NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Mango Production Trends Amid Climate Change Challenges: Mangoes, a beloved fruit in India, face challenges due to rising temperatures. Reports indicate a decline in harvest quality and changes in flowering patterns. The India Meteorological Department’s Annual Climate Survey of 2024 brought into light temperature increase, marking 2024 as the warmest year since 1901. This warming trend raises concerns about the future of mango production. Despite concerns, statistical data from the Horticulture Department indicates a positive trend in mango productivity. Between 2001-02 and 2024-25, productivity fluctuated but is expected to reach 9.4 metric tonnes per hectare in 2024-25. This figure surpasses that of other major mango producers like China and Thailand. Additionally, mango cultivation area increased by 2.34% in 2023-24, indicating a growing interest in mango farming.
2.Annual Survey of Services Sector Enterprises (ASSSE): The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently conducted a pilot study on the Annual Survey of Services Sector Enterprises (ASSSE). This initiative aims to gather vital data on India’s incorporated service sector. The study is a precursor to a comprehensive survey set to begin in January 2026. It focuses on enterprises registered under various corporate laws, utilising data from the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN). This pilot study marks step in enhancing India’s statistical capabilities. It aims to fill the data gap in the incorporated service sector, which is crucial for understanding its contribution to the economy and employment. The primary goal of the pilot study was to test operational processes. This included assessing enterprise responses and the clarity of survey instructions. The study aimed to verify the suitability of the GSTN database as a sampling frame. It also sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the questionnaire and the availability of key data from enterprise records.
3. Basaveshwara: Basaveshwara, also known as Basavanna, was a prominant figure in 12th-century India. Born in Karnataka in 1131 CE, he emerged as a philosopher, statesman, and social reformer. Basaveshwara was born into a family of Shiva devotees. He grew up in a time when caste discrimination and ritualistic practices were prevalent. His early exposure to spirituality shaped his views on equality and social justice. He became a key figure during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty. Basaveshwara’s most contribution is the Vachana literature. These poetic verses articulate his philosophical beliefs and social messages. Works like Shat-sthala-vachana and Raja-yoga-vachana highlight his thoughts on devotion, equality, and rational living. The vachanas are instrumental in understanding the spiritual universe of the Veerashaiva saints.
4. Humid Heat Waves: Recent studies highlight the increasing threat of humid heat waves, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas like India. A new research revealed the relationship between rainfall, soil moisture, and the onset of these extreme weather events. The research identifies important link between recent rainfall patterns and the occurrence of humid heat waves. In arid regions, such as northwestern India, humid heat waves often follow rainfall. The moisture from rainfall evaporates, increasing humidity levels. Conversely, in humid regions, high soil moisture usually exists, but reduced sunlight due to cloud cover limits evaporation. After rainfall subsides, clearer skies lead to increased surface warming, contributing to humid heat conditions.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Phthalates Linked to Cardiovascular Deaths: In recent years, studies have increasingly brought into light the dangers of phthalates, chemicals prevalent in household plastics. A 2025 study from New York University revealed that phthalates may have contributed to over 356,000 cardiovascular-related deaths globally in 2018. The regions most affected include the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific, which accounted for approximately 75% of these deaths. The NYU study focused on di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a common type of phthalate. Researchers estimated that DEHP exposure was responsible for 356,238 deaths in 2018, representing about 13.5% of all cardiovascular deaths among individuals aged 55-64. India reported the highest number of DEHP-related deaths, followed by China and Indonesia.
2. Climate Change and Fire Seasons: Recent studies indicate that fire weather seasons in eastern Australia and western North America are increasingly overlapping. This shift complicates international cooperation between fire services in Canada, the United States, and Australia. Fire weather refers to specific atmospheric conditions that promote the spread of wildfires. Key factors include temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. The Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) is tool used worldwide to assess fire risk. It identifies days with high wildfire potential. Historically, fire seasons in western North America occurred from June to October, while eastern Australia’s season spanned from October to March. This timing allowed for resource sharing during emergencies. However, climate change is altering these patterns, leading to longer fire seasons.
3. Agent Orange: The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago, on April 30, 1975. However, its repercussions continue to affect millions due to the use of Agent Orange. This herbicide, sprayed extensively by U.S. forces, contained dioxin, which is notorious for its long-lasting toxicity. Agent Orange caused extensive ecological damage. It defoliated vast areas of forest and farmland, leading to long-term degradation. Soil and water sources in contaminated regions still show elevated dioxin levels. Cleanup efforts are ongoing but face challenges due to the scale of contamination. The United States began cleanup initiatives in 2006, focusing on contaminated sites like Da Nang. However, progress has been slow and costly. Large areas remain unaddressed, and funding cuts have hindered further efforts. Local authorities stress the need for continued U.S. support to manage the toxic legacy of Agent Orange.
4. Uturuncu Volcano: A collaborative study involving institutions like the University of Oxford and Cornell University utilised advanced techniques to investigate the volcano’s plumbing system. Researchers analysed data from over 1,700 earthquakes. This high-resolution imaging revealed the movement of fluids and gases beneath the volcano. Their findings indicate a low probability of an imminent eruption. Volcanic plumbing systems comprise a network of fluids and gases in magmatic reservoirs. These systems connect the magma chamber to the surface. Understanding fluid movement within these systems is essential for predicting volcanic activity. The study identified pathways for geothermally heated fluids, which contribute to the observed deformation.
5. Canada PM Mark Carney: Mark Carney’s recent election as Prime Minister of Canada marks shift in the political landscape. He assumes leadership amid ongoing tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump. Carney, an economist with a history of crisis management, aims to strengthen Canada’s position on the global stage. Carney, 60, previously served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. His experience includes navigating the 2008 financial crisis and the Brexit referendum. Uniquely, he is the first Canadian Prime Minister without prior Cabinet experience. His educational background includes prestigious institutions like Harvard and Oxford.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Military Spending Disparities Between India and Pakistan: In 2024, India’s military spending reached USD 86.1 billion, ranking fifth globally. This expenditure has surged by 42 per cent since 2015. India aims to reduce its dependence on foreign arms imports. The government has allocated 75 per cent of capital outlays for domestic military procurement. This policy has allowed India to produce armoured vehicles, helicopters, and submarines, although it still relies on imports for advanced systems like combat aircraft. Pakistan’s military spending in 2024 was USD 10.2 billion, placing it at the 29th position worldwide. This figure represents only 11.84 per cent of India’s military expenditure. The low spending reflects Pakistan’s limited resources in comparison to India. The disparity in military budgets raises concerns about regional security and stability.
2. Iberian Power Blackout: The Iberian Peninsula experienced power blackout affecting both Portugal and Spain. The blackout led to widespread disruptions. Its cause is still under investigation. However, initial reports suggest a voltage fluctuation in the Spanish grid may have triggered the event. Induced atmospheric vibration is a rare phenomenon that occurs due to extreme temperature variations. These variations can cause oscillations in high-voltage power lines. When the tension in the lines changes, it affects their aerodynamic properties. This interaction can destabilise the power system. Experts are investigating if this phenomenon contributed to the blackout. The blackout was linked to voltage fluctuation in Spain’s electrical grid. Portugal was importing energy from Spain at the time. The fluctuation caused protective systems in Portuguese power plants to shut down. This automatic response led to widespread outages across the region.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Into Proton Adsorption for Green Hydrogen Production: BIEFs arise at the interface of different materials, particularly in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) p-n heterojunctions. These fields create an asymmetric electronic environment. This asymmetry is crucial as it influences charge distribution at the junction. The resulting built-in potential enhances proton dynamics during adsorption and desorption. Gibbs free energy is a thermodynamic potential that helps evaluate the maximum work obtainable from a system. In the context of hydrogen production, it is essential for understanding proton adsorption. The difference in work functions between two materials drives charge redistribution, establishing the built-in potential. This potential directly impacts the Gibbs free energy of adsorption. Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) in Mohali developed a CuO-CuWO4 heterostructure. This structure was fabricated by growing CuWO4 nanoparticles over Cu(OH)2. The study examined the physical and electrochemical properties of the heterojunction. Notably, it explored the Gibbs free energy profile for proton adsorption across different regions of the catalyst.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Drugs and Cosmetics Compounding Rules 2025: The new rules are designed to facilitate the settlement of minor offences related to the manufacturing, import, sale, and distribution of drugs. They apply to pharmaceutical companies and individuals involved in these activities. The framework encourages compliance and reduces the burden on the judicial system. The Central Government will appoint a compounding authority at a senior level. This authority must hold a position not lower than that of a Licensing Authority. Similarly, State Governments will designate officers below the rank of Licensing Authority to serve in this capacity. Applicants can submit their requests for compounding either before or after prosecution begins. The application must include essential details such as the applicant’s identity, product information, and specifics of the offence. This streamlined process allows for a quicker resolution.
2. Digital Access as a Fundamental Right in India: The Supreme Court ruled that digital access is integral to the right to life and liberty. The judgement arose from petitions by acid attack survivors and visually impaired individuals. They faced barriers in completing digital Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. The court identified these barriers as hindrances to accessing essential services and welfare schemes. The court directed the government to reform KYC processes to accommodate individuals with disabilities. It mandated that KYC procedures should no longer require visual tasks that are impossible for certain individuals. This includes allowing alternative methods for identity verification, such as video-based KYC processes.
3. RBI Launches Key Surveys for Monetary Policy: The Inflation Expectations Survey of Households (IESH) is designed to gather subjective assessments of price movements. Conducted across 19 cities, it captures insights based on individual consumption patterns. This survey enables the RBI to understand public sentiment regarding inflation, which is vital for shaping monetary policy. The Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS) aims to assess household sentiments about the economy. It collects qualitative data on perceptions regarding the general economic situation, employment, price levels, and household income and spending. This survey also includes responses from 19 cities, providing a comprehensive look at urban consumer attitudes.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Supreme Court’s Limited Powers on Arbitral Awards: A Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, held that appellate courts possess limited authority to modify arbitral awards. This decision emerged from a reference made in February 2024 concerning the interpretation of Sections 34 and 37 of the Act. The Supreme Court’s majority judgment outlined specific conditions under which modifications to arbitral awards can occur. The court affirmed that modifications are permissible if the award is severable. This means that invalid portions can be separated from valid sections. Additionally, clerical, computational, or typographical errors can be corrected. The court also stated that post-award interest might be modified under certain circumstances.
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