Author: Ramvilas

  • South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) | BRICS Photovoltaic Industry Action Plan | Paraguay | Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections | Badri Cattle | Colombo Security Conclave | Eravikulam National Park | Addis Ababa Call to Action on Early Warnings in Africa

    South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)

    Environment

    News –  

    • Member countries adopted the Kathmandu Declaration at the first General Assembly of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

    About

    • Full form: South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network.
    • Established: 2011, Bhutan; regional intergovernmental body against illegal wildlife trafficking.
    • Members: 8 SAARC countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan & Sri Lanka.
    • Secretariat: Kathmandu, Nepal.
    • Structure: General Assembly → Executive Committee → Secretariat headed by Secretary-General.
    • Kathmandu Declaration: Recognises illegal wildlife trade as transnational organised crime.
    • SAWEN Implementation Plan: 2026–2030 for coordinated enforcement.
    • SAWEN Day: 30 January.

    Kathmandu Declaration

    • Illegal wildlife trade: Recognised as transnational organised crime.
    • Enforcement: Intelligence-led operations + anti-money laundering + financial investigations.
    • Implementation Plan: SAWEN Implementation Plan 2026–2030 for coordinated enforcement.
    • SAWEN Day: 30 January to mark SAWEN’s foundation and promote biodiversity awareness.

    BRICS Photovoltaic Industry Action Plan

    International

    Context (DTE): 

    • The 18th BRICS Summit (2026), New Delhi, welcomed the Photovoltaic Industry Action Plan adopted by BRICS Industry Ministers in Jaipur in August 2026.

    About

    • Adopted: BRICS Industry Ministers, Jaipur, August 2026; welcomed at 18th BRICS Summit, New Delhi.
    • Aim: Strengthen PV industry cooperation through the BRICS Photovoltaic Industry Working Group under PartNIR.
    • Priority areas: Technology cooperation, financing & capacity building.
    • Knowledge portals: Members encouraged to create national portals for sharing PV policies, developments & best practices.

    Basics – Photovoltaic 

    • PV effect: Converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor cells.
    • Main material: Silicon.
    • Process: Sunlight → DC electricity → inverter → AC.
    • Value chain: Polysilicon → Ingots → Wafers → Cells → Modules.
    • Advantages: Renewable, low emissions, scalable.
    • Challenges: Intermittency, storage, land and raw-material dependence.

    Paraguay

    International

    News – 

    • India and Paraguay commemorated the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.

    About

    • Location: Landlocked country in south-central South America.
    • Capital: Asunción
    • Borders: Argentina, Brazil & Bolivia
    • Regions: Eastern Paraguay + Chaco Boreal (≈ two-thirds of country), part of the Gran Chaco.
    • Climate: Subtropical (east) and tropical (Chaco).
    • Major Rivers: Paraguay & Paraná.
    • Mountain ranges: Amambay & Caaguazú.
    • Membership: OAS, MERCOSUR & WTO.

    Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections

    Government Schemes

    News – 

    • To expand PNG coverage, the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections was launched on 18 August 2026 and came into effect from 1 September 2026.

    About- 

    • Launched: Aug 2026; effective 1 Sept 2026.
    • Aim: Increase active domestic PNG connections.
    • Duration: 2 tranches over 6 months.
    • Benefit: Replaces costlier LNG, reducing CGD sourcing costs.
    • PNGRB: Statutory regulator under PNGRB Act, 2006; regulates CGD networks.

    PNG (Piped Natural Gas) – UPSC

    • Composition: Mainly methane (CH₄).
    • Supply: Transported through underground pipelines to households/industries.
    • Properties: Clean-burning, non-toxic, non-corrosive and highly energy-efficient.
    • Uses: Cooking, heating and industrial applications.

    Badri Cattle

    Science & technology

    News – 

    • A female Badri calf was born via Ovum Pick-Up and In Vitro Fertilisation (OPU-IVF) technology, following the transfer of a Badri embryo to a Sahiwal recipient cow.

    About

    • Badri: Indigenous hill cattle breed of Uttarakhand; found in Kumaon & Garhwal.
    • Features: Small, long-legged, sure-footed, disease-resistant; low milk yield but high fat & protein; mainly A2 β-casein.
    • Sahiwal: Indigenous high-yielding dairy breed; heat-tolerant & low-maintenance.

    Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) -IVF technology

    • OPU: Ultrasound-guided collection of oocytes from donor females.
    • IVF: Oocytes fertilised with selected sperm in laboratory.
    • Embryo Transfer: Embryo transferred to a synchronised surrogate/recipient.
    • Key point: Recipient carries the pregnancy but contributes no genetic material.

    Colombo Security Conclave

    International

    News –

    • Colombo Security Conclave Table Top Exercise concluded at Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.

    About – 

    • Origin: Trilateral NSA dialogue of India–Sri Lanka–Maldives (2011); revived/rebranded as CSC in 2020.
    • Members: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh & Seychelles.
    • HQ/Secretariat: Colombo, Sri Lanka.
    • Focus: Maritime security and non-traditional security threats in the Indian Ocean Region.

    5 Pillars:

    1. Maritime safety & security
    2. Counter-terrorism & radicalisation
    3. Disaster management
    4. Cybersecurity & technology
    5. Humanitarian assistance & emergency response

    Eravikulam National Park

    Environment

    News – 

    • A recent survey found Eravikulam National Park as a thriving habitat for the endangered Resplendent Shrub Frog.

    About 

    • Established: 1978; Kerala’s first national park.
    • Location: Idukki district, Kerala, Southern Western Ghats.
    • Altitude: ~1,600–2,695 m; includes Anamudi, highest peak of South India.
    • Vegetation: Shola forests, grasslands, medicinal plants & high-altitude flora.
    • Neelakurinji: Famous for its 12-year flowering cycle.
    • Key fauna: Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur.
    • Resplendent Shrub Frog: Raorchestes resplendens; known only from Eravikulam NP, especially the Anamudi region; distinctive short limbs and ground-dwelling/crawling behaviour.

    Addis Ababa Call to Action on Early Warnings in Africa

    International

    News-

    • The Addis Ababa Call to Action on Early Warnings in Africa, adopted at the Africa Early Warnings Forum held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

    About

    • Adopted at: Africa Early Warnings Forum, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    • Aim: Strengthen cooperation so African communities can anticipate hazards, receive timely warnings & take early action.
    • Focus: Climate-related hazards and multi-hazard early warning systems.
    • EW4All: Launched by the UN Secretary-General in 2022.
    • Goal: Protect every person on Earth by 2027 through multi-hazard early warning systems.

    Related Articles

  • Refugee Convention | World Ozone Day | State of the World’s Birds 2026 | Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) | Tso Kar Glacier Lake | National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) | Ramanathaswamy Temple | Thirukkural

    Refugee Convention

    International

    News- 

    • The 1951 Refugee Convention recently marked its 75th anniversary.

    1951 Refugee Convention

    • Adopted: 1951, Geneva; key international treaty for refugee protection.
    • Refugee: Person outside their country facing a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion.
    • Key principle: Non-refoulement – refugees should not be returned to a place where their life/freedom is threatened.
    • Rights: Employment, education, housing, courts, religion and movement.
    • 1967 Protocol: Removed the Convention’s temporal and geographical limitations.
    • India: Not a party to the 1951 Convention or 1967 Protocol; has no dedicated refugee law.

    World Ozone Day

    Environment

    News

    • World Ozone Day 2026 was observed on September 16, commemorating the Montreal Protocol and highlighting 10 years of adoption of the Kigali Amendment.

    OZONE LAYER DEPLETION 

    Basics – Ozone Layer (O3)

    • It is a highly reactive molecule containing three oxygen atoms.
    • Found in – It is present between 10 and 50 km above the earth’s surface, called the stratosphere. 
    • Function – This ozone layer serves as a natural filter for blocking deadly incoming UV radiation from the sun.
    • Significance – This ozone shield is necessary for the survival of human life on the earth.

