CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• The India Meteorological Department recently conducted an analysis on precipitation and drought patterns across India using the 'Standardised Precipitation Index' (SPI).
• The SPI is a tool used to assess whether a location is experiencing wet or dry conditions based on historical precipitation data spanning over 30 years. A negative SPI indicates drought-like conditions, while a positive SPI indicates wetter than usual conditions. The severity of dry or wet conditions correlates with the magnitude of the SPI, becoming more negative or positive as conditions worsen.
• Various timescales are considered in SPI calculations, ranging from 1 to 72 months, providing insights into short-term as well as longer-term precipitation trends.

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• Recently, a team of Indian radio astronomers led a study unveiling 34 newly discovered giant radio sources (GRSs) using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT).
• GRSs are among the largest structures observed in the Universe, powered by supermassive black holes typically ranging from ten million to one billion times the mass of the Sun. These black holes emit jets of hot plasma, forming massive lobes of radio emissions that extend far beyond the visible boundaries of their host galaxies.
• Astronomers consider GRSs to represent the advanced stage of radio galaxy evolution due to their immense size. Studying them is crucial for understanding the evolution of radio sources and exploring the intergalactic medium that encompasses the lobes extending far from their originating galaxies.
• This research not only enhances our understanding of the relationship between black hole activity and the evolution of radio galaxies but also provides insights into the distribution and behavior of matter throughout the cosmos.

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• Recently, the rediscovery of a four-ringed butterfly species, Ypthima cantliei, occurred in Namdapha National Park after a gap of 61 years.
• This species of Satyrinae butterfly was spotted and photographed during a survey aimed at documenting butterfly diversity in the Miao range of Namdapha National Park in 2018-19. Its identification was based on its general morphological characteristics and habitat preferences.
• The last documented sighting of the great four-ring butterfly was in 1957, in Margherita, eastern Assam. It belongs to a diverse genus within the family Nymphalidae, which comprises around 6,000 butterfly species. In India, there are 35 known Ypthima species, with 23 of them recorded in the northeast region. The highest diversity of these butterflies is found in China, particularly in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, as well as in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and northeastern India.
• Namdapha National Park, situated in Arunachal Pradesh, is flanked by the Patkai hills to the south-east and the Himalayas to the north. It lies between the Dapha Bum range of the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range, straddling the Palearctic and Indo-Malayan biogeographic regions. The park derives its name from the Namdapha River, originating from Daphabum and joining the Noa-Dehing River. Its diverse flora includes evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, subtropical forests, temperate forests, and alpine vegetation.
• Notably, Namdapha National Park holds the distinction of being the only park in the world to host all four feline species of big cats: Tiger (Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), and Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), alongside several species of lesser cats.

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• Recently, a maritime partnership exercise (MPX) took place in St. Petersburg between India and Russia, commemorating the 328th Russian Navy Day.
• During the exercise, India and Russia deployed INS Tabar from the Indian Navy and Soobrazitelny from the Russian Navy. This event marked a significant milestone in their maritime cooperation, underscoring their shared commitment to fostering peace, stability, and security in the region.
• The MPX included a series of intricate naval maneuvers such as communication drills, Search & Rescue operations, and Replenishment at Sea exercises. Both naval forces showcased exemplary professionalism and demonstrated seamless interoperability.
• The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its dedication to building partnerships with navies worldwide. This exercise with the Russian Navy reinforces the robust bilateral naval ties, strengthening mutual resolve and commitment to advancing cooperation in the maritime domain.
• Key facts about INS Tabar:
• INS Tabar is a stealth frigate constructed for the Indian Navy in Russia, belonging to the Talwar-class frigates.
• Commissioned on 19 April 2004 in Kaliningrad, Russia, INS Tabar is equipped to undertake air, surface, and sub-surface missions independently or as part of a larger naval task force.
• It operates under the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy, stationed in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.

