Current Context : Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

About

• Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Hussain was the son of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha.
• Birthplace: Mumbai, India
• Education: Attended St. Michael’s School in Mahim and graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

Awards and Achievements

• Grammy Awards: Zakir Hussain won four Grammy Awards during his career.
  • At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards (2024), he achieved a historic feat as the first Indian musician to win three Grammysin one ceremony:
    1. Best Global Music Albumfor This Moment.
    2. Best Global Music Performancefor Pashto.
    3. Best Contemporary Instrumental Albumfor As We Speak.

Celebrated annually on December 18^th.

• Purpose:Celebrates the adoption of Arabic as one of the United Nations’ six official languages in 1973.
• Promotes:Multilingualism, cultural diversity, and the equal use of all six official UN languages.
• Theme :“Arabic Language and AI: Advancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage.”
• Significance:Highlights the importance of Arabic language in fostering innovation, while also preserving its rich cultural heritage in the digital age.

Observed annually on December 18^th .

• Aim : to honor the contributions of migrants worldwide and to raise awareness about the challenges they face.
• Theme : “Honouring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting their Rights.”

Observed annually on December 18^th .

• Aim : to promote and protect the rights of minority communities.
• This day focuses on raising awareness about the issues faced by minorities and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding their rights and ensuring their safety.

Current Context : Recently, The Defence Ministry has approved the Bhubhu Jot tunnel project in Himachal Pradesh, marking a significant development for improving connectivity in the region.

• The proposed tunnel will connect the Kangra and Kullu districts, significantly reducing the Kangra-Manali distance by 55 km.
• It is expected to boost tourism and provide all-weather connectivity to remote areas of the state.

About Bhubhu Jot Pass

Bhubhu Jot Pass is a lesser-known mountain pass located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

• It connects Joginder Nagar Valley with Kullu Valley, providing a scenic yet challenging route through the Himalayas.

Key Features:

• Altitude: Bhubhu Jot stands at an elevation of approximately 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level.
• Route Significance: It serves as an ancient trade route and trekking trail, linking Chuhar Valley (Mandi) with Banjar Valley (Kullu).

Current Context : Recently, PAATHAI initiative was launched in Chennai by Geeta Jeevan, the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister.

• It is a joint effort between the Children Welfare and Special Services Department and PRISM (a non-governmental organization).
• A budget of ₹40 lakh has been allocated for a one-year pilot project at the Government Observation Home in Chennai.

Objectives :

• To support first-time child offenders by addressing their mental health and behavioral needs.
• Focuses on providing mental health counseling and behavioral therapy.
• Offers rehabilitation services for children struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.
• Aims to prevent recidivism by ensuring continued monitoring and support after the child’s release.

Key Components :

• The program provides mental health support, behavioral therapy, and addiction treatment.
• The initiative includes ongoing follow-up to help children resist peer pressure and harmful influences post-release, aiming for their complete reintegration into society.

Current Context : IIT Madras has become the first research organization in the world to releases an open-source brain mapping dataset named ‘DHARANI.

About DHARANI 

• DHARANI is the largest open-access digital data set of the human fetal brain, Created with custom-made Indian technology.
• Claimed as the largest of its kind globally, featuring 5,132 high-resolution 3D brain sections.

Development and Cost Efficiency:

• Built using custom-made Indian technology at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre.
• Achieved at less than one-tenth the cost of similar international projects like the Allen Brain Atlas.

Applications:

• Supports research on brain development, neurological disorders (e.g., autism), and cognitive growth.

Offers critical insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and aids in fetal medicine.

Current Context : India, France, and the UAE have commenced an air combat exercise named “Desert Knight” over the Arabian Sea.

Aim : to enhance defense cooperation and improve the ability of the three countries’ air forces to operate together in complex combat scenarios​

• The event takes place in the Arabian Sea, approximately 350-400 km southwest of Karachi, lasting three days​

Aircraft Involved:

• India: Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguars, IL-78 refuellers, and AEW&C systemsdeployed from Jamnagar​
• France: Rafale jets, known for their versatility and advanced combat capabilities​
• UAE: F-16 fightersstationed at Al Dhafra airbase​

Current Context : Switzerland suspended the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause in its tax agreement with India.

• This follows a 2023 Supreme Court ruling on Nestlé, which clarified MFN clause applicability​

Background of Tax Agreement:

• Established in 1994and updated in 2000 and 2010 to reflect changing economic conditions.
• Aimed at promoting smoother financial relations between India and Switzerland​

About Most Favoured Nation

• Most Favoured Nation (MFN)status is a trade and economic principle in which a country grants another country the best trade terms it offers to any other nation. This can include benefits such as lower tariffs, trade privileges, or access to specific markets.
• Purpose : MFN ensures equal treatment for all countries, meaning if a nation offers a benefit to one country, it must extend the same benefits to other nations with MFN status.

Current Context : Recently, the Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel provided information about the SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 initiative in the Rajya Sabha.

About SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 Initiative:

Objective: Promote adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT, AI, and smart manufacturing in Indian industries​

Ministry: Implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries under the scheme to enhance competitiveness in the Indian capital goods sector​

SAMARTH Centres:

• Four centres established for awareness and training:
  • C4i4 Lab, Pune
  • IITD-AIA Foundation, IIT Delhi
  • I-4.0 India, IISc Bengaluru
  • Smart Manufacturing Cell, CMTI Bengaluru​

Activities: Conduct workshops, provide consultancy, and offer training for industries, especially MSMEs, on smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies​

Significance: Aims to establish a robust ecosystem for Industry 4.0 by 2025, improving productivity and global competitiveness​