Current Context : India and China have agreed to restore patrolling rights in the Depsang Plains and Demchok regions of eastern Ladakh.

• The agreement allows Indian troops to resume patrolling up to Patrolling Points (PPs) 10 to 13 in Depsang and Charding Nullah in Demchok.​

About Demchok

• Demchok is located in eastern Ladakh, divided into Indian-administered Demchok and Chinese-administered Dêmqog in Tibet.
• The two are separated by a stream, serving as a traditional boundary​

Strategic Importance:

• It is a sensitive area along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), often facing border tensions between India and China.
• The region became a point of focus after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, resulting in the division of the village.

Current Context : Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), following the retirement of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.

 Articles Related to the Supreme Court:

1. Article 124: Establishes the Supreme Court of India, including the appointment of judges.
2. Article 126: Addresses the appointment of an acting Chief Justice of India.
3. Article 127: Provisions for the appointment of ad hoc judges to the Supreme Court.
4. Article 129: Declares the Supreme Court as a court of record, with all the powers of such a court.
5. Article 136: Allows the Supreme Court to grant special leave to appeal against judgments or orders of any court or tribunal.

International Snow Leopard Day was celebrated on October 23.

• Aim : to raise awareness about snow leopard conservation and the challenges they face, such as poaching and habitat loss.

About Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

• Found in the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, spanning 12 range countries, including India.
• In India, they inhabit the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, as well as states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Conservation Status:
• IUCN : Listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.​
• CITES : Included in Appendix I, indicating a high level of protection against international trade.​
• India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 : Schedule I, providing the highest degree of protection.​

It is an annual event observed from 24th to 31st October.

• Aim : to raise awareness and celebrate the progress achieved towards Media and Information Literacy for all.
• Theme : The New Digital Frontiers of Information: “Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information”.

Current Context : Himachal Pradesh recently inaugurated its first 24×7 cybercrime reporting station, named ‘CY-Station,’ in Shimla.

Aim : to improve the state’s capacity to address cybercrime, particularly financial frauds.

Features of the CY-Station include : 

• Real-Time Complaint Handling : The station allows citizens to report cybercrimes, especially financial frauds, through a toll-free number (1930), ensuring swift registration and response.
• Financial Fraud Response : Equipped with the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), it can block or mark the lien on defrauded amounts immediately.
• Advanced Technology : The facility includes modern software for call recording and trained operators to enhance efficiency and follow-up on cases.​

Current Context : Shimla and Kullu are the most affected districts in Himachal Pradesh in terms of drug abuse, with the highest cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.​

• Out of 1,218 cases registered in the state this year, Shimla accounts for 187 cases, and Kullu follows with 186 cases.
• Other affected areas include Mandi (149 cases), Bilaspur (125 cases), and Kangra (99 cases).

Government Initiatives to tackle Drug Abuse :

• Sankalp Initiative: Launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, this initiative focuses on curbing drug addiction, supporting rehabilitation, and taking strict action against drug traffickers.
• The state is setting up a State-Level Model De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center in Sirmaur’s Kotla Barog to help individuals struggling with substance abuse​
• Nasha Mukti Himachal Abhiyan: This campaign aims to create awareness and reduce drug addiction, focusing on both preventive measures and rehabilitation.

Current Context : India launched its fourth SSBN, known as S4*, adding to its nuclear deterrence capabilities.

• This follows the launch of INS Arihant and INS Arighat, which are already in service, and Aridhman (S4), which is undergoing sea trials.​

About S4*

• The S4* features around 75% indigenous components, emphasizing India’s focus on self-reliance in defense.
• It is equipped with K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles(SLBMs) that have a range of 3,500 km, enhancing the nuclear deterrence reach.
• Global SSBN Operators: Only a few countries operate nuclear-powered SSBNs, including the US, Russia, China, UK, France, and India, reflecting their advanced technological and defense capabilities​​

Future Plans : India is also working on developing the S5 class SSBNs, which will have a larger displacement and advanced missile capabilities, expected to be ready by the 2030s.

Current Context : Recently, Indian government reduced the export duty on parboiled rice from 20% to 10% in an effort to boost exports and increase global supply.​

About Parboiled Rice

• Parboiled rice is partially boiled rice in its inedible husk before milling. It undergoes soaking, steaming, and drying, which enhances its nutritional content.
• Regional Names: Known as “miniket” in West Bengal and Odisha.
• Benefits: It has a higher yield, greater resistance to insect attacks, and retains more B-vitamins compared to raw rice. It also produces a bran with higher oil content.

Current Context : Recently, World Economic Outlook 2024 is released.

Key highlights of Report

Publisher & Frequency: Released by the IMF twice a year, offering global economic analysis and medium-term projections​

Global Growth Forecast:

• Projected to remain stable at 2%for both 2024 and 2025
• Challenges include geopolitical conflicts, inflation pressures, and policy uncertainties.

Monetary Policy Focus:

• Addressing persistent inflation, especially in the services sector.
• Emphasizes the need for balanced policy adjustments to manage price stability​

India’s Growth:

• Expected to grow at 5%in 2025-26, making it a leading performer among major economies.

Structural Reforms:

• The report stresses the urgency of implementing structural reforms to sustain growth.
• Highlights strategies to enhance public acceptance of these reforms

Current Context : Recently, 2024 Economic Freedom of the World Report is released.

About Report :

• Publisher: Released by the Fraser Institute and co-published with the Cato Institute.
• Ranking Basis: Assesses 165 countries on how policies and institutions enable economic choices and freedoms using 2022 data.​
• Indicators : Measures economic freedom across five key areas:

1. Size of Government : Evaluates the impact of government spending and tax policies.
2. Legal System and Property Rights : Considers impartiality of the courts, protection of property rights, and legal integrity.
3. Sound Money : Focuses on the stability of currency and inflation rates.
4. Freedom to Trade Internationally : Assesses tariffs, trade barriers, and ease of trade.
5. Regulation : Looks at regulations in credit, labor, and business​

• Top Rankings : Hong Kong (1^st), Singapore (2^nd), Switzerland (3^rd), followed by New Zealand and the United States
• Last Ranking : Venezuela (165^th)
• India’s Performance : Ranked 84^th, reflecting moderate levels of economic freedom.​