State Emblem of India

Context: The Union Home Ministry has instructed states to prevent the improper depiction of the State Emblem of India and ensure the mandatory inclusion of “Satyameva Jayate” in Devanagari script.

About the State Emblem of India

• It is the official seal of the Government of India.
• Adoption: Adopted on January 26, 1950, from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. 

Usage of State Emblem

• On the Letterheads of the Central Government, State Government and other government agencies.
• On the Currency of India
• On the Passports of India
• The Ashoka Chakra in the National Flag is taken from the National Emblem

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Design Features OF State Emblem

• Adaptation of Sarnath Lion Capital with:
• • Three visible lions, with the fourth hidden from view.
  • Dharma Chakra at the center of the abacus.
  • Animal Depictions on the Abacus:
    • Bull (Right): Represents Taurus, symbolizing Buddha’s birth.
    • Horse (Left): Represents Kanthaka, Buddha’s horse during renunciation.
    • Elephant (East): Symbolizes Queen Maya’s dream of a white elephant.
    • Lion (North): Represents Buddha’s enlightenment and Dharma propagation.
  • Outlines of Dharma Chakras on the extreme right and left of the abacus.
  • Dharma Chakra symbolizes Buddha’s first sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana)
  • The official emblem does not include the bell-shaped lotus found in the original Lion Capital.
• Motto: “Satyameva Jayate” is inscribed below the emblem in Devanagari script.
  • The motto is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad and means “Truth Alone Triumphs”.

Legal Provisions and Penalty

• The State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005 and State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007 regulate its authorized use.
• Unauthorized use can result in:
  • Up to 2 years imprisonment or
  • A fine of up to ₹5,000.

Beggar-thy-neighbour policies

Context: The article shed light on the economic strategies in which the country tries to improve its economic situation through measures such as  tariffs, currency devaluation, and trade restrictions.

What Are Beggar-Thy-Neighbour Policies?

• These are protectionist economic policies that help one country’s economy at the cost of others.
• Examples:
  • Trade Wars: High taxes (tariffs) or strict limits (quotas) on foreign imports.
  • Currency Wars: Central banks intentionally weaken their currency to make exports cheaper and imports costlier.
• Origins of the Idea
  • The term was introduced by Scottish economist Adam Smith in his 1776 book The Wealth of Nations.

ELS Cotton

Context: Union Finance Minister, while presenting the Union Budget, announced a five-year mission aimed at Improving productivity and sustainability in cotton farming and Promoting extra-long staple (ELS) cotton varieties.

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What is ELS Cotton?

• ELS cotton has fibre lengths of 30 mm or more, making it superior in quality.
• It comes mainly from the Gossypium barbadense species, also called Egyptian or Pima cotton.
  • Gossypium hirsutum: Makes up about 96% of India’s cotton, with fibre lengths of 25-28.6 mm (medium staple).
• Key Features of ELS Cotton
  • Superior Quality: Produces fine, strong, and smooth yarns, used in premium textiles.
  • Highly Durable: Resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for luxury clothing and home textiles.
• Where is ELS Cotton Grown?
  • Globally: Major producers include Egypt, China, Australia, and Peru.
  • In India: Cultivated in Atpadi taluka (Maharashtra), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), and parts of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
• Classification: Cotton is divided into short, medium, and long staple based on fibre length.
  • Types of Cotton Based on Fibre Length:
    • Short Staple: Shortest fibre length.
    • Medium Staple: Most cotton grown in India (around 96%) falls here. Typically, fibres range from 25 to 28.6 mm (e.g., Gossypium hirsutum).
    • Long Staple: Longer fibres.
    • Extra-Long Staple (ELS): Fibres are 30 mm or longer. Mostly from the species Gossypium barbadense, also known as Egyptian or Pima cotton..
• Why is ELS cotton not grown in India?
• Cotton farmers don’t grow ELS cotton for various reasons
• • Low Yield
    • Medium staple cotton yields 10-12 quintals per acre.
    • ELS cotton yields only 7-8 quintals per acre.
  • Market Challenges
    • Difficulty in selling ELS cotton at premium prices due to lack of strong market linkages.

Fort William renamed Vijay Durg

Context: In a move to eliminate colonial influences within the armed forces, Fort William in Kolkata, has been renamed Vijay Durg.

• Kitchener House has been renamed Manekshaw House, and St. George’s Gate is now Shivaji Gate.

About Fort William

• Built by: The British in 1781 and named after King William III of England.
• New Name: Vijay Durg, inspired by the historic Maratha fort in Maharashtra, which served as a naval base under Chhatrapati Shivaji.
• It serves as headquarters of the Eastern Army Command.
• Decision Finalized: Mid-December 2024, with official announcement pending.
• Significance of Renaming: Symbolizes India’s military heritage and national identity and aligns with the government’s vision of indigenization in defence doctrines, procedures, and customs.

Argentina’s Withdrawal from WHO

Context: The President of Argentina has ordered Argentina’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to profound disagreements with the agency’s policies.

Reason of withdrawal from WHO

• Domino Effect of US Withdrawal: The decision follows a similar move by the U.S. President Donald Trump.
• Primary Reason: Differences over health management policies, particularly during COVID-19, which led to unprecedented global shutdowns.
  • Argentina contributed $8 million to WHO’s $6.9 billion 2024-2025 budget, making its financial impact minimal.
• Sovereignty Concerns: Argentina opposes international influence over its national healthcare decisions.

Stryker Infantry Vehicle

Context: Negotiations between India and USA are underway for the deal for co-production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles.

• Vehicle Test: Stryker’s performance was demonstrated in high altitude conditions of Ladakh between 13,000 and 18,000 feet which also saw the testing of the Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).

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About The Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles

• The Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles derived from the Canadian LAV III.
• Manufactured By: The Combat vehicle is being manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-C) for the United States Army in a plant in London, Ontario.

The FGM-148 Javelin, or Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M)

• It is an American-made man-portable anti-tank system in service since 1996 and continuously upgraded.
• Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance.
• Manufacturer: Raytheon & Lockheed Martin

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