- SATELLITE PROJECTS AIM TO HEAD OFF FUTURE WILDFIRES
SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- Scientists and engineers are leveraging satellite data and machine learning to predict and manage wildfires in the face of increasing climate related risks.
- Role of Satellites: Satellites detect dry areas prone to wildfire outbreaks, actively monitor flames and smoke, and track gas emissions.
- Different satellites serve unique purposes:
- Low-earth orbit satellites(below 1,000 km):Provide high resolution images but observe any specific point only briefly.
- Geostationary satellites(36,000 km altitude): Offer continuous observation of the same area but at lower resolution.
- Innovations: Colorado-based Earth Fire Alliance plans to deploy a low orbit satellite constellation capable of imaging points on Earth every20 minutes.
- OroraTech, a Germany-based company, launched nanosatellites that deliver ultra-fast wildfire alerts and thermal data.
2. PRIORITISING IMEC IS IN AMERICA’S BEST INTEREST
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC):
- Objective: Alternative to China’s BRI; enhance trade, energy routes, and digital infrastructure.
- Participants: India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, the US, and European countries.
- Benefits: Cross-border electricity and hydrogen grids.
- Reduced transport costs and enhanced economic integration.
- India’s Role: Promoting green hydrogen; positioning as a leader in decarbonization efforts.
3. STUDY MOOTS INCLUSION OF 179 GROUPS IN SC, ST, OBC LISTS
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Study Details: Conducted by Anthropological Survey of India and Tribal Research Institutes; identified 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes.
- Recommendations: 46 groups for OBC, 29 for SC, and 10 for ST status.
- Uttar Pradesh recommended the most additions (19), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Concerns: 63 communities classified as“not traceable.”
- Pending Actions: Report awaiting scrutiny by NITI Aayog; recommendations yet to be finalized
4. TRUMP, 47TH U.S. PRESIDENT VOWS TO STOP ALL CENSORSHIP
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Declared a “national emergency” at the Mexico border.
- Announced withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
- Renamed Gulf of Mexico as “Gulf of America.”
- Introduced gender-related policies and stricter immigration controls.
- Prioritized energy production and rolled back EV mandates.
- Called for a focus on “traditional values.”
- Promised to restore the death penalty and citizenship rules for undocumented children.
- Emphasis on tax reforms and reducing trade deficits.
- Strengthening “America First” policies for global negotiations
5. CENTRE LIFTS BAN, GIVES NOD FOR SUGAR EXPORT
SUBJECT: AGRICULTURE
- Decision: Partial lifting of the sugar export ban, allowing export of 1 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season ending September.
- Reason:
- Price stability.
- Financial support to 5 crore farmer families and 5 lakh workers.
- Key Measures: Sugar mills allowed to export all grades within allocated quantities by September 30.
- Aimed at boosting liquidity for sugar mills and balancing sugar availability.
- Background: Ban imposed in October 2023 to regulate domestic prices
