Rescue workers searched for 75 people believed missing after smugglers forced them to swim in open sea off Djibouti's coast, the UN’s migration agency said. With 48 confirmed dead, it was the second deadliest disaster on the route this year, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said.
About International Organisation for Migration (IOM):
It is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.
It was established in 1951.
Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
It has 175 member states and 8 observer states.
Its mandate is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, through providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
Its publications include the World Migration Report and the Migration Health Annual Report.
Its key areas of work include:
Migration and development: IOM works to maximize the benefits of migration for both the home and host countries, as well as for migrants themselves.
Migration health: The organization provides health services and support to migrants and displaced populations.
Emergency operations: IOM responds to humanitarian crises by providing emergency relief and post-crisis recovery programs, such as transportation assistance, temporary shelter, and rebuilding infrastructure.
Counter-Trafficking: The organization actively combats human trafficking through prevention, protection, and prosecution initiatives, providing support to victims of trafficking.
Djibouti:
It is located in the Horn of Africa.
It lies at the northernmost point of the Great Rift Valley.
It is in Djibouti that the rift between the African Plate and the Somali Plate meets the Arabian Plate, forming a geologic tripoint.
The tectonic interaction at this tripoint has created the lowest elevation of any place in Africa at Lake Assal, and the second-lowest depression on dry land anywhere on earth.
It is bordered by:
Somalia to the south
Ethiopia to the southwest
Eritrea in the north
Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden to the east
Geography
Topic: Lakes
2. Little Prespa Lake
Why in the news?
Little Prespa Lake on Albanian-Greek border slowly dying
Plants and reeds have sprouted up as the waters of Little Prespa Lake on the Albanian-Greek border recede.
The once crystal-clear lake has mostly been transformed into a marshy watering hole in this corner of southeastern Albania.
About Little Prespa Lake:
It is also called Small Prespa Lake or Lesser Prespa Lake.
It is a lake shared between Greece and Albania.
It is the smaller of the two Prespa Lakes.
It has been recognized as an important wetland ecosystem favoring breeding and feeding of rare water bird species.
It hosts the largest breeding colony of the Dalmatian pelican in the world.
Dalmatian Pelican:
These are the largest member of the pelican family, and perhaps the world's largest freshwater bird, although rivaled in weight and length by the largest swans.
They are elegant soaring birds, with wingspans rivaling those of the great albatrosses, and their flocks fly in graceful synchrony.
With a range spanning across much of Central Eurasia, from the Mediterranean in the West to the Taiwan Strait in the East, and from the Persian Gulf in the South to Siberia in the North, these are short-to-medium-distance migrants between breeding and overwintering areas.
Environment and Ecology
Topic: Biodiversity
3. Swallowtail Butterflies
Why in the news?
A new study has revealed that the overexploitation of 25 medicinally valuable host plant species is endangering the swallowtail butterflies in the forest habitats of a region in Assam, commonly known as the “citrus belt of the world.”
About Swallowtail Butterflies:
They are large, colorful butterflies with forked hindwings resembling a swallow’s tail.
They belong to the family Papilionidae.
They include species like Blue-striped mime, Bhutan glory, and Kaiser-i-Hind.
They are found globally, with 69 species in India’s Northeast.
Some species are globally endangered.
Threats
Overexploitation of host plants including citrus plants (medicinal use).
Illegal tree felling and deforestation.
Illegal cattle farming in protected areas.
Tea cultivation and pesticide use near habitats.
Habitat destruction due to shrinking forest cover.
India hosts 77 of the 573 swallowtail butterfly species recorded across the world so far.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature designated the northeastern part of the country, where 69 species have been recorded, a ‘swallowtail-rich zone’ under the Swallowtail Conservation Action Plan
Topic: Biodiversity
4. Leopard
Why in the news?
Several teams involving the Army, police and Forest Department fanned out in the forests of Udaipur district to look for a man-eating leopard that reportedly killed seven people recently.
Alarmed over the rising number of deaths, the Forest authorities had issued an order to shoot down the leopard. The permission was granted under conditions that an attempt should be made to tranquilise or trap the animal.
About Leopard:
Its scientific name is Panthera pardus.
It is an elusive and nocturnal animal whose size and color depend on the habitat.
It is a great climber and hides in trees.
It is found in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Russia, and the Indian subcontinent.
