World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, serves as a vital reminder of the global commitment to achieving food and nutritional security.

• Food Insecurity: According to the FAO’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI report), approximately 2.33 billion people worldwide experience moderate to severe food insecurity. 

Also Read: World Food Day 2024

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About Right to Food

• Definition of Right to Food: The “Right to Food” broadly means that every individual has the right to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. 
• Recognition of ‘Right to Food’ in International Human Rights Instruments: The right to food is recognized in the 1948 Universal Declaration of  Human Rights and is enshrined in the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 
• Key Elements of the Right to Food: 
  • Availability: Availability means food should be available through farming, animal husbandry, fishing, or gathering etc, and should also be available for purchase in markets and shops.
  • Accessibility
    • Economic Accessibility: Food should be affordable, allowing individuals to meet their dietary needs without sacrificing other basic necessities.
    • Physical Accessibility: Food access must be guaranteed for vulnerable groups (children, elderly, disabled) and those in remote areas or crisis situations.
  • Adequacy: Food must meet dietary needs based on factors like age, health, and cultural preferences. It should be safe for consumption, free from harmful substances, and culturally acceptable to recipients.

India’s Approach to Right to Food

• No Explicit Provision: The Indian Constitution does not have any explicit provision regarding the right to food.
• Extension of the Right to Life: The fundamental right to life enshrined in Article 21 of the  Indian Constitution can be interpreted to include the right to life with human dignity which may include Right to Food.
• Constitutional Provisions
  • Article 39(a): Directs the State to secure the right to adequate livelihood for all citizens.
  • Article 47: Establishes the State’s duty to improve nutrition and living standards as a primary responsibility.

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Measures to Implement Right to Food in India

• Green Revolution: The Green Revolution in India, spearheaded by M.S. Swaminathan, transformed Indian agriculture in the 1960s and 70s. 
  • It introduced high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, modern irrigation techniques, and chemical fertilisers, significantly boosting food grain production and making India self-sufficient in food.
• Buffer Stocks : The Food Corporation of India (FCI) maintains buffer stocks of food grains to stabilise food security. 
• Public Distribution System (PDS): The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a food security system that was established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to distribute food and non-food items to India’s poor at subsidised rates. 
• National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: The “Right to Food” approach of the FAO encouraged the then government to pass the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in 2013.
  • The National Food Security Act (NFSA) shifted the approach of Food Security from Welfare to Rights Based Approach.
  • Coverage: NFSA covers 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population under:
    • Antyodaya Anna Yojana: It constitutes the poorest-of-the-poor, who are entitled to receive 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month.
    • Priority Households (PHH): Households covered under PHH category are entitled to receive 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month.
    • Overall, NFSA caters to 67% of the total population.
  • Head of Household for Ration Cards: The eldest woman in the household, aged 18 years or above, is designated as the head of the household for issuing ration cards.
  • Special Provisions for Children: The act ensures that children aged 6 months to 14 years receive free nutritious meals through Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres, commonly known as Anganwadi Centres.

Concerns Associated with the Implementation of “Right To Free Food” in India

• Economic Concerns: 
  • Economic Irrationality: Distributing free food to over 800 million people is economically irrational, especially when a significant portion of the population should ideally work to earn their food.
  • Budgetary Strain: Food subsidies are the largest in the Union budget, which diverts funds away from more productive investments in  agri-R&D, precision agriculture, micro-nutrients, women’s education and sanitation.
    • These investments are almost 10 times more effective in ensuring the food and nutritional security of our people than free food and highly subsidised fertilisers and power. 
  • Corruption and Leakages: According to Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), about 25-30% of food and fertiliser subsidies do not reach intended beneficiaries due to inefficiencies and corruption. 
    • Overall losses from leakages could be as high as 40-50%, defeating the purpose of the “Right to Food.”
• Social Concerns:
  • Dependency on Subsidies: The “Right to Free Food” on such a large scale may create a culture of dependency among the population, where individuals rely on government provisions rather than seeking stable employment and income-generating opportunities. 
    • This undermines efforts towards self-sufficiency and can perpetuate poverty cycles.
  • Targeting Inefficiencies: The National Food Security Act (NFSA) was initially intended to cover two-thirds of the population, which raises concerns about the appropriateness of providing heavily subsidised food to such a large segment of society.
  • Questionable Rationale for Free Food Distribution: The NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index claims that the poverty rate has dropped from 29.13% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23. 
    • If poverty is decreasing, there may be less need for such extensive food distribution,  emphasising that individuals should work to earn their basic food needs.
• Political Factors: Providing free food to a vast majority of the population is viewed as a vote-catching tactic rather than a genuine effort to ensure food security.