    OZONE LAYER DEPLETION

    • Definition – The decrease in ozone concentration in the middle layers of the atmosphere – mainly in the stratosphere is referred to as the depletion of the ozone layer.
    • Caused by – It is caused by emissions of anthropogenic halogenated hydrocarbons such as CFCs, HCFCs, Halons, Carbon tetrachloride and Methyl bromide.

    Why is ozone depletion more in Antarctica than the equator?

      • The severe depletion of the Antarctic ozone layer known as the “ozone hole” occurs because of the special weather conditions that exist there and nowhere else on the globe. 
    • The very low temperatures of the Antarctic stratosphere create ice clouds called polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs).

    Measures to Prevent Ozone Layer Depletion

    Vienna Convention

    • Objective – To protect human health and the environment from any harmful effects of the depletion of the ozone layer.
    • Held in – Vienna , Austria
    • Adopted in – 1985.
    • Came into force – 1988.

    Montreal Protocol

    • Enforcement – It was agreed upon in 1987 in Montreal, Canada and entered into force in 1989. 
    • Objective –  To protect the Ozone layer by reducing the production of substances that are supposed to be responsible for Ozone layer depletion.
    • Kigali Agreement – The protocol was further strengthened with the ratification of the legally binding Kigali Agreement in 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda. 
    • Significance – It seeks to phase out the production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that are potent greenhouse gases by the late 2040s.

    State of the World’s Birds 2026

    Environment

    News – 

    • BirdLife International published its quadrennial State of the World’s Birds report at the Global Flyways Summit in Nairobi.

    About – 

    • Released by: BirdLife International; published every 4 years.

    Key findings:

    1. 45% of migratory bird species are declining.
    2. 1 in 9 migratory species faces extinction.
    3. Slender-billed Curlew declared extinct in 2025; last recorded in Morocco in 1995.
    • Major drivers: Invasive species, agricultural expansion/intensification, climate change, unsustainable hunting & trapping.
    • Flyway: Geographical route connecting breeding and wintering grounds, with stopover sites.
    • Global flyways: BirdLife recognises 14 major flyways — 8 terrestrial + 6 marine.
    • Examples: Central Asian, East Asian–Australasian, African–Eurasian Flyways.
    • Nairobi Flyways Declaration: Emphasises coordinated conservation across entire flyways, involving multiple countries and stakeholders.

    Additional Information – BirdLife International

    • Nature: Global partnership for bird and biodiversity conservation.
    • Founded: 1922 as International Council for Bird Preservation (ICBP).
    • Headquarters: Cambridge, UK.
    • Key role: Identifies Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and supports conservation research and policy.
    • Reports: Publishes the State of the World’s Birds report.
    • Network: Works through partner organisations across 120+ countries.

    Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta)

    Environment

    News – 

    • Bangladeshi investigators reportedly traced two ring-tailed lemurs stolen from Gazipur Safari Park to Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

    About

    • Scientific name: Lemur catta
    • Distribution: Southern & south-western Madagascar; arid spiny scrub and rocky habitats.
    • Features: Omnivorous, social strepsirrhine (wet-nosed) primate; distinctive 12–14 black-and-white tail rings.
    • Behaviour: Female-led groups; highly terrestrial among lemurs; males perform scent-based “stink fights.”
    • Threats: Habitat loss, charcoal production, hunting & illegal pet trade.
    • IUCN: Endangered (EN)
    • CITES: Appendix I

    Tso Kar Glacier Lake

    Environment

    News 

    • Ladakh has launched a project aimed at reviving and conserving Tso Kar Glacier Lake.

    About

    • Location: Rupshu Plateau, Ladakh.
    • Part of Tso Kar Wetland Complex, comprising Tso Kar + Startsapuk Tso.
    • Tso Kar: Means “white lake”, referring to salt deposits/efflorescence along its margins due to evaporation of saline water.
    • Ramsar Site: Designated in 2020.
    • Concern: Lake has reportedly shrunk ~70% in a decade, linked to receding glacial inputs and changing climate patterns.
    • Conservation: Ladakh has launched a project for its revival and conservation.

    National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)

    Polity

    News – 

    • New Delhi Declaration adopted during 18th BRICS Summit agrees to support establishment of training hubs and Centres of Excellence for mental health, with NIMHANS being the coordinating centre.

    About – 

    • Full name: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences.
    • Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
    • Focus: Mental health, neurosciences and neurosurgical care; patient care, research & training.
    • Deemed University: 1994.
    • Institute of National Importance: 2012, through an Act of Parliament.
    • Tele-MANAS: Designated nodal centre.
    • Bellary Model: NIMHANS’ pilot model contributed to the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP).

    Additional information – Mental Health Initiatives in India 

    Initiative

    Key point

    National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), 1982

    Accessible mental healthcare; district-level services

    District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), 1996

    Integrates mental health services at district level

    Tele-MANAS, 2022

    24×7 tele-mental health support; toll-free 14416

    Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

    Right to access mental healthcare; decriminalises attempted suicide

    KIRAN Helpline, 2020

    Mental-health counselling/support helpline

    Manodarpan, 2020

    Psychological support for students

    National Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2022

    India’s first national framework to reduce suicide mortality

    Ramanathaswamy Temple

    History & Culture

    News – 

    • During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi welcomed visiting leaders at Bharat Mandapam against a backdrop featuring the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple of Rameswaram.

    About

    • Location: Rameswaram, Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu.
    • Deity: Lord Shiva; one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the Char Dham.
    • Architecture: Dravidian style, famous for elaborate gopurams, carved pillars and long corridors.
    • Corridor: Known for the longest temple corridor in India/world.
    • History: Expanded substantially under the Nayaks and Sethupathi rulers (15th–18th centuries), with earlier Pandya patronage.

    Additional Information- 12 Jyotirlingas 

    No.

    Jyotirlinga

    State

    1

    Somnath

    Gujarat

    2

    Mallikarjuna

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    Mahakaleshwar

    Madhya Pradesh

    4

    Omkareshwar

    Madhya Pradesh

    5

    Kedarnath

    Uttarakhand

    6

    Bhimashankar

    Maharashtra

    7

    Kashi Vishwanath

    Uttar Pradesh

    8

    Trimbakeshwar

    Maharashtra

    9

    Vaidyanath

    Jharkhand

    10

    Nageshwar

    Gujarat

    11

    Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy)

    Tamil Nadu

    12

    Grishneshwar

    Maharashtra

    Thirukkural

    History & Culture

    News – 

    • PM Modi gifted a Russian translation of the Thirukkural to President Putin ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

    About

    • Author: Thiruvalluvar; foundational Tamil ethical text.
    • Period: Post-Sangam era; date debated (c. 300 BCE–500 CE).
    • Structure: 1,330 couplets → 133 chapters → 10 couplets/chapter.

    Three divisions:

    1. Aram – Virtue/ethics
    2. Porul – Polity/statecraft
    3. Inbam – Love
    • Nature: Secular and universal; covers ethics, governance, justice and social values.
    • Also known as Kural, Tamil Marai (Tamil Veda) and Divine Book.

    Related Articles

  • Hyenas | India–Vietnam Relations | Hindi Diwas 2026 | Moth Bean | Gucchi Mushrooms | National Engineers’ Day

    Hyenas

    Species in News

    Context

    • A new study has found that in spotted hyenas, females dominate males not because they are bigger or stronger but because they have larger networks of social alliances.

    Hyenas

    • Family: Hyaenidae; dog-like carnivorous mammals native to Africa and parts of Asia.
    • Species: 4 — Striped Hyena, Brown Hyena, Spotted Hyena & Aardwolf.
    • India: Mainly Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena).
    • Habitat: Arid/semi-arid grasslands, scrublands, deserts and open forests.
    • Adaptations: Excellent night vision and hearing; largely nocturnal.
    • Ecological role: Scavenges carcasses → nutrient recycling & disease regulation.
    • IUCN: Striped & Brown Hyena — Near Threatened; Spotted Hyena & Aardwolf — Least Concern.