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• Recently, the Lieutenant-Governor of Jammu and Kashmir invoked Article 311 of the Constitution to terminate the services of six government employees.
• Article 311 of the Indian Constitution provides a framework for the dismissal, removal, or reduction in rank of government employees, ensuring procedural safeguards and upholding principles of natural justice. It mandates that no government employee can be dismissed, removed, or reduced in rank except after an inquiry in which they are informed of the charges and given a reasonable opportunity to defend themselves.
• Under Article 311, grounds for disciplinary action against a civil servant include inefficiency in performance or conduct detrimental to the efficient functioning of the government, and involvement in conduct involving moral turpitude such as corruption or fraud.
• Before taking action, the procedure requires the competent authority to formulate charges, provide the employee an opportunity to respond, conduct a fair inquiry, and consider an inquiry report based on evidence and submissions. The decision-making process must be reasoned, fair, and communicated to the employee.
• Exceptions to the inquiry requirement under Article 311 include cases related to security of the State or efficiency of public service, where the President or Governor can dispense with the inquiry if deemed necessary.
• Overall, Article 311 ensures that government employees are afforded due process and protections against arbitrary actions, with provisions for judicial review to safeguard their rights.

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• Genetic screening, an emerging field, is gaining popularity among athletes.
• Genetic screening involves identifying individuals who may have an increased risk of developing certain disorders or who carry specific genetic variations associated with diseases. It utilizes genetic testing to examine changes in genetic material such as chromosomes, genes, or proteins. This genetic information carries instructions that influence traits like hair color and susceptibility to diseases.
• In sports, genetic testing initially focused on identifying disease risks but expanded in the late 1990s to explore genetic influences on athletic performance. Scientists began uncovering how genetic variants, resulting from mutations in DNA sequences, contribute to traits such as endurance, flexibility, and psychological characteristics in athletes.
• Studies show that genetic factors account for approximately 66% of the differences in athlete status, while environmental factors like training, nutrition, and support systems contribute to the remaining variation. Genetic screening aims to identify these variations to better understand athletic potential and tailor training regimes or interventions accordingly.

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• The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) recently conducted a successful demonstration and trial of the advanced Typhoon-K vehicle at its Transport Battalion located in Chandigarh.
• The Typhoon-K, a robust 4x4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, originates from Russia and was developed by Remdiesel, a subsidiary of KamAZ. It was specifically designed to ensure the secure transportation of troops and military cargo in high-risk mine environments. This versatile vehicle can also serve as a command post, ambulance, or logistics support vehicle as needed.
• Key features of the Typhoon-K include dimensions of 6.7 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and 2.8 meters in height, with a curb weight of 13,700 kilograms and a payload capacity of 2,000 kilograms. It boasts a maximum road speed of 100 km/h and an impressive operational range of up to 1,000 kilometers without refueling. The vehicle accommodates a crew of two and eight fully equipped troops, accessible through its four side doors and rear door. Additionally, it is equipped with two roof hatches for observation, firing, and emergency exits.
• The Typhoon-K is built to withstand significant explosive impacts, capable of enduring an 8 kg TNT explosion under its floor and a 10 kg TNT explosion beneath its wheels. It features advanced capabilities such as a signature reduction package, an all-around video surveillance system, and an automatic fire-extinguishing unit. Moreover, it is outfitted with a stabilised remotely controlled weapon station (RCWS), allowing it to be armed with medium-to-heavy machine guns for enhanced operational versatility and firepower.

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• According to official sources, the Centre is unlikely to extend the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) scheme beyond its initial deadline of March 2025.
• The MSSC scheme, introduced as a one-time initiative in Budget 2023, is dedicated to empowering women and girls of all age groups through a risk-free financial savings avenue. It allows for deposits up to Rs 2 lakh in the name of women or girls, with a fixed interest rate of 7.5% compounded quarterly and credited to the account.
• Key features of the scheme include flexibility in deposit amounts (starting from Rs. 1000, in multiples of Rs. 100), a two-year maturity period, and the option for partial withdrawal (up to 40% of the balance) after one year. Women are permitted to open multiple MSSC accounts with a minimum gap of three months between each account, provided the total deposits across all accounts do not exceed Rs 2 lakh.
• Despite its benefits in encouraging women to adopt formal financial savings instruments, the MSSC scheme is not expected to be extended beyond March 2025.