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Solutions to Enhance the Effectiveness of the Right to Food in India

• Improved Targeting and Beneficiary Identification
  • Dynamic Eligibility Criteria: Update poverty metrics regularly to reflect changing socioeconomic conditions and ensure that the beneficiaries are accurately identified. Example: A total of 2.33 crore ration cards have been deleted or cancelled for improving accuracy in beneficiary records.
  • Use of Technology: Implement biometric identification and digital records to minimise inclusion and exclusion errors in beneficiary lists. Example: Integration of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Aadhaar system.
• Addressing Corruption and Leakages: Implement strict penalties for corruption and mismanagement within the PDS to deter fraudulent activities.
• Strengthening Infrastructure: There is a need to invest in better storage infrastructure to reduce food wastage and ensure that food grains remain fresh until they reach beneficiaries.
  • Enhance logistics and transportation systems to ensure timely delivery of food grains, especially in remote areas.
• Digitisation of the Agri-Food System
  • Digital Platforms: Develop digital platforms for better data management, real-time tracking of food distribution, and improving supply chain efficiency.
  • Farm Management Tools: Promote the use of digital tools for farmers to access information on best practices, market prices, and weather forecasts, enhancing productivity and income.
• Rationalising Subsidies: Reform the existing food and fertiliser subsidy regime to make it more targeted and efficient, ensuring that subsidies reach the most vulnerable populations.
• Investment in Productive Sectors: Redirect savings from subsidy reforms towards investments in agricultural research, infrastructure, and sustainable farming practices to enhance long-term food security.

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On October 13, 2024, the Union Home Ministry issued a gazette notification announcing the revocation of President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir, which had been in place since October 31, 2019.

President Rule Revoked in Jammu & Kashmir After Six Years

• End of Central Rule: President’s rule was revoked after six years which was  imposed initially in June 2017 when the PDP-BJP coalition collapsed.
  • Central rule was imposed in J&K after the state was reorganised into two separate Union Territories; Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

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President’s Rule in States: Constitutional Provisions and Implementation

Impact of President’s Rule on State Governance: Powers and Functions

• President can take up the functions of the state government and powers vested in the governor or any other executive authority.
• He can declare that powers of the state legislature are to be exercised by the parliament.
• He can take all necessary steps including the suspension of constitutional provisions relating to anybody or any authority in the state.

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Impact of President Rule

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A deadly new weapon ‘Dragon Drones’ has taken to the skies in the Russia-Ukraine war. 

What are Dragon Drones?

• They are drones that release thermite that burns at 2,427°C.
  • Thermite: It is a mixture of aluminum and iron oxide which on ignition by an electric fuse triggers a self-sustaining reaction that is difficult to extinguish.
  • It was Developed a century ago to weld railroad tracks.
• This molten metal is capable of burning through almost anything, including vehicles, trees, and even underwater objects, causing severe burns and damage to humans.
• The drones carry and release thermite with high precision, bypassing traditional defenses.

Historical Use of Thermite in War

• World Wars: Thermite was used in WWI by German zeppelins and in WWII by both Allied and Axis forces for aerial bombing.
• Modern Use: Thermite is now often employed in covert operations due to its intense but silent burn.

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Legality of Thermite in Weapons

• The use of thermite isn’t banned under international law but using incendiary weapons against civilian targets is prohibited under Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
• It can only be deployed against strictly military targets to minimise collateral damage.

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In recent days, the sky over regions much farther south than usual has been illuminated by vibrant auroras.

Intense Solar Storms Illuminate Skies Across Europe and the US

• This dazzling light show, caused by an unusually strong solar storm, is part of a series of solar storms that have struck Earth in 2024.
• They were seen across parts of Germany, the United Kingdom, New England, and even New York City and New Mexico.
• This is due to strong geomagnetic solar storms resulting from coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

What is the Aurora Phenomenon?

Auroras are natural light displays that occur in Earth’s polar regions. They are  known as aurora borealis (northern lights) in the Northern Hemisphere and aurora australis (southern lights) in the Southern Hemisphere.

