In News:

Rare giant shrimp is more widespread than previously believed; new findings reveal.

About the Species:

• Alicella gigantea is a giant deep-sea amphipod crustacean, growing up to 34 cm in length, making it one of the largest known amphipods.
• Amphipods are shrimp-like organisms; over 10,000 species are known globally, inhabiting a wide range of aquatic environments.

Habitat and Depth Range:

• Inhabits the abyssal (3,000–6,000 m) and hadal zones (>6,000 m) of the ocean.
• Notable sightings include:
  • A 28 cm specimen observed at 5,304 m in the North Pacific.
  • Captures from 6,746 m depth in the Murray Fracture Zone (North Pacific).

Global Distribution:

• Contrary to earlier beliefs, A. gigantea is not rare but is among the most widely distributed deep-sea species.
• Recent analysis compiled 195 records from 75 locations across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, covering 15 different seafloor features.
• Found in 59% of the world’s oceans.
• The Pacific Ocean is its most significant habitat, with 75% of the seafloor in its suitable depth range.

Genetic Insights:

• Genetic analyses (16S, COI, 28S genes) show low genetic divergence across populations.
• This suggests A. gigantea represents a single, globally distributed species with strong genetic conservation.
• A shared haplotype network across regions indicates minimal genetic differentiation, supporting global connectivity among populations.

Conservation and Research Significance:

• Despite its wide range, A. gigantea remains poorly understood, particularly in terms of population size, ecology, and evolutionary history.
• Only seven studies have sequenced its DNA to date.
• The findings are a significant step toward understanding deep-sea biodiversity, biogeography, and conservation priorities in abyssal ecosystems.

In News:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a record dividend transfer of ?2.69 lakh crore to the Government of India for FY 2024–25.
• This amount is 27% higher than the ?2.10 lakh crore transferred in the previous year (2023–24).
• The transfer follows the Revised Economic Capital Framework (ECF), approved on May 15, 2025.

What is a Dividend in Public Finance?

• A dividend is the non-tax revenue received by the government as the sole shareholder of the RBI.
• It helps bridge the fiscal deficit.
• RBI dividend distribution is governed by the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• Unlike corporate dividends that require shareholder approval, RBI transfers are governed by policy mechanisms set by the Central Board.

Economic Capital Framework (ECF) and Risk Buffer

• The Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) has been raised to 7.5% of the RBI’s balance sheet for FY 2024–25.
• Earlier CRB levels:
  • 5.5% (2018–22)
  • 6% (2022–23)
  • 6.5% (2023–24)
• The CRB helps ensure the RBI maintains sufficient capital to absorb financial shocks.

Reasons for Higher Surplus in 2024–25

• Robust foreign exchange (forex) sales, especially in January 2025, with RBI being the top seller among Asian central banks.
• Increased interest income from government securities and foreign investments.
• Gains from forex transactions during high market volatility.
• Forex reserves had peaked at $704 billion in September 2024, from which large volumes of dollars were sold to stabilise the rupee.

Implications for the Union Budget 2025–26

• The Budget had projected ?2.56 lakh crore as dividend income from RBI and PSUs; the actual RBI dividend itself exceeds this estimate.
• Experts expect the fiscal deficit to reduce by 20 basis points (bps) from the budgeted 4.4% to ~4.2% of GDP.
• The surplus provides a non-tax revenue cushion, helping offset shortfalls in tax or disinvestment receipts and manage additional spending.

Expert Views

• Surplus driven by prudent RBI policy, forex gains, and high interest income. CRB increase reduced the possible surplus, otherwise it could have exceeded ?3.5 lakh crore.
• The surplus equals 0.4–0.5 trillion (?40,000–?50,000 crore) or 11–14 bps of GDP, offering fiscal flexibility.
• Market expected ?3 lakh crore; disappointment due to higher risk buffer provisioning.

In News:

In May 2025, astronomers observed a dramatic solar eruption, dubbed the “Bird-Wing” event, due to its unique wing-like plasma structure. Originating from the Sun’s northern hemisphere, the eruption stretched over 1 million kilometers—more than twice the Earth-Moon distance.

Key Components of the Event

• Solar Flare:
  • A sudden, intense burst of electromagnetic radiation caused by magnetic field realignment on the Sun.
  • Classified from A to X (increasing order of X-ray brightness).
  • Travels at light speed, reaching Earth in about 8 minutes.
  • Can disrupt radio communication and GPS systems by affecting the ionosphere.
• Coronal Mass Ejection (CME):
  • A massive release of charged solar plasma and magnetic fields into space.
  • Travels at 250–3000 km/s, reaching Earth in 18 hours to 3 days.
  • Can cause geomagnetic storms, impacting power grids, satellites, navigation, and inducing auroras.

The “Bird-Wing” event involved both phenomena, but Earth narrowly avoided a direct hit, experiencing only a glancing blow. The impact was minimal and did not cause significant technological disruptions.

Associated Geomagnetic Effects

• A filament eruption, distinct from solar flares, was responsible for the minor geomagnetic activity observed. These are cooler plasma structures held by magnetic fields and appear as dark strands on solar imagery. When destabilized, they erupt and emit charged particles.
• Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) were expected to be visible over parts of the UK, particularly Scotland, as the trailing edge of the CME brushed past Earth.

Space Weather Risks from Solar Storms

According to the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA:

• Solar flares can disrupt radio signals and satellite communication.
• Solar particles, including high-energy protons, may arrive hours later, posing risks to astronauts and electronics.
• Geomagnetic storms can:
  • Disturb Earth's magnetic field.
  • Affect power lines, pipelines, and satellites.
  • Expand the upper atmosphere, increasing drag on low-orbit satellites, potentially altering their trajectory.
  • Temporarily reduce the number of cosmic rays reaching Earth by deflecting them.

In News:

Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav represented India at the 1st Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu, Nepal, a high-level biennial global dialogue convened under the theme “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity.”

The forum, held during the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, focused on mountain ecosystems, climate resilience, and transboundary conservation.

India’s Key Proposals and Commitments

Reaffirmed India’s climate leadership and proposed a five-point call for global action to protect mountain ecosystems:

• Enhanced Scientific Cooperation: Promote joint research on cryospheric changes, biodiversity, and hydrological cycles.
• Building Climate Resilience: Develop early warning systems for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure in mountainous areas.
• Empowering Mountain Communities: Center policies on local welfare, integrate traditional ecological knowledge, and promote green livelihoods such as eco-tourism.
• Providing Green Finance: Ensure adequate and predictable climate finance for adaptation and mitigation in mountain nations, in line with the Paris Agreement.
• Recognizing Mountain Perspectives: Integrate mountain-specific issues into global climate negotiations and sustainable development agendas.

India’s Initiatives and Regional Cooperation

India highlighted the ecological value of the Himalayas and called for enhanced transboundary conservation among Himalayan nations under the International Big Cats Alliance. This alliance promotes joint protection of species like snow leopards, tigers, and leopards.

• Under Project Snow Leopard, India conducted its first comprehensive snow leopard assessment (2019–2023), recording 718 snow leopards, comprising 10–15% of the global population.

Significance of the Himalayan Ecosystem

• Hydrological Role: The Himalayas are the "Water Towers of Asia", feeding rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, and supplying around 1.2 trillion cubic meters of freshwater annually.
• Ecological Richness: A biodiversity hotspot, home to over 10,000 vascular plant species, 979 bird species, and 300 mammals such as the red panda and Himalayan tahr.
• Cultural Importance: Sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism, the Himalayas house pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Mount Kailash.
• Economic Value: Support tourism, agriculture, forestry, and renewable energy. States like Uttarakhand, Assam, and West Bengal derive over 10% of state GDP from tourism.
  The Lohit Basin project in Arunachal Pradesh (13,000 MW) exemplifies hydropower potential.
• Climate Regulation: The range blocks cold Central Asian winds and influences monsoon patterns, ensuring rainfall for agriculture. Himalayan forests are major carbon sinks, mitigating global warming.

Key Challenges in the Himalayan Region

• Climate Disasters: Rising temperatures and glacier melt cause avalanches, landslides, and cloudbursts. E.g., 2025 Uttarakhand avalanche; 2023 Sikkim GLOF.
• Unsustainable Development: Slope cutting, deforestation, and seismic vulnerability threaten settlements (e.g., Joshimath subsidence linked to infrastructure projects).
• Glacier Retreat:
  • Gangotri glacier has retreated over 850 meters in 25 years.
  • Hindu Kush glaciers may lose 75% of volume by 2100.
• Biodiversity Loss: Invasive species and habitat loss displace native flora and fauna; 90% of endemic species in Sikkim Himalayas displaced.
• Unregulated Tourism: Littering and plastic waste—92.7% of Himalayan waste is plastic, 72% non-recyclable (2022 audit).

Recommendations for Sustainable Development

• Eco-sensitive Infrastructure: Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), bioengineering, and electric mobility in high-altitude towns.
• Regulated Tourism: Introduce carrying capacity limits, permit-based entry, and promote low-impact tourism models.
• Glacier Monitoring & Water Management: Use remote sensing and GIS for glacier health; adopt ice stupas, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation.
• Afforestation & Forest Conservation: Launch community-driven forestry projects (e.g., Van Andolan in Uttarakhand) to restore degraded ecosystems.
• Climate Adaptation Strategies: Expand early warning systems for GLOFs; promote climate-resilient crops and agricultural practices.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Encourage organic farming, herbal industries, and eco-handicrafts to diversify mountain economies.

In News:

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (CCI India) has highlighted the role of Bharat Seva Kendra (BSK) in enhancing last-mile service delivery and addressing the urban-rural service gap.

About Bharat Seva Kendra (BSK):

• Launched by: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (CCI India).
• Objective: To provide essential government services and welfare benefits directly to rural citizens.
• Nature: A grassroots, nationwide service delivery initiative focused on creating self-reliant rural communities.

Key Features:

• Single-window access to schemes in sectors like healthcare, education, employment, agriculture, financial inclusion, and digital empowerment.
• Digital Inclusion: Modern infrastructure and digital literacy programs to help villagers use e-governance tools effectively.
• Human Network: Backed by a large cadre of 2.5 lakh sarpanches and 6.5 lakh BSK Sarthis, who act as facilitators between government schemes and rural beneficiaries.
• Goal: Reduce bureaucratic delays, enhance transparency, and ensure timely access to welfare schemes.

CCI India’s Role:

• Type: A national-level autonomous business body.
• Functions: Policy advocacy, business facilitation, and supporting domestic and foreign investment.
• Engagement: Represents diverse industries and collaborates with stakeholders including policymakers, industry, and civil society.

Significance for Governance:

• Promotes last-mile delivery of public services.
• Acts as a catalyst for rural digital transformation and inclusive development.
• Enhances administrative efficiency and citizen empowerment in rural India.