- INDIA LAUNCHES OP SINDOOR STRIKES 9 TERRORIST SITES IN PAKISTAN & POK
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The operation was launched in the wake of the Pahlgham attack, reflecting India’s stated commitment to hold those responsible accountable.
- The press release suggests that this was a retaliatory measure to deter future terrorist activities originating from across the border.
- Objective: The operation aimed to strike terrorist camps and infrastructure from where attacks against India were being planned and directed.
- Execution: The Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes, hitting nine specific terrorist sites.
- The operation was described as focused and non-escalatory, meaning it deliberately avoided targeting Pakistani military facilities to prevent broader conflict escalation
2. INDIA AND U.K CONCLUDE LANDMARK TRADE DEAL
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- India and the United Kingdom have finalized ahistoric Free Trade Agreement (FTA). }
- The FTA ensures that99% of Indian exports to the U.K. will benefit from zero-duty access.
- The deal aims to double bilateral trade by 2030.
- U.K. to benefit from tariff reductions on whisky, gin, and automotive imports.
- India to gain from reduced import duties on cosmetics, medical and aerospace devices, electrical machinery, chocolates, lamb, salmon, and biscuits, enhancing consumer access.
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA):A pact between two or more nations to reduce trade barriers—such as tariffs and import quotas to facilitate increased trade and investment.
- Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA):Prevents businesses or individuals from being taxed twice on the same income in two countries.
3. CENTRE PLAN REVISION OF SAFE HARBOUR CLAUSE
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Govt plans to revise Section 79 of IT Act (safe harbour provision) protecting intermediaries from user content liability.
- Triggered by fake news rise, especially post-Pahalgam attack.
- Section 79:Intermediaries not liable if they follow govt rules.
- Recent action:18 YouTube channels blocked for misinformation.
- Proposal: Platforms to proactively remove fake news, not just respond to orders.
- Policy shift:From self-regulation to statutory frameworks.
- I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (Nov 2024): Emphasized platform responsibility.
4. BIRDS THAT THRIVE IN URBAN SPACES SPORT COLOURS DIFFERENT FROM LESS SUCCESSFUL ONES
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- Urban birds show brighter/specific colours compared to forest birds; urban ecology shapes evolutionary patterns.
- Study:Analysed global bird species data with habitat types.
- Finding: Urban birds not less colourful; contradicts urban colour homogenisation hypothesis.
- Less successful urban birds:Brown, grey, black (cryptic colours).
- Success traits:Bright colours signal dominance, mating fitness, adaptability.
- Ecological pressures:Fewer urban predators, open environments favour bold colours.
- Colour sources: Carotenoids, structural reflection, melanin.
- Sexual dimorphism: Males vibrant for mating; females camouflaged for nesting.
5. GOVT AMENDS SATELLITE INTERNET SERVICE RULES
SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- DoT issues new rules for satellite internet providers under Unified Licence (UL)and GMPCS authorisation.
- Triggered by security concerns post-Pahalgam attack.
- Geofencing: Terminals disabled abroad to prevent misuse in sensitive zones.
- Surveillance: Providers must allow web traffic monitoring.
- Make-in-India: Terminals to be manufactured domestically within 5 years.
- Starlink Impact: Delays in spectrum allocation due to compliance burden.
- Policy intent:Ensure control and interception capabilities over satellite networks.
