NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India’s Growing Obesity Crisis and Health Implications: The recent focus on obesity in India has gained momentum following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. He brought into light the alarming statistics revealing that one in eight Indians is affected by obesity, particularly children. Modi urged a reduction in oil consumption and called for collective action to combat this pressing health issue. The rising rates of obesity have health implications, prompting experts to analyse underlying causes and potential solutions. Research indicates that nearly half of all Indians are insufficiently active. Sedentary lifestyles are increasing due to office work and digital device usage. Unsafe outdoor conditions hinder physical activity. The lack of safe spaces for exercise, coupled with rising traffic and crime rates, discourages outdoor activities. Urban environments need to be transformed to encourage active lifestyles.
2. PM2.5 Pollution Sources in Northern India: The study assessed PM2.5 samples from five locations, including urban and rural areas. It identified key components such as ammonium chloride and organic aerosols. In Delhi, vehicular emissions and residential heating are contributors. In contrast, areas outside Delhi show higher levels of ammonium sulfate and biomass-burning aerosols. The study found that hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols remain consistently high throughout the year. However, cold-season primary organic aerosols spike during winter months. This increase is due to the use of cow dung for heating and cooking. Concentrations can be ten times higher in cold weather compared to warmer months.
3. India Achieves Milestone with 10,000 FPOs: FPOs are collective organisations formed by farmers. They are designed to empower farmers by enabling them to pool resources, share knowledge, and increase bargaining power in the market. FPOs can take various legal forms, including producer companies and cooperative societies. Their primary goal is to enhance the economic well-being of their members. The SFAC plays important role in promoting FPOs across India. It provides guidance and support to farmers in forming and managing these organisations. SFAC helps farmers navigate the complexities of agribusiness and ensures they can leverage collective strength for better market access.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Nepal’s Rhino Census Faces Uncertainty: The rhino census is crucial for wildlife management. It helps determine the population and health of the one-horned rhino. Accurate data is essential for conservation strategies. The census also informs policies on habitat management and anti-poaching efforts. This department relies on various partnerships to carry out the census. The last census took place in 2021 and indicated a population of 752 one-horned rhinos in the country. USAID was contributor to the census project. Their support included funding for equipment such as GPS devices and laptops. The total estimated cost for the census is around NRs 15 million. Without financial support, the census may be postponed or cancelled.
UNESCO’s Report on Multilingual Education: Recent reports from UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) team highlight a critical issue in education worldwide. Approximately 40% of the global population lacks access to education in a language they understand. This figure rises to 90% in some low- and middle-income countries. The report, titled “Languages Matter – Global Guidance on Multilingual Education,” Home language plays important role in effective learning. Students perform better when taught in a language they understand. However, many education systems fail to implement this principle. Barriers include a lack of trained teachers and materials in home languages. Community resistance also hampers progress.
English Designated as Official Language in the US: This marked a historical shift, as the US had never designated an official language since its founding. The order rescinds a policy from 2000 that required federal agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. This change reflects a long-standing effort to unify communication and promote national values. The United States has a rich linguistic history. When the nation was founded, English was the dominant language. The Founding Fathers did not see a need for an official language. They aimed to include diverse linguistic communities. Over 350 languages are spoken across the country, including Spanish, Chinese, and various Native American languages.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
Indian Army Enhances CBRN Defence with ACADA Systems: The Indian Army has recently contracted 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems from L&T Limited. This procurement, valued at ₹80.43 crore, is part of a broader initiative to modernise the army’s capabilities against chemical warfare threats. The ACADA systems are designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will boost the army’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defence capabilities. ACADA features two IMS cells for continuous and simultaneous monitoring of toxic agents. It is portable and can be easily deployed in various environments. The system includes audio and visual alarms to alert personnel in case of detection. Additionally, it can be mounted on vehicles for enhanced mobility.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. New Species Discoveries in India and Sri Lanka: Researchers recently discovering two new species of jumping spiders in India and a unique leaf-nosed bat in Sri Lanka. These findings highlight the ecological richness of the region and the need for further exploration and conservation efforts. A separate team led by Bhargavi Srinivasulu from Osmania University has identified a new species of leaf-nosed bat named Hipposideros srilankaensis. This species is endemic to Sri Lanka and adds to the region’s biodiversity. Hipposideros srilankaensis features a broad noseleaf and unique cranial characteristics. The research included collaboration with bat biologists from India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The team conducted extensive surveys and genetic analyses to confirm the bat’s distinctiveness.
2. Blue Ghost Mission 1: On March 2, 2025, Firefly Aerospace successfully landed its spacecraft, Blue Ghost Mission 1, on the Moon. This marks only the second private mission to achieve a lunar landing and the first to do so upright. This milestone reflects the growing trend of commercial space exploration and NASA’s collaboration with private companies. Blue Ghost was launched on January 15, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The lander is about the size of a hippopotamus and carries ten scientific instruments. These include a lunar soil analyser and a radiation-tolerant computer. The mission aims to operate for a full lunar day, approximately 14 Earth days.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Special Assistance Scheme: Recently, the Government of India has allocated funds to states under the Special Assistance scheme. This programme is designed to aid states financially through interest-free loans for 50 years. The scheme aims to promote capital investment and support state-led reforms. The Special Assistance scheme is expected to continue playing a vital role in enhancing state capabilities. As states implement reforms and improve infrastructure, the potential for economic growth increases. The government’s focus on outcome-based funding may further encourage states to meet reform targets.
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