Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead a parliamentary delegation to the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly being held in Geneva. He will address the Assembly on the theme “Harnessing science, technology and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future”. He will also participate in the meetings of the IPU’s Governing Council, the highest decision-making body of the organization.
About Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU):
It is the international organization of Parliaments.
It was established in 1889 in Paris to promote representative democracy and world peace.
It facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development around the world.
It was the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations.
Its slogan is “For democracy. For everyone”.
Presently, it comprises 179 member parliaments and 13 associate members.
It promotes democracy and helps parliaments become stronger, younger, gender-balanced, and more diverse.
It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.
It moved its headquarters to Geneva in 1921.
It is financed primarily by its members out of public funds.
Structure:
IPU Assembly:
It is the principal statutory body that expresses the views of the IPU on political issues.
It brings together parliamentarians to study international problems and make recommendations for action.
Governing Council:
It is the plenary policy making body of the IPU.
It is composed of three representatives from each member parliament.
The President of the IPU is ex-officio President of the Governing Council.
The Council establishes the annual programme and budget of the IPU.
Occasionally, the Council considers substantive issues and adopts thematic resolutions and policy statements.
A number of committees and working groups are subordinated to it and report to the Council on their work.
Executive Committees:
In accordance with the IPU statutes, this 17-member body oversees the administration of the IPU and provides advice to the Governing Council.
The 15 members of the Executive Committee are elected by the Council for a four-year term.
The President of the IPU is an ex officio member and President of the Committee.
Standing Committees: There are three Standing Committees set up by the IPU Governing Council to assist the Assembly in its work.
Meeting of Women Parliamentarians:
It is a separate organ of the IPU, which meets on the occasion of the first round of Statutory Meetings of the IPU and reports on its work to the Governing Council.
The meeting can be attended by the parliamentarians of both sexes.
The agenda of the meeting includes one but not more than two substantive items for debate, which may relate to the competence of the Assembly.
Geography
Topic: Landforms
2. Chaukhamba Peak
Why in the news?
The two foreign women mountaineers who were stranded at an altitude of over 6,000 m. for three days during the expedition to Chaukhamba-3 peak after their equipment and bags slipped into a gorge were successfully rescued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) teams using choppers.
About Chaukhamba Peak:
It is a four-pillar-shaped enormous peak located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, west of the Hindu holy town of Badrinath.
It is a mountain massif that has four summits, along a northeast-southwest trending ridge situated in the Gangotri group of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Being named as Chaukhamba Peak I, II, III, and IV, all of them have different elevations that lie between 7,138 m and 6,854 m.
Chaukhamba peak I remains the tallest of all the four summits, i.e., 7,138 m above sea level.
It towers above the Gangotri glacier, forming the eastern anchor of the group.
Garhwal Himalayas:
These mountain ranges are located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
These are also a part of the Himalayan Shivalik Hills, the outermost hills of the Himalaya located in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Major peaks of Garhwal Himalayas include Nanda Devi, Kamet, Sunanda Devi, Abi Gamin, Mana Peak and Mukut Parbat.
The cities which are included in these ranges are Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage namely Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Some of the sites of the location are the hill stations of Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Auli, Chakrata, Chopta.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Parks are also located here.
Topic: Places in news
3. Chechnya
Why in the news?
A fire at a petrol station in Russia's Chechnya killed four persons, including two children. The petrol station is on Chechnya's main city Grozny's Mohammad Ali Avenue, close to the center of the Chechen capital. Russia's North Caucasus has seen several deadly blasts at service stations recently.
About Chechnya:
It is a republic of Russia.
It is situated in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe, between the Caspian Sea and Black Sea.
It shares land borders with Georgia to its south; with the Russian republics of Dagestan, Ingushetia, and North Ossetia–Alania to its east, north, and west; and with Stavropol Krai to its northwest.
Its capital is Grozny.
It is well known for being mountainous, but it is in fact split between the flatter areas north of the Terek, and the highlands south of the Terek.
Rivers flowing through this region include the Terek, the Sunzha and the Argun.
Caucasus:
It is a region spanning Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
It is situated between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, mainly comprising Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and parts of Southern Russia.
The Caucasus Mountains, including the Greater Caucasus range, have conventionally been considered as a natural barrier between Europe and Asia, bisecting the Eurasian landmass.
Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest mountain, is situated in the Western Caucasus area of Russia.
On the southern side, the Lesser Caucasus includes the Javakheti Plateau and the Armenian highlands, part of which is in Turkey.
Topic: Places in news
4. Baku
Why in the news?
The 29th Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is to start from November 11 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
About Baku:
It is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region.
It is 28 m. below sea level, which makes it the lowest-lying national capital in the world and also the largest city in the world below sea level.
It lies on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, on the Bay of Baku.
It is the primate city of Azerbaijan. It is the sole metropolis in the country, and about 25% of all inhabitants of the country live in Baku's metropolitan area.
The Old City, containing the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
The city is the scientific, cultural, and industrial center of Azerbaijan.
It is renowned for its harsh winds, reflected in its nickname, the "City of Winds".
It is situated on the western coast of the Caspian Sea.
In the vicinity of the city, there are several mud volcanoes (Keyraki, Bogkh-bogkha, Lokbatan and others) and salt lakes (Boyukshor, Khodasan and so on).
Climate
Baku has a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSk) with hot and humid summers, cool and occasionally wet winters, and strong winds all year long.
Baku's largest industry is petroleum, and its petroleum exports make it a large contributor to Azerbaijan's balance of payments.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
It is the UN process for negotiating an agreement to limit dangerous climate change.
It is an international treaty among countries to combat "dangerous human interference with the climate system". The main way to do this is limiting the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
It was signed in 1992 by 154 states at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro. The treaty entered into force on 21 March 1994.
Its work currently focuses on implementing the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the rise in global temperature to well below 2 °C above levels before the Industrial Revolution, and even aiming to hold it at 1.5 °C.
By 2022, the UNFCCC had 198 parties.
Its supreme decision-making body, the Conference of the Parties (COP), meets every year
Topic: Lakes
5. Wular Lake
Why in the news?
Water chestnut, known as goer in Kashmir, is an aquatic vegetable that grows in the Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
The grass-like sedge is in high demand during autumn in Kashmir. For hundreds of families living around the lake in Bandipora district of northern Kashmir, it’s one of the main sources of income in the season.
About Wular Lake:
It is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest freshwater lake in Asia.
It is located in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is fed by the Jhelum River.
It lies at an altitude of 1,580 m on the foothills of Haramuk Mountain.
It is spread over a total area of 200 sq.km., covering almost 24 km in length and 10 km in breadth.
The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity.
It is also said to be a remnant of Satisar Lake that existed in ancient times.
This lake also has a small island in its center called the ‘Zaina Lank’. This island was constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din.
In 1990, it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The area is important for wintering, staging and breeding birds. Terrestrial birds observed around the lake include the black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrow hawk, short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle, Himalayan monal, etc.
It is an important habitat for fish, accounting for 60 percent of the total fish production within the state.
Water Chestnut:
It is a grass-like sedge native to Asia, tropical Africa, and Oceania.
It is not a nut but rather an aquatic vegetable that grows in marshes, under water, or in mud.
It has stem-like, tubular green leaves that grow to about 1.5 m.
The water caltrop, which also is referred to by the same name, is unrelated and often confused with the water chestnut.
Science and Technology
Topic: Diseases
6. Lung Cancer
Why in the news?
Banning tobacco consumption among young people could prevent deaths among them and those who come after them on a large scale. A new study published in Lancet Public Health recently gave an idea of the magnitude of the preventable deaths.
An estimated 1,186,500 (40.2 per cent) of 2,951,400 lung cancer deaths in people born between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010 could be prevented globally if tobacco smoking was eliminated, the researchers calculated.
Elimination of tobacco smoking in the evaluated birth cohort could prevent a greater number and proportion of lung cancer deaths in male individuals than in female individuals. This is because of higher prevalence and earlier onset of smoking in male individuals.
About Lung Cancer:
It is a form of cancer that initiates from the lungs and can spread to other body parts.
It is classified into two main types:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): It is the most common type of lung cancer. It accounts for about 85% of lung cancer cases. It includes subtypes like adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): It is less common but more aggressive. It makes up about 15% of lung cancer cases and is known for its rapid growth and spread.
