1. Commonwealth

Why in the news?

• Commonwealth heads of government are to push for a conversation on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade when they meet for the association's first summit in two years.

About Commonwealth:

• It is a voluntary association of countries, most of which are former British colonies, collaborating on democracy, trade, and climate change.
• Genesis: 
  • At the 1926 imperial conference, Britain and the Dominions (semi-independent countries) agreed as equal members of a community within the British Empire i.e. British Commonwealth of Nations. They owed allegiance to the British monarch, but the UK didn't rule over them.
  • At the time of India’s independence in1947, it desired to become a republic, but it also wanted to stay a member of the Commonwealth.
  • The London Declaration, adopted in 1949, declared that republics and other countries could be part of the Commonwealth. Henceforth, the Modern Commonwealth of Nations was established. Initially it comprised eight members including India.
• Currently, it comprises 56 members (including India).
• Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meet every two years to discuss pertinent issues and release a summit communiqué.
• Organizational Structure:
• Commonwealth Secretariat(CS):
  • It supports members in achieving the organization's goals.
  • Its headquarters are located in London.
• Commonwealth Foundation (CF):
  • It promotes people's participation in democracy and development.
  • Its headquarters are located in London.
• Commonwealth of Learning(COL):
  • It advocates for open learning and distance education.
• Its headquarters are located in Burnaby, Canada.
• It has no charter, treaty or constitution.
• All members are considered equal, and decisions are made by consensus.
• Member countries choose the Head of the Commonwealth. 
• Suspension of members can occur following breaches of human rights, as seen in cases such as Fiji, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and the Maldives.
• Commonwealth Games are quadrennial international multisport event contested by athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations.
• Initiatives: 
• Agreements such as the 1971 Declaration of Commonwealth Principles and the 1991 Harare Commonwealth Declaration underscore the Commonwealth's commitment to promoting democracy and human rights.
• Commonwealth charter (2012) sets out 16 core shared principles such as Rule of Law, etc. to which all member countries have committed. 
• Its advocacy and support played a significant role in ending apartheid in South Africa.
• Initiatives such as The Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC), Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, and Overseas Development Assistance to support development initiatives and economic growth in Commonwealth countries.
• It is the only intergovernmental organization empowering youth through Commonwealth Youth Programme(CYP).
• Commonwealth Cyber Declaration (2018) supports the development of a cyberspace that promotes social and economic development and protects digital rights.
• Commonwealth Secretariat Countering Violent Extremism Unit was established in 2017 to provide support to member countries in developing their national strategies to counter violent extremism.
• Commonwealth Climate Change initiatives include Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, the commonwealth Blue charter project, Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub etc.
• India’s relations with the Commonwealth:
  • India is the largest member state of the Commonwealth, with nearly 60% of the total population of the association. 
  • It is the fourth largest contributor to the Commonwealth. 
  • India hosted the Commonwealth Summit (CHOGM) and Commonwealth Games (CWG) in 1983 and 2010 respectively in New Delhi.
  • Commonwealth Sub Window (US$ 50 Million over 5 years) under the India-UN Development Fund was established in 2018 to provide grant-in-aid assistance to Commonwealth members for projects related to SDG implementation and Climate Action.

Topic: Rivers

2. Chao Phraya River

Why in the news?

• A cruise ride took a scary turn for the tourists on a ship in Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River recently. Due to the incessant rainfall in the region, the water level of the river rose and as the cruise was passing under a bridge.

About Chao Phraya River:

• It is the major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. 
• Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is located on its banks.
• Course:
  • It begins at the confluence of the Ping and Nan rivers at Nakhon Sawan in Nakhon Sawan province. 
  • After this, it flows south for 372 km. from the central plains to Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand. 
  • In Chai Nat, the river then splits into the main course and the Tha Chin River, which then flows parallel to the main river. 
  • Both the rivers, the Chao Phraya and the Tha Chin finally drain into the Gulf of Thailand.
• In the low alluvial plain which begins below the Chao Phraya Dam, there are many small canals (khlong) which split off from the main river. The khlongs are used for the irrigation of the region's rice paddies.

