The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a blocking order for a viral video depicting the killing of a 29-year-old man in Manipur's Churachandpur. The order was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, following a request from the Union Home Ministry. The Manipur administration argued before the High Court that the video's circulation was likely to disturb public order in the sensitive region. Social media intermediaries like YouTube, Meta, and Google were directed to remove the content. The court has issued notices to the Union government regarding the progress of the blocking order.
The blocking order was issued under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, to prevent the disturbance of public order.
The Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009 were invoked.
The Manipur High Court is monitoring the implementation of the order and has scheduled a hearing for February 18.
Exam Points
Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.
The incident occurred in Churachandpur district, Manipur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 18th Rozgar Mela, handed over 61,000 appointment letters for various government jobs. He emphasized that India's entry into multiple mobility and trade agreements is creating new employment opportunities for the youth. The PM noted a significant increase in manufacturing, particularly in electronics, where exports have crossed ₹4 lakh crore. He also highlighted the growth of the 'creator economy' and the startup ecosystem, which now has over two lakh registered startups. Furthermore, he pointed out the rising participation of women in the workforce, supported by schemes like Mudra and Start-up India.
Trade and mobility agreements with several countries are being positioned as key drivers for domestic employment.
India's electronics manufacturing sector has grown six-fold since 2014, reaching a value of over ₹11 lakh crore.
The startup ecosystem has expanded to include over 2 lakh registered startups, employing over 21 lakh people.
The 'sacred lotus' (Nelumbo nucifera), native to North and Central India, exhibits a rare biological phenomenon called thermogenesis. This process allows the plant to create its own body heat, maintaining an internal temperature of 30-35°C even when ambient temperatures drop to 10°C. Thermogenesis is triggered by an enzyme called alternative oxidase in the mitochondria, which turns energy from food directly into heat rather than ATP. This heat helps release attractive scents to lure pollinators like bees and beetles, providing them a warm chamber for the night and ensuring cross-pollination.
Thermogenesis is the ability of living things to create their own body heat, common in mammals but rare in plants.
The sacred lotus uses the enzyme alternative oxidase to generate heat within its mitochondria.
Heat generation serves to disperse floral scents and provide a thermal reward for insect pollinators.
Exam Points
Scientific name of Sacred Lotus: Nelumbo nucifera.
India has set an ambitious target to eliminate malaria by 2030 under the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016-2030). Significant progress has been made, with malaria cases reducing by 80% between 2015 and 2023. By 2024, India exited the WHO 'High Burden to High Impact' group. However, challenges remain, including persistent Plasmodium vivax transmission, drug resistance (especially to artemisinin derivatives), and cross-border importation of cases. The strategy focuses on transforming malaria surveillance into a core intervention, ensuring universal access to diagnosis and treatment, and intensifying vector control in high-burden districts.
The National Framework for Malaria Elimination aims for zero indigenous cases by 2030.
India achieved an 80% reduction in malaria cases from 2015 to 2023.
Plasmodium vivax accounts for nearly two-thirds of regional cases and is harder to eliminate due to its dormant liver stage.
Exam Points
Target year for malaria elimination: 2030.
National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Malaria Elimination (2023-2027).
47 countries or territories have been certified malaria-free by WHO as of mid-2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed interest in Greenland, citing its rich natural resources and strategic location. Greenland is home to vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and 25 of the 34 'critical raw materials' identified by the EU, including graphite and titanium. Strategically, it is vital for U.S. national security, hosting the Golden Dome missile defense plan. While Trump initially proposed a purchase, recent discussions at Davos suggest a 'framework of a future deal' involving potential long-term leases or security arrangements, similar to U.K. bases in Cyprus, rather than an outright sale.
Greenland is strategically located for Arctic security and hosts critical U.S. missile defense infrastructure.
The territory contains significant deposits of critical minerals essential for green energy and military technology.
Denmark has consistently maintained that Greenland is 'not for sale,' leading to diplomatic friction.
Exam Points
Greenland contains 25 of 34 minerals considered 'critical raw materials' by the EU.
U.S. missile defense system in Greenland: Golden Dome ($175 billion system).
U.S.-Denmark pact of 1951 governs security relations in the Arctic.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump formally established the 'Board of Peace' to oversee the reconstruction of war-devastated Gaza. The board is part of a 20-point plan focusing on demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. It will be chaired by Trump and includes members like former British PM Tony Blair and World Bank President Ajay Banga. While over 50 countries were invited, many, including major European nations and China, have stayed away or expressed concerns about the board's potential to overshadow the United Nations.
The Board of Peace aims to manage Gaza's transition to a 'New Gaza' with modern infrastructure and industrial zones.
The initiative is separate from the UN and has faced criticism for lacking a clear role for international bodies.
India has been invited to join the board but has yet to make a final decision.
Exam Points
Board of Peace established on January 22 at Davos.
Chairman: Donald Trump; Members include Tony Blair and Ajay Banga.
'Pax Silica' is a U.S.-led chip supply chain alliance aimed at building a 'closed-loop' AI ecosystem, reducing dependence on Chinese manufacturing. Signed by nine countries, including Australia, Japan, and South Korea, the initiative seeks to map a new geography of computing power. It integrates Australia's mines, Singapore's logistics, and Japan's precision machinery with American technology. India faces a 'paradox' as it seeks to join this U.S.-led security architecture to secure its supply chain while simultaneously managing its economic ties and potential investments from China.
Pax Silica aims to isolate AI development from Chinese influence by creating a self-contained supply chain.
The initiative is a successor to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) but with a sharper focus on semiconductors.
India is expected to join Pax Silica as early as February to bolster its industrial growth and security ties.
Exam Points
Pax Silica includes 9 founding countries (e.g., Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, UK).
Successor to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
The Siddi Badshah community, descendants of Africans brought to India centuries ago, thrives in the Jambur and Shirvan villages of Gujarat's Gir region. Originally brought by the Portuguese to work for the King of Junagadh, they were known for their exceptional strength and endurance, earning the title 'Siddi Badshah' or 'kings of labour.' The community has successfully adapted to the local environment, assisting in tracking Asiatic lions. They maintain their unique cultural identity through the 'Dhamal' dance form, which traces its roots back to East Africa, while being fully integrated into Indian society.
The Siddis are an Afro-Indian ethnic group primarily settled in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Hyderabad.
They are known for the 'Dhamal' dance, a high-energy performance reflecting their East African ancestry.
The community plays a vital role in the local ecosystem of the Gir forest, often working as trackers for Asiatic lions.
Exam Points
Villages: Jambur and Shirvan in the Sasan Gir region of Gujarat.
Dance form: Dhamal.
Ancestry: East African (brought by Portuguese/Junagadh rulers).
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is encouraging the Indian government to use its 2026 BRICS chairmanship to promote Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) for cross-border payments. CBDCs are digital forms of legal tender issued by central banks, utilizing blockchain for transparent and immutable transactions. This move aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar-based SWIFT system, which has excluded countries like Russia and Iran. While offering benefits like reduced money laundering and programmable transactions, the proposal faces risks, including potential U.S. retaliatory tariffs and complex regulatory hurdles between member nations.
CBDCs are digital versions of national currencies (e.g., India's e-rupee) held in wallets separate from bank accounts.
The proposal aims to facilitate faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border settlements within the BRICS+ grouping.
Blockchain technology ensures that transactions are permanent and can be programmed for specific uses (e.g., expiry dates).
Exam Points
India's BRICS chairmanship year: 2026.
CBDC: Central Bank Digital Currency (e-rupee in India).
BRICS founding members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
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