News In Short 10-1-2025

BHARATPOL Portal

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Security

Context

• The Union Home Minister inaugurated the BHARATPOL portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi.

BHARATPOL Portal

• BHARATPOL, or Broadcast Hub for Assistance and Real-Time Action against Transnational Crimes, is a technological platform created to facilitate real-time coordination between central and state agencies and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). 
• It is designed to speed up investigations and improve crime control measures by providing a structured and secure interface for data sharing.

Key Modules

• Connect: This module allows all Indian law enforcement agencies to function as an extension of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi).
  • It ensures quick and secure transmission of investigation requests and data.
• INTERPOL Notices: The portal enables faster issuance and management of INTERPOL notices, such as Red Corner Notices, for locating criminals both domestically and globally.
• References: It provides access to data and references from INTERPOL’s 195 member countries, simplifying the process of seeking and offering international assistance.
• Broadcast: This module facilitates immediate sharing of crime-related information and alerts with international agencies.
• Resources: Designed for capacity-building, this module supports document exchange and management for effective crime control operations.

What is Interpol? – Interpol is an intergovernmental organization, which stands for International Criminal Police Organization. – Background: It was founded in 1923 at the International Police Congress in Vienna as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC).  1. In 1956, the ICPC adopted the name Interpol. – Members: It has 196 member countries, including India. – Headquarters: Lyon, France – Mandate: It connects police around the world – both technically and in person. It is the world’s largest and only organization with the mandate and technical infrastructure to share police information globally.  – National Central Bureau (NCB): In each country, an Interpol NCB provides the central point of contact for the General Secretariat and other NCBs.  India’s record – India joined the Interpol in 1949. – The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) is the National Central Bureau for Interpol in India and coordinates all international police cooperation requirements of Indian law enforcement agencies via Interpol channels.

Source: PIB

 Z-Morh Tunnel

Syllabus :GS3/Infrastructure  

In News

• The Z-Morh tunnel will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13. 

 Z-Morh tunnel

• It is a key project for creating a year-round strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Location:  The tunnel is situated in Ganderbal district of  Kashmir and  will keep the tourist destination of Sonamarg accessible around the year, previously cut off in winter due to snow and avalanches.
• Features: It is built under the Thajiwas Glacier and the 6.5 km tunnel bypasses landslide- and avalanche-prone areas, featuring an intelligent traffic management system.
• Significance:
  • The tunnel is part of a strategic route to Ladakh.
  • The Z-Morh tunnel will connect to the Zojila tunnel, Asia’s longest, which will reduce travel time from 3 hours to 20 minutes between Ganderbal and Kargil.
  • It is vital for moving goods and military resources.

Source :TH

Gulf of Mexico

Syllabus: GS2/IR

In News

• The proposal to rename Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” has sparked debate over historical, political, and cultural implications.

About Gulf of Mexico

• The Gulf of Mexico is a large body of water that borders the southeastern and southern United States, as well as Mexico and Cuba.
• Connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Straits of Florida. Linked to the Caribbean Sea through the Yucatán Channel.
• The Gulf is shared by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, with overlapping economic zones.
• Major Draining Rivers: Mississippi River, Rio Grande
• Importance: Rich in oil, natural gas, seafood and a large continental shelf.
  • Crucial for shipping routes and tourism industries.

Source: TH

AnemiaPhone

Syllabus: GS2/ Health

In News

• AnemiaPhone, developed by Cornell University, is a cost-effective, quick, and accurate technology designed to assess iron deficiency, a leading cause of anemia.
  • ICMR will integrate AnemiaPhone into its ongoing programs focused on anemia, women’s health, and maternal and child health across India.

What is Anemia?

• Anemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells or the hemoglobin concentration in the blood is lower than normal.
• It can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a variety of other health problems if left untreated, impacting overall quality of life and economic productivity.

Prevalence of Anemia

• Anemia remains a critical public health issue in India, with high rates of prevalence across various demographic groups:
  • 59% of adolescent girls
  • 57% of women (15-49 years)
  • 67% of children (6-59 months)
• These statistics reflect the NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey) data, underscoring the widespread nature of the condition.

