NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM) App: Researchers have established that airborne particulate matter can reduce life expectancy by up to five years. Traffic-related pollution is often underestimated, with commuting accounting for a disproportionate share of exposure. To address this, a team from IIT Kharagpur developed the Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM) web app, which aids users in selecting routes based on air quality and energy efficiency. Air pollution is a critical concern in urban India. Major cities experience severe health impacts due to traffic emissions. Commuters are often unaware of the risks associated with their daily travel. Studies indicate that amount of pollution exposure occurs during commuting hours. DRUM is a web application designed to help users choose routes that minimise air pollution exposure. The app offers five route options – shortest, fastest, least exposure to air pollution (LEAP), least energy consumption route (LECR), and a suggested route that balances all factors. This innovative approach aims to enhance urban mobility while prioritising health.
2. Zudpi Jungle Lands: This decision followed decades of legal disputes regarding the status of approximately 86,000 hectares of these unique shrub forests. The court’s ruling clarified the conditions under which these lands could be used, establishing that prior approval from the central government is necessary for any conversion. Zudpi jungle lands are characterised by bushy growth and are not typically utilised for agriculture. These lands are primarily found in six districts of eastern Vidarbha – Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Wardha, and Gondia. Traditionally, they have been used for grazing and other non-forest purposes. The status of Zudpi lands has been contentious for decades. Initially classified as Gairan under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code of 1966, their designation changed over time due to various government orders and legal interpretations. The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 imposed restrictions on the diversion of forest lands, complicating the legal landscape further.
3. Lloyds Metals Expands Iron Ore Mining in Maharashtra: The Union Environment Ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee has recommended environmental clearance for Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. This approval allows the company to more than double its iron ore output at the Surjagarh mine in Maharashtra. The output will increase from 10 million tonnes per annum to 26 million tonnes per annum. This decision comes amid the Maharashtra government’s efforts to boost industrialisation in Gadchiroli, an area historically impacted by Maoist violence. The Expert Appraisal Committee reviewed the project and granted clearance with specific conditions. These include compliance with a wildlife management and conservation plan. The mine site is located within the ecologically sensitive Bhamragad Reserve Forest. The committee emphasised the importance of protecting local wildlife and maintaining ecosystem integrity.
4. Zyeth Atham: Zyeth Atham, also known as Jyeshtha Ashtami, is celebration for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Observed on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, it typically falls in early June. This festival centres around the veneration of Goddess Kheer Bhawani, revered as a family deity. The main rituals occur at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Jammu and Kashmir. Goddess Kheer Bhawani is an incarnation of Mata Durga. She is deeply cherished by the Kashmiri Pandit community, who regard her as their Kuldevi. The temple in Tulmulla is not only a spiritual hub but also a historical site, mentioned in ancient texts such as Kalhana’s *Rajatarangini*. The temple is surrounded by chinar trees and built over a sacred spring, which is integral to the festival. The temple features a hexagonal spring that changes colour, reflecting the fortunes of the Valley. Light hues like blue and green signify prosperity, while dark shades indicate impending turmoil. This phenomenon has been observed for generations, linking the community’s fate to the spring’s waters.
5. Kerala’s Proposal to Amend Wildlife Protection Act: Wildlife attacks have become a pressing problem in Kerala. Government data shows that from 2016 to early 2025, 919 people lost their lives and nearly 9,000 were injured due to such conflicts. The state has identified 273 out of 941 village local bodies as hotspots for these incidents. The animals involved include tigers, leopards, elephants, and wild boars. Several factors have led to the escalation of human-wildlife conflicts. These include fluctuations in wildlife populations, habitat degradation, and increased grazing of domestic animals in forested areas. Changes in agricultural practices have also played a role. Notably, the rapid population growth of wild boars and monkeys has exacerbated the situation, leading to agricultural losses. Currently, the Wildlife (Protection) Act imposes strict regulations on the culling of protected species. The Kerala government argues that the existing legal framework hampers timely action in emergencies. Before any culling can occur, the chief wildlife warden must verify that an animal cannot be captured or relocated. This process can delay necessary interventions.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Environmental Crises and Global Responsibility in 2025: The three primary environmental crises are carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Carbon emissions continue to rise, driven by fossil fuel dependency. Biodiversity loss is marked by mass extinctions and habitat destruction. Pollution remains rampant, particularly in air quality, with cities like Delhi consistently ranking among the most polluted globally. Several factors contribute to environmental degradation. Firstly, fossil fuel dependency is a major driver of carbon emissions. In India, coal accounts for nearly 70% of electricity generation. Secondly, deforestation and land-use changes have increased, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. Thirdly, agricultural practices, particularly monocultures, lead to habitat destruction and water pollution. Additionally, waste mismanagement and urbanisation exacerbate environmental issues. India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with only 20% processed scientifically.
2. Genetic Legacy of North Africa in Iberia: Recent studies highlight the deep-rooted genetic connections between Iberia and North Africa. This relationship persisted for centuries until event in history altered it. Researchers analysed ancient DNA from individuals in eastern Spain to understand this genetic lineage, particularly during the periods of Al-Andalus and the Reconquista. The study involved DNA analysis from 12 individuals across three burial sites in Valencia. These samples spanned over a millennium, covering pre-Islamic, Islamic, and post-Reconquista periods. The findings revealed North African genetic markers in all samples, indicating a longstanding connection between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. The Islamic conquest intensified the cultural and genetic intermingling between North Africa and Iberia. The researchers noted that the presence of Romance languages in North Africa facilitated this rapid conquest. The genetic data showed that this relationship was not a one-time event but had existed long before 711 CE.
3. Climate Change Projections and Global Warming Thresholds: The 1.5ºC and 2ºC thresholds are not scientifically definitive but are based on economic considerations and political negotiations. The original 2ºC limit stems from a 1970s economic model by William Nordhaus. The implications of exceeding these thresholds are complex and uncertain. Current climate models struggle to provide accurate long-term predictions due to the unpredictability of future greenhouse gas emissions. Climate models are essential for projecting future warming scenarios. These models rely on assumptions about energy consumption, population dynamics, and policy decisions. The inherent uncertainties in these projections complicate our understanding of potential warming. As a result, predictions beyond 2050 are fraught with speculation.
4. Ocean Protection Funding Needs for 30×30 Target: The global initiative to protect 30 per cent of the oceans by 2030 requires an annual investment of $15.8 billion. This figure is outlined in the report titled “The Ocean Protection Gap – Assessing Progress toward the 30×30 Target.” The report, released by a consortium of NGOs and funders, marks funding shortfall. Currently, only $1.2 billion is allocated annually for ocean protection, leaving a gap of $14.6 billion. This report comes ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference 3, scheduled for June 2025 in France. Oceans play a critical role in sustaining life on Earth. They produce half the oxygen we breathe and regulate the climate by absorbing heat and storing carbon. The ocean economy contributes approximately $2.6 trillion annually. In 2023, ocean-based sectors accounted for 7 per cent of global trade. Despite their importance, climate stress and policy fragmentation pose threats to ocean health and sustainability.
5. China’s Dams and the Brahmaputra River Dynamics: Recent discussions have emerged regarding the impact of Chinese dam projects on the Brahmaputra River. The river is vital for India, particularly Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, brought into light that portion of the river’s flow originates from India. He noted that even potential reductions in water flow from China might not adversely affect Assam, and could even help mitigate flooding. China has initiated various hydropower projects along the Brahmaputra, primarily located upstream in Tibet. These projects, including the proposed Medog Hydropower Project, are designed for power generation rather than water storage. The Medog project is set to be the world’s largest hydropower facility, surpassing the Three Gorges Dam in capacity. India contributes to over 80% of the Brahmaputra’s water yield despite only covering 34.2% of the basin’s area. The Indian region receives substantial rainfall, averaging 2,371 mm annually, which boosts the river’s yield. The annual monsoon also plays important role in enhancing water flow.
6. UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024-25: The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024-25 marks ongoing gender disparities in educational outcomes and leadership roles worldwide. Despite improvements in enrolment rates, gaps persist in learning achievements and the representation of women in top educational positions. The report reveals that boys are falling behind girls in reading proficiency globally. In middle-income countries, the disparity is even more pronounced. The report indicates that for every 100 girls achieving minimum reading proficiency, only 87 boys do. In middle-income nations, this figure drops to 72 boys per 100 girls. This gap is alarming and indicates systemic issues in learning environments, particularly in literacy.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. IAF’s Indigenous I-STAR Aircraft: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to enhance its operational capabilities with the upcoming acquisition of I-STAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) aircraft. This Rs 10,000 crore project is set to be approved by the Defence Ministry amidst rising tensions and ongoing military operations. The I-STAR aircraft will empower the IAF to conduct precise strikes on critical enemy targets from safe distances. The I-STAR project involves procuring three advanced aircraft from leading international manufacturers such as Boeing or Bombardier. These aircraft will be equipped with indigenous sensor and electronic systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The integration of these systems is expected to be swift due to their successful testing.
2. Indian Navy’s First Anti-Submarine Warfare Ship Arnala: The Indian Navy is set to commission its first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), named Arnala, on 18 June 2025. This event will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, presided over by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan. The commissioning of Arnala signifies a major advancement in India’s naval capabilities and reflects the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. More than 80% of Arnala’s components are indigenous. It incorporates advanced systems from prominent Indian defence firms such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), L&T, Mahindra Defence, and MEIL. The construction process involved over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), boosting the domestic defence manufacturing sector and contributing to economic growth. Arnala is the first of sixteen ASW-SWC class ships designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders. This project is a part of the Public-Private Partnership model. The vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on 8 May 2025.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Potential Pandemic Threat from Merbecoviruses: Recent studies have raised alarms about a group of bat coronaviruses known as merbecoviruses. These viruses are closely related to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Researchers from Washington State University, California Institute of Technology, and the University of North Carolina have found that one subgroup, HKU5, may pose a risk to humans. The findings suggest that a small mutation could enable these viruses to cross species barriers and potentially lead to a new pandemic. Merbecoviruses are a subgenus of coronaviruses. They were largely overlooked until the emergence of MERS-CoV in 2012. MERS-CoV is transmitted from dromedary camels to humans and has a high mortality rate of about 34%. Most merbecoviruses do not appear to threaten human health. However, the HKU5 subgroup has shown concerning traits that warrant further investigation.
2. Losgna Occidentalis: Losgna is a genus of wasps known for their parasitic behaviour. The recent study reveals that this genus had not been documented in India since 1965. The solitary specimen was found in an urban dry scrub forest in Chandigarh during the winter of 2023-24. This marks the first formal description of any new insect species from Chandigarh. The newly identified species, Losgna occidentalis, is distinguished by its location. The name “occidentalis” indicates its position as the westernmost known occurrence of the genus. Previous records were primarily from tropical forests in eastern India and Southeast Asia. The discovery adds to the understanding of the geographical distribution of the genus. Taxonomic research is crucial for biodiversity conservation. The study marks the need for continued exploration and documentation of species. The discovery of Losgna occidentalis illustrates how young researchers and citizen scientists can contribute to science. It also emphasises the importance of international collaboration in taxonomic studies.
3. Piprahwa Relics: In 1898, a remarkable archaeological discovery was made at Piprahwa, the ancient site of Kapilavastu in Uttar Pradesh. Five caskets, including a crystal casket believed to be over 2,300 years old, were unearthed during excavations. These caskets contained sacred relics associated with Lord Buddha. Recently, the Ministry of Culture announced plans to exhibit these relics for the first time, aiming to enhance public engagement with India’s rich Buddhist heritage. The Piprahwa relics were discovered during an excavation led by William Claxton Peppe. The site contained a sandstone coffer buried 18 feet underground, which housed the relics, including sacred bones and ashes. The discovery was as it linked directly to the Sakya clan, Buddha’s family. The relics were later secured in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, where they remained for over a century.
4. Japanese Space Mission Hakuto-R: The recent failure of the Japanese space mission Hakuto-R has brought into light the challenges faced by private space companies in achieving successful lunar landings. The mission, launched by ispace, aimed to land the Resilience lander on the Moon. However, mission control lost communication with the spacecraft during its final descent, leading to a crash landing. This incident marks ispace’s second failed attempt to land on the lunar surface, following a similar fate in 2023. NASA has been actively promoting lunar exploration through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme. This initiative encourages private companies to develop capabilities for lunar missions. Several companies, including Astrobotic Technologies and Firefly Aerospace, are part of this programme, denoting a growing interest in lunar exploration.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. World Bank Report on Extreme Poverty: India has achieved progress in reducing extreme poverty over the past decade. According to the World Bank, the extreme poverty rate fell from 27.1 percent in 2011-12 to just 5.3 percent in 2022-23. This represents a remarkable shift in the lives of millions of people. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than 3.00 US Dollars per day, adjusted for 2021 prices. Using the earlier threshold of 2.15 US Dollars per day, the poverty rate fell from 16.2 percent in 2011 to 2.3 percent in 2022. This change reflects the economic realities and inflation adjustments over time. Both rural and urban poverty have seen declines. Rural poverty decreased from 18.4 percent to 2.8 percent. Urban poverty fell from 10.7 percent to just 1.1 percent. This narrowing of the rural-urban poverty gap indicates a more equitable distribution of economic opportunities.
2. Urban Consumer Confidence Survey for 2025: The UCCS is a bi-monthly survey aimed at assessing urban households’ views on economic conditions. It evaluates factors such as income, employment, inflation, and spending behaviour. The survey marks rebranding, separating urban insights from the newly introduced Rural Consumer Confidence Survey. Two primary indices emerge from the UCCS – – Current Situation Index (CSI) – This index reflects perceptions of the current economic environment. Recently, the CSI slightly declined to 95.4 from 95.5, remaining below the neutral benchmark of 100. – Future Expectations Index (FEI) – This index gauges optimism about future conditions. The FEI increased to 123.4, up from 122.4, indicating heightened expectations for income and employment in the coming year. While current perceptions of income and employment remained stable, optimism about future earnings is robust. Consumers anticipate improved financial conditions, influencing future spending behaviour. Although there has been a slight dip in current expenditure on both essential and non-essential goods, expectations for increased future spending are evident.
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