• They are formed when charged particles from the sun’s solar wind interact with Earth’s magnetosphere which acts as a protective magnetic field around the planet.
• These particles get trapped in Earth’s magnetic field and funnel down toward the polar regions, where they collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of light.
• This creates the vibrant colours seen in auroras, which can range from green and red (oxygen) to blue and purple (nitrogen).

Solar Storms and the 11-Year Solar Cycle

• The recent surge in auroras is linked to the 11-year solar cycle, during which the sun’s activity rises and falls. 
• Right now, the sun is nearing the peak of this cycle, known as the solar maximum, where solar flares and storms become more frequent.
• In May 2024, the sun released its biggest solar flare in almost two decades, and since then, Earth has experienced several significant solar storms.
• These geomagnetic storms will likely continue, as the solar maximum is not expected to subside until around 2026.

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What is a Geomagnetic Storm?

• Geomagnetic storms are Disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity.
• Deep within the Sun, nuclear fusion continuously generates massive amounts of energy.
• Some of this energy is emitted as sunlight, radiation (solar flares), and charged particles.
• Solar wind: Sun also releases a steady stream of charged particles called the Coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
  • Occasionally, it emits larger bursts of energy known as CMEs sending clouds of charged plasma into space.
• When these bursts collide with Earth’s magnetic field, they can cause geomagnetic storms.
• Earth’s Magnetic Field:  Acts as a protective shield, deflecting harmful solar radiation and charged particles. 

Possible Impact of Heavy Geomagnetic Storm

• Critical risks to power Grid: Solar storms can induce electric currents in power lines, overloading transformers and causing blackouts.
  • As occurred in Quebec in 1989.
• Impact on communication satellites: It damages Earth-orbiting satellites, especially those in high, geosynchronous orbits. 
• Aviation: With geomagnetic storms disrupting radio communication and GPS, particularly for flights near the polar regions where storm effects are stronger.
• Threat to Astronauts:Currently astronauts are not in immediate danger because they stay relatively near the Earth in low earth orbit.
  • They do have to be concerned about cumulative radiation exposure during space walks. 
• Affect space weather throughout the Solar System.

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To prevent floods and landslides as recently seen in Kerala’s Wayanad district in the future, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved the installation of an X-band radar in Wayanad. 

X-Band Radar in Wayanad Boosts Landslide Early Warning System

• This radar aims to enhance early warning systems by monitoring environmental changes that can trigger landslides.
• The X-band radar installed in Wayanad will play a key role in monitoring the movements of soil particles, which are indicators of potential landslides. 
• With its high temporal sampling capability, the radar can detect rapid changes in the environment, allowing for more accurate and timely disaster warnings.

Doppler Radar and Its Application in Meteorology

• Doppler Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) uses electromagnetic waves in the microwave range to detect location, direction, altitude, intensity, and movement of objects.
• Doppler radar is based on the Doppler effect, which describes the change in frequency of a signal when the source and observer are in relative motion.
  • If objects move closer, the frequency increases
• In meteorological applications, Doppler radars help forecasters observe rainfall, track cloud formations, and monitor thunderstorms in real-time.
• By detecting the movement of particles, they can provide valuable data on storm intensity and wind direction.

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Types of Doppler Radars: L, S, C, X, and K Bands

• L-band radar: Low frequency (1-2 GHz), long wavelengths (15-30 cm), suitable for detecting large-scale weather patterns.
• S-band radar: Operates at 2-4 GHz, with wavelengths of 8-15 cm. It is useful for both near and far-range weather detection due to its resistance to signal attenuation.
• C-band radar: Works within 4-8 GHz frequency and 4-8 cm wavelength, primarily used for short-range weather observations.
• X-band radar: Focuses on smaller particles and shorter-range weather monitoring, due to its 8-12 GHz frequency and 2-4 cm wavelength.

Role of  X-Band Radar

• The shorter wavelength allows X-band radar to detect smaller particles, such as rain droplets and soil, providing high-resolution imaging.
• However, due to the shorter wavelength, X-band radars have a relatively limited detection range compared to other radar types like C-band or S-band.

