About Container Port Performance Index

• It is a highly regarded benchmark that assesses the performance of ports on parameters such as productivity, efficiency, and reliability.
• It is released by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence.
• It serves as a reference point for key stakeholders, including national governments, port authorities, development agencies, supra-national organisations, and private operators, in trade, logistics and supply chain services.
• Highlights of CPPI 2023:
  • Yangshan port in China and Salalah port in Oman emerged as the top two ports in the rankings.
  • Nine Indian ports have secured places among the top 100 global ports.
  • While Visakhapatnam Port made it to the top 20 ports of the world at 19 in 2023, Mundra Port also climbed up the index at 27 in the current ranking.
  • This also marks an advancement from Visakhapatnam’s 115th rank and Mundra’s 48th position in the 2022 rankings.
  • Vishakhapatnam Port has demonstrated impressive performance with a turnaround time (TRT) of 21.4 hours, achieving 27.5 moves per crane hour, and minimising berth idle time.
  • Additionally, seven more Indian ports, secured ranks in the top 100: Pipavav (ranked 41), Kamarajar (47), Cochin (63), Hazira (68), Krishnapatnam (71), Chennai (80), and Jawaharlal Nehru JNPA (96).

Q1: Which are the major ports in India?

Major ports in India are Chennai Port, Kolkata Port, Haldia Port (West Bengal), Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Maharashtra), Kamarajar Port or Ennore Port (Chennai), Kandla Port (Gujarat), Kochin Port (Kerala), New Mangalore Port (Karnataka), Mormugao Port (Goa), Mumbai Port, Paradip Port (Odisha), Tuticorin Port (Tamil Nadu), Visakhapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh).

Source: Nine Indian ports ranked among top 100 in Container Port Performance Index 2023

About State of Global Air (SoGA) Report

• It is released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), an independent U.S.-based nonprofit research organization, in partnership with UNICEF.
• The report provides an analysis of data for air quality and health impacts for countries around the world. 
• It defined air pollution as a complex mixture including particles and different gases, with sources and compositions varying over space and time.
• Highlights of SoGA Report 2024:
  • Air pollution has become the second-leading global risk factor for death, surpassing tobacco and diabetes and trailing only hypertension.
  • Among these, non communicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, accounted for nearly 90% of the disease burden from air pollution.
  • Six out of ten deaths worldwide attributed to air pollution are caused by the tiny PM2.5 particle; the remaining two pollutants, ozone and household air pollution, account for 38% and 6% of deaths, respectively.
  • Diseases and ailments linked to air pollution claimed 8.1 million lives worldwide in 2021, with India accounting for one in four of these deaths.
  • India and China together account for 54% of the total global disease burden due to air pollution in 2021. In India, air pollution accounted for 21 lakh deaths, and in China, it caused 23 lakh deaths.
  • More than 7,00,000 deaths in children under five years were linked to air pollution. This represents 15% of all global deaths among children under five.
  • Lower respiratory infections (LRIs) are the leading cause of death for children under five
  • India recorded the highest number of deaths among children under five due to air pollution worldwide in 2021.
  • Air pollution in India was responsible for the deaths of 1,69,400 children under the age of five in 2021. This means that around 464 children died every day in India that year due to diseases caused by air pollution.
  • In 2021,nearly 50% (2,37,000 deaths) of all ozone-related COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) deaths were in India, followed by China with 1,25,600 deaths and Bangladesh with 15,000 deaths.

Q1: What is UNICEF?

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), originally known as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children and mothers in countries that had been devastated by World War II. In 1950, UNICEF's mandate was extended to address the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere. In 1953, it became a permanent part of the UN System, and the words "international" and "emergency" were dropped from the organization's name, though it retained the original acronym, "UNICEF". UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories and in the world's toughest places to reach the children and young people in greatest need.

