UPSC GS 2
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- News: ย The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is expanding its appeal for Syria to USD 73.2 million to assist more than 1.1 million people across the country.
- Establishment: Founded in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization focused on migration. It collaborates closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners.
- UN Affiliation: IOM operates as a related organization within the United Nations system.
- Mission and Principles:
- IOM is dedicated to the belief that humane and orderly migration brings benefits to both migrants and society.
- The organization works to ensure the management of migration is carried out in an orderly and humane manner.
- IOM promotes international cooperation on migration issues, seeks practical solutions to migration challenges, and provides humanitarian aid to migrants, including refugees and internally displaced persons.
- Key Roles and Responsibilities of IOM
- Labour Mobility and Human Development:
- IOM is responsible for overseeing labour mobility and migration-related matters.
- Its Labour Mobility and Human Development Division provides policy and operational guidance on labour mobility, diaspora communities, and migrant integration.
- Coordination Role:
- IOM serves as the coordinator for the Secretary of the UN Network on Migration.
- Global Compact for Migration:
- IOM played a key role in supporting the negotiation and adoption of the UN Global Compact for Migration in 2018, which is a global agreement addressing international migration.
- Member States: IOM has 175 member states and 8 observer states.
- Publications:ย
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- World Migration Report: A comprehensive report on global migration trends and issues.
- Migration Health Annual Report: A publication focusing on the health and well-being of migrants.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
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Henley Passport Index 2025
- News:ย India’s ranking has dropped five places โ from 80th to 85th โ in the list of the world’s most powerful passports, according to the Henley Passport Index 2025.
- Definition: The Henley Passport Index is the original and authoritative ranking system for global passports, determining the number of destinations their holders can access without requiring a prior visa.
- History:
- Initially launched in 2006 as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index (HVRI).
- The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the worldโs largest and most accurate travel information database, enhanced by research from Henley & Partners, a London-based advisory firm.
- Scope:
- The index evaluates 199 passports and provides data on 227 travel destinations.
- A passport’s visa-free score is calculated based on the number of countries accessible without a visa or with visa-on-arrival options.
- Highlights of Henley Passport Index 2025:ย
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- Top Rank: Singapore retains its position as the top passport in the world for 2025, with holders able to travel visa-free to 195 destinations globally.
- India’s Position: As of 2025, holders of an Indian passport can travel visa-free to 57 destinations, sharing the rank with Equatorial Guinea and Niger.
- Third Place: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea all drop two places to share the third position, with each granting visa-free access to 192 destinations.
- Fourth Place: A group of seven EU countriesโAustria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Swedenโshare the fourth spot, offering visa-free access to 191 destinations.
- Top Five: Rounding out the top five are Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and New Zealand, with each granting visa-free travel to 190 destinations. Notably, New Zealand is the only non-European country in this group.
- Where do the BRICS countries stand? Among the original BRICS countries, Brazil is ranked 18th, with Brazilians getting access to 171 destinations without prior visa, Russia at 46th (116 destinations), China 60th (85 destinations) and South Africa 48th (106 destinations).
- ย Arab countries:ย The UAE is the only Arab country in the Top 10 on the Henley Passport Index. The UAE passport is ranked 10th and its holders get visa-free access to 185 destinations.
UPSC GS 3
Ebola
- News: Ebola virus, one of the deadliest pathogens, has a fatality rate of about 50%, posing a serious threat to global health and safety.
- About Ebola
- Definition: Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses (formerly ebolavirus).
- Discovery: Orthoebolaviruses were identified in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Origin of Name: The disease is named after the Ebola River, located near one of the villages in DRC where the disease was first identified.
- Affected Species: Ebola can affect humans as well as other primates, such as gorillas, monkeys, and chimpanzees.
- Transmission of Ebola
- Natural Hosts: The virus is believed to be naturally hosted by fruit bats from the Pteropodidae family.
- Initial Transmission: Ebola is introduced to humans through close contact with infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelopes, or porcupines. This contact typically occurs with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of the animals, especially when they are sick or dead in the rainforest.
- Human-to-Human Spread: Once introduced into the human population, Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of infected individuals, whether the person is alive or deceased.
- Symptoms of Ebola
- Incubation Period: Symptoms may appear between 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
- Common Symptoms:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bleeding
- Often leads to death.
- Fatality Rate: The average case fatality rate of Ebola is approximately 50%.
- Treatment for Ebola
- No Known Cure: Currently, there is no established cure for Ebola. While experimental treatments have been explored, none have been fully tested for effectiveness and safety.
- FDA-Approved Treatments: Two monoclonal antibody treatments, Inmazeb and Ebanga, have been approved by the FDA for the Ebola Zaire strain.
- Recovery Factors: Recovery largely depends on:
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- The amount of virus the person was exposed to.
- The timing of treatment initiation.
- The individualโs age and immune response.
- Current Therapy: The treatment focuses on maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as administering blood and plasma to control bleeding.
