Current Context : Exercise AUSTRAHIND has commenced in Pune, Maharashtra.

• This joint military exercise runs from 8th to 21st November 2024.
• Participants : It involves troops from India and Australia.
• The exercise takes place annually, alternating between the two nations. The last edition occurred in Australia in December 2023.

Current Context : The government has invited comments on the draft Commercial Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

Aim : to provide quicker and specialized adjudication of commercial disputes.

About Commercial Courts:

• Purpose: To handle commercial disputes involving transactions between merchants, banks, intellectual property, partnerships, insurance, etc., aiming for specialized and expedited adjudication.
• Legislation: The Commercial Courts Act, 2015, led to the establishment of Commercial Courts, Commercial Divisions, and Commercial Appellate Divisions within High Courts.
• Constitution: State governments, in consultation with High Courts, can set up these courts, while High Courts with original civil jurisdiction (e.g., Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras) can have Commercial Divisions.
• Amendments: The Act was amended in 2018 to address procedural issues and facilitate faster case resolution, aiding India’s performance on the Ease of Doing Business index

Current Context : The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Equines in Haryana has been granted Reference Laboratory status for Equine Piroplasmosis, showcasing its research capabilities and contributions to disease management.​

• This recognition is specifically for its expertise in Equine Piroplasmosis disease.
• Equine Piroplasmosis is caused by tick-borne protozoan parasites, affects horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras.

About WOAH

• Founded: 1924, originally known as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE).
• Renamed: Adopted the name “WOAH” in May 2022.
• Objective: To improve animal health and welfare globally through monitoring, disease information dissemination, and supporting veterinary services.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• Membership: 183 countries, including India.

Current Context : The central government has announced that it will develop 100 climate-resilient coastal fishing villages across the country.

• Aim : to enhance the economic resilience of coastal communities impacted by climate change.
• The Centre would also allocate Rs 2 crore per village under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for developing essential fisheries infrastructure.

About PMMSY

• Launch & Duration: Initiated in May 2020, to be implemented from FY 2020-21 to 2024-25.
• Objective: Comprehensive development of the fisheries sector for improved fish production, modernized infrastructure, and socio-economic welfare of stakeholders.
• Investment: Total funding of ₹20,050 crore, the highest ever in India’s fisheries sector.​
• Implementing Agency: Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.​

Current Context : Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51^st  Chief Justice of India (CJI).

• He will hold the position for six months, retiring in May 2025.
• Justice Khanna, 64, is the son of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Dev Raj Khanna and the nephew of prominent former Supreme Court judge H R Khanna.

Observed annually on November 12.

• Aim : to raise awareness about pneumonia as a leading infectious cause of death worldwide.
• Theme: “Championing the fight to stop pneumonia,” emphasizing prevention, treatment, and vaccination.

It is observed on November 11^th .

Aim : to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

From 1947 to 1958, he was also the first education minister of independent India.

Additional Information related to Education in India :

• Article 21-A & RTE Act, 2009: Guarantees free, compulsory education for children (6-14 years); RTE Act implemented on April 1, 2010.
• NEP 2020: Approved on July 29, 2020, to revamp India’s education system for inclusivity and future readiness.
• PM SHRI Schools: Launched on Sept 7, 2022, to enhance 14,500 schools, with a ₹27,360 crore budget (2022-2027).
• Samagra Shiksha: Began April 1, 2021; promotes inclusive education and lasts until March 31, 2026.
• PRERNA: Pilot project launched in January 2024 for class IX-XII students; week-long experiential learning.
• ULLAS (NILP): 2022-2027 adult literacy program; aligns with NEP 2020 for adults 15+.
• NIPUN Bharat: Launched on July 5, 2021; aims for foundational literacy by Grade 3 (target 2026-27).
• Vidya Pravesh: Play-based module for Grade-I; launched July 29, 2021.
• Vidyanjali: School volunteer program started on Sept 7, 2021; fosters community involvement.
• DIKSHA: Launched on Sept 5, 2017, for teacher training; adaptable for state and institutional needs.
• SWAYAM Plus: Introduced on Feb 27, 2024; focuses on employability and industry-recognized courses.
• NISHTHA: Professional development for teachers; started Aug 21, 2019, transitioned online in 2020; expanded in 2021-22.
• NIRF: Ranking framework launched on Sept 29, 2015, to improve higher education quality.

PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme: Financial aid for top 860 institutions; budget ₹3,600 crore (2024-31).

Current Context : Recently, Lahauli knitted socks and gloves were selected by DPIIT for a five-day exhibition in Berlin, Germany, showcasing Indian traditional crafts.

• Significance: Reflects the craftsmanship of Himachal Pradesh, highlighting local artisansand promoting cultural heritage.
• GI Status of Socks and Gloves: Registered as a Geographical Indication (GI)in 2019, safeguarding their traditional quality and origin.​

GI Tags of Himachal Pradesh

• Chamba Rumal(2007): Handicraft known for embroidery.
• Kinnauri Shawl(2008): Recognized for traditional weaving.
• Kangra Paintings(2012): Notable for unique art style.
• Kullu Shawl(2012): Features geometric designs.
• Chamba Chappal(2018): Traditional leather footwear.
• Himachali Chulli Oil(2019): Made from apricot kernels.
• Himachali Kala Zeera(2019): A valuable agricultural product.
• Lahauli Socks and Gloves(2019): Noted for warmth and traditional patterns​

Current Context : Recently, India-Zambia hold 6th Session of Joint Permanent Commission, highlighting commemoration of 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries.

• Both nation discussed on sectors like trade, defense, agriculture, energy, technology, education, tourism, and water development.

About Zambia :

It is a landlocked nation in Southern Africa.

Bordering Countries:

• West: Angola, South: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, East: Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, North: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Geographical Highlights:

• Major Rivers:
  • Zambezi River: Border river with Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, draining into the Indian Ocean.
  • Kafue River
• Lake Tanganyika: Shared with Burundi, DRC, and Tanzania.
• Victoria Falls: A major natural landmark on the Zambezi River, one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

Current Context : Recently, the Supreme Court overruled its 1967 judgment in the S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of India case, which had declared AMU a non-minority institution.

The ruling stated that an educational institution established by a minority community retains its identity even if later recognized through a statute.

​Background on the 1967 Judgment:

• The 1967 verdict held that AMU, established under the AMU Act 1920, was a Central university and not a minority institution. This implied that it couldn’t claim protection under Article 30(1) of the Constitution, which grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice​

Imp. fact : AMU was founded in 1875 by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College.

What are the Constitutional Provisions for Minority?

Article 29:

• Right to conserve language, script, or culture: Any group of citizens with distinct language, script, or culture can protect and promote it.
• Applies to both religious and linguistic minorities.
• Scope: The term “section of citizens” includes both minorities and the majority, meaning protection extends beyond just minorities (as per Supreme Court interpretation).

Article 30:

• Right to establish and administer educational institutions: Religious or linguistic minorities have the right to run educational institutions of their choice.
• This provision only applies to minorities(religious or linguistic) and does not extend to other sections of citizens.

Article 350-B:

• Introduced by the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956.
• Provides for the appointment of a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities by the President of India.
• The Special Officer is tasked with investigating matters related to safeguards for linguistic minorities under the Constitution.