Author: Ramvilas

𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗟 (𝗟𝗔𝗖)

International Relations

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has disturbed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through its patrolling behaviour.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗔𝗖

• 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The de facto line separating Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
• 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: India estimates it at approximately 3,488 km, while China estimates around 2,000 km.
• 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀:
  • 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻: Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
  • 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
  • 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻: Ladakh.

𝗠𝗰𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲

• 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: The de facto boundary between India and China in the Eastern Sector, particularly between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet.
• 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻: Drawn during the Shimla Convention of 1914, involving Great Britain, China and Tibet.
• 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: From the Bhutan border in the west to the Myanmar border in the east.
• 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Rejects the McMahon Line and claims Arunachal Pradesh as Zangnan (South Tibet).
• 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

𝗟𝗔𝗖 𝘃𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝗖

• 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 (𝗟𝗔𝗖):
  • Separates Indian- and Chinese-controlled territories.
  • Not mutually agreed upon, fully delineated on maps or demarcated on the ground.
  • Differences in perceptions of its alignment can lead to border tensions.
• 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 (𝗟𝗼𝗖):
  • Separates Indian- and Pakistani-controlled areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Originated from the 1949 Karachi Agreement following the 1947–48 India–Pakistan war.
  • Renamed the LoC under the 1972 Shimla Agreement.
  • Its alignment is depicted on maps authenticated by the military representatives of both countries.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

• LAC: India–China; alignment remains disputed.
• LoC: India–Pakistan; alignment is defined by bilateral agreements.

𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗

Environment

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

• The UN Climate Convention’s Loss and Damage Fund earmarked $21.6 million for Nepal to address damage caused by the Bhotekoshi floods.
• It marks the first time the Fund has earmarked money for a specific country, according to the supplied report.

𝗕𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗸𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗶 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀

• 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲: An ice-and-rock avalanche in August 2026 triggered flooding across the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli–Narayani river system.
• 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀: At least $2.69 billion.
• 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀: At least $4.71 billion.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱

• 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Support developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change in addressing economic and non-economic losses and damages.
• 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Operates under the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
  • COP27 (2022): Governments agreed to establish the Fund.
  • COP28 (2023): Its Governing Instrument was adopted.
• 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Address climate-related losses arising from extreme weather events and slow-onset events.
• 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Developing countries particularly vulnerable to climate change, especially those with significant capacity constraints.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀

• Economic losses: Damage to infrastructure, property, livelihoods and economic activities.
• Non-economic losses: Loss of life, cultural heritage, biodiversity and community identity.
• Slow-onset events: Gradual climate impacts such as sea-level rise, desertification and ocean acidification.

𝗖𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗟 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗧𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞

Science & Technology

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

• The Union Home Ministry launched a first-of-its-kind pilot initiative to strengthen civil defence preparedness by providing specialised training to Civil Defence Master Trainers through the Indian Army.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

• 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: First established in India in 1941.
• 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀: Civil Defence Act, 1968 (Act 27 of 1968).
• 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀:
  • Preserve human lives.
  • Minimise damage to property.
  • Maintain essential services and production.
  • Promote public morale during emergencies.

𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

• Initially focused on protecting civilians against enemy attacks.
• Its scope expanded following the 1962 India–China conflict and the 1965 India–Pakistan conflict.
• The 2009 amendment expanded its role in disaster management before, during and after natural and man-made disasters.

𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

• Emergency preparedness and response.
• Protection against nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) threats.
• Assistance during natural and human-induced disasters.
• Protection of essential services and critical infrastructure.

𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗦𝗡𝗢𝗪𝗠𝗘𝗟𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗔

Environment

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

• A recent study suggests that penguin droppings may accelerate snowmelt in Antarctica by promoting the growth of snow algae.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘁?

• 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Penguin droppings deposit nutrients from their marine diet onto land and snow, fertilising algae.
• 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗮𝗲: Under favourable conditions, algae use chlorophyll for photosynthesis, supporting rapid growth.
• 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗮𝗲: Under nutrient stress or other unfavourable conditions, some algae produce protective red pigments that help shield their cells from intense sunlight.
• 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Coloured algae darken the snow, reducing its albedo (reflectivity).
• 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: Darker snow absorbs more solar energy, potentially accelerating local snowmelt.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝘀

• 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Flightless, aquatic birds belonging to the family Spheniscidae.
• 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Primarily found in the Southern Hemisphere, especially Antarctica.
• 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴: Excellent swimmers adapted to aquatic life.
• 𝗗𝗶𝗲𝘁: Mainly fish, krill and squid.
• 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀: Emperor penguin and Adélie penguin.
• 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮́𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻: The only penguin species naturally found north of the equator.
• 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The emperor penguin and Galápagos penguin are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺

• 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗼: The proportion of incoming solar radiation reflected by a surface. Lower albedo means greater absorption of solar energy.

Emission Gap Report 2026

Environment

Context

• The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released the Emission Gap Report 2026.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

• Released annually by 𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗣 ahead of the 𝗨𝗡 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.
• Assesses the gap between current emission projections and the reductions needed to achieve the 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 goals.
• Based on countries’ 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (𝗡𝗗𝗖𝘀), updated every 𝟱 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀.

𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗛𝗚 𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Approximately 𝟱𝟴.𝟰 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗢₂ 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 in 2025, broadly unchanged from 2024.
• 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: More than 𝘁𝘄𝗼-𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘀 of emissions came from fossil sources.
• 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: CO₂ from fossil fuels, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases increased in 2025; methane emissions remained nearly stable.
• 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: G20 members, excluding the African Union, accounted for approximately 𝟳𝟲% of global emissions.
• 𝟭.𝟱°𝗖 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁: Limiting warming to 1.5°C is increasingly difficult; the report discusses a possible 𝟭.𝟴°𝗖 outcome under certain climate pathways.
• 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮: The third-largest GHG emitter, but its 𝗽𝗲𝗿-𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 are significantly lower than those of the two largest emitters.

𝗨𝗡𝗘𝗣

• 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: 1972.
• 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Nairobi, Kenya.
• 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲: Leading environmental authority within the UN system.
• 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆-𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆: United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).
• 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀: Global Environment Outlook, Emissions Gap Report, Adaptation Gap Report and Frontiers Report.

Additional Information- Paris Agreement on Climate Change, 2015 (COP 21)

• It was adopted at the United framework convention on climate change(COP21) in Paris in 2015.
• Objective – To strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change and specify long-term goals regarding global average temperatures, adaptation to climate change, and finance flows.

Paris agreement Goals

• Temperature – To hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to put efforts to still limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Reduce emissions – To foster climate resilience and development through lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

Intended Nationally Determined Targets(INDCs)  

• An Intended Nationally Determined Contribution is a public pledge from a country on collective action on climate change. These contributions are to be achieved before 2030

India’s Climate Action Targets at a Glance

𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗜 𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗠 (𝗞𝗧𝗦 𝟱.𝟬)

History & Culture

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

• The Union Education Minister launched the registration portal for the 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 5.0).
• 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲: “𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘂𝗸𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗼𝗺 – 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗨𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘂𝗸𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹.”

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗺

• 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Celebrate and strengthen the age-old 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀 between 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹 𝗡𝗮𝗱𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶, two ancient centres of learning.
• 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Promotes cultural exchange and the spirit of 𝗘𝗸 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝘁𝗵𝗮 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁.
• 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Held in 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮.
• 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿: Ministry of Education, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘂𝗸𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹

• 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘃𝗮𝗿, a revered Tamil poet and philosopher.
• 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Classical Tamil literary work offering ethical, philosophical and practical guidance on individual conduct, society and governance.
• 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝟭,𝟯𝟯𝟬 couplets (kurals), arranged into 𝟭𝟯𝟯 chapters, with 𝟭𝟬 couplets per chapter.
• 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀:
  • 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗺 – Virtue
  • 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗹 – Wealth
  • 𝗜𝗻𝗯𝗮𝗺 – Love
• These three parts guide individuals towards 𝗩𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘂 (liberation).

𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗨𝗦

Health & Society

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

• French health authorities reported the first known human case of Shamonda virus infection.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘀

• 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Midge-borne animal virus belonging to the Simbu serogroup of Orthobunyaviruses.
• 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀: Schmallenberg virus and Akabane virus.
• 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁: Cattle.
• 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲: Fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk production.
• 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Nigeria, in the mid-1960s.
• 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Reported sporadically in West, East and Southern Africa, and Japan.
• 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Through the bites of Culicoides midges.
• 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿-𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀: Bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease.

𝗦𝗔𝗞𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗩 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Miscellaneous

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

• The European Union awarded the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 (𝗜𝗖𝗖) the 𝗦𝗮𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘃 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁, amid US sanctions targeting the Court.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘃 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲

• 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: 1988.
• 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿: Andrei Sakharov, Soviet dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
• 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Honours individuals and groups defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The final laureate(s) are chosen by the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, comprising its president and the leaders of its political groups.
• 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆: €50,000.
• 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆: Held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, each December.

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄?

• Sakharov laureates who later received the Nobel Peace Prize include Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 (𝗜𝗖𝗖)

• 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: The Hague, Netherlands.
• 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: 2002 under the Rome Statute.
• 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Permanent international criminal court, legally independent of the United Nations.
• 𝗝𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Prosecutes individuals for four core international crimes:
  • Genocide
  • Crimes against humanity
  • War crimes
  • Crime of aggression

𝗜𝗖𝗖 𝘃𝘀 𝗜𝗖𝗝

• 𝗜𝗖𝗖: Prosecutes individuals for serious international crimes.
• 𝗜𝗖𝗝: Principal judicial organ of the United Nations; settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions.

ASEAN–India Defence Think Tank Forum

International

Context – 

• India’s Defence Minister emphasised the need for greater India–ASEAN cooperation to promote a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific, at the 1st ASEAN–India Defence Think Tank Forum, held in New Delhi.

ASEAN–India Defence Think Tank Forum

• Objective: Strengthen strategic dialogue, joint research and defence cooperation between India and ASEAN.

• Announcement: By Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the 2nd ASEAN–India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, Kuala Lumpur, 2025.

Indo-Pacific Region

• Extent: From eastern Africa across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to the Americas.
• Significance: Accounts for around 62% of global GDP and 50% of global maritime trade.
• India’s Dependence: Around 90% of India’s trade by volume is maritime; approximately 80% of its oil imports are transported by sea.
• India’s Vision: A free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, anchored in ASEAN centrality.

Varunastra Torpedoes and GSAT-7C

Defence

Context – 

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts for the acquisition of the Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedoes and GSAT-7C communication satellite.

Varunastra Torpedo

• Type: Ship-launched heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo; 95% indigenous content.

• Developer: Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), DRDO.

• Warhead: 250 kg high-explosive.

• Range: 40–50 km; Speed: Over 40 knots.

• Operating Depth: Up to 600 metres.

• Guidance: Active-passive acoustic homing, wire guidance and NavIC-enabled navigation.

GSAT-7C 

• • Type: Indigenous communication satellite for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

  • Objective: Provide secure, resilient and seamless communication among IAF assets, enhancing operational effectiveness.

Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2026

International

Context 

• According to the latest update of the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), the number of multidimensionally poor people increased by 51.5 million in 2025.

Global MPI

• Published by – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), University of Oxford. 
• It was introduced in 2010 to measure poverty beyond monetary income.
• Coverage: The index covers 108 countries, representing approximately 78% of the global population.

Key Findings of Global MPI 2026

• Global Poverty: Approximately 1.2 billion people worldwide were multidimensionally poor in 2025.
• Child Poverty: Nearly half of the world’s multidimensionally poor population consists of children.
• Rural Concentration: More than four-fifths of multidimensionally poor people live in rural areas.
• Regional Disparities: Sub-Saharan Africa records the highest levels of multidimensional poverty, while South Asia faces substantial deprivations in nutrition, housing and schooling.

10 Years of Kigali Amendment

Environment

Context (IE): 

• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in Kigali (Rwanda) on 15 October 2016, has completed 10 years.

