The Prime Minister of India, at the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leadersโ Summit, emphasized that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms are no longer a matter of choice but a global imperative.
India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders Summit 2025
Note – It coincided with the first G20 Summit held in Johannesburg, Africa.
IBSA Dialogue Forum
It was established in 2003 via the Brasilia Declaration, as a collective voice for the Global South.
It comprises India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA troika), and they reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, democratic values, and inclusive development.
It can act as a bridge between Asia, Africa, and South America.
Key Initiatives- It include IBSA Trust Fund (operationalised in 2006) to enhance South-South cooperation and IBSAMAR multinational maritime exercise.
Additional information – UNSC
It is one of the principal organs of the UN, responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
It was established in 1945 as part of the UN Charter.
It is composed of 15 member states, including five permanent members (P5)with veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
It is headquartered in New York City.
South Africa G20 Summit Concluded
Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations
In News
The 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa is the first-ever G20 summit held on African soil under the theme โSolidarity, Equality, Sustainability.โ
Key Highlights of the Summit
Adoption of the G20 Leadersโ Declaration – It reaffirms commitments to climate action (focusing on adaptation finance and renewable energy).
Emphasis on institutional reforms including UN Security Council reform.
Strong focus on empowerment of women and girls and condemning terrorism.
African Unionโs permanent membership in the G20.
Indiaโs Stand/Initiatives
Proposed the Global Traditional Knowledge Repository to harness collective human wisdom.
Launched the G20-Africa Skills Multiplier to create one million certified trainers to skill African youth.
Advocated for a Global Healthcare Response Team for rapid health crisis intervention.
Initiated the Open Satellite Data Partnership for agriculture, fisheries, and disaster management data sharing.
Pitched the Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative promoting recycling and sustainable supply chains.
Launched the ACITI trilateral framework with Australia and Canada for cooperation in critical technologies, AI, supply chains, and clean energy.
Assam Accord (1985)
Syllabus: GS2/Government Policy & Intervention
Context
Recently, the Assam government has announced that a broad consensus has been reached on Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, 1985.
Assam Accord (1985)
It was signed on August 15, 1985, between the Government of India, the All Assam Studentsโ Union (AASU), and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP).
It marked the end of a six-year-long anti-foreigner agitation in Assam (1979โ1985), which happened because of illegal immigration from Bangladesh. It impacted the stateโs demography, culture, and economy.
Clause 6 of the Assam Accord: It promised โconstitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguardsโ to protect the โcultural, social, and linguistic identityโ of the Assamese people.
Border Security: The Accord called for the sealing and fencing of the India-Bangladesh border to prevent further illegal immigration.
Auramine in Indian food
Syllabus: GS2/ Health
In News
India continues to face recurring episodes of chemical adulteration in food, particularly through the use of non-permitted synthetic dyes like auramine O.
Auramine O
It is a synthetic, odorless yellow dye extensively used in industry, including textile and leather processing, printing inks and paper manufacturing.
Auramine O is not approved for use as a food colour in India, the European Union, the United States, or most other regulatory jurisdictions.
Other dyes such as metanil yellow, rhodamine B, and malachite green appear in certain samples of sweets that are also not approved.
It has a range of health risks, including liver and kidney damage, enlargement of the spleen, mutagenic effects that can alter genetic material, and potential carcinogenic outcomes.
Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
In News
The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has introduced new technical and procedural safeguards to prevent impersonation and misuse of its summons and notices.
Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)
Established under – Companies Act, 2013,
Functions under – Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Mandate – It is a specialized body for white-collar crime investigations rather than routine company law violations.
Significance – It brings together experts from accountancy, forensic audit, banking, law, IT, capital markets, taxation and company law to handle serious and complex corporate frauds.
Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP)
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released a revised draft of Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP 2.O).
Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP)
Launched in – October 2023
Objective – It provides safety ratings for vehicles based on crash testing and evaluation criteria.
It laid down the detailed procedure for vehicle manufacturers or importers to get their vehicles tested as per Automotive Industry Standard.
Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) in Pune is the designated agency for issuing the Bharat NCAP ratings.
5 institutes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences have been formally brought under a single umbrella by merging five separate Societies into one single called โEarth System Sciences Councilโ (ESSC).
Earth System Sciences Council
Aim: To streamline governance and collectively address the scientific and humanitarian problems posed by the changing climate, erratic monsoons and melting polar regions.