India’s Growing Radar Network

• India’s India Meteorological Department (IMD) began using radar technology in the 1950s, installing its first indigenous X-band radar in 1970.
• Both X-band and S-band radars are used extensively across the country.
• Mission Mausam: The Indian government plans to add 56 additional Doppler radars, modernising its meteorological infrastructure under the ₹2,000 crore ‘Mission Mausam’ initiative.
• This includes the installation of up to 60 radars by 2026 to improve weather forecasting.

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Future Projects

• India, in collaboration with NASA, is developing the NISAR satellite (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), which is expected to launch in 2025. 
• NISAR will combine L-band and S-band radars to produce high-resolution maps of the Earth’s surface, helping track natural processes such as land deformation and environmental changes. 
• This satellite will enhance the country’s ability to monitor and respond to geological activities and weather phenomena.

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India’s ranking in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, at 105th out of 127 countries, reflects significant challenges in addressing hunger and malnutrition.

Key Findings of the Global Hunger Index 2024

• India’s Rank in Global Hunger Index 2024: India ranks 105th out of 127 countries, placing it in the “serious” category for hunger levels.
• South Asia Comparison: India is ranked alongside Pakistan and Afghanistan in the “serious” category, while Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are in the “moderate” category.

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• Global Hunger: 733 million people face hunger globally, with 2.8 billion unable to afford a healthy diet.
• Alarming Hunger Levels: Several African nations are in the “alarming” category due to conflicts, including Gaza, Sudan, DR Congo, Haiti, Mali, and Syria.
• UN SDG Concern: The report concludes that achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 is increasingly unlikely without significant progress.
• India has shown a lack of consistent decline or rise as seen in the graph.

About Global Hunger Index

• First published in 2006 by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), along with Welthungerhilfe (Germany) and later joined by Concern Worldwide (Ireland) in 2007.
• The GHI is published annually and is designed to measure and track hunger across the globe, reflecting multiple dimensions of hunger through time.
• The score is calculated on a 100-point scale:
  • 0 represents the best possible score (no hunger),
  • 100 is the worst.
• Each country is classified based on its GHI score, ranging from low to extremely alarming.

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GHI Indicators

• Undernourishment: Share of the population with insufficient caloric intake.
• Child Stunting: Share of children under five with low height for their age (chronic undernutrition).
• Child Wasting: Share of children under five with low weight for their height (acute undernutrition).
• Child Mortality: Share of children who die before reaching the age of five, often due to malnutrition and poor health environments.

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The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

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About Nihon Hidankyo

Nihon Hidankyo is a Japanese organization founded in 1956 that represents the survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, known as Hibakusha.

• The group’s key mission is to:
  • Advocate for nuclear disarmament.
  • Secure welfare and compensation for the Hibakusha.
  • Raise global awareness of the aftermath and dangers of nuclear weapons.
• This award recognizes their efforts to promote a world free of nuclear weapons and their role in raising awareness about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear warfare.
• Through testimonies and public outreach, Nihon Hidankyo has contributed significantly to the establishment of the nuclear taboo, which has helped prevent the use of nuclear weapons since 1945.

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Previous Nobel Peace Prizes for Disarmament

• Nihon Hidankyo joins a long line of disarmament-focused Nobel laureates.
•  In 2017, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) won for its efforts to establish a treaty banning nuclear weapons.
• Nihon Hidankyo and ICAN have collaborated to document the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons, furthering the cause of global disarmament.

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The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved Phase III of India’s Space-Based Surveillance (SBS-III) initiative.

• The Space Based Surveillance 3 mission will be strengthened by India’s purchase of 31 Predator drones from the US, collaboration with France on military satellites, and anti-satellite missile capabilities.

About Space Based Surveillance (SBS) Mission

• The project involves launching 52 spy satellites in low Earth and geostationary orbits.
• Purpose and Importance:
  • The project aims to enhance India’s space surveillance capabilities for national security.
  • The National Security Council Secretariat and the Defence Space Agency under the Ministry of Defence are managing the SBS mission.
  • Each branch of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) will have dedicated satellites for their specific operations.
  • Previous Phases of SBS:
    • SBS 1 was launched in 2001 with four satellites, such as Cartosat 2A, Cartosat 2B, Eros B and Risat 2.
      • It was initiated in 2001 under Vajpayee government. 
    • SBS 2 was introduced  in 2013 with the launch of six satellites like Cartosat 2C, Cartosat 2D, Cartosat 3A, Cartosat 3B, Microsat 1 and Risat 2A