Z-Morh Tunnel
- News:ย The Z-Morh tunnel is set to become the first major milestone in the effort to build a strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Location: The Z-Morh Tunnel is a 2-lane road tunnel situated between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Origin of Name: The name “Z-Morh” is derived from the Z-shaped road section near the tunnelโs construction site.
- Reason for Construction:ย
- Altitude and Weather Conditions: The tunnel is being built at an altitude exceeding 8,500 feet, an area that is highly vulnerable to snow avalanches. These avalanches render the road to Sonamarg impassable during much of the winter season.
- Key Features:ย
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- Tunnel Length: The tunnel stretches over 6.5 km.
- Traffic Capacity: It is designed to accommodate the flow of 1,000 vehicles per hour, with an approved maximum speed of 80 km/h.
- Toll-Free: No toll tax will be charged from vehicles using the tunnel.
- Additional Tunnels:
- A parallel escape tunnel measuring 6.426 km in length.
- A ventilation tunnel spanning 0.6 km.
- Traffic Management: An Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) has been installed to streamline traffic control. Additionally, the escape tunnel ensures smoother traffic movement during emergencies.
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- Strategic Importance:ย
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- All-Weather Access: The tunnel provides year-round access to Sonamarg, overcoming seasonal disruptions caused by snow.
- Military Significance: The tunnel is crucial for ensuring continuous connectivity to Ladakh, supporting the movement of military personnel to sensitive border areas.
- Enhanced Military Readiness: Along with the 14.15 km Zojila Tunnel to the east, the Z-Morh Tunnel contributes to strengthening the Indian militaryโs operational capabilities in Kashmir and Ladakh, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) in the north and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to the east.
Gaddi Dog
- News: ย Himachali Gaddi dog has been officially recognised as an indigenous breed by the National Bureau of Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR), Karnal, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
- Origin: The Gaddi Dog is named after the Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh, who have used the breed to protect their herds of sheep and goats from predators.
- Nickname: Known as the โIndian Panther Houndโ or โIndian Leopard Houndโ, the breed is renowned for its ability to fight and defend against carnivores, including the Snow Leopard.
- Geographical Distribution: The Gaddi Dog is primarily found in the Himalayan region.
- Recognition: It is the fourth indigenous dog breed, following the Rajapalayam and Chippiparai of Tamil Nadu, and the Mudhol Hound of Karnataka, to be officially recognized for its breed status.
- Appearance:ย
- Color: Gaddi Dogs are predominantly black, with occasional white markings on their feet, tail, or trunk.
- Physical Attributes:
- They possess a massive, arched neck, which serves as protection against predators.
- The breed has a harmonious build with a medium stature and a robust, muscular body.
- Their overall appearance is balanced and strong, designed for protection and agility.
- Benefits of Recognition:ย
- Preservation of Purity: Official recognition of the Gaddi Dog breed will help in maintaining the breedโs purity and ensuring its continued role in the Himalayan region, where it is in high demand for its guarding capabilities.
Miyawaki Technique
- News:ย The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has utilized the Japanese Miyawaki technique over the past two years to establish multiple oxygen banks.
- Origin: The Miyawaki Technique was developed by Akira Miyawaki, a renowned Japanese botanist, in the 1970s.
- Purpose: This method is designed to create dense forests in limited spaces, offering a practical solution for urban areas.
- Methodology: Often referred to as the โpot plantation methodโ, it involves planting trees and shrubs close together to accelerate their growth. The technique results in plants growing up to 10 times faster compared to conventional methods.
- Mimicking Nature: The Miyawaki technique simulates natural forests by using a diverse mix of native species planted densely, which boosts their growth and health.
- Miyawaki Technique Advantages:ย
- Improved Soil Quality: This technique helps to improve the quality of the soil, contributing to better plant growth and healthier ecosystems.
- Enhanced Biodiversity: The dense planting of native species promotes rich biodiversity, fostering a diverse range of plant and animal life.
- Faster Growth: Trees planted using this technique grow faster and absorb more carbon compared to those in traditional forests, contributing to carbon sequestration.
- Urban Transformation: In urban environments, the technique has successfully transformed polluted and barren lands into thriving green ecosystems.
- Environmental Benefits:
- The Miyawaki method has been effective in managing industrial waste, reducing dust and foul odors, and curbing air and water pollution.
- It also helps in preventing soil erosion and promotes ecological balance, making it an effective tool for environmental restoration.
GenomeIndia Project
- News: ย Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the GenomeIndia Project, a scientific program to study Indian-specific genetic diversity.ย
- Definition:
- ย The Genome India Project is a national initiative launched in January 2020 aimed at mapping the genetic diversity of Indiaโs population.
- ย It is a multi-institutional consortium supported and funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
- Goal:ย
- The project seeks to decode the genetic diversity of India’s population through large-scale genome sequencing.
- Genome India Project Aims:ย
- Catalog Genetic Variations: The project aims to compile an extensive catalog of genetic variations found within the Indian population, including common, low-frequency, and rare variations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and structural variations.
- Create Reference Haplotype Structure: A key goal is to develop a reference haplotype structure for Indians, which can be used to impute missing genetic variations in future studies.
