficiency policies of the 1970s, which led to inefficiencies and shortages. MII focuses on export-oriented manufacturing and attracting investments through incentives.
• Concerns about Protectionism: There are concerns that MII, by raising tariffs and protecting domestic industries, could lead to inefficiencies and higher prices for consumers. The author cites the example of mobile phone components to illustrate this point.
• MII's Objectives and Performance: MII aims to make India a global manufacturing hub and create 100 million jobs. However, it has not achieved these goals so far. The new industrial policy (NIP) is on hold, raising questions about its role in boosting manufacturing and job creation.
• Focus on Labor-Intensive Manufacturing: The author argues that India should prioritize labor-intensive manufacturing to create jobs for its large workforce. PLI schemes are good for high-end manufacturing, but the informal sector and MSMEs need support to contribute to mass job  creation. China's success in manufacturing is attributed to its focus on scale and efficiency.
• The Debate: The statement highlights the ongoing debate about the most effective way to create jobs:
• Advocates of industrial policy: Believe it allows governments to directly target sectors with high employment potential, like labor-intensive manufacturing. They argue PLI, focused on high-end sectors, may not create enough jobs for India's vast workforce.
• Supporters of PLI: Acknowledge its limited employment impact but emphasize its benefits in building technological competence, attracting foreign investment, and boosting exports. They argue a broader industrial policy can complement PLI to address job creation.

Key Issues:

• Jobless growth: India's economic growth in recent years has not translated into sufficient job creation, particularly in the formal sector. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing policies.
• Shifting job landscape: Automation and technological advancements are changing the nature of work, necessitating policies that support skill development and adaptability in the workforce.
• Informal sector dominance: A large portion of India's workforce is employed in the informal sector, characterized by low wages and insecurity. Creating formal jobs and promoting transition from informal to formal work is crucial.

The Road Ahead:

Finding the right balance between PLI and a comprehensive industrial policy is crucial. A successful strategy may include:

• Targeting labor-intensive sectors: Prioritizing industries with high job creation potential, like clothing, food processing, and light manufacturing.
• Skill development: Investing in programs to equip the workforce with necessary skills for both existing and emerging job opportunities.
• Formalization of the informal sector: Implementing policies to incentivize and facilitate the transition of informal workers to formal employment.
• Effective implementation: Ensuring clear and efficient policy design, transparent administration, and robust monitoring mechanisms to maximize the impact of industrial policy on job creation. The challenge lies in designing a holistic approach that leverages the strengths of both PLI and broader industrial policy while addressing specific needs of the Indian economy and workforce. The ongoing debate, as the statement reflects, underlines the importance of finding this optimal balance for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Challenges for India in South Asia:

Nostalgia & Outdated Approaches:

• The lament over India "losing" South Asia masks a disconnect from the region's evolving dynamics.
• Nostalgia for the British Raj and self-centered perspectives hinder India's regional influence.

Beyond Hawks & Doves:

• Neither "tougher" nor "nicer" policies address the deep structural challenges facing India in South Asia.
• Internal issues and unresolved regional disputes require nuanced solutions, not binary approaches.

Ghosts of Partition & Shifting Power:

• The Partition's legacy, particularly the Kashmir issue, continues to impede regional unity and cooperation.
• China's rise and the diversification of external influences complicate India's position in the region.

From Hegemony to Partnership:

• India's "Raj mindset" of regional dominance undermines trust with smaller neighbors.

Beyond Military & Economics:

• India's influence is limited to military presence and economic clout.

Way Forward: Embracing a New Reality

To thrive in this new reality, India needs to adopt a multi-pronged approach:

1. Abandon the "Raj Mindset": Discarding visions of regional primacy inherited from the British Raj is crucial. South Asian nations are sovereign entities with their own interests and agency.
2. Focus on Mutual Cooperation: Building deeper partnerships based on shared interests and economic ties with individual South Asian countries will foster trust and regional stability.
3. Address Internal Challenges: Strengthening India's domestic economy, promoting social harmony, and upholding democratic values will enhance its regional leadership appeal.
4. Acknowledge Shifting Power Dynamics: Recognizing the growing influence of China and other external actors in the region is vital for formulating effective engagement strategies.
5. Promote Regional Integration: Championing collaborative initiatives on regional issues like climate change, disaster management, and terrorism can foster a sense of shared purpose and interdependence.
6. Engage with Diverse Narratives: Moving beyond self-referential perspectives and understanding the historical and cultural complexities of each South Asian nation can build empathy and cooperation.
7. Embrace Soft Power: Investing in cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and knowledge sharing platforms can strengthen India's influence beyond military or economic means.
8. A New Subcontinent Emerges: The Subcontinent is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by changing relations and external influences.India must adapt its approach to thrive in this new reality.

