1. European Union (EU)
News: India and EU set year-end deadline for a trade deal, plus security and defence pact.
About the EU
- A political and economic union of 27 member states primarily in Europe.
- Established under: Maastricht Treaty
- Year of Enforcement: 1993
- Objective: To promote cooperation and integration among member states, ensuring economic and political stability in Europe.
- Currency: Euro
Key Institutions
- European Council: Heads of state or government of member countries.
- European Commission: Executive branch, responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions.
- European Parliament: Directly elected legislative body.
- Council of the EU: Represents governments of the member states.
2. National Commission on Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
News: Rahul criticizes the government over vacancies in the National ST Panel.
About NCST
- Nature: Constitutional body.
- Established by: 89th Constitution Amendment Act, 2003.
- Article 338A: Defines the powers and responsibilities of NCST.
Composition
- One Chairperson
- One Vice-Chairperson
- Three other members
- Appointed by the President of India
- At least one member must be a woman.
- Members can serve a maximum of two terms.
Popular Tribes
- Orange, Munda, Kuki
3. Privilege Motion
News: Trinamool files privilege motion against Jaishankar.
About Privilege Motion
- A motion initiated when an MP believes a minister or another member has breached parliamentary privileges (e.g., providing incorrect or misleading information to Parliament).
- Purpose: Ensures privileges and immunities of MPs are upheld, maintaining the dignity and authority of Parliament.
- Any member can introduce a Privilege Motion.
- The Speaker/Chairman may refer it to the Committee of Privileges for review.
4. Aditya-L1
News: Aditya-L1 unlocks solar flare secrets.
About Aditya-L1
- India’s first dedicated solar mission, launched by ISRO.
- Objective: Study the Sun from a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 (L1), located 1.5 million km from Earth.
- Significance: Continuous observation of the Sun without any eclipses.
Mission Goals
- Examine the Sun’s corona and photosphere.
- Investigate the extreme heating of the solar corona.
- Analyze the Sun’s magnetic field.
5. Solar Flare
- Definition: A powerful explosion on the Sun caused by the sudden release of energy stored in magnetic fields in the Sun’s atmosphere.
- Duration: Can last from a few minutes to several hours.
- Appearance: Bright areas on the Sun’s surface.
Effects on Earth
- Can disrupt satellite communications.
- May cause radio blackouts.
- Potential impact on power grids.
- Produce dazzling auroras around the poles.
6. Sugar Production
News: Sugar production falls by 14% due to lower output.
Climatic Conditions for Sugarcane
- Temperature: 20°C to 40°C
- Rainfall: 1200–1500 mm annually
- Sunlight: Around 12 hours daily
- Frost-Free Period: 7–8 months
- Soil: Well-drained loamy soil
Top 3 Sugar-Producing States
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
- Karnataka
Government Initiatives
- Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP): Annual announcement to ensure just compensation for farmers.
- Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme: Promotes the use of ethanol derived from sugarcane molasses.
MCQs
- European Union came into existence in which year?
- A. 1800
- B. 1945
- C. 1993
- D. 2014
- The Chairman and Members of NCST are appointed by:
- A. President
- B. CJI of SC
- C. Parliament
- D. Tribal Minister
- Orange, Munda, Kuki are:
- A. Local Languages
- B. Colors
- C. Tribes
- D. Ancient Artifacts
- Aditya-L1 was launched by:
- A. NASA
- B. DRDO
- C. JAXA
- D. ISRO
- Which state is the largest producer of sugar in India?
- A. Jammu and Kashmir
- B. Sikkim
- C. Maharashtra
- D. Rajasthan
Answer Key:
C (Maharashtra)
C (1993)
A (President)
C (Tribes)
D (ISRO)