CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• The United Nations Security Council convened in an emergency session recently in response to Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, which resulted in at least a dozen casualties.
• About Lebanon:
  • Lebanon is situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Western Asia. Its capital is Beirut. The country shares borders with the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south.
  • History: Lebanon lies within the Fertile Crescent, often referred to as the “Cradle of Civilization.” The ancient city of Byblos, located approximately 30 km north of modern Beirut, is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Throughout history, Lebanon has been ruled by various ancient empires, including the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Hittites, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. From 1516 to 1918, it was part of the Ottoman Empire. After the empire’s collapse in 1920, Lebanon came under French control, leading to the establishment of the State of Greater Lebanon. It gained independence in 1943 when French authority ended and troops withdrew.
  • Geography: Lebanon is a narrow strip of land, making it one of the smaller sovereign states globally. The Lebanon Mountains, which reach elevations of up to 9,800 feet (3,000 meters), run through the center of the country, while the Anti-Lebanon Mountains form its border with Syria. Nestled between these ranges is the fertile Bekaa Valley, which is nourished by the Litani River, the only year-round river in Lebanon.
  • Climate: Lebanon enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
  • Political Structure: Lebanon operates as a unitary, multiparty republic with a parliamentary system. Parliamentary seats are divided equally between Christian and Muslim factions, and this sectarian balance extends to public office appointments.
  • Languages: The official language is Arabic, with French, English, and Armenian also spoken.
  • People: The majority of the population are Arabs, with smaller communities of Armenians and Kurds.
  • Economy: Lebanon’s economy is predominantly driven by the services sector, particularly banking and tourism, which are crucial to its economic activities.

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• Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major crises of the 21st century, with Staphylococcus aureus being a key player in this challenge.
• About Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus):
  • S. aureus is a gram-positive, spherical (coccal) bacterium. It is commonly found in the environment, particularly on the skin and in the noses of approximately 30% of people. While S. aureus typically poses no harm, it can occasionally lead to infections.
  • Infections: Skin infections caused by S. aureus are common, but the bacteria can also enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting distant organs such as heart valves (leading to endocarditis) and bones (causing osteomyelitis). Skin infections may manifest as blisters, abscesses, and localized redness and swelling.
  • Transmission: These bacteria spread through direct contact with an infected person, using contaminated objects, or inhaling respiratory droplets released through coughing or sneezing. Notably, S. aureus can infect a wide variety of species, facilitating its transmission between humans and animals.
  • Treatment: Treatment typically involves antibiotics and cleaning the infected area. However, some strains of S. aureus have developed resistance to standard antibiotic therapies.

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• During his recent three-day visit to the US for the Quad Summit, the Prime Minister presented a silver model of the Delhi-Delaware train to President Joe Biden and gifted a pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden.
• About Pashmina Shawls:
  • Pashmina shawls originate from Kashmir and are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, utilizing fine Ladakhi Cashmere wool. The term "Pashmina" comes from the Persian word "Pashm," meaning "soft gold" or "soft wool." This luxurious cashmere wool is sourced from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat, also known as the Pashmina goat, which inhabits the high altitudes of the Himalayas, particularly in regions like Ladakh, India, Nepal, and Tibet. These goats develop a unique undercoat to endure the harsh winters, which is carefully collected to produce Pashmina shawls.
  • Kashmir's Pashmina has been granted Geographical Indication (G.I.) certification due to the unique traditional methods employed by local artisans in the region.
  • Process: The fine cashmere wool is spun into yarn using traditional spinning wheels, a technique that has been preserved through generations. Once the yarn is prepared, skilled artisans engage in the intricate weaving process, either on handlooms or traditional wooden looms. Each shawl is crafted with precision, featuring designs that range from delicate floral patterns to elaborate paisley motifs, reflecting Kashmir's rich cultural heritage. The weaving process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the design's complexity and the artisan's expertise. Additionally, natural dyes sourced from local plants and minerals are used to imbue the shawls with vibrant colors.

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• Bengaluru-based space startup Bellatrix Aerospace recently launched Project 200 on the opening day of the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024.
• About Project 200:
  • Project 200 is an innovative satellite designed to operate at an Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180 km to 250 km). Developed by Bellatrix Aerospace, this project represents a significant shift, as satellites have traditionally been deployed at altitudes above 450 km. This higher altitude has typically been chosen to minimize atmospheric interference on satellite operations.
  • However, it has been recognized that operating at 200 km can significantly enhance a satellite’s capabilities. Historically, limitations in propulsion technology have hindered satellites from functioning effectively at this lower orbit. Project 200 serves as a technology demonstration mission aimed at validating a new type of satellite powered by an advanced in-house propulsion system at approximately 200 km.
  • Bellatrix Aerospace claims that their cutting-edge propulsion technology allows satellites to remain in orbit at 200 km for extended periods, rather than deorbiting within a few days. They assert that operating at this altitude not only reduces communication latency by half but also improves image resolution by threefold. Furthermore, satellites designed for this orbit are more cost-effective compared to those launched into higher orbits at 450 km.