By eschewing outdated notions and adopting a nuanced, multi-pronged approach, India can not only secure its interests in South Asia but also emerge as a leader in shaping a more prosperous and cooperative future for the entire region. This requires acknowledging the changing reality, ditching the nostalgia for a lost era, and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead in a new South Asia.

Moving Beyond Loss and Nostalgia

The narrative of India "losing" South Asia is not only inaccurate but also unproductive. It's rooted in nostalgia for a bygone era and overlooks the region's evolving dynamics and India's own substantial capabilities. The real question lies not in lamenting a perceived loss, but in how India can effectively navigate and shape its role in a changing South Asia.

Context: The Government of India has declared ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-MA as an 'Unlawful Association' under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.

About Muslim League Jammu Kashmir

• Led by Masarat Alam, the successor of the late Syed Ali Shah Geelani and incumbent Hurriyat Conference chairman, the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir is a separatist organisation.

About Masarat Alam:

• Masarat Alam is currently in Jail and has been under detention for almost 13 years now.
• Though he was released after the late Syed Ali Shah Geelani requested the release of political prisoners, Alam was again detained after Pakistani flags were waved during protests organised by him. As per reports by FirstPost, Alam allegedly orchestrated protests from jail in 2016 after meeting some people.
• In 2010, Alam was among the main organisers of anti-India protests in the Valley. Following the protests, he, along with other leaders, was arrested under PSA (Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act), but later released in 2015 by the Mehbooba Mufti-led government. This led to the friction between the PDP and BJP coalition in the Valley.

UAPA implications:

• With UAPA imposed on MLJK-MA, the organisation will now be subject to the stipulations and penalties outlined in the UAPA Act. These can include a ban on its activities, confiscation of property, and criminal penalties for its members.

Context: The apex court was hearing the appeal of a woman who was accused by her newly-wed sister-in-law of using foul language and dumping the latter’s belongings in the dustbin

The Issue: The Supreme Court of India ruled that a single instance of bad behavior, including using foul language and disposing of another's belongings, does not amount to "cruelty" under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to dowry harassment.

The Verdict: The court quashed the criminal proceedings against a woman accused by her sister-in-law of such behavior due to:

• Lack of material evidence beyond the single incident.
• Accused not living with the complainant, residing abroad.
• Complainant's vague and general accusations.
• Previous divorce of the complainant from the accused's brother.

Solutions:

• Focus on pattern of behavior: Instead of relying on isolated incidents, courts should consider a pattern of repeated abusive behavior towards the wife by the husband or his relatives.
• Strengthen evidence requirements: More concrete evidence beyond verbal claims should be required to substantiate accusations of cruelty under Section 498A.
• Promote mediation and counseling: Encourage family mediation and counseling before resorting to legal action to address marital discord and potential for reconciliation.
• Reform Section 498A: Consider potential amendments to the law to clarify and refine the definition of "cruelty" and protect against misuse of the Section.

• Overall, the ruling emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of evidence and consideration of context before applying the strict penalties associated with Section 498A. Implementing the proposed solutions can help ensure its effective application in genuine cases of dowry harassment while minimizing misinterpretations and misuse.

Context: Researchers have developed a new electronics soil that was found to increase the growth of barley seedlings by 50 per cent in a new study.

News:

• A new eSoil, developed by the Electronic Plants group at Linköping University, enhances barley seedling growth by an average of 50% in hydroponic cultivation.
• The low-power bioelectronic scaffolding, called eSoil, is designed for soilless cultivation methods like hydroponics, providing an electrically conductive substrate.

• eSoil is composed of cellulose, a biopolymer, mixed with a conductive polymer called PEDOT, offering a sustainable alternative to non-biodegradable mineral wool commonly used in hydroponics.
• The unique aspect of eSoil is its low energy consumption and absence of high-voltage dangers, making it safe for electrical stimulation of roots during cultivation.
• While the precise biological mechanisms are not fully understood, the study reveals that eSoil enhances the processing of nitrogen in seedlings, contributing to improved growth rates.
• Significance:
• • Researchers emphasize that eSoil may not solve global food security issues but can be valuable in regions with limited arable land and challenging environmental conditions.
  • eSoil enables faster seedling growth using fewer Resources, offering potential benefits for urban agriculture in controlled settings.
  • The development aligns with the need for innovative agricultural methods to meet the increasing demands of a growing global population and address challenges posed by climate change.

Context: The advisory by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) mandates that intermediaries communicate prohibited content, particularly those specified under Rule 3(1)(b) of the IT Rules, clearly and precisely to users.