Topic: Lakes

3. Gobind Sagar Lake

Why in the news?

• Five FIRs have been lodged against three private companies engaged by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for the construction of the Kiratpur-Ner Chowk four-lane highway in Himachal Pradesh. These companies were charged with polluting the Gobind Sagar Lake by dumping muck and soil on forest land, which subsequently washed into the lake during the monsoon season.

About Gobind Sagar Lake:

• It is a reservoir situated in Una and Bilaspur districts of Himachal Pradesh, India.
• It is formed by the Bhakra Dam.
• It is on the river Sutlej and is named in honour of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru. 
• One of the world's highest gravity dams, the Bhakra dam rises nearly 225.5 m above its lowest foundations. 
• To maintain the water level, the flow of the river Beas was channelized to Gobind Sagar by the Beas-Sutlej link which was accomplished in 1976.
• It was declared a waterfowl refuge in 1962. Fishing is commonly practiced here. It has about fifty one species and sub species. Bangana dero, Tor putitora, Sperata seenghala and Mirror carp are some of the common species found here.

Sutlej River

• It is the longest of the five tributaries of the Indus River.
• It is also known as "Satadree".
• It rises on the north slope of the Himalayas in Lake Rakshastal in southwestern Tibet at an elevation above 4,600 m.
• It is primarily located to the north of the Vindhya Range, east of the Pakistani Central Makran Range and south of the Hindu Kush region.
• Course:
  • The river enters India by flowing west and southwest through the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 6,608 m. 
  • It then flows through Punjab near Nangal before meeting the Beas River. The merger of these two rivers goes on to form 105 Km of the India-Pakistan border. 
  • The river continues to flow for another 350 Km before joining the Chenab River.
  • The combination of the Sutlej and Chenab Rivers form the Panjnad, which finally flows into the Indus River.
• It has a total length of 1550 km, out of which 529 km is in Pakistan. 
• Its main tributaries are Baspa, Spiti, Nogli Khad and Soan River.
• Water from the Sutlej River has been allocated to India according to the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. 
• There are several major hydroelectric projects on the Sutlej, including the Bhakra Dam, the Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant, and the Nathpa Jhakri Dam.

Topic: Biodiversity

4. Tenkana jayamangali

Why in the news?

• A team of arachnologists has discovered a new genus of jumping spiders, ‘Tenkana’, found across southern India, encompassing two previously known species. It also introduced a new species, Tenkana jayamangali, from Karnataka.

About Tenkana jayamangali:

• It is a newly described species  named after the Jayamangali river in Karnataka, where it was first identified.
• It has been added in  a new genus of Tenkana jumping spiders from South Asia

Tenkana spiders:

• The genus Tenkana is derived from the Kannada word for “south” (Tenkana), reflecting the spiders’ distribution across southern India and northern Sri Lanka.
• It encompasses two previously known species: Tenkana manu and Tenkana arkavathi. These species were earlier classified under the genus Colopsus, which is a genus of Asian jumping spiders
• They have been found in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, and they thrive in drier habitats and ground areas, unlike their forest-dwelling relatives.
• They belong to the Plexippina subtribe of jumping spiders. 

Topic: Protected Areas 

5. Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in the news?

• The Forest Department has been urged to reject the proposal for Barachukki mini hydel project which necessitates diversion of forest land in the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is a protected area located in the Mandya, Chamarajanagar, and Ramanagar districts of Karnataka.
• It was established in 1987.
• The Cauvery River passes through its midst.
• The sanctuary spans an area of 1027.535 sq.km.
• It is bordered by Tamil Nadu state to the east and northeast.
• Vegetation: 
  • The major portion of the forests are of South Indian dry deciduous type.
• Flora: 
  • The dense forests are dominated by teak and sandalwood trees.
• Fauna:
  • It is home to mammals like elephant, wild boar, leopard, dhole, spotted deer, barking deer, four-horned antelope, chevrotain, common langur, Grizzled giant squirrel, etc.
  • The river Cauvery also houses various species of reptiles like the Mugger crocodile, Indian mud turtles, and various species of snakes.
  • This is also one of the few places to find mahseer fish. 