    India–Vietnam Relations

    International

    Context

    • India and Vietnam recently agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation, including co-production of Indian defence equipment, amid China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

    India–Vietnam Relations

    • Diplomatic ties: Established in 1972; upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2016.
    • Political: Strong convergence under Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision; Vietnam is important to India’s engagement with ASEAN.
    • Defence & Security: Defence partnership includes military exchanges, training, capacity building, maritime security and defence industry cooperation.
    • Maritime: Cooperation in the South China Sea, including respect for UNCLOS and freedom of navigation.
    • Economic: Bilateral trade is around $15 billion, with cooperation in pharmaceuticals, IT, agriculture, textiles and energy.
    • Connectivity: ASEAN–India connectivity initiatives strengthen physical, digital and maritime links.
    • Energy: Indian companies have interests in Vietnam’s oil & gas sector; cooperation also extends to renewable energy.
    • Cultural: Shared Buddhist and civilisational links; India supports conservation/restoration of Cham monuments in Vietnam.
    • Challenges: South China Sea tensions, trade imbalance, limited connectivity and competition from other major powers.

    Hindi Diwas 2026

    Polity

    Context

    • Hindi Diwas: 14 September — marks the Constituent Assembly’s adoption of Hindi in Devanagari script as the Union’s official language in 1949.

    About

    • Munshi–Ayyangar Formula: Balanced Hindi promotion with India’s linguistic diversity.
    • Article 343: Hindi (Devanagari) as official language of the Union; English continued for 15 years initially.
    • Article 344: Commission & Parliamentary Committee on progressive use of Hindi.
    • Article 345: States can adopt one or more languages as their official language.
    • Article 351: Directive for development and promotion of Hindi.

    Moth Bean

    GS3/Economy

    News

    • ICAR–Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur’s Moth Bean Varieties demonstrated remarkable resilience during the El Niño Year.

    Moth Bean (Vigna aconitifolia)

    • Family: Fabaceae; also called mat bean/dew bean.
    • Origin: South Asia; mainly grown in hot, dry & semi-arid regions.
    • Major area: Thar Desert of western Rajasthan; also Gujarat, Haryana & Punjab.
    • Climate-resilient: Tolerates drought and other abiotic/biotic stresses, making it suitable for rain-fed farming.
    • Nutrition: Protein-rich pulse; used as food and fodder.
    • Area: Cultivated over about 10 lakh hectares, mainly in western Rajasthan.
    • Significance: Supports food & nutritional security in arid regions; CAZRI varieties showed resilience during El Niño conditions.

    Gucchi Mushrooms

    Environment

    In News

    • Gucchi Marmik, a traditional dish featuring rare Himalayan morel mushrooms, was served at the BRICS Summit 2026 dinner.

    Gucchi mushrooms (Morchella esculenta)

    • Scientific name: Morchella esculenta; commonly called morel mushroom.
    • Distribution: Himalayan regions of J&K, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand.
    • Habitat: Mountainous coniferous forests; needs specific soil, moisture, temperature fluctuations & snowmelt.
    • Nature: Rare, wild mushroom; difficult to cultivate commercially.
    • Collection: Short season + labour-intensive harvesting in rugged terrain → high price.
    • Nutrition: Rich in protein, fibre & antioxidants; vitamin D varies with conditions/processing.
    • Economics: Quality dried varieties can fetch ₹15,000–40,000/kg.

    National Engineers’ Day

    Miscellaneous

    News 

    • National Engineers’ Day is celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya every year on September 15. 

    National Engineer’s day

    • Celebrated on – 15th September
    • Objective – To recognise and honour the achievements of the great engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.
    • Note – It is different from the World Engineers’ Day celebrated annually by UNESCO on 4th March.

    Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya

    • Born in – Karnataka in 1861
    • Education – He studied Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of Mysore and then studied civil engineering from the College of Science in Pune and went on to become one of the most eminent engineers in the country.
    • Service – He served as the Chief Engineer of Mysore State in 1909 and as the Diwan of the princely state of Mysore in 1912, a position he held for seven years.
    • Death – He died in 1962 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

    Contributions  

    • Planner of Indian Economy – He was an Engineer who emphasised on development ‘Planned Economy’ in India (1934).
    • Krishna Raja Sagara Dam – He was the chief engineer responsible for the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mysore.
    • Khadakwasla reservoir – He was instrumental in designing and patenting a system of automatic weir floodgates in Khadakwasla reservoir in Pune in 1903.
    • Drainage system – After the devastating floods (Musi River) in Hyderabad in 1908, he designed a drainage system to protect the city from these floods in the future.
    • Road plan – He is the one who designed a plan for road construction between Tirumala & Tirupati.
    • Railway lines – He also commissioned several new Railway lines in Mysore state.
    • Waterworks – He had designed and carried out the waterworks for the Municipality of Sukkur in 1895.
    • Block System  -He is also credited with the development of the Block System which would prevent the wasteful flow of water in dams.
    • Founded – He was responsible for founding the Mysore soap factory, the Mysore Iron & steel works (Bhadravathi), Sri Jayachamarajendra Polytechnic Institute, The Bangalore Agricultural University, and the State Bank of Mysore.

    Honours  

    • Knight Commander – He was knighted as a Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire by King George V for his contributions to the public good in 1915.
    • He was awarded an Honorary Membership of London Institution of Civil Engineers for an unbroken 50 years.
    • He was conferred India’s highest honour, the Bharat Ratna in 1955.

    Books written by him

    • ‘Reconstructing India’ and ‘Planned Economy of India’

    Related Articles

  • 18th BRICS Summit: New Delhi Declaration | India-Africa Forum Summit | Acharya Vinoba Bhave | Perim Island (Mayun) | New Development Bank (NDB) | S-400 Triumf

    18th BRICS Summit: New Delhi Declaration

    International Relations

    Context

    • The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi recently, adopted the New Delhi Declaration, reaffirming reformed multilateralism amid wars, protectionism and unilateral actions by major powers.

    18th BRICS Summit – New Delhi Declaration

    • Host: India, New Delhi; adopted the New Delhi Declaration.
    • Reformed Multilateralism: Called for a more democratic, representative and effective global order, with the UN at the centre.
    • UNSC Reform: Supported comprehensive reform and greater representation of developing countries; China & Russia backed India and Brazil for a greater role.
    • Global South: BRICS reaffirmed its role as a voice of Emerging Markets & Developing Countries (EMDCs) and LDCs.
    • Trade & Finance: Opposed unilateral tariffs, non-tariff barriers and coercive sanctions; supported WTO reform and greater EMDC representation in IMF & World Bank.
    • Intra-BRICS Trade: Focus on local-currency settlements, cross-border payments and resilient supply chains.
    • Conflicts: Emphasised dialogue, preventive diplomacy and peaceful dispute settlement.
    • West Asia: Strong position on Palestine and Lebanon; supported humanitarian access, Palestinian self-determination and the two-state solution.
    • Terrorism: Condemned the 22 April 2025 J&K terror attack and called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and its financing.
    • Geopolitical Consensus: Despite differences among members, BRICS demonstrated capacity for consensus-building.

    Additional Information – BRICS 

      • Founded in – 2009
      • HeadQuarters – Shanghai
      • It is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (included in 2010)
      • Origin – The term “BRIC” was coined by the British Economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
    • Recent Expansion (BRICS+): In 2024–2025, the bloc expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. Saudi Arabia has received an invitation but has not yet formalized its membership.
    • Share of BRICS – BRICS brings together five of the largest developing countries, representing 41% of the global population, 24% of the global GDP, and 16% of the global trade (By 2028, BRICS is expected to make up 35 percent of the global economy)
    • Chairmanship – The chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members. 

    Initiatives of BRICS 

    1. New Development Bank (NDB) 
    2. Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) 
    3. BRICS Payment System 
    4. Customs Agreements 
    5. Constellation of Remote Sensing Satellites

    India-Africa Forum Summit

    GS2/IR

    Context

    • India restarted discussion on the next India-Africa Forum Summit on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

    India-Africa Forum

    • Established: 2008; premier institutional platform for India–Africa cooperation.
    • Summits: 2008, 2011, 2015; 4th Summit expected in 2026.
    • Key Areas: Political dialogue, trade & investment, technology transfer, capacity building and people-to-people ties.
    • Underlying Principles: South–South cooperation, inclusive development, multilateralism & sustainable partnerships.

