Saudi Arabia Ends Kafala System
Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations
In News
- In a landmark labour reform, Saudi Arabia has officially scrapped the decades-old Kafala (sponsorship) system.
Kafala system
- The Kafala system required foreign workers to have a Saudi sponsor, usually their employer, who controlled their visa and legal status.
- This meant that workers couldnât change jobs, leave the country, or even renew their residence permits without the sponsorâs consent.
Why did Saudi Arabia scrap the system
- Human rights bodies long argued that this system often led to worker exploitation and abuse, as employees were left with little legal recourse if their employers withheld salaries or passports.
- The reform aligns with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmanâs Vision 2030, which aims to modernise the economy, attract foreign investment, and reduce the kingdomâs reliance on oil.
Exercise Ocean Sky 2025
Syllabus: GS3/ Defence
Context
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Ocean Sky 2025, a multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base, Spain.
Exercise Ocean Sky 2025
- Objective – The exercise aims to foster mutual learning, enhance interoperability, sharpen air combat skills, and strengthen defence cooperation with friendly nations.
- The exercise brings together more than 50 aircraft from Spain, Germany, Greece, Portugal, India, and the United States, including Indiaâs Su-30MKI fighter jets.
Project Arunank
Syllabus: GS3/Defence
In News
- Project Arunank of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) marked its 18th Raising Day in Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh.
Project Arunank
- It was established in 2008
- It has built over 696 km of roads and 1.18 km of major bridges, enhancing connectivity to remote areas and supporting Armed Forces operations.
- It has embraced sustainable technologies such as Steel Slag, Geo Cells, and GGBFS Concrete to improve infrastructure
- Environmental efforts include planting 23,850 trees under the âEk Ped Maa Ke Naamâ initiative.
AdditionalInformation – Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
- Established in – It was formed in 1960 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
- Objective – To coordinate the speedy development of an adequate road communication network of roads in the North and the North-Eastern border regions of the country.
- Functions under – It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
- Significance – Support the armed forces meet their strategic needs by committed, dedicated and cost-effective development and sustenance of the infrastructure.
- Recent and upcoming Projects: This includes the construction of Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang Road.
ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit
Syllabus: GS3/Defence
In News
- The Indian Coast Guard launched two advanced Fast Patrol VesselsâICG Ship Ajit and ICGS Aparajitâat Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit
- These vessels are the seventh and eighth in a series of eight indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessels
- Built by – Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
- Significance – The FPVs are designed for multi-mission roles such as fisheries protection, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue operations, especially around Indiaâs island territories and Exclusive Economic Zone.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Raising Day
Syllabus: GS 3/Security Agencies
In News
- The 64th raising day of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was observed recently.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Established on – October 24, 1962
- It guards the 3,488 km-long India-China border, stretching from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.
- It also plays a crucial role in internal security operations, including anti-Naxal duties in Chhattisgarh.
- Many of the ITBPâs Border Out Posts are located at altitudes between 9,000 and 18,800 feet, where temperatures can plummet to minus 45 degrees Celsius during winters.
Relevance
- It is recognised as a specialised armed police force.
- It trains its personnel in mountaineering, skiing, and tactical combat,
- to maintain readiness for disaster response and relief operations in the Himalayan region.
Carabid Beetles
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
Context
- Recent research in Italy has shown that carabid ground beetles can serve as potential bioindicators of microplastic pollution in soil.
Carabid Beetles
- They belong to the family Carabidae
- They are nocturnal predators that inhabit nearly all terrestrial ecosystems worldwide.
- Species diversity: Around 34,000 species globally and over 1,000 species recorded in India.
- Physical traits: Flattened, elongated bodies (mostly dark or metallic-shiny), and prominent mandibles for predation.
Ecological Role:
- Natural pest controllers: Feed on a variety of agricultural pests like caterpillars, slugs, aphids, weevils, and snails.
- Indicator of soil quality: High carabid diversity reflects low pesticide use, good organic matter, and balanced soil moisture.
Pilot Whales
Syllabus: GS3/Species in News
Context
- More than two dozen pilot whales have died after becoming stranded on a remote beach in New
Pilot Whales
Scientific name:
- Globicephala melas (Long-finned Pilot Whale).
- Globicephala macrorhynchus (Short-finned Pilot Whale).
- Family: Delphinidae (Oceanic dolphins).
- Despite their name, they are not true whales but large oceanic dolphins.
- They were named pilot whales because it was thought that each pod followed a âpilotâ in the group.
- Distinctive Appearance: Pilot whales have a distinctive appearance characterized by a bulbous forehead and a long, black body with a white or light-gray saddle patch behind the dorsal fin.
Habitat & Distribution:
- Long-finned species – They prefer cooler waters (North Atlantic, Southern Ocean).
- Short-finned species – They prefer warmer tropical and subtropical waters (Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea).
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red List
- Short finned whales – Least Concerned.
- long finned whales – Data deficiency.
Leave a Reply