In News:

The Khelo India ASMITA Football League 2025-26 was inaugurated in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Khadse. The initiative is a key step in promoting gender-inclusive sports participation and empowering women athletes at the grassroots level.

About ASMITA

• Full form: Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action (ASMITA).
• Launched: 2021, under Khelo India.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Support: Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Sports Federations, AIFF, WIFA, and other stakeholders.
• Component of: Khelo Bharat Niti – promoting sports as a tool for nation-building and empowerment.

Objectives

• Affirmative action to increase women’s participation in sports.
• Provide grassroots platforms for talent discovery, especially among tribal and minority communities.
• Create opportunities for young girls, addressing historical imbalances in sports.
• Help women challenge stereotypes and emerge as role models.

Key Features

• Inclusive Participation: From first-time players to hidden talent, ensuring wide outreach.
• Talent Identification: Leagues used as scouting grounds for future athletes.
• Scale: In FY 2025-26, 852 leagues are planned across 15 sports disciplines, targeting 70,000+ women athletes in all States/UTs.
• Age Focus: Leagues cover multiple categories, including U-13 and above.
• Institutional Backing: Supported by SAI and National Sports Federations to ensure professional management.

Significance

• Promotes women’s empowerment through sports.
• Strengthens grassroots sports ecosystem.
• Contributes to India’s vision of becoming a global sporting powerhouse with equal female participation.
• Aligns with the government’s philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

In News:

The Income Tax (No. 2) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha in August 2025, replacing the Income Tax Act, 1961 after nearly six decades. The earlier draft of the Bill was withdrawn to incorporate recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee and stakeholder feedback. The revised Bill consolidates, simplifies, and modernises India’s direct tax framework.

Background

• Old Act (1961): Complex language, overlapping provisions, and compliance burden.
• New Bill (2025):
  • Contains 536 sections and 16 schedules.
  • Incorporates over 285 recommendations of the Select Committee, which examined the draft for four months and submitted a 4,500-page report.
  • Aims to make the law simpler, clearer, and more aligned with the digital era.

Key Features

• Simplification of Tax Framework
  • Single “Tax Year” concept replaces “Previous Year” and “Assessment Year”.
  • Outdated and contradictory provisions removed to reduce litigation.
  • Clear drafting, structured numbering, and improved terminology for easier interpretation.
• Taxpayer-Friendly Provisions
  • Refunds allowed even if returns are filed after the due date.
  • NIL-TDS certificates available for taxpayers with no liability.
  • Relief on vacant house property – no taxation on notional rent.
  • 30% standard deduction (post municipal tax) and interest deduction allowed on rented property.
• Corporate and MSME Reforms
  • ?80M deduction on inter-corporate dividends reintroduced.
  • MSME definition aligned with the MSME Act for uniformity.
• Institutional & Governance Reforms
  • CBDT empowered for flexible, digital-era rule-making.
  • Simplified compliance for TDS, PF withdrawals, advance rulings, and penalties.
• Relief to Specific Sectors
  • Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) on LLPs abolished.
  • Charitable Trusts – compliance relaxations and reduced regulatory burden.
  • Transfer Pricing & Associated Enterprise definitions rationalised.
  • Extension of pension benefits – commuted pension deduction available even for non-employee individuals.

In News:

World Elephant Day 2025 was celebrated on August 12 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The event focused on human–elephant conflict (HEC) mitigation and reaffirmed global commitment to elephant conservation.

About World Elephant Day

• Launched in 2012 by Patricia Sims (Canada) and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand.
• Aims to promote conservation of elephants, raise awareness on threats like habitat loss, poaching, and HEC, and encourage human–elephant coexistence.

Elephants in India

• India holds 60% of the global wild elephant population.
• 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 Elephant Corridors (as per 2023 Report).
• Elephants are recognised as National Heritage Animal of India.
• Legal and institutional backing provided through Project Elephant (1992), Wildlife Protection Act, and corridor conservation measures.

Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC)

• Rising incidents of elephants entering human settlements due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and search for food/water.
• The Coimbatore workshop under World Elephant Day 2025 brought together policymakers, foresters, conservationists, and civil society to share best practices.
• Measures discussed: habitat management, corridor maintenance, awareness campaigns, and capacity building in high-conflict areas.
• Focus on balancing wildlife conservation with human safety through community participation and scientific approaches.

Public Participation

• 12 lakh students from 5,000 schools across India joined awareness programmes.
• Citizen outreach emphasised coexistence, youth engagement, and long-term behavioural change in society.

Conservation Status (IUCN Red List)

• Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus): Endangered.
• African Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana): Endangered.
• African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis): Critically Endangered.

Ecological Importance of Elephants

• Keystone species: maintain grasslands, disperse seeds, create water holes, and support biodiversity.
• Social structure: Matriarch-led herds with strong communal care for calves; males often solitary or in small groups.
• Long gestation (22 months) and slow reproduction make them vulnerable to population decline.

In News:

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in August 2019, aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household, ensuring safe, adequate, and regular potable water supply. At the time of its launch, only 17% of rural households (3.23 crore) had tap water access. As of 14 August 2025, this has increased to 81% coverage (15.68 crore households) out of a total 19.36 crore rural households, with over 12.45 crore additional connections provided.

Institutional Framework

• State Subject: Drinking water supply is primarily the responsibility of States/UTs, while the Centre provides technical and financial support.
• Funding: An initial outlay of ?2,08,652 crore was approved; the scheme has now been extended until 2028 with enhanced allocation for completing pending works and strengthening Operation & Maintenance (O&M).
• Citizen Participation: The 2025 Budget emphasized “Jan Bhagidari” for sustainable and community-centric water service delivery.

Quality Standards and Monitoring

• Benchmark: Water quality is mandated to comply with BIS:10500 standards, which specify acceptable and permissible limits for chemical, physical, and bacteriological parameters.
• Testing: In December 2024, the government released a Concise Handbook for States/UTs, recommending comprehensive testing at multiple points—source, treatment plant, storage, and distribution.
• Remedial Actions: Include regular cleaning of overhead tanks and corrective measures in case of contamination.
• Transparency Tools:
  • JJM Dashboard “Citizen Corner” displays village-level water test results.
  • Complaints can be filed via CPGRAMS (pgportal.gov.in) and the Department’s website (jalshakti-ddws.gov.in).
  • Aadhaar-linked monitoring, geo-tagging, IoT sensors, and third-party inspections are employed for real-time tracking.

Significance

• Public Health: Ensures safe drinking water, reducing the burden of waterborne diseases.
• Gender Empowerment: Frees women and girls from time-consuming water collection, enabling better education and livelihoods.
• Rural Development: Improves quality of life, reduces drudgery, and enhances rural productivity.
• Sustainability: Integrates with groundwater management initiatives like the Atal Bhujal Yojana, promoting long-term water security.

Current Status (2025)

• Coverage: 81% rural households have tap water supply.
• Target: Universal coverage by 2028 with a focus on infrastructure quality, O&M, and sustainable, citizen-driven service delivery.

In News:

The Supreme Court of India has directed the immediate removal of all free-ranging dogs from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. The Court emphasized permanent relocation of these animals to shelters, citing rising incidents of rabies and dog bites, particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups.

Key Features of the Order

• Complete Removal: All stray dogs are to be captured to ensure “stray-free” streets in urban and peri-urban areas.
• No-Release Policy: Unlike the earlier Animal Birth Control (ABC) approach, captured dogs will not be returned to their original localities but retained in shelters.
• Shelter Infrastructure: Authorities must build facilities capable of housing at least 5,000 dogs within eight weeks, prioritizing high-risk localities.
• Emergency Response: A 24×7 helpline with a four-hour response time is mandated to tackle bite incidents.
• Strict Compliance: Interference with the process will attract contempt of court, ensuring accountability.

Rationale Behind the Order

• Public Health Priority: With nearly 5,700 rabies-related deaths annually (95% from dog bites), the order seeks to directly curb a preventable disease.
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Children and the elderly face higher risks due to limited self-defence capacity.
• Policy Ineffectiveness: The sterilisation-centric ABC model has not adequately addressed aggressive or rabies-carrying dogs.
• Constitutional Angle: By invoking Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty), the Court underlined safe mobility and freedom from fear in public spaces.
• Permanent Reform: A structural shift from temporary containment to long-term removal from public areas.

Arguments in Favour

• Public Safety: A direct life-saving intervention against rabies deaths.
• Constitutional Backing: Strengthens the right to security under Article 21.
• Urban Governance: Integrates sanitation and safety into city management.
• Accountability: Surveillance and records ensure transparency in enforcement.
• Policy Gaps Addressed: Closes loopholes of the ABC model by ending return-to-locality practices.

Concerns and Counter-Arguments

• Legal Conflict: The directive may clash with existing ABC Rules framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
• Animal Welfare: Overcrowded shelters risk inhumane conditions, raising ethical concerns.
• Ecological Impact: Sudden removal could disrupt rodent control and waste management functions performed by strays.
• Risk of Abuse: Lack of monitoring might lead to covert culling under the guise of relocation.
• Rights-Based Critique: May be seen as undermining the intrinsic rights of animals and compassion-based governance.

Way Forward

• Humane Shelter Models: Ensure adequate space, veterinary care, and nutrition.
• Mass Vaccination Drives: Combine removal with preventive health measures to eradicate rabies.
• Adoption and Community Participation: Promote responsible adoption under strict guidelines.
• Policy Harmonisation: Amend ABC Rules to align with SC directions and resolve legal inconsistencies.
• Awareness and Behavioural Change: Community-level campaigns on rabies prevention and civic responsibility.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the tension between public health imperatives and animal welfare ethics. While it seeks to secure citizens’ right to safe public spaces, it also raises concerns of legality, humane treatment, and ecological balance. Going forward, the challenge lies in striking a balance between constitutional morality (right to life) and compassion ethics (animal welfare) through coherent policy design and ethical urban governance.

In News:

India is intensifying efforts to combat micronutrient deficiencies and enhancenutritional security by introducing biofortified potatoes with enhanced iron content. These varieties, developed by the International Potato Center (CIP), Peru, are being adapted for Indian conditions in collaboration with the ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla.

What are Biofortified Potatoes?

• Definition: Specially bred potatoes enriched with higher levels of iron, zinc, and vitamin C compared to conventional varieties.
• Objective: Address iron deficiency anemia and “hidden hunger” without compromising yield or taste.
• Development: CIP has released iron-rich potato varieties in Peru, now under evaluation and seed multiplication for Indian farmers.

Sweet Potatoes with Vitamin A

• Biofortified Sweet Potatoes with high beta-carotene (Vitamin A precursor) are already cultivated in Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Assam.
• Their bright orange flesh indicates nutritional richness, helping prevent night blindness, strengthen immunity, and improve child growth.
• ICAR-CTCRI’s SP-95/4 variety combines high beta-carotene with good yield, enhancing tribal nutrition.
• Advantages: Long shelf life (up to 2 years without refrigeration), versatile in food preparation, and suitable for Mid-Day Meal and nutrition schemes.

Institutional Initiatives

• CIP South Asia Regional Centre is being set up in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, within the Indo-Gangetic Plains – the world’s largest potato-producing region – to strengthen R&D and seed access.
• ICAR’s Wider Biofortification Drive:
  • Released 61 biofortified crop varieties, including 34 field crops (cereals, pulses, millets, oilseeds) and 27 horticultural crops (tubers, vegetables, medicinal plants).
  • Examples:
    • CR Dhan 416: Salinity-resistant rice with pest resistance.
    • Durum Wheat: Rich in zinc (41.1 ppm), iron (38.5 ppm), and 12% protein.

Biofortification: Concept and Importance

• Definition: Enhancing the nutrient content of crops through conventional breeding, agronomic practices, or biotechnology while preserving consumer-preferred traits.
• Examples:
  • Iron-rich: Rice, beans, sweet potato, cassava, legumes.
  • Zinc-rich: Wheat, rice, maize, beans.
  • Vitamin A-rich: Sweet potato, maize, cassava.
  • Protein/amino acid-rich: Sorghum, cassava.

Significance for India

• Public Health: Addresses widespread iron deficiency anemia, especially among women and children.
• Agricultural Sustainability: Promotes nutritionally dense crops without heavy reliance on supplements.
• Policy Alignment: Supports PoshanAbhiyaan, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
• Economic Benefits: Enhances farmer incomes by creating demand for nutrient-rich crops.

In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme with a total outlay of ?4,200 crore (2025–26 to 2029–30). This includes ?2,100 crore World Bank loan assistance. The scheme seeks to transform India’s technical education landscape in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.

Coverage

• Institutions: 275 government/government-aided technical institutions (175 engineering institutions + 100 polytechnics).
• Beneficiaries: Around 7.5 lakh students across all States and Union Territories.
• Stakeholders: National Institutes of Technology (NITs), State Engineering Institutions, Affiliating Technical Universities (ATUs), with implementation support from IITs, IIMs, AICTE, and NBA.

Objectives

• Improve quality, equity, and governance in technical education.
• Align curricula with labour market requirements.
• Strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem.
• Support State/UT technical education departments in digitalization and quality assurance.

Key Focus Areas

1. Digital Transformation: ICT-enabled learning, blended teaching models.
2. Multidisciplinary Programs: Introduction of NEP-2020 aligned technical courses.
3. Skill & Employability Enhancement: Internships, industry-linked curricula, language labs, skill/maker labs.
4. Research and Innovation: Establishing research hubs, incubation centres, innovation labs.
5. Faculty & Governance: Faculty development programs, creation of academic administrators with focus on women leadership.
6. Accreditation & Quality Assurance: Strengthening institutional governance and accountability.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased student employability and higher placement rates.
• Improved research output and innovation ecosystem.
• Greater equity and inclusion in technical education, with emphasis on reducing gender gaps and digital divide.
• Enhanced global competitiveness of Indian technical institutions.

Employment Generation Impact

By modernising technical education and strengthening linkages with industry, MERITE is expected to:

• Improve fresh graduates’ placement prospects.
• Foster entrepreneurship through incubation and innovation centres.
• Contribute to reducing unemployment among engineering graduates.

Background and Significance

India’s sustainable and inclusive growth hinges on technological advancement, which demands upgraded academic and research standards. MERITE builds upon NEP-2020 reforms such as curriculum revamp, skill development, interdisciplinary learning, and enhanced governance. Importantly, it integrates global expertise through the World Bank partnership.

The scheme also ensures participatory governance, incorporating feedback from States/UTs during policy design, thereby strengthening cooperative federalism in higher education reform.

In News:

A recent study published in Science Advances has highlighted that over 9.3% of the world’s land surface is at high (6.3%) or very high (3%) risk of zoonotic outbreaks — diseases transmitted between animals and humans. About 3% of the global population lives in extremely high-risk areas, while nearly 20% live in medium-risk zones.

The study introduced a Global Epidemic Risk Index, combining country-specific zoonotic risk factors with national preparedness capacities, to help policymakers strengthen health systems, allocate resources effectively, and enhance global cooperation.

Disease Burden and Examples

• Zoonotic diseases account for 60% of all known infectious diseases and up to 75% of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs).
• Globally, they cause 2.5 billion cases and 2.7 million deaths annually.
• Examples: Rabies, anthrax, influenza (H1N1, H5N1), Nipah virus, brucellosis, tuberculosis, Ebola, SARS, MERS, and Covid-19.

Drivers of Spillover Events

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity heighten risks by altering habitats and vector distribution.
• Land Use Change: Deforestation, urban expansion, and agricultural intensification increase human–animal contact.
• Transmission Routes:
  • Direct (e.g., avian influenza)
  • Food-borne (e.g., salmonella)
  • Vector-borne (e.g., West Nile virus)
  • Water-borne (e.g., cryptosporidiosis)

Regional Vulnerabilities

• Latin America: 27% of land at high risk
• Oceania: 18.6%
• Asia: 7%
• Africa: 5%

India’s Vulnerability

• An ICMR study (2018–23) found that 8.3% of all reported outbreaks (583 of 6,948) were zoonotic.
• Outbreaks peaked during June–August, linked to monsoon-driven ecological changes.
• The Northeast region accounted for 35.8% of reported zoonotic outbreaks.

India’s Initiatives

• National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): Mass vaccination to eliminate Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis.
  • Target: Control FMD by 2025 and eradicate by 2030.
• National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses (2013): Integrated surveillance and inter-sectoral coordination.
• Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023: Rabies vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs.
• Rabies Vaccination under ASCAD (Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme).

Global Initiatives

• Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC): Launched by IAEA (2020) for early detection and rapid response.
• World Zoonoses Day (6 July): Marks Louis Pasteur’s rabies vaccine in 1885.
• G20 Pandemic Fund: Financial support for strengthening preparedness and response.
• Global Early Warning System (GLEWS): A WHO–FAO–WOAH collaboration for coordinated zoonotic disease surveillance.

One Health Approach

The One Health framework recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It promotes collaborative, multisectoral strategies for sustainable disease prevention and response.

In News:

South Africa, which shelters the world’s largest rhino population, has lost over 10,000 rhinos in the last decade to poaching driven by the illegal horn trade in Asian markets. To counter this crisis, the University of the Witwatersrand, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has launched the Rhisotope Project (2024) — a novel initiative using radioactive isotopes to protect rhinos.

What is the Rhisotope Project?

• A non-invasive procedure where rhino horns are injected with low doses of radioisotopes.
• The process is harmless to rhinos but makes horns:
  • Detectable through Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) and scanners at borders, ports, and airports — even in sealed shipping containers.
  • Toxic and unfit for human use, reducing demand in illegal trade.
• Pilot studies (2024–25):
  • 20 rhinos in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve were treated.
  • Tests by Ghent University (Belgium) showed no cellular damage or health impact.
  • 3D-printed horns used in trials confirmed detectability in container loads.

Why Radioisotopes?

• Radioisotopes are unstable forms of elements that emit ionising radiation (alpha, beta, gamma) to achieve stability.
• They are easily traceable with nuclear detection systems.
• Already widely used in medicine (I-131 for thyroid, Tc-99m for imaging), archaeology (C-14 dating), and industry.

The Scale of the Crisis

• Global rhino numbers: Declined from ~5,00,000 in the early 20th century to ~27,000 today (IUCN).
• South Africa: Lost 103 rhinos to poaching in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
• Conventional measures like dehorning reduce poaching but disrupt rhino social behaviour and habitat use. The Rhisotope Project offers a less disruptive alternative.

Broader Conservation Significance

• If successful, the method could be extended to other endangered species like elephants and pangolins.
• It represents an international collaboration that combines nuclear science with wildlife conservation, redefining the role of technology in biodiversity protection.

Threats Beyond Poaching

• Invasive species: Plants like Parthenium threaten habitats (e.g., Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the densest one-horned rhino population).
• Climate change: Intensified droughts and monsoons push rhinos into human-dominated landscapes, increasing conflicts.
• Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and human settlement.

Rhino Conservation Initiatives

• Global/Regional:
  • New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos (2019)
  • DNA Profiling of all Rhinos for tracking and protection
• India-specific:
  • National Rhino Conservation Strategy
  • Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (for Assam’s one-horned rhinos)

About the IAEA

• Established in 1957 as the UN’s “Atoms for Peace”organisation.
• Promotes peaceful applications of nuclear technology while preventing misuse for weapons.
• 178 member states; India is a founding member.
• Awarded the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize for contributions to nuclear safety and disarmament.
• HQ: Vienna, Austria. Reports to both UNGA and UNSC.

In News:

The Government of India launched the National Narcotics Helpline MANAS (Madak-PadarthNishedAsoochna Kendra) to strengthen citizen participation in the fight against the drug menace. The initiative, spearheaded by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), functions as a secure, bilingual, and citizen-centric platform to enable anonymous reporting of drug trafficking, illicit cultivation, and related crimes, while also providing counselling and rehabilitation support.

Key Features of MANAS

• Helpline Number: 1933 (Toll-Free)
• Digital Access: Web portal (www.ncbmanas.gov.in), Email (info.ncbmanas@gov.in), and UMANG Mobile App
• Integration: Direct transfer to the MoSJE De-addiction Helpline (14446) for rehabilitation guidance
• Awareness Outreach: Posters, videos, contests, and citizen engagement through MyGov platform under the Drug-Free Bharat campaign

India’s Legal & Policy Framework Against Drug Abuse

• Constitutional Backing: Article 47 directs the State to prohibit intoxicating substances except for medicinal purposes.
• Legislation:
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
  • Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act, 1988
  • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
• International Conventions: India is party to the
  • Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (amended 1972)
  • Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971
  • UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988
• Other Initiatives: NIDAAN Portal (for drug law offenders), NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan (community-based de-addiction programme).

Significance for Governance & Society

The MANAS helpline marks a shift from enforcement-centric approaches to a citizen-participatory, tech-enabled model. It bridges law enforcement, rehabilitation, and public awareness, reflecting India’s commitment to a balanced supply and demand reduction strategy against narcotics.

In News:

India celebrated World Lion Day 2025 at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, marking a milestone in wildlife conservation. The event highlighted the success of Project Lion, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15th August 2020, and underscored India’s global leadership in protecting the endangered Asiatic Lion (Panthera leopersica).

Status of Asiatic Lions

• Population Growth: Numbers rose from 284 in 1990 to 674 in 2020, and further to 891 in 2025(16th Lion Census). This reflects a 32% increase since 2020 and 70% rise over the last decade.
• Distribution: The lions roam across ~35,000 sq. km in 11 districts of Saurashtra, with Gir National Park as the core habitat. In recent years, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (192 sq. km) has emerged as a second home, hosting 17 lions including 11 cubs.
• Global Significance: If Asiatic lions survive anywhere today, it is solely in India—making their conservation a matter of both ecological and national pride.

Ecological and Cultural Importance

• Apex Predators: Regulate herbivore populations, prevent overgrazing, and maintain ecosystem balance.
• Cultural Symbolism: Depicted on the National Emblem and Indian currency, symbolizing strength and heritage.
• Unique Traits: Asiatic lions are smaller than African lions, with a distinct belly fold and less prominent mane (ears remain visible).

Conservation Measures

1. Project Lion (2020–2030)

• Budget: ?2,927 crore sanctioned.
• Focus Areas:
  • Habitat improvement and prey base augmentation.
  • Scientific monitoring using GPS, GIS-based real-time surveillance, and automated sensor grids.
  • Veterinary healthcare (National Referral Centre at Junagadh).
  • Human–wildlife conflict mitigation.
  • Community participation and eco-tourism.

2. Greater Gir Concept: Expands protected landscapes toGirnar, Pania, Mitiyala, and Bardasanctuaries to reduce habitat pressure.

3. Recent Developments

• ?180 crore wildlife and ecotourism initiative launched in 2025 for new habitats, safari park, and veterinary facilities.
• Barda Safari Park & Zoo approved to boost ecotourism and conservation.
• Return of lions to Barda after 143 years, enhancing biodiversity and eco-tourism potential.

4. Global Cooperation

• International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA, 2023): A platform of 97 countries for sharing knowledge and resources on big cat conservation.

Conservation Status

• Panthera leo (Lion)IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Green Status: Largely Depleted).
• CITES: Appendix I.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I species.
• Part of India’s Species Recovery Programme under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Development of Wildlife Habitat.

In News:

India’s space programme is set for a major expansion with the Third Satellite Launch Pad (TLP) being developed at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The facility, sanctioned in March 2025, is expected to be fully operational by March 2029, significantly strengthening India’s ability to handle next-generation launch vehicles (NGLV) and ambitious human spaceflight missions.

Development Timeline and Infrastructure

The TLP project has been structured with clear milestones:

• Civil works: by May 2028
• Fluid and propellant storage systems: by July 2028
• Launch pad systems: by September 2028
• Commissioning: by March 2029

Preliminary geotechnical investigations and topographic surveys were completed in May 2025. Currently, tenders for essential road, electrical, and infrastructure works are under evaluation.

Objectives and Capabilities

• Support NGLV Operations: The 91-metre-tall Next Generation Launch Vehicle, designed with semi-cryogenic stages, will have a payload capacity of up to 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)—a major leap from existing LVM3 capabilities.
• Backup for LVM3: Ensures continuity of operations in case of single-pad disruption.
• Enable Human Spaceflight: Provides critical infrastructure for the Gaganyaan mission, future astronaut flights, and crewed lunar landing plans by 2040.
• Facilitate Deep-Space Missions: Supports long-term goals like BharatiyaAntariksh Station (2035), lunar missions, and interplanetary exploration.

Key Features

• Advanced Propellant Systems: Compatible with cryogenic and semi-cryogenic fuels with higher thrust requirements.
• New Jet Deflection Systems: Built to withstand the powerful thrust of next-gen rockets.
• Make-in-India Integration: Emphasis on collaboration with private industry and MSMEs, ensuring maximum indigenous participation in design, construction, and manufacturing.
• Modular Construction: Use of multiple work packages for efficient execution.
• Increased Launch Capacity: Enhances frequency, redundancy, and capability to handle commercial as well as strategic missions.

Strategic Significance

1. Redundancy and Reliability – Reduces dependence on two existing pads, mitigating risks of delays due to maintenance or failure.
2. Future-Proofing India’s Space Infrastructure – Specifically designed for larger payloads, human-rated systems, and next-gen propulsion.
3. Boost to Space Economy – By enabling frequent and diverse launches, TLP supports India’s rising commercial space sector under the Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
4. Geopolitical Leverage – Strengthens India’s position in the global space economy, catering to both domestic and international clients.

In News:

A Lancet Global Health study (2023), based on the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), has highlighted the alarming rise of diabetes among Indians aged 45 years and above. The findings underscore the urgent need for universal screening, awareness, and improved management strategies to address this public health challenge.

Key Findings of the Study

• Prevalence: One in five Indians aged 45+ (approx. 20%) had diabetes in 2019.
• Undiagnosed Diabetes: Nearly 40% of people with diabetes were unaware of their condition—around 20 million Indians remain undiagnosed.
• Treatment Gaps:
  • 5% had untreated diabetes.
  • 47% were under-treated.
  • Only 36% were adequately treated.
• Awareness and Treatment: Once aware, 94% of patients sought treatment, highlighting the impact of diagnosis.
• Control Rates:
  • 46% achieved blood sugar control,
  • 59% achieved blood pressure control,
  • 6% used lipid-lowering medicines.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Urban prevalence (30%) was nearly double that of rural areas (15%).
• Gender Gap: Prevalence was similar in men (19.6%) and women (20.1%).
• Regional Trends:
  • Highest rates: Chandigarh (36.9%), Kerala (36%), Puducherry (36%).
  • Largest number of diabetics: Tamil Nadu (6.1 mn), Maharashtra (5.8 mn), Uttar Pradesh (4.7 mn).
• Methodology: Diagnosis based on HbA1c testing (3-month blood sugar average), more accurate than random glucose tests used in earlier surveys.

Understanding Diabetes

• Type 1: Autoimmune; body destroys insulin-producing cells. Requires lifelong insulin.
• Type 2: Accounts for 95%+ of cases; due to insulin resistance or inadequate production; linked to obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and genetics. Preventable via lifestyle changes.
• Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy; increases risk of complications and later Type 2 diabetes.
• Type 5 (Newly Recognized): Seen in lean adolescents (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²); caused by malnutrition damaging pancreatic beta cells, leading to insulin deficiency.

India’s Policy and Programmatic Response

• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health and Wellness Centres): Provide population-based diabetes screening.
• Fit India Movement: Encourages preventive health and fitness practices.
• School Interventions: CBSE mandates ‘sugar boards’ to educate students about hidden sugars and health risks.
• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS): Strengthens NCD screening and management across primary healthcare.

In News:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently released the recommendations of its Internal Working Group (IWG) constituted to review the Liquidity Management Framework (LMF), which has been operational since February 2020. The review seeks to enhance efficiency, transparency, and predictability in liquidity operations—crucial for ensuring smooth monetary policy transmission.

Liquidity Management Framework (LMF):

• Objective: To manage systemic liquidity and guide short-term interest rates in alignment with monetary policy objectives.
• Core Mechanism: Operates through the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)—using repo (liquidity injection) and reverse repo (liquidity absorption) operations.
• Corridor System: The policy repo rate sits at the middle of the interest rate corridor, while the Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR) serves as the operating target of monetary policy.
• Other Tools: Open Market Operations (OMO), Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) for durable liquidity; and Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) for absorbing surplus liquidity.

Key Recommendations of the IWG

1. WACR as Operating Target
   • Recommendation: Continue using overnight WACR as the operating target.
   • Rationale: WACR strongly correlates with collateralized overnight money market rates, making it reliable for transmitting policy signals across the system.
2. Discontinuation of 14-day VRR/VRRR as Main Operation
   • Recommendation: Replace 14-day Variable Rate Repo/Reverse Repo (VRR/VRRR) as the main liquidity management tool.
   • Alternative: Manage transient liquidity primarily through 7-day repo/reverse repo operations and other operations (overnight to 14-day tenor) at RBI’s discretion.
   • Rationale: 14-day auctions have witnessed lower participation, as banks prefer shorter-tenor instruments like SDF.
3. Advance Notice for Liquidity Operations
   • Recommendation: RBI should provide at least one-day advance notice for repo/reverse repo operations.
   • Exception: Same-day operations may be undertaken in response to evolving liquidity shocks.
   • Rationale: Predictability reduces market uncertainty and stabilizes money market rates.
4. Variable Rate Auction Mechanism
   • Recommendation: Continue using variable rate auctions for repo and reverse repo operations, including longer tenors.
   • Rationale: Enhances price discovery and aligns market rates with liquidity conditions.
5. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) Norms
   • Recommendation: Continue with the 90% daily minimum maintenance requirement of CRR.
   • Rationale: Ensures banks maintain sufficient reserves, preventing liquidity shortfalls.
6. Durable Liquidity Tools
   • Observation: Existing instruments under the LMF are sufficient to meet durable liquidity needs; no changes are required at this stage.

Key Terms:

• WACR (Weighted Average Call Rate): The average overnight interest rate at which banks borrow and lend funds, weighted by transaction volume; RBI’s operating target for monetary policy.
• Repo Rate: Rate at which RBI lends to banks against collateral to inject liquidity.
• Reverse Repo Rate: Rate at which RBI borrows from banks to absorb excess liquidity.
• VRR/VRRR: Auction-based repo/reverse repo operations, where rates are determined by market bids.
• SDF (Standing Deposit Facility): Tool for absorbing liquidity without collateral.
• CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio): Portion of deposits banks must maintain with RBI as liquid cash.

Significance of Recommendations

• For Monetary Policy: Reinforces the role of WACR in aligning short-term rates with policy stance.
• For Markets: Enhances predictability, reducing volatility in money markets.
• For Banks: Offers greater flexibility in managing short-term liquidity needs.
• For RBI: Provides operational flexibility to balance stability with market efficiency.

In News:

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Standard Nuclear as the first company to establish a domestic supply chain for TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) nuclear fuel, marking a major step toward reducing dependence on Russian uranium and advancing nuclear innovation. The initiative, part of DOE’s Fuel Line Pilot Program (2025), is designed to strengthen US energy security, promote private sector participation, and accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.

Why TRISO Matters

TRISO is a next-generation nuclear fuel specifically engineered for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) and molten salt-cooled reactors, both of which fall under Generation IV (Gen-IV) advanced reactor designs.

• Composition: TRISO fuel consists of a uranium–carbon–oxygen fuel kernel encapsulated by three protective layers of carbon and ceramic materials.
• Form: The particles are extremely small—seed-sized—and can be fabricated into cylindrical pellets or “pebbles.”
• Key Features:
  • Extreme durability: Resistant to neutron irradiation, corrosion, oxidation, and very high temperatures.
  • Self-containment: Each particle acts as its own containment system, preventing radiation leakage even under extreme reactor conditions.
  • Versatility: Compatible with multiple advanced reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs).

This makes TRISO structurally and functionally superior to conventional nuclear fuels, ensuring safer, more reliable, and more efficient reactor performance.

Strategic Implications

• Energy Security & Supply Chains
  • The US has historically relied on imports of enriched uranium, particularly from Russia.
  • By developing domestic TRISO production in Tennessee and Idaho, the DOE seeks to build a resilient nuclear fuel ecosystem independent of geopolitical disruptions.
• Advanced Reactor Deployment
  • DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program targets at least three new advanced reactor designs to achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.
  • TRISO fuel is central to this push, enabling safer operation of SMRs and Gen-IV reactors, both of which are crucial to America’s clean energy transition.
• Private–Public Partnership
  • Standard Nuclear will finance construction, operation, and decommissioning of TRISO fabrication facilities.
  • Reactor developers will source nuclear material feedstock, partly through DOE’s high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) allocation program.
• Technological Momentum
  • Other firms, such as BWX Technologies (BWXT), have also developed TRISO production lines, including uranium nitride TRISO, in collaboration with Idaho and Oak Ridge National Laboratories.
  • These advancements reinforce US leadership in nuclear innovation while supporting its broader climate and national security goals.

In News:

Tuvalu, a small Pacific island nation, is undertaking the world’s first planned national migration due to the existential threat posed by climate change and rising sea levels. The initiative stems from the Falepili Union Treaty (2023) signed between Tuvalu and Australia, marking a landmark case in global climate governance and migration policy.

Why Migration is Needed

• Geography & Vulnerability: Tuvalu consists of nine coral atolls with a total land area of just 25.14 sq. km and a population of ~11,000 (2022 census). Its average elevation is only 2 metres, making it highly vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion.
• Climate Impact:
  • NASA’s Sea Level Change Team reported that sea levels in Tuvalu were already 15 cm higher in 2023 compared to the previous 30 years.
  • At this rate, most of Tuvalu could be submerged by 2050.
  • Two of its nine atolls are already largely underwater.
  • Scientists warn the islands may become uninhabitable within 80 years.

The Falepili Union Treaty (2023)

• Migration Provision: Australia will grant 280 Tuvaluans permanent residency annually, with access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment.
• Selection Mechanism: Migration is ballot-based. The first phase (June–July 2025) saw 8,750 registrations. The first group of 280 migrants was selected on 25 July 2025.
• Scale: Along with other pathways to Australia and New Zealand, up to 4% of Tuvalu’s population could migrate annually. Within a decade, nearly 40% of the population may relocate, although some may return periodically.
• Objective: To ensure “mobility with dignity”, preventing Tuvaluans from becoming stateless climate refugees.

International Significance

• Precedent for Climate Migration: This is the first-ever state-backed relocation of an entire population due to climate change, setting a model for other vulnerable island nations.
• Global Climate Justice: Tuvalu’s case highlights the plight of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the urgent need for stronger international climate agreements.
• Diplomatic Signalling: Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo has called for a new global treaty safeguarding nations at risk from rising seas.

About Tuvalu

• Location: Polynesian island nation in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Australia and Hawaii.
• Capital: Funafuti.
• Population: ~11,000 (second least populous UN member after Vatican City).
• Economy: Relies on fishing licenses, foreign aid, and remittances from Tuvaluan seafarers.
• UN Membership: Since 2000; actively champions the rights of climate-vulnerable states.

In News:

Recently, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan released thedeclassified versions of India’s Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace Operations and Amphibious Operations. This step reflects India’s effort to enhance jointness, interoperability, and transparency in military operations while strengthening preparedness for multi-domain warfare.

Cyberspace Operations Doctrine

What is Cyberspace?

• A global domain comprising information systems, communication networks, satellites, and data infrastructures.
• It is borderless, dual-use (civilian and military), and subject to rapidly evolving threats.

Components of Cyberspace Operations

1. Defensive Cyber Operations – Protects national and military networks against malware, hacking, and data breaches.
2. Offensive Cyber Operations – Targets adversary systems to disrupt communications, disable command networks, or damage infrastructure.
3. Cyber Intelligence & Reconnaissance – Collects and analyses data to detect vulnerabilities and anticipate attacks.
4. Cyber Support Operations – Provides digital tools and assistance to land, maritime, air, and space operations.
5. Resilience & Recovery – Ensures continuity through backup systems, redundancies, and rapid restoration measures.

Operational Principles

• Threat-informed Planning – Based on real-time intelligence.
• Interoperability – Seamless coordination across the three Services and with civil agencies.
• Layered Defence – Multi-tiered cyber security protocols.
• Legal & Ethical Compliance – Operates within Indian law and global cyber norms.
• Real-time Response – Swift counteraction to minimise damage.

Significance:

• Shields critical infrastructure (power grids, defence networks, communication systems).
• Acts as a force multiplier, enhancing conventional operations.
• Prepares India for hybrid warfare, where cyber, land, sea, and air threats are interlinked.

Amphibious Operations Doctrine

What are Amphibious Operations?

• Coordinated actions by naval, air, and land forces launched from the sea to secure objectives onshore.
• Applications range from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

Key Features

• Tri-service Integration – Combines maritime, aerial, and ground assets.
• Rapid Response – Enables swift deployment from sea to shore.
• Strategic Reach – Expands influence over island territories and littoral regions.
• Flexible Missions – Suitable for both warfare and non-war operations (e.g., disaster relief).
• Maritime–Land Linkage – Strengthens the sea–land operational continuum.

Significance:

• Enhances maritime superiority in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Secures India’s island territories, trade routes, and coastal areas.
• Strengthens India’s blue-water navy aspirations and capacity for overseas contingencies.
• Provides options for HADR missions, vital in the Indo-Pacific where natural disasters are frequent.

Strategic Importance of Doctrines

The release of these doctrines marks a major step in joint military planning and multi-domain operations. They:

• Promote synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reducing duplication of efforts.
• Build resilience against hybrid threats, including cyber-attacks and maritime conflicts.
• Signal India’s intent to safeguard its national security and global strategic interests.
• Provide policymakers and military planners with a common framework and lexicon.

Further, the CDS has initiated work on new doctrines covering Military Space Operations, Special Forces Operations, Airborne/Heliborne Operations, Integrated Logistics, and Multi-Domain Operations. These will ensure India remains prepared for the emerging spectrum of modern warfare.

In News:

India is set to launch its carbon credit trading market in 2026, with biochar emerging as a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology. Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous, and stable substance produced through pyrolysis (burning biomass without oxygen) ofagricultural residue and municipal solid waste. It offers multiple co-benefits spanning climate mitigation, agriculture, energy, construction, and wastewater treatment.

India’s Untapped Biochar Potential

• Resource base: India generates 600+ million tonnes of agricultural residue and 60+ million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, much of which is burnt or dumped, causing air pollution and GHG emissions.
• Carbon removal: Converting 30–50% of surplus biomass can yield 15–26 million tonnes of biochar, sequestering ~0.1 gigatonne of CO?-eq annually.
• Byproducts:
  • Syngas (20–30 MT): Can generate 8–13 TWh electricity, replacing 0.4–0.7 MT coal/year.
  • Bio-oil (24–40 MT): Can offset 8% of diesel/kerosene demand, reducing >2% of India’s fossil-fuel-based emissions.
• Employment: Village-level pyrolysis units could create 5.2 lakh rural jobs, linking waste management with livelihoods.

Multi-Sectoral Applications

1.Agriculture and Soil Health

• Enhances soil organic carbon and fertility.
• Improves water retention, critical for semi-arid regions.
• Reduces fertilizer needs by 10–20% and increases crop yields by 10–25%.
• Cuts N?O emissions by 30–50% (273× more potent than CO?).
• Example: Andhra Pradesh’s Community Managed Natural Farming has piloted biochar to improve soil quality.

2. Energy and Fuel Substitution

• Syngas and bio-oil provide renewable energy for rural micro-grids and transport.
• Example: Maharashtra pilot projects use pyrolysis gas to replace diesel generators.

3. Construction Sector

• Adding 2–5% biochar to concrete:
  • Increases mechanical strength and heat resistance (+20%).
  • Sequesters ~115 kg CO? per cubic metre.
  • Offers a green alternative to cement, key for India’s infrastructure push.
• Example: IIT-Madras research shows biochar-concrete mix lowers embodied carbon in buildings.

4. Wastewater Treatment

• 1 kg biochar can treat 200–500 litres of wastewater.
• With India producing 70 billion litres/day (72% untreated), biochar offers low-cost, decentralised treatment solutions for rural and urban areas.

In News:

A rare video recently shared by Indian Forest Service officer Susanta Nanda offered a rare glimpse into the secretive life of the clouded leopard (Neofelisnebulosa), showcasing a mother with her cubs in the rainforests of Northeast India. The sighting highlights the critical conservation importance of this elusive and endangered species.

About the Clouded Leopard

• Scientific name:Neofelisnebulosa (mainland Asia); Neofelisdiardi (Sunda clouded leopard, Sumatra & Borneo).
• Classification: Among the most ancient cat species; neither a true “great cat” nor a small cat — cannot roar or purr.
• Size: Medium-sized (60–110 cm long; 11–20 kg); lifespan ~13–17 years.
• Distinctive features:
  • Named for large “cloud-like” coat patterns (ellipses with dark edges).
  • Exceptionally long tail (often body-length) for balance.
  • Long canine teeth, proportionally the same size as those of a tiger.
  • Broad paws and short legs, making it an agile climber; one of the only cats that can climb down trees headfirst, hang upside down, and hunt arboreally.
• Behaviour: Solitary, shy, and nocturnal.

Distribution and Habitat

• Found across Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Indochina, Sumatra, Borneo, and southern China (historically also Taiwan).
• In India: Present in Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Declared the State Animal of Meghalaya.
• Habitat preference: Lowland tropical rainforests, but also found in dry woodlands, secondary forests, high altitudes in the Himalayas, and even mangrove swamps (Borneo).

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List:Vulnerable.
• Global wild population:fewer than 10,000 individuals.
• Threats:
  • Habitat loss (deforestation, infrastructure expansion).
  • Poachingfor pelts and body parts.
  • Human-wildlife conflict.

Conservation Significance

• Rare sightings, such as the video from Northeast India, underscore the species’ ecological and cultural importance.
• Conservationists stress the need for:
  • Habitat protection through transboundary wildlife corridors.
  • Strengthening protected areas across Northeast India.
  • Community participation to reduce conflict and safeguard prey base.

In News:

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the world’s largest living structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1981), has recorded its steepest decline in hard coral cover in nearly four decades, according to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) 2025 survey. The reef, spread over 2,000 km along Australia’s northeast coast and covering ~350,000 sq. km, accounts for nearly 10% of global coral reef ecosystems and hosts extraordinary biodiversity, including 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, 4,000 mollusk species, six of seven turtle species, dugongs, and numerous seabirds.

The 2024–25 Mass Bleaching Event

• The 2024 bleaching, the fifth since 2016, coincided with record ocean heat stress, cyclones, flooding, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks.
• AIMS’ long-term monitoring across 124 reefs (Aug 2024–May 2025) revealed:
  • 48% reefs showed a decline in coral cover,
  • 42% reefs showed no change,
  • Only 10% reefs recorded recovery.
• Some areas, especially in the northern GBR (around Lizard Island), lost over 70% of hard coral cover, the sharpest decline since monitoring began in 1986.

Regional Breakdown of Coral Loss (2024–25)

• Northern GBR: Coral cover dropped from 39.8% to 30% (–24.8%), driven by record heat stress, cyclones, and freshwater inundation.
• Central GBR: Cover fell by 13.9% to 28.6%, with Cairns sector reefs losing 6–60% due to Cyclone Jasper (2023) and flooding.
• Southern GBR: Sharpest relative loss, down from 38.9% to 26.9% (–30.6%), largely due to extreme heat stress in the Capricorn-Bunker sector, storm damage, and coral disease.

Drivers of Decline

1. Climate change-induced heat stress – primary driver of bleaching.
2. Cyclones & floods – physical damage and sedimentation.
3. Crown-of-thorns starfish – venomous predators that feed on corals.
4. Coral disease – post-bleaching infections weaken recovery.

Oscillating Ecosystem Under Stress

• Acropora corals, fast-growing and heat-resilient species that helped reef recovery (2017–24), were worst hit.
• Scientists warn of increasing volatility in coral cover, shifting between record highs and lows within short periods.
• Before the 1990s, mass bleaching was rare (first major event: 1998). Since 2020, GBR has faced bleaching in 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025, with two consecutive years of mass bleaching for the second time in a decade.

Global Perspective

According to the US NOAA, between Jan 2023 and May 2025, 83.9% of global coral reef area experienced bleaching-level heat stress, with mass bleaching reported in at least 83 countries and territories.

Conservation & Outlook

The GBR, managed largely under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, remains one of the most studied ecosystems. However, repeated bleaching events are leaving insufficient recovery time, pushing the ecosystem toward collapse. Scientists warn the window to save the GBR is rapidly closing without urgent global climate action.

In News:

The United States has achieved a major milestone by deploying its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), known as Dark Eagle, to Australia’s Northern Territory during the Talisman Sabre 2025 multinational military exercise. This marks the system’s first-ever overseas deployment and represents a critical step in strengthening U.S. deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

Features:

• Range & Speed: Approximately 2,700–2,776 km with a reported velocity of up to Mach 17.
• Design: A land-based, road-mobile system comprising four trailer-mounted launchers, each with two missile canisters.
• Warhead: Equipped with the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB), an unpowered yet maneuverable glide vehicle capable of evading interception.
• Deployment Capability: Road-mobile, air-transportable (C-17), and integrated with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).
• Developers: Jointly developed by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, with collaboration from the U.S. Navy on the glide body and boosters.
• Mission Role: Designed to penetrate anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) networks, suppress enemy defenses, and engage time-sensitive, high-value targets.

Exercise Talisman Sabre

For the first time, India participated in the 11th edition of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, a large-scale Australia-led multinational military exercise. This reflects India’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific security architecture and deepening defense cooperation with like-minded partners.

• Launch & Evolution: Initiated in 2005 as a bilateral drill between Australia and the United States, it has expanded into a premier multinational warfighting exercise.
• Scale: The 2025 edition is the largest-ever, involving over 35,000 personnel from 19 nations including Australia, U.S., India, Japan, France, U.K., and others.
• Geographical Spread: Conducted across Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Christmas Island, with a first-ever extension to Papua New Guinea, underscoring wider regional engagement.
• Objective:
  • To uphold a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
  • Enhance military readiness, interoperability, and joint operational capabilities.
  • Reinforce regional security cooperation among allies and partners.
• Activities: Includes live-fire drills, amphibious landings, ground maneuvers, air combat, maritime operations, and force preparation exercises, testing joint warfighting capabilities.

Key India-Australia Military Exercises

• AUSINDEX – Naval exercise.
• Pitch Black – Multinational air exercise.
• AustraHind – Bilateral military exercise.

Key India-U.S. Military Exercises

• YudhAbhyas – Joint military training.
• Vajra Prahar – Special Forces exercise.
• Cope India – Air combat exercise.
• Tiger Triumph – Tri-services amphibious exercise.

In News:

Recently, southern France witnessed its worst wildfire since 1949, scorching nearly 16,000 hectares (39,500+ acres) of forests and villages—an area 1.5 times the size of Paris. Though the blaze has now been contained, firefighters remain deployed to prevent flare-ups and secure the affected zone.

Causes and Challenges

• Climatic Drivers: Officials and France’s Environment Minister attributed the fire’s intensity to climate change, prolonged drought, strong winds, and extremely dry vegetation.
• Geographic Factors: Proximity to the Pyrenees mountains and the Mediterranean coast made the terrain vulnerable to rapid fire spread. Loss of traditional vineyards and land-use changes further accelerated the blaze.
• Future Risks: France’s weather office has warned of fresh heatwaves, increasing wildfire vulnerability across southern Europe.

Geographic Overview of France

• Location: Northern & Eastern Hemispheres; bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Andorra.
• Water Bodies: Bounded by the Bay of Biscay (west), English Channel (northwest), and Mediterranean Sea (south).
• Major Rivers:Loire (into Atlantic), Seine (into English Channel).
• Mountain Ranges:Alps, Jura, and Pyrenees (natural border with Spain).
• Resources: Coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, potash, gypsum, etc.
• Overseas Regions: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, Martinique, Mayotte.
• Capital: Paris.

In News:

The Government of India has launched the Notary Portal, a dedicated digital platform designed to modernize services under the Notaries Act, 1952 and the Notaries Rules, 1956. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Law and Justice, aims to create a faceless, paperless, transparent, and efficient system for notarial services.

Key Features

• Online Interface: Connects notaries appointed by the Central Government with the Ministry for seamless service delivery.
• Services Offered:
  • Submission of applications for appointment as notaries.
  • Verification of eligibility for appointment.
  • Issuance of digitally signed Certificates of Practice.
  • Renewal of certificates, change of practice area, and submission of annual returns.
• Current Status: Modules for verification of documents, eligibility checks, and issuance of digitally signed certificates are operational.

Significance

• Enhances transparency and efficiency in legal certification processes.
• Reduces paperwork, delays, and physical interface, thereby minimizing scope for corruption.
• Aligns with the government’s broader agenda of Digital India and modernization of legal services.

In News:

The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, inaugurated the second edition of UN Women’s flagship capacity-building programme — SheLeads II: Workshop for Women Leaders in New Delhi (August 2025). The initiative seeks to strengthen women’s political leadership, a crucial step towards women-led development and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Key Highlights:

• The workshop comes in the backdrop of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, mandating 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
• Despite this landmark reform, only 14% of seats in the 18th Lok Sabha are currently occupied by women, highlighting the urgent need for leadership training and political empowerment.

About SheLeadsProgramme

• Flagship Initiative: Launched by the UN Women India Country Office.
• Aim: Advance gender equality in public and political leadership, equipping women with skills, confidence, and networks to contest elections and participate effectively in governance.
• Scope: Supports women leaders in shaping policies, governance structures, and electoral narratives that reflect the aspirations of all citizens.
• Participation: In 2025, over 260 applications from 22 states were received; 36 participants were selected for the two-day workshop.
• Engagement: Interactive sessions with MPs, policy experts, and media strategists on electoral campaigning, governance, narrative building, and media engagement.

About UN Women

• Established in 2010 by the UN General Assembly, consolidating resources and mandates under one entity.
• Mandate:
  • Support intergovernmental bodies (e.g., Commission on the Status of Women) in framing global standards.
  • Assist member states in implementing gender equality commitments through technical and financial support.
  • Partner with civil society to advance women’s rights and empowerment.

In News:

India has achieved a milestone in its clean energy transition with the discovery of a record-low price of ?55.75/kg (USD 641/MT) for Green Ammonia in the first-ever auction conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme, a core component of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).

About the SIGHT Scheme

• Nature: Flagship financial mechanism under NGHM.
• Nodal Ministries: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG).
• Objective:
  • Scale up green hydrogen and its derivatives (like green ammonia).
  • Make them cost-competitive with fossil-based alternatives.
  • Create domestic demand across fertilizer, refining, and shipping sectors.
• Financial Outlay: ?17,490 crore (till 2029–30) out of the total NGHM budget of ?19,744 crore.
• Implementation Modes:
  • Mode 1: Incentives to lowest incentive seekers.
  • Mode 2A: Aggregated demand for Green Ammonia (fixed incentive).
  • Mode 2B: Aggregated demand for Green Hydrogen (fixed incentive).
• Incentive Structure (Mode 2B): ?50/kg (Year 1), ?40/kg (Year 2), ?30/kg (Year 3).
• Monitoring: A joint MNRE–MoPNG committee ensures compliance with notified green hydrogen standards.

First Green Ammonia Auction (Mode-2A)

• Winning Bid: ?55.75/kg (down from ?100.28/kg discovered in H2Global auction 2024).
• Quantity: 75,000 MTPA out of a total tendered 7.24 lakh MTPA.
• Offtaker:Paradeep Phosphates Ltd., Odisha.
• Contract: Fixed 10-year supply, ensuring price stability and supply chain reliability.
• Global Comparison: Price is slightly higher than grey ammonia (USD 515/MT, March 2025) but provides strong economic incentives for clean transition.

In News:

A recent rare case from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, reported a fetus developing in the liver—a condition termed intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy. This has drawn attention to ectopic pregnancies, a critical medical concern.

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

• An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, instead of the uterine lining.
• The fallopian tube is the most common site (called tubal pregnancy).
• Other possible sites include the ovary, abdominal cavity, cervix, or, in extremely rare cases, the liver.

Causes

• Blockage or abnormal movement of the fertilised egg.
• Inflammation or scarring of fallopian tubes.
• Damage from prior surgeries or pelvic infections.
• Congenital irregularities in the structure of the fallopian tubes.

Symptoms

• Early pregnancy-like signs: missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness.
• Progressive symptoms:
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Back pain, shoulder pain, dizziness
  • Low blood pressure in severe cases.

Risks & Complications

• If untreated, ectopic pregnancy can cause rupture of the fallopian tube, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
• It is a medical emergency and a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.

Treatment

• Methotrexate (a drug that stops cell growth and dissolves existing cells) may be used in some cases.
• Surgical intervention is required in cases of rupture or internal bleeding.

In News:

According to the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) 2024, released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India has emerged as the world’s 5th-largest aviation market, handling 211 million passengers in 2024.

Key Findings of WATS 2024

• India: 211 million passengers in 2024, growing 11.1% over 2023.
• Ahead of: Japan (205 million, 18.6% growth).
• Global Rankings:
  1. United States – 876 million passengers (+5.2%).
  2. China – 741 million passengers (+18.7%).
  3. United Kingdom – 261 million passengers.
  4. Spain – 241 million passengers.
  5. India – 211 million passengers.
• Busiest Routes (Airport Pairs):
  • Global:Jeju–Seoul (South Korea) – 13.2 million passengers.
  • India: Mumbai–Delhi – 5.9 million passengers, ranked 7th globally.