In comparison to other large carnivores, it is quite adaptable with respect to their habitat needs and food requirements, being found in:
Agro-pastoral landscapes
Plantations
Near human habitation (both rural and urban)
The largest number of leopards in India have been estimated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Its population is threatened by habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
Protection Status:
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I.
Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
Human-Leopard Conflict:
The areas that often witness leopard-human conflicts include Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley, the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, Gir National Park in Gujarat, and Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in southern Tamil Nadu.
Topic: Biodiversity
5. Ambergris
Why in the news?
Maharashtra Crime Branch has recently seized 5.6 kg of ambergris (whale vomit), estimated to be worth ₹6.20 crore. They have also arrested three people on the charge of smuggling ambergris.
About Ambergris:
It is a waxy substance that originates from the digestive system of protected sperm whales. It is extracted from the bile duct in the intestines of sperm whales.
It means gray amber in French.
It is commonly known as Floating Gold.
The freshly passed ambergris is a light yellowish substance.
Chemically, ambergris contains alkaloids, acids, and a specific compound called ambreine, which is similar to cholesterol.
It is a rare substance, which contributes to its high demand and high price in the international market.
It is used to:
Produce perfumes which have notes of musk.
Flavor food, alcoholic beverages and tobacco in some cultures.
There is a ban on the possession and trade of ambergris in countries like the USA, Australia and India.
Sperm Whale:
It is the largest of the toothed whales and has one of the widest global distributions of any marine mammal species.
It is dark blue-gray or brownish, with white patches on the belly.
It is thickset and has small paddle-like flippers and a series of rounded humps on its back.
It is found in temperate and tropical waters throughout the world.
Conservation status
IUCN: Vulnerable
CITES : Appendix I
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: schedule 2
Economy
Topic: Capital Market
6. Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs)
Why in the news?
The Board of Directors of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. approved a proposal to raise up to $350 million (₹2,930 crore) by issuing unsecured foreign currency convertible Bonds (FCCBs) to VFSI Holdings Pte. Ltd.
The FCCBs will be unsecured and will have an ultra-low cost coupon of 5% annum, with a long maturity of 10 years.
About Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs):
These are a special category of bonds that are issued in currencies different from the issuing company's domestic currency.
Corporates typically issue FCCBs to raise money in foreign currencies.
These bonds retain all features of a convertible bond, making them attractive to both the investors and issuers.
These bonds are typically issued by multinational corporations with a business scenario of globalization, where they are constantly dealing in foreign currencies.
These are quasi-debt instruments and tradable on stock exchanges.
Investors are typically hedge fund arbitrageurs or foreign nationals.
Accounting:
These appear on the liabilities side of the issuing company's balance sheet.
These are issued by a company which can be redeemed either at maturity or at a price assured by the issuer.
In case the company fails to reach the assured price, the bond issuer is to get it redeemed.
The price and the yield on the bond moves in the opposite direction. The higher the yield, the lower the price.
These are equity linked debt securities that are to be converted into equity or depository receipts after a specified period. Thus a holder of FCCB has the option of either converting it into equity shares at a predetermined price or exchange rate, or retaining the bonds.
Topic: Banking
7. Debt Restructuring
Why in the news?
Sri Lanka’s new government would review a $12.5 billion sovereign bond debt restructure deal announced last month as part of efforts to repair the nation’s ruined finances.
Restructuring the debt is a cornerstone of the International Monetary Fund rescue plan Sri Lanka agreed to last year after an unprecedented economic crisis.
About Debt Restructuring:
Banks restructure debt by implementing various strategies and processes to modify the terms and conditions of existing loans.
It aims to provide relief to borrowers facing financial difficulties who cannot meet their loan obligations.
Banks work closely with borrowers in debt restructuring to evaluate their financial situation and develop a revised repayment plan.
This may involve extending the loan tenure, reducing the interest rate, or providing a grace period for repayment.
It can also involve converting debt into equity, where banks may acquire shares or ownership stakes in the borrowing company.
This allows banks to become shareholders and participate in the company's performance and future growth.
Sovereign Bonds:
These are specific debt instruments issued by the government.
They can be denominated in both foreign and domestic currency.
Just like other bonds, these also promise to pay the buyer a certain amount of interest for a stipulated number of years and repay the face value on maturity.
They also have a rating associated with them which essentially speaks of their credit worthiness.
Art and Culture
Topic: Intellectual Property Rights
8. Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
Why in the news?
The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has granted the GI tag to eight products from Assam.
The application for Geographical Indication tags for three variants of rice beer was filed by the Bodo Traditional Brewers Association.
