Current Context : The “Mera Hou Chongba” festival was celebrated in Manipur amidst ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

ABOUT FESTIVAL

• The festival promotes unity and solidarity among the diverse ethnic groups in Manipur, particularly between the hill tribes and valley communities.
• Celebrated on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month, typically falling in September or October.
• Significance: It symbolizes the historical ties between various indigenous communities and serves as a cultural reminder of their interconnectedness.

Current Context : The Indian government has approved a significant ₹2,642 crore project to construct a rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River, connecting Varanasi and Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh.

Aim : to improve transportation efficiency and ease congestion on one of the busiest sections of Indian Railways, which is crucial for both passenger and freight traffic, including goods like coal, cement, and food grains.

• Completion Timeline: 4 years.
• Structure: Six-lane highway and four railway tracks.
• Significance: Will decongest the overburdened Varanasi–Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction route, which is operating at 163% capacity.
• Environmental Impact: The project will reduce CO2 emissions by 149 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 6 crore trees, supporting India’s climate goals.
• Economic Impact: Expected to carry 27.83 million tonnes of freight annually and generate employment, contributing to the socio-economic growth of the region.
• This initiative is aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Current Context : Recently, Hong Kong ranked as the world’s freest economy, surpassing Singapore, with a score of 8.58, according to the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World report.

• Hong Kong scored 58, just ahead of Singapore’s score of 8.55. Following them, Switzerland ranked third, New Zealand fourth, and the United States fifth.
• On the other hand, Venezuela was ranked last, with a low score of 3.02.

Factors for High Ranking:

• Low taxes and simple tax system.
• Free flow of goods, capital, talent, and information.
• Efficient markets and adherence to international standards in regulatory regimes.
• Strong legal framework under the “one country, two systems” policy.

Future Outlook: The Hong Kong government aims to integrate more with China’s national strategies, maintain its status as a financial hub, and attract international enterprises​

What is the “Freest Economy”?

• A freest economy is characterized by a minimal level of government intervention, allowing free trade, low taxation, and economic liberalism. It promotes:
  • Free markets, where businesses operate with minimal restrictions.
  • Economic freedom, meaning individuals can freely engage in voluntary transactions without excessive regulation.
  • A conducive environment for international trade, capital mobility, and innovation​

ABOUT HONG KONG:

1. Location: Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, known for its global financial hub
2. Unique Features:
   1. World’s longest escalator system(800 meters).
   2. Over 1,500 skyscrapers, more than any other city.
   3. A population of over 7 million, making it one of the most densely populated areas​

Current Context : The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently approved five major road projects passing through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

ABOUT KARAKORAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

• Location: Situated in Ladakh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), bordering Jammu and Kashmir.
• Area: Covers approximately 5,000 sq km, one of India’s largest high-altitude protected areas.
• Altitude: Ranges between 4,200m to 7,500m; major peaks include Saltoro Kangri and Saser Kangri I.
• It is situated just to the north of Hemis National Park and to the east of Deosai National Park.
• Climate: Experiences harsh cold desert conditions; winter temperatures drop below -20°C, and summers stay below 20°C.
• Rivers: Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through the sanctuary.

Biodiversity:

• Fauna: Includes snow leopards, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Siberian ibex, and Bharal (blue sheep).
• Flora: Sparse vegetation, featuring medicinal plants and cold desert flora.

Current Context : Recently, Larsen and Toubro recently launched the INS ‘Samarthak’, a multi-purpose vessel for the Indian Navy.

ABOUT INS SAMARTHAK:

• It is a Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy.
• Supports testing and development of next-gen weapons and sensors.
• Performs roles in maritime surveillance, target towing, pollution control, mine countermeasures, and humanitarian assistance.​

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Length: 107 meters
• Displacement: Over 3,750 tonnes
• Maximum speed: 15 knots​

KEY FEATURES:

• Supports the ‘Make in India’and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
• Will serve as a mothership for unmanned vessels.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

• L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard in Tamil Nadu is one of India’s most advanced shipbuilding facilities, equipped to handle complex naval projects.
• The yard is currently involved in building three Cadet Training Ships and six other defence vessels for the Indian Navy under a Public-Private-Partnership model​.
• The yard is also involved in the repair of the US Naval Ship Charles Drew under a Master Ship Repair Agreement with the US Navy.

Current Context : Recently, the Food And Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Director-General opens the third Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum.

ABOUT HAND-IN-HAND INITIATIVE:

• It is a flagship of Food And Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
• Launched in 2019

OBJECTIVE:

• Eradicate poverty (SDG 1), end hunger and malnutrition (SDG 2), and reduce inequalities (SDG 10).
• Accelerate the market-driven transformation of agri-food systems to boost incomes, improve nutrition, empower vulnerable populations, and build resilience to climate change.

