26th JANUARY, 2025 A.) Yala Glacier Expected to Vanish by 2040s WHY IN NEWS - The Yala Glacier in Nepal's Langtang region is projected to disappear by the 2040s due to rapid retreat and area reduction, as highlighted in the Global Glacier Casualty List. Background • Global Glacier Casualty List: Yala Glacier is the only glacier in the entire Himalayas included in this list, which was launched in 2024 by a coalition including Rice University, University of Iceland, Iceland Glaciological Society, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), World Glacier Monitoring Service, and UNESCO. • Status: Categorized as "critically endangered." Details • Location: Yala Glacier is situated in Nepal's Langtang region, near the Nepal-Tibet border. • Retreat: The glacier has retreated by 680 meters between 1974 and 2021. • Area Reduction: It has lost 36% of its area during this period. Additional Information • UN Initiative: o The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation to underscore the importance of glaciers in hydrology, meteorology, and climate services. o Starting in 2025, March 21 will be observed annually as the World Day for Glaciers. • Dagu Glacier: Another critically endangered glacier in Asia, located in China, is expected to disappear by 2030. Key Takeaways • Yala Glacier is an important indicator of Himalayan climate change. • Its inclusion in the Global Glacier Casualty List reflects the alarming pace of glacier loss worldwide. • International efforts are being made to raise awareness and mitigate the impacts of glacier retreat.   B.) Dark Oxygen: A Groundbreaking Discovery WHY IN NEWS - Scientists are planning a new expedition to further study "dark oxygen," a phenomenon discovered in 2024 that challenges traditional views on oxygen production and life evolution on Earth. Background The discovery of "dark oxygen" has revolutionized scientific understanding of how molecular oxygen (O₂) can be produced without photosynthesis, raising questions about the evolution of complex life and oxygen-rich environments. Details • What is Dark Oxygen? o Dark oxygen refers to the production of molecular oxygen (O₂) through non-photosynthetic, light-independent processes. o It challenges the long-standing belief that significant oxygen production requires photosynthesis driven by light. • The 2024 Discovery: o Scientists found that polymetallic nodules on the abyssal seafloor might enable oxygen production through seawater electrolysis. o These nodules contain metals like manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt, and exhibit electrical potentials on their surfaces. o The electrical potentials can split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, even in complete darkness. • Implications: o This process, called "dark oxygen production," suggests oxygen may be present in deep-sea environments previously thought to lack it. o The discovery could redefine how we understand the potential for life in oxygen-poor or anoxic conditions, both on Earth and other planets. Key Takeaways • Scientific Impact: o Dark oxygen production offers a new perspective on the origins of oxygen-rich environments. o It could reshape theories about the evolution of early life on Earth and inform the search for extraterrestrial life. • Future Exploration: o The upcoming expedition aims to investigate the mechanisms of dark oxygen production and its ecological and geochemical significance on the ocean floor.   C.) RBI Ombudsman Scheme: Annual Report 2023-24 WHY IN NEWS - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the annual report for the Ombudsman Scheme for 2023-24, highlighting a 33% increase in complaints compared to the previous financial year. Background The RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS) was launched in 2021 under the Alternative Grievance Redress (AGR) Framework. It consolidated three earlier schemes to create a unified platform for resolving complaints, based on the "One Nation, One Ombudsman" principle. Details • Key Features of RB-IOS: o Integration: Merged the following schemes: 1. Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006 2. Ombudsman Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), 2018 3. Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions, 2019 o Single Window System: Provides a centralized platform to address grievances against entities regulated by the RBI, including:  Commercial Banks  Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)  Cooperative Banks  Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)  Payment System Participants  Credit Information Companies • Significant Findings in the Report: o Complaint Surge: A 33% rise in complaints in FY24, indicating increased public awareness and use of the scheme. o Coverage: The scheme caters to grievances related to banking services, digital transactions, credit facilities, and NBFC operations. Key Takeaways • RB-IOS streamlines grievance redressal and ensures efficient handling of complaints against RBI-regulated entities. • The increase in complaints reflects both heightened awareness and the challenges faced by customers in navigating financial services. • The scheme reinforces RBI’s commitment to promoting financial consumer protection and trust in the financial ecosystem.   D.) Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): New Regional Office WHY IN NEWS - The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has established its 6th regional office in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to enhance inland waterways development and management in the region. Background IWAI previously had five regional offices in Guwahati, Patna, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata. The addition of the Varanasi office reflects IWAI's growing focus on expanding the inland waterways network. Details • About IWAI: o Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. o Established: Statutory body created under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985. o Objective:  Develop and regulate inland waterways for shipping and navigation.  Facilitate efficient movement of goods and passengers via inland water transport (IWT). o Activities:  Undertakes projects for the development and maintenance of infrastructure on national waterways through grants received from the Ministry of Shipping. Key Takeaways • The Varanasi office strengthens IWAI's operational footprint, especially in Northern India. • It supports the National Waterways project aimed at utilizing India's vast network of rivers for transportation and reducing dependence on road and rail. • The move aligns with the government's focus on sustainable and cost-effective logistics via inland water transport. E.) SANJAY: Advanced Battlefield Surveillance System WHY IN NEWS The Defence Minister recently launched SANJAY, a cutting-edge Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS), aimed at strengthening the Indian Army's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Background SANJAY aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, highlighting India’s drive for self-reliance in defense technology. It is a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Details • About SANJAY System: o Jointly developed by the Indian Army and BEL. o Provides a unified battlefield surveillance picture by integrating data from ground and aerial sensors. o Operates using the Army Data Network and Satellite Communication Network, ensuring robust communication channels. o Capable of processing and analyzing information gathered from diverse battlefield sensors, enabling quick and accurate decision-making. • Key Features: o Integration of multiple surveillance systems into a single, comprehensive view. o Enhanced situational awareness to improve response time and operational efficiency. o Designed to support real-time intelligence for tactical and strategic operations. Key Takeaways • Strategic Importance: o SANJAY boosts India's defense capabilities by providing real-time, integrated surveillance of the battlefield. o It enhances operational preparedness and contributes to mission success. • Self-Reliance in Defense: o The system underscores India’s focus on indigenously developed technology for its armed forces. o Reflects the growing role of Indian industries like BEL in modernizing the country’s defense infrastructure.   F.) Increasing Hostilities in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) WHY IN NEWS – Escalating violence by the non-state armed group M23 in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has led to significant mass displacement in the region. Background The DRC has faced prolonged instability due to internal conflicts and external influences. Armed groups like M23, which originated in 2012, continue to operate in the resource-rich eastern provinces, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Details • Political Features: o Size and Location:  DRC is the 2nd largest country in Africa (after Algeria) and the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). o Borders:  Shares land boundaries with Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.  Has a maritime boundary with the Atlantic Ocean. • Geographical Features: o Congo River:  The second-longest river in Africa, after the Nile, and a key waterway for the region. o Vegetation:  Home to dense tropical forests, rich in biodiversity.  The Congo Basin hosts the world’s largest tropical peatlands, vital for global carbon storage. o Mineral Wealth:  Abundant in natural resources, including cobalt, gold, copper, coal, iron ore, and lithium. Key Takeaways • The eastern DRC's instability stems from competition for resources, ethnic tensions, and external interference. • The country’s rich natural resources, particularly cobalt and lithium, are critical for global industries, including electronics and renewable energy. • A resolution to the conflict is vital for regional stability and the well-being of millions affected by the displacement crisis.