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🏮 VEDAS [PART - 1]

#Historicalsources

📍 The word Veda comes from the root vid (literally, ‘to know’) and means ‘knowledge’.

📍 The Vedas have the status of shruti (literally, ‘that which has been heard’).

📍 They are thought to embody an eternal, self-existent truth realized by the rishis (seers) in a state of meditation or revealed to them by the gods.

📍 The category of smriti (literally, ‘remembered’) texts includes the Vedanga, Puranas, epics, Dharmashastra, and Nitishastra.

📍 There are four Vedas—Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva.

C. Science and Technology:

I. AI: Centre sets up three AI research hubs on health, agri and cities [TH-6]

II. Space: SpaceX, Jio spar yet again over satellite spectrum allocation [TH-12]

III. Defence: THAAD [IE-17]

B. Environment:

I. Environment Conservation: Coastal flooding harms different tree species differently: study [TH-7]

II. Greenwashing: Greenwashing guidelines [IE-17]

A. Economy:

I. Agriculture: ‘Yield’ can’t be the sole indicator for agriculture [TH-9]

II. Nobel Prize: A Nobel for explaining why nations fail [TH-10]
Rich nations and Poor nations [IE-12]

III. Infrastructure: Ports: On the need to make more containers to boost trade [TH-10]

IV. Taxation: Vivad Se Vishwas: I-T department issues note for guidance [TH-12]

GENERAL STUDIES - 3

C. Social Justice and Governance

I. Health: Health Ministry asks States to ensure permanent organ transplant coordinators [TH-4]

II. Food Security: A food-sufficient India needs to be hunger-free too [TH-8]
Food access is about equitable agrifood systems [TH-8]

B. International Relations:

I. India - US: India, U.S. conclude $3.5-billion deal for procurement of 31 armed UAVs [TH-4]

II. India - Pakistan: Pakistan's other front [IE-13]

A. Polity:

I. Legislations: How bone ossification test works, and its application in law [IE-17]

II. Abetment of suicide: Abetment of suicide: why SC cautioned against 'unnecessary prosecutions' [IE-17]

GENERAL STUDIES - 2

Important Daily Article of 16th October, 2024

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Important Daily Articles
15th October, 2024

GENERAL STUDIES - 2
A. Polity:

I. Rights of Labour and Labour Laws: On Samsung workers' right to unionise [TH-8]

II. Judiciary: Abetment of Suicide: Drawing a line [IE-10]

III. Ladakh issue: Delhi must listen to Himalayas [IE-11]

IV. PMLA: PMLA allows bail to sick and infirm: SC [IE-9]

B. International Relations:

I. India - Canada: India Canada chill deepens: Flurry of diplomat exits, trading of charges [IE-1]

II. West Asia: Israel's brutality in Gaza, India's pin-drop silence [TH-6]

III. International Organisations: BRICS: Sri Lanka to apply for BRICS membership: Govt [IE-14]

IV. India - Pakistan: Jaishankar in Pakistan: Low expectations, some possibilities [IE-13]

C. Social Justice and Governance

I. Gig economy: Ensuring a proper social safety net for the gig worker [TH-6]

II. Issues related to children: A blueprint for safeguarding children [TH-7]

III. Schemes: Swachh Bharat: An enabler for Swachh Bharat [IE-10]

GENERAL STUDIES - 3

A. Economy:

I. Economic Growth: Taking guard [TH-6]

II. Wealth Inequality: Trio wins economics Nobel for work on wealth inequality [TH-14]



I||. Inflation: Surge in food prices drives Sept retail inflation to 9 month high of 5.49% [IE-15]

B. Science and Technology:

I. Chemistry: Formation of fertilizers: How did the Haber-Bosch process change the world? [TH-9]

II. Health and Diseases:

i. COVID: Publish and Peril [IE-10]
ii. TB: Researchers zero in on how the TB bacteria evade immune response [TH-18]


III. Space:
i.Robotics in space: Why SpaceX catching Starship booster with robotic arm is significant [IE-13]
ii. Jupiter exploration: NASA launches spacecraft to scour Jupiter moon Europa for ingredient for life [IE-14]

IV. Computer and IT: AI: Heavy reliance on Al can lead to concentration risk, says Das [IE-15]

Important Daily Articles from the Hindu and Indian Express of 14th October, 2024

Handwritten Notes

GENERAL STUDIES - 1
A. Geography
I. Aurora Borealis: Ladakh aurorae validate space weather tracking efforts, scientists say [TH-6]

