GS 1 – Indian Martial Arts Training for Army Post
Context: After the Galwan clash with China, the Indian Army adds martial arts like Gatka, Khukri dance, and Kalaripayattu to regular training to improve soldiers’ physical and mental readiness for tough terrains.
Traditional Marital Arts in India:
- Kalaripayattu: Kerala, It incorporates strikes, kicks, grappling, and weaponry, emphasizing physical fitness and flexibility.
- Gatka: Punjab, Gatka emphasizes both armed and unarmed combat, highlighting the use of the stick (lathi) and sword to enhance agility and swift movements.
- Silambam: Tamil Nadu, Involves using a long bamboo staff, with practitioners employing intricate stick-fighting techniques to enhance concentration, coordination, and reflexes.
- Thang-Ta: Manipur, Blends armed and unarmed combat using swords and spears, deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the region.
- Kuttu Varisai: Tamil Nadu, Highlights techniques for hand-to-hand combat, including joint locks and strikes, while also integrating movements inspired by animals.
- Mardani Khel: Maharashtra, Engages in both armed and unarmed combat, with a focus on utilizing traditional weapons like the spear and the Bhala, a type of trident.
- Lathi Khela: Bengal, Utilizes a bamboo stick (lathi) for self-defense and combat, commonly showcased as a traditional martial dance during festivals.
GS 2 – Electoral Bonds
Context: The Supreme Court has struck down the electoral bond scheme labeling it unconstitutional.
Background:
- Introduced by the government in 2018.
- Aim: replacing cash donations and improving transparency in political funding.
What are Electoral Bonds?
- Financial instruments that function as promissory notes or bearer bonds.
- Exclusively issued to contribute funds to political parties.
- Only issued by the State Bank of India (SBI), sold in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore.
- The bonds are available for 10 days each in January, April, July, and October.
- If bonds are not cashed within 15 days, the money from those unclaimed bonds goes to the Prime Minister Relief Fund.
Potential Beneficiaries:
- Political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Secured not less than 1 percent of the votes polled in the last elections to the Lok Sabha or a state legislative assembly.
GS 2 – Milan Naval Exercise
Context: Amid Houthi attacks Somali pirates, India to host largest Naval exercise Milan in Vishakhapatnam.
About Milan Exercise:
- Incepted by the Indian Navy in 1995.
- A biennial multilateral naval exercise.
- MILAN was initially in line with India’s ‘Look East Policy.’
- The Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative further contributed to MILAN’s development.
- The expansion includes active involvement from other Friendly Foreign Countries.
Standout feature of Milan Exercise:
- Participants: 51 countries.
- Will bring warring countries such as USA, Russia and Iran under the same platform.
- Canada amid a diplomatic rift with India is also sending a delegation.
GS 2 – Venezuelan Oil Imports
Context: After a hiatus of over three years, India has emerged as the top buyer of Venezuelan crude oil in December and January.
More About the News:
- Due to the U.S. temporarily easing restrictions on Venezuela’s oil sector in October, Indian refiners, have started buying Venezuelan oil again, likely at a lower cost.
- In 2019, Venezuela ranked among the top five oil suppliers to India, supplying nearly 16 million tonnes of crude to Indian refiners.
- The surge in Venezuelan oil exports to India has resulted in reduced shipments to Chinese refiners.
- Following the easing of US sanctions, there has been a significant decline in Venezuelan oil exports to China.
India’s interest:
- As the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil, India heavily depends on imports to meet over 85% of its requirements.
- India buying oil from Venezuela again shows how global politics, economics, and market forces all affect the oil trade.
GS 3 – Recession in UK
Context: Britain’s economy fell into recession in the second half of 2023.
What is Recession?
A recession is a significant and prolonged economic decline, often identified by two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
What is the Concern?
Britain has joined Japan as a group of seven advanced economies (G7) in a recession.
Analysis shows that the UK’s economy grew by only 0.1% in all 2023.
GS 3 – CAG Report on Kaleshwaram Project
Context: As per the report presented by CAG Kaleshwaram project cost in Telangana may surpass ₹1.47 lakh crore, due to understated estimates and modifications.
About Kaleshwaram Project:
- Location: Telangana, India
- Objective: Harness Godavari River water for irrigation and drinking water needs.
- Irrigation Coverage: Aims to irrigate around 18 lakh acres of land.
- Significance: Addresses water scarcity, and promotes agricultural development in the region.
- Social Impact: Expected to benefit farmers and communities in drought-prone areas of Telangana.