Exercise Dharma Guardian

 Cassava

A new study reveals that the survival of cassava depends on indigenous farming knowledge rooted in ancient cultural traditions.

About Cassava (Also known as ‘Yuca’ or ‘Manioc’):

• Overview: Cassava is a root vegetable that sustains around a billion people globally and is often referred to as the "bread of the tropics."
• Characteristics:
  • Cassava is a tall, semi-woody perennial shrub or tree.
  • Native Region: South America.
  • It is one of the most efficient producers of carbohydrates and energy among all food crops.
  • Cassava is rich in carbohydrates, calcium, and vitamins B and C.
• Biofuels: The National Policy on Biofuels, 2018, permits cassava to be used as a raw material for ethanol production.

---

Exercise Dharma Guardian

The 6th edition of the India-Japan joint military exercise, "Dharma Guardian," concluded successfully at the East Fuji Training Area in Japan.

Primary Focus: Counter-terrorism operations in urban environments.

• The exercise also included activities related to United Nations peacekeeping operations, such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
• The first Dharma Guardian exercise took place in November 2018 at the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Vairengte, Mizoram, northeast India.

Vanuatu (Capital: Port Vila)

Vanuatu has recently garnered attention due to its Prime Minister’s decision to revoke a passport issued to an Indian fugitive, following an Interpol alert.

Political Features:

• Location: Vanuatu is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, part of Melanesia, situated east of northern Australia and west of Fiji.
• Land Boundaries: Vanuatu consists of over 80 islands with no land borders.
• Maritime Boundaries: It is surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean, with a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Colonial History: Formerly the Anglo-French condominium of New Hebrides, Vanuatu gained independence in 1980.

Geographical Features:

• Physical Regions: The islands of Vanuatu are of volcanic origin, featuring mountainous terrains and coastal plains.
• Major Islands: Notable islands include Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate.
• Highest Point: Mount Tabwemasana on Espiritu Santo.

Tags : UPSC 2025 current affairs preparation, UPSC current affairs January 2025, UPSC 2025 daily current affairs, Best sources for UPSC current affairs 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs for prelims, UPSC 2025 current affairs for mains, Important current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC current affairs strategy 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs notes, UPSC current affairs PDF 2025, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 preparation, UPSC 2025 current affairs online classes, UPSC current affairs quiz 2025, How to study current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs magazines, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 prelims and mains, Current affairs updates for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs analysis, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 PDF download, UPSC 2025 current affairs important topics,