Observed annually on 4 May.

• Objective : To honor the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters worldwide and to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
• Established: 1999, after the tragic loss of five firefighters in a bushfire in Linton, Australia .
• Significance: Highlights the critical role of firefighters in protecting communities and the environment.

Observed annually on 4 May.

• Aim : To honor the contributions and sacrifices of coal miners, who work in hazardous conditions to extract coal, a vital resource for energy and industry.
• Observed Since: 1952, following the enactment of the Mines Act, which aimed to improve the working conditions of miners .
• Significance: Raises awareness about the health and safety challenges faced by miners and the importance of implementing effective safety regulations.

Current Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India, in the Amar Jain v. Union of India case, declared that inclusive digital access to e-governance and welfare delivery systems is a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).

About the Judgment:

• Digital Access as a Fundamental Right: The Court emphasized that digital access is an essential component of the right to life and liberty under Article 21.
• e-KYC Revision: The Court directed the revision of digital Know-Your-Customer (KYC) norms to facilitate access for persons with disabilities, such as those with facial disfigurement or visual impairments.
• Principle of Substantive Equality: The Court stressed that digital transformation must be inclusive and equitable, enabling marginalized groups to access banking and e-governance services.
• State Obligation: The State is required to ensure digital infrastructure for vulnerable and marginalized populations under Articles 21, 14, 15, and 38 of the Constitution.
• Significance: The judgment aims to reduce the rural-urban divide, promote access to online learning, and foster financial inclusion.

About Digital Access:

• Inclusivity Focus: Access to digital services is crucial for enabling marginalized groups to avail themselves of government schemes, educational opportunities, and financial services.
• Impact on Governance: Digital access helps integrate marginalized communities into the development process and reduces social inequalities.

Other SC Judgments:

• Sabu Mathew George v. Union of India (2017): Clarified no curtailment of right to access information despite blocking of certain advertisements.
• Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020): Right to Internet access protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g).

Current Context: The Maharashtra government successfully reclaimed the historic sword of Raghuji Bhosale I at a Sotheby’s auction in London. This marks the first time Maharashtra has retrieved a historical artifact from an international auction.

Features of the Sword:

• European-style single-edged blade with a slight curve and two fullers (grooves).
• Gold inlay on the spine with an inscription in Devanagari script reading “Shrimant Raghuji Bhosale Sena Saheb Subah,” indicating its ceremonial significance.

Historical Significance:

• Raghuji Bhosale I was a prominent Maratha leader in the 18th century, instrumental in expanding Maratha influence in central and eastern India.
• The sword symbolizes the Maratha heritage and their military prowess during that era.

Current Context: Recently, India issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), closing its airspace to all Pakistan-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, until May 23, 2025.

About Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM):

• A NOTAM is an official notice issued by aviation authorities to alert pilots and airlines about potential hazards or changes in flight operations.
• It provides information on changes in aeronautical facilities, services, procedures, or hazards essential for flight operations.

Implications:

• Indian airlines, such as Air India and IndiGo, are experiencing increased flight durations by up to 4 hours on routes to Europe and North America, leading to higher fuel consumption and operational costs.
• The closure signifies heightened diplomatic and military tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nations imposing reciprocal airspace restrictions.

Current Context: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has retained India on the ‘Priority Watch List’ in its 2024 Special 301 Report, citing ongoing concerns over intellectual property rights protection and enforcement.

About Special 301 Report:

• Purpose: An annual review by the USTR identifying countries that do not provide adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs).
• Categories: Countries are designated as ‘Priority Foreign Country’, ‘Priority Watch List’, or ‘Watch List’ based on the severity of IPR issues.
• Designation as a priority foreign country initiates an investigation and possible application of sanctions on the foreign country, while designation on a Priority Watchlist suggests serious IPR deficiencies that require greater US attention.
• Implications: Designation can lead to investigations and potential trade sanctions.

India’s Status:

• Concerns: Persistent issues with patent protection, high rates of online piracy, trademark counterfeiting, and inadequate trade secret protection.
• Recent Developments: India has finalized the Patents (Amendments) Rules, 2024, aiming to reduce burdens on patent applicants.
• USTR’s Stance: Despite some progress, India remains one of the most challenging major economies regarding IP protection and enforcement.

Current Context: Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have developed a stable BCI that enabled a paralyzed man to control a robotic arm using only his thoughts for seven months without recalibration.

About Brain-Computer Interface (BCI):

• A system enabling direct communication between the brain and external devices, translating neural signals into commands to control machines.
• Functionality: Decodes brain signals to restore functions in individuals with neurological disorders.

How It Works:

• Sensor Implantation: Electrodes are surgically placed on the motor cortex to detect neural signals.
• Signal Interpretation: Machine learning algorithms decode imagined movements, adapting to changes in brain activity over time.
• Virtual Training: Users train with virtual interfaces to refine control before real-world application.
• Real-World Application: Users can perform tasks like grasping objects, indicating precise and consistent control.

Current Context: Mark Carney led Canada’s Liberal Party to victory in the 2025 federal election, marking a significant political shift amid tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.

• Liberal Party Victory: Secured 169 out of 343 seats in Parliament.

Background:

• Professional Experience:
  • Former Governor of the Bank of Canada.
  • Former Governor of the Bank of England.
  • Experience in managing the 2008 financial crisis and the Brexit referendum.
• Political Milestone: First Canadian Prime Minister without prior Cabinet experience.

India-Canada Relations:

• Past Strains:
  • Trudeau’s comments on India’s farmer protests (2020).
  • Khalistan issue and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar (2023).
  • India rejected Trudeau’s claims and accused him of vote bank politics.

Indian Diaspora in Canada:

• Population: Approximately 3 million Indians reside in Canada.
• Students: Around 427,000 Indian students, mainly from Punjab, study in Canada.
• Economic Contribution: Indian students contribute between $8–20 billion annually to the Canadian economy.

India-Canada Trade Relations:

• Free Trade Agreement (CEPA):
  • Talks initiated in 2008.
  • Progress halted after the Nijjar incident in 2023.
  • Carney’s leadership may help restart and complete CEPA talks.
• Trade Figures:
  • Total trade in 2023–24: $8.4 billion (up from $8.3 billion).
  • India’s imports from Canada: $4.6 billion.
  • Exports to Canada: $3.8 billion.

Current Context: The Government of India appointed ex-RAW chief Alok Joshi as Chairman of the revamped National Security Advisory Board following heightened security concerns post the Pahalgam terror attack.

About the Appointment:

• Appointed As: Chairman of revamped NSAB in 2024.
• Previous Role: Chief of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), 2012–2014.
• Reason for Restructure: Rising terror threats (e.g., Pahalgam attack); need for better strategic oversight.
• Role of NSAB: Advises National Security Council on security and strategic matters.
• Key Focus Areas: Counter-terrorism, national defense policy, and intelligence integration.
• Significance: Enhances India’s strategic readiness and security decision-making.

Current Context: Amazon launched the first 27 satellites under its Project Kuiper initiative to establish a global broadband satellite network and compete with Starlink.

About Project Kuiper:

• Launched By:
• Objective: Provide global broadband internet to unserved and underserved regions via satellite.
• Orbit: Operates in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) – up to 2,000 km above Earth.
• Key Components: Satellite constellation, ground stations, customer terminals.
• Deadline: 50% satellite deployment by July 2026 as per U.S. FCC rules.
• Named After: Kuiper Belt – a region of the solar system beyond Neptune.
• Competitor: SpaceX’s Starlink.
• India Entry: Amazon applied for GMPCS license to offer services in India.