In News:

In a landmark discovery for transfusion science, France’s national blood agency (Établissement Français du Sang – EFS), in June 2025, identified a completely new blood group system. Officially recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) as the 48th blood group system, it is termed EMM-negative and is informally called “Gwada Negative”, after Guadeloupe, the origin of the only known individual with this blood type.

What is Gwada Negative (EMM-negative)?

• EMM-negative is defined by the absence of the EMM antigen, a high-incidence antigen normally present on red blood cells in nearly all humans.
• High-incidence antigens are so common that individuals lacking them are considered extremely rare and face critical challenges in blood transfusion compatibility.
• The ISBT registered this as ISBT042, making it the latest addition to global blood group systems.

Discovery Timeline

• 2011: A 54-year-old woman from Guadeloupe, living in Paris, underwent pre-surgical blood testing. Her blood showed unidentified antibodies that did not match any known blood group systems.
• 2019: With advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), researchers led by Dr. Thierry Peyrard (EFS) identified the unique genetic mutation responsible for the absence of the EMM antigen.
• 2025: After peer-reviewed validation, the ISBT officially recognised the EMM-negative system during its Milan meeting.

Why is it So Rare?

• This woman is the only known person in the world with the EMM-negative blood type.
• She inherited the rare gene mutation from both parents, leading to a complete absence of the EMM antigen in her red blood cells.
• Since the EMM antigen is nearly universal, her blood is compatible only with itself, making transfusions extremely high-risk unless a genetically identical donor is found.

Clinical Significance

• Individuals lacking high-incidence antigens like EMM may develop alloantibodies — immune responses against transfused red cells containing those antigens.
• Transfusion of EMM-positive blood into such individuals can cause hemolytic reactions, including life-threatening hemolysis (premature red blood cell breakdown).
• In this case, no donor blood currently available is safe for transfusion into the patient.

Implications for Transfusion Medicine

• Highlights the need for rare blood donor registries, international cooperation, and advanced genetic screening technologies to identify such rare phenotypes.
• Encourages development of precision-matching protocols in complex clinical and emergency situations.
• Expands the understanding of human immunohematological diversity and redefines transfusion compatibility standards.

In News:

A flash flood in the Subarnarekha River affected over 50,000 people in Balasore district, Odisha. The flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall and the release of water from Chandil Dam in Jharkhand.

About Subarnarekha River

Origin:

• Arises near Piska/Nagri, close to Ranchi, in Jharkhand.
• The name "Subarnarekha" means “Streak of Gold”, referring to traces of gold once found in the river’s origin area.

Geographical Course:

• States Covered: Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha.
• Mouth: Empties into the Bay of Bengal near Talsari, in Odisha.
• Total Length: Approx. 395 km.
• Drainage Basin Area: 18,951 sq. km, making it a relatively small multi-state river basin.
• Course Details: Flows through Paschim Medinipur (WB) and Balasore (Odisha) after originating in Jharkhand.

Key Features:

• Hundru Falls: A well-known waterfall on Subarnarekha, located in Jharkhand, with a drop of 98 metres.
• The river system is independent, not a tributary of any larger river.
• Known for its historical and cultural significance due to gold particles in its sands.

Major Tributaries:

• Kharkai (joins at Jamshedpur)
• Kanchi, Roro, Harmu Nadi, Dulunga, Karru, Karakari, Singaduba, Kodia, Dhamra

About Chandil Dam

Location:

• Situated in Chandil, Seraikela Kharsawan district, Jharkhand.
• Built near the confluence of the Subarnarekha River and Karkori River (originating from Hundru Falls).

Purpose:

• Multi-purpose project serving irrigation, flood control, and tourism.
• Plays a significant role in managing water flow in the Subarnarekha basin.

In News:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is set to integrate India’s Rare Donor Registry with e-Rakt Kosh, a centralized national blood bank management platform under the National Health Mission (NHM). This move aims to improve access to rare blood types, enhance donor coordination, and save lives by ensuring timely availability of rare blood groups.

About the Integration

• e-Rakt Kosh: A digital platform developed under NHM for real-time information on blood availability, donation camps, and blood bank locations.
• Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI): Developed by the ICMR–National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) with four partner institutes. Maintains a database of 4,000 carefully screened rare blood donors, tested for over 300 rare blood markers.
• Objective: To provide a centralized, accessible system for patients needing rare blood and to assist blood banks in managing inventory and donors efficiently.

Key Features and Benefits

• Life-saving Access: Enables patients and hospitals to locate rare blood types like Bombay blood group, Rh-null, and P-null efficiently.
• Safe Transfusions: Helps match blood for patients with multiple antigen deficiencies, common in disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell disease, thus reducing transfusion complications.
• Technological Advancements:
  • Use of Multiplex PCR-based DNA testing for rapid identification of rare blood groups.
  • Development of a customized blood screening kit tailored for Indian patients.
• Donor Engagement: Aims to ensure a steady, motivated pool of rare blood donors who remain connected to blood banks.

ICMR’s Parallel Work on Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Diseases

• Point-of-Care (POC) Tests Developed For:
  • Sickle Cell Disease
  • Hemophilia A
  • Von Willebrand Disease
• Impact of Innovation:
  • Sickle Cell Test Kits cost reduced from ?350 to under ?50 per test through Health Technology Assessment (HTA) led by DHR, ICMR–CRMCH, and NIIH.
  • Estimated savings: ?1,857 crore for the government.
  • New rapid testing device enables diagnosis even at PHC level.
• International Interest: World Federation for Hemophilia has shown interest in procuring India-developed diagnostic kits for global deployment.
• Commercialization: Technology transferred to Bhat Biotech, which launched the product under the brand Bio-Scan in August 2023.

Significance

• Enhances India’s healthcare infrastructure and emergency response for rare blood groups.
• Aligns with the goals of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the field of indigenous diagnostics.
• Showcases India’s growing biotech innovation ecosystem with both national and international relevance.

In News:

The integration of Artificial Intelligence into India's biomanufacturing sector is gaining momentum with the launch of the BioE3 Policy and the IndiaAI Mission.

What is Biomanufacturing?

• Biomanufacturing involves the use of living cells, enzymes, or biological systems to produce commercial goods such as vaccines, biologics, biofuels, specialty chemicals, biodegradable plastics, and advanced materials.
• The convergence of synthetic biology, industrial biotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded its scope across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, energy, and materials science.
• India, often called the “Pharmacy of the World”, produces over 60% of global vaccines, underlining its industrial strength in biomanufacturing.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Biomanufacturing

AI is revolutionizing biomanufacturing by making it predictive, efficient, and scalable:

• AI-Powered Process Optimization: Machine learning tools adjust variables like temperature, pH, and nutrient supply in real time to enhance fermentation and reduce batch failure.
• Digital Twins: Virtual replicas of biomanufacturing plants allow engineers to simulate operations, test changes, and foresee potential disruptions without real-world risks.
• Accelerated Drug Discovery: AI expedites molecular modeling and screening of drug candidates, reducing time and cost of development.
• Predictive Maintenance: AI forecasts machinery failures, improving equipment reliability and reducing downtime.
• Smart Supply Chains: AI-driven logistics optimize cold-chain storage and forecast medicine demand, ensuring timely distribution.