B. Culture

I. Govt begins study to find roots of ancient Indian communities [IE-1]

C. Society

I. Sub quota within SC: Internal inequalities must stay at the heart of sub-quota conversation [IE]

II. Problems related to Urbanisation: A critical message for the urban elite [TH-6]

GENERAL STUDIES - 2
A. Polity:

I. Right to food: The problem with the right to free food [IE]

II. RTI: Scuttling people's right to information [TH-7]

B. International Relations:

I. ASEAN: ASEAN urges early accord on South China Sea code, end to Myanmar violence [TH]
Turning to the East [IE]

II. QUAD: China, India and New Delhi's Quad dilemma [TH-6]

C. Social Justice and Governance

I. Issues related to Children: NCPCR asks govt to ensure disclaimers on OTTs to keep minors off adult content [IE-7]

II. Elderlies: As senior living expands, developers and policymakers strive to keep up [IE-11]

GENERAL STUDIES - 3

A. Economy:

I. Defence Budget: Defence ministry seeks more funds to expand scope of IDEX scheme [IE-10]

II. Infrastructure: Railways: Take the gauntlet [TH-6]

B. Science and Technology

I. Health and Diseases: Rare Diseases: Issues in the treatment of rare diseases and what the govt can do [IE-13]

II. Physics: What is Wayanad's new X-band radar? [TH-8]

III. Biotechnology: Why precision medicine in India can't advance without biobank laws [TH-20]


FACTS FOR PRELIMS
I. Banni Festival: Nearly 60 injured during Banni festival in A.P. village [TH-3]

II. Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Biology transformed [TH-6]

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### Universal Supply of Fortified Rice in India

#### Overview
- Approval Date: October 9, 2023
- Duration: Continuation of universal supply from July 2024 to December 2028.
- Implemented By: Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

#### Key Details
1. Fortification Process:
- Involves adding essential micronutrients (iron, folic acid, vitamins B-12, A, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, and zinc) to rice.
- Aims to improve nutritional quality and public health, especially to combat anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies.

2. Target Population:
- About one-third of Indians rely on rice as a staple food.
- Fortified rice is distributed through various welfare schemes, including the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

3. Government Objectives:
- Initiative aligns with Prime Minister's emphasis on nutritional security during the 75th Independence Day speech.
- Aims to enhance health outcomes by addressing deficiencies in the population.

#### Concerns Raised
1. Health Risks:
- Experts warn against indiscriminate distribution, especially for vulnerable populations.
- Patients with haemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia, sickle cell disease) may experience adverse effects from iron consumption, including organ failure.

2. Regulatory Guidelines:
- Current regulations mandate that fortified products carry warnings regarding iron consumption for specific health conditions.
- Clause 7 (4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulation, 2018, prohibits unmonitored iron intake for certain patients.

3. Proposed Amendments:
- FSSAI has proposed to remove warning labels from fortified products, raising concerns about safety and informed consumer choices.
- The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to address these health concerns regarding the fortified rice program.

#### Conclusion
- While the initiative aims to enhance nutritional security, significant health concerns necessitate careful implementation and monitoring.
- Ensuring proper labeling and adherence to safety regulations is critical to protect vulnerable populations from adverse health outcomes.

### 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Key Highlights

#### Awardees
- Winners:
- David Baker: For computational protein design.
- Demis Hassabis and John Jumper: For predicting protein structures.

#### Importance of Proteins
- Role in Life: Proteins are essential for various biological functions, including:
- Structural support in tissues (muscles, skin, hair).
- Catalysts for biochemical reactions.
- Transport molecules (e.g., oxygen).
- Regulation of muscle contractions and cell communication.

#### The Protein-Folding Problem
- Definition: The challenge of understanding how proteins attain their 3D structures based on amino acid sequences.
- Historical Context:
- 1962: Nobel awarded to Kendrew and Perutz for 3D models of haemoglobin and myoglobin via X-ray crystallography.
- 1972: Anfinsen's discovery on the relationship between amino acid sequence and protein structure.

#### Advances in Protein Structure Prediction
- AlphaFold:
- Origin: Developed by DeepMind, co-founded by Hassabis.
- AlphaFold 2 (2020): Achieved high accuracy in protein structure prediction, rivaling X-ray crystallography.
- AlphaFold 3 (2024): Predicts protein interactions, enhancing understanding of protein behavior.

