CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Many areas in Bihar are currently experiencing severe flooding, triggered by the substantial release of water from the Kosi Barrage in Birpur after heavy rainfall.
• About the Kosi River:
• The Kosi is a transboundary river flowing through China, Nepal, and India, and is one of the main tributaries of the Ganges.
• Course:
• Origin: The Kosi River is formed by the confluence of three streams: the Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi, and Tamur Kosi, all originating in the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet.
• Approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of the India-Nepal border, the Kosi is joined by several significant tributaries and flows southward through the Siwalik Hills at the narrow Chatra Gorge.
• It then enters the vast plains of northern India in Bihar, continuing its journey toward the Ganges River, which it joins south of Purnea after traveling around 450 miles (724 km).
• The Kosi River drains an area of 74,500 sq. km, with only 11,070 sq. km within Indian territory.
• The Kosi River valley is flanked by steep edges, isolating it from the Yarlung Zangbo River to the north, the Mahananda River to the east, the Gandaki to the west, and the Ganga to the south.
• Known for its significant sediment transport, the Kosi lacks a permanent channel in its path through northern India, often changing course, typically moving westward. Over the last 200 years, it has shifted westward by about 112 km, devastating large expanses of agricultural land.
• Often referred to as the "sorrow of Bihar," the Kosi has historically inflicted considerable suffering on communities due to flooding and frequent alterations in its course as it travels from Nepal into Bihar.
• Tributaries: The river has seven major tributaries: Sun Koshi, Tama Koshi or Tamba Koshi, Dudh Koshi, Indravati, Likhu, Arun, and Tamore or Tamar.

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• In an unexpected turn of events, Antarctica's second-largest volcano, Mount Erebus, is releasing gold dust, leaving scientists utterly astonished.
• About Mount Erebus:
• Mount Erebus is the southernmost active volcano in the world, located on Ross Island in Antarctica.
• Discovered in 1841 by British explorer Sir James Clark Ross, it was named after his ship, the Erebus. The volcano rises to an elevation of approximately 3,794 meters (12,448 feet) and is classified as a stratovolcano, characterized by its conical shape and layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.
• Mount Erebus is particularly notable for its persistent lava lake, which has been active since at least 1972 and is one of the few long-lived lava lakes on the planet. The lake is constantly in motion and occasionally erupts, sending molten rock bombs into the air during Strombolian eruptions.

Due to its remote location, researchers monitor Mount Erebus using satellite technology. The largest Antarctic settlement, McMurdo Station, operated by the United States, is situated about 40 kilometers (25 miles) away and provides a vantage point for observing the volcano.

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• The first shipment of 100 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile systems ordered from the United States has reportedly arrived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
• About the Harpoon Missile:
• The Harpoon (RGM-84/UGM-84/AGM-84) is a U.S.-designed subsonic anti-ship cruise missile that has been operational since 1977. Various versions have been developed over the years, including those launched from air, sea, and submarines. Today, it is utilized by the armed forces of more than 30 countries, including India.
• Features:
• The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile system.
• A single missile measures 4.5 meters in length and weighs 526 kg.
• It is powered by a turbojet engine using solid propellant.
• Its low-level, sea-skimming flight path, combined with active radar guidance and specialized warhead design, ensures high survivability and effectiveness.
• The missile can perform both land-strike and anti-ship missions.
• It is equipped with a robust 221-kilogram penetration blast warhead.
• The Harpoon employs GPS-aided inertial navigation to accurately strike its designated target.
• Its operational range is between 90 and 240 km.

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• Researchers studying neutrinos in dense environments like supernovae and neutron star mergers have found that these "ghost particles" can become entangled, sharing quantum states and evolving in chaotic ways.
• About Neutrinos:
• Neutrinos are extremely small subatomic particles often referred to as "ghost particles" due to their minimal interaction with other matter. Remarkably, they are the most abundant particles in the universe, with around 100 trillion neutrinos passing harmlessly through your body every second.
• Their elusive nature makes them extremely difficult to detect, as they rarely interact with other particles. Neutrinos carry no charge, which aligns with their neutral designation.
• They are part of a family of particles known as leptons, which are not affected by the strong nuclear force that binds atomic nuclei. While neutrinos do not interact with this strong force, they do interact via the weak force, which governs processes like radioactive decay.
• Neutrinos originate from a variety of sources and are commonly produced during the decay of heavier particles into lighter ones. They can be generated through various processes, such as during a supernova explosion or when cosmic rays collide with atoms.