Source: TH

Community Notes

Syllabus: GS2/e-Governance

Context

• Meta will eliminate fact-checks posted by fact-checkers in the US, replacing them with a ‘Community Notes’ system.

About

• Nine years ago, Meta started flagging fake news with help from outside fact-checkers. 
• So far, fact-checkers and experts certified by International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) could independently review and rate potential misinformation on Meta’s platforms.
• Post Fact Checking: 
  • Meta would ensure that every piece of content rated as false by IFCN-certified fact-checkers would be less visible to users. 
  • It would also attach a warning label below such content, linking to an article published by the fact-checker.

Community Notes

• Community Notes was first piloted as a programme called ‘Birdwatch’ by Twitter in 2021.
• It is a crowdsourced fact-checking model that allows users to add facts and context below a specific post.
  • A Community Note shows up below a post only if enough contributors vote that the context it provides is helpful.
  • As a result, the model is said to become better as more users participate.
• Currently, anyone on X can become a contributor and add Community Notes as long as they meet certain criteria such as having a six month-old account, verified phone number, and zero violations of X’s rules.

Source: IE

Linkage of  Farmer ID to PM-Kisan

Syllabus :GS2/Welfare Schemes

In  News

• The government has made it mandatory for new applicants to obtain a farmer ID for enrollment into the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme. 

About 

• The farmer ID will be linked to the state’s land records and provide details such as demographics, crops sown, and ownership information.
• This move aims to simplify the registration process by ensuring the applicant owns the land. 

About  Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme(PM-KISAN)

• PM-KISAN is a central sector scheme launched on 24th February 2019 to supplement financial needs of land holding farmers, subject to exclusions. 
• Under the scheme, financial benefit of Rs 6000/- per year is transferred in three equal four-monthly installments into the bank accounts of farmers’ families across the country, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
  •  A Parliamentary panel has suggested doubling the annual payouts under PM-Kisan from Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000.
• Integration with Multiple Digital Platforms: The PM-KISAN portal has been seamlessly integrated with key national platforms such as:
  • UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) for Aadhaar authentication,
  • PFMS (Public Financial Management System) for financial transfers,
  • NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) for secure payments,
  • Income Tax Department for income verification.

Source: IE

Hysterectomy 

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Tech 

In News

• There is growing concern over the potential excess of caesarean sections and unnecessary hysterectomies being performed.

About Hysterectomy 

• A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus, which means she will no longer have menstrual periods or be able to become pregnant.
  • The uterus is the place where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. 
• In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed.
  •  If both ovaries are taken out, the woman will enter menopause.
• Common reasons :  Fibroids, Pelvic organ prolapse, Very heavy or painful periods, Endometriosis, Uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer.
• Health Impact: Unnecessary hysterectomies cause severe physical, social, and mental health burdens.
  • Premature menopause, weight gain, and increased health risks like heart disease and diabetes are some of the consequences.
• Supreme Court Intervention:  The Supreme Court has directed states to implement guidelines to monitor unnecessary hysterectomies, addressing issues in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.

Source :TH

EmpowHER Biz

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

In News

• The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, launched EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan in partnership with New Shop, India’s largest 24/7 convenience retail chain under its Award to Reward (ATR) program.

Key Highlights of EmpowHER Biz

• Objective: Equip women with training in retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development.
  • Create a robust ecosystem for women entrepreneurs to flourish.
• Program Features:
  • Mentorship and Comprehensive Training: Focused on retail skills and entrepreneurial development.
  • Franchise Opportunities: 50 participants (aged 18–35) selected via an online process.
    • Top 20 participants receive a 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees, enabling them to own and operate retail outlets.
  • Target Regions: Women from Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat are eligible.

About Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) – Established: 2018 by NITI Aayog, transitioned to a public-private partnership in 2022. – Focus Areas: Access to finance, market linkages, training, mentoring, compliance assistance, and business development. – ATR Initiative: A plug-and-play framework for stakeholders to develop impactful programs, active since 2023.

Source: TH