    African Union

    • Established: 2002; successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
    • Members: 55 African countries.
    • Objective: Promote African integration, cooperation, peace, growth and economic development.
    • Vision: Realise Africa’s potential through greater regional cooperation and integration.

    Acharya Vinoba Bhave 

    History

    News

    • The Prime Minister paid tributes to Acharya Vinoba Bhave on his Jayanti.

    Vinayak Narahar Bhave

    • Born: 11 September 1895; regarded as Gandhi’s spiritual successor and a leading advocate of non-violence.
    • Association with Gandhi: Inspired by Gandhi in 1916; joined his constructive programmes—Khadi, village industries, Nai Talim, sanitation etc.
    • Bhoodan Movement: Launched the land-gift movement to encourage voluntary redistribution of land to the landless.
    • Geetai: Translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi.
    • Social Philosophy: Non-violence, social equality, voluntary service and rural upliftment.
    • Vaikom: In 1925, Gandhi entrusted him with work related to temple entry for Harijans at Vaikom, Kerala.
    • Legacy: Freedom fighter, spiritual leader and social reformer associated with land reforms and Sarvodaya.

    Perim Island (Mayun)

    Places In News 

    In News

    • Iran-aligned Houthi forces took control of Perim Island, also known as Mayun, in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
    • Location: Small volcanic island ~3.5 km off Yemen’s western coast.
    • Strategic Location: Lies near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, the gateway between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
    • Geopolitical Importance: Control of the island can provide strategic leverage over shipping through the Red Sea and towards the Suez Canal.
    • Regional Significance: Its location makes it important amid disruptions to other major global energy-shipping routes.

    New Development Bank (NDB)

    IR

    News

    • Recently, BRICS nations affirmed the New Development Bank’s vital role in promoting sustainable development, reducing inequality, and supporting emerging economies globally.

    New Development Bank (NDB) (Hq: Shanghai, China)

    • Established: 2015 by BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China & South Africa).
    • HQ: Shanghai, China.
    • Members: 11 — 5 founding + Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, Algeria, Colombia & Uzbekistan.
    • Membership: Open to UN members, including borrowing and non-borrowing members (Article 2).
    • Capital: Initial authorised capital $100 billion; founding members subscribed equally, $10 billion each.
    • Mandate: Finance infrastructure & sustainable development projects in Emerging Markets & Developing Countries (EMDCs).
    • Aligns projects with SDGs and the Paris Agreement, focusing on climate-smart, disaster-resilient, technology-driven and socially inclusive development.

    S-400 Triumf

    GS3/ Defence

    Context

    • The Defence Ministry’s Annual Report 2025–26 has highlighted the operational role of India’s S-400 air-defence system during Operation Sindoor.

    S-400 Triumf 

    • Origin: Russian long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system.
    • Role: Provides layered air defence against aircraft, cruise missiles, UAVs and some ballistic-missile threats.
    • Interceptors: Different missiles offer ranges of roughly 40, 120, 250 and up to 400 km.
    • Mobility: Fully mobile system with command centre, radar/tracking systems, launchers and support vehicles.
    • Key feature: Simultaneous detection and engagement of multiple aerial targets at different ranges.
    • S-400F: Reported ship-based variant of the S-400 system.

    Related Articles

  • India-Russia Bilateral Meet | Red Sea | 7 Years of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) | India’s Push for Overseas Lithium and Critical Minerals | Copper | Lipulekh Pass

    India-Russia Bilateral Meet

    GS2/IR

    Context

    • Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit and held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi.

    Major Highlights

    • Trade: Focus on implementing the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030 and raising bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
    • Civil Nuclear Cooperation: Discussions on nuclear fuel cycle, life-cycle support for Russian-designed reactors and a possible second reactor site.
    • Critical Minerals: Cooperation being explored in exploration, processing and recycling.
    • Cultural Diplomacy: PM Modi gifted Putin a Russian translation of Thirukkural, authored by Thiruvalluvar.

    Additional Information – India – Russia bilateral relations

    • Strategic Partnership: India–Russia relationship upgraded to “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010.
    • Defence: Major cooperation in BrahMos, Su-30MKI, T-90 tanks, AK-203 rifles and military-technical cooperation.
    • Nuclear Energy: Russia is involved in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant; cooperation covers reactors, fuel cycle and life-cycle support.
    • Space: Cooperation through ISRO–Roscosmos, including satellite navigation and human spaceflight.
    • Energy: Russia is an important source of crude oil, coal and other energy resources for India.
    • Trade & Investment: Both sides aim to expand trade and diversify beyond hydrocarbons.
    • Critical Minerals: Emerging cooperation in exploration, processing and recycling.
    • Connectivity: International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) connects India with Russia via Iran and Central Asia.
    • Multilateral Platforms: Cooperation through BRICS, SCO, G20 and UN.

    Red Sea

    Geography

    Context

    • The Iran-backed Houthis seized control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast and captured three strategic islands, in a lightning offensive that cemented their hold on a vital shipping corridor.

    About

    • Location: Seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, between Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
    • Western Coast: Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea
    • Eastern Coast: Saudi Arabia, Yemen
    • Southern Gateway: Bab-el-Mandeb Strait → Gulf of Aden → Indian Ocean
    • Northern End: Gulf of Suez, Gulf of Aqaba & Sinai Peninsula; Gulf of Suez connects to the Suez Canal.
    • Strategic Importance: Major global shipping and energy corridor, linking the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean via Suez Canal.
    • Trade: Carries roughly 15% of global trade and nearly 30% of global container traffic.

    7 Years of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

    Government Schemes

    Context

    • The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) has completed seven years.

    About

    • Launched: 2019; completed 7 years.
    • Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; implemented with LIC.
    • Type: Central Sector Scheme; voluntary & contributory pension scheme.
    • Objective: Old-age social security for Small & Marginal Farmers (SMFs).
    • Eligibility: Farmers aged 18–40 years with cultivable landholding ≤2 hectares.
    • Pension: Assured ₹3,000/month after 60 years.
    • Family Pension: After death, spouse gets 50% of pension = ₹1,500/month, subject to conditions.
    • Pre-60 Death: Spouse can either continue the scheme by contributing or exit as per withdrawal rules.
    • Land Record Condition: Name must be in State/UT land records as of 1 August 2019.

    India’s Push for Overseas Lithium and Critical Minerals

    Economy

    Context

    • The Ministry of Mines is in talks with Australia and Chile to acquire lithium blocks, while it is also seeking five additional blocks in Argentina, as India steps up its efforts to secure supplies of the critical mineral.

    Lithium 

    • Symbol: Li | Atomic No.: 3 | Type: Soft, silvery-white alkali metal.

    • Key Property: Highly reactive and flammable; stored under inert conditions/mineral oil.

    • Major Uses: Essential for Lithium-ion batteries → EVs, energy storage & electronic devices.

    Global Distribution

    • Major reserves: Chile, Australia, Argentina, Bolivia & China.

    • Lithium Triangle: Argentina–Bolivia–Chile, containing a major share of global lithium reserves.

    India

    • J&K: GSI identified 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources in 2023.

    • Potential brine sources: Sambhar & Pachpadra (Rajasthan) and

      Rann of Kutch (Gujarat).

    Copper

    Economy

    News

    • Copper prices have climbed to a record high of $14,708 a tonne amid uncertainty about global economic growth due to trade tensions and the conflict in West Asia. 

    Copper

    • Symbol – Cu
    • Properties: Reddish, highly ductile metal; excellent electrical & thermal conductor; corrosion-resistant.
    • Occurrence: Found naturally in metallic form and in ores such as chalcopyrite, chalcocite & bornite.
    • Extraction: Mainly through smelting/leaching, followed by electrorefining/electrodeposition.
    • Historical Significance: One of the earliest metals used by humans; important since the dawn of civilisation.