- Affordable Genome-Wide Arrays: The project intends to design genome-wide arrays to enable research and diagnostics at affordable costs.
- Biobank for Research: Establish a biobank to store DNA and plasma samples collected for future use in genetic research.
- Key Highlights of the Genome India Project:ย
- Genome Sequencing of 10,000 Individuals: The project successfully sequenced the genomes of 10,074 samples, representing 99 ethnic groups across India.
- Creation of a Genetic Database: The sequenced data is securely stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), serving as a reference for researchers worldwide.
- Genetic Insights for Public Health: The study uncovered unique genetic variations, some with significant clinical implications, paving the way for precision medicine and personalized healthcare.
- Phase 1 Analysis: Through detailed quality checks and joint genotyping of 5,750 samples, rare genetic variations unique to Indian populations have been identified.
- Global Accessibility: The Genome India database is now available to global researchers for investigations and is housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre in Faridabad, Haryana.
- Significance:
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- The project holds the potential to significantly advance the treatment of genetic disorders and infectious diseases by providing valuable genetic insights and resources for future research.
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Anji Khad Bridge
- News:ย Indian Railways continues to showcase its engineering excellence with the newly completed Anji Khad Bridge, the countryโs first cable-stayed rail bridge.
- Definition:ย
- The Anji Khad Bridge is Indiaโs first cable-stayed rail bridge, located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- ย It is an integral part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, which aims to enhance connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
- Location:ย
- The bridge is constructed over the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab River, in the challenging Himalayan terrain.
- Challenges:
- ย The project had to overcome complex geological conditions, including seismic activity and fragile rock formations, to ensure the stability of the structure.
- Collaboration:
- ย Indian Railways worked in collaboration with IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi to conduct site-specific investigations to ensure the stability and safety of the bridge.
- Anji Khad Bridge Features:
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- Design: The bridge is an asymmetrical cable-stayed structure, balanced on the axis of a central pylon.
- Dimensions: The bridge spans 725.5 metres in length. It features a 193-metre-tall main pylon, which stands 331 metres above the riverbed.
- Wind and Speed Resistance: The design enables the bridge to withstand wind speeds of up to 213 km/h. It is also capable of safely supporting train operations at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
- Bridge Sections:
- 120-metre approach viaduct on the Reasi side.
- 38-metre approach bridge on the Katra side.
- 473.25-metre cable-stayed segment spanning the valley.
- 94.25-metre central embankment connecting the main structure to the viaduct.
Facts for Prelims
World Hindi Dayย
- News:ย On the occasion of World Hindi Day 2025, the Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated the World Hindi Day Celebration event in New Delhi. ย
- Celebration Date:
- ย World Hindi Day (Vishwa Hindi Diwas) is observed annually on January 10, with the aim to spread awareness about the Hindi language and promote its global use.
- Theme 2025:ย
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- ย This yearโs theme is โHindi: A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride.โ
- Historical Background:
- Vishwa Hindi Diwas was initiated to commemorate the first instance of Hindi being spoken in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1949.
- In 1975, the first World Hindi Conference was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, with conferences held globally since then.
- The first World Hindi Day was celebrated on January 10, 2006, after an announcement by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
- Objectives of the Day:
- To raise awareness about Hindi as an Indian language and its promotion as a global language.
- To address the issues surrounding the use and promotion of Hindi.
- Hindi in Global Context:ย
- UN General Assembly Resolution on Multilingualism:
- On June 10, 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on ‘Multilingualism’, co-sponsored by India, which included Hindi for the first time.
- The resolution encourages the UN Department of Global Communications to share key messages in both official and non-official languages, including Hindi.
- Voluntary Financial Contribution:
- In 2018, India and the UN signed a Voluntary Financial Contribution Agreement to promote Hindi within the UN system. This agreement has been extended and is currently in force until March 2025.
- Difference Between World Hindi Day and Hindi Diwas:ย
- World Hindi Day (January 10): Celebrated internationally, focusing on promoting the Hindi language globally.
- Hindi Diwas (September 14): Celebrated within India, this day emphasizes the recognition of Hindi as an official language in India.
- Is Hindi Indiaโs National Language?
- India is home to over 100 languages and 270 mother tongues.
- The Constitution of India does not designate any language as the โnational language.โ
- Promotion of Hindi:
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- Article 351: Directs the Union to promote Hindi, ensuring it serves as a medium for expressing the cultural diversity of India. This promotion should respect the unique features of Hindi and other languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Official Language in Legal and Judicial Systems:
- Article 348: Prescribes the use of English for proceedings in the Supreme Court and High Courts, as well as in Bills, Acts, and orders at Union and state levels.
- Article 348 (2): Allows the use of Hindi, or any other official state language, in High Court proceedings with prior approval from the Governor and the President. However, judgments, decrees, or orders must be issued in English.
- Use of Hindi in High Court Judgments:
- Section 7 of the Official Languages Act: States that a state Governor, with the President’s consent, can authorize the use of Hindi (or the official language of the state) in judgments, decrees, or orders of the High Court, alongside an English translation.