Source: Air pollution accounted for 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021, becoming the second leading risk factor for death, including for children under five years

About Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

• The CBFC, popularly known as the Censor Board, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• It regulates the public exhibition of films in India under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
• Films can be publicly exhibited in India only after they have been certified by the CBFC.
• The certification process is in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Cinematograph (certification) Rules, 1983, and the guidelines issued by the Central Government.
• The CBFC has one chairperson and other members (not less than 12 but not exceeding 25) who are appointed by the Central Government. 
• It has its headquarters in Mumbai. 
  • It has nine regional offices, one each at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack, and Guwahati. 
  • The regional offices are assisted in the examination of films by Advisory Panels.
  • The members of the panels are nominated by the Central Government by drawing people from different walks of life for a period of two years.
• Categories of film certification: There are four categories of films based on their content.
  • U (Universal): Viewers of all age groups can view a U-certified film.
  • U/A: Although these movies are universal, children under the age of 12 require adult supervision.
  • A: Only meant for exhibition before adults.
  • S: These are movies for special classes like doctors and farmers.
• The board shall occasionally conduct seminars of film critics, writers, and people connected with the industry, along with national surveys, to determine the public reaction for making guidelines for certifying the films.

Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024

• Pursuant to the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, the Central Government has notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, in supersession of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. 
• Salient Provisions:
  • Adoption of Online Certification processes.
  • Reduction in timelines for the processing of film certification and adopting complete digital processes for eliminating all transactional time.
  • Movies/feature films to have accessibility features for certification to make it inclusive for disabled persons.
  • Age-Based Certification: Introduction of age-based categories of certification by further sub-dividing the existing UA category into three age-based categories, viz., seven years (UA 7+), thirteen years (UA 13+), and sixteen years (UA 16+), instead of twelve years.
  • Greater representation of women in the CBFC Board and CBFC’s Advisory Panels, where it is stipulated that one-third of the members in the Board shall be women and preferably half shall be women.
  • System for Priority Screening of Films for enhancing transparency and eliminating all discretions.
  • Perpetual Validity of Certificates: Removal of the restriction on the validity of certificates for only 10 years for the perpetual validity of CBFC certificates.
  • Change of Category of Film for Television: Recertification of the edited film for Television broadcast, as only Unrestricted Public Exhibition category films can be shown on television.

Q1: What is a writ petition?

A writ petition can be termed as a formal written order issued by a judicial authority who possesses the authority to do so. The meaning of the word ‘Writs’ means command in writing in the name of the Court. It is a legal document issued by the court that orders a person or entity to perform a specific act or to cease performing a specific action or deed. In India, writs are issued by the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution of India and by the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

Source: Supreme Court Declines Plea Challenging CBFC Certification of 'Hamare Baarah'

About Iberian lynx

• It is one of two carnivore species endemic to Europe (the other being European mink, Mustela lutreola).
• It is the world's most endangered and known for its pointy ears, long legs and leopard-like spotted fur.
• This species, like other cat species, is sexually dimorphic, with males being heavier and longer than females. 
• This lynx is generally nocturnal and its activity patterns are closely synchronized with those of their major prey, the rabbit.
• Habitat: It requires variable terrain below 1300 m, containing a mosaic of closed Mediterranean scrubland interspersed with open patches of grassland, often with marsh ecotones.
• Distribution: It was once distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula, the species is now sparsely distributed in Spain and Portugal.
• Threats: These are related to human activities, such as poaching and habitat destruction, Illegal Hunting and decreased food base etc.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN Red list: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II

Q1:What is the characteristic of Mediterranean forests?

 These are characterized by hot and dry summers, while winters tend to be cool and moist. These two types of vegetation occur between 30 and 40 degrees northern and southern latitudes on the westward sides of continents.