Institutes Merged:
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) Goa
National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) Chennai
National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) Thiruvananthapuram
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS) Hyderabad.
Earth System Science Organisation comprises two sub-ordinate offices:
India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF).
ESSC formally registered as a body in 2023, MoES Secretary will head the ESSC and the minister for Earth Sciences will act as the ESSC president.
โYUVA AI for ALLโ
Syllabus: GS3/ S&T
In News
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under the IndiaAI Mission, has launched โYUVA AI for ALLโ, afirst-of-its-kind free course that introduces the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to all Indians.
โYUVA AI for ALLโ
It is a short, 5-hour self-paced course designed to make students, professionals and other curious learners comfortable with the basics of AI and to show how itโs transforming the world.
It aims to empower 1 crore (10 million) citizens with foundational AI skills โ helping bridge the digital divide, promote ethical AI adoption, and prepare Indiaโs workforce for the future.
IndiaAI Mission
Launched in – March 2024.
Mandate – It is a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering AI research, development, and innovation in India.
Implementing Agency:โIndiaAIโ Independent Business Division under Digital India Corporation.
Hanoi Convention
Syllabus: GS3/Cybersecurity
Context
72 nations have signed a landmark United Nations Convention against Cybercrime treaty in Hanoi aimed at tackling cybercrime.
Hanoi Convention
Aim: It proposes a legislative framework to boost international cooperation among law enforcement agencies and offer technical assistance to countries that lack adequate infrastructure for combating cybercrime.
First Universal Convention: The Convention establishes the first universal framework for investigating and prosecuting offences against Cybercrime.
Legally Binding: The UN Cybercrime Convention is a powerful, legally binding instrument.
Adoption: It was adopted by the General Assembly in 2024 after five years of negotiation.
The signing process is expected to remain open till next year.
Key Provisions:It criminalises the following types of crimes:
Cyber-dependent crimes: Unauthorized access (hacking), data interference.
Cyber-enabled crimes: Online fraud, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images.
Child exploitation: Online sexual abuse, distribution of abuse material, solicitation/grooming.
It facilitates the sharing of electronic evidence across borders and establishes a 24/7 cooperation network among States.
It also makes history as the first international treaty to recognise the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images as an offence โ a significant victory for victims of online abuse.
Enforcement: It will enter into force 90 days after the 40th State deposits its ratification.
Conference of the States Parties: After entry into force, a Conference of the States Parties will convene periodically to improve the capacity of and cooperation between States Parties.
Secretariat: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime serves as the secretariat.
Connect with the basics – Types of Cyber Attacks
Malware – It is short for malicious software, refers to any kind of software that is designed to cause damage to a single computer, server, or computer network.
Example – Ransomware, Spy ware, Worms, viruses, and Trojans are all varieties of malware.
Phishing – It is the method of trying to gather personal information using deceptive e-mails and websites.
Types of Malware
Spyware – Spyware is software that spies on you, tracking your internet activities in order to send advertising (Adware) back to your system.
Virus – A virus is a contagious program or code that attaches itself to another piece of software, and then reproduces itself when that software is run. Most often this is spread by sharing software or files between computers.
Worm – A program that replicates itself and destroys data and files on the computer. Worms work to โeatโ the system operating files and data files until the drive is empty.
Recent Steps Taken in India regarding Cyber Security
Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative – It was launched in 2018 with an aim to spread awareness about cybercrime and building capacity for safety measures for IT staff across all government departments.
National Cyber security Coordination Centre (NCCC) – In 2017, the NCCC was developed to scan internet traffic and communication metadata coming into the country to detect real-time cyber threats.
Cyber Swachhta Kendra – In 2017, this platform was introduced for internet users to clean their computers and devices by wiping out viruses and malware.
Computer Emergency Response Team – India (CERT-IN) – It is the nodal agency which deals with cybersecurity threats like hacking and phishing.
Legislation
Information Technology Act, 2000.
Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.
International Mechanisms
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – It is a specialised agency within the United Nations which plays a leading role in the standardisation and development of telecommunications and cyber security issues.
Budapest Convention on Cybercrime
It is an international treaty that seeks to address Internet and computer crime (cybercrime) by harmonizing national laws, improving investigative techniques, and increasing cooperation among nations.
It came into force on 1st July 2004.
India is not a signatory to this convention.