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• Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) inaugurated the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ at the Mumbai port.
• The mission aims to harness the significant potential of cruise tourism in India, with a goal of doubling cruise passenger traffic within five years, targeting 2029 for this objective. It will be executed in three phases, starting from October 1, 2024, and concluding on March 31, 2029.
• Phase 1 (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025): This phase will focus on conducting studies, developing master plans, and forming cruise partnerships with neighboring countries. It will also involve modernizing existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to enhance the cruise circuit's potential.
• Phase 2 (October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2027): This phase will prioritize the construction of new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to activate high-potential cruise locations and routes.
• Phase 3 (April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2029): The final phase will work towards integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian subcontinent, marking the establishment of a mature cruise ecosystem while continuing the development of terminals, marinas, and destinations.
• The mission outlines key initiatives across five strategic pillars:
• Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital: This pillar addresses infrastructure deficiencies, focusing on the development of world-class terminals, marinas, water aerodromes, and heliports. It also emphasizes digitalization (e.g., facial recognition technology) and decarbonization (e.g., shore power) and includes creating a National Cruise Infrastructure Master Plan 2047, establishing a cruise-focused Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Indian Ports Association (IPA), and launching a cruise development fund.
• Operations Including Technology Enabled: This aspect aims to streamline operations, ensuring smooth embarkation and disembarkation while enhancing destination visits through digital solutions like e-clearance systems and e-visa facilities.
• Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration: This pillar focuses on international marketing and investment promotion, which includes connecting cruise circuits, hosting events such as the "Cruise India Summit," and forming alliances with neighboring countries.
• Regulatory, Fiscal & Financial Policy: This area is dedicated to creating customized fiscal and financial policies, focusing on tax structures, cruise regulations, and launching a National Cruise Tourism Policy.
• Capacity Building and Economic Research: This pillar emphasizes skill development, establishing a Centre of Excellence for cruise-related economic research, and formulating National Occupational Standards to promote youth employment in the cruise industry.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

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• Recently, the Consulate General of India in New York clarified that rumors circulating on social media about Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) being reclassified as “foreigners” are unfounded.
• About the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Scheme:
• The OCI scheme was introduced in August 2005 to register all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on January 26, 1950, or thereafter, or were eligible to become citizens on that date.
• Who is Not Eligible for OCI? An applicant cannot obtain an OCI card if their parents or grandparents were ever citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh. Additionally, foreign military personnel, whether active or retired, are also ineligible. However, the spouse of a citizen of India or an OCI holder, whose marriage has been registered and has lasted for at least two years, can apply for an OCI card.
• Advantages for OCI Card Holders:
• An OCI card holder, essentially a foreign passport holder, receives a multiple-entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa for visiting India and is exempt from registering with local police authorities for any duration of stay in the country. However, OCI holders do not have the right to vote, hold membership in a Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, or Parliament, or occupy constitutional positions such as President, Vice President, or Judge of the Supreme or High Courts. They are also generally prohibited from government employment.
• Latest Rules Regarding OCIs:
• On March 4, 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification amending the rules for OCI card holders. These new rules require OCI holders to seek permission or a permit to visit protected areas in India, similar to the restrictions placed on foreign nationals visiting Jammu & Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh. They must obtain a special permit to engage in “any research,” conduct “missionary,” “Tablighi,” or “journalistic activities,” or visit any area designated as “protected,” “restricted,” or “prohibited.”
• Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 2003, OCIs are treated similarly to foreign nationals in all economic, financial, and educational matters, although previous circulars issued by the Reserve Bank of India under FEMA continue to be applicable.