Topic: Diseases

6. Scurvy

Why in the news?

• A once-common ailment from the 15th century, scurvy, is making an unexpected comeback in the 21st century. Historically associated with pirates and sailors who endured long voyages without fresh produce, scurvy is now resurfacing due to a variety of factors. 

About Scurvy:

• It is a disease caused by a significant lack of vitamin C in diet. 
• Risk factors for developing the condition include:
  • Not having access to fresh fruits or vegetables.
  • Eating very little due to medical treatments that make you feel sick (such as chemotherapy) or an eating disorder (such as anorexia).
  • Smoking, which reduces the amount of vitamin C your body absorbs from food.
  • Having a drug or alcohol dependency that affects your diet.
  • Having a poor diet during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding (chestfeeding).
  • Having a restrictive diet or food allergies.
  • Other health conditions such as type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Symptoms of scurvy range from fatigue to bleeding gums. The first symptoms may include general weakness, fatigue, irritability and joint pain. If left untreated, more severe symptoms may start to develop such as:
• Anemia.
  • Swollen, bleeding gums that may become purple and spongy
  • Loosened teeth that may fall out
  • Bleeding under your skin 
  • Easily bruised skin
  • Rough, scaly skin
  • Swollen legs
  • Opening of previously healed wounds and new wounds that don’t heal
  • Dry, brittle hair that coils like a corkscrew
  • Irritability
  • Appetite loss leading to anaemia
  • Failure to gain weight
• Scurvy isn’t contagious. It is only caused by having a severe vitamin C deficiency.

Topic: Health

7. E.coli 

Why in the news?

• The US has been battling the E.coli outbreak through contaminated food. This is a common bacteria in our surroundings and they mostly cause infection in the gastro-intestinal and urinary tracts. 
• Only a few strains of the bacteria cause disease, while most strains don’t. In fact, the harmless ones sit in the gut and are a part of the microbiome, helping in digestion.

About E. coli (Escherichia coli):

• It is a type of bacteria that can be found in the intestines of humans and animals.
• It is a rod-shaped bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family.
• While most strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial, some strains can cause illness and infections.
• Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
• It can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter from infected individuals or animals.
• The most familiar strains of E. coli that make you sick do so by producing a toxin called Shiga, which damages the lining of the small intestine and causes diarrhea.
• Symptoms:
  • These include fever of more than 102 degree F, persistent diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting.
  • The main problem is dehydration due to the inability of the patient to retain water and fluids.
  • In very few cases, people may get acute kidney injury.
• Most E. coli infections are self-limiting and resolve on their own without treatment. However, it's essential to stay hydrated during the course of the illness.

Topic: Health

8. Nemaline myopathy

Why in the news?

• Chief Justice DY Chandrachud shared the challenges faced by his foster daughters, who are battling a rare congenital disorder called nemaline myopathy, a condition that affects muscle proteins, leading to muscle weakness and difficulties with feeding and breathing.

About Nemaline myopathy:

• It is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects skeletal muscles, leading to muscle weakness and other related symptoms. Here are some key points about the condition:
• It is caused by mutations in various genes that are important for muscle function. These mutations disrupt the normal structure and function of muscle fibers.
• It is a rare disorder, occurring in approximately 1 in 50,000 births.
• Symptoms:
  • Muscle weakness, particularly in the face, neck, and trunk.
  • Delayed motor milestones in infants, such as sitting or walking.
  • Difficulty feeding, swallowing, and breathing due to weakened muscles.
  • Hypotonia (reduced muscle tone) and joint deformities.
  • Management: While there is no cure, management strategies include:
  • Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility.
  • Respiratory support if breathing is significantly affected.
  • Nutritional support to assist with feeding difficulties.
• Treatment:
  • There is no cure for nemaline myopathy, but treatment can help people with the condition lead long lives. Treatments are currently aimed at maintaining muscle strength, joint mobility, and respiration.

Topic: Human Body

9. Cornea

Why in the news?