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Benefits of the SBS-III Initiative

• Enhanced Satellite Detection: The new satellites will use advanced technology and artificial intelligence to detect and track satellites in space more accurately.
• Improved Data Analysis: The satellites will use data-driven approaches to analyze information more efficiently.
• Round-the-Clock Monitoring: SBS-III satellites will operate continuously, unaffected by weather or atmospheric conditions, providing constant surveillance of objects in space.
• Enhanced National Security: This will help to protect its satellites and space assets from threats.
• Support for Armed Forces: The satellites will support the specific operations and missions of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Disadvantages of the SBS-III Initiative

• High Cost: The project is estimated to cost around Rs 27,000 crore.
• Technological Challenges: Launching and maintaining 52 satellites is a complex undertaking.
• Dependency on Foreign Technology: The purchase of Predator drones from the U.S. could increase India’s dependence on foreign technology.
• Potential for Misuse: The satellites could be used for offensive purposes.

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T-90 Bhishma Tank

Context: The Indian Army has recently rolled out its first overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank. 

More on the news

• Local Manufacturing: T-90 tanks are built under license at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, Chennai, boosting India’s defense manufacturing capacity.

About T-90 Bhishma tank

• It is a main battle tank used by the Indian Army since 2003. 
• It is  an upgraded version of the Russian T-72 tank
• Weight: 47 tonnes (approx)
• It is  9.6 meters long and 2.8 meters wide. 
• This tank has 3 crew people : a commander, a gunner, and a driver.

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Key Features of the Overhauled T-90 Bhishma Tank

• Excellent Maneuverability: The tank is compact and can move quickly through various terrains.
  • It makes it to manoeuvre through forests, marshy terrain, and mountains at a speed of 60 kilometres per hour.
• Strong Protection: The tank is well-protected against enemy fire.
• Firepower: Armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun capable of firing various ammunition like Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot ( APFSDS)  and High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds.
• Protection: Equipped with advanced composite armor, explosive reactive armor (ERA), and an active protection system for better battlefield survivability.
• Mobility: Powered by a 1,000 hp engine, enabling it to operate effectively in diverse terrains.
• Fire Control System: Features a modern fire control system with laser rangefinder, thermal imaging sights, and a ballistic computer to enhance accuracy.

Kappaphycus Alvarezii

Context: The cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii, a non-native invasive species, has been promoted by the Indian government in recent times.

About Kappaphycus Alvarezii

• Kappaphycus alvarezii is a species of red seaweed cultivated for its high content of carrageenan, a natural thickener and stabiliser used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Locally, it is referred to as “Pepsi pasi,” with “pasi” meaning seaweed in Tamil.
    • Seaweed refers to various species of marine non-flowering algae, found in oceans and other water bodies. Example: Gracilaria, Sargassum etc.
• Habitat: This species primarily thrives in tropical regions.
• Invasive Status: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies Kappaphycus alvarezii as one of the world’s 100 most invasive species.
• Economic Importance: The Indian government is prioritising Kappaphycus alvarezii in its efforts to develop an aquaculture economy, recognizing its economic viability amid a global demand for seaweed products that is growing at 10% annually.
  • Seaweed Farming also serves as an alternate form of livelihood to the fishermen community.
• Challenges in Cultivation
  • Initial Struggles: Early cultivation encountered limited seed availability and fish predation, hindering growth.
  • Declining Productivity: By 2013, significant productivity declines adversely impacted farmers’ livelihoods.
  • Current Issues: Present challenges include excessive heat, high salinity, strong ocean currents, elevated costs, and low market prices (30-32 rupees per kg).
• Environmental Concerns
  • Invasive Species: It is recognized as an invasive species, affecting six of the 21 islands in the Gulf of Mannar.
  • Impact on Ecosystems: The species poses threats to coral ecosystems by forming dense mats that hinder coral growth.
  • Fishing Hurdles: The seaweed gets entangled in fishing nets, negatively affecting local fishing activities.
• Government Initiatives:  The NITI Aayog, has published a strategy document on seaweed cultivation and processing in June 2024.

Murine Typhus

Context: A 75-year-old man from Kerala, who recently returned from Vietnam and Cambodia, has been diagnosed with murine typhus, a rare bacterial disease, marking the state’s first reported case of this disease.

