Mapping: Gulf of Mexico

Prelims Only World Mapping | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Effect Of Policies & Politics Of World On India’S Interests

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Gulf of Mexico
Why in the News?

Donald Trump has proposed to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” after his plans for purchasing Greenland.

About the Gulf of Mexico
- The Gulf of Mexico is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean.
- It is bordered by:
  - United States: States of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
  - Mexico: Eastern coast, including the Yucatán Peninsula.
  - Cuba: Southeastern boundary.
- It is believed to have formed around 300 million years ago during the late Paleozoic era.
- Its formation is linked to the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea.
- The Gulf has a subtropical to tropical climate.
- It is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms
- The Gulf is one of the world’s most significant oil-producing regions. It contains over 17% of global proven petroleum reserves.
Strategic Location:
- The Gulf is a crucial artery for international shipping, particularly between the Americas and Europe.
- It connects to the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean through the Straits of Florida and to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal.
- The Gulf serves as a key area for U.S. naval operations.
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Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme Versions 1.0 vs 2.0 Comparison

Prelims Only Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

	PLI 1.0	PLI 2.0
Launch Year	March 2020	May 2023
Objective	Promote domestic manufacturing, reduce imports, create jobs	Enhance IT hardware manufacturing, increase global competitiveness
Budget	₹7,350 crore (for IT hardware)	₹17,000 crore (for IT hardware)
Duration	4 years	6 years
Incentive Structure	1% – 4% of incremental sales over the base year	~5% of incremental sales over six years
Sectors Covered	Initially focused on 3 sectors: Mobile manufacturing, electrical components, and medical devices. Later expanded to 14 sectors, including: Specified electronic components, critical key starting materials (pharma), auto components, pharma drugs, specialty steel, telecom and networking, electronics/technology products, white goods (ACs, LEDs), food products, textiles (MMF/technical textiles), high-efficiency solar PV modules, advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries, drones	Primarily IT hardware (laptops, tablets, servers, PCs)
Component Incentives	No additional incentives for specific components	Additional incentives for local component manufacturing (e.g., memory modules, SSDs)
Expected Investment	₹2,500 crore (estimated)	₹2,430 crore (estimated)
Employment Generation	Not specified in detail	75,000 direct jobs, up to 2 lakh indirect jobs
Production and Export Targets	Not explicitly stated	₹3.35 lakh crore production; $12-17 billion exports by 2025-26
Eligibility and Caps	Domestic companies with minimum investment of ₹20 crore	Global, hybrid, and domestic companies with caps (₹4,500 crore for global, ₹2,250 crore for hybrid, ₹500 crore for domestic)

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Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

The Dam Safety Act of 2021

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Features of the Dam Safety Act, 2021

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court has criticized the Union government for its inaction in fully implementing the Dam Safety Act, 2021, nearly five years after its enactment.

What is the Dam Safety Act of 2021?

Details

Enacted to ensure the structural and operational safety of over 5,700 large dams in India.

Objectives (Section 3):
• Prevent dam-related disasters by ensuring dam safety.
• Establish institutions for monitoring, maintenance, and emergency preparedness.

Structural Mandate

National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) (Sections 5–6): Chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and reconstituted every three years to develop policies, guidelines, and standards.
National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) (Section 9): Implements NCDS guidelines, regulates dam safety standards, and resolves disputes between State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) and dam owners.
State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) (Section 14): Provide state-level oversight.
State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) (Section 15): Monitor and inspect dams at the state level, reporting to NDSA.

Other Provisions:

Responsibilities of Dam Owners (Section 38): Form Dam Safety Units, prepare and implement Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and conduct regular Comprehensive Safety Evaluations (CSEs).
Emergency Preparedness (Section 39): Mandatory EAPs for rapid response in emergencies.
Penalties for Non-Compliance (Section 45): Imprisonment up to two years, fines, or both for failing to comply with Act provisions.