    Uses

    • Electrical & electronics: Wiring, cables, motors and electrical equipment.

    • Construction: Water pipes due to corrosion resistance.

    • Alloys:

      • Brass = Copper + Zinc

      • Bronze = Copper + Tin

      • Nickel silver = Copper + Nickel + Zinc

    • Also used in coins, utensils, ornaments and mirrors.

    • US copper-product imports (2025): $16.2 billion

    • Major sources: China (20%), Mexico (17%), EU (14%), Canada (10%), Vietnam (8%).

    Lipulekh Pass

    Geography

    News

    • India-Tibet border trade through Lipulekh Pass has resumed.

    Lipulekh Pass

    • Location: Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, in the Kumaon Himalayas.
    • Altitude: ~5,334 m.
    • Strategic Location: Situated near the India–China–Nepal tri-junction.
    • Connectivity: Traditional route linking India with Tibet.
    • Religious Significance: Important route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
    • Strategic Importance: Important for border security, connectivity and India–China–Nepal geopolitics.

    Related Articles

  • Endometriosis | Orangutan | Anti-smog Guns | Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) | Sagar Manthan Vessel | Osteoarthritis | Bakhira Lake

    Endometriosis

    Health

    Context

    • A first-of-its-kind Indian study has identified 21 genetic regions linked to endometriosis, offering new clues to why some women may be more prone to the disease.

    Endometriosis

    • Prevalence: ~10% (190 million) women of reproductive age globally.
    • Definition: Growth of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus, causing inflammation and scar formation.
    • Symptoms: Severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, bloating and nausea.
    • Sites: Mainly pelvis, but may also occur in the abdomen and chest.
    • Other impacts: Can affect sexual intercourse, bowel movements, urination and mental health.
    • Cause: Unknown; linked in emerging research to immune-system dysregulation.
    • Treatment: No cure currently; treatment focuses on symptom control and limiting long-term effects.

    Orangutan

    Environment

    Context

    • The Odisha Forest Department rescued five young orangutans after they were found abandoned in a casuarina plantation in the Udayapur-Talsari forest area of Balasore district.

    Orangutan 

    • Largest arboreal mammal; spends most of its life in trees.
    • Species: 3 — Bornean, Sumatran & Tapanuli orangutans.
    • Genetic similarity: Share about 96.4% of genes with humans; highly intelligent.
    • Diet: Mainly fruits (figs, mangoes, lychees), plus leaves, flowers, insects & small mammals.
    • Habitat: Tropical forests, especially lowland forests, river valleys & floodplains; can occur up to 1,500 m altitude.
    • Distribution: Found in the wild only on Borneo and Sumatra.
    • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered — all three species.

    Anti-smog Guns

    Environment

    In News

    • The Delhi government has approved spending ₹100 crore for 1,000 truck-mounted “anti-smog” guns to be operated across the city in the winter months over three years.

    Anti-smog gun 

    • What are they? Devices that spray fine nebulised water droplets to suppress airborne dust and particulate matter.
    • Working: Water from a truck-mounted tank is forced through high-pressure nozzles, producing droplets of about 50–100 microns.
    • Effect: Water droplets bind with PM₂.₅, PM₁₀ and dust, causing particles to settle to the ground.

    Applications:

    • Urban dust and air-pollution control.
    • Industrial dust suppression in mining, coal handling, grinding and stone crushing.
    • Mechanism: Creates a “canopy/rain effect”, bringing suspended particles down.

    Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

    Governance

    Context

    • The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken action against food companies using “100%” claims, holding that such claims can create a misleading impression of absolute purity or complete composition.

    Central Consumer Protection Authority 

    • Legal basis: Established under Section 10 of Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
    • Objective: Promote, protect & enforce consumer rights as a class.

    Key Powers:

    • Investigate consumer-rights violations and initiate complaints/prosecution.
    • Order recall of unsafe goods/services.
    • Stop unfair trade practices.
    • Order discontinuation/modification of misleading advertisements.
    • Impose penalties on manufacturers, endorsers & publishers of misleading ads.

    Consumer Protection Act, 2019 

    • Replaced: Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
    • Came into force: July 2020.
    • Expanded protection against issues such as false information on quality/quantity and misleading advertisements.
    • Section 21: Empowers CCPA to order discontinuation or modification of false/misleading advertisements.

    Sagar Manthan Vessel

    Science and Technology

    News

    • Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd launched the ‘Sagar Manthan’ vessel.

    ‘Sagar Manthan’ vessel

    • Type: Indigenous Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) being built for NCPOR.
    • Mission: Part of Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), under Vertical-4: Deep Ocean Survey & Exploration.
    • Cost: About ₹840 crore.
    • Commissioning: Expected by 2028, after sea trials.
    • Features: All-weather, multi-disciplinary research platform; speed of 14 knots; operational lifespan of about 30 years.
    • Significance: Strengthens India’s capacity to explore marine mineral resources such as:
    • Polymetallic/manganese nodules
    • Polymetallic sulphides
    • Region: Focus on the Indian Ocean Region.

    Deep Ocean Mission

    • Launched: 2021 by the Government of India.
    • Objective: Sustainable exploration of deep-ocean resources and strengthening India’s Blue Economy.
    • Key component: Samudrayaan Project.
    • MATSYA 6000: India’s first manned deep-sea submersible, being developed under Samudrayaan.
    • Focus: Deep-sea exploration, marine resources, biodiversity and advanced ocean technologies.

    Osteoarthritis

    Science and Technology

    In News 

    • Scientists are developing a cell-free regenerative therapy for osteoarthritis using extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal cells found in menstrual blood.

    Osteoarthritis 

    • What is it? A degenerative joint disease involving breakdown of cartilage and changes in underlying bone.
    • Commonly affected: Knees, hips, hands and spine.
    • Risk factors: Age, obesity, previous joint injury, repetitive joint stress and genetic factors.
    • Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion.
    • Nature: Usually chronic and progressive; unlike rheumatoid arthritis, it is primarily a degenerative/mechanical condition.
    • Management: Exercise/physiotherapy, weight management, pain relief and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.

    Bakhira Lake

    Geography 

    In News

    • Researchers have reconstructed variability in the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) based on magnetic minerals, grain size, geochemical and clay-mineral records from sediments of Bakhira Lake, Uttar Pradesh. 

    About

    • Location: Uttar Pradesh; part of the Ghaghara–Rapti alluvial system.
    • Formation: Perennial oxbow/floodplain wetland, formed by migration and cut-off of the Rapti River.
    • Ramsar Site: Designated in 2022; one of the largest wetlands of Uttar Pradesh.
    • Significance: Lake sediments preserve a long-term palaeoclimate record of the Central Ganga Plain.
    • Latest Study: Reconstructed changes in monsoon rainfall, weathering, erosion, sediment transport and lake processes.
    • Importance: Helps understand past monsoon variability, improve climate models, and support water-resource & agricultural planning.

    Related Articles

  • Dogri Script is Returning to Jammu’s Signboards | Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026 | Jhiram Ghati Massacre | National Film Awards | MatsyaMetri

    Dogri Script is Returning to Jammu’s Signboards

    Culture

    Context

    • New public signboards in Jammu are displaying place names in Namey Dogra Akhar, alongside Devanagari and the Roman script, as part of efforts to revive Dogri’s traditional writing system.

    Namey Dogra Akhar

    • Meaning: “New Dogri Script”; a modified form of the Takri script historically used for Dogri.
    • Development: Evolved during Maharaja Ranbir Singh’s reign by incorporating Devanagari vowel signs for administrative use.
    • Dogri: An Indo-Aryan language, mainly spoken in the Jammu region, with speakers in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and PoK.
    • Speakers: About 2.6 million in India (2011 Census).

    Constitutional Status

    • Added to the Eighth Schedule in 2003 through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act.

    • One of India’s 22 Scheduled Languages.

    • Recognised as an official language of J&K UT in 2020.

