11th FEBRUARY, 2025 A.) Baltic States Disconnect from Russia's Power Grid Why in News? Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have disconnected from Russia’s electricity grid, marking a significant step towards integrating with the European Union’s (EU) power network and enhancing regional security. Background • The three Baltic nations were part of the IPS/UPS joint network, which connected them to Russia’s power grid. • They have now decoupled and will synchronize with the EU grid after final tests. Details • The move to disconnect from Russia’s grid has been under discussion for decades but gained urgency after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. • The Baltic states, which became independent in the early 1990s and joined the EU and NATO in 2004, previously relied on Russia’s grid to stabilize their power networks. • Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, they stopped purchasing electricity from Moscow but continued to use the grid for frequency control. • The region has been on high alert due to multiple infrastructure disruptions, including power cable, telecom, and gas pipeline outages, suspected to be linked to Russia. • With this disconnection, Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave is now cut off from its main grid, forcing it to manage power independently. • The Baltic countries have invested nearly €1.6 billion ($1.66 billion) since 2018 to upgrade their grids, while Russia has spent around 100 billion roubles ($1 billion) on energy infrastructure in Kaliningrad. This shift strengthens the Baltics’ energy independence and aligns them more closely with European energy security frameworks.   B.) Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Elimination Why in News? The Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign is a key part of India's strategy to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2027, ahead of the global target set for 2030. About Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) • Type: Neglected tropical disease, also known as "Hathi Paon" or Elephantiasis. • Causal Agent: Nematode parasites of the Filariodidea family. • Life Cycle: Infection is acquired in childhood, causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system. • Transmission: Spread through infected mosquito bites. • Impact: Leads to long-term disabilities such as lymphoedema (limb swelling) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling). What is Mass Drug Administration (MDA)? • Implementing Agency: National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). • Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. • Objective: Eliminate LF from 111 endemic districts across 13 states by eradicating microscopic filarial parasites in infected individuals. • Medication Regimen: o Double Drug Regimen (DA): Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) + Albendazole. o Triple Drug Regimen (IDA): Ivermectin + Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) + Albendazole. • Strategy: o Mission Mode Mass Drug Administration (MDA) o Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) o Vector Control (Surveillance and Management) o High-Level Advocacy o Innovative Approaches About the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) • An umbrella program for preventing and controlling vector-borne diseases such as: o Malaria o Japanese Encephalitis o Dengue o Chikungunya o Kala-azar o Lymphatic Filariasis • Vector-Borne Diseases: Spread through bites from blood-feeding insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. This initiative is crucial in India's efforts to eliminate LF and reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases. C.) Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP) as a Supplement to GDP Why in News? The government is reviving discussions on capturing the knowledge economy as a metric, supplementing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with the concept of Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP). Background • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently held a session on the “Conceptual Framework of Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP) Measurement,” chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood. • GDKP was initially discussed in 2021 when NITI Aayog presented a concept note. However, the National Statistical Commission had pointed out the absence of a methodology for data collection and computation. Details • Definition: GDKP is an emerging framework designed to measure the economic value generated from knowledge-based activities, innovation, and intellectual capital within a country. • Objective: To assess a nation’s economic progress by focusing on knowledge-driven assets rather than just physical capital and production. • Focus Areas: o Emphasizes knowledge, information, and creativity as key economic growth drivers. o Aims to supplement GDP by highlighting intellectual contributions to the economy. • Current Scenario: o Presently, all expenditures on Intellectual Property Products (IPP) are recorded under Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)—the indicator for capital investments in the GDP dataset. o GDKP aims to refine the measurement of intellectual capital beyond traditional GDP indicators. The revival of GDKP discussions signals a shift towards recognizing knowledge as a crucial component of economic growth and policymaking.   