The first variant, ‘Bodo Jou Gwran’, has the highest percentage of alcohol (about 16.11%) compared with other varieties of rice beer made by the Bodo community.
The second variant, ‘Maibra Jou Bidwi’, known locally as ‘Maibra Jwu Bidwi’ or ‘Maibra Zwu Bidwi’, is revered and served as a welcome drink by most Bodo tribes. It’s prepared by fermenting half-cooked rice (mairong) with less water, and adding a little ‘amao’ (a potential source of yeast) to it.
The third variant, called ‘Bodo Jou Gishi’, is also a traditionally fermented rice-based alcoholic beverage.
The Association of Traditional Food Products applied for four GI tags and obtained them successfully.
A GI tag has been secured by ‘Bodo Napham’, a dish prepared with fermented fish.
A GI tag has also been secured by ‘Bodo Ondla’, a rice powder curry flavored with garlic, ginger, salt, and alkali.
The ‘Bodo Gwkha’ has also received the GI tag. Locally also known as ‘Gwka Gwkhi’, it’s prepared during the Bwisagu festival.
The fourth speciality given the GI tag is ‘Bodo Narzi’, a semi-fermented food prepared with jute leaves, a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and essential minerals, including calcium and magnesium.
The ‘Bodo Aronai’, a small, beautiful cloth, also has the GI tag following the application by the Association of Traditional Bodo Weavers.
About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
It is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.
It ensures that only the authorized users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.
It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.
A registered GI is valid for 10 years.
GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Legal Framework and Obligations:
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
It is governed and directed by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
The significance of protecting industrial property and geographical indications as integral components of intellectual property is acknowledged and emphasized in Articles 1(2) and 10 of the Paris Convention.
Government Schemes
Topic: Health
9. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
Why in the news?
The National Disability Network (NDN) has approached the Central government seeking inclusion of persons with disabilities without any income or age criteria in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) health insurance scheme.
About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):
It is the world’s largest health insurance scheme fully financed by the government.
Launched in 2018, it offers a sum insured of Rs.5 lakh per family for secondary care and tertiary care.
Health Benefit Packages covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
It is an entitlement-based scheme that targets the beneficiaries as identified by latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data.
The National Health Authority (NHA) has provided flexibility to States/UTs to use non- Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) beneficiary family databases with similar socio-economic profiles for tagging against the leftover (unauthenticated) SECC families.
The funding for the scheme is shared in the ratio of 60:40 for all states and UTs with their own legislature, 90:10 in Northeast states and Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand and 100% Central funding for UTs without a legislature.
Nodal Agency:
The National Health Authority (NHA) has been constituted as an autonomous entity under the Society Registration Act, 1860 for effective implementation of PM-JAY in alliance with state governments.
The State Health Agency (SHA) is the apex body of the State Government responsible for the implementation of AB PM-JAY in the State.
Topic: Tribal Welfare
10. Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
Why in the news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, a package for basic scheme saturation in tribal-majority villages across 550 districts, at an event in Jharkhand.
There are 25 interventions planned under the package. An outlay of ₹79,156 crore, to be spent over five years, has been cleared by the Union Cabinet. The Central share will be ₹56,333 crore and the share of respective States will be ₹22,823 crore.
About Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan:
It was launched on October 2, 2024.
Its objective is the holistic development of tribal villages to transform the socio-economic landscape.
It has been named after Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter.
It covers approximately 63,000 tribal villages in 30 States/Union Territories.
The tribal villages covered under the Abhiyan would be mapped on PM Gati Shakti Portal with the gaps identified by the concerned department for its scheme specific requirements. The physical and financial progress will be monitored by the PM Gati Shakti platform and the best performing districts will be awarded.
Based on the specific needs and requirements of tribal areas and after deliberation with the States and other stakeholders, the Abhiyan has conceived some innovative schemes to promote livelihood and generate income amongst tribals and forest dwelling communities, including:
Tribal Home stay
Improving infrastructure of Govt residential Schools and Hostels:
Sustainable Livelihood Forest Right Holders (FRA)
Advance facilities for diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease
Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centre
Birsa Munda (1875-1900):
He was a tribal leader and freedom fighter belonging to the Munda tribe in the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
He was known as the “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Earth).
He led the Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan), a mass movement against British colonial policies, particularly land grabbing and oppressive taxes.
He founded the Birsait faith, blending animism and indigenous beliefs
November 15, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda is celebrated as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’.
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