Member countries: 72 countries participate in the initiative, collaborating with FAO to strengthen their agri-food sectors.

ABOUT FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION (FAO):

• It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
• Established: October 1945.
• Mandate: Improve nutrition, boost agricultural productivity, enhance rural livelihoods, and support global economic growth.
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Members: 194 member states + European Union.

Current Context : The Shanan Hydropower Project, located in Himachal Pradesh, has become a focal point of legal contention recently due to the expiration of its lease agreement with Punjab.

ABOUT PROJECT

• Location: Jogindernagar, Mandi district .
• Capacity: 110 MW.
• Lease Expiration: March 2024.
• Historical Background: The project was initiated in 1925 through an agreement between Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi and Colonel B.C. Batty, representing the British government.
• The agreement facilitated the construction of the project using water from the Uhl River, a tributary of the Beas River.
• Aimed at generating power for undivided Punjab, including regions that are now part of Pakistan.​

Current Context : Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time.

• The oath of office was given to Saini by Haryana’s Governor, Bandaru Dattatreya.
• His appointment follows the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s significant victory in the October 5 Assembly elections, where the party won 48 out of 90 seats, securing a third consecutive government in the state.

ABOUT HARYANA

• Geography: Located in northern India.
• Haryana shares borders with Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the national capital, Delhi.

Economy:

• Agriculture: Major producer of wheat, rice, and sugarcane, contributing significantly to India’s food security.
• Industry: Hosts a robust industrial base, including automobile manufacturing (especially in Gurugram) and information technology.
• Historical Significance: Known for the historic site of Kurukshetra, the battlefield of the Mahabharata, attracting tourists and pilgrims.

Cultural Diversity: Haryana is home to a mix of communities and languages, predominantly Hindi and Haryanvi.

Current Context : 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) Meeting was held in Islamabad, Pakistan.

This summit focused on economic cooperation, trade, counterterrorism, and socio-cultural initiatives. Eight agreements were signed, addressing the SCO budget, operations, and counterterrorism efforts.

India’s Participation: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India, advocating against terrorism, extremism, and separatism. India also reiterated its opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative due to sovereignty concerns.

About SCO:

• Establishment: The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Aim : to enhance regional cooperation on security, political, economic, and cultural issues.
• India and Pakistan joined in 2017.​
• Current Members: SCO now includes India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status​
• Headquarter : Beijing, China

SCO Significance for India:

1. Counterterrorism: India uses the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) for intelligence sharing and countering terrorism.
2. Energy Security: SCO members control significant global reserves of oil and gas, important for India’s energy needs.
3. Central Asia Engagement: SCO provides India a platform for its “Connect Central Asia” policy.
4. Balancing Chinese Influence: India seeks to balance Chinese dominance through initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Current Context : Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) celebrated International Abhidhamma Divas (IAD).

• It also celebrated recent declaration of Pali as a classical language by Cabinet.
• IAD 2024 saw participation from 14 countries, strengthening international ties in Buddhist culture and philosophy.

PURPOSE & SIGNIFICANCE :

• Commemorates Lord Buddha’s descent from the celestial realm Tāvatimsa to Sankassiya (modern Sankisa, Uttar Pradesh) after teaching Abhidhamma to his mother.
• Linked with the end of Vassa, the three-month Rainy Retreat, and the Pavāraņā festival (marking the conclusion of the retreat).
• Sankassiya is marked by the Asokan Elephant Pillar, symbolizing this sacred event.

Declaration of Pali as Classical Language :

• The recent Indian Cabinet declaration of Pali as a classical language was celebrated, reaffirming Pali’s importance in Buddhist scriptures like the Tripitaka.

About Abhidhamma :

Philosophical Importance:

• Part of Tripitaka: Abhidhamma is the third section of the Tripitaka (Pali Canon), crucial to the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
• Focus: It encompasses advanced topics in Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and doctrines related to human consciousness and mental processes.
• Key Concepts:
  • Citta: Refers to consciousness.
  • Cetasika: Denotes mental factors that accompany consciousness.
  • Rūpa: Pertains to materiality or physical phenomena.
  • Nibbāna: Represents the final liberation or enlightenment.

Structure:

• Seven Books: The Abhidhamma consists of seven books that delve into the nuances of human experience, particularly focusing on the cultivation of mindfulness and understanding mental phenomena.
• Pali Language: The teachings are articulated in Pali, employing a specialized vocabulary essential for grasping its philosophical depth.