NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. ANRF’s MAHA-EV: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has initiated the Mission for Advancement of High-impact Areas on Electric Vehicles (MAHA-EV). This initiative responds to the urgent need for innovation in India’s electric vehicle ecosystem. The mission focuses on overcoming critical challenges in electric mobility. The primary goal of MAHA-EV is to enhance research and development in the electric vehicle sector. The mission targets three key technological verticals – Tropical EV Battery and Battery Cells, Power Electronics, Machines and Drives, and EV Charging Infrastructure. Each vertical addresses specific challenges in the electric vehicle landscape. Seven electric mobility nodes (e-nodes) have been selected to drive the MAHA-EV mission. These e-nodes include the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the National Institute of Technology Surathkal. Each e-node will collaborate with industry partners and academic institutions to execute their projects effectively.
2. New Rules for Biological Resource Benefit Sharing: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) of India has introduced new regulations for the sharing of benefits derived from biological resources. The Biological Diversity (Access to Biological Resources and Knowledge Associated thereto and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits) Regulation 2025 was approved by the Central Government and notified on April 29, 2025. This regulation aims to enhance the management of biological resources and replaces the previous guidelines established in 2014. The regulations specify benefit-sharing slabs based on the annual turnover of the user. Users with an annual turnover exceeding ₹1 crore must submit a statement detailing the resources utilised each year. For high-value biological resources, the minimum benefit share is set at 5% of the proceeds from sales, which can increase to over 20% for commercial applications.
3. Mangar Bani: Researchers have identified a variety of prehistoric tools dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic era. These findings provide vital information about the lives of early human populations who inhabited this area. The tools, including handaxes and cleavers, belong to the Acheulian cultural phase, dating from 200,000 to 500,000 years ago. Archaeologists have uncovered nearly 200 artefacts in the Mangar area. These tools are crucial for understanding the daily lives of hunter-gatherers. The findings suggest that the region was site for prehistoric human activity. Researchers have also discovered cave paintings that likely belong to the Upper Palaeolithic age. These paintings depict animal and nature motifs, indicating the artistic expressions of early humans.
4. Baglihar and Kishanganga Dams: India is progressing on four hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. These projects are expected to be commissioned by 2027-28. They include Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle. The implementation involves a partnership between the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation. Both the Baglihar and Kishanganga dams have faced legal challenges from Pakistan. The World Bank has been involved in mediating disputes over the dams. Past rulings have generally favoured India’s position. However, Pakistan continues to express concerns about the operational impact of these projects on its water rights.
5. Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project: The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) in Telangana, once hailed as a revolutionary initiative for water management, is now embroiled in controversy. The National Dam Safety Authority’s (NDSA) recent report has revealed alarming structural issues within the project, leading to intense political disputes and raising concerns about its viability. The project’s initial cost was estimated at ₹82,000 crore, but it has escalated to over ₹1.47 lakh crore. Telangana is now burdened with annual repayments of ₹16,000 crore, straining state finances. This financial overreach raises questions about the project’s economic viability.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Druze Community: The ongoing conflict in Syria continues to reveal deep-seated sectarian tensions. Recent clashes near Damascus have involved Islamist factions, security forces, and the Druze minority. Syria has endured over a decade of civil war. The Assad regime initially regained control of major cities and highways. However, regions like Idlib and areas inhabited by the Druze remain outside government control. The civil war has left Syria fractured along sectarian lines, with various factions vying for power. Violence erupted after an audio clip surfaced, allegedly featuring a Druze cleric criticising Prophet Mohammed. This incited anger among Sunni Islamists, leading to attacks on Druze community members. Armed Druze fighters responded, escalating the conflict in areas such as Jaramana and Sweida.
2. Turbidity Currents: These fast-moving underwater flows can be triggered by geological events. The implications for marine ecosystems are deep, necessitating urgent action against pollution. A turbidity current refers to a fast-moving underwater flow, typically composed of water mixed with dense sediments, that travels swiftly down a slope. Although most commonly associated with water, turbidity currents can also occur in other fluids. Natural examples include snow and rock avalanches, volcanic pyroclastic flows, and lava flows made up of molten rock and debris.
3. FATF Grey List: 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). The FATF plays important role in shaping international relations. Countries often rely on FATF ratings to gauge each other’s commitment to combating terrorism financing. India plans to engage with key FATF member states to gather support for its initiative against Pakistan. This marks the interconnectedness of financial practices and diplomatic relations.
4. Cheetah Corridor Project: 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 National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) endorse the project. Their assessments indicate that the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscape is ideal for cheetah habitation. This scientific backing reinforces the project’s credibility.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Igla-S Missiles: India’s air defence capabilities are being enhanced with the recent acquisition of Russian-origin Igla-S missiles. These portable, shoulder-fired weapons are designed to target low-flying enemy aircraft, drones, and helicopters. The Indian Army has received these Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) as part of a Rs 260 crore emergency procurement contract. This move comes in response to increased security threats along the western border, particularly following a recent terror attack. The new supplies of Igla-S missiles are crucial for the Indian Army’s operational readiness. They are deployed in forward formations to counter threats from enemy aircraft and drones. The Indian Army has also initiated a tender for additional launchers and missiles to further strengthen its air defence capabilities.
2. Abdali Weapon System: Recent developments have escalated tensions between India and Pakistan following a terror attack in Pahalgam. Recently, Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System. This surface-to-surface missile has a range of 450 kilometres. The test aimed to assess operational readiness and validate the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability. The Abdali missile was first tested in 2001-02. It is named after Ahmed Shah Abdali, an Afghan ruler known for multiple invasions of India in the 18th century. Pakistan often names its missiles after historical Muslim conquerors, including the Ghaznavi, Ghauri, and Babur missiles.
3. 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 Tsunami Ready Odisha (TRO) project is designed to boost coastal community resilience. It aims to raise awareness and preparedness among residents to safeguard lives and property against tsunami threats. This project is linked to UNESCO’s Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme, which prepares communities to respond effectively to tsunami warnings.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Repairability Index Framework in Mobile Electronics Sector: The Repairability Index (RI) framework in the mobile and electronics sector has been established to enhance consumer rights and promote sustainable practices. The initiative aims to empower consumers by providing clear information on the repairability of products. This comes in response to increasing complaints regarding repair difficulties for mobile devices. The framework aligns with global best practices while supporting innovation and ease of business for manufacturers. In September 2024, the Government of India formed a committee to develop the RI framework. The committee was chaired by Shri Bharat Khera and included stakeholders from various sectors including major tech companies, industry associations, and consumer advocacy groups. The RI framework aims to make repair information accessible and transparent.
2. Microgravity’s Impact on Human Thermoregulation: As humanity contemplates future manned missions to such distances, understanding human physiology in microgravity becomes crucial. Recent research from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) marks challenges in thermoregulation, the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature, in microgravity environments. Thermoregulation is vital for maintaining optimal body temperature. In space, the body’s response to temperature changes is altered due to microgravity. Factors such as age, fitness, and body composition affect how individuals regulate temperature. Understanding these variations is essential for astronaut health during long-duration missions.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. IMO’s Net-Zero Framework: The IMO’s compliance structure features a two-tier system. This system allows for differential pricing on remedial units. Shipowners must meet specific greenhouse gas intensity (GFI) targets. Non-compliance will lead to penalties or the need to purchase credits. The direct compliance target mandates a 21% reduction in GFI by 2030, escalating to 43% by 2035. The Net-Zero Framework will supplement, not replace, existing regulations like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime regulation. Current obligations under these frameworks remain intact. The potential for future alignment between EU rules and the IMO framework is under discussion to prevent regulatory conflicts. The framework is inclusive of various alternative fuels. It acknowledges the role of transitional technologies like LNG. Currently, LNG dual-fuel vessels represent portion of the alternative fuel-capable fleet. Continued recognition of LNG as a transitional fuel is vital for maintaining its commercial viability.
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