IE Analysis:https://youtu.be/vazkHc6wI1w?si=FAm_6TBqC3jUhw6Q
JN Analysis:https://youtu.be/vazkHc6wI1w?feature=shared
1 .Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V
(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)
has been named the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. This follows the passing of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, on February 4, 2025.
Prince Rahim's father was Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on February 4, 2025. He was the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims.
2 .E-NAM:
(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)
The Indian government has expanded the e-NAM (electronic-National Agriculture Market) platform by adding 10 new commodities.
This initiative aims to broaden the scope of agricultural trade and provide farmers and traders with more opportunities to engage in digital trading.
New Commodities: The newly added commodities span various categories, including:
Miscellaneous: Dried Tulsi Leaves, Besan (Chickpea Flour), Wheat Flour, Chana Sattu (Roasted Chickpea Flour), Water Chestnut Flour
Spices: Asafoetida, Dried Fenugreek Leaves
Vegetables: Water Chestnut, Baby Corn
Fruits: Dragon Fruit
Total Commodities: With this addition, the total number of tradable items on the e-NAM platform has reached 231.
Tradable Parameters: The Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) has formulated tradable parameters for these new commodities. These parameters ensure quality standards and help farmers secure better prices for their produce.
Benefits: This expansion is expected to:
Increase agricultural commodity coverage.
Provide more trading opportunities for farmers and traders.
Enhance transparency and fair trading practices.
Promote the growth of the agricultural sector.
This move by the government reflects its commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector and empowering farmers through digital platforms.
National Agriculture Market (eNAM), a pan-India electronic trading portal, networks the existing Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
THE initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2016. e-NAM platform promotes better marketing opportunities for the farmers to sell their produce through online competitive and transparent price discovery system and online payment facility.
The e-NAM portal provides single window services for all APMC related information and services. This includes commodity arrivals, quality & prices, buy & sell offers and e-payment settlement directly into farmers’ account, among other services.
1389 Mandis of 23 States and 04 UTs have been integrated to e-NAM platform.
3 .Argentina
(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)
has announced its intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following a similar move by the United States.
The United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) stems from several factors, including dissatisfaction with the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about the organization's perceived lack of independence from political influence, and financial considerations.
The US has criticized the WHO's pandemic response, arguing it was too slow and too deferential to China. Furthermore, the US has expressed worries about the WHO's political impartiality.
As the largest financial contributor to the WHO, the US has also raised concerns about the organization's efficient use of funds.
This withdrawal has significant implications for global health. It weakens the WHO by creating a substantial funding gap, depriving the organization of crucial US expertise in public health, and diminishing the WHO's overall influence in global health initiatives.
Ultimately, the US departure poses a serious challenge to the WHO's ability to effectively carry out its vital work.
4.The Kalbelia community
General Studies-I (250 marks)Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)Researchers have unearthed colossal landforms buried deep beneath the North Sea, offering compelling evidence that the region was engulfed by a massive ice sheet during the middle of the last ice age.
is a fascinating and culturally rich group of people from Rajasthan, India.
:
Traditional Snake Charmers: Historically, the Kalbelias were known for their snake charming skills. They have a deep reverence for snakes, particularly cobras, and have a unique understanding of their behavior. However, due to wildlife protection laws, they've had to adapt their traditional profession.
Nomadic Lifestyle: The Kalbelias traditionally lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place. While some still maintain this way of life, many have settled in more permanent locations.
Cultural Heritage: The Kalbelia community has a vibrant cultural heritage, most notably expressed through their mesmerizing dance form. The Kalbelia dance, also known as the "Sapera dance," is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It's performed by women in swirling black skirts, replicating the movements of a serpent.
Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral to Kalbelia culture. They have a rich tradition of folk songs and dances, often narrating stories from folklore and mythology. The Kalbelia dance is accompanied by traditional instruments like the "pungi" (a wind instrument used for snake charming), "dufli" (a small drum), and "been" (a type of lute).
Challenges and Adaptations: The Kalbelia community has faced numerous challenges, including the ban on snake charming and the need to adapt to changing times. They have shown resilience by transitioning to performing arts as a major source of income.
The Kalbelia community is a testament to the power of cultural heritage and the ability to adapt in the face of change. Their unique traditions and artistic expressions continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
5 .Giant Ice Sheet Discovered Beneath the North Sea:
(General Studies-I (250 marks)Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)Researchers have unearthed colossal landforms buried deep beneath the North Sea, offering compelling evidence that the region was engulfed by a massive ice sheet during the middle of the last ice age.
This discovery significantly revises our understanding of the area's glacial history, suggesting a single, expansive ice sheet stretching from Norway to the British Isles, rather than the previously theorized smaller, separate ice caps.
The sheer scale of these subsea formations, hidden under nearly a kilometer of sediment, paints a dramatic picture of a frozen landscape sculpted by the immense power of this ancient ice sheet.
6 .The US Withdrawal from the WHO: Implications for Global Health Governance:
(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)
The withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) presented both challenges and opportunities to reshape the landscape of global health.
This period allowed for critical reflection on the WHO's structure, funding mechanisms, and responsiveness to emerging health crises.
It also highlighted the need for greater collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to address global health challenges effectively.
Ultimately, the U.S. exit served as a catalyst for re-evaluating the global health architecture and exploring alternative approaches to improve global health security and outcomes.
Impact on Global Health Security:
Weakened Pandemic Preparedness: The US plays a crucial role in global disease surveillance, research, and response. Its withdrawal could hinder early detection and containment of outbreaks, potentially leading to more severe pandemics.
Reduced Capacity for Outbreak Response: The WHO relies on member states for resources and expertise during health emergencies. The US exit could strain the WHO's ability to effectively coordinate international responses to outbreaks like Ebola or Zika.
Setback for Global Health Initiatives: US funding supports numerous WHO programs addressing critical health issues like polio eradication, HIV/AIDS treatment, and maternal health. The withdrawal could jeopardize these initiatives, particularly in developing countries.
Shifting Power Dynamics:
Leadership Vacuum: The US has historically been a leader in global health. Its absence could create a vacuum, potentially allowing other countries to exert greater influence on the WHO's agenda and priorities.
Increased Reliance on Other Actors: The WHO might need to rely more on other nations or private donors for funding and guidance. This could lead to shifts in the organization's priorities and decision-making processes.
Opportunities for Reform:
Catalyst for Change: The US withdrawal could prompt the WHO to address its shortcomings, such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and political influence. This could lead to a stronger and more effective organization in the long run.
Diversification of Funding: The WHO could explore alternative funding mechanisms to reduce its reliance on major donors. This could make the organization more independent and resilient to political pressures.
Strengthening Global Health Partnerships: The US exit could encourage greater collaboration and coordination among other global health actors, such as governments, NGOs, and research institutions.
Long-Term Implications:
Uncertain Future for Global Health: The US withdrawal creates uncertainty about the future of global health governance. It raises questions about the WHO's role, its ability to address emerging challenges, and the overall effectiveness of international cooperation in health.
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