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• Kaziranga and other protected areas for the greater one-horned rhinoceros in Assam have seen an 86% decrease in poaching since 2016, as reported by the Chief Minister recently.
• About the Greater One-Horned Rhino:
  • The greater one-horned rhino, also known as the Indian rhinoceros, is the largest of the three Asian rhino species and, along with the African white rhino, is the largest of all rhino species.
  • Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis
• Distribution:
  • This species is primarily found in India and Nepal, particularly in the foothills of the Himalayas. Historically, greater one-horned rhinos inhabited the floodplains and forests alongside the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus River valleys. Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the largest population, with around 2,401 individuals.
• Habitat:
  • Greater one-horned rhinos are semi-aquatic and prefer habitats such as swamps, forests, riverbanks, and areas close to nutritious mineral licks.
• Features:
  • As the largest of the Asian rhinos, male Indian rhinos typically weigh around 2,200 kg (nearly 4,840 pounds), standing between 170 to 186 cm (67 to 73 inches) tall and measuring 368 to 380 cm (145 to 150 inches) in length. They are easily recognized by their single black horn, which measures between 8 to 25 inches, and their grey-brown skin, characterized by distinct folds that give them an armor-like appearance. This species is generally solitary, except for females with calves, while males maintain loosely defined territories.
• Diet:
  • The greater one-horned rhino is primarily a grazer, feeding almost exclusively on grasses, but it also consumes leaves, branches, fruit, and aquatic plants.
• Conservation Status:
  • According to the IUCN Red List, the species is classified as ‘Vulnerable.’

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• The Indian Navy is hosting the fifth edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium at the Naval War College in Goa.
• This symposium serves as a platform to promote collaborative thinking, cooperation, and mutual understanding between India and key maritime nations in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Theme:
  • The theme for this year's event is "Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region: Progressing Lines of Efforts to Mitigate Dynamic Threats," focusing on issues such as illegal and unregulated fishing and other unlawful maritime activities.
  • Participants will include representatives from 12 Indian Ocean littoral countries: Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, with observers from Kenya and Tanzania.
• Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS):
  • The symposium was conceptualized and established by the Indian Navy in 2016. It is held biennially by the Naval War College (NWC) in Goa, aiming to foster collaboration and understanding among nations in the Indian Ocean Region.

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• Recently, India signed agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) related to a clean and fair economy.
• The IPEF is a regional initiative aimed at fostering cooperation and economic integration in the Indo-Pacific region, launched in May 2022. Its objectives include enhancing resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness among member economies. The framework seeks to complement existing regional structures and uphold the global rules-based trading system.
• Member Countries:
  • The IPEF includes 14 regional partners: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
• Economic Framework:
  • The IPEF is built on four key pillars: Trade, Supply Chain Resilience, Clean Energy and Decarbonization, and Infrastructure Taxes and Anti-Corruption Measures. While it is not a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), it allows member countries to negotiate specific aspects according to their interests.
• India and the IPEF:
  • India has been actively engaged in the IPEF but has chosen not to participate in all pillars. Notably, India opted out of the Trade pillar, as many of the issues addressed do not align with its trade policies. In February 2024, India ratified the agreement on Supply Chain Resilience (Pillar II) and has held observer status in Pillar I. Additionally, India signed groundbreaking agreements focused on Clean Economy (Pillar III) and Fair Economy (Pillar IV).
• The Clean Economy agreement aims to accelerate efforts among IPEF partners towards achieving energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, exploring innovative alternatives to fossil fuels, and promoting technical cooperation.

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• Cholliyattom is an informal platform for the younger generation of Koodiyattom artists in Kerala, aimed at fostering collaboration and preserving various Koodiyattom traditions and styles.
• About Koodiyattom:
• Koodiyattom is one of the oldest traditional theater forms in Kerala, rooted in Sanskrit theater traditions. The term "Koodiyattom" combines the Malayalam words “kuti,” meaning “combined” or “together,” and “attam,” meaning “acting,” thus signifying “combined acting.”
• Characters: The key roles in Koodiyattom include the Chakyaar (actor), Naambiyaar (instrumentalists), and Naangyaar (performers portraying female roles).
• Performance Style: This theatrical form employs a stylized language characterized by neta abhinaya (expressions conveyed through the eyes) and hasta abhinaya (the language of gestures). Pakarnattam, an aspect of Koodiyattom, involves the ability to embody both male and female roles, showcasing the skill of switching between genders and interpreting multiple roles simultaneously.
• Theater Structure: Kuttambalams, temple theaters attached to major temples in Kerala, serve as permanent venues for Koodiyattom performances.
• Unique Features: A notable aspect of Koodiyattom is its treatment of individual acts from Sanskrit plays as standalone performances, rather than relying on the complete texts.
• In 2001, Koodiyattom was recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its cultural significance.

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• Recently, Bangladesh's interim government announced its plans to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India in time for Durga Puja, scheduled for October 9 to 13.
• About Hilsa Fish:
  • Hilsa, also known as Ilish, is a species of fish related to herring, belonging to the family Clupeidae. It holds a significant place in the culinary traditions and social customs of Bengal.
  • Distribution: Hilsa is commonly found in rivers and estuaries across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the Persian Gulf region. Notably, it migrates to the Ganges river system in Allahabad from Bangladesh.
  • Despite being a saltwater fish, hilsa travels from the Bay of Bengal to the freshwater environments of the Ganges. It is known for its breeding migrations in three major river systems: the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
  • Bangladesh is responsible for approximately 70% of the world's ilish production, making it a source of national pride. Ilish is also recognized as the national fish of Bangladesh. The varieties of ilish sourced from rivers such as the Ganga, Hooghly, and Mahanadi are particularly celebrated during important festivals and events.
  • Conservation Status: According to the IUCN, hilsa is classified as "Least Concern."