BLUETOOTH MESH NETWORK
Why in News:
- Jack Dorsey (Twitter co-founder) launched Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking.
Why Important:
- Enables offline messaging—no internet, SIM, or server needed.
- Designed for resilient, private, decentralized communication.
Key Features:
- Range of 300+ meters via multi-hop relays
- End-to-end encryption
- No registration, phone number, or data collection
- Anonymous and secure
- Supports topic rooms & private chats
Advantages of Bluetooth Mesh:
- Works even if some devices fail
- No central server, low energy use
- Ensures user anonymity
Limitations:
- High latency due to multi-hop routing
- Low data transfer speed
- Complex management with more nodes
Relevance:
- Use in disaster management
- Surveillance-free communication
- Emerging tech in decentralized communication
LOTUS BLOOMS IN WULAR LAKE AFTER 30 YEARS
Why in News:
- Lotus flowers have reappeared in Kashmir’s Wular Lake for the first time in three decades, following devastating floods in 1992 that buried them under silt .
- The revival is credited to a desilting project by the Wular Conservation & Management Authority since 2020, which removed over 7.9 million cubic metres of silt.
Wular Lake – Key Facts
Location & Geography
- Situated in the Bandipore district of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Lies at an altitude of 1,580 metres, at the foothills of the Harmukh Mountain.
- Fed by the Jhelum River.
- Spread over an area of 200 sq.km, approximately 24 km in length and 10 km in breadth.
- The lake basin was formed due to tectonic activity.
- Believed to be a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake.
Status & Significance
- It is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second-largest in Asia.
- Recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1990.
- Plays a crucial role in hydrological regulation and groundwater recharge.
Ecological Importance
- Supports rich biodiversity, especially for: Wintering, staging, and breeding birds.
- Key terrestrial bird species: Black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrow hawk, Short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle, Himalayan monal.
- Vital fish habitat: Accounts for ~60% of the fish production in Jammu & Kashmir.
Zaina Lank (Island)
- A small island located at the centre of Wular Lake.
- Constructed by King Zain-ul-Abidin (15th-century ruler of Kashmir).
- Holds historical and architectural significance.
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
Why in News:
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants (July 8, 2025) against Taliban leaders ;Haibatullah Akhundzada, Abdul Hakim Haqqani.
Key Points – ICC
Established:
- By the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998,
- Became operational on 1 July 2002.
Purpose:
- To hold accountable individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crime of aggression.
- Acts as a court of last resort, complementing national courts.
Status:
- The only permanent international criminal tribunal.
Membership:
- Around 125 member countries.
- Notable non-members: India, USA, China, Israel, Russia.
Structure:
- 18 judges from different member countries, elected for 9-year non-renewable terms.
- Presidency: 3 judges (President + 2 Vice-Presidents).
- Judicial divisions: Pre-Trial, Trial, Appeals.
- Office of the Prosecutor (OTP): Investigates and prosecutes crimes.
- Registry: Administrative and operational support.
Jurisdiction:
- Tries individuals, not states (unlike ICJ).
Jurisdiction applies if:
- Crime committed in a State Party territory, or
- Accused is a national of a State Party.
- Only applies for crimes committed after 1 July 2002.
- Acts only when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute (principle of complementarity).
Relation with United Nations:
- Not a UN organization but has a cooperation agreement with the UN.
- Under Article 2 of Rome Statute, the UN Security Council (UNSC) can refer cases to ICC even if jurisdiction otherwise doesn’t exist.
Funding:
- Funded by contributions from State Parties and voluntary contributions from governments, organizations, individuals, and corporations.