News:

• The Indian government issued an advisory to social media platforms regarding compliance with IT rules, specifically addressing concerns about deepfakes. The advisory follows a meeting between officials from companies like Meta, Google, Telegram, Koo, Sharechat, Apple,  HP, and Dell with Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar regarding the threat of deepfakes.
• Social media platforms are mandated to inform users about content not permitted under IT Rules, especially those listed in Rule 3(1)(b), during registration and regularly during logins or information uploads.
• Platforms must ensure users are aware of penal provisions, including those in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the IT Act 2000, in case of Rule 3(1)(b) violations.

  Rule 3(1)(b) within the IT rules' due diligence section requires intermediaries to communicate their rules, regulations, privacy policy, and user agreement in the user's preferred language and prevent the hosting or sharing of specified prohibited content.

• The advisory aims to combat misinformation, deepfakes powered by AI, and to enhance the safety and trust of users on the internet.
• The government nominated an officer to assist users in filing FIRs against social media firms in cases related to deepfakes.

Context:  According to an analysis of India’s official trade data by The Indian Express, Russia’s share in India’s oil imports (by volume) in October was 31.9 per cent, down from 34.8 per cent in September.

News:

• Russian Share Decline: Russia's share in India's oil imports dropped to 31.9% in October, an eight-month low.This decline continued for four consecutive months from the peak of 44.7% in June.
• West Asian Suppliers' Recovery: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE collectively achieved a seven-month high share of 44.1% in October. Their combined share increased consistently month-over-month since June.
• OPEC's Overall Share: OPEC's share in India's oil imports reached 50.2% in October, up from 49.1% in September. OPEC's share had dropped to 71.3% in April 2022 but has been recovering, led by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
• Discounts and Price Trends: Discounts on Russian oil declined due to factors such as oil price volatility, shipping charges, and competition from Chinese refiners.The discount on Russian crude, compared to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, was 5.7% in October.Discounts on Russian oil with respect to the average price of all OPEC suppliers fell to 6.9% in October.
• Factors Affecting Russian Oil Discounts: Factors include high oil price volatility, shipping and insurance charges, competition from Chinese refiners, export cuts by Russia, domestic demand, and bypassing restrictions.
• Importance of Discounts for India:

• Even as discounts on Russian oil have shrunk, they remain crucial for India, which relies on imports for over 85% of its oil needs.Lower concessions help India save billions of dollars in foreign exchange.
• Indian refiners saved approximately $3.3 billion in H1 FY24 through the purchase of discounted Russian crude.Savings are estimated to have risen to $3.55 billion for April-November.
• Opaque Pricing of Russian Crude: Discounts on Russian oil remain unclear due to opaque pricing, with Russian crude bought on a delivered basis. Indian refiners compare the average landed price of Russian crude with the average price of oil from other suppliers as a marker for discounts.

Context: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is on a five-day visit to Russia, made the announcement after his "comprehensive and productive" meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on the bilateral economic cooperation during which they witnessed signing of agreements on nuclear power and in areas of medicines, pharmaceutical substances and medical devices.

Kudankulam nuclear plant

• Kudankulam, situated in Tamil Nadu, stands as India's largest operational nuclear power plant, featuring two Russian- designed VVER-1000 reactors with a total capacity of 2,000 MW.
• The construction began in March 2002. Since February 2016, the first power unit of the Kudankulam NPP has been steadily operating at its design capacity of 1,000 MW. The plant is expected to start operating at full capacity in 2027, according to Russian state media.
• The reactors at Kudankulam are pressurized water reactors designed by Russia, specifically the VVER-1000/V-412 model, also known as AES-92.
• An Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the project was signed on November 20, 1988, by then-Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, and Soviet head of state, Mikhail Gorbachev. This agreement aimed at constructing two reactors.
• The project faced a decade-long delay due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
• In 2019, NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) confirmed the presence of malware in the internet-connected administrative network. However, they asserted that the critical internal network was isolated from the cyber threat. Despite earlier denials, the malware was eventually linked to the Lazarus Group, a North Korea-based hacking entity.

ISRO's XPoSat was successfully launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

About- India's inaugural scientific satellite to measure space-based polarization of X-ray emissions from celestial sources such as black holes and neutron stars in the medium energy band (8-30 keV).

• Orbit location - Low earth orbit (650 km), low inclination of 6 degree)
• Launch vehicle - PSLV C58
• Mission life - 5 years
• Payloads - The satellite carries 2 payloads.

XPoSAT is the 2^nd spacecraft in the world which will study celestial bodies using polarimetric techniques, after NASA's Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE).

