26 January

Warming Winter Syndrome

 The term “warming winter syndrome” is not a medically recognized condition; rather, it is a term 

used to describe the set of symptoms and changes associated with the warming of winter 

seasons due to global climate change. 

 It represents the various impacts and consequences of winters warming more quickly than other 

seasons.

 Shift in Freezing Line: Warming winters lead to a northward shift of the freezing line between 

snow and rain. Areas that historically experienced freezing temperatures in winter are now 

experiencing milder conditions.

 Increase in Ice Storms: Regions that were traditionally below freezing during winter are now 

witnessing an increase in ice storms due to the fl uctuation in temperatures near the freezing 

point.

 Changes in Snow Character: The character of snow changes as temperatures approach 

freezing. Instead of dry and fl uff y snow, wet and heavy snowfl akes occur, which can lead 

to slush on roads and power line disruptions.

 More Intense Snowstorms and Transition to Winter.                                               Vaibhav (VaIshwik Bhartiya Vaigyanik)

 A fellowship programme called Vaibhav (VAIshwik BHArtiya Vaigyanik).

 Scientists of Indian origin, or of Indian ancestry, can apply to spend up to three months in a 

year, for three years, at a host research laboratory in India.

 In that period, these researchers are expected to begin a project or technology start-up, build long-

term connections with the institute, collaborate with the host faculty and bring in new ideas to the 

fi eld, in Indian university and research settings.

 Vaibhav is not an original idea. During this government’s tenure itself, the Department of Science 

and Technology (DST) conceived the VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty Scheme 

with similar objectives.

 The diff erences in the two schemes are minor.

 Vaibhav is exclusively for the Indian diaspora, while VAJRA can include other nationalities 

too. 

 VAJRA, though generous in the amount off ered as fellowships, was restricted to one-year 

engagements, unlike Vaibhav which pays less but extends to three years.             Special Remission

Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena granted special remission to various categories of prisoners in Delhi 

up to a period of one year.

Remission is permitted on occasions of national importance or public rejoicing, such as Republic Day. 

Eligibility

 Women convicts of 55 years of age and above, who have completed 50% of their actual sentence 

period.

 Transgender convicts of 55 years of age and above, who have completed 50% of their actual 

sentence period.

 Male convicts of 60 years of age and above, who have completed 50% of their actual sentence 

period.

 Physically challenged/disabled convicts with 70% disability and more who have completed 50% of 

their actual sentence period.

 Terminally ill convicts.

 Convicted prisoners who have completed two-third (66%) of their actual sentence period.

 Special remission will not be given to prisoners who have been convicted for an off ence for 

 Which the sentence is sentence of death or where death sentence has been commuted to 

life imprisonment; 

 Cases of convicts involved in serious and heinous crimes like Dowry death, Rape, Human 

Traffi cking and                                      European Ports Alliance:

 The European Commission, along with various EU Member States and agencies, have launched

the European Ports Alliance Public Private Partnership to combat drug traffi cking and criminal

infi ltration in ports.

 This partnership aligns with the EU Roadmap to fi ght Drug Traffi cking and Organised Crime

and President von der Leyen’s pledge to combat drug smuggling and criminal infi ltration in

European ports by 2024.

 Recent years have seen a signifi cant increase in cocaine seizures in the EU, with criminal networks

employing violence, corruption, and intimidation to secure profi ts.