    Why did the script decline?

    • Administrative shift: Urdu and later English became dominant in official communication.

    • Shift to Devanagari: Dogri Sanstha adopted Devanagari in 1944 to promote Dogri literature.

    • This aided Dogri’s recognition by

      Sahitya Akademi in 1969, but contributed to the decline of Namey Dogra Akhar.

    Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026

    Environment

    Context

    • The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026 results were released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

    Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan

    • Conducted by: CPCB under the NCAP; initiative of MoEFCC.
    • Launched: 2022–23; annual assessment of 130 cities.
    • Purpose: Ranks cities based on efforts to control major pollution sources—road dust, solid/construction waste, vehicular & industrial emissions.
    • Categories:
      • Million-plus population
      • 3–10 lakh
      • Below 3 lakh

    2026 Highlights

    • Million-plus cities: Lucknow – 1st, Indore – 2nd, Jabalpur – 3rd.
    • Delhi: 30th among million-plus cities.
    • Bottom five: Chennai, Jamshedpur, Kota, Kolkata & Madurai.
    • 3–10 lakh: Rourkela – 1st.
    • Below 3 lakh: Kalinga Nagar – 1st.

    Jhiram Ghati Massacre

    Internal Security

    Context

    • A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Chhattisgarh’s Jagdalpur convicted all ten accused in the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack. 

    Jhiram Valley Attack (2013)

    • Date: 25 May 2013, Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
    • Maoists ambushed the Congress Parivartan Rally, killing several political leaders and security personnel.
    • Highlighted the threat posed by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in Maoist-affected areas.

    Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

    • Meaning: Armed Maoist movements seeking to overthrow India’s constitutional-democratic system through prolonged armed struggle.
    • Major group: CPI (Maoist); armed wing = People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA).
    • Areas: Historically concentrated in remote, forested and tribal-dominated regions, known as the Red Corridor.
    • Drivers: Poverty, land alienation, displacement, underdevelopment and weak governance.

    Key Developments

    • Salwa Judum (2005): Anti-Maoist campaign in Chhattisgarh; Supreme Court later restricted the use of tribal youth as Special Police Officers (SPOs).
    • Security approach: Shift towards “Clear, Hold and Develop”—security operations followed by establishing a sustained security presence and expanding roads, infrastructure and basic services.

    National Film Awards

    Miscellaneous

    News

    • The National Film Awards ceremony is going to be organised in Gujarat for the first time, with the 72nd edition scheduled in Ekta Nagar.

    National Film Awards 

    • Instituted: 1954 to promote films of high artistic, technical, educational & cultural value.
    • Initially called State Awards.
    • First Best Actor/Actress (1968): Uttam Kumar & Nargis.
    • Earlier names:
      • Best Actor → Bharat
      • Best Actress → Urvashi
    • Conferred by: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, along with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
    • 72nd National Film Awards: Ceremony to be held at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, for the first time.

    72nd Awards — Key Winners

    Category

    Winner

    Best Feature Film

    Article 370

    Best Actress

    Yami Gautam – Article 370

    Best Actor

    Mammootty – Bramayugam & Kartik Aaryan – Chandu Champion

    Best Debut Director

    Randeep Hooda – Swatantrya Veer Savarkar

    Best Popular Film

    Kalki 2898 AD

    MatsyaMetri

    Miscellaneous

    News

    • Developed by: Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI); developed by scientist Eldho Varghese.
    • Purpose: Smartphone app to measure fish length & width without physically handling the fish.
    • Users: Fisheries scientists, researchers & field survey teams.

    Uses:

    • Rapid collection of biological data for fisheries assessment & management.
    • Automatically records measurements and generates length-frequency datasets/distributions.
    • Allows measurement of multiple individuals in a single sampling session.
    • Saves measurements with photographs.
    • Data can be exported as CSV for further scientific analysis.

    Related Articles

  • National Commission for Safai Karamcharis | Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 | Road Map To make India drug-free by 2029 | Jute- India’s Golden Fibre  | The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies | Rajasthan Shekhawati Havelis enter UNESCO Tentative List

    National Commission for Safai Karamcharis

    Polity

    News

    • The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has made the appointment of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Members of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK).

    National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

    • Established: 1994 under the NCSK Act, 1993 as a statutory body for 3 years.
    • Present status: Its statutory tenure lapsed; it continues as a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
    • Objective: Protect the dignity, safety, welfare and socio-economic interests of Safai Karamcharis.

    Key Functions:

    • Monitor implementation of welfare and rehabilitation schemes.
    • Investigate grievances/complaints and take suo motu action.
    • Examine working conditions, health, safety and wages.
    • Advise Central & State Governments and submit reports/recommendations.
    • Oversee implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

    Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0

    Economy

    Context

    • The Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 provides targeted credit guarantee support to businesses affected by external disruptions. 

    Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)

    • Launched: 2020 under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package to provide credit support to businesses affected by COVID-19.
    • ECLGS 1.0: MSMEs, business enterprises, Mudra borrowers & individual business loans; loans ≤ ₹50 crore, DPD ≤60 days (Feb 2020).
    • ECLGS 2.0: 26 stressed sectors + healthcare; loans >₹50 crore to ₹500 crore, DPD ≤60 days.
    • ECLGS 3.0: Hospitality, travel & tourism, leisure/sporting and civil aviation.
    • ECLGS 4.0: Strengthened healthcare infrastructure; hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, medical colleges and oxygen-related manufacturers.
    • ECLGS 5.0: Operational till 31 March 2027 or guarantees of ₹2.55 lakh crore, whichever is earlier.
      • Covers MSMEs, eligible non-MSME business borrowers & scheduled passenger airlines.
      • Guarantee coverage: 100% for eligible MSMEs; 90% for eligible non-MSMEs.
      • No guarantee fee payable by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs).
      • ECLGS = Government credit guarantee → enables lending to stressed businesses → COVID-era economic recovery.

    Road Map To make India drug-free by 2029

    Polity

    Context

    • The Union Home Minister outlined a three-year roadmap to make India drug-free by 2029.

    Roadmap

    Goal: India aims to become drug-free by 2029; broader national goal is Drug-Free India by 2047.

    Four Pillars:

    1. Intelligence & operation-based enforcement
    2. Precursor & synthetic drug control
    3. Demand & harm reduction
    4. Capacity building & coordination

    Additional Information – Initiatives by the Government to control drug abuse

    • NDPS Act, 1985: Prohibits illicit production, possession, sale and consumption of narcotic drugs/psychotropic substances; prescribes penalties.
    • Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (2020): Awareness, prevention and rehabilitation against drug abuse.
    • National Goal: Drug-Free India by 2047.
    • International Cooperation: Bilateral agreements with 27 countries, MoUs with 16, and security-cooperation agreements with 2 countries.
    • ANTF: State-level Anti-Narcotics Task Forces for enforcement.
    • DarkNet Monitoring Cell (NCB): Tracks online drug trafficking/sales.
    • Joint Coordination Committee (JCC): Headed by DG, NCB; monitors investigation of major drug seizures.
    • NCORD (2019): Four-tier coordination mechanism at Centre, State and district levels to combat drug trafficking.

    Jute- India’s Golden Fibre 

    Economy

    Context

    • India is the world’s largest producer of raw jute and accounts for about 75% of estimated global jute goods production.

    Jute

    • Natural fibre: Biodegradable, recyclable, fast-growing, low-cost & widely available.
    • Properties: Strong, durable, breathable and versatile.
    • Functional benefits: Thermal & acoustic insulation and high moisture absorption.
    • Applications: Packaging, construction, agriculture and industrial textile and low static generation.

    Jute Crop Information System project 

    • Aim: To monitor jute cultivation using remote sensing and field data. 
    • As part of this initiative, two key tools have been developed:
    1. BHUVAN JUMP – A mobile app for on-field jute monitoring, and
    2. PATSAN (Prospective Assessment of Jute Using Mobile App-Based Field Observations) – a web-based platform that provides near-real-time jute surveillance and analytics to support informed decision-making by officials and stakeholders.