Kigali Amendment 

• Adopted:

  2016, Kigali, Rwanda; entered into force on 1 January 2019.
• Objective: Phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol. 
• Note – HFCs do not deplete ozone but have high global warming potential.
• Origin: Micronesia and Mauritius proposed controlling HFCs in 2009.
• Phase-down: Reduce HFC production and consumption by 80–85% by the late 2040s, with differentiated timelines for developed and developing countries.
• Trade Controls: HFC import-export licensing; trade restrictions with non-Parties scheduled from 2033.
• India: Ratified the amendment in 2021; phasedown begins in 2032.

Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) Emission Norms

Environment

Context (TH): 

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a draft notification to introduce Bharat Stage (BS)-VII emission standards from April 1, 2029.

About

• Context: MoRTH proposed new vehicle pollution rules (BS-VII) from April 2029.
• Implementation: Cars (2029), light commercial vehicles (2030), trucks and buses (2031).
• Objective: Reduce air pollution caused by vehicles.
• EV Coverage: First Bharat Stage norms to include electric vehicles (EVs).
• Pollution Control: Stricter limits on tiny particles released by vehicle exhaust, brakes and tyres.
• Battery Durability: EVs must maintain a specified level of battery performance for a fixed period.
• Environmental Vehicle Passport (EVP): Displays information on fuel use, battery health and vehicle emissions.

JWALA-India’s First Private-Sector Micro-Missile 

Science & technology

Context (BS): 

• India’s first indigenously developed private-sector micro-missile, JWALA, is being prepared for its maiden experimental trial.

JWALA 

• Type: Short-range surface-to-air missile designed to destroy hostile drones.
• Developer: IG Defence, an Indian private defence company.
• Range: Approximately 2–5 km.
• Propulsion: Dual-pulse solid rocket motor.
• Warhead: High-explosive payload with proximity fuze.
• Integration: Part of GRID Defend, an AI-based system connecting sensors, command systems and interceptors.

Measles

Health & Society

Context- 

• Context: 161 confirmed and 116 suspected cases reported in Kozhikode, Kerala.

About

• Cause: Highly contagious viral disease caused by a virus of the genus Morbillivirus.
• Transmission: Spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes.
• Symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash.
• Complications: Pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in children below 5 years.
• Prevention: Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection.
• India: Measles vaccination is included in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Ramesh Chand Committee

Economy

• Context: The Union Government constituted a committee chaired by Professor Ramesh Chand, former NITI Aayog Member, to examine sugarcane farmers’ issues.
• Mandate: Review the demand for increasing Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane and revising the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar at the ex-mill level.

Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)

• Meaning: Minimum price that sugar mills are legally required to pay sugarcane farmers.
• Determination: Fixed by the Central Government based on CACP recommendations, after consulting State Governments and stakeholders.
• Legal Basis: Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Sugar Production in India

• India became the world’s top sugar producer in 2021-2022, surpassing Brazil.

• Location of Sugar Industry in India: Sugar industry is broadly distributed over two major areas of production:

• Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab in the north and 

• Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the south.

Sugarcane – Uses

• It belongs to the bamboo family of plants and is indigenous to India. 

• About two-third of the total sugarcane produced in India is consumed for making gur and khandsari and only one-third of it goes to sugar factories.

• • It also provides raw material for manufacturing alcohol.
  • Bagasse, the crushed cane residue, can be more beneficially used for manufacturing paper.
  • Ethanol production  – It is also an efficient substitute for petroleum products and a host of other chemical products.

• India has become the 3rd largest country in the world in ethanol production after the USA and Brazil.

Conditions for growth

• Crop duration: 10-15 months, and even 18 months to mature, depending upon geographical conditions.
• Soil: Sugarcane can tolerate any kind of soil that can retain moisture. Examples – loams, clayey, black cotton soil, brown or reddish loam and laterites. 
• It should be rich in nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus.
• Climate: Hot and Humid (21-27 °C of temperature and 75-150 cm of rainfall).