Current Context : Pangi Valley is set to benefit from improved snow-clearing operations with the introduction of a state-of-the-art truck-mounted snow blower machine.

About Pangi Valley

• Remote valley in Chamba district, located between Zanskar and Pir Panjal ranges at ~11,000 feet elevation.
• Known for harsh winters with 3,000–4,700 mm snowfall (Dec–March), often isolating the region.
• Population comprises Aryan descendants (Rajputs, Brahmins) and Mongolian-origin Bhots.

Current Context : India’s badminton star, Lakshya Sen, showcased his talent with an impressive third-place finish at the inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open held in Bangkok, Thailand.

• Event: Inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open.
• Location: Bangkok, Thailand.
• Opponent in Bronze Playoff: Defeated French rising star Alex Lanier.
• Age: 23 years old, hailing from Almora, India.

Current Context : In a significant environmental crisis, Russian authorities have declared a federal-level emergency in response to a catastrophic oil spill along the Black Sea coast.

About Black Sea

• Location: A body of water bordered by six countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, and Turkey. It is connected to the Mediterranean Sea through the Bosporus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles Strait.
• Hydrography: Low salinity, anoxic deeper layers with hydrogen sulfide.
• Rivers: Drained by major rivers such as the Danube, Dniester, and Don.
• Geopolitical Importance: Strategic for trade routes, military access, and energy transport.
• Ecology: Hosts diverse species like dolphins and sturgeon, despite anoxic depths.

Current Context : As of November 2024, the Rupee’s Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) of the Indian rupee reached 108.14, a rise from 107.20 in October 2024. This is the highest REER level in 2024.

Overvaluation Implication: A REER above 100 indicates the rupee is overvalued relative to the 2015-16 base year, reducing export competitiveness and making imports cheaper.

REER vs NEER:

• NEER: Nominal Effective Exchange Rate; reflects the weighted average of bilateral exchange rates with multiple trading partners but does not account for inflation.
• REER: Adjusts NEER for inflation differences between domestic and foreign economies, providing a better measure of currency competitiveness. 

Calculation: REER = NEER × (Domestic Price Index ÷ Foreign Price Index).

Currency Basket: The indices now include 36 currencies, up from 6, reflecting India’s broader trade relations.

Current Context : Over 10,000 migrants died in 2024 attempting to reach Spain by sea, making it one of the deadliest years for migration.

About the Canary Islands

• Location: Spanish archipelago, 62 miles west of Morocco, in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Main Islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro.
• Political Status: Part of Spain and EU’s outermost regions.
• Climate: Subtropical, warm temperatures, minimal seasonal variation. Influenced by the Canary Current.

Observed annually on January 3^rd.

• Aim : to emphasize the integral connection between mental and physical health.
• This day encourages individuals to adopt holistic approaches that promote overall well-being.

Current Context : Under the shadow of China’s plan to build the world’s largest dam, India pushes for a counter project in Arunachal Pradesh.

About the Upper Siang Hydropower Project

• Location: Upper Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India, on the Siang River (upper Brahmaputra).
• Capacity: Proposed 11,000 MW hydropower plant.
• Developers: NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) and NEEPCO (North Eastern Electric Power Corporation).
• Project Cost: Estimated ₹1,13,000 crore.
• Reservoir Storage: 9 billion cubic meters (BCM).
• Strategic Purpose: Countermeasure to China’s proposed 60,000 MW dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) in Tibet.
• Local Impact: Area inhabited by Adi Tribe; relies on ‘pani kheti’ (settled agriculture) for sustenance.

Current Context : Recently, strong Western Disturbances brought snow to parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand causing changes in weather.

About Western Disturbances

• Extra-tropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region, moving eastward and bringing winter rain to north-western parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• Movement: Carried eastward by westerly winds, particularly the Subtropical Jet Stream.
• Weather Impact: Cause rain, snow, or hailstorms in northern and northwestern India.

Significance for India :

• Agriculture: Crucial for Rabi crops like wheat and mustard.
• Glacier Replenishment: Aid in replenishing glaciers in the Himalayan region.

Current Context : Recently, the U.S. FDA proposed new rules to ensure cosmetics are free from asbestos contamination, especially in talc-containing products.

About Asbestos

• Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers, primarily used for their heat and corrosion resistance.
• Types: There are six main forms of asbestos; chrysotile(white asbestos) is the most commonly used.
• Applications: Used in building materials, automobile industry, and various industrial products due to durability and heat resistance.

Health Risks: Exposure to asbestos can cause:

• Lung Cancer
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Mesothelioma(a rare cancer affecting the pleura and peritoneal linings).

Current Context : PM CARES (Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund) Funds received Rs 912 crore crore in 2022-23, as per the latest audited accounts.

About PM CARES Funds 

Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund.

Purpose: To provide relief and assistance during emergencies, calamities, and public health crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, and accidents.

Legal Framework:

• Registered under the Registration Act, 1908as a Public Charitable Trust.
• Not funded by government budget allocations, operates separately.

Governance:

• The Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairperson of the fund.
• Membersinclude the Defence Minister, Home Minister, and Finance Minister.