About Fire Dragon 480

• It is a Chinese long-range rocketproduced by China’s Norinco Group for export purposes.
• It is a 750-mm tactical ballistic missile that is equipped with precision-guidance sensors, which enable it to strike moving targets with a high degree of accuracy.
• The missile can be launched from a high-speed, wheeled platform capable of withstanding harsh environments.
• Its warhead surpasses the 400 kg mark, significantly outweighing that of a conventional anti-ship missile.
• Its impact velocity exceeds 500 metres (1,640 feet) per second, which would ensure that a 10,000-tonne cruiser would be destroyed after being hit by just two of these missiles.
• While it is generally believed that the Fire Dragon 480 has a range limit of 290km (180 miles), Chinese researchers have said that its practical range could exceed 500km. 
• It was adopted by the Chinese PLA in 2019.
• The only publicly disclosed export deal for the weapon was a $245 million agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

Q1: What are Ballistic Missiles?

A ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled, self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target. They are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target. They can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.

Source: Red Sea: China ‘Sinks’ US Navy Warship In Simulation Drills Using Its Fire Dragon Missile; Expert Analyzes

About National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)

• It is a Central Sector Scheme with a financial outlay of Rs 2,254.43 crore during the period from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
• It aims to enhance forensic infrastructure in the country.
• Components under this Scheme:
  • Establishment of campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country.
  • Establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) in the country.
  • Enhancement of existing infrastructure of the Delhi Campus of the NFSU.
• The financial outlay of the NFIES will be provisioned by the Ministry of Home Affairsfrom its own budget.
• Need for NFIES:
  • With the enactment of the New Criminal Laws, which mandates forensic investigation for offences involving punishment of 7 yearsor more, a significant increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories is expected.
  • Further, there is a significant shortage of trained forensic manpower in the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) in the country.
  • The establishment of additional off-campuses of the NFSU and new CFSLs would address the shortage of trained forensic manpower, alleviate the case load / pendency of forensic laboratories, and align with the Government of India's goal of securing a high conviction rate of more than 90%.

Q1: What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science is the use of scientific methods or expertise to investigate crimes or examine evidence that might be presented in a court of law. Forensic science comprises a diverse array of disciplines, from fingerprint and DNA analysis to anthropology and wildlife forensics.

Source: Cabinet clears scheme for forensic infra with outlay of Rs 2,200 crore

About World Investment Report

• It focuses on trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide, at the regional and country levels and emerging measures to improve its contribution to development.

Key highlights of the report

• Global foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2023 decreased marginally, by 2 per cent.
• FDI flows to developing countries fell by 7 per cent to $867 billion, mainly due to an 8 per cent decrease in developing Asia.
• China, the second largest FDI recipient in the world, saw a rare decline in inflows.
• Industry trends showed lower investment in the infrastructure and digital economy sectors, but strong growth in the global value chain-intensive sectors of manufacturing and critical minerals.
• International investment in sectors relevant for the Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries declined in 2023.

Key facts about the UN Conference on Trade and Development

• It is the UN’s leading institution dealing with trade and development.
• It is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. 
• Its objective is to assist developing countries, especially the least developed countries, and countries with economies in transition, to integrate beneficially into the global economy.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• UNCTAD membership consists of 195 states.

Q1: What is a foreign direct investment (FDI)?

It is a substantial, lasting investment made by a company or government into a foreign concern. FDI investors typically take controlling positions in domestic firms or joint ventures and are actively involved in their management.

Source: Green signal: Significant foreign investment in Africa’s clean energy sector in 2023 encouraging, says UNCTAD