• With corneal blindness becoming one of the leading causes of blindness in the country, and one which can be rectified by transplanting the dome-shaped layer of the eye with another healthy one, the Health Ministry has decided to give a big push to cornea donation. It is considering an “opt-out” method, whereby anyone who dies at a hospital will be presumed to be a cornea donor unless they (while alive) or their families register their dissent.

About Cornea:

• It is the clear outer layer at the front of the eye. 
• It covers the pupil (the opening at the center of the eye), iris (the colored part of the eye), and anterior chamber (the fluid-filled inside of the eye). 
• Its main function is to refract, or bend light. It is responsible for focusing most of the light that enters the eye.
• Its specific shape plays a key role in how your eyesight works and filters some ultraviolet (UV) rays.
• Except at its margins, the cornea contains no blood vessels, but it does contain many nerves and is very sensitive to pain or touch. 
• Since there are no nutrient-supplying blood vessels in the cornea, tears and the aqueous humor (a watery fluid) in the anterior chamber provide the cornea with nutrients.
• As light passes through the cornea, it is partially refracted before reaching the lens.
  • The curvature of the cornea, which is spherical in infancy but changes with age, gives it its focusing power.
  • When the curve becomes irregular, it causes a focusing defect called astigmatism, in which images appear elongated or distorted.
• As it is the first line of defense for the surface of the eye, it is also prone to injuries and damage. 
  • It tends to repair itself quickly from minor abrasions.
  • However, deeper abrasions may cause scars to form on the cornea, which causes the cornea to lose its transparency, leading to visual impairment.

Topic: Health

10. Insulin

Why in the news?

• The license of a Rajasthan-based company to manufacture ‘Insulin Tablets’, a homeopathic proprietary medicine, has been cancelled. 
• This follows a complaint filed by a Kerala-based RTI activist with the Prime Minister’s public grievance cell stating that the manufacture of these tablets was in violation of Section 106 A(C) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.

About Insulin:

• Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone made in pancreas that’s essential for allowing the body to use sugar (glucose) for energy. 
  • If the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or the body doesn’t use insulin properly, it leads to high blood sugar levels. This results in diabetes.
• There are also manufactured types of insulin that people with diabetes use to manage the condition.
• Insulin moves glucose from blood into cells all over the body. 
  • Glucose is the body’s main and preferred source of energy.
• Insulin lowers blood sugar level. 
• It is produced in the pancreas. More specifically, beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas make the hormone. It is the endocrine function of pancreas, to release insulin directly into the bloodstream.
• Diabetes results from a lack of functional insulin, which leads to high blood sugar.

Topic: New Technologies

11. Atomic Clock

Why in the news?

• A Raman Research Institute (RRI) team working with cold Rydberg atoms have used quantum magnetometry to help atomic clocks and magnetometers used for precise timekeeping in navigation, telecommunication and aviation, achieve higher precision and make them additionally robust.

About Atomic Clock:

• It is a device that measures time using the vibrations of atoms. Specifically, it uses the oscillations of the electrons in atoms to keep time.
• It is the most accurate time-keeping device available, with a margin of error of just a few billionths of a second per day.
•  It is far more precise than conventional clock because atomic oscillations have a much higher frequency and are much more stable.
• It is used in many applications that require very precise timing, such as GPS systems,telecommunications networks, and scientific research.
• Working:
  • Atomic clocks work by using a type of atom called a "cesium atom".
  • Cesium atoms are very stable and have a very specific frequency at which their electrons vibrate. This frequency is used as the basis for the atomic clock's timekeeping.
  • To measure time using cesium atoms, an atomic clock uses a device called a "microwave cavity", which is a chamber that is filled with cesium vapor.
  • A microwave signal is then sent into the cavity, which causes the cesium atoms to vibrate.
  • As the cesium atoms vibrate, they emit radiation at a very specific frequency, which is then detected by a detector, which compares it to a standard frequency.
  • The difference between the two frequencies is used to adjust the clock's timekeeping.
• Types of atomic clocks: 
  • Cesium atomic clocks: These are the most common and are used to define the international standard for time, called Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
  • Hydrogen maser atomic clocks: These are even more accurate than cesium atomic clocks and are used in scientific research.