NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Jharkhand’s OBC Data Collection for Local Quotas: The triple test consists of three steps. First, a dedicated commission must conduct an empirical inquiry into backwardness in local bodies. Second, the commission specifies the required reservation proportion. This ensures that reservations do not exceed legal limits. Third, the total reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and OBCs combined must not surpass 50% of total seats. This framework was established in a Supreme Court ruling in March 2021. Jharkhand established its OBC Commission in June 2023. The Commission’s members studied the implementation of the triple test in Madhya Pradesh. Data collection began in December 2024, with a deadline in March 2025. Some districts failed to meet this deadline. However, the complete data reached the Commission recently. This data will be used to create a final report for further analysis and verification.
2. Replacement Level Fertility: Recent studies indicate that the conventional replacement level fertility (RLF) of 2.1 children per woman may not suffice to prevent human extinction in many developed regions. Researchers propose a revised fertility threshold of at least 2.7 children per woman. This shift stems from concerns about population sustainability and the implications of declining birth rates. Replacement level fertility is the number of children each woman must have to maintain a stable population. Traditionally set at 2.1, this figure accounts for infant mortality and ensures each generation replaces itself. However, new research suggests this level is inadequate in certain contexts, particularly in developed nations.
3. Rising Temperatures and Mortality Trends in India: Recent studies reveal alarming trends in mortality linked to extreme temperatures in India. Over the past two decades, nearly 35,000 deaths have been attributed to heat and cold exposure. This data marks the urgent need for targeted policies to mitigate these risks. The research indicates that heatstroke is a more cause of death than cold exposure, particularly affecting men. The study recorded 19,693 deaths from heatstroke and 15,197 from cold exposure. The year 2015 was particularly deadly, with severe heatwaves and cold spells leading to 1,907 and 1,147 deaths, respectively. Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, and West Bengal had the highest heatstroke-related deaths, while Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Haryana, and Jharkhand were most affected by cold exposure.
4. Palamu Tiger Reserve: The relocation of Jaigir village marks milestone in conservation efforts at Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). This initiative aims to reduce human impact on wildlife habitats. The new location for Jaigir is near Polpol village, just outside the core area of the reserve. This relocation is part of a broader strategy to enhance the living conditions of both wildlife and local communities. The vegetation in Palamu consists of both moist and dry deciduous forests, primarily featuring Sal and bamboo. The area is rich in biodiversity, hosting key species such as tigers, Asiatic elephants, leopards, and sloth bears. The diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, making it crucial for conservation efforts. The relocation of villages is expected to enhance the habitat for these species by reducing human interference.
5.Inscription from Vikramaditya I Era: Recently, archaeological discovery was made at Madapura Lake in Nyamati taluk, Davangere district. An inscription dating back to the 7th century AD was unearthed. This inscription, measuring five feet in length, contains 17 lines in Old Kannada script. It is attributed to the reign of Vikramaditya I of the Badami Chalukya dynasty, who ruled from 654 to 681 AD. The finding adds valuable vital information about the administration and social organisation of that period. The inscription reveals an administrative act by Singhavenna, an officer under Vikramaditya I. It records the waiver of taxes for local villagers, denoting welfare initiatives. Additionally, it notes a land donation of six acres for lake construction, showcasing early landholding patterns and community structures.
6. Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute: The water-sharing conflict between Punjab and Haryana has escalated sharply, following a recent decision by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The BBMB ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water daily from the Bhakra dam to Haryana, igniting fierce backlash from Punjab. This dispute marks the complexities of water resource management in India, particularly in the context of agricultural needs. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) allocates water from the Sutlej river system. Each state receives a specific share based on historical agreements. Punjab claims that Haryana has exceeded its allocated water usage, raising concerns over equitable distribution.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. FATF Grey List: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an international body established in 1989 during a G-7 summit in Paris. It acts as the global watchdog for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. India became an observer in the FATF in 2006 and attained full membership in 2010. FATF maintains a grey list of countries under increased monitoring. Pakistan was removed from this list in October 2022 after it made commitments to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) measures. Being placed on the FATF grey list can severely affect a country’s economy. It leads to increased scrutiny from international financial institutions. Countries on this list often face difficulties in securing foreign investments and loans. This economic pressure can impact Pakistan’s financial stability, particularly in light of its recent aid package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
2. India’s Climate Warming Trends: India’s climate has undergone changes over recent decades. The country has warmed by approximately 0.6°C since the 1950s. This increase is notably less than the warming observed in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. Recent satellite data from NASA marks this trend, raising questions about its implications. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, India experienced a notable reduction in aerosol levels. A study revealed that this decrease led to a drop in night-time land surface temperatures by 2-4°C. This unexpected outcome challenges existing assumptions about the relationship between aerosols and temperature. It marks the need for more research on temperature dynamics in India.
3. Cheetah Corridor Project: A Cheetah Corridor is being set up as part of India’s wildlife conservation efforts. The initiative is designed to facilitate the movement of cheetahs across regions, thereby expanding their natural habitat. The primary goal of the corridor is to improve genetic diversity among cheetah populations. By connecting isolated wildlife reserves, the project aims to reduce habitat fragmentation. This will enable cheetahs to roam freely, find mates, and thrive in their natural environment. The initiative involves relocating cheetahs from Africa and introducing them into well-suited habitats in India, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The primary objectives of Project Cheetah are to restore ecological balance, support biodiversity, and boost both conservation initiatives and wildlife tourism in the country.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Ganga Expressway Night Landing: The Ganga Expressway airstrip is important addition to India’s defence infrastructure. It is designed to facilitate both day and night landings of fighter aircraft. The airstrip enhances India’s ability to respond to threats swiftly and effectively. It serves as an alternative runway for the IAF during conflicts or emergencies, showcasing the country’s strategic military capabilities. The trials were conducted in two phases – daytime and nighttime. During the day, IAF jets performed various manoeuvres, including low fly-pasts. Night operations were held between 7 PM and 10 PM, testing the airstrip’s operational readiness in low-light conditions. This dual-phase approach ensured comprehensive assessment of the airstrip’s capabilities. The Ganga Expressway airstrip is the fourth expressway in Uttar Pradesh to feature an airstrip, following the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand expressways. However, it stands out as the first with a night-landing capability. This development is expected to enhance the IAF’s strategic options and improve the overall security landscape in the region.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Neuralink’s Speech Restoration Technology: Neuralink, a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk, has made strides in restoring communication for individuals with severe speech impairments. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the company a Breakthrough Device Designation for its innovative brain-chip technology. This designation is awarded to medical devices that promise more effective treatment for life-threatening conditions. Neuralink aims to assist individuals affected by various neurological disorders, including ALS, stroke, and cerebral palsy, in regaining their ability to communicate. It is FDA’s voluntary initiative aimed at fast-tracking the development, assessment, and approval of certain medical devices and combination products used for treating or diagnosing serious or life-threatening conditions. It aims to ensure quicker patient and healthcare access to innovative medical devices without compromising safety and effectiveness.
2. INCOIS Launches Submarine Cable: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has initiated a submarine cable project to enhance long-term observations of the Indian Ocean. This project, supported by the international scientific community, will improve the understanding of ocean dynamics, seismic activity, and tsunami risks. The initiative involves the installation of a 150 km cable west of Wandoor in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, featuring advanced sensors for oceanographic and geophysical data collection. The submarine cable will connect two science nodes equipped with sensors placed at depths of 2,000 to 2,500 metres. These nodes will gather crucial data on ocean parameters. A landing station will be established at Wandoor, facilitating real-time data acquisition. This infrastructure aims to monitor seismic events and provide vital information about potential tsunami triggers.
3. Universe’s Clumpiness: Recent advancements in cosmology reveal that the clumpiness of the universe is crucial for understanding its fundamental nature. The universe, believed to have originated from a Big Bang approximately 13.8 billion years ago, has evolved into a complex structure of galaxies and cosmic phenomena. The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation, a remnant from the early universe, provides vital information about its initial conditions. The Big Bang theory posits that the universe began as a singular explosion. This event led to the formation of galaxies and solar systems. The CMB represents the afterglow of this explosion. Initially, the universe was remarkably uniform with slight density variations. These variations are essential for understanding how matter clumped together over billions of years.
4. Chandrayaan-3 Findings on Lunar Mantle Samples: The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) onboard the Pragyan rover played a very important role in this research. It is designed for in-situ analysis of soil and rock samples on planetary bodies with minimal atmosphere. The APXS emits alpha particles and X-rays onto surface samples, enabling the identification of elemental compositions based on the X-ray emissions from the samples. Scientists analysed the concentrations of several volatile elements, including sulfur, potassium, and sodium, at the Shiv Shakti point. They found that sulfur levels were higher than those recorded in previous lunar missions, while sodium and potassium levels were lower.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ‘Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in India’ Report: The NITI Aayog has recently released a report titled ‘Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in India’. It was developed in collaboration with the Institute for Competitiveness, outlines strategies to unlock the potential of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India. The report identifies systemic reforms necessary in financing, skilling, innovation, and market access to boost MSME competitiveness. The report marks the need for targeted interventions in high-growth regions, particularly in northeastern and eastern India. Developing platforms for direct market linkages can enhance MSME competitiveness.
2. U.S.-Ukraine Joint Investment Fund Agreement: Ukraine will contribute 50% of revenues from new mineral, oil, and gas projects to the fund. Existing projects like Naftogaz are exempt. The fund aims to attract private investments to stimulate Ukraine’s resource sector, essential for its economic recovery. The agreement comes amid ongoing security threats from Russia. It reflects a more robust stance against Russian aggression, explicitly mentioning “Russia’s full-scale invasion.” The U.S. aims to prevent any entities supporting Russia from benefiting from Ukraine’s reconstruction.
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