It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for approximately 18.4% of all cancer deaths.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 2.1 million new cases of lung cancer in 2020.
Lung cancer causes more deaths each year than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined, with over 1.8 million deaths annually.
The 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is about 19%, highlighting the need for early detection and effective treatment.
Many risk factors contribute to the development of lung cancer, including:
Smoking: The main cause of lung cancer is smoking, it leads to approximately 85% of cases.
Secondhand Smoke: Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 20-30% higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Exposure to Radon Gas: A naturally occurring gas that can accumulate in homes and buildings, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
Occupational Hazards: Exposure to asbestos, arsenic, and other carcinogens in the workplace.
Genetic Factors: A family history or genetics can result in lung cancer or it can increase the risk of this disease.
Air Pollution: Exposure to polluted air can contribute to the development of lung cancer.
Preventing diseases like lung cancer involves strategies of reducing exposure to risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle choices. Some prevention strategies include:
Quitting smoking and avoiding consuming tobacco.
Testing for Radon gas leakage and taking corrective measures if needed.
Using protective equipment, wearing protective gear and hazmat suits in workplaces with exposure to harmful substances.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet to support lung health.
Undergoing regular screenings for those at high risk, such as smokers or individuals with a family history of lung cancer.
Topic: Health
7. Arthritis
Why in the news?
World Arthritis Day is observed annually on October 12th to raise awareness about arthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide. Arthritis primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
About Arthritis:
It refers to inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints.
A joint is the area where 2 bones meet.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.
Causes:
Arthritis involves the breakdown of structures of the joint, particularly cartilage.
Normal cartilage protects a joint and allows it to move smoothly.
Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, such as when you walk.
Without the normal amount of cartilage,the bones under the cartilage become damaged and rub together.
This causes swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.
The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage to break down.
Cartilage is the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Economy
Topic: Taxation
8. Securities Transaction Tax (STT)
Why in the news?
Revenue collections from the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) have surged 87% within the first 193 days of the current fiscal year, compared with the corresponding period of 2023-24.
In FY24, the government had revised the STT collection target to ₹32,000 crore from ₹27,000 crore.
About Securities Transaction Tax (STT):
It is a direct tax charged on the purchase and sale of securities listed on the recognized stock exchanges in India.
It is levied and collected by the central government of India.
It is governed by Securities Transaction Tax Act, which has specifically listed various taxable securities transactions, i.e., transactions on which STT is leviable.
Taxable securities include equities, derivatives, or equity-oriented mutual funds investment units (excluding commodities and currency).
The rate of taxation is different for different types of securities.
STT is not applicable to off-market transactions or to commodity or currency transactions.
The liability of applying the STT is on the broker when the client undertakes transactions in the stock market. The collected amount is then paid to the government.
The charges and rate of STT are reflected on the contract notes which a broker provides to its clients for every execution of trades.
Government Schemes
Topic: Infrastructure
9. PM GatiShakti National Master Plan
Why in the news?
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi hails 3 years of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, which has emerged as a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing India’s infrastructure.
About PM GatiShakti National Master Plan:
It is a multimodal connectivity plan, with the aim of coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure projects to bring down logistics costs.
It aims to ensure integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure projects in the next four years, with focus on expediting works on the ground, saving costs and creating jobs.
It subsumes the Rs 110 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline that was launched in 2019.
It is also aimed at increasing cargo handling capacity and reducing the turnaround time at ports to boost trade.
It aims to have 11 industrial corridors and two new defense corridors - one in Tamil Nadu and other in Uttar Pradesh. Extending 4G connectivity to all villages is another aim. Adding 17,000 kms to the gas pipeline network is being planned.
It helps in fulfilling the ambitious targets set by the government for 2024-25, including expanding the length of the national highway network to 2 lakh kms, creation of more than 200 new airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
It intends to bring together 16 infrastructure related Ministries. This will help in removing long-standing issues such as disjointed planning, lack of standardization, problems with clearances, and timely creation and utilization of infrastructure capacities.
The scheme is in synergy with the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP).
Gati Shakti Digital Platform: It involves the creation of a common umbrella platform through which infrastructure projects can be planned and implemented in an efficacious manner by way of coordination between various ministries/departments on a real-time basis.
Online Classes
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