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)

• The fourth stage of PSLV (PS4), also called the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) will perform orbital experiments.Since this is the 3^rd time ISRO has used PS4 to exhibit orbital experiments, XPoSAT's PS4 is called POEM-3.
• The spent PS4 stage will be used to conduct in-orbit scientific experiments in microgravity conditions for an extended duration of 4-6 months.
• It derives power from the solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank and a Lithium-ion battery.
• POEM-3 is equipped with 10 payloads.

South Africa has moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to declare that the Israel was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

• The convention was officially called as the UN’s Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
• It is an instrument of international law that codified for the first time the crime of genocide in 1948.
• The Convention calls on all States to maintain vigilance, and push for action to prevent genocide, everywhere.
• According to the convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:

(a) Killing members of the group;

(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;

(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;

(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;

(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.

• According to the Convention, genocide is a crime that can take place both in time of war as well as in time of peace.
• India ratified the convention in 1959.

Every year on 9 December, the UN marks the adoption of the Genocide Convention with the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

Over 5,000 tourists visited Sula Vineyard facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik on December 24^th 2023, the most on a single day sale of ?85 lakh.

• Wine – An alcoholic beverage with alcohol content from 12% or more so of distilled spirits (all by volume).
• Production - India’s shares less than 1% in global production, while France, Italy, Spain and the US tops globally.
• Maharashtra holds 90% of India’s total wine production.

Over the last few years wine as a category has grown faster than Indian Made Foreign Liquor segment but its share in total alcohol sales in the country is still less than a 1%.

• Wine tourism – The growth of home grown brands and the availability of imported wines are driving travel interest to vineyards in India and overseas.
• Maharashtra’s Nashik is emerging as the ‘Wine Capital of India’
  • It receives more than 3.5 lakh visitors every year.

Sula, India’s largest wine producer, with its 1^st resort at its vineyard in Nashik. Over 3 days in 2023, it received 12,000 visitors who contributed ?2.28 crore in revenue.

• Steps taken – Reduction in duties and stepped-up marketing campaigns.
• Economic importance - According to International Spirits & Wines Association of India, wine tourism in Nashik has benefitted nearby villages by creating new opportunities like hotel properties, food industry, local farmers and retail merchants.
• It also helps Maharashtra to improve state GDP by nearly 20%.

Ghol fish, the State fish of Gujarat whose air bladder is used in the production of wine and beer.

Judima, a home-made rice wine of Assam’s Dimasa tribe has become the 1^st traditional brew in all of northeast to earn a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its distinct sweet taste.

National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) has successfully expanded litchi cultivation in India by providing technical help, plants and training to farmers.

• It is a sweet juicy fruit which is also known as lychee or lichee.
• Scientific name – Litchi chinensis under soapberry family (Sapindaceae).
• It is a small, oval roundish fruit that is native to Southeast Asia.
• Growing conditions – A sensitive fruit influenced by temperature, rainfall, humidity and soil suitability as well.
• Climate changes can make the fruit to grow smaller, less sweet and juicy and crack.
• In India – It mainly grows in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand.
• Commercial cultivation – More than 0.1 million hectares of land across 19 Indian states including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Mizoram among others.
• Litchi harvest – It takes place in summer in North India while in Karnataka, it takes place in the winter.
• Production – Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Assam accounts for 78% of the total production in the country.
• Bihar alone produces 43% of total litchi and occupies nearly 35% of the area in India.

Muzaffarpur region of Bihar, the litchi capital of India.

• Popular varieties – Shahi litchi, China, Gandki Lalima, Gandki Sampada and Gandki Yogita.

Shahi litchifrom Bihar known for its sweet, juicy, unique flavour and aroma with pearly white aril has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Litchi fruit contains a toxin, methylene cyclopropyl-glycine (MCPG), which is known to be fatal by causing encephalitis-related deaths.  This is especially harmful when consumed by malnourished children.

• A savings or current account is treated as inoperative, if there are no ‘customer induced transactions’ in the account for a period of over 2 years.
• A customer induced transaction can be a financial transaction initiated by or done at the
  • Behest of the account holder by the bank or third party, or
  • A non-financial transaction, or

A KYC (know your customer) updation done in face-to-face physical mode or through digital channels such as internet banking or mobile banking application of the bank.

• RGIA in Hyderabad was ranked 2^nd among the top 20 global airports with the highest On-Time Performance (OTP), according to Cirium’s annual report released recently.
• On-time performance (OTP) is a measure of how punctual an airline's flights are compared to their scheduled times.

A flight is considered on-time if it arrives or departs within 15 minutes of its scheduled time.