CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a strategic initiative aimed at promoting economic growth and development in the Indo-Pacific region.
• It focuses on fostering collaboration among Indo-Pacific nations to enhance trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
• The framework emphasizes principles of openness, inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability.
• Key objectives include infrastructure development, connectivity enhancement, trade facilitation, and the promotion of digital economy and innovation.
• IPEF aims to harness the economic potential of the Indo-Pacific region, which is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies and emerging markets.
• The framework encourages public-private partnerships and multilateral cooperation to address common challenges and promote shared prosperity.
• It seeks to leverage existing regional mechanisms and initiatives while promoting new avenues for economic integration and cooperation.
• Through IPEF, participating countries can strengthen economic resilience, enhance competitiveness, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.
• Overall, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity serves as a blueprint for fostering economic prosperity and stability in the dynamic Indo-Pacific region.

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• Volcanic vortex rings are rare atmospheric phenomena observed during volcanic eruptions.
• They are essentially smoke or ash rings that form in the turbulent plumes ejected from volcanoes.
• These rings are similar in structure to the smoke rings blown by humans but are much larger and more powerful.
• The formation of volcanic vortex rings occurs due to the interaction of buoyant volcanic gases and the surrounding air.
• Volcanic vortex rings can vary in size and shape, ranging from a few meters to several kilometers in diameter.
• They are often visible for a short period before dissipating or being carried away by winds.
• Scientists study these rings to understand the dynamics of volcanic eruptions and the behavior of volcanic plumes.
• While visually stunning, volcanic vortex rings can also pose hazards to aircraft and surrounding communities due to the presence of volcanic ash and gases

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• Usha Mehta was a prominent figure in India's freedom struggle against British rule.
• Born on March 25, 1920, in Mumbai, she was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence.
• Mehta actively participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942, despite being a student at that time.
• She played a crucial role in underground activities, organizing secret meetings and distributing nationalist literature.
• Alongside her mentor, Ram Manohar Lohia, she established the "Secret Congress Radio," which broadcasted messages of freedom and resistance against British rule.
• Despite facing the threat of arrest and imprisonment, she continued her efforts to mobilize people against colonial rule.
• After India gained independence in 1947, Usha Mehta dedicated herself to social causes and education, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility.
• She received several awards and honors for her contributions to the Indian freedom movement, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.
• Usha Mehta's life and work remain an inspiration for future generations, symbolizing the power of determination and sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom and justice.

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• Custodial violence refers to violence perpetrated by law enforcement officials against individuals who are in their custody or under their control.
• It often involves physical abuse, torture, sexual assault, or even death inflicted upon individuals while they are detained, arrested, or in police custody.
• Custodial violence violates human rights and is considered a grave violation of the principles of justice and the rule of law.
• It can occur due to various reasons such as abuse of power, impunity, lack of accountability, or systemic flaws within law enforcement agencies.
• Custodial violence disproportionately affects marginalized and vulnerable populations, including minorities, immigrants, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.
• Efforts to combat custodial violence include legal reforms, strengthening oversight mechanisms, promoting police accountability, and raising public awareness about human rights abuses in custody.

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• Invasive alien species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause harm to biodiversity.
• They are often introduced accidentally or intentionally by humans, through activities such as trade, transportation, or agriculture.
• Invasive species can spread rapidly due to their lack of natural predators or controls in the new environment.
• They pose serious threats to native flora and fauna by outcompeting them for resources like food, water, and habitat.
• Invasive alien species can also impact human activities, agriculture, and economies by damaging crops, infrastructure, and natural resources.
• Controlling and managing invasive species often requires coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels through policies, regulations, and conservation measures.
• Prevention is key to mitigating the impacts of invasive species, including early detection, monitoring, and rapid response strategies.

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• Pompeii was an ancient Roman city located near modern Naples in Italy.
• It was famously destroyed and buried under volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
• The city remained buried and largely intact until its rediscovery in the 18th century.
• Excavations have revealed remarkably preserved buildings, artifacts, and even casts of the victims, offering invaluable insights into Roman life.
• Pompeii was a thriving city with streets, homes, public buildings, and markets, showcasing Roman urban planning and architecture.
• Its destruction is a testament to the power and unpredictability of natural disasters, as well as a reminder of the fragility of human civilization.
• Today, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its haunting yet captivating remains.

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• Exercise Dustlink-2024 is a comprehensive military training exercise conducted annually by NATO.
• It aims to enhance interoperability and readiness among NATO member states and partner nations.
• The exercise typically involves various scenarios such as peacekeeping missions, crisis response, and collective defense.
• Participants include military personnel from air, land, and sea forces, as well as special operations units.
• Training activities encompass live-fire drills, field maneuvers, simulated exercises, and command post exercises.
• Exercise Dustlink-2024 focuses on testing command and control structures, communication systems, and logistical support capabilities.
• It also provides an opportunity for participants to assess and refine their tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• The exercise fosters collaboration and cooperation among NATO allies and strengthens the alliance's overall defense posture.
• Dustlink-2024 plays a crucial role in maintaining NATO's readiness to respond effectively to emerging security challenges and threats.

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• Bumblebees are a type of bee belonging to the genus Bombus, known for their fuzzy appearance and distinctive buzzing sound.
• They are important pollinators, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by pollinating various plants, including many crops.
• Bumblebees have a unique ability to "buzz pollinate" flowers, vibrating their bodies at a specific frequency to release pollen from certain plants like tomatoes and blueberries.
• Unlike honeybees, bumblebees are capable of thermoregulation, allowing them to fly and forage in cooler temperatures.
• Bumblebee colonies are much smaller than honeybee colonies, typically containing only a few hundred individuals, with a single queen responsible for reproduction.
• Threats to bumblebee populations include habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases, leading to declines in certain species.
• Conservation efforts, such as creating pollinator-friendly habitats and reducing pesticide usage, are crucial for protecting bumblebee populations and preserving their vital role in ecosystems.