About Encephalartos woodii

• It is a plant from South Africa and is a member of the cycad family with thick trunks and large stiff leaves that form a majestic crown.
  • Cycads are the oldest surviving plant groups alive today and are often referred to as “living fossils” or “dinosaur plants” due to their evolutionary history dating back to the Carboniferous period, approximately 300 million years ago.
  • During the Mesozoic era (250-66 million years ago), also known as the Age of Cycads, these plants were ubiquitous, thriving in the warm, humid climates that characterised the period.
  • Although they resemble ferns or palms, cycads are not related to either. Cycads are gymnosperms, a group that includes conifers and ginkgos. Unlike flowering plants (angiosperms), cycads reproduce using cones.
  • It is impossible to tell male and female apart until they mature and produce their magnificent cones.
  • Female cones are typically wide and round, and male cones appear elongated and narrower.
  • The male cones produce pollen, which is carried by insects (weevils) to the female cones. This ancient method of reproduction has remained largely unchanged for millions of years.
  • Despite their longevity, today cycads are ranked as the most endangered living organisms on Earth with the majority of the species considered threatened with extinction.
  • This is because of their slow growth and reproductive cycles, typically taking ten to 20 years to mature, and habitat loss due to deforestation, grazing and over-collection.
• Threats: Their striking appearance and ancient lineage make them popular in exotic ornamental horticulture and that has led to illegal trade.

Q1: What is Gymnosperm?

These are any vascular plant that reproduces by means of an exposed seed.The seeds of many gymnosperms (literally, “naked seeds”) are borne in cones and are not visible until maturity.

Source: Scientists search for a female partner for world’s ‘loneliest’ plant

About Garnet

• It is rare in beach sand which is destroyed by prolonged exposure to the waves and currents of the ocean. 
• It is a fairly common mineral, deep red in color. It crystallizes at high temperatures, usually where large mountain belts grind upwards out of colliding tectonic plates.
• These are opaque, transparent to translucent minerals that can be found as individual crystals, pebbles, or clumps of inter-grown crystals.
• There are six main types of garnet, all with slightly different chemical compositions. All kinds of garnet can form in the same place and sometimes garnets can be a combination of types e.g. pyrope-almadine or pyrope-spessartine.
• Formation:
  • These are formed in metamorphic (schist, amphibolite, and eclogite) and igneous (some granites and peridotite) rocks.
  • This mineral grows deep in Earth’s crust, in the same kind of conditions in which diamonds are formed.
• When sand contains an abundance of garnets, it usually contains epidote and magnetite as well.
• Australia produces almost half of the world's garnets, with the rest mainly coming from India, USA, and China.
• Uses: It is used for manufacturing blasting media, abrasives, grinding wheels, mosaic cutting stones, decorative wall plasters, ceramics, polishing of picture tubes, glass polishing and antiskid surface for roads, air strips etc.

Q1: What are Critical Minerals?

A mineral is critical when the risk of supply shortage and associated impact on the economy is (relatively) higher than other raw materials. These minerals are essential for economic development and national security, and their lack of availability/ the concentration of extraction/ processing in a few geographical locations could potentially lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.

Source: The Hindu

About Claude 3.5 Sonnet

• It is a large language model (LLM), and is part of the family of LLMs which is being developed by Anthropic.
• These models are known as generative pre-trained transformers, which mean they have been pre-trained to predict the next word in large amounts of text.
• It is likely to be the middle model (based on parameter size) in the upcoming series of AI models by Anthropic — the smallest and biggest models are yet to be released.
• Anthropic has said Claude 3.5 Sonnet outperforms Claude 3 Opus by a huge margin. The new model is claimed to be twice as fast as the Claude 3 Sonnet.
• It is Anthropic’s strongest vision model. A vision model in AI is a model capable of interpreting and analysing visual data such as images and videos.
• According to the company, the improvements in Claude 3.5 Sonnet are most noticeable for tasks that require visual reasoning such as decoding charts and graphs. The model is also capable of accurately transcribing text from imperfect images.

How does Claude 3.5 Sonnet perform?

• According to Anthropic, Claude 3.5 Sonnet sets some new industry benchmarks in capabilities such as coding proficiency (HumanEval), graduate-level reasoning (GPQA), and undergraduate-level knowledge (MMLU).
• The new model has also shown significant improvement in grasping nuance, humour, and complex instructions.
• It is exceptional at writing high-quality content with a natural and relatable tone, according to Anthropic.

Q1: What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

A large language model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) program that can recognize and generate text, among other tasks. LLMs are trained on huge sets of data—hence the name "large."

Source: Indian Express