Protection of Plant Variety and Farmersโ Rights Act (PPV&FRA Act)
Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture
Context
The Union Agriculture Minister said that the Centre will amend the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmersโ Rights Act (PPV&FRA Act), incorporating suggestions from stakeholders.
Protection of Plant Variety and Farmersโ Rights Act (PPV&FRA Act) 2001
Aim: To provide for the establishment of an effective system for the
Protection of plant varieties,
Rights of farmers and plant breeders
To encourage the development of new varieties of plants.
Significance:
Balances innovation and farmersโ traditional rights.
Promotes agrobiodiversity conservation.
Enhances seed industry growth while protecting rural livelihoods.
Indiaโs Dugong (sea cows) are Under Threat
Syllabus: GS3/Species in News
In News
A recent report released at the IUCN Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi warns of the growing threat to Indiaโs dugong population.
Dugongs(Dugong dugon)
Dugongs are primarily herbivorous, grazing on 30 kg-40 kg of seagrass a day.
They are known as โsea cows,โ and peacefully graze on seagrass in shallow coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.
They are often referred to as the โfarmers or gardeners of the seaโ for their important role in preserving the coastal ecosystems and aiding fish production.
Geographic Range: These gentle giants are found in warm waters along coastlines, mainly confined to seagrass beds which occur in calm sheltered habitats such as bays and lagoons.
Distribution – They are found in the Gulf of Mannar, the Palk Bay, the Gulf of Kutch and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India.
Threats – Their population was on the decline over the past several decades owing to a variety of factors, including hunting for meat, commercial fishing practices leading to accidental drowning, and habitat degradation.
Protection status :
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List – Vulnerable
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I
Conservation Efforts in India
Dugong Conservation Reserve: India established its first dugong conservation reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, which has been recognized by the IUCN as a global model for marine biodiversity conservation.โ
National Dugong Recovery Program: Launched in collaboration with Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to protect habitats and promote dugong conservation.
International Cooperation: Indiaโs efforts align with global conservation frameworks such as CITES and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
Ginkgo-toothed Beaked Whales
Syllabus: GS3/Species in News
In News
A team of scientists has spotted the rare ginkgo-toothed beaked whales for the first time in the wild along the coast of Baja California in Mexico.
Beaked whales are the deepest-diving mammals on Earth.
They spend most of their lives in the oceans, only coming to the surface for air for a few minutes at a time, usually far away from coastlines.
They are found in the tropical and warm-temperate waters of the western Pacific.
IUCN status – Data Deficient
LeadIT
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
At COP30 in Belรฉm, Brazil, Indiaโs Union Environment Minister addressed the LeadIT Industry Leadersโ Roundtable, reaffirming Indiaโs role in driving low-carbon industrial transitions.
LeadIT
Launch: 2019, jointly by India and Sweden, with support from the World Economic Forum at the UN Climate Action Summit.
Purpose: To accelerate the transition of hard-to-abate, high-emitting industriesโsuch as steel, cement, aluminium, chemicals, and heavy transportโtowards net-zero by 2050.
It was among the first global high-level initiatives focused specifically on industrial decarbonisation.
LeadIT 2.0 (2024โ2026), adopted during the LeadIT Summit at COP28 (Dubai). LeadIT 2.0 aims to move from dialogue to implementation.
CRISPR-Cas systems
In News
Indian scientists at ICARโs Central Rice Research Institute have developed a patented indigenous Genome-Editing(GE) technology using TnpB proteins as a compact alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas systems.
Do you know?
In May 2025, ICAR released two genome-edited rice varieties developed by Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
IIRR enhanced yields in Samba Mahsuri rice by editing the cytokinin oxidase 2 gene using CRISPR-Cas12a, while IARI improved drought and salinity tolerance in MTU-1010 (Cottondora Sannalu) by editing the DST gene with CRISPR-Cas9.
TnpB or Transposon-associated proteins
It acts as โmolecular scissors,โ and precisely cuts and modifies plant DNA, enabling desirable traits without introducing foreign genes.
Unlike bulky Cas9 and Cas12a proteins, the hypercompact TnpB (408 amino acids) can be easily delivered into cells via viral vectors, bypassing tissue culture methods.
Additional Information- Gene Editing Technology
It refers to technology that permits the change of an organismโs DNA by allowing genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at particular locations in the genome.
CRISPR Cas9 Technology
Acronym – Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.
Significance – With the use of the gene editing technique CRISPR, researchers can modify the DNA of living things.