About Marine Typhus

• Murine typhus is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by the flea-borne bacteria Rickettsia typhi.
  • Zoonotic diseases are infectious illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Examples: Rabies, salmonellosis etc.
• Transmission: It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas.
  • The disease is spread when infected flea faeces come into contact with cuts or scrapes in the skin. 
  • Transmission can also happen through exposure of mucous membranes to infected flea faeces. 
  • Murine typhus is not spread from one person to another, or from person to fleas.
• Alternative Names: Also known as endemic typhus, flea-borne typhus, or flea-borne spotted fever.
• Primary Reservoirs: Rodents such as rats, mice, and mongooses.
• Other Hosts: Disease-carrying fleas can inhabit other small mammals, including pets like cats and dogs.
  • Flea Life Cycle: Once infected, fleas can transmit the disease throughout their lifespan.
• Geographical Prevalence: Murine typhus has been reported in coastal tropical and subtropical regions where rat populations are high. 
  • In India, cases have been noted in Northeast states, Madhya Pradesh, and Kashmir.
• Symptoms: Symptoms typically onset 7 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pains, nausea, skin rash. 
• Treatment for Murine Typhus
  • Diagnosis: Advanced techniques such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) can confirm the diagnosis.
    • Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)/ massively parallel or deep sequencing, is a DNA sequencing technology that enables rapid and comprehensive analysis of genetic information.
  • Treatment Options: No vaccine is currently available.
    • Antibiotic doxycycline is effective, but early diagnosis is crucial. 
• Prevention Strategies
  • Flea Control: Households with pets should maintain flea control through regular washing and treatments.
  • Rodent Prevention: It is essential to keep rodents away from homes and kitchens, ensuring that food items are properly covered to minimise exposure to flea faeces.

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PM Internship scheme

Context: The Indian government launched the PM Internship Scheme to connect young people with top companies.

About PM internship scheme

• Launch Date: October 12
• Nodal Ministry:  Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
• Objective: To provide hands-on experience in key sectors, helping bridge skill gaps and creating long-term job opportunities for India’s youth.
• Eligibility
  • Age: 21-24 years old
  • Education: High school diploma or undergraduate degree (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma)
  • Family Income: Less than ₹8 lakh annually (approx. $9,600 USD)
  • Not enrolled in government skill or apprenticeship programs
  • No family members with permanent government jobs
• Program Details
  • Internships offered across 24 sectors like oil & gas, travel & hospitality, and banking.
  • Opportunities available in 737 districts across India.
  • Internship Duration: 1 year
  • Stipend: ₹5,000 per month (approx. $60 USD)
• Funding and Timeline
  • The government has allocated ₹800 crore for this pilot project.
  • The first batch of interns is expected to start by the first week of December.
  • The selection process will take place in November.

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

Context: The United States is deploying an advanced anti-missile system, THAAD, to Israel along with a US military crew to operate it.

About Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)

• THAAD is an American anti-ballistic missile defense system designed to shoot down short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase (descent or reentry).
• It is a vital component of Israel’s air defense system, especially in the face of increasing threats from Iran and its proxies.  
• Capabilities of THAAD: It Can intercept missiles in their terminal phases using a hit-to-kill approach.
  • It is coupled with space-based and ground-based surveillance stations for early warning and target identification.
• Range: THAAD can hit targets at ranges of 150 to 200 kilometers.

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)

Context: Israel Defence Forces (IDF) tanks destroyed the main gate of a facility of the UN peacekeeping forces at Ramyah in south Lebanon.

More on the news

• UNIFIL condemned the breach, citing it as a violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). 
• Call for Action: A joint statement by 40 troop-contributing countries, including India, condemned the attacks on peacekeepers and called for respect for UNIFIL’s mission to ensure the safety of its personnel.

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About UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)

• UNIFIL was established in March 1978 under Security Council Resolutions.
• Objective: 
  • To confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
  • Restore international peace and security.
  • Assist the Lebanese government in re-establishing effective authority in the area.
• Composition: Approximately 10,500 peacekeepers from 48 contributing countries.
• Largest Contributors: Indonesia, Italy, India, Nepal, and China.
• Funding: Funded through a separate account approved annually by the UN General Assembly, part of the broader UN Peacekeeping Force.
• Rules of Engagement: Peacekeepers may use force only in self-defense or to fulfill their mandated duties.

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