In News:

A Bengaluru-based quantum technology startup, QNu Labs Pvt. Ltd., supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), has successfully demonstrated India’s first large-scale Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network spanning over 500 kilometres.
The demonstration was formally announced during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.

Institutional and Strategic Support

• Funding Support: I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation (Technology Innovation Hub under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems – NMICPS, hosted at IISER Pune)
• Defence Collaboration: Indian Army (Southern Command) and Corps of Signals
• Model of Collaboration: STRIDE – Synergy of Technology, Research, Industry and Defence Ecosystem

What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?

• Quantum Key Distribution is a quantum-secure communication technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and exchange encryption keys between two parties.
• Key principle: Any attempt to intercept or observe quantum information disturbs its state, making eavesdropping immediately detectable, unlike classical encryption methods.

How QKD Works

• Transmits photons (light particles) through optical fibre
• Information is encoded as qubits
• Measurement or cloning by an intruder alters quantum states
• After error correction and privacy amplification, communicating parties obtain a shared secret key
• The key is used for end-to-end encrypted communication

Types of QKD

• Prepare-and-Measure Protocols: Example – BB84 protocol (most widely used)
• Entanglement-Based Protocols: Uses entangled photon pairs for instant intrusion detection
• DV-QKD (Discrete Variable): Photon-based detection
• CV-QKD (Continuous Variable): Uses amplitude and phase of laser light

Key Features of India’s 500 km QKD Network

• Distance: Over 500 km quantum-secure link
• Infrastructure: Deployed on existing optical fibre networks
• Architecture: Multiple trusted nodes to enable long-distance secure key exchange
• Hardware Integration:
  • Quantum Suraksha Kavach for high-grade data protection
  • QSIP (Quantum Random Number Generator System in Package) for quantum-certified randomness
• Latency & Security: Resistant to both current cyber threats and future quantum computing-based attacks

The test-bed optical fibre network was specially engineered by Southern Command Signals, with selective access provided by the Indian Army in the Rajasthan sector, enabling real-world validation.

In News:

Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to sign a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of SpaceX (USA), to deliver satellite-based broadband internet across government institutions and remote rural areas.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite-based broadband internet service operated by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk. It provides high-speed, low-latency internet using a large constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

How Starlink Technology Works

• Orbit Type: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at ~550 km, unlike traditional geostationary satellites at 35,786 km
• Latency: As low as 25 milliseconds, enabling real-time applications
• Inter-Satellite Links (ISLs): Satellites communicate via optical laser links, reducing dependence on ground stations
• Autonomous Collision Avoidance: AI-driven maneuvering systems to avoid space debris
• Compact Flat-Panel Satellites: Optimised for dense launches using Falcon 9 rockets

This architecture ensures stable, fast, and reliable connectivity even in geographically challenging regions.

Objectives of Maharashtra - Starlink Partnership

• Connect remote and underserved areas
• Provide reliable internet to:
  • Rural schools (online education)
  • Primary health centres (telemedicine)
  • Government offices (e-governance)
• Promote digital inclusion and equitable access to public services
• Support Digital India and Good Governance initiatives

Key Features and Advantages

• True global coverage: Network of thousands of LEO satellites
• Low latency & high speed: Suitable for video conferencing, telemedicine, e-learning
• Rural-first approach: Ideal for regions where fibre optics and mobile towers are impractical
• Rapid deployment: Minimal ground infrastructure required

Significance for India

• First-of-its-kind state-level collaboration with a global satellite internet provider
• Sets a policy and implementation precedent for other Indian states
• Strengthens India’s push towards:
  • Digital governance
  • Inclusive growth
  • Technology-driven public service delivery
• Relevant in the context of emergency connectivity, disaster management, and border/tribal areas.

In News:

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu has witnessed the arrival of thousands of migratory birds, marking the beginning of the annual nesting and breeding season. More than 20 migratory bird species have already arrived, leading to increased ecological activity and tourist interest.

Location and Background

• Location: Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu
• Distance from Chennai: ~90 km south
• Type: Freshwater wetland and heronry
• Status: One of the oldest protected bird sanctuaries in India

Vedanthangal is a people-protected wetland, with a conservation history spanning centuries. Local communities traditionally protected nesting birds as the manure-rich water (Liquid Guano Effect) from the lake enhanced agricultural productivity in surrounding fields.

Ecological and International Importance

• Recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA)
• Lies in the Coromandel Coast biotic province
• Designated as a Ramsar Site in 2022, highlighting its global wetland importance

Avifaunal Diversity (Fauna)

The sanctuary currently hosts over 15,000 birds during peak season.

Early arrivals and breeding species:

• Open-billed stork (already completed breeding with visible chicks)
• Painted stork
• Black-headed ibis
• Eurasian spoonbill
• White ibis

Other prominent species:

• Grey heron, pond heron, night heron
• Little cormorant, darter
• Pelicans, egrets
• Lesser whistling duck, spot-billed duck
• Red-wattled lapwing, little grebe, common moorhen

Vegetation (Flora)

• Barringtonia trees – preferred nesting trees
• Alangium salviflorum
• Acacia nilotica
• Thorn forests and dry evergreen scrub

Forest authorities plan desilting operations and fresh plantation of barringtonia trees during summer when the tank dries, to support long-term nesting habitats.

In News:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated Khangchendzonga National Park as “Good” in its latest global review of Natural World Heritage Sites.
• It is the only Indian site to receive a positive “Good” conservation status, while sites like the Western Ghats and Sundarbans face concerns.

Location & Status

• Located in North Sikkim, along the India–Nepal border.
• Forms the core area of the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR).
• India’s first “Mixed” UNESCO World Heritage Site (2016) – recognised for natural and cultural values.
• Part of the Himalaya Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

Geographical Features

• Area: ~ 1,784 sq. km
• Altitude Range: From 1,220 m to 8,586 m (vertical sweep of over 7 km).
• Home to Mount Khangchendzonga (8,586 m) - 3rd highest peak in the world.
• Landscape includes plains, deep valleys, alpine meadows, lakes, glaciers, and snow-clad mountains.
• Glaciers:
  • 18 major glaciers (as per park records);
  • Zemu Glacier - one of the largest glaciers in Asia.

Biodiversity

• Flora: Subtropical to alpine vegetation; oak, fir, birch, maple, rhododendron, alpine meadows.
• Fauna (Flagship species):
  • Snow leopard
  • Red panda
  • Tibetan wolf
  • Blue sheep
  • Himalayan tahr
  • Mainland serow
• Avifauna:
  • Nearly half of India’s bird species recorded.
  • Includes Impeyan pheasant (State bird of Sikkim) and Satyr tragopan.

Cultural & Community Significance

• One of the few regions with Lepcha tribal settlements.
• Known as “Mayel Lyang” (sacred land) by the Lepchas.
• Considered a sacred beyul (hidden valley) in Tibetan Buddhism.
• Ancient monasteries such as Tholung Monastery reflect cultural continuity.

In News:

As climate change intensifies and the global transition towards low-carbon energy accelerates, the integration of renewable energy into power grids has become a major policy and technological challenge. Solar and wind energy, though abundant and clean, are intermittent in nature, creating mismatches between electricity generation and demand. In this context, Gravity Energy Storage (GES) is emerging as a promising long-duration, grid-scale energy storage technology, offering a viable alternative to conventional battery-based systems.

What is Gravity Energy Storage?

Gravity Energy Storage is an innovative energy storage technology that harnesses gravitational potential energy to store and release electricity. It involves lifting a heavy mass during periods of surplus electricity generation and allowing it to descend when demand rises, thereby converting stored energy back into electricity. The technology is particularly suited for renewable-dominated power systems, where supply fluctuations are frequent.

Working Mechanism

The basic principle of gravity energy storage is simple yet effective:

• During periods of excess renewable energy generation, such as peak solar output, surplus electricity is used to lift a heavy mass—commonly water, concrete blocks, or compressed earth blocks.
• This process converts electrical energy into stored gravitational potential energy.
• When electricity demand exceeds supply or renewable generation falls, the mass is released to descend under gravity.
• The downward motion drives water or mechanical systems through a turbine, generating electricity that is fed back into the grid.

A typical configuration may involve a heavy piston within a fluid-filled cylindrical container, where the piston’s vertical movement enables controlled energy storage and release. Unlike pumped-hydro storage, gravity energy storage systems offer greater flexibility in site selection and do not require large reservoirs or specific topographical features.

Advantages of Gravity Energy Storage

Gravity energy storage offers several strategic advantages that make it attractive for long-term energy planning:

• Long operational life: These systems can operate for several decades with minimal maintenance, unlike batteries which degrade chemically over time.
• Environmentally benign: The absence of toxic chemicals eliminates risks related to pollution, recycling, and disposal, aligning with sustainability goals.
• Cost-effective at scale: Lower lifetime costs of energy and storage make it suitable for large-scale grid applications.
• Flexible deployment: Can be installed in urban, space-constrained, or environmentally sensitive areas where pumped-hydro or large battery systems are not feasible.
• Grid stability: Provides reliable energy during peak demand and enhances grid resilience in renewable-heavy energy systems.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its potential, gravity energy storage faces certain constraints:

• Early stage of development: High initial capital costs and limited commercial deployment pose adoption challenges.
• Regulatory and infrastructure hurdles: Large-scale installations require regulatory approvals and long-term planning.
• Geographical constraints: Although more flexible than pumped hydro, suitable locations are still required for large infrastructure.
• Lower energy density: Compared to batteries, gravity energy storage is less suitable for compact or small-scale applications.

Significance for Energy Transition

Gravity energy storage represents an important step towards clean, reliable, and sustainable energy systems. By addressing the intermittency of renewable sources, it supports grid stability, energy security, and decarbonisation goals. For countries like India, which are rapidly expanding solar and wind capacity, such storage technologies can play a vital role in achieving energy transition targets, reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based peaking power, and strengthening climate resilience.

In News:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has emerged as one of the most significant non-communicable diseases affecting global health systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 3.5 million deaths in 2021, accounting for nearly 5 per cent of all global deaths. The disease disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), highlighting the intersection between environmental exposure, socio-economic conditions, and public health outcomes.

What is COPD?

COPD is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterised by persistent airflow limitation, leading to breathing difficulties. The condition arises due to long-term damage to lung tissues, involving inflammation and scarring of the airways, the air sacs (alveoli), or both. While the lung damage caused by COPD is largely irreversible, early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve quality of life and reduce complications.

Types of COPD

COPD primarily includes two clinical conditions, which often coexist:

• Chronic Bronchitis: This condition results from prolonged inflammation of the bronchi, the airways that carry air to the lungs. Inflammation narrows these airways and leads to excessive production of thick mucus, causing persistent cough and restricted airflow.
• Emphysema: Emphysema develops when the alveoli are damaged, reducing the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. This leads to breathlessness, especially during physical activity.

Causes and Risk Factors

The leading cause of COPD is tobacco smoking, which accounts for over 70 per cent of cases in high-income countries. However, the disease burden in LMICs is shaped by a broader range of risk factors. In these countries, smoking contributes to 30–40 per cent of cases, while household air pollution emerges as a major cause.

Indoor air pollution results from the use of biomass fuels such as firewood, animal dung, crop residues, and coal for cooking and heating, often in poorly ventilated homes. Other risk factors include:

• Long-term occupational exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals
• Second-hand smoke
• Outdoor air pollution
• Childhood respiratory infections and underdeveloped lungs
• Asthma and advancing age
• Rare genetic conditions such as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Signs and Symptoms

COPD symptoms typically appear late, after significant lung damage has already occurred. Common symptoms include:

• A chronic cough with mucus lasting for three months or more
• Shortness of breath, particularly during physical exertion
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing or whistling sounds while breathing
• Frequent chest infections
• Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance

Patients may experience acute exacerbations or flare-ups, during which symptoms worsen for days or weeks. These episodes can be triggered by infections, cold air, pollution, or strong odours. COPD also increases vulnerability to pneumonia, influenza, and cardiovascular diseases.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of COPD relies on clinical history, symptom assessment, and confirmatory tests. Spirometry is the most important diagnostic tool, measuring how much air the lungs can hold and how quickly air can be expelled. Based on spirometry results, COPD is staged according to severity, guiding treatment decisions. However, diagnosis is often delayed or missed, as symptoms may resemble other respiratory conditions.

Treatment and Management

There is no definitive cure for COPD, but effective management can slow disease progression and reduce symptom severity. The most crucial intervention is smoking cessation, supported by tobacco cessation programmes.

Treatment options include:

• Medications such as inhaled bronchodilators (to relax airway muscles) and corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation)
• Nebulised medicines for severe cases
• Antibiotics and oral steroids during flare-ups
• Oxygen therapy for patients with advanced disease
• Pulmonary rehabilitation, combining exercise training, breathing techniques, and patient education

In selected cases, surgical interventions may be recommended, including lung volume reduction surgery, removal of large air spaces (bullectomy), placement of endobronchial valves, or even lung transplantation.

Preventive measures include avoiding tobacco and pollutants, vaccination against influenza and pneumonia, maintaining physical activity, and practicing respiratory hygiene.

COPD in India and the Global South

COPD poses a particularly serious challenge for India. WHO estimates place COPD as the eighth leading cause of poor health globally, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Nearly 90 per cent of COPD deaths among people under 70 years occur in LMICs.

Studies suggest that the prevalence of COPD in India is about 7.4 per cent, with higher prevalence in urban areas (11 per cent) compared to rural areas (5.6 per cent). Given India’s population distribution and the fact that COPD occurs at a younger age (above 35 years), the estimated burden of spirometry-defined COPD in India is approximately 37.6 million people. Importantly, a substantial proportion of cases arise from non-smoking causes, especially household air pollution.

In News:

The recent sighting of a rare striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in the Kali Tiger Reserve near the Ganeshgudi bridge in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka has drawn attention to changing wildlife movement patterns and the ecological importance of lesser-known carnivores. The observation, recorded on video by a local resident in early November 2025, marks the first documented presence of the species in this part of the Western Ghats, where it was previously unrecorded, particularly in the dense forests of the Dandeli region.

About the Striped Hyena

The striped hyena is a mammal belonging to the family Hyaenidae, which comprises four members: striped hyena, spotted hyena, brown hyena, and the aardwolf (the latter not being a true wolf). Compared to the spotted hyena, the striped hyena is smaller in size, with a distinctive coat marked by dark vertical stripes, giving it its name.

The species has a wide but fragmented distribution, extending across South Asia (India, Nepal, Afghanistan), North and Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia, and parts of Central Asia. In India, it is typically associated with arid and semi-arid landscapes, inhabiting open savannas, grasslands, scrublands, and dry woodlands, rather than dense tropical forests.

Behaviour and Ecological Role

Striped hyenas are primarily nocturnal and solitary, though they display a limited social structure. They are territorial animals, marking boundaries through scent to deter rivals. An important behavioural trait is female dominance, with adult females generally more aggressive and dominant than males.

Ecologically, striped hyenas function mainly as scavengers, feeding on carrion and human refuse. By consuming animal remains, they play a critical role in ecosystem health, helping to prevent the spread of diseases and recycle nutrients. Forest officials have emphasised that the species poses no threat to humans, countering common misconceptions associated with hyenas.

Significance of the Kali Tiger Reserve Sighting

The appearance of a striped hyena in the lush, forested landscape of the Western Ghats is unusual and has generated scientific interest. Experts suggest that the animal may have dispersed from drier regions of northern Karnataka, such as Dharwad, possibly due to food scarcity, seasonal movement, climate-related habitat stress, or improved connectivity through wildlife corridors.

The sighting highlights the importance of landscape-level conservation, as wildlife movement increasingly transcends traditional habitat boundaries. In response, forest authorities have initiated non-invasive monitoring using camera traps to track the animal’s movement, ensure its safety, and assess the possibility of range expansion or previously undetected populations.

Conservation Status and Legal Protection

Despite its ecological importance, the striped hyena faces multiple threats, including habitat loss, road kills, persecution, and declining prey availability. Reflecting these pressures, the species is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

In India, it enjoys the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, underscoring its conservation priority and the need for stringent safeguards.

In News:

Land degradation has emerged as a silent but profound global crisis, undermining food security, livelihoods, and ecological sustainability. According to the State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) Report 2025, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, nearly 1.7 billion people live in regions where agricultural productivity is declining due to human-induced land degradation. This degradation not only threatens global food systems but also exacerbates poverty, hunger, and malnutrition, particularly in developing regions.

Nature and Drivers of Land Degradation

The SOFA 2025 report provides a comprehensive assessment of how human activities have reshaped global land-use patterns over centuries. It identifies agricultural expansion as the primary driver of global deforestation, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of forest loss worldwide. While agriculture remains central to food production, its unregulated expansion has caused large-scale ecological stress.

In the 21st century (2001–2023), global agricultural land declined by 78 million hectares (mha), reflecting a complex land-use transition. Within this overall decline, cropland expanded by 78 mha, while permanent meadows and pastures contracted by 151 mha, indicating a shift towards more intensive cultivation. Regional variations were stark:

• Sub-Saharan Africa witnessed cropland expansion of 69 mha, accompanied by 72 mha of forest loss.
• Latin America recorded 25 mha of cropland growth, but lost 85 mha of forests, highlighting the trade-off between agricultural expansion and environmental sustainability.

Regional and National Impacts

The impacts of land degradation are unevenly distributed. The largest affected populations are concentrated in eastern and southern Asia, regions characterised by high population density and extensive land degradation. India stands out as one of the countries experiencing some of the highest yield gaps due to human-induced degradation, posing serious concerns for long-term food security and farmer incomes.

Globally, the report highlights that around 3.6 million hectares of croplands are abandoned every year, with land degradation playing a significant role. This abandonment reflects declining soil fertility, water stress, and unsustainable land management practices.

Land Degradation, Poverty and Nutrition

A critical contribution of the SOFA 2025 report lies in its identification of vulnerability hotspots, where land degradation overlaps with poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The most severe intersections occur in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, regions already facing socio-economic stress.

Alarmingly, about 47 million children under the age of five, suffering from stunted growth, live in areas where severe yield losses are directly linked to land degradation. This underscores that land degradation is not merely an environmental issue but a human development challenge with intergenerational consequences.

Farm Size, Productivity and Degradation

The report also examines how farm size influences land management and degradation outcomes. Of the world’s approximately 570 million farms, nearly 85 per cent are smallholdings below 2 hectares, yet they cultivate only 9 per cent of global farmland. In contrast, just 0.1 per cent of farms larger than 1,000 hectares control about half of the world’s agricultural land.

Large farms often deploy advanced technologies and high external inputs to sustain yields. However, in intensively cultivated regions such as Europe and North America, historical degradation is often masked by heavy fertiliser and water use, leading to increasing economic and environmental costs.

Smallholder-dominated regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, face large yield gaps primarily due to resource constraints, limited access to credit, inputs, technology, and markets. Degraded soils in these regions respond poorly even when inputs become available, compounding vulnerability.

Despite these constraints, the world’s 500 million smallholder farmers play a vital role in global food systems, contributing 16 per cent of global dietary energy, 12 per cent of proteins, and 9 per cent of fats from crops, and supporting dietary diversity and rural livelihoods.

Scope for Reversal and Policy Implications

Importantly, the report highlights the significant potential for reversing land degradation. Restoring just 10 per cent of human-induced degradation on existing croplands could generate enough additional food to feed 154 million people annually. Furthermore, rehabilitating abandoned croplands could potentially feed between 292 and 476 million people, demonstrating that land restoration is a powerful tool for addressing global hunger.

In News:

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has recently released an extensive 340-page global guidance on asset recovery, marking a significant shift in international financial crime enforcement. Moving beyond its traditional focus on corruption, the new framework expands asset recovery mechanisms to cover a wide range of economic and financial crimes, including fraud, cybercrime, investment scams, money laundering, and cryptocurrency-related offences.

This development reflects the evolving nature of transnational crime and the growing need for coordinated international responses to trace, seize, and repatriate illicit assets.

What is new in the FATF Asset Recovery Guidance?

The updated guidance introduces a comprehensive lifecycle approach to asset recovery. It outlines best practices across every stage, including:

• Establishing robust legal and policy frameworks
• Identifying and tracing illicit assets
• Preserving and managing seized properties
• Ensuring international cooperation for cross-border recovery
• Restitution and compensation of victims

A notable feature of the guidance is its victim-centric orientation, which emphasizes restoring assets to affected individuals rather than limiting recovery to punitive confiscation.

Expansion Beyond Corruption

Unlike earlier frameworks that primarily addressed corruption-linked assets, the new guidance broadens its scope to include:

• Financial fraud and Ponzi schemes
• Cyber-enabled crimes and digital laundering
• Investment scams and real estate fraud
• Cryptocurrency misuse and virtual asset laundering

This expansion acknowledges that modern financial crimes increasingly exploit digital platforms, complex financial instruments, and cross-border networks.

India’s Contribution: Enforcement Directorate as a Model

The FATF guidance draws extensively from India’s enforcement experience, particularly the work of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Several Indian cases are highlighted as global best practices:

• Agri Gold Investment Scam: Coordination between ED and Andhra Pradesh CID led to the attachment and restoration of assets worth ?6,000 crore to defrauded investors.
• IREO Realty Case: Demonstrated India’s use of value-based confiscation, with assets worth ?1,800 crore attached, equivalent to proceeds of crime transferred abroad.
• BitConnect Crypto Fraud: ED seized cryptocurrencies worth ?1,646 crore, secured them in cold wallets, and attached additional properties worth ?500 crore, showcasing effective handling of virtual assets.
• Rose Valley Scheme: Cited as an example of victim restitution, where funds collected through fraudulent debentures were diverted via shell companies.

The guidance also refers to India’s Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, highlighting the principle of fugitive disentitlement, which allows confiscation of assets belonging to offenders who evade judicial processes.

About FATF

The Financial Action Task Force is an intergovernmental body established in 1989 by G7 countries at the Paris Summit. Headquartered in Paris, France, FATF sets global standards to combat:

• Money laundering
• Terrorist financing
• Proliferation financing

Its core functions include:

• Issuing and updating FATF Recommendations
• Conducting mutual evaluations of member countries
• Identifying high-risk jurisdictions through grey and black lists
• Promoting international cooperation in financial investigations
• Addressing emerging threats such as crypto laundering and cyber-financing

FATF’s work aligns closely with UN Security Council resolutions and G20 mandates.

Significance for Global and Indian Context

The new asset recovery guidance strengthens the global financial architecture by:

• Enhancing cross-border cooperation in financial investigations
• Improving recovery of illicit assets in complex digital crimes
• Reinforcing the credibility of national enforcement agencies
• Supporting victim justice and economic stability

For India, FATF’s recognition reinforces its position as a key stakeholder in global financial governance and validates its evolving legal tools to combat economic offences.

In News:

In a significant action against the illicit drug trade, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently dismantled a clandestine alprazolam manufacturing unit in Valsad, Gujarat, under an intelligence-led operation codenamed “Operation White Cauldron.” The bust highlights the growing challenge of synthetic drug production in India and underscores the role of enforcement agencies in implementing the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Alprazolam

Alprazolam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Medically, it is prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, but its misuse can lead to addiction, cognitive impairment, and overdose. Due to its abuse potential, alprazolam is classified as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985, making its unauthorised manufacture, possession, and trafficking a serious criminal offence.

NDPS Act, 1985: Legal Framework

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 forms the backbone of India’s drug control regime. It:

• Prohibits unauthorised production, cultivation, manufacture, sale, transport, storage, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Enables forfeiture of property derived from or used in illicit drug trafficking.
• Empowers the government to add or remove substances from the list of controlled drugs.
• Seeks to implement India’s obligations under international drug control conventions.

The Act aims not only at law enforcement but also at prevention, regulation, and deterrence of drug abuse and trafficking.

Wider Implications and Trends

The Valsad bust is part of a broader pattern. In 2025 alone, the DRI dismantled four illegal drug manufacturing units across multiple states. A similar operation earlier in the year in Andhra Pradesh uncovered another alprazolam unit, with drugs again intended for Telangana. These cases highlight:

• The rise of domestic synthetic drug manufacturing.
• Increasing misuse of pharmaceutical psychotropics.
• The need for tighter monitoring of precursor chemicals and supply chains.

Relevance to National Initiatives

Such enforcement actions directly support the government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which seeks to reduce drug demand, disrupt supply networks, and protect vulnerable communities from substance abuse.

In News:

In a significant technological development, Google has announced a new research initiative called Project Suncatcher, aimed at exploring the feasibility of hosting AI data centres in space using solar-powered satellite constellations. The project reflects an emerging intersection of artificial intelligence, space technology, and sustainable energy, with potential long-term implications for global computing infrastructure.

What is Project Suncatcher?

Project Suncatcher is a “moonshot” research initiative by Google that seeks to examine whether space can serve as a scalable and sustainable platform for AI compute systems. The core idea is to deploy high-performance AI accelerators on satellites powered directly by solar energy, thereby creating a space-based data centre ecosystem.

The initiative has been driven by the rapidly growing energy and water footprint of terrestrial AI data centres, which are increasingly straining environmental resources. According to Google, space offers access to virtually uninterrupted solar power, making it an attractive alternative for energy-intensive AI workloads.

Key Features and Technical Architecture

• Solar-Powered Satellite Constellation
  • The proposed system consists of a constellation of modular satellites, likely placed in dawn–dusk sun-synchronous low Earth orbit (LEO), ensuring near-continuous exposure to sunlight.
  • Solar panels in space could generate significantly more power than those on Earth due to the absence of atmospheric losses.
• AI Compute in Space
  • Each satellite would host Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), which are specialised chips designed for machine learning and AI tasks.
  • Google claims that space-based solar generation could make these systems several times more powerful than Earth-based equivalents.
• High-Speed Optical Communication
  • Satellites would be interconnected using free-space optical communication (laser-based links), enabling data transfer at tens of terabits per second.
  • Early terrestrial tests have demonstrated bidirectional speeds of over 1.6 Tbps, which Google believes can be scaled further in space.
• Prototype Testing and Partnerships
  • Google plans to launch two prototype satellites by early 2027, in partnership with Planet Labs, to test durability, performance, and reliability in orbit.
  • Initial experiments indicate that Google’s Trillium-generation TPUs can withstand radiation levels equivalent to a five-year space mission without permanent failure.

Engineering and Operational Challenges

Despite its promise, Project Suncatcher faces several complex challenges:

• Thermal management of high-performance chips in the vacuum of space.
• Ensuring long-term on-orbit reliability of AI hardware.
• Maintaining ultra-high-speed inter-satellite communication at close orbital distances.
• High launch and maintenance costs, along with space debris and regulatory concerns.

These challenges imply that Project Suncatcher remains a long-term research effort rather than a near-term commercial deployment.

In News:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in its Emissions Gap Report (EGR) 2025 – “Off Target”, has warned that despite updated climate pledges by countries, the world remains dangerously off course to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals. Current trajectories indicate that global warming will reach 2.3–2.5°C this century, far exceeding the ambition of limiting warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C.

About the Emissions Gap Report

The Emissions Gap Report is an annual flagship publication of UNEP, co-produced with the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC). It assesses the gap between where global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are heading under current pledges and where they should be to meet Paris Agreement targets. The report is released every year ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP).

Key Findings of Emissions Gap Report 2025

• Marginal Progress in Climate Pledges
  • Even if all countries fully implement their latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), global temperature rise is projected at 2.3–2.5°C.
  • This is only a modest improvement from last year’s estimate of 2.6–2.8°C, and UNEP notes that much of this improvement is due to accounting and methodological changes, not real emission reductions.
• Rising Global Emissions
  • Global GHG emissions rose by 2.3% in 2024, reaching a record 57.7 gigatonnes of CO? equivalent.
  • This growth rate is over four times the annual average of the 2010s, signalling a reversal of earlier decarbonisation trends.
• Low Participation and Weak Ambition
  • As of September 30, 2025, only 60 Parties, representing 63% of global emissions, had submitted or announced new 2035 NDCs.
  • Even full implementation of existing NDCs would reduce global emissions by only 15% by 2035 (from 2019 levels), whereas a 55% reduction is required to stay on the 1.5°C pathway.
• Implementation Gap
  • Most countries are not on track to meet even their 2030 targets, revealing a “huge implementation gap” between commitments and action.
• Overshoot of 1.5°C is Now Likely
  • UNEP warns that global temperatures are very likely to exceed 1.5°C within the next decade.
  • The policy focus has shifted from prevention to ensuring that this overshoot is temporary and limited, as every fraction of warming avoided reduces climate damages, health risks, and dependence on uncertain carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies.

Role of the G20

The G20, responsible for about 77% of global emissions (excluding the African Union), holds the key to closing the emissions gap. Despite some members submitting new NDCs, the group as a whole remains off track for its 2030 goals, undermining global mitigation efforts.

Geopolitical and Structural Challenges

UNEP highlights that geopolitical uncertainties, including the proposed withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement in 2026, could offset climate gains. According to the report, this alone could negate around 0.1°C of the projected improvement.

Opportunities and Way Forward

Despite the bleak outlook, UNEP notes that the world is technically well-positioned to accelerate climate action due to:

• Rapidly declining costs of renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind.
• Proven solutions that can deliver economic growth, jobs, energy security, and health benefits alongside emission reductions.

UNEP’s Key Recommendations

To close the emissions gap, UNEP calls for:

• Removal of policy, governance, institutional, and technical barriers.
• A massive scale-up of climate finance and technology transfer to developing countries.
• Redesign of the international financial architecture to unlock affordable and predictable climate finance.

In News:

NASA astronomers have confirmed the chemical fingerprint of water on the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS using ultraviolet data from the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. This marks a major advance in understanding the chemistry of planetary systems beyond the Sun.

What is 3I/ATLAS?

• Designation: 3I/ATLAS
• Discovery: 1 July 2025 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii.
• Category: Third confirmed interstellar object after 1I/‘Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019).
• Origin: Formed in another planetary system, possibly 7 billion years old, older than Earth.

Trajectory & Motion

• Travels on a hyperbolic orbit—meaning it is not gravitationally bound to the Sun and will exit the Solar System permanently.
• Speed relative to Sun: 57–68 km/s.

Physical Characteristics

• An active comet with a visible coma of dust and icy particles.
• Expected to form a cometary tail as it approaches the Sun.
• Surface hue: Slightly reddish, indicating the presence of complex organics or water ice.
• Nucleus size: Estimated 10–30 km wide.
• Age: Nearly twice as old as Earth, making it one of the oldest comets ever observed.

Breakthrough Discovery: Water Signature Detected

How was it detected?

• Swift Observatory captured faint ultraviolet emissions from hydroxyl (OH).
• OH forms when sunlight breaks apart water molecules → indirect but strong evidence of water ice sublimation.

Why is it important?

• First chemical confirmation of water activity on an interstellar comet at such a large distance from the Sun.
• Indicates that protoplanetary systems outside the Solar System may share similar chemical building blocks.

Unusual Behaviour

• 3I/ATLAS was losing water at ~40 kg per second even when far beyond the usual frost line where comets become active.
• Suggests:
  • Presence of small icy grains being heated by sunlight,
  • Complex physical and chemical processes not seen in typical comets.

Scientists noted its activity “defies our models”, indicating new insights into comet evolution.

Significance for Planetary Science & Astrobiology

• Strengthens the idea that organic chemistry and water—key ingredients for life—are common across the Galaxy.
• Provides clues on:
  • Composition of ancient planetary systems,
  • How water and organics travel between stars,
  • Early stages of planet formation.

3I/ATLAS acts as a “messenger” from another star, preserving primordial material from its home system.

Interstellar Objects:

• Formed outside the Solar System and travel through it.
• Not gravitationally bound → follow open-ended hyperbolic trajectories.
• Have a perihelion (closest approach to Sun) but no aphelion.
• Often ejected from their home systems due to collisions or gravitational slingshot events.

In News:

A rare Indian mouse deer (Moschiola indica) was recently photographed at the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS) in Vasai by the Wildlife Research Division of the Vivek PARC Foundation. Sightings of this species are uncommon due to its nocturnal and secretive behaviour, highlighting the ecological value of the sanctuary as a refuge for elusive fauna.

About the Indian Mouse Deer

Taxonomy

• Common Name: Indian Mouse Deer / Indian Spotted Chevrotain
• Scientific Name: Moschiola indica
• Family: Tragulidae
• Order: Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates)
• One of the smallest ungulates globally and the smallest deer-like species in India.

Key Characteristics

• Size:
  • Shoulder height: 25–30 cm
  • Body length: ~57.5 cm (23 inches)
  • Weight: 2–4 kg
• Appearance:
  • Dark brown fur with 4–5 rows of white dorsal spots
  • White underparts
• Canines: Males possess tusk-like upper canines, used during territorial or mating conflicts.
• Stomach: Unique among ruminant-like species—has a three-chambered stomach instead of the typical four.
• Diet:
  • Omnivorous tendencies: fruits, leaves, herbs, roots
  • Occasionally eats insects, crustaceans, and small mammals
• Lifespan: 8–12 years
• Behaviour:
  • Nocturnal, shy, and highly elusive, usually found in dense forest cover.
  • Prefers habitats away from human settlements, making sightings rare.

Distribution

• Endemic to the Indian Subcontinent.
• India:
  • Widespread in peninsular India.
  • Common in Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats up to Odisha, and central Indian forests.
• Outside India:
  • Old records from Nepal.
  • Sri Lanka hosts a separate species: Spotted Chevrotain (Moschiola meminna).

Habitat

• Found in:
  • Semi-evergreen forests
  • Moist evergreen forests
  • Tropical deciduous forests

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
  • However, populations face threats from:
    • Habitat loss and fragmentation
    • Human disturbance
    • Declining forest quality

In News:

The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) recently laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit in Meghalaya under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme.

About the Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit

• A joint initiative of the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Meghalaya.
• Envisioned to transform Sohra (Cherrapunji) into a multi-day, experiential, sustainable tourism destination.
• Total investment: Over ?650 crore, including ?221 crore under DoNER.

Key Components

1. Sohra Experience Centre (Kutmadan)

• Investment: ?115 crore.
• Acts as the cultural nucleus showcasing:
  • Tribal heritage of Meghalaya
  • Amphitheatres
  • Rain experience parks
  • Art galleries
  • Craft and cultural pavilions

2. Supporting Tourism Infrastructure

• Nohkalikai Falls Precinct – ?26 crore
• Mawsmai Eco Park – ?29 crore
• Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint
• Shella Riverside Development
• Wahkaliar Canyon with adventure tourism (including proposed hot-air balloon experiences)

Associated Infrastructure Projects Launched

1. Pynursla–Latangriwan–Mawlynnong Road (?29.97 crore)

• Provides all-weather connectivity to Mawlynnong, known as Asia’s cleanest village.
• Enhances cross-border tourism and local market access.

2. Mawshynrut–Hahim Road (?99.76 crore)

• Upgraded to intermediate lane standards.
• Improves agricultural mobility in Western Meghalaya.

3. Bridge over Umngot River (?21.86 crore)

• Links East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
• Facilitates trade and intra-district connectivity.

4. Broader Connectivity Boost

• 166.8 km Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway (?22,864 crore) under construction.
• Expansion of Umroi Airport enabling larger aircraft operations.
• New Shillong Western Bypass and improved Guwahati–Sohra access reducing travel time to ~4 hours.

Meghalaya’s Transformation Narrative

• Under the 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) policy, over ?6.2 lakh crore has been channelled to the Northeast in the last decade.
• Meghalaya has recorded 12–16% post-COVID growth driven by focused investments in connectivity and tourism.
• Projects like the Integrated Sohra Circuit are part of the broader push to make Meghalaya a “connected, confident, and competitive state.”

Community Empowerment Measures

• Skill development programs in partnership with the Meghalaya Skills Development Society and IHM Shillong.
• Training in hospitality, eco-tourism, adventure safety, and cultural curation.
• Objective: ensure local families directly benefit from tourism inflows.

PM-DevINE Scheme:

• Launched: 2022
• Scheme Type: Central Sector scheme (100% central funding)
• Duration: FY 2022–23 to 2025–26
• Outlay: ?6,600 crore

Objectives

1. Infrastructure development in line with PM GatiShakti principles.
2. Support social development projects in the North East.
3. Promote livelihood generation for youth and women.

In News:

A biodiversity exploration team working in the Western Ghats has discovered a new spider species, Pilia malenadu, marking a major addition to India’s arachnid diversity. The finding is notable because species belonging to the genus Pilia were last reported more than 123 years ago (1902) from Kerala.

About Pilia malenadu

• Pilia malenadu is a newly identified jumping spider belonging to the genus Pilia (Family: Salticidae).
• Location of Discovery:
  • Found at Madhugundi, in Mudigere taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka.
  • The site lies at the foothills of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
• Etymology:
  • The species is named “malenadu” to honour the local region (Malenadu/Malnad).
• Scientific Importance:
  • First recorded species of Pilia since 1902.
  • First time both male and female specimens of a Pilia species have been documented.

Habitat Specificity

• The species demonstrates high microhabitat specialization.
• Observed only on two plant species:
  • Memecylon umbellatum
  • Memecylon malabaricum
• Spiders were found concealed between the leaves of these plants, indicating a narrow ecological niche.

Conservation Implications

• The study highlights that Pilia malenadu is strictly habitat-specific.
• Loss or alteration of its host plant species or habitat could threaten the survival of this newly discovered spider.
• Underscores the need for habitat-level conservation in the Western Ghats, particularly in lesser-studied microhabitats.

In News:

Researchers from Berhampur University (Odisha) and Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University (Gujarat) have identified two new species of marine amphipods from the Chilika Lagoon and the Gulf of Khambhat, underscoring India’s expanding marine biodiversity documentation.

What are Amphipods?

• Amphipods are small, shrimp-like crustaceans belonging to the subclass Amphipoda.
• They are related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
• Occur in a wide range of habitats: marine, freshwater, subterranean caves, and even terrestrial zones (e.g., sandhoppers).
• The name Amphipoda means “different-footed”, referring to their anatomically varied appendages.
• Globally, 7,000+ species are known (majority under Gammaridea).
• Size range: 0.1 cm to 34 cm; deep-sea species tend to be the largest.
• Ecological role: mostly detritivorous or scavenging species that contribute to nutrient cycling and ecosystem cleaning.

Newly Discovered Species

1. Grandidierella geetanjalae

• Location: Chilika Lagoon, near Rambha (Ganjam district, Odisha).
• Size: ~5.5–6 mm.
• Naming: In honour of Geetanjali Dash, Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University.
• Nature: Detritivorous; important for organic matter decomposition.

2. Grandidierella khambhatensis

• Location: Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat.
• Size: ~5.5–6 mm.
• Naming: After its type locality (Khambhat).
• Ecological Role: Similar detritivorous function supporting ecosystem health.

Research Background and Previous Discoveries

• The research team has earlier discovered five amphipod species from eastern India, including:
  • Quadrivisio chilikensis (Chilika, near Nalabana Bird Sanctuary)
  • Demaorchestia alanensis (Barkul beach)
  • Talorchestia buensis (West Bengal coast)
• These discoveries indicate that Indian coastal ecosystems remain under-explored and possess high micro-faunal diversity.

Ecological Importance

• Amphipods function as key components of benthic food webs, recycling detritus and supporting fish populations.
• Their presence is an indicator of habitat quality, especially in sensitive ecosystems such as lagoons, estuaries, and coastal wetlands.
• Discoveries from Chilika and Khambhat strengthen the case for monitoring anthropogenic pressures, salinity changes, and sediment dynamics in Indian coastal habitats.

In News:

The Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex in Assam has recently emerged as a strong contender for Ramsar Site designation, driven by its exceptional biodiversity, critical ecological functions, and strategic location within the Kaziranga landscape.

Location and Ecological Setting

• The Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex lies within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, a buffer zone of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.
• It forms an interconnected floodplain–marsh system extending 2.5–3 sq km.
• Together with the adjoining Burhachapori WLS, it serves as an important wildlife corridor between the Kaziranga–Orang landscape, with the Brahmaputra River shaping its riverine and wetland ecosystems.

Biodiversity Significance

1. Exceptional Avifaunal Diversity

• The 6th Kaziranga Wetland Bird Census (2025) reported
  • 20,653 birds from 75 species at Rowmari Beel
  • 26,480 birds from 88 species at Donduwa Beel
  • Total: 47,000+ birds
• This exceeds the bird counts of Northeast India’s existing Ramsar sites—Deepor Beel (Assam) and Loktak Lake (Manipur).
• More than 120 species of resident and migratory birds recorded, including threatened species such as:
  • Knob-billed Duck
  • Black-necked Stork
  • Ferruginous Pochard

2. Habitat Diversity: The wetland complex contains marshes, floodplain lakes, grasslands, and riverine islands (chars), supporting high ecological productivity.

3. Presence of Rare & Endangered Species: Recent surveys by scholars from Tezpur, Gauhati, and Nagaon Universities have documented rare and critically endangered waterbirds, emphasizing the site's international ecological value.

The Ramsar Convention (1971)

• A global treaty for conservation and wise use of wetlands, signed at Ramsar, Iran (1971).
• India joined in 1982 and today hosts 94 Ramsar Sites (as of Nov 2025)—the highest in Asia.
• Chilika Lake (Odisha) was India’s first Ramsar Site (1981).
• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar Sites among Indian states.
• About 10% of India’s wetland area is under the Ramsar framework.

Laokhowa–Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary

• Serves as a buffer and migration corridor between Kaziranga and Orang National Parks.
• Home to key species:
  • Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros
  • Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Asiatic Elephant
  • Asiatic Water Buffalo
  • Otters, pangolins
• The Brahmaputra River supports the Gangetic River Dolphin.

Kaziranga National Park

• Established: 1908, National Park (1974)
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1985
• Tiger Reserve: 2006
• Supports ~2,200 one-horned rhinos (≈ two-thirds of global population).
• Rich in large mammals, birds, and aquatic fauna, forming the ecological backbone of the region.

In News:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched CMS-03 (GSAT-7R), India’s heaviest communication satellite, aboard the LVM3-M5 launch vehicle from Sriharikota. The mission strengthens India’s strategic communication architecture, particularly maritime and defence networks, while reinforcing self-reliance in heavy satellite launch capability.

CMS-03 (GSAT-7R)

• CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R, is an advanced multi-band communication satellite designed to enhance secure, high-capacity communication links across land and oceanic regions.
• It replaces the ageing GSAT-7 “Rukmini” and significantly expands India’s maritime communication footprint.
• Developed by: ISRO under the Department of Space, with all stages, subsystems, and payloads built using indigenous technology.
• Key Objectives:

• To provide secure, high-bandwidth communication for defence, especially the Indian Navy.
• To enhance network-centric warfare, fleet coordination, and maritime domain awareness.
• To strengthen India’s digital, strategic, and disaster management communication infrastructure.
• To expand India’s oceanic communication footprint under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

• Major Features

• Mass: 4,410 kg — heaviest Indian satellite launched from Indian soil.
• Bands & Payloads: Multi-band communication including C, extended-C, Ku, Ka, and support for UHF & S bands for strategic defence applications.
• High-throughput transponders supporting broadband, satellite internet, and real-time secure data flow.
• Coverage: Entire Indian mainland and wide Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including remote and contested waters.
• Mission Life: ~15 years.
• Role in Naval Operations:
  • Backbone of the Navy’s communication grid.
  • Supports secure voice, video, and data links between warships, submarines, aircraft, and command centres.
  • Enhances situational awareness, joint operations, and maritime security.

LVM3-M5

• The Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3), known as the “Baahubali” of Indian rockets, is ISRO’s most powerful three-stage heavy-lift launcher capable of placing 4-tonne class satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Key Objectives:

• To ensure self-reliance in launching heavy communication and strategic satellites.
• To reduce dependence on foreign launch services.
• To support future deep-space, high-mass, and crewed platforms.

• Key Features
  • Three-stage configuration:
    • Two S200 solid boosters
    • One L110 liquid core stage
    • C25 cryogenic upper stage with an indigenously developed engine

• Capabilities:
  • 4,000 kg to GTO
  • 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Mass & Size: 641 tonnes; 43.5 metres tall.
• Cryogenic re-ignition test conducted for future multi-satellite deployment.
• Developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) with enhanced payload efficiency (~10%).
• Proven reliability in eight consecutive missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and now CMS-03.
• Candidate launcher for future Gaganyaan crewed missions.

In News:

Russia has announced the successful testing of its Burevestnik nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile, significantly escalating global concerns regarding a renewed nuclear arms race. The missile, known in Russia as 9M730 Burevestnik (“Storm Petrel”), is part of a new class of strategic weapons first unveiled in 2018.

About the Burevestnik Missile

• Type: Ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile.
• Capabilities:
  • Nuclear-powered propulsion system.
  • Nuclear warhead–capable.
  • Designed for unlimited range and unpredictable flight trajectory.
• NATO Code Name: SSC-X-9 Skyfall.
• Developer: Russia.
• Introduced: One of six new strategic weapons announced by President Putin in 2018.

Key Features

1. Nuclear Propulsion System

• Powered by a miniaturised nuclear reactor.
• Reactor heats incoming air to generate thrust — replacing traditional chemical fuel.
• Enables theoretically unlimited flight time, constrained only by material durability and guidance systems.
• Offers the ability to loiter for days and strike from unexpected directions.

2. Long Range & Stealth

• Russia claims a test in 2023/2025 achieved:
  • 14,000 km travel
  • 15 hours of flight
• Low-altitude flight path makes detection by radar extremely difficult.
• Unpredictable trajectory designed to defeat missile defence systems.

3. Strategic Role

• Intended as a second-strike or surprise-attack weapon that can bypass US and NATO missile shields.
• Falls outside current New START definitions, as it is neither an ICBM, SLBM, nor heavy bomber.

Technical Background

• Nuclear-powered missiles were previously explored under the 1960s US Project Pluto (SLAM) but abandoned due to extreme safety risks.
• According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), the Burevestnik uses a compact reactor similar in concept to nuclear ramjet technology.

Arms Control Context – New START Treaty

• New START Treaty (effective 2011, extended to 2026) limits deployed strategic nuclear weapons of the US and Russia.
• Russia suspended participation in February 2023.
• The Burevestnik is not restricted under New START, as it represents a new category of strategic cruise missile not covered under existing treaty definitions.
• Russia’s testing signals an attempt to sidestep treaty limits and intensify the nuclear competition.

In News:

Civil society groups and conservationists in Assam have urged the government to designate the Roumari–Donduwa Wetland Complex, located within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, as a Ramsar Site. The demand is based on the wetland’s high ecological value, rich avifaunal diversity, and its fulfillment of multiple Ramsar criteria.

About Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Southern bank of the Brahmaputra River, in Nagaon District, Assam.
• Area: Approximately 70.13 sq. km.
• Ecological System: Part of the Laokhowa–Burachapori ecosystem and a notified buffer zone of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR).
• Landscape: Lies within the Brahmaputra Valley; surrounded by human-dominated areas except to the north.
• Flora: Habitat types include:
  • Alluvial grasslands
  • Alluvial forests
  • Moist deciduous forests
  • Tropical semi-evergreen forests

• Fauna: Home to key species such as:
  • Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros
  • Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Asiatic Water Buffalo
  • Elephants

Roumari–Donduwa Wetland Complex

• Situated within Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary; covers ~2.5–3 sq. km.
• Supports 120+ resident and migratory bird species.
• During the 6th Kaziranga Wetland Bird Census (2025):
  • 47,000+ birds from 163 species were recorded—higher than counts from Assam’s only current Ramsar Site, Deepor Beel.
• Important species recorded include:
  • Knob-billed Duck
  • Lesser Adjutant Stork (EN)
  • Black-necked Stork
  • Ferruginous Pochard (NT)
  • Common Pochard (VU)

In News:

India has added Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district, Bihar to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, raising the country’s total Ramsar sites to 94. With this, Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, placing it third after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

About Gogabeel Lake

• Location: Katihar district, Bihar; part of the Trans-Gangetic Plains.
• Wetland Type: A classic oxbow lake, situated between:
  • River Mahananda (North-East)
  • River Ganga (South)
• Hydrology: During floods, the lake temporarily links the two rivers.
• Legal Status: Bihar’s first Community Reserve, managed with active involvement of local communities.
• Cultural Significance: Traditional festivals such as Sirva, Adra, and Chhath are observed in the wetland region.

Ecological Features

• Flora: Dominated by tropical dry deciduous vegetation typical of the region.
• Fauna: Important wintering site for migratory birds and species of global conservation significance. Key species:
  • Smooth-Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) – Vulnerable.
  • Helicopter Catfish (Wallago attu) – Vulnerable, with the lake serving as a breeding ground.

Supports diverse fish assemblages and contributes to local fisheries.

Significance of the New Ramsar Designation

• Strengthens India’s position as:
  • 1st in Asia
  • 3rd globally (after the UK and Mexico) in terms of number of Ramsar sites.
• India has added 67 new Ramsar sites in the past 11 years, covering 13.6 lakh hectares.
• Recent additions from Bihar also include Gokul Jalashay (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran).

Why Wetlands Matter

• Wetlands are areas where water is present permanently or seasonally.
• Provide essential ecosystem services:
  • Flood control and groundwater recharge
  • Water purification
  • Habitat for biodiversity
  • Support to local livelihoods through food, fibre, and raw materials

Ramsar Convention

• Adopted: 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
• Objective: Conservation and wise use of wetlands through national action and international cooperation.
• Members: 172 countries, including India.
• Global Count: 2,546 Ramsar sites worldwide.

In News:

India is set to conduct the tri-service military exercise ‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ in the high-altitude terrain of Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh. The drill represents India’s continued push toward jointness, interoperability, and multi-domain military readiness along the eastern sector.

About the Exercise

• Type: Tri-service exercise involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Location: Mechuka, a strategically significant forward area in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Nature: Designed as a forward-looking, multi-domain integration exercise.

Objectives

• Enhance warfighting capabilities under realistic operational conditions.
• Promote technological adaptation and the use of emerging platforms.
• Improve interoperability among the three services for integrated operations.
• Strengthen situational awareness and joint command-and-control mechanisms.
• Validate coordinated responses across land, air, and maritime domains.

Key Features

• Employment of:
  • Special Forces
  • Unmanned systems (UAVs and remote platforms)
  • Precision weapon systems
  • Networked operations centres
• Execution under rugged, high-altitude, and extreme-climate conditions.
• Testing of revised tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to improve combat agility and rapid response.

Strategic Importance

• Demonstrates India’s commitment to strengthening joint military preparedness along sensitive border regions.
• Enhances the ability to conduct synchronised, multi-domain operations in future conflicts.
• Integrates modern technologies to support real-time decision-making and network-centric warfare.

Background

‘Poorvi Prachand Prahar’ builds on earlier tri-service drills:

• ‘Bhala Prahar’ – 2023
• ‘Poorvi Prahar’ – 2024

Together, these exercises represent India’s broader drive toward theaterisation, integrated commands, and enhanced mission readiness.

In News:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing for the first test of Dhvani, India’s next-generation hypersonic missile system. Its development marks a major advancement in India’s indigenous strategic and aerospace capabilities, placing the country among a select group working on Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) technology.

What is Dhvani?

• Dhvani is an upcoming hypersonic missile being developed by DRDO.
• It is designed as a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV), enabling high-speed, maneuverable flight at hypersonic speed (greater than Mach 5 or approx. 7,400 km/h).
• The system departs from conventional ballistic or cruise missile trajectories by:
  • Being launched to very high altitudes, and
  • Then gliding at hypersonic speeds toward the target with significant maneuvering capability.

This flight profile complicates detection and interception by most existing missile defence systems.

Key Technical Features

1. Speed & Range

• Expected to fly at Mach 5–6+.
• Estimated operating range: 6,000–10,000 km (long-range strategic class).

2. Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Design

• Blended wing–body configuration
  • Approx. 9 m length
  • Approx. 2.5 m width
• Optimized for lift generation and maneuverability during hypersonic glide.

3. Thermal Protection System

• Uses ultra-high-temperature ceramic composites.
• Can withstand 2,000–3,000°C generated during atmospheric re-entry and sustained hypersonic flight.

4. Stealth Features

• Stealth-shaped geometry with:
  • Angled surfaces
  • Smooth contours
• Intended to reduce radar cross-section (RCS) and enhance survivability against surveillance systems.

5. Guidance & Precision: Designed to strike both land and maritime targets with high accuracy.

Technology Background

• Dhvani builds on technologies proven in the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), including:
  • Scramjet propulsion research
  • Thermal shielding systems
  • High-temperature material development

The success of HSTDV provided DRDO the platform to develop operational HGV systems such as Dhvani.

In News:

On Kerala Piravi Day (1 November 2025), Kerala declared itself free from extreme poverty, becoming the first Indian state to achieve this milestone. The achievement is the outcome of a four-year Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP) led by the state government and marks a key step toward SDG-1 (No Poverty).

What is Extreme Poverty?

Global Definition

• As per the World Bank’s 2025 revision, extreme poverty refers to living on less than $3/day (2021 PPP).
• Earlier benchmark: $2.15/day (2017 PPP).
• Additional poverty lines:
  • Lower-middle-income countries: $4.20/day
  • Upper-middle-income countries: $8.30/day

Difference Between Poverty & Extreme Poverty

• Individuals between $3–$4.20/day are poor but not extremely poor.
• Extreme poverty captures severe deprivation in food, health, shelter, and education.

India in the Global Context

• 838 million people lived in extreme poverty globally in 2022 (World Bank).
• In India, extreme poverty fell from 16.2% (2011–12) to 2.3% (2022–23).
• Around 171 million Indians moved out of extreme poverty over the decade.
• Improvements were driven by rising employment, urbanisation, and economic recovery.
• Persistent issues include:
  • Youth unemployment: 13.3% (29% among graduates)
  • Female labour force participation: 31%
  • Informal employment: 77% of non-farm jobs

Measuring Poverty in India – The MPI Framework

NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) uses the Alkire–Foster method, covering:

• Health: nutrition, maternal health, child mortality
• Education: years of schooling, attendance
• Living Standards: sanitation, housing, fuel, drinking water, bank accounts, assets

Kerala already had India’s lowest poverty rate (0.7%) in NITI Aayog’s 2021 MPI.

Kerala’s Approach: Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP)

Launch & Implementation

• Launched in 2021 under the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD).
• 4 lakh personnel (officials, elected representatives, volunteers) trained for implementation.
• Aimed at family-specific micro-interventions rather than income-only metrics.

Kerala’s Local Definition of Extreme Poverty

Unlike World Bank or MPI, Kerala used four local indicators:

1. Food insecurity
2. Poor access to healthcare
3. Lack of housing
4. Absence of income and livelihood security

Identification of Beneficiaries

• Initial survey: 1.18 lakh families identified.
• Verification and migration checks narrowed it to 59,000 families.
• Conducted through a bottom-up, participatory exercise by local bodies.

Key Interventions

• Food and Nutrition Security: 20,600+ families ensured regular meals through Kudumbashree community kitchens and LSGD support.
• Housing for the Homeless: Of 4,677 homeless families, 4,005 received houses under the LIFE Mission.
• Access to Essential Services – Avakasam Athivegam (Rights Fast): Ensured:
  • Aadhaar, voter ID
  • Bank accounts, social pensions
  • MGNREGS job cards
  • Electricity & LPG connections
• Micro-Plans for Every Household: Customized plans addressing food, shelter, health, education, and income security.
• Institutional Convergence: Collaboration among local governments, Kudumbashree, health services, and welfare departments.

Significance of the Achievement

• India’s first state to officially eliminate extreme poverty.
• Demonstrates effectiveness of localized targeting, data-driven governance, and micro-level planning.
• Reinforces Kerala’s long-standing strengths in education, health, and social welfare.
• Provides a replicable model aligned with SDG-1 targets.

In News:

• A major advancement in solar physics has been achieved with the first direct detection of small-scale torsional Alfvén waves in the Sun’s corona.
• The discovery, enabled by the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) and its Cryogenic Near Infrared Spectropolarimeter (Cryo-NIRSP), provides crucial evidence toward solving a long-standing mystery: why the solar corona is millions of degrees hotter than the Sun’s surface.

Understanding Alfvén Waves

• Alfvén waves are low-frequency, transverse electromagnetic waves that travel along magnetic field lines in a plasma.
• They arise from the interaction between electric currents and magnetic fields within conducting plasma.
• First proposed by Hannes Alfvén (1942), after whom they are named.
• Previously, only large, sporadic Alfvén waves linked to solar flares were observed; detection of subtle, continuous coronal waves had remained elusive.

Solar Heating Problem

• Photosphere temperature: ~5,500°C (10,000°F).
• Coronal temperature: ~1.1 million°C (2 million°F).
• The mechanism by which energy moves from the relatively cooler surface to the super-heated corona has been unclear for decades.
• Proposed contributors include:
  • Magnetic reconnection
  • Alfvén wave heating

Breakthrough Observations Using DKIST

• DKIST in Hawaii is the world’s largest ground-based solar telescope (4-m mirror).
• Its Cryo-NIRSP instrument enables imaging of coronal plasma motions using Doppler shift signatures.
• Researchers identified distinct red and blue Doppler shifts, confirming twisting, torsional Alfvén waves in the corona.
• These observations provide:
  • First direct evidence of small-scale, persistent Alfvén waves.
  • Proof that such waves are pervasive across the solar atmosphere.

Significance of the Findings

• Coronal Heating Mechanism
  • The study suggests Alfvén waves may supply at least 50% of the energy required to heat the corona.
  • Their energy transport is now supported by direct observational data rather than assumptions.
• Role of Magnetic Reconnection
  • DKIST findings indicate that magnetic reconnection and Alfvén wave activity frequently occur together. Both mechanisms likely contribute to:
    • Coronal heating
    • Solar wind acceleration (>1 million mph)
• Scientific and Predictive Implications: Improved understanding of:
  • Solar atmospheric dynamics
  • Short-term solar wind behaviour
  • Long-term stellar evolution
• Enhances ability to forecast solar activity with implications for space weather and planetary environments.

In News:

• India, the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, continues to face a structural gap between domestic production and rising demand. Lower productivity levels, yield gaps, and increasing import dependence have highlighted the need for a targeted national strategy.
• To address these concerns, the Government of India has launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31)—a six-year initiative aimed at transforming India into a self-reliant pulses-producing nation through scientific, institutional, and market reforms.

Overview of the Mission

Formally launched by the Prime Minister on 11 October 2025, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was first announced in the Union Budget 2024–25. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with collaborative support from NAFED, NCCF, and state governments.

Mission Duration and Financial Outlay

• Implementation period: 2025–26 to 2030–31
• Total outlay: ?11,440 crore
• Targets:
  • Raise production by 45%—from 242 lakh MT (2023–24) to 350 lakh MT (2030–31)
  • Expand cultivated area by 13%—from 275 lakh ha to 310 lakh ha
  • Improve average yield by 28%—from 881 kg/ha to 1,130 kg/ha

Rationale: Current Status and Challenges

India cultivates a wide variety of pulses across agro-climatic zones. Major pulse-growing states include:

• Area (2023–24): Rajasthan (54.67 lakh ha), Madhya Pradesh (51 lakh ha), Maharashtra (44 lakh ha), Uttar Pradesh (30 lakh ha)
• Production (2023–24): Madhya Pradesh (59.74 lakh MT), Maharashtra (40 lakh MT), Rajasthan (33 lakh MT), Uttar Pradesh (31 lakh MT)

Gram dominates both area and output, followed by moong, tur (arhar), urad, and masoor. Over 60% of pulses production occurs during the rabi season.

Despite being the largest pulses producer, India remains dependent on imports from Myanmar, Tanzania, Mozambique, Canada, Australia, among others. Demand is projected to reach 268 lakh MT by 2030 and 293 lakh MT by 2047 (NITI Aayog), far exceeding current production levels. Productivity remains significantly lower than global benchmarks—Canada (2200 kg/ha) and China (1815 kg/ha).

Why Focus on Tur, Urad, and Masoor?

These three pulses account for 34% of total pulses area and contribute significantly to national output. They also exhibit high yield gaps and are crucial for nutritional security. The Mission plans:

• 9 lakh ha expansion in tur—across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand and non-traditional areas like the Northeast.
• Utilisation of rice fallows for expanding urad in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Promotion of masoor in rice fallow areas of West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh.

Key Components and Features of the Mission

1. Development of Climate-Resilient Seeds: Focus on high-yielding, drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and protein-enriched varieties.

2. Higher Productivity through Technological Adoption

• Enhanced support of ?10,000/ha for Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) of improved technologies (higher than ?9,000 under NFSM).
• Strengthening post-harvest storage, grading, and processing infrastructure.

3. 100% Assured Procurement

A major innovation in the mission framework:

• NAFED and NCCF will undertake 100% procurement of tur, urad and masoor for four years under PM-AASHA’s Price Support Scheme (PSS).
• Aadhaar-enabled biometric/facial authentication will ensure transparency and eliminate leakages.

4. Cluster-Based Approach

Each cluster will include minimum 10 ha (2 ha in hilly/Northeast region). Cluster selection based on:

• Four-fold district classification: HA-HY, HA-LY, LA-HY, LA-LY
• Rice fallow, rainfed, and watershed areas
• Aspirational districts, border/LWE districts
• Regions under PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, Adarsh Gram Yojana, and Northeast/Himalayan areas

5. Value-Chain Strengthening: Interventions span input supply, extension, mechanisation, processing, market linkages and digital traceability.

Comparative Advantage over Previous Schemes

The Mission subsumes the pulses component of National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) but provides:

• Higher financial support
• Wider geographical coverage
• Expanded interventions (seed hubs, storage, procurement)
• Stronger digital governance
• Guaranteed procurement for three major pulses

National Significance

• Food and Nutritional Security: Pulses are key protein sources in Indian diets.
• Import Substitution: Reduces dependency on global markets and price volatility.
• Farmer Income Stability: Guaranteed procurement and improved yields boost profitability.
• Climate Resilience: Promotes drought-friendly crops, diversifies cropping patterns, and utilises rice fallows.
• Balanced Regional Development: Targets backward, rainfed, aspirational and border districts.