An enzyme called Cas9 functions as molecular scissors, guided by RNA molecules created to precisely match a certain DNA sequence.
GE (Genome Editing): Involves precise modification of specific genes within an organism’s genome without introducing foreign genes, resulting in targeted genetic changes.
GM (Genetically Modified): Involves the insertion of foreign genes from unrelated organisms into an organism’s genome to confer specific traits or characteristics.
Regulatory Bodies
GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee): It is a regulatory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).GEAC is responsible for evaluating and approving genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB): Ensures safe handling of GMOs that may impact biodiversity under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur.
The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) launched a Child Rights Index, a first-of-its-kind document in the country.
Child Rights Index
The document details the laws and schemes in each department for children, how effective the implementation of the same has been and what changes can be adopted for improving things.
It is conceived to ensure the rights, protection and welfare of children
State at 10th position in Child Rights Index
Karnatakaโs performance in realising child rights and well-being is โmoderateโ and the State ranks 10th among 30 States, according to the Child Rights Index 2023.
The index is calculated considering six dimensions:
India has been re-elected to the Codex Alimentarius Commissionโs Executive Committee for the Asia region until the end of CAC50 in 2027.
Codex Alimentarius Commission
Established: 1963 by FAO and WHO.
Objective: Protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade.โ
Members: 189, including 188 countries and 1 organization (European Union).โ
Meetings: Annual sessions rotating between Geneva and Rome.
Source: TH
Water Budgeting
Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture
In News
NITI Aayog released a report on Water Budgeting in Aspiration Blocks to enhance local water security.
Water Budgeting
Definition – Water budgeting is a systematic estimation of water availability and water demand across all sectors โ agriculture, households, livestock, industry, and ecology.
It directly supports SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation) and the national push toward water-use efficiency.
Significance – It will strengthen decentralised planning under Jal Jeevan Mission, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and Atal Bhujal Yojana.
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
Syllabus: Miscellaneous
Context
Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile, has been awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for 2024.
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
It is an annual award established by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in India.
The prize is named in honor of the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi
It was instituted in 1986.
Prize money: Recently, the prize money has been increased from rupees 25 lakhs to rupees 1 crore.
Objective – The award is presented to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to peace, the development of new international economic order, and the strengthening of democracy.
Generally, the award is presented on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi on November, 19th.
Categories: The award is presented in three categories:
Peace: Recognizes efforts to promote and maintain international peace and security.
Disarmament: Acknowledges contributions to the reduction and elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
Development: Honors work in promoting economic and social development.
National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 Launched
Syllabus: GS2/Issues Related To Health
Context
Recently, the Union Health Minister launched the second version of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) (2025โ29).
National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 (2025โ29)
It addresses gaps from NAP-AMR 1.0 (2017โ2021), including strengthening surveillance, expanding public awareness, enhancing private-sector engagement, and improving regulatory and laboratory capacity.
Connect with the basics – Antimicrobial Resistance
Definition – It occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
Nearly 700,000 people die of AMR every year. The toll can rise to as many as 10 million by 2050 and eat up 3.8 per cent of annual global gross domestic product (GDP).
Causes
Overuse and Misuse of Antibiotics
Inadequate Dosage and Duration
Self-Medication
Antibiotics Consumption in Food-Animals
Poor Sanitation
Global Efforts against Antimicrobial Resistance
Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP)
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW)
Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS)
Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP)
Measures Taken against Antimicrobial Resistance in India
National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR)
AMR Surveillance Network
Indiaโs Red Line campaign: Which demands that prescription-only antibiotics be marked with a red line, to discourage the over-the-counter sale of antibioticsโ is a step forward.
Removing of Ineligible Beneficiaries from NFSA List
Syllabus: GS3/Food Security
Context
The Union Government has removed around 2.25 crore ineligible beneficiaries from the free monthly ration scheme under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) over the past four to five months.
National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
The right to food is implicit in the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Mandate – It aims to provide subsidized foodgrains to a larger section of Indiaโs population.
It amounts to roughly35 crore people under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), based on the 2011 Census data.
It covers:
Up to 75% of the rural population;
Up to 50% of the urban population;
Categories of Beneficiaries: The Act divides beneficiaries into two main groups:
Antodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Households: Entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per month.
Priority Household (PHH) Individuals: Entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month.