    Jute Production In India

      • It is also called the golden fibre, in view of being a natural, renewable, biodegradable and eco-friendly product. 
    • India is the largest producer of jute followed by Bangladesh and China.
    • West Bengal, Bihar and Assam account for almost 99% of India’s total production.

    Conditions Required for Jute Production

      • Temperature: A mean maximum and minimum temperature of 34°C and 15°C and a mean relative humidity of 65% are required. 
    • Rainfall: Around 150-250 cm.
    • Soil: Jute can be raised on all kinds of soils from clay to sandy loam, but loamy alluvial soils are best suited.

    The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

    Environment

    Context

    • The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed globally on 7 September. 
    • The United Nations General Assembly designated the day in 2019 to strengthen global action against air pollution.

    Air Pollution

    • Definition: Presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere at concentrations that can harm human health and the environment.
    • Pollutants: May occur as gases, liquid droplets or solid particles; sources can be natural or anthropogenic.
    • Major pollutants: PM, NO₂, SO₂, O₃, CO, VOCs and Lead.
    • Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny solid/liquid particles suspended in air.
      • PM₁₀: ≤ 10 μm diameter.
      • PM₂.₅: ≤ 2.5 μm diameter.
    • Health significance: Smaller particles, especially PM₂.₅, penetrate deeper into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream, causing greater health risks.
    • PM₂.₅ is more hazardous than PM₁₀ due to its smaller size and deeper penetration into the respiratory system.

    Air Pollution in India (World Air Quality Report 2025)

    • India: Ranked 6th most polluted country globally.
    • National PM₂.₅ average: 48.9 µg/m³ — nearly 10× WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³.
    • Top 25 polluted cities: Located in Pakistan, India and China.
    • Most polluted city: Loni (Ghaziabad) — PM₂.₅: 112.5 µg/m³.
    • Byrnihat (Meghalaya): 3rd most polluted city globally.
    • Delhi: Ranked 4th globally.

    Additional Information – Government Initiatives to Curb Air Pollution in India

    • NAMP: CPCB programme to monitor ambient air quality, assess pollution levels, trends and future changes.
    • NCAP (2019): Comprehensive programme to reduce air pollution in identified cities/regions through monitoring, emission control and public awareness.
    • BS-VI (2020): Stricter vehicle emission norms promoting cleaner fuels & advanced emission-control technologies.
    • Swachh Vayu Survekshan (2022–23): Annual assessment of 130 cities under NCAP; evaluates pollution-control measures and implementation of City Clean Air Action Plans.
    • PMUY: Promotes LPG as clean cooking fuel, reducing dependence on biomass.
    • FAME: Promotes electric & hybrid vehicles through incentives, reducing vehicular emissions.
    • GRIHA: Promotes energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.
    • Waste Management: Swachh Bharat and other initiatives aim to reduce open waste burning and improve waste disposal.
    • CAQM: Ensures coordinated action on air pollution in NCR & adjoining areas through coordination, research and problem-solving.
    • Green India Mission: Promotes afforestation and increased tree cover to support air-quality improvement.

    Rajasthan Shekhawati Havelis enter UNESCO Tentative List

    Culture

    Context

    • Rajasthan’s historic Shekhawati havelis have been included in the UNESCO Tentative List, marking a significant step towards their recognition on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

    Shekhawati Havelis

    • Location: Northeastern Rajasthan; included in UNESCO Tentative List.
    • 14 towns: Alsisar, Bissau, Chirawa, Churu, Dundlod, Fatehpur, Jhunjhunu, Khetri, Laxmangarh, Mandawa, Mahansar, Nawalgarh, Ramgarh & Sikar.
    • Features: Elaborately painted havelis, frescoes, courtyards, gateways and ornate façades.
    • Fresco themes: Religious/mythological stories, portraits, daily life, flora & fauna and traditional motifs.
    • Historical value: Murals document 19th–early 20th century technological and cultural changes, including new transport and external influences.

    UNESCO Tentative List

    • Inventory of cultural/natural sites with potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) that may be nominated for World Heritage status.
    • A site generally needs to remain on the Tentative List for at least 1 year before formal nomination.
    • Tentative List ≠ World Heritage status; it is a preliminary step.
    • Sites can be added, removed or updated.

    Related Articles

  • Frameworks against Untouchability in India | Right to Work in India | World’s Coral Reefs Report | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Report 2026 | Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement | UPI in Uzbekistan

    Frameworks against Untouchability in India

    Polity

    News – 

    • A shuddhikaran (purification) ritual performed after a political rally has revived the debate over whether such purification falls within the scope of untouchability under Article 17.

    Safeguards Against Untouchability

    • Article 17: Abolishes untouchability and makes it an offence.
    • Article 15(2): Prohibits caste-based denial of access to public places and facilities.
    • Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: Penalises enforcement of untouchability and related social disabilities.
    • SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Provides Special Courts for speedy trial of atrocities.
    • Article 338: Establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).
    • Manual Scavenging: 2013 Act prohibits manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning.
    • RPA, 1951: Conviction for certain untouchability offences can lead to electoral disqualification.

    Right to Work in India

    Polity

    News – 

    • The transition from MGNREGA to the VB-GRAM G Act has reignited Supreme Court debates about elevating the “Right to Work” to a Fundamental Right under Article 21.

    Key Differences 

    Feature 

    MGNREGA (2005)

    VB-G RAM G (2025 Act)

    Days Guaranteed

    At least 100 days of work per year.

    At least 125 days of work per year.

    Funding Model

    Demand-driven. The centre paid 100% of unskilled wages.

    Normative allocation. General cost-sharing is 60:40 between Centre and States.

    Work Pauses

    Continuous work throughout the year.

    Allows a 60-day pause for farming seasons.

    Technology

    Basic digital systems over time.

    Advanced AI, biometrics, and GPS tracking.

    Planning Approach

    Handled locally by Gram Sabhas.

    Integrated into the national PM Gati Shakti plan.

    World’s Coral Reefs Report

    Environment

    News – 

    • Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) published the 7th ‘Status of the World’s Coral Reefs’ report.

    Key Findings

    • Coral cover: Global hard coral cover declined by ~9.5% from the 1980–2009 baseline.
    • Recovery: Major disturbances now occur every 4–6 years, reducing recovery time.
    • Major driver: Marine heatwaves due to climate change are the leading cause of coral-cover decline.
    • 2024: 87% of reefs faced unprecedented heat stress; >40% experienced heat stress posing a risk of coral mortality.
    • Key concept: Coral bleaching occurs when heat stress causes corals to expel symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), potentially leading to mortality.

    CORAL REEFS 

    • Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse ecosystems of the planet.

    Formation & Symbiotic relationship – (Coral polyps + zooxanthellae)

    • They are formed when Coral polyps, the animals primarily responsible for building reefs, develop a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, which live in its tissues. 
    • Formation – Coral reefs begin to form when free-swimming coral larvae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces along the edges of islands or continents. 
    • The coral provides a protected environment and the compounds zooxanthellae need for photosynthesis. 
    • In return, the algae produce carbohydrates that the coral uses for food, as well as oxygen. The algae also helps the coral remove waste. 

    FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS FOR FORMATION

    • Warm tropical oceans with minimum temperature of 20 degree (30 degree north and 25 degree south latitudes)
    • Oceanic water free of sedimentation
    • Transparent parts of ocean bodies 
    • Relatively low salinity ocean bodies

    TYPES OF REEF FORMATIONS

    • Fringing reefs – They are the most common, projecting seaward directly from the shore, forming borders along the shoreline and surrounding islands. 
    • Barrier reefs – Grow at border shorelines, but at a greater distance. They are separated from their adjacent land mass by a lagoon of open, often deep water. 
    • Atoll – If a fringing reef forms around a volcanic island that subsides completely below sea level while the coral continues to grow upward, an atoll forms. Atolls are usually circular or oval, with a central lagoon. 

