1. International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Woman and African President of the IOC

About the International Olympic Committee (IOC):

• Established in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin to revive the ancient Greek Olympics.

• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.

• Mission: "Building a Better World through Sport."

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Governs the Olympic Games, including Summer, Winter, and Youth Olympics.

• Supervises National Olympic Committees (NOCs) globally.

• Ensures compliance with the Olympic Charter.

• Key decisions include:

  • Amending the Olympic Charter.

  • Electing the IOC President and Executive Board.

  • Selecting future Olympic host cities.

Host Country Selection Process:

1. Informal Dialogue: Initial discussions between the IOC and interested nations.

2. Targeted Dialogue: The Executive Board invites a "preferred host" to refine its proposal.

3. Flexible Timeline: The selection process can span several years, influenced by political, economic, and environmental considerations.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Financial sustainability and funding strategy.

• Infrastructure readiness (transport, venues, accommodation).

• Alignment with national development goals.

• Public support and socio-economic impact.

Impact on India’s 2036 Olympic Bid:

• India is competing with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and 10 other nations for hosting rights.

• Coventry acknowledged India’s bid but stressed the need for governance reforms and transparency within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

2. Iguanas

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that the ancestors of Fijian iguanas journeyed nearly 8,000 km across the Pacific Ocean on floating vegetation from the Americas.

What Are Iguanas?

• Large, robust lizards predominantly found in tropical regions of the Americas.

• Distinct features include scaly skin, spines along their back, and a dewlap (flap of flesh under the neck).

• Available in various color morphs such as green, blue, and grey.

• Herbivorous and adaptable to diverse environments, from deserts to rainforests.

Geographic Distribution:

• Native Range: Central and South America (from Mexico to Paraguay and Brazil).

• Introduced Regions: Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean islands.

• Largest Lizard in the USA: The biggest lizard species found within U.S. borders.

• Arboreal Lifestyle: Primarily tree-dwelling, descending mainly for nesting.

Preferred Habitats:

• Forests & Rainforests (terrestrial biomes).

• Rivers, Lakes & Coastal Waters (aquatic biomes).

• Wetlands (swamps).

• Urban & Agricultural Areas (adapted to human environments).

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Not Threatened.

• CITES Listing: Appendix II (regulated trade).

Threats:

• Overexploitation for the pet and leather trade.

• Habitat loss due to deforestation and urban expansion.

How Did Iguanas Reach Fiji?

• Rafting Hypothesis: Animals traveled across oceans by clinging to floating vegetation.

• Uncommon for Large Vertebrates: Survival challenges make such journeys rare.

Previous Iguana Rafting Evidence:

• 1995 Caribbean Event: Scientists observed 15 green iguanas rafting over 300 km on hurricane debris.

• Galápagos Iguanas: Likely rafted 1,000 km from South America.

• Fiji Crossing: The estimated 8,000 km journey makes it an extraordinary case.

3. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)

Concerns were raised in Lok Sabha regarding gaps in the implementation of drinking water initiatives under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA).

About Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA):

• Launched: 2019 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

• Objective: Promote water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge in water-stressed regions.

• Core Strategy: "Catch the Rain – Where it Falls, When it Falls."

Focus Areas:

• Water conservation and rainwater harvesting.

• Renovation of traditional water bodies.

• Borewell reuse and recharge.

• Watershed development.

• Intensive afforestation.

About Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):

• Launched: 2019 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

• Objective: Provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024 under Har Ghar Jal.

• Integrated with: National Rural Drinking Water Program (NRDWP).

Key Features:

• Coverage: Aims to provide tap water to 19 crore rural households.

• Funding Pattern:

  • 90:10 (for Himalayan & NE states).

  • 50:50 (for other states).

  • 100% for Union Territories.

• Implementation: Involves Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs).

• Water Quality Standards: IS 10500:2012 compliance for safe drinking water.

• Sustainability Focus: Rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and smart water monitoring.

4. Finance Commission

Bihar has reiterated its demand for Special Category Status (SCS) before the 16th Finance Commission.

What is the Finance Commission?

• A constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.

• Constituted every five years by the President.

• Composition:

  • Chairperson: Expert in public affairs.

  • Four Members: Experts in finance, economics, and administration.

• Ensures fiscal federalism and advises on public expenditure and economic policies.

16th Finance Commission:

• Established in 2023.

• Tasked with recommending the financial distribution between the Centre and States for 2026–2031.

Key Functions:

• Vertical Devolution: Determines states’ share in central taxes.

• Horizontal Distribution: Allocates funds based on fiscal needs and economic performance.

• Grants-in-Aid: Recommends financial support for revenue-deficient states.

Special Category Status (SCS):

• Introduced in 1969 under the Gadgil Formula (5th Finance Commission).

• Criteria:

  • Hilly, difficult terrain.

  • Low population density or significant tribal presence.

  • Strategic location near international borders.

  • Economic and infrastructural underdevelopment.

  • Weak state finances.

Evolution & Beneficiary States:

• Initially granted to Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Nagaland.

• Currently, 11 States hold SCS, including NE states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Telangana.

• Demanding SCS: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha.

Benefits of SCS:

• Higher Central Assistance:

  • 90% grants, 10% loans for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).

  • Non-SCS states receive only 30% grants.

• Special Plan Assistance: Funding for critical projects.

• Non-Lapsable Funds: Unspent funds do not expire annually.

• Tax Concessions: Previously offered but now integrated into GST.

5. Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticized the Union Ministry of Tourism for the ineffective implementation of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

About PAC:

• Established: 1921 (India’s oldest parliamentary committee).

• Purpose: Ensures efficient and lawful government expenditure.

• Key Functions:

  • Examines CAG audit reports on government spending.

  • Investigates financial irregularities.

Membership:

• 22 Members: 15 from Lok Sabha, 7 from Rajya Sabha.

• Chairperson: A Lok Sabha MP (usually from the Opposition).

• Term: One year.

• Ministers are ineligible for PAC membership.

About Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

• Launched: 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism.

• Objective: Develop theme-based tourism circuits.

• Funding: 100% centrally funded.

6. Holocene Epoch

The rate of relative sea-level rise during the final phase of the last deglaciation, the early Holocene, is crucial for predicting future ice melt and sea-level changes in a warming climate.

About the Holocene Epoch:

• The Holocene is the current geological epoch.

• First introduced by Gervais in 1869, it was officially recognized as a valid geological period by the International Geological Congress in 1885.

• It is sometimes referred to as the Anthropocene Epoch due to the significant global changes driven by human activity.

• The Holocene began approximately 12,000 to 11,500 years ago, marking the end of the Paleolithic Ice Age and continuing to the present.

• Characterized by a warming trend and relatively stable climate compared to the preceding glacial period.

• Holocene sediments, both terrestrial and marine, cover the largest surface area of any epoch in the geologic record.

• It is unique among interglacial periods as it coincides with the development of complex human civilizations and agriculture.

7. Corbett Tiger Reserve

The Supreme Court recently criticized the Uttarakhand government for its slow action against senior officials accused of unauthorized constructions within Corbett Tiger Reserve.

About Corbett Tiger Reserve:

• Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.

• Establishment:

  • India's first national park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park.

  • Renamed Corbett National Park in 1957 in honor of conservationist Jim Corbett.

  • The total reserve area now spans 1,288.31 sq. km.

• Geography:

  • Features undulating terrain with valleys intersected by the Ramganga, Pallaen, and Sonanadi rivers.

  • Lies mainly in the Bhabar and lower Shivalik regions, with a deep water table and porous terrain filled with boulders and sand.

• Flora:

  • Dominated by Sal and mixed forests, interspersed with grasslands (locally called ‘Chaur’).

  • Key tree species include Sal, Sheesham, and Kanju.

  • Invasive plant species like Lantana pose ecological challenges.

• Fauna:

  • Home to tigers, elephants, leopards, deer (sambar, spotted, hog deer), gharials, crocodiles, birds, and fish.

8. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) recently issued new regulations for implementing the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under the National Pension System (NPS), 2025.

About PFRDA:

• A statutory regulatory body established under the PFRDA Act, 2014.

• Objective: Ensures old-age income security by regulating pension funds and protecting subscriber interests.

• Operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance.

• Headquarters: New Delhi, with regional offices across India.

• Composition (as per Section 4 of the PFRDA Act):

  • 1 Chairperson

  • 3 Whole-time members

  • 3 Part-time members (appointed by the Central Government, with expertise in economics, finance, or law).

• Functions:

  • Regulates the National Pension System (NPS) and other applicable pension schemes.

  • Educates the public on pension-related matters.

  • Approves investment norms and pension schemes.

  • Registers and regulates intermediaries like NPS Trust, Points of Presence, Central Record-keeping Agencies, and Pension Funds.

  • Ensures cost-effective pension fund management.

  • Strengthens the grievance redressal process for subscribers.

  • Resolves disputes between intermediaries and between intermediaries and subscribers.

9. GPS Spoofing

Between November 2023 and February 2025, 465 GPS interference and spoofing incidents were reported along India's border regions, primarily in Amritsar and Jammu.

What is a Spoofing Attack?

• A spoofing attack involves falsifying data to make it appear as though it originates from a trusted source, misleading systems or users.

• Types of spoofing include GPS spoofing, IP spoofing (used in DDoS attacks), SMS spoofing, and caller ID spoofing.

About GPS Spoofing:

• Involves transmitting fake radio signals that mimic legitimate Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, causing devices to miscalculate their location.

• This can lead to incorrect navigation data and pose risks to transportation and military operations.

How GPS Spoofing Works:

• GPS satellites transmit signals to receivers, which calculate their location based on signal travel time.

• Since satellite signals are weak, attackers can overwhelm real signals with stronger counterfeit ones.

• Attackers first study the target’s GPS system, then transmit false signals that the receiver accepts as genuine, leading to incorrect location readings.

10. Samarth Incubation Programme

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) recently launched the ‘Samarth’ incubation program.

About the Samarth Incubation Programme:

• Developed by C-DoT, an autonomous Telecom R&D center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.

• Objective: Supports startups in telecom software, cybersecurity, 5G and 6G technologies, AI, IoT applications, and quantum technologies.

• Aims to foster sustainable and scalable business models, provide access to advanced resources, and guide startups from ideation to commercialization.

• Implementation Partner: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).

• Structure:

  • Conducted in a hybrid format.

  • Supports 36 startups across two cohorts of six months each (18 startups per cohort).

  • Open to DPIIT-recognized startups.

• Benefits for Selected Startups:

  • Grant of up to ₹5 lakh per startup.

  • Six-month office space at C-DoT campus.

  • Access to C-DoT lab facilities.

  • Mentorship from C-DoT technical experts and industry leaders.

  • Opportunity for further collaboration under the C-DoT Collaborative Research Program based on progress.