Why is Dam Safety a priority concern in India?

Third-Highest Number of Dams Globally: India has over 4,407 large dams, following China and the USA.
Aging Dams: By 2025, over 1,115 dams will be more than 50 years old; By 2050, 4,250 dams will surpass 50 years of age, with 64 dams exceeding 150 years.
Decreasing Storage Capacity: Sedimentation reduces reservoir efficiency, affecting water availability for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower. Ex. Bhakra Dam has experienced 139.86% higher siltation rates than estimated, reducing its lifespan.
Structural Vulnerabilities: Poorly designed sedimentation management systems make many dams structurally weak over time. Extreme environmental events, such as floods, can exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
Lack of Data and Monitoring: Insufficient documentation of storage loss, sedimentation rates, and other critical metrics leads to a lack of preparedness.

PYQ:

[2018] Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies?

[2019] What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?

(a) Recently discovered uranium deposits

(b) Tropical rain forests

(d) Water reservoirs

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Languages and Eighth Schedule

Centre has notified grant of classical language status to Marathi

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Classical Languages, Historical significance of Marathi
Why in the News?

Months after conferring classical language status to Marathi, the Union Government issued an official notification formalizing the recognition.

What is the Criteria for declaring a Classical language?

The Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) under Sahitya Akademi, established in November 2004, evaluates languages for Classical status based on their historical, cultural, and literary significance. The criteria have evolved over time to ensure a rigorous and inclusive assessment.
- Original Criteria (2004): Introduced alongside the recognition of Tamil as the first Classical Language:
  - Recorded history or early texts must span over 1,000 years.
  - A body of ancient literature must be regarded as valuable by generations.
  - Literary traditions should be original, not borrowed from another speech community.
- Revised Criteria (2005): The criteria were revised to include stricter parameters, leading to the recognition of Sanskrit:
  - Antiquity of early texts over 1,500–2,000 years.
  - A significant corpus of ancient literature considered heritage.
  - Distinctiveness of classical language from modern forms.
  - A discontinuity between classical language and its later offshoots.
- Recent Upgrade (2024): The LEC refined the criteria further to incorporate broader evidence and diverse literary forms. Five additional languages—Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali—were granted Classical status under these parameters:
  - Early texts/recorded history over 1,500–2,000 years.
  - Ancient literature/texts considered a cultural heritage.
  - Inclusion of knowledge texts, prose, epigraphical evidence, and inscriptions.
  - Classical language distinct from or discontinuous with its modern or evolved forms.
- Classical languages: Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014); Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali (2024) along with Marathi.
What are the significance of Classical Language?
- Recognizing a classical language preserves its historical roots and unifies cultural heritage.
- It promotes academic research, translation, and scholarly employment opportunities.
- Gaining global awareness broadens its use in technology, academia, and global dialogue.
- Government support and funding ensure sustained preservation, research, and institutional development.
Historical Significance of Marathi Language
- Marathi’s 2,000-year history meets the antiquity criterion.
- Early mentions of “Marathi” in various forms, such as Maharashtri Prakrit, Jain Maharashtri, and Prakrit Marathi, point to its evolution.
- Over 100 stone inscriptions, including those in the Naneghat Caves (20 BCE), which contain Marathi commands alongside Sanskrit benedictions.
- Literary milestones: Works from the Yadava period (12th–13th century AD) such as:
  - Leelacharitra: A biography of Chakradhar Swami.
  - Dnyaneshwari: A commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Sant Dnyaneshwar.
- The Pathare Committee (2013) and Sahitya Akademi supported Marathi’s case.
  - A massive postcard campaign with 500,000 letters sent to the Prime Minister demanding recognition.
- Dnyaneshwar Mulay’s Committee addressed administrative hurdles to finalize the proposal in February 2024.
PYQ:

[2015] Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

(a) Odia

(b) Konkani

(c) Bhojpuri

(d) Assamese
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Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

Miyawaki Technique

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Miyawaki Technique

Why in the News?

Ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed the Japanese Miyawaki technique to create dense “oxygen bank” forests, ensuring cleaner air and ecological balance for millions of devotees.

About Miyawaki Technique

The Miyawaki technique is a pioneering method for creating dense forests in limited spaces, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
Known as the ‘pot plantation method’, this technique mimics natural forest ecosystems by using native species planted closely together, promoting rapid growth and biodiversity.
It was developed to restore degraded ecosystems and barren lands by replicating the processes found in natural forests.
It is widely used for urban afforestation projects globally.

Miyawaki Technique

Significant Features:

Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, enabling rapid growth—up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.
Native Species: Focuses on local plant varieties to replicate the natural ecosystem.
Improved Biodiversity: Enhances species richness, supporting more flora and fauna.
Carbon Absorption: Trees absorb more carbon, helping combat urban pollution.

PYQ:

[2022] The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:

(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas

(b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora

(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces

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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

What is a Polar Vortex?

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Polar Vortex
Why in the News?

The United States is facing severe winter storms as the polar vortex is expanding southward from the Arctic and driving temperatures as low as -50°C (-60°F).

What is a Polar Vortex?
- The polar vortex is a band of fast-moving air that traps cold Arctic air within the Polar Regions.
- It is a natural atmospheric phenomenon, typically spinning in a counter-clockwise direction around the North Pole.
- Wind speeds in the polar vortex can reach up to 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Causes of a Polar Vortex:
1. Stable State: Under normal conditions, the polar vortex remains strong and well-contained within the Arctic Circle, keeping frigid air confined to the Polar Regions.
2. Weakened State:
- The vortex weakens when rising warm air from the lower atmosphere disrupts its circular flow, allowing Arctic air to spill southward.
- Factors contributing to a weakened state include: Significant weather patterns (e.g., powerful winds in mountainous regions); Changes in tropical climate systems or sea surface temperatures. Climate change causing uneven warming, especially at the poles..
What are its types?
1. Tropospheric Polar Vortex:
- It occurs in the lowest atmospheric layer (troposphere) where most weather phenomena take place.
- Typically results in milder weather across northern latitudes.
1. Stratospheric Polar Vortex:
- Forms 16–48 km above the Earth’s surface in the Stratosphere.
- Stronger and more stable but can weaken due to disruptions, leading to southward extensions of Arctic air.
- It emerges in autumn and dissipates by spring each year.
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Police Reforms – SC directives, NPC, other committees reports

What is Section 479 of the BNSS, 2023?

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Section 479 of the BNSS

Why in the News?

The Central Government has directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to implement Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). This provision seeks to relieve undertrial prisoners (UTPs) by addressing prolonged detention and mitigating prison overcrowding.

What is Section 479 of the BNSS?

Section 479 governs the maximum period for which an undertrial prisoner (UTP) can be detained during investigation, inquiry, or trial.
It is based on Section 436-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC).
It aims to address the prolonged detention of UTPs, ensure their timely release on bail or bond, and maintain fairness and accountability in the judicial process.
This section applies to cases where the punishment does not include death or life imprisonment, and introduces clear mechanisms for review and action, thereby mitigating issues like prison overcrowding.

Key Provisions under Section 479 of BNSS:

Eligibility for Bail: Undertrials (UTPs) who have served half of their maximum possible sentence may be released on bail; the court must provide written reasons if they decide to extend detention after hearing the Public Prosecutor.
First-Time Offenders: UTPs with no prior convictions who have served one-third of their maximum sentence are eligible for release on bond, aligning with the principle of reformative justice.
Superintendent’s Responsibility: Jail superintendents must submit a written application to the court for the release of UTPs upon completion of the applicable detention period (one-third or one-half, depending on eligibility).
Exclusions: The provision does not apply to offences punishable by death or life imprisonment, and any delay caused by the accused is excluded from the detention period calculation.
Limitations for Multiple Offences: Accused individuals facing multiple offences or multiple charges are not covered, ensuring the provision is not misused in complex or repeated criminal cases.
Absolute Ceiling on Detention: Detention cannot exceed the maximum imprisonment term prescribed for the offence, preventing indefinite incarceration.
Judicial Oversight: Courts must ensure extended detention serves public safety and justice, requiring input from the Public Prosecutor for any continued confinement.
Mandatory Review Mechanism: A statutory review process is in place to prevent prolonged undertrial detention and address potential oversights or delays.
Safeguard against Misuse: Time delays caused by the accused do not count towards the detention period, ensuring fair application of the law.
Focus on Reform and Decongestion: By expediting bail and bond processes for eligible UTPs, the law aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons and uphold reformative objectives.

PYQ:

[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements :

1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail.

2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

What is Selective Gene Silencing?

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Selective Gene Silencing

Why in the News?

Researchers at Columbia University found that cells can selectively switch off one parent’s copy of a gene. This may explain why some people with harmful mutations remain symptom-free, and it could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for genetic disorders.

Researchers at Columbia University found that cells can selectively switch off one parent's copy of a gene. This may explain why some people with harmful mutations remain symptom-free, and it could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for genetic disorders.

About the Selective Silencing Mechanism:

Selective gene silencing refers to the process where cells inactivate one parent’s copy of a gene (either maternal or paternal), resulting in an unequal contribution of the two gene copies to cellular function.
Previously thought to be rare, recent research reveals that this phenomenon is relatively common and plays a significant role in genetic variability, disease progression, and individual health outcomes.
Key Features:
- Inactivation can vary between different cell types (e.g., immune cells and kidney cells).
- The process is dynamic and may change over time, adding complexity to how genes function in the body.
- Approximately 1 in 20 active genes in some immune cells exhibit this selective bias.
Implications for Health:
- This mechanism helps explain why individuals carrying the same disease-causing mutation can have vastly different symptom severities.
- It shifts the understanding of genetic diseases, emphasizing the importance of dynamic gene activity patterns alongside static genetic codes.
- The discovery opens up opportunities for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by focusing on gene expression rather than genetic sequences.

What are its significant applications?

Selective Gene Manipulation: Therapies could be developed to activate healthy gene copies while suppressing diseased ones, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional genetic editing.
Improved Understanding of Diseases: Selective gene silencing explains variability in conditions like lupus and cancer, revealing why some individuals remain symptom-free.
Precision Medicine: By identifying individual patterns of gene expression, personalized treatment options become possible, reducing the need for one-size-fits-all approaches.
Early Interventions: Recognizing at-risk but asymptomatic individuals allows healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and potentially delay disease onset.
Protein-Based Therapies: Focusing on selective gene activity aids in detecting and differentiating disease-related proteins from healthy ones, paving the way for targeted, protein-specific drugs.

PYQ:

[2014] Consider the following techniques/phenomena:

Budding and grafting in fruit plants
Cytoplasmic male sterility
Gene silencing

Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(d) None

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Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: ‘Year of Reforms’

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, marking a significant step in modernizing India’s Armed Forces.

Nine Broad Areas Listed for the ‘Year of Reforms’

Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): Enhance jointness and resolve inter-service disagreements for effective ITC implementation.
Emerging Domains and Technologies: Prioritize cybersecurity, AI, ML, hypersonics, and robotics, and develop tactics for future warfare.
Operational Collaboration: Strengthen inter-service cooperation through shared training and joint operational capabilities.
Acquisition Reforms: Simplify procedures to expedite procurement and facilitate technology transfers via public-private partnerships.
Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the defence sector and industries to foster innovation.
Civil-Military Coordination: Break silos to eliminate inefficiencies and optimize resources.
Defence Exports: Position India as a global defence exporter, promoting R&D and partnerships with foreign OEMs.
Veterans’ Welfare: Optimize welfare measures for veterans and leverage their expertise.
Cultural Pride: Promote indigenous capabilities and instil pride in Indian culture alongside adopting modern military practices.

Key Initiatives for Defence Modernization in India

Acquisition of Advanced Weaponry: Rafale jets (36 inducted, 26 more planned) enhance air power; S-400 air defence systems provide long-range protection; Arjun Mk-1A tanks boost indigenous capability and firepower.
Indigenous Development: LCA Tejas replaces ageing fighter jets and supports air-to-air refuelling; INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, strengthens underwater deterrence.
Technological Advancements: Network-centric warfare improves situational awareness (e.g., Project Sanjay, E-Sitrep); AI and robotics enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; cyber warfare capabilities grow under the National Cyber Security Policy.
Defence Production and Export: Domestic production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–24, emphasizing indigenisation; exports hit $2.63 billion, supplying markets like Vietnam and the Philippines.
Strategic Infrastructure: Border security efforts include the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System and Border Infrastructure Management, improving troop mobility and safeguarding boundaries.

PYQ:

[2014] Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?

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Police Reforms – SC directives, NPC, other committees reports

Home Minister launches ‘Bharatpol’ for international police assistance

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Bharatpol Portal
Why in the News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharatpol, a groundbreaking portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

What is Bharatpol?
- Bharatpol is a unified digital platform designed to enhance collaboration between Indian law enforcement agencies and Interpol, which connects police forces across 195 member countries.
- It simplifies international police cooperation, replacing outdated modes of communication like letters and faxes with real-time digital tools.
- Goal: Equip Indian law enforcement agencies with modern technology and techniques to track fugitives and address global crime challenges.
- Why was it developed?
  - Rising transnational crimes necessitate real-time international assistance.
  - Facilitates faster investigations into crimes such as cybercrime, drug trafficking, organized crime, and online radicalization.
- Features of Bharatpol:
  - Integrates CBI’s role as Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi)
  - Simplified Request Mechanism
  - Rapid Information Dissemination
  - Utilization of Interpol Notices
  - Capacity Building and Training
Modules of Bharatpol:
1. Connect: Acts as a digital extension of Interpol’s NCB-New Delhi, ensuring seamless and secure communication between Indian agencies and Interpol.
2. INTERPOL Notices: Simplifies the process of issuing and managing Interpol Notices, ensuring swift action on international alerts.
3. References: Streamlines the use of global criminal data, enabling faster investigations.
4. Broadcast: Allows real-time sharing of requests and updates from Interpol’s 195 member countries.
5. Resources: Facilitates the exchange of documents, training materials, and capacity-building resources.
How does Bharatpol enhance Interpol’s functionality?
- Bharatpol extends Interpol’s reach in India, connecting local police to global law enforcement networks.
- It allows instant transmission of critical information, enhancing the efficiency of investigations and international cooperation.
- It simplifies the process for Indian agencies to access Interpol’s 19 databases on crimes, criminals, and stolen assets.
- It ensures a structured approach to tracking fugitives and resolving international cases.
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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About the Gulf of Mexico

Strategic Location:

PLI 1.0

PLI 2.0

Why in the News?

What is the Dam Safety Act of 2021?

Why is Dam Safety a priority concern in India?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Criteria for declaring a Classical language?

What are the significance of Classical Language?

Historical Significance of Marathi Language

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Miyawaki Technique

Significant Features:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is a Polar Vortex?

What are its types?

Why in the News?

What is Section 479 of the BNSS?

Key Provisions under Section 479 of BNSS:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Selective Silencing Mechanism:

What are its significant applications?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Nine Broad Areas Listed for the ‘Year of Reforms’

Key Initiatives for Defence Modernization in India

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Bharatpol?

Modules of Bharatpol:

How does Bharatpol enhance Interpol’s functionality?