Currently, free foodgrains (wheat and rice) are distributed every month to poor households under these categories.
Scale of Distribution
India currently has over 19 crore ration card holders, and around 5 lakh fair price shops operating across States and Union Territories.
It leverages the existing infrastructure of the Public Distribution System (PDS) and integrates schemes like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
Targeting Only โRightfulโ Beneficiaries
The governmentโs objective is to ensure that only genuine beneficiariesโthose who truly need assistanceโreceive the benefits.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution identified ineligible individuals using various criteria and shared the lists with State governments for verification and deletion.
It used Aadhaar-based verificationto identify and remove ineligible names.
Key reasons for removal included:
Ownership of four-wheelers;
High income above the eligibility threshold
Company directorships;
Deceased beneficiaries
Modified UDAN Regional Air Connectivity Scheme
Syllabus: GS3/Economy
In News
The government has proposed a โน30,000 crore outlay for the modified UDAN regional air connectivity scheme, to extend it beyond April 2027.
Of this, โน18,000 crore is earmarked for new airport development and โน12,000 crore for viability gap funding (VGF) to support airlines connecting underserved regions.
UDAN Scheme
It is a regional connectivity scheme launched in 2016.
The first UDAN flight operated between Shimla and Delhi in 2017.
Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Aim: To make air travel affordable and accessible to the common citizen by connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to major hubs.
Implementation: 0
Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Financial support to airlines to ensure affordable fares.
The New York Academy of Sciences and Tata Sons announced three scientists based out of Bengaluru as the winners of the 2025 Tata Transformation Prize.
Tata Transformation Prize winners are
Padubidri V.โฏShivaprasad of National Centre for Biological Sciences, and
Balasubramanian Gopal of Indian Institute of Scienceโฏfor research in food security, and
Ambarish Ghosh of sustainability and healthcare, respectively.
The winners were chosen from a pool of 212 nominations spanning 27 Indian States by an international jury of scientists, clinicians, technologists, and engineers.
Each winner will receive โน2 crore to advance their research and scale its real-world impact.
The Karnataka State Police Department has rolled out โSanmitraโ ( a good friend).
Sanmitra initiative
It is an initiative aimed at providing sustained support, rehabilitation, and monitoring for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
The programme seeks to address the issue not just through enforcement, but with empathy, guidance and structured rehabilitation
Under the initiative, every police station across the State will establish a dedicated Sanmitra helpdesk.
Police personnel designated under Sanmitra must maintain constant contact with affected individuals, engage with their families, and coordinate with mental health professionals to track monthly progress.
Station heads must collect progress reports from Sanmitra personnel every two weeks and submit confidential monthly reports to the respective SP or DCP in sealed covers.
The US State Department has approved the sale of the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system worth $93 million to India.
FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system
It is a modern anti-tank guided missile system.
It is a single man-portable fire-and-forget medium-range anti-tank weapon system designed to defeat all known threat armour.
Additional Information – India โ USMilitary Exercises
Yudh Abhyas: Land forces.
Malabar: Naval quadrilateral with US, India, Japan, Australia.
ย Cope India: Air exercise.
Tiger Triumph: Tri-service HADR exercise.
Vajra Prahar: Special forces.
FSSAI orders immediate removal of misleading ORS-labelled beverages
Syllabus: GS2/ Health
In News
The FSSAI has directed the authorities to immediately remove from sale all fruit-based beverages, ready-to-serve drinks, energy drinks, electrolyte beverages, and similar products that are being marketed using the term ORS.
ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)
WHOโUNICEFโrecommended sachets that are dissolved in clean water to make an Oral Rehydration Solution.
Purpose – to prevent and treat dehydration from acute diarrhoea (including cholera) in all age groups,
ORS formulation contains sodium chloride, anhydrous glucose, potassium chloride and trisodium citrate dihydrate in precise amounts.
Additional Information – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Established in – It is an autonomous body established in 2011 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Functions under – Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
Objective – It is a statutory body related to food safety and regulation in India.
Headquarters – New Delhi
Initiatives of FSSAI
Eat Right Movement campaign: To ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food for all Indians.
Clean Street Food: Providing training to street food vendors and spreading awareness among them regarding the violations of the FSS Act.
Diet4Life: Spreading awareness about the different types of metabolic disorders and how to avoid them.
Save Food, Share Food, Share Joy: FSSAI promoted and encouraged people to avoid food wastage and promