The New York Academy of Sciences and Tata Sons announced three scientists based out of Bengaluru as the winners of the 2025 Tata Transformation Prize.
Tata Transformation Prize winners are
Padubidri V. Shivaprasad of National Centre for Biological Sciences, and
Balasubramanian Gopal of Indian Institute of Science for research in food security, and
Ambarish Ghosh of sustainability and healthcare, respectively.
The winners were chosen from a pool of 212 nominations spanning 27 Indian States by an international jury of scientists, clinicians, technologists, and engineers.
Each winner will receive ₹2 crore to advance their research and scale its real-world impact.
The Karnataka State Police Department has rolled out ‘Sanmitra’ ( a good friend).
Sanmitra initiative
It is an initiative aimed at providing sustained support, rehabilitation, and monitoring for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
The programme seeks to address the issue not just through enforcement, but with empathy, guidance and structured rehabilitation
Under the initiative, every police station across the State will establish a dedicated Sanmitra helpdesk.
Police personnel designated under Sanmitra must maintain constant contact with affected individuals, engage with their families, and coordinate with mental health professionals to track monthly progress.
Station heads must collect progress reports from Sanmitra personnel every two weeks and submit confidential monthly reports to the respective SP or DCP in sealed covers.
The US State Department has approved the sale of the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system worth $93 million to India.
FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system
It is a modern anti-tank guided missile system.
It is a single man-portable fire-and-forget medium-range anti-tank weapon system designed to defeat all known threat armour.
Additional Information – India – USMilitary Exercises
Yudh Abhyas: Land forces.
Malabar: Naval quadrilateral with US, India, Japan, Australia.
Cope India: Air exercise.
Tiger Triumph: Tri-service HADR exercise.
Vajra Prahar: Special forces.
FSSAI orders immediate removal of misleading ORS-labelled beverages
Syllabus: GS2/ Health
In News
The FSSAI has directed the authorities to immediately remove from sale all fruit-based beverages, ready-to-serve drinks, energy drinks, electrolyte beverages, and similar products that are being marketed using the term ORS.
ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)
WHO–UNICEF–recommended sachets that are dissolved in clean water to make an Oral Rehydration Solution.
Purpose – to prevent and treat dehydration from acute diarrhoea (including cholera) in all age groups,
ORS formulation contains sodium chloride, anhydrous glucose, potassium chloride and trisodium citrate dihydrate in precise amounts.
Additional Information – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Established in – It is an autonomous body established in 2011 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Functions under – Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
Objective – It is a statutory body related to food safety and regulation in India.
Headquarters – New Delhi
Initiatives of FSSAI
Eat Right Movement campaign: To ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food for all Indians.
Clean Street Food: Providing training to street food vendors and spreading awareness among them regarding the violations of the FSS Act.
Diet4Life: Spreading awareness about the different types of metabolic disorders and how to avoid them.
Save Food, Share Food, Share Joy: FSSAI promoted and encouraged people to avoid food wastage and promote the donation of food.
Heart Attack Rewind: It is a mass media campaign of FSSAI to support FSSAI’s target of eliminating trans fat in India by the year 2022.
Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
India described the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) as a key instrument for expanding equitable and technology-driven climate action at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)
The JCM is a bilateral initiative that allows a partner country, such as India, to cooperate with Japan to implement low-carbon projects and receive carbon credits.
These credits, generated from projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, can be used by both countries to help meet their national climate targets.
The JCM facilitates technology transfer, mobilizes investment in green technologies, and promotes sustainable development in the partner country.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Syllabus: GS2/Health
Context
Acanthosis Nigricans can manifest in skin folds and creases on skin closely linked to the insulin resistance.
Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)
It is a skin condition characterised by dark, velvety patches on skin folds.
The skin changes do not appear overnight, but develop gradually over the course of several months.
It is strongly linked to insulin resistance, which makes it an important early warning sign for prediabetes and diabetes.
Causes – Obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and extremely rarely, in melanomas, stomach or liver malignancies.
Treatment: In most cases related to obesity or insulin resistance, improving metabolic health can help lighten the skin discoloration.
The India International Trade Fair
Syllabus: GS3/Economy
Context
The India International Trade Fair (IITF), held at Bharat Mandapam, stands as one of India’s largest and most culturally immersive exhibitions.
The India International Trade Fair
Organised by – Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Mandate – This annual event provides a common platform for the manufacturers, traders, exporters and importers.
It is held every year at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
It is recognised as one of the largest integrated trade fairs in South Asia.
It was first held in 1980.
Theme: ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
Global Methane Status Report 2025
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
The Global Methane Status Report released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) at COP30 in Belem.
Key Points of the Report
Methane Emissions Rising: Despite stronger waste regulations and improved monitoring, global trends remain far short of the target to cut methane by 30% by 2030.
Potency and Impact: Methane is around 80 times more powerful than CO₂ over a 20-year timescale, accounting for approximately one-third of current warming.
Methane Emissions: India emitted about 31 million tonnes of methane in 2020, accounting for 9% of global emission It contributes 12% of global agricultural methane—the highest share worldwide.
Agriculture Profile: Livestock (enteric fermentation) is the largest source, followed by rice cultivation, which is projected to increase by 8% in emissions by 2030. Crop residue burning is rising, making India a global hotspot.
Methane
It is a short-lived climate pollutant (12-year atmospheric lifetime).
It is 80–84 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years
Main Sources Globally: Agriculture (40%), energy (35%), and waste (20%).
Initiatives to Curb Methane Pollution- Global Initiatives:
Global Methane Pledge (GMP), 2021:
It is a voluntary international framework to reduce methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
Launched at –COP26 by the US, EU, and Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
Note – India has not signed the pledge.
India’s Initiatives:
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):
Promotes climate-resilient and low-emission agriculture.
Focus on soil health, water efficiency, and crop diversification, indirectly reducing methane.
Technologies & Practices to Reduce Methane from Rice Agriculture
The National Board for Wildlife has recommended reinstating Rhesus Macaques under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Rhesus Macaque(Macaca mulatta)
Habitat: It is a diurnal, omnivorous species that lives both in trees and on the ground. It occupies a wide range of habitats—from coniferous, deciduous, bamboo, and mixed forests to mangroves, scrublands, rainforests, and even areas near human settlements.
Distribution :It is found throughout most of southern Asia, in eastern Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and India.
Ecological Roles : It is vital seed dispersers, aiding forest regeneration and biodiversity, making their protection essential for both ecological balance and sustainable coexistence.
Threats : It is generally unthreatened, though its original habitat is increasingly being lost to development
Protection status : It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
It is listed on CITES Appendix II.
AJEYA WARRIOR-25
Syllabus: GS3/Defence
Context
The 8th edition of the India–United Kingdom (UK) Joint Military Exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-25” commenced in Rajasthan.
AJEYA WARRIOR-25
Objective – The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments.
Additional information –
KONKAN is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (UK).
Indradhanush is a bilateral air exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force of UK.
Sentinel-6B
Syllabus: GS3/Space
Context
Sentinel-6B has been successfully launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.
Sentinel-6B
It is an ocean-tracking satellite with six onboard science instruments that will measure the rising sea levels and its impacts on the planet.
It will orbit Earth at a speed of 7.2 km per second, completing one revolution every 112 minutes.
The mission is a joint collaboration between NASA, NOAA, and the European Space Agency (ESA).
A China Coast Guard ship formation conducted a “rights enforcement patrol” near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, escalating tensions with Japan.
The Senkaku Islands
The Senkaku Islands is the collective term that refers to a group of islands that includes Uotsuri, Kitakojima, Minamikojima, Kuba, Taisho, Okinokitaiwa, Okinominamiiwa, and Tobise
Dispute: The Senkaku Islands have long been a contentious issue in Japan-China relations.
At present it is being controlled by the Japanese.
Siliguri Corridor
Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security
Context
Indian Army sets up three new garrisons near the strategic Siliguri Corridor.
Siliguri Corridor
It is also referred to as the Chicken’s Neck.
It is a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects the Northeastern States to the rest of the country.
It is a very important strategic area of eastern India, located between Mahananda and Teesta river.
Significance of Siliguri Corridor
Strategic Connectivity: If disrupted, it would isolate the north east states, making it difficult for the government to supply essential goods, services, and military support.
Military and Defense Considerations: It lies close to sensitive international borders, particularly with China, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Supreme Court Prohibited Tiger Safaris in Core Tiger Habitats
Syllabus: GS3/Environment, Conservation
Context
The Supreme Court has issued directions to prohibit tiger safaris in the core or critical tiger habitat.
Eco Sensitive Zones
Notified by – These are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
Definition – The land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are notified as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
Activities in ESZs
Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc), establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood.
Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system.
The state government approved the Karnataka Space Technology policy 2025-2030
Karnataka’s Space Technology Policy 2025–2030
It was unveiled in November 2025 at the Bengaluru Tech Summit.
It is a strategic blueprint aimed at establishing the state as a global hub for space innovation and manufacturing.
Key Objectives
The policy sets ambitious targets for the state’s space industry:
Market Share: Capture 50% of the national space market (projected at USD 22 billion by 2033) and 5% of the global market.
Investment: Attract a cumulative investment of USD 3 billion into the state’s space ecosystem.
Talent: Train and upskill 50,000 students and professionals, including 15,000 women, in specialized space domains.
Startups: Support 500 space startups and MSMEs, with a goal to facilitate the design, manufacture, and launch of 50 satellites from Karnataka.
Significance – The policy aligns with the Indian Space Policy 2023 and the national goals of establishing a Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.
Mekedatu reservoir project
News –
The Supreme Court termed Tamil Nadu’s application challenging the proposed construction of a reservoir by Karnataka at Mekedatu across the inter-state river Cauvery as “premature” and refused to entertain it.
Connect with the basics – Cauvery River System
Origin – Talakaveri
Total length of the River – 805 km
Flowing– Eastern
Flows through – Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu & Pondicherry.
Recently, the Government of India launched the Electronics Development Fund (EDF)
Electronics Development Fund (EDF)
Overview: It was launched in 2016 under the MeitY as a key component of the Digital India and Make in India missions.
Objective – It is aimed at catalyzing innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in the electronics and IT sectors.
Strategic Importance
Reducing India’s dependence on imported electronics
Encouraging domestic innovation in critical technologies like semiconductors, IoT, AI, and robotics
Positioning India as a global hub for electronics design and manufacturing
Saalumarada Thimmakk
Syllabus: GS4/ Ethics; Environmental Ethics
In News
India mourns the passing of Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka.
She is one of the country’s most respected environmentalists and a global symbol of grassroots afforestation.
Saalumarada Thimmakk
Born in Gubbi taluk, Tumakuru district, and later settled in Hulikal
Beginning in the 1950s, she and her husband Bikkala Chikkayya carried water daily for miles, protected the saplings from grazing cattle using thorny branches, and planted mostly in monsoon seasons to ensure the trees’ survival.
Their persistent efforts resulted in a green corridor that provides shade, supports birdlife, and regulates the microclimate, serving as a living example of community-led afforestation.
Her legacy also influenced Karnataka’s afforestation policies and inspired numerous tree-planting movements across India.
The 385 trees she planted were saved from being cut down during a road widening project in 2019 after her appeal to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.
National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025
Syllabus: GS3/Dairy Sector
Context
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has announced the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025.
National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025
It is one of the highest national honours in the livestock and dairy sector.
These awards will be presented on 26th November 2025 as part of the National Milk Day celebrations.
It was instituted in 2014 as a part of Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
It focuses on the scientific conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds.
It s annually conferred to encourage milk-producing farmers, dairy cooperative societies/MPCs/FPOs, and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs).
The awardees will get a certificate of merit and a memento and cash price of ₹5,00,000, ₹3,00,000 and ₹2,00,000 for the first, second and third categories respectively.
For the year 2025, social activist, writer, and former Minister T. Lalitha Nayak has been selected for the award in the Literary field, while Shivarudraiah will be honored in the Cinema field
Baragur Awards
Awarding Organisation – Nadoja Dr. Baragur Pratishtana foundation
Objective -It presents awards annually to various individuals for their contributions to different fields.
The award comprises a plaque and a cash prize of ₹25,000.
Awardees of 2025
T. Lalitha Nayak (Field – Literature)
Shivarudraiah (Field – Cinema)
Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025-2030
News –
Karnataka will be spending ₹967 crore towards varied incentives under the Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025-2030
Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025-2030
Mandate – It is a strategic blueprint that transitions the state’s focus from traditional IT services to deep technology innovation.
It aims to position Karnataka as a global leader in areas like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
The policy, approved by the state cabinet in November 2025, emphasizes equitable growth through a ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative and has a total outlay of ₹967.12 crore over five years.
Key Vision and Targets
The policy is designed around the “FRAME” architecture (Frontier & Emerging Technologies, Regional Development, Alignment, Market Creation, Enterprise Facilitation)
The United States has launched Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR in Latin America, aimed at “removing narco-terrorists.”
About the Operation
SOUTHCOM stands for the U.S. Southern Command, whose area of responsibility includes 31 countries across South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
According to the U.S., the mission aims to:
Defend the U.S. homeland
Remove narco-terrorist threats from the Western Hemisphere
Prevent drug flows that the U.S. says are harming its population.
Colombo Security Conclave
Syllabus: GS2/ International Relation
In News
The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) officially welcomed Bangladesh as its fifth member state.
Colombo Security Conclave
Established in –
Objective: to expand on maritime cooperation.
Members: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius & Bangladesh
Seychelles is an observer nation.
Pillars of Cooperation: Maritime security, counterterrorism, combating transnational organised crime, cyber security & humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