#### Computational Protein Design
- David Baker's Contributions:
- Developed the Rosetta software for protein structure prediction and design.
- Created novel proteins with specific functions, such as an antiviral nasal spray for COVID-19.

#### Implications of the Research
- For Science and Medicine:
- Accelerated understanding of protein structures and interactions.
- Facilitated the design of targeted therapeutics and biological materials.

#### Conclusion
- The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognizes groundbreaking advancements in computational methods that enhance our understanding and manipulation of proteins, crucial for scientific and medical progress.

### Ten Years of India’s Act East Policy (AEP)

#### Overview
- Initiation: Upgraded from Look East Policy on November 13, 2014.
- Purpose: Strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and enhancing India’s role in the Indo-Pacific.
- Key Milestone: Completion of 10 years in 2024.

#### Strategic Framework
1. ASEAN Centrality: Commitment to ASEAN’s political vision and regional unity.
2. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Enhanced diplomatic relations through high-level visits and cooperative initiatives.

#### Key Focus Areas
1. Diplomacy, Defence, and Security:
- Expansion of India's diplomatic outreach in the Indo-Pacific.
- Emphasis on maritime security and freedom of navigation.
- Active participation in Quad and regional security frameworks.
- Alignment of Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) with ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

2. Trade and Connectivity:
- India as ASEAN’s 7th largest trading partner; trade expected to reach $150 billion by 2024.
- Major projects: India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport.
- Focus on digital connectivity through initiatives like Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

3. Cultural Connect:
- Promotion of shared heritage, particularly Buddhist links.
- Educational exchanges and scholarships for ASEAN students.
- Cultural diplomacy, including yoga initiatives and strengthening ties through the Indian diaspora.

#### Challenges and Opportunities
- Trade Imbalance: Current deficit of $44 billion; expected review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by 2025 to address this.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Rising concerns over China's assertiveness in the region necessitate enhanced strategic partnerships.

#### Future Directions
- Focus on climate change, disaster management, and regional security cooperation.
- Expansion of strategic partnerships with middle powers like South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand.
- Implementation of PM Modi's 12-point proposal for future cooperation with ASEAN.

#### Conclusion
- A decade of the AEP has significantly transformed India’s engagement with Southeast Asia across multiple domains.
- Continued emphasis on connectivity, cultural ties, and strategic partnerships is essential for enhancing regional stability and economic growth.

### Green Bonds: Financing the Renewable Era

#### Introduction
- Objective: India aims to balance rapid growth and poverty alleviation with environmental commitments, particularly its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
- Role of Green Bonds: Essential for financing climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

#### Green Bond Landscape in India
- Definition: Green bonds are identical to traditional bonds but are exclusively used for funding climate-related projects.
- Regulatory Framework:
- SEBI guidelines issued in 2017.
- Sovereign Green Bonds Framework developed in 2023.
- First tranche of sovereign green bonds worth INR 80 billion issued in January 2023.

#### Current Market Dynamics
- Investment: Total green bond issuances reached US$21 billion by February 2023.
- Corporate Bonds: Comprise 84% of total issuances.
- Sovereign Bonds: Account for 14% of issuances.
- Key Sectors for Investment:
- Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro).
- Energy-efficient technologies.
- Sustainable transportation (electric vehicles, public transport).

#### Potential in Municipal Bonds
- Emergence: Municipal issuances currently represent only 0.1% of total green bond issuances but show promise.
- Example: Vadodara and Indore issued successful green municipal bonds in 2023.

#### Challenges
1. Market Size: India’s green bond market is only 2.2% of global issuances.
2. Investor Interest: Issues related to premium ("greenium") acceptance among investors.
3. Transparency: Limited reporting and verification processes hinder investor confidence.
4. Awareness: Lack of understanding of green bonds among municipal personnel and limited state capacities.

#### Recommendations for Improvement
- Sustainability-Oriented Culture: Promote a business culture that prioritizes sustainability to encourage green investments.
- Transparency and Communication: Develop a transparent green bond taxonomy similar to Brazil’s framework to enhance investor trust.
- Municipal-Level Focus: Increase awareness and capacity-building among municipalities to leverage local green bond issuances for climate adaptation.

#### Conclusion
- A robust green bond market is vital for India to achieve its renewable energy and climate goals. By addressing challenges related to transparency, awareness, and sustainability culture, India can mobilize significant capital for its ambitious environmental initiatives.