    DISTRIBUTION IN INDIA 

    • The Gulf of Kutch  
    1. The West Coast of India 
    2. The Lakshadweep Islands 
    3. The Gulf of Mannar 
    4. Palk Bay
    5. Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands 

    THREATS 

    • Destructive fishing practices, Overfishing, Careless tourism, Pollution, Sedimentation, Coral mining, Climate change. 

    CORAL BLEACHING

    • When corals face stress by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients, they expel the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white. This phenomenon is called coral bleaching.

    Causes of Coral Bleaching

    • Rise in Sea Temperature
    • Ocean Acidification
    • Solar radiation & ultraviolet 

    radiation

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Chemical Pollution
    • Increased Sedimentation
    • Reducing light availability 

    (Turbidity) 

    • Human Induced Threats

    Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Report 2026

    International

    News- 

    • The 2026 V-Dem Report classifies India as an “electoral autocracy,” ranking it 106th out of 179 on the Electoral Democracy Index, with its score at the lowest level since the 1975 Emergency.

    About- 

    • V-Dem Institute: Based at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; assesses democracy using expert-based data.
    • Five dimensions: Electoral, Liberal, Participatory, Deliberative and Egalitarian Democracy.
    • India: Classified as an “electoral autocracy” and ranked 106th/179 in the Electoral Democracy Index.

    Sone River Water-Sharing Agreement

    Geography & Environment

    News – 

    • Bihar–Jharkhand MoU ended a 25-year water-sharing dispute after Jharkhand’s creation in 2000.
    • Bansagar Accord (1973): Agreement among MP, UP and Bihar on Sone River development and Bansagar Dam operations.
    • Origin: Amarkantak Plateau, Maikal Range.
    • Tributary: 2nd-largest right-bank tributary of Ganga after Yamuna.
    • States: MP → UP → Jharkhand → Bihar; joins Ganga near Maner, Bihar.
    • Major tributaries: Rihand, North Koel, Banas and Ghaghar.
    • Major projects: Bansagar Dam (MP), Rihand Dam (UP), Indrapuri Barrage (Bihar).

    UPI in Uzbekistan

    Economy

    News – 

    • NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) signed a commercial agreement with Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Center (NIPC) to enable UPI payments across Uzbekistan.
    • Uzbekistan became the 11th country to accept UPI for cross-border merchant transactions. 
    • Other countries: Bhutan (First), UAE, Singapore, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, Qatar, Cambodia, and Greece.

    Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

    • Launched by – UPI was designed and launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016.
    • Objective – It is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing & merchant payments into one hood.
    • Countries with operational or planned interoperability include: Singapore (PayNow), UAE, France, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and others.

    Additional Information – National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

    • Established in – It serves as an umbrella body for the operation of retail payments in India.
    • Established by – Reserve Bank of India along with the Indian Bank’s Association. 
    • Established under – It was set up under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

    Products of NPCI

    1. RuPay
    2. National Common Mobility Card
    3. Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM)
    4. Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
    5. Bharat Bill Payment System

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  • Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) | RAKSHA’ Defence Diplomacy Document | Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05 | Status of the World’s Soil Resources 2026 | Pichavaram Mangrove Ecosystem | Syria | Belgium

    Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata)

    Environment

    News – 

    • A rare sharp-tailed sandpiper was spotted near Najafgarh Jheel in Gurugram, Haryana.

    About

      • It is a small-to-medium-sized migratory wader (shorebird) known for long-distance annual migrations between Arctic Siberia and Australasia.
      • Habitat: Shallow freshwater wetlands, coastal estuaries, flooded pastures, and saltmarshes.
      • Distribution: Breeds in the boggy tundra of northern Siberia during the short summer, wintering mainly in Australia, New Zealand, and Melanesia. It is a rare vagrant visitor to India and Western Europe.
      • Ecological role: Biological indicator for the health of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
    • IUCN: Vulnerable

    RAKSHA’ Defence Diplomacy Document

    Defence

    News – 

    • The Defence Minister unveiled ‘RAKSHA’, a strategic document outlining India’s 10-year roadmap for global defence partnerships.
    • It marks a shift towards proactive global defence cooperation, aligning national security objectives with long-term partnerships, stability and mutual growth.

    Key pillars of RAKSHA

    • Strategic Partnerships: Deepening bilateral and multilateral security cooperation.
    • Capacity Building: Enhancing joint military exercises, training programmes, and sharing best practices with friendly nations.
    • Indigenous Exports: Promoting Make-in-India defence platforms to establish the nation as a reliable global defence manufacturing hub.
    • Maritime security: Strengthening India’s role as a Net Security Provider and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region.

    Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05

    Science & Technology

    News –  

    • The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched EOS-05 (formerly GISAT-1A) aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket.

    EOS-05

    • It is India’s first Earth observation imaging satellite to operate from Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO).
    • It is designed to provide near real-time imaging of priority targets every 5 minutes and the whole Indian landmass every 30 minutes.
    • Significance: Supports agricultural assessment, resource management, environmental monitoring for natural disasters, and continuous surveillance for national security.
    • GEO is a circular geosynchronous orbit at ~36,000 km, where a satellite’s orbital period matches Earth’s rotation, enabling continuous surveillance over a fixed region.

    Status of the World’s Soil Resources 2026

    International

    News – 

    • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) published the Status of the World’s Soil Resources 2026 report
    • Soil biodiversity refers to the variety of life belowground, ranging from genes and species to communities and soil ecosystems. 
    • Major Organisms include bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms and arthropods.

    Key Findings

    • Loss of Soil Biodiversity: It ranks 4th among seven major threats to soil function, after soil erosion, loss of soil organic carbon and nutrient mismanagement.
    • Major Threat – Habitat Loss: Intensive irrigation, heavy machinery, fertilisers and pesticides can significantly alter soil habitats and reduce soil biodiversity.
    • Global Implementation Gap: Sustainable soil-management practices are deteriorating in 58% of regional and sub-regional assessments, while improving in only around 10%.

    Pichavaram Mangrove Ecosystem

    Environment

    News –

    • A recent study valued the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem’s Total Economic Value (TEV) at ₹2,485.38 crore, highlighting its immense blue carbon stock.

    Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

    • Location – Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu
      • Uniqueness – It  is one of India’s largest mangroves, situated in a coastal estuary between the Vellar and Coleroon Rivers.
      • It encompasses the Killai backwaters and connects to the Bay of Bengal through a shallow littoral passage.
      • Dominant Species: Avicennia marina and Rhizophora.
      • Environmental Status: It is a Ramsar Site designated in 2022 and an Important Bird Area (IBA). 
      • Its South Indian mangrove region is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems.
    • Protection: Categorized as CRZ-IA (Ecologically Sensitive Area), it receives the highest legal protection.
      • Ecological Significance: Acts as a bio-shield, protecting inland coastal communities from cyclones, tsunamis, and erosion, while supporting marine nurseries, fisheries, and coastal livelihoods.
    • Key Threats: Microplastic infiltration, unregulated shrimp farming expansion, and land conversion.

    Syria

    International

    News – 

      • A UN report confirmed that Syria was building a nuclear reactor in Deir el-Zour under former President Assad.
      • Location: East coast of Mediterranean Sea in southwestern Asia. 
    • Capital: Damascus.
      • Borders: Turkey (north), Iraq (east), Jordan (south), Lebanon (west) and Israel (southwest).
      • Major Landforms: Syrian Coastal Mountains, Anti-Lebanon Mountains and the Syrian/Syro-Arabian Desert.
      • The Golan Heights: A major territorial and geopolitical issue involving Syria and Israel.
    • Syria is a member of the UN and the League of Arab States (Arab League).

    Belgium

    International

    News – 

    • The Belgian Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit to India.

    About

    • Located in – Northwestern Europe, it is one of the smallest and most densely populated European countries.
    • Capital: Brussels (also hosts NATO Headquarters)
    • Borders: France (South), Germany (East), Luxembourg (Southeast) and the Netherlands (North).
    • Founding member of the EU and NATO.
    • Has a coastline along the North Sea, giving it strategic importance for European maritime trade.

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