D.) Aero India 2025 & India’s Defence Indigenisation Why in News? The Defence Minister, while announcing the ‘Aero India’ conclave in Bengaluru, highlighted that India’s defence exports have grown 30 times in the past decade. Background • Aero India: Asia’s largest airshow, showcasing India’s aviation and defence capabilities. • Theme for the Current Conclave: ‘BRIDGE (Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement)’. Significance of Defence Indigenisation for India 1. Augmenting Sovereign Military Strength o Reduces dependence on imports and protects against global sanctions (e.g., CAATSA by the USA). o Enables domestic production of critical missiles and defence equipment. 2. Modern Warfare Readiness o Example: ADITI scheme launched to develop 30 strategic deep-tech technologies currently unavailable in India. 3. India as a Net Security Provider o Example: Export of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, strengthening India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region. 4. Economic Growth o Boosts job creation, drives innovation, and attracts foreign and domestic investment. Initiatives for Defence Indigenisation 1. Policy and Schemes o Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP). o ‘Make in India’ initiative. o Positive Indigenization List. o Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX). 2. Global Cooperation o Increased FDI limits:  74% under the automatic route.  100% under the government route for cases with access to advanced technology. 3. Other Initiatives o Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board. o Establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors. o Introduction of the SRIJAN Portal to promote domestic manufacturing. India’s focus on defence indigenisation strengthens its self-reliance, global defence footprint, and economic resilience.   E.) Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) Why in News? A meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) for PM-AJAY was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Background • Scheduled Castes (SCs) constitute 16.6% of India’s population (2011 Census) and have historically faced social, educational, and economic disadvantages. • Special provisions exist for their advancement, including targeted government schemes. About PM-AJAY • A Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2021-22 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. • Established by merging three existing schemes: o Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY). o Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP). o Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY). Objectives 1. Poverty Reduction: Generate employment opportunities through skill development and income-generating schemes. 2. Infrastructure Development: Improve socio-economic indicators in SC-dominated villages by providing essential services. 3. Education Support: Increase literacy and encourage SC enrollment in schools and higher education by building hostels and residential schools, especially in aspirational districts and SC-dominated areas. Key Components 1. Development of SC-Dominated Villages into “Adarsh Gram” o Transform villages with significant SC populations into model villages. o Progress: 29,881 villages covered; 6,087 declared as Adarsh Gram. 2. Grants-in-Aid to States/Districts o Provides financial assistance for livelihood projects and infrastructure for SC communities. o ₹3,242.07 crore released, benefiting 8,50,611 individuals. 3. Construction/Repair of Hostels for SC Students o Build and repair hostels to facilitate SC students' access to quality education. o Since 2021-22: 46 hostels sanctioned for 5,185 beneficiaries with ₹126.30 crore allocation. Funding & Implementation • 100% funded by the Central Government. • States/UTs may contribute additional funds if desired. PM-AJAY plays a crucial role in improving the socio-economic conditions of SCs, ensuring better education, employment, and infrastructure for their upliftment.   F.) India-Sri Lanka Fishermen Dispute Why in News? India’s External Affairs Minister raised concerns over the recurring arrests of Indian fishermen with the Sri Lankan President during a recent meeting. Background of the Maritime Dispute • The dispute is centered around fishing rights in the Palk Bay region, which is rich in marine resources. • It arises due to violations of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and illegal fishing activities. • Palk Bay is a narrow sea strip separating Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka, where both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen operate. Maritime Boundary Agreements (1974 & 1976) 1. 1974 Agreement: o Recognized Katchatheevu Island as part of Sri Lanka. o Indian fishermen were granted access to Katchatheevu for drying nets and the annual St. Anthony Church festival. 2. 1976 Agreement: o Further delineated maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal. o Banned Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen from fishing in each other’s waters. Factors Contributing to the Dispute • Traditional Fishing Practices: Tamil Nadu fishermen have historically fished across the IMBL due to customary fishing routes. • Depletion of Fish Stocks: Overfishing and the use of bottom trawling (dragging nets along the ocean floor) have depleted marine resources. • Strict Enforcement by Sri Lanka: Frequent arrests and confiscation of Indian fishing vessels by Sri Lankan authorities. Recent Measures to Resolve the Dispute 1. Joint Working Group (JWG): o Established to explore joint patrolling and resource management strategies. 2. Humanitarian Approach: o Focus on a livelihood-based solution rather than punitive measures. 3. Technological Interventions: o Use of GPS tracking systems to prevent unintentional crossings. o Promotion of sustainable fishing practices to reduce overfishing and reliance on bottom trawling. The India-Sri Lanka fishermen dispute remains a sensitive issue, requiring a balanced approach between sovereignty, livelihoods, and diplomatic cooperation.