Indian Examples and Industrial Applications

• Biocon uses AI to enhance drug screening and fermentation quality.
• Strand Life Sciences applies machine learning in genomics for faster diagnostics.
• Wipro and TCS are developing AI platforms for clinical trials, molecule screening, and treatment prediction.
• AI is also being explored in rural healthcare, using region-specific data for localized diagnostics and advisories.

Key Government Initiatives

• BioE3 Policy (2024):
  • Envisions Bio-AI hubs, biofoundries, and next-gen biomanufacturing infrastructure.
  • Supports startups with funding and incentives.
• IndiaAI Mission:
  • Promotes ethical, explainable AI in sectors like health and biotech.
  • Supports bias reduction, machine unlearning, and transparency in AI models.
• Biomanufacturing Mission (2023): Aims to promote R&D and domestic production in bio-based sectors.
• PLI Scheme for Biotech: Incentivizes local production of enzymes, fermentation inputs, and biologics.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023): Lays down principles for lawful data processing, though not tailored for AI-biotech intersection yet.

Challenges in Policy and Regulation

Regulatory Gaps:

• India’s existing drug and biotech laws were designed before the AI era.
• No clear mechanism exists to audit, certify, or govern AI-operated bioreactors or predictive drug systems.

Data and Model Risks:

• AI systems trained on urban datasets may fail in rural or semi-urban manufacturing due to variable water quality, temperature, or power conditions.
• Lack of norms on dataset diversity and model validation raises risk of system failure and reputational damage.
• Intellectual Property Issues: Traditional IP laws do not clarify ownership of AI-generated inventions, molecules, or production protocols.

Workforce and Infrastructure:

• Biomanufacturing needs a workforce skilled in both computational biology and automation.
• India’s AI-bio talent gap and limited high-tech infrastructure outside metro cities hinders inclusive growth.

Ethical & Safety Concerns:

• Without context-specific oversight, AI errors can threaten public safety and product integrity.
• Trust in AI systems requires clear guidelines on explainability, accountability, and redress mechanisms.

Global Best Practices

• EU’s AI Act (2024): Classifies AI applications based on risk levels. High-risk applications (e.g., genetic editing) are subject to strict audits.
• US FDA Guidance (2025):
  • Introduces seven-step credibility frameworks for AI in healthcare.
  • Predetermined Change Control Plans (PCCPs) allow iterative AI updates while ensuring safety.

India lacks similar risk-based, adaptive oversight.

Policy Recommendations

• Establish AI-Biomanufacturing Regulatory Framework:
  • Introduce tiered regulation based on context and risk.
  • Define use-cases, audit mechanisms, and model validation standards.
• Mandate Dataset Diversity & Safety Audits:
  • Ensure AI tools are trained on representative, unbiased, clean data.
  • Create regulatory sandboxes to test AI systems in controlled environments.
• Strengthen Public–Private Partnerships:
  • Boost industry-academia collaborations.
  • Incentivize private investment through R&D credits and de-risking instruments.
• Modernize IP and Licensing Laws:
  • Establish clarity on ownership of AI-generated discoveries.
  • Develop licensing frameworks for bio-AI algorithms and training data.
• Upskill the Workforce: Promote interdisciplinary training across life sciences, data science, and industrial robotics.

In News:

In a significant medical advancement, a team at the Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in the U.S. has successfully administered Step-and-Shoot Spot-Scanning Proton Arc Therapy (SPArc) to treat adenoid cystic carcinoma—a cancer originating in the parotid gland. This marked the first-ever clinical application of this technology. The findings were published in the International Journal of Particle Therapy in June 2025.

What is SPArc Therapy?

SPArc (Spot-Scanning Proton Arc Therapy) is an advanced form of proton beam therapy where proton particles are delivered in a controlled arc across the tumor. It includes two primary modalities:

• Step-and-Shoot SPArc: Follows a pre-programmed dose delivery path.
• Dynamic SPArc: Simulated version where energy levels and targeting points are adjusted in real-time. (Still under regulatory review)

Comparison with Existing Techniques

The study compared three techniques:

1. SFO-IMPT (Single-Field Optimized Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy – current standard)
2. Step-and-Shoot SPArc (clinical)
3. Dynamic SPArc (simulated)

SPArc showed reduced radiation exposure to key organs when compared with SFO-IMPT:

• Brainstem: ↓ 10%
• Optical chiasm: ↓ 56%
• Oral cavity: ↓ 72%
• Spinal canal: ↓ 90%

Treatment Case Study

The first patient treated was a 46-year-old woman with a tumor extending from her parotid gland to the base of her skull. She underwent 33 sessions of SPArc therapy from June to August 2024, reporting only minor skin irritation and no disruptions to eating or daily functioning.

Process & Technology Used:

• Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) was used for real-time imaging before each session.
• A machine learning model converted CBCT to synthetic CT, allowing accurate dose tracking.
• As the patient lost weight, the dose plan was adjusted after two weeks to maintain precision.
• Nine beam angles spanning a 180º arc were used, delivering radiation at 20º intervals.

Each session lasted about 15–18 minutes, enabling nearly continuous dose delivery.

Working Mechanism

• The therapy operates by 'painting' the tumor in energy layers.
• Each energy level targets a specific tissue depth, ensuring maximum precision.
• The system scans dozens of spots in each layer before moving to the next one with increased penetration.

Advantages

• High precision in delivering radiation to deep and complex anatomical regions like the skull base.
• Limits collateral damage to vital organs.
• Effective in large or invasive tumours.
• Better quality of life during treatment (reduced side effects such as fatigue or swallowing issues).

Limitations & Concerns

• Geographical miss risk: Tiny tumors may be missed due to breathing motion or tumor shrinkage over time.
• Cost: High installation and operational costs, making it suitable for a limited patient base.
• Potential for overuse in non-indicated cases, leading to inequitable healthcare delivery.
• Dynamic SPArc still awaits regulatory clearance and integration into oncology systems.

Significance for India

SPArc therapy can be transformative for cancers in anatomically intricate regions and may serve as a benchmark for future precision cancer therapies. However, adoption in India requires cost-reduction, infrastructure investment, and regulatory frameworks.

In News:

A team of researchers has identified a new species of jumping spiders of the Spartaeinae subfamily in southern India, known for their intelligent hunting skills and web-invasion tactics.

Source: European Journal of Taxonomy (June 2025)

Key Facts:

• Species Name: Spartaeus karigiri
• Taxonomy:
  • Family: Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)
  • Subfamily: Spartaeinae
  • Genus: Spartaeus
• Named After: Karigiri (Elephant Hill) in Devarayanadurga, Karnataka.

Significance:

• First recorded presence of Spartaeus and Sonoita genera in India.
  • These genera were previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa.
• Discovery expands India’s Spartaeinae spider fauna to 15 species across 10 genera.

Features of Spartaeus karigiri:

• Noted for intelligent hunting and web-invasion tactics.
• Possesses keen eyesight and mimics prey to deceive other spiders.
• Males were found in rocky crevices; females guarding egg clutches.
• Found in Karnataka and Villupuram, Tamil Nadu.

Other Findings:

• Sonoita cf. lightfooti, previously known from Africa, was also found in Karnataka.
• A taxonomic correction: Marpissa gangasagarensis (2005) is the same as Phaeacius fimbriatus (1900).

Conservation and Research Insight:

• India's arachnid diversity remains under-studied.
• New discoveries indicate rich but undocumented biodiversity in Indian terrains.

In News:

The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2025, published by UNESCO, reveals an alarming surge in the global out-of-school population, now estimated at 272 million—an increase of over 21 million from previous estimates. This setback highlights that by 2025, countries will collectively fall short of their national education targets by 75 million children.

About the GEM Report

• An annual UNESCO publication, originally launched as the Education for All Global Monitoring Report in 2002 and renamed in 2016.
• Provides an evidence-based global assessment of education progress, challenges, and trends.
• Aims to guide policy decisions and strengthen efforts toward achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Key Findings

• The out-of-school population includes:
  • 78 million primary school-age children (11%)
  • 64 million lower secondary adolescents (15%)
  • 130 million upper secondary youth (31%)
• The rise of 21 million in out-of-school children since the last estimate is attributed to:
  1. New enrolment and attendance data (+8 million): Includes factors like the 2021 ban on girls' education in Afghanistan, which alone accounts for 1.4 million girls.
  2. Updated UN population projections (+13 million): The 2024 World Population Prospects estimate a 49 million increase in the global school-age population (6–17 years) by 2025.
• The report warns that conflict zones severely hamper data collection, likely underestimating the true number of out-of-school children.

Challenges with Data and Methodology

• The GEM model draws from administrative data, surveys, and census records to estimate schooling trends.
• However, during emergencies and crises, such models may fail to capture sudden drops in attendance, leading to an underreporting of affected populations.
• Conflict-ridden regions face poor data reliability, impacting planning and resource allocation.

Off-Track from Global Targets

• By 2025, countries will be off-track by:
  • 4 percentage points for primary and lower secondary levels
  • 6 percentage points for upper secondary level
• Even if national targets are met, the world will still have 107 million children out of school by 2030. The GEM report projects a reduction of 165 million if all targets are achieved—but current trajectories suggest this is unlikely.

In News:

In a significant move to bolster liquidity in the financial system, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has infused ?23,856 crore into the banking system through a buyback of government securities (G-Secs) on June 5, 2025. This marks the second such bond buyback by the central bank in the current financial year (FY 2025–26).

What is a Bond Buyback?

A bond buyback refers to the RBI repurchasing existing government securities before their maturity. Conducted on behalf of the central government, such operations aim to inject durable liquidity into the banking system, improve the liquidity position of banks, and influence interest rates. It is part of the RBI's broader Open Market Operations (OMOs) toolkit.

Broader Liquidity Context

The RBI’s intervention is part of a broader liquidity management strategy, aimed at ensuring stable and surplus liquidity conditions. The central bank has employed various tools in recent months:

• Open Market Operations (OMOs)
• USD/INR Buy/Sell swap auctions
• Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions

These tools were especially crucial after the banking system faced a liquidity deficit in late 2024. Since then, the RBI’s operations have restored liquidity, with the system now in surplus mode—estimated at around ?3 lakh crore.

Significance

• Monetary Stability: Enhances the transmission of monetary policy by ensuring banks have sufficient funds to lend.
• Market Functioning: Eases pressure in the bond markets, improves demand for new issuances, and helps manage interest rates.
• Fiscal Management: Supports the government's borrowing program by managing the maturity profile of debt and yields.

In News:

In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured India’s first-ever ‘Silver Notice’ from INTERPOL to track the global assets of Shubham Shokeen, a former French Embassy official implicated in a visa fraud case. This move underscores India's enhanced use of international law enforcement mechanisms to combat transnational crimes, particularly financial crimes involving asset concealment abroad.

What is a Silver Notice?

While INTERPOL is globally known for its Red Notice (to arrest or detain fugitives), the Silver Notice is a newer tool designed to help locate, identify, monitor, or seize the criminal assets of individuals or entities under investigation. Issued at the request of India’s National Central Bureau (NCB), the Silver Notice for Shokeen seeks to trace proceeds of crime potentially parked across multiple countries, marking a new phase in India’s international criminal cooperation.

About INTERPOL

INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) is the world’s largest international police organization, comprising 196 member countries, with India being one of the founding members. It facilitates cross-border police cooperation and crime control across jurisdictions. Its genesis lies in the 2nd International Police Congress held in Vienna in 1923, when it was established as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC). It adopted the name INTERPOL in 1956 with the adoption of its Constitution during the 25th General Assembly.

• Headquarters: Lyon, France
• National Central Bureau (NCB): Each member state has an NCB that coordinates with INTERPOL. CBI serves as India’s NCB.
• Key Bodies:
  • General Assembly: Supreme decision-making body; meets annually.
  • Executive Committee: Supervises execution of General Assembly's decisions.
  • General Secretariat: Handles operational activities on a daily basis.

INTERPOL Colour-Coded Notices

INTERPOL issues a series of colour-coded notices that serve as international alerts or cooperation requests:

• Red Notice: Request to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted person.
• Blue Notice: To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities.
• Yellow Notice: For locating missing persons.
• Black Notice: To identify unidentified bodies.
• Silver Notice: To trace, monitor, and seize assets related to criminal proceeds.

These notices are issued by INTERPOL’s General Secretariat upon request from NCBs and are accessible to all member countries, enabling swift global action.

India’s Technological Integration: The BHARATPOL Portal

To streamline international cooperation, the CBI has developed the BHARATPOL portal, a digital interface that connects all Indian law enforcement agencies with INTERPOL. It allows seamless communication and data exchange for tracking fugitives, assets, and criminal networks, thereby enhancing India’s capabilities in combating cross-border financial and cyber crimes.

Significance for India

• Asset Recovery: The Silver Notice is a critical step in tracing and recovering illicit assets abroad, aligning with India’s broader efforts under anti-money laundering frameworks.
• Global Cooperation: Reflects India’s increasing reliance on international institutions for law enforcement, including the UN Convention against Corruption and FATF recommendations.
• Strengthening CBI's International Role: As India’s NCB, the CBI’s proactive role showcases its growing competence in global criminal investigations.

In News:

The 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, a bilateral joint military exercise between India and France, is being held from 18 June to 1 July 2025 at La Cavalerie, France.

About Exercise Shakti

• Type: Joint military exercise between the Indian Army and French Army.
• Edition: 8th edition. The previous edition was hosted by India, as the exercise is biennial and conducted alternately in both countries.
• Venue (2025): La Cavalerie, France.

Objective and Significance

• Primary Aim: To enhance the joint military capability of both nations to conduct Multi-Domain Operations in sub-conventional conflict scenarios.
• Focus Areas:
  • Developing interoperability in operations.
  • Sharing best practices, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
  • Strengthening military-to-military cooperation.
  • Fostering bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies.

Strategic Importance

• Exercise Shakti is part of the broader defence partnership between India and France, encompassing counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and multi-domain coordination.
• It reflects India’s growing strategic engagements with like-minded global partners to address emerging security challenges.

Other India–France Joint Exercises

Name                    Domain          Participants

Garuda                 Air                   Indian Air Force – French Air and Space Force

Varuna                Naval               Indian Navy – French Navy

Desert Knight        Air                 Indo-French air warfare cooperation

In News:

A new bat species, the Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis (Myotis himalaicus), has been described based on fieldwork in Uttarakhand and historical specimens from Pakistan. Published in Zootaxa journal by a team of Indian and international scientists.

Key Findings of the Study

• Study Area: Western Himalayas – Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand (2017–2021).
• Total Bat Species Documented: 29, including new records and confirmations.
• Raises India's bat species count to 135.

About Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis (Myotis himalaicus)

Feature                    Description

Family/Genus         Belongs to the Myotis frater complex

Habitat                    Deodar, pine, and cedar forests on southern Himalayan slopes

Distribution            Found in Uttarakhand (India) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan)

Size                          Medium-sized (~3.5 inches, <1 oz)

Morphology           Delicate feet, long thumbs with short claws, short ears, fine teeth

Conservation Status  Recently described; appears rare

Other Major Additions/Clarifications

• East Asian Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida insignis):
  • First confirmed record in India.
  • Extends known range eastward by 2,500 km.
  • Earlier misidentified as Tadarida teniotis.
• Babu’s Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus babu):
  • Revalidated as a distinct species, not a synonym of Javan pipistrelle.
  • Distribution: Pakistan, India, Nepal.
• First specimen-based confirmations in India for:
  • Savi’s pipistrelle (Hypsugo savii)
  • Japanese greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus nippon)

Ecological Importance of Bats

• Insect Control: Consume pests and mosquitoes.
• Pollination & Seed Dispersal: Important for forest regeneration.
• Fertilizer Contribution: Bat guano rich in Nitrogen & Phosphorous; boosts crop yield.

In News:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced revised guidelines to enhance formal sector lending and ease credit access for small-ticket gold loan borrowers, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
• The new norms focus on raising the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio for gold-backed loans up to ?5 lakh and simplifying appraisal norms for such loans.

What is the Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio?

• Definition: The LTV ratio is the percentage of a collateral’s value that a lender offers as a loan.
• Formula:

LTV Ratio= (Loan Amount / Appraised Value of Asset) × 100

• A higher LTV indicates greater credit against the same asset but also entails higher risk for the lender.

• Assets like gold, with a stable value and liquid secondary market, are more "desirable" as collateral, often attracting higher LTVs.

Revised RBI Guidelines (June 2025): LTV Ratio for Gold Loans

Loan Amount            Revised LTV Ratio              Previous LTV (Draft April 2025)

Up to ?2.5 lakh              85%                                       75%

?2.5 lakh – ?5 lakh        80%                                       75%

Above ?5 lakh               75%                                       75%

• The interest component is included in the LTV calculation.
• The move reverses the uniform 75% LTV cap proposed in the April 2025 draft norms.

Additional Key Features

• No credit appraisal required for loans up to ?2.5 lakh.
• End-use monitoring is necessary only if the borrower wishes to qualify the loan under priority sector lending.
• The average ticket size of gold loans (~?1.2 lakh) is expected to increase due to relaxed norms.
• These loans are crucial for middle-class, lower middle-class, self-employed, and small businesses, often lacking formal income proof.

Rationale and Impact

• The revised norms aim to:
  • Enhance credit accessibility.
  • Prevent migration of borrowers to informal lenders.
  • Boost financial inclusion and formalize rural credit ecosystems.
• Industry experts and NBFCs like Muthoot FinCorp and Shriram Finance have welcomed the move, noting it would benefit women, rural borrowers, and small traders.
• Shares of leading gold loan NBFCs like Muthoot Finance, Manappuram Finance, and IIFL Finance witnessed a sharp increase following the announcement.

In News:

At a time when habitat loss and climate change threaten countless species, the discovery of a new species of parasitic wasp - named ‘Losgna Occidentalis’ from Chandigarh has drawn attention to the unexplored richness of India’s biodiversity.

Location of Discovery

• Place: Chandigarh, Union Territory of India
• Habitat: Urban dry scrub forest
• Time: Winter of 2023–24
• Significance: First formal description of any insect species from Chandigarh

Species Description

• Name: Losgna occidentalis
• Genus: Losgna (Ichneumonidae family – Parasitic wasps)
• Group Role: Parasitic wasps known for laying eggs inside/on arthropod hosts
• Ecological Role: Pollinators and biological control agents (important in ecosystems)

Historical Context

• Losgna genus was last recorded in India in 1965, in Heinrich’s monograph
• No Indian records or specimens existed post-1965 in any institution
• Only known specimens (of other Losgna species) are preserved in:
  • Natural History Museum, London
  • The Hope Collection, Oxford University
  • Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Germany

Naming Rationale

• "Occidentalis" (Latin for "Western")
• Signifies the westernmost known range of the genus
• Earlier Losgna records were only from:
  • Northeast India
  • Southeast Asia (tropical forests)

• Published in Zootaxa (peer-reviewed journal for animal taxonomy)

Importance & Implications

• Rediscovery highlights India’s hidden and threatened biodiversity
• Emphasizes the critical role of taxonomy in conservation
• Shows potential for citizen-led discoveries and backyard biodiversity
• Demonstrates the need for:
  • Responsible specimen collection
  • International scientific collaboration
  • Support for underfunded taxonomy sectors

In News:

An 800-year-old Shiva temple of the later Pandya period has been unearthed at Udampatti, a village in Melur taluk, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights:

• Discovery: Foundation of a later Pandya period Shiva temple (dated to 1217–1218 CE) unearthed accidentally by children.

Architectural Insights:

• Only the stone base of the temple (north and south sides) survives.
• Identified as a Shaivite temple using foundation engravings and reference to Silpa Sastram.

Inscriptions & Historical Significance:

• Inscriptions deciphered by C. Santhalingam (Pandya Nadu Centre for Historical Research).
• Temple identified as Thennavanisvaram, located in ancient Attur (present-day Udampatti).
• “Thennavan” was a Pandya royal title, suggesting direct patronage.

Key Inscriptions (1217–18 CE):

• A sale deed records the transfer of a waterbody named Nagankudi along with wet/dry land.
• Seller: Alagaperumal, chieftain of Kalavalinadu
• Buyer: Nambi Perambala Kuthan alias Kangeyan
• Sale amount: 64 kasu (coins)
• Tax revenue from the land assigned to the temple for daily expenses, indicating its financial independence.

Archaeological Relevance:

• Confirms ancient village name (Attur), showcasing socio-economic practices during the Later Pandya period.
• Highlights temple economy, land-water rights, and administrative structures.

Pandya Dynasty

• One of the Three Crowned Tamil Dynasties (alongside Cholas and Cheras).
• Capital: Initially Korkai, later Madurai.
• Early Pandyas active since 4th century BCE; Later Pandyas (1216–1345 CE) saw a golden age under Maravarman Sundara Pandyan.
• Controlled parts of Sri Lanka, Telugu regions, and had trade links with Rome & Southeast Asia.
• Symbol: Fish

Cultural Contributions:

• Patronage of Sangam literature, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Jainism.
• Temples: Meenakshi Temple (Madurai), Nellaiappar Temple (Tirunelveli).
• Promoted Tamil arts, Bharatanatyam, and education.

Decline:

• Succumbed to Chola, Hoysala conflicts and Delhi Sultanate invasions.
• Madurai Sultanate (1335) and later Madurai Nayak dynasty (1529) succeeded their rule.

In News:

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP), a key barometer of industrial activity in India, registered a growth of just 2.9% in February 2025, the slowest pace in six months. This was below market expectations of around 4% and reflects broad-based slowdown across sectors.

About the IIP

• Published by: Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• Base Year: 2011–12
• Purpose: Measures the short-term changes in volume of production in industrial sectors.

Sectoral Composition and Weights

Sector                                Weight in IIP             No. of Items

Manufacturing          77.63%                      809

Mining                          14.37%                      29

Electricity                    7.99%                         1

Sector-wise Performance (YoY in February 2025)

Sector                                  Feb 2025 Growth                  Feb 2024 Growth

Mining                                 1.6%                                       8.1%

Manufacturing             2.9%                                      4.9%

Electricity                         3.6%                                      7.6%

Use-Based Classification Performance

Category                                               Feb 2025 Growth                  Feb 2024 Growth

Capital Goods                                   8.2%                                       1.7%

Intermediate Goods                      1.5%                                        —

Consumer Non-Durables       -2.1%                                       -3.2%

Observation: Capital goods were the only category to show robust growth. All other segments registered deceleration.

Eight Core Industries (Weight in IIP: 40.27%)

In decreasing order of weight:

1. Refinery Products
2. Electricity
3. Steel
4. Coal
5. Crude Oil
6. Natural Gas
7. Cement
8. Fertilisers

Key Concerns Highlighted

• Slowing growth across mining, manufacturing, and electricity sectors
• A high base effect from the previous year
• A decline in month-on-month output after five months of sustained growth
• Consumer non-durables in continued contraction, indicating weak rural/household demand

In News:

India’s official submission on the Beijing+30 Report marks three decades since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995), a landmark framework advancing gender equality across 12 key areas such as education, health, economy, and political participation.

While the report acknowledges past progress—including enactment of laws like the Domestic Violence Act (2005) and the POSH Act (2013)—it lacks an integrated climate-gender perspective, an urgent gap given rising climate vulnerabilities affecting women disproportionately.

Climate Change and Gender Inequality: A Dual Challenge

• Rural women, particularly in agrarian and forest-dependent regions, face acute consequences of climate change—loss of livelihood, food insecurity, and health risks.
• India’s rural women often bear the brunt of extreme weather events, droughts, and resource scarcity.
• According to reports:
  • 33% loss of income occurs due to climate-induced productivity disruption, especially from non-farm sources.
  • Women perform over 8 hours of daily work, of which 71% is unpaid.
  • By 2050, unpaid care work is projected to rise to 8.3 hours/day without mitigation.

Key Data and Impacts

Indicator                                                       Insight

Pregnant women (India)                 50%+ are anaemic; worsened by food insecurity

Temperature–Violence Link          +1°C rise → 8% rise in physical violence, 7.3% rise in sexual violence

Climate policies (FAO)                       Only 6% mention women; 1% mention poor people

Agriculture Potential                            Closing gender gap in agri-inputs could raise yields by 20–30%

Women as Agents of Climate Resilience

• Women contribute to 50% of global food production and lead community efforts in seed preservation, sustainable farming, and disaster response.
• Indigenous and rural women prioritize livelihood security (Mahua), safety (Mao), and managing migration—termed the three M's.
• Informal women’s collectives are key in disaster resilience, ecosystem protection, and productivity gains.

Recommendations for Climate-Gender Integration

• Policy Interventions:
  • Introduce gender-responsive climate budgeting to prevent greenwashing and ensure equitable allocation.
  • Incorporate gender in NAPCC, SAPCC, and ensure percolation to local governance and disaster planning.
  • Address emerging risks—trafficking, migration, health, and geriatric safety in disaster zones.
• Data and Monitoring:
  • Establish indicators and research on gendered climate impacts.
  • Conduct inclusive climate consultations to enable community-driven planning.
• Private Sector & Green Finance:
  • Encourage women-led green enterprises, climate-resilient technologies, and inclusive innovations.
  • Allocate climate adaptation funds to skill-building, non-farm livelihoods, and local resilience-building.
• Partnership Model:
  • Promote collaboration between government, civil society, research institutions, private sector, and international organisations.
  • Foster knowledge exchange, capacity building, and public recognition of women climate leaders.

In News:

A team of young researchers from Kerala has won the prestigious Future Conservationist Award by the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) for their community-driven project on conserving the Malabar Grey Hornbill in Wayanad.

About Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus)

• Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
• Legal Protection: Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Endemic to: Western Ghatsand parts of the Nilgiris, Wayanad, and Anamalai Hills in Southern India.
• Habitat: Evergreen forests, plantations, and agricultural landscapes
• Ecological Importance: Cavity-nesting frugivore, plays a key role in seed dispersal
• Nesting Behavior:
  • Nests in secondary cavities (e.g., old woodpecker hollows)
  • Reuses the same nesting cavity for years
  • Dependent on cavity-bearing trees, often outside protected areas

About the Future Conservationist Award (CLP)

• Awarded By:
  • Fauna & Flora International
  • BirdLife International
  • Wildlife Conservation Society
• Purpose: Supports early-career conservationists with funding and mentorship
• Focus Areas: Field conservation, community engagement, biodiversity monitoring

In News:

A recent United Nations report titled ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023’, released by the Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG), highlights global progress and setbacks in maternal health. While acknowledging India's significant gains, the report places India second in global maternal deaths, behind Nigeria.

India’s Maternal Mortality Statistics (2023)

• Maternal deaths in India: 19,000(7.2% of global total)
• Rank: Second globally, tied with the Democratic Republic of Congo
• MMR: Reduced from 362 per 1 lakh live births (2000) to 80 in 2023 — a 78% decline
• Global average decline: 40% (2000–2023), but India achieved 86% decline
• Comparison with Nigeria:
  • Nigeria: 75,000 deaths, contributing 28.7% of global maternal deaths
  • India's Health Ministry deemed the comparison unfair given population differences (India: 145 crore, Nigeria: 23.26 crore)

Definition and Importance of MMR

According to WHO, Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) refers to:

“The death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, from pregnancy-related causes excluding accidental ones.”

MMR is a critical indicator for assessing healthcare quality and maternal well-being.

UN Global Findings

• Estimated maternal deaths globally (2023): 260,000
• Daily deaths: Over 700 women; about one death every two minutes
• Leading causes: Post-partum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections
• SDG 3.1 Target: Reduce MMR to <70 per 1 lakh live births by 2030

India-Specific Causes of Maternal Deaths

• Medical reasons:
  • Post-partum haemorrhage
  • Hypertensive disorders (e.g. pre-eclampsia)
  • Infections related to pregnancy
  • Co-morbidities: Anaemia, diabetes, hypertension
• Systemic challenges:
  • Inadequate emergency obstetric care at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs)
  • Lack of infrastructure, trained personnel, and referral systems
  • Socio-economic backwardness and poor access to healthcare in northern India

Concerns Highlighted in the Report

• Slowing progress post-2016 despite early improvements
• Humanitarian funding cuts impacting:
  • Health worker retention
  • Facility operations
  • Availability of essential drugs (for haemorrhage, malaria, pre-eclampsia)
• Disruption in maternal care supply chains, especially in low-resource regions

India’s Stand

The Union Health Ministry has contested comparisons with smaller nations like Nigeria, asserting that India's maternal health progress is notable given its large population. The Ministry emphasized the 86% decline in MMR since 1990, as opposed to a global decline of 48% in the same period.

Context:

• The Arctic biome, primarily a treeless tundra, spans approximately 11.5 million km² and includes regions in Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Eurasia.
• It is characterized by permafrost (permanently frozen ground) close to the surface, limiting plant root growth.
• Vegetation consists of grasses, lichens, mosses, and low shrubs, while fauna includes polar bears, arctic foxes, caribou, musk ox, and migratory birds like snow geese.
• Climatic conditions are harsh, with temperatures ranging from -60°C in winter to 15.5°C in summer, and annual precipitation between 150–250 mm, mostly as snow.
• Despite nutrient-poor soils, the biome has functioned as a major carbon sink by storing carbon in peat and humus.

The Arctic Boreal Zone (ABZ) and Carbon Dynamics

The Arctic Boreal Zone (ABZ), which includes tundra, coniferous forests, and wetlands, has historically played a crucial role in global carbon sequestration. Its coniferous forests form the largest land-based biome on Earth.

However, recent studies, including one in Nature Climate Change (2025), indicate that over 30% of the ABZ has shifted from being a carbon sink to a carbon source. This reversal is primarily driven by:

• Permafrost thawing: Warmer topsoil temperatures lead to decomposition of organic matter, releasing CO? and methane.
• Frequent and intense wildfires: These burn organic-rich soils, releasing large volumes of carbon.

This transition creates a positive feedback loop: Wildfires release carbon → global temperatures rise → permafrost thaws → more emissions → more fires.

Fire Trends and Global Impact

Data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reveal that wildfires released 800,000 tonnes of carbon in January 2025 alone, nearly 4 times more than in the same period a decade ago.

Key wildfire incidents include:

• Texas and Oklahoma (USA): Destroyed 14,000+ structures, burned 16,000 hectares, and displaced thousands.
• Ofunato City (Japan): One of the country’s largest fires in 50 years, affecting nearly 2,900 hectares.

According to the India State of Forest Report (Dec 2024):

• Uttarakhand recorded the highest number of forest fires (5,315 fires) between Nov 2022–June 2023.
• However, fire hotspots are declining: 2.23 lakh (2021–22) → 2.12 lakh (2022–23) → 2.03 lakh (2023–24).

India’s Changing Fire and Climate Profile

Research by IIT Kharagpur and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology shows that land temperatures in northwest, northeast, and central India are rising by:

• 0.1–0.3°C/decade (pre-monsoon)
• 0.2–0.4°C/decade (post-monsoon)

This trend has led to earlier, longer, and slower-moving heatwaves, increasing wildfire vulnerability. India emits an estimated 69 million tonnes of CO? annually from forest fires.

Key Findings from the 2024 Arctic Report Card (NOAA)

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirms that the Arctic tundra is becoming a carbon source, exacerbated by fossil fuel pollution and recurrent wildfires. According to NOAA, this shift reflects persistent, long-term climate trends, not mere variability.

A global study of 200 monitoring sites (1990–2020) found:

• Alaska contributed 44% of the ABZ’s new carbon emissions.
• Northern Europe and Siberia added 25% and 13%, respectively.
• Non-summer months now emit more carbon than the entire summer absorption.

Historical fire events like the 2003 Siberian fires and the 2012 Timmins fire (Canada) significantly accelerated this trend.

In News:

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have developed a novel vanadium-based nanozyme that effectively controls abnormal blood clotting by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). This innovation holds promise for managing life-threatening conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and ischemic stroke.

Scientific Background:

• Normal Blood Clotting: Platelets are specialized blood cells that form clots at injury sites through a process called haemostasis, involving activation by physiological chemicals like collagen and thrombin.
• Problem of Abnormal Clotting: In conditions like COVID-19 and PTE, oxidative stress increases, leading to elevated ROS levels. This causes hyperactivation of platelets, resulting in excessive clot formation (thrombosis) — a leading cause of death globally.

Nanozyme Innovation by IISc:

• What is a Nanozyme?

An engineered nanomaterial that mimics the action of natural enzymes, in this case, glutathione peroxidase, which neutralizes ROS.

• Material Used: Vanadium pentoxide (V?O?) nanozymes, particularly those with spherical morphology, were found to be the most efficient.
• Mechanism: The redox-active surface of vanadium nanozymes catalytically reduces ROS, preventing unwanted platelet aggregation.

Testing and Results:

• In vitro testing: Human blood platelets were activated with physiological agonists. Nanozymes were tested for their ability to curb excessive aggregation.
• In vivo testing (mouse model of PTE):
  • Nanozyme injection led to reduced thrombosis.
  • Improved survival rates without observable toxicity.
  • Animals were monitored for 5 days post-treatment for health parameters.

Future Prospects:

• Researchers aim to test the nanozyme's potential against ischemic strokes, which also result from vascular blockages.
• Encouraging results with human platelets indicate the possibility of clinical trials in the near future.

In News:

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a recent underwater explosion that damaged the Kerch Bridge, a critical transport link connecting mainland Russia to occupied Crimea. The attack underscores the strategic importance of the Kerch Strait in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Kerch Strait: Geographical and Strategic Overview

• Location: The Kerch Strait forms the only maritime passage between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
• Geographical Boundaries:
  • West: Kerch Peninsula (Crimea)
  • East: Taman Peninsula (Russia)
• Width: Narrows to 3–5 km at its tightest point near the Chushka Spit.
• Nearby City: Kerch, located on the Crimean side, lies near the strait’s midsection.
• Strategic Importance:
  • A vital shipping lane for transporting goods and military supplies.
  • Gained heightened geopolitical importance after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
  • Frequently features in Russia–Ukraine maritime tensions.

Kerch Strait Bridge (Crimean Bridge)

• Length: 19 km, making it the longest bridge in Europe.
• Completed: In 2018
• Connectivity: Includes dual road and railway tracks, linking the Russian mainland to Crimea.
• Symbolism: Considered a symbol of Russia’s control over Crimea post-2014 annexation.
• Strategic Use: Facilitates military logistics and civilian transit; crucial for sustaining Russian presence in Crimea.

In News:

Western Europe is experiencing its largest diphtheria outbreak in 70 years, with cases predominantly among vulnerable groups such as migrants and the homeless. The outbreak, which began in 2022, has raised concerns over disease surveillance, migrant healthcare, and immunisation coverage.

Key Facts from the Outbreak

• As per a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, 536 cases and three deaths have been reported across Europe since 2022.
• Most cases were found among young males (average age: 18) who had recently migrated, particularly from Afghanistan and Syria.
• 98% of strains exhibited close genetic similarities, suggesting a common transmission point during migration journeys or in accommodation facilities, not in the countries of origin.
• A genetic match between the 2022 strains and a recent 2025 case in Germany indicates that the bacteria is still circulating silently in the region.

Recommendations from Health Experts

• Enhance vaccination drives, particularly among high-risk and underserved populations.
• Improve awareness among healthcare providers, especially those working with migrants and the homeless.
• Ensure better access to antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxins.
• Strengthen disease surveillance and contact tracing mechanisms.

About Diphtheria

Feature                           Details

Cause                           Corynebacterium diphtheriae (produces a potent toxin)

Mode of Spread          Respiratory droplets, contact with infected sores or ulcers

Affected Areas            Primarily the respiratory tract, but also the skin in some cases

Symptoms                  Sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weakness; grey membrane in throat

Severe Impact           Can lead to breathing difficulties, heart and kidney damage, and neurological issues if untreated

Treatment                  Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT), antibiotics, and supportive care

Fatality Rate            Up to 30% in unvaccinated individuals; higher in children

Prevention               Vaccination (DPT/DTP) is the most effective preventive measure

In News:

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the Tamil Nadu government officially declared the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi, Ramanathapuram district, aiming to protect a vital stopover site for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.

Key Highlights

What is it?

A newly notified wildlife sanctuary dedicated to safeguarding migratory wetland birds, especially the greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), in their natural resting and breeding habitat.

Location and Area:

• Located in Rameshwaram taluk, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu.
• Covers approximately 524.7 hectares of revenue and forest land.
• Lies within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, a globally recognized marine ecosystem.

Ecological Significance

• Functions as a critical site along the Central Asian Flyway, one of the key migratory bird routes.
• As per the 2023–24 Wetland Bird Survey, the region hosts 10,700+ wetland birds representing 128 species, including:
  • Flamingos (greater and lesser)
  • Herons, egrets, sandpipers, etc.
• The sanctuary harbours diverse ecosystems, such as:
  • Mangroves (Avicennia, Rhizophora)
  • Mudflats, marshes, sand dunes, and lagoons
  • Nesting grounds for sea turtles and marine biodiversity

Conservation and Socioeconomic Benefits

• Strengthens coastal resilience by preventing erosion through natural mangrove buffers.
• Promotes responsible ecotourism, raising awareness of wetland and avian conservation.
• Supports local livelihoods via employment in conservation and tourism activities.

About the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Attribute                                Details

Size                                       90–150 cm tall, long necks and legs

Coloration                            Pink hue from carotenoid-rich diet

Feeding                                 Uses specialized downward-curved bill for filter feeding in shallow waters

Reproduction                        Builds cone-shaped mud nests, lays 1–2 eggs, both parents incubate

Chick Rearing                      Chicks are white and fed through regurgitation

Social Traits                          Highly gregarious, breeds in large colonies and flies in V-formations

Behavioral Note                   Often seen standing on one leg, possibly to conserve body heat

In News:

India has secured the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the term 2025–2028, marking a historic first for the country since becoming a member in 1998. The victory affirms India’s growing influence in the field of global public administration.

About IIAS

• Established: 1930
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
• Nature: A global federation of 31 Member States, 20 National Sections, and 15 Academic Research Centres, dedicated to collaborative scientific research in public administration.
• Core Objectives:
  • Promote collaboration on public governance solutions.
  • Accredit academic and professional training programs in public management.
  • Disseminate research and best practices in administrative sciences.

Although not formally affiliated with the United Nations, IIAS actively participates in UN mechanisms like the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and the UN Public Administration Network (UNPAN).

India’s Role and Election to Presidency

• India has been a Member State of IIAS since 1998, represented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• For the 2025–2028 term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi nominated V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, as India's candidate in November 2024.
• Election Process:
  • Hearings were held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in February 2025.
  • Four countries—India, South Africa, Austria, and Bahrain—submitted nominations.
  • The final vote on June 3, 2025, saw India and Austria advance to the final round.
  • Out of 141 votes, India secured 87 votes (61.7%), while Austria received 54 votes (38.3%).

Significance for India

• This marks India’s first Presidency of IIAS.
• The victory enhances India's position in global governance and showcases its administrative capabilities on an international platform.
• It also aligns with India’s focus on reforming and modernizing public administration through digital governance and institutional capacity-building.

In News:

In a significant ornithological development, the Caspian Gull, one of the rarest gull species to be recorded in India, was positively identified five years after being sighted at Kappad Beach, Kozhikode, Kerala. This marks the first confirmed sighting of the species in Kerala, and only the second in southern India.

Discovery and Identification:

• Ornithologist Abdulla Paleri first spotted the bird in February 2020 but took five years to confirm its identity due to its close resemblance to the more commonly seen Steppe Gull.
• The Caspian Gull differs subtly in features such as head and beak shape, posture, wing pattern, and leg morphology.
• Images were shared with international experts and on the eBird platform, where ornithologists Oscar Campbell and Hans Larsson confirmed the identification. The sighting has remained unchallenged since.

About Caspian Gull (Laruscachinnans):

• A monotypic, large, white-headed gull species, considered rare in India.
• Regularly breeds in Central Asia, particularly in steppe and semi-desert habitats with lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
• Nesting usually occurs on flat, low-lying areas near water bodies, often surrounded by reedbeds.
• The species feeds on fish, insects, molluscs, and other invertebrates.

Migration Pattern:

• It migrates from the Black Sea and Caspian Sea region to southern and eastern Kazakhstan, western China, and parts of South Asia during winter.
• Traditionally winters in the eastern Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and western India (like Gujarat).
• Increasingly, small populations are dispersing into Europe, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
• The Kozhikode gull is believed to be a straggler—a bird that deviates from its usual migratory route.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List:Least Concern, Despite its rarity in India, the species is not globally threatened.

Why is the RBI proposing changes to gold loan regulations?

In April 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines on loans against gold to harmonise regulations across banks and NBFCs and to address irregularities. The move follows an extraordinary surge in gold-backed loans during FY24:

• Gold loan portfolios grew over 50% across banks and NBFCs.
• For banks, the portfolio more than doubled (104% growth).

This rapid growth, amid rising gold prices and lax lending standards, raised regulatory concerns.

What are the key proposals in the draft guidelines?

• LTV Norms:
  • The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio remains capped at 75%.
  • For bullet repayment loans for consumption, accrued interest must be included in the LTV calculation, effectively lowering the loan amount disbursed.
• Ownership Proof:Borrowers must furnish proof of ownership for the gold pledged.
• Valuation Standards:
  • Gold should be valued based on 22-carat price.
  • Uniform procedures must be followed to assess the purity and weight.
• Loan Renewal & Fresh Sanctions:
  • Renewals or top-ups are permitted only if:
    • The existing loan is standard, and
    • It complies with the LTV limit.
  • Concurrent loans for both consumption and income-generation are disallowed.
  • A fresh loan can only be granted after full repayment (principal + interest) of the previous loan.
• Collateral Return Timeline:If the gold is not returned within 7 working days after repayment, the lender must compensate the borrower at ?5,000/day for each day of delay.

Likely Impact on Borrowers and Lenders

Borrowers:

• May face reduced loan amounts and higher documentation requirements.
• Small and rural borrowers, dependent on gold loans for agriculture and allied sectors, may experience reduced accessibility.

NBFCs and Banks:

• NBFCs that frequently renew or top-up gold loans could lose flexibility.
• Compliance costs will rise due to stringent documentation, valuation, and reporting norms.
• Smaller NBFCs relying on re-pledging of gold may face liquidity issues.
• Interest rates may rise to offset higher operational expenses.

Is a uniform policy suitable?

A one-size-fits-all policy may not be practical. Gold loans are a lifeline for rural households with limited access to formal credit. Experts suggest:

• Differentiated norms for micro gold loans (small-ticket loans) and high-value loans.
• Consideration for the informal nature of ownership in many rural households.

In News:

In a recent development, the Telangana government has designated the tiger corridor connecting the Kawal Tiger Reserve (Telangana) with the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) as the KumramBheem Conservation Reserve, under Section 36(A) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This move is aimed at preserving critical wildlife corridors in the Central Indian Landscape.

Kawal Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Situated in Telangana, along the Godavari River, forming part of the Deccan Peninsula – Central Highlands.
• Biogeographic Zone: Lies at the southern tip of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape.
• Connectivity: Links with Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra), Indravati (Chhattisgarh), and other reserves like Tipeshwar, Chaprala, and Kanhargaon.
• Vegetation Type: Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests.
• Flora: Dominated by teak, bamboo, and species like Anogeissuslatifolia, Terminalia arjuna, Boswellia serrata, etc.
• Fauna: Hosts tiger, leopard, nilgai, chinkara, sambar, blackbuck, wild dog, wolf, and jungle cat.

KumramBheem Conservation Reserve: Newly Notified Area

• Legal Basis: Declared under Section 36(A), Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which allows states to notify government-owned land adjacent to or connecting protected areas as conservation reserves.
• Total Area: 1,492.88 sq km (149,288.48 hectares)
• District &Mandals Covered: Spread across KumramBheemAsifabad district, covering parts of Kerameri, Wankidi, Asifabad, Sirpur, Koutala, Bejjur, Kagaznagar, Rebbana, Dahegaon, and Tiryanimandals.
• Forest Blocks Included: 78 blocks including Garlapet, Ada, Manikgarh East & West, Danora, Gudem, Bejjur, Kadamba, and Girali.

Ecological Significance

• Tiger Movement: Over the last decade, more than 45 unique tigers (mostly transient) have been documented in this corridor through camera trapping and surveys.
• Breeding Evidence: Since 2015, 17 tiger cubs born from 3 tigresses have been recorded. The 2022 Tiger Census confirmed 4 adult tigers and 3 cubs in the area.
• Leopard Presence: 8 leopards were recorded during the All India Leopard Estimation, 2022.
• Other Carnivores: Includes sloth bear, hyena, wild dog, wolf, honey badger, and jungle cat.
• Herbivore Diversity: Rich prey base such as gaur, sambar, nilgai, chital, muntjac, four-horned antelope, and Indian gazelle.
• Avifauna: Home to 240+ bird species, including rare species like the Malabar Pied Hornbill and Long-billed Vulture, the latter using the reserve as a nesting site.
• Elephant Movement: Occasional elephant presence has also been reported.

Governance

A Conservation Reserve Management Committee has been established. Members include:

• District Forest Officer (DFO) of KumramBheemAsifabad (Convenor)
• Sarpanches of local panchayats (e.g., Karji, Motlaguda, Murliguda)
• Representatives from NGOs like Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society, WWF-India, and Wildlife Conservation Trust
• Officials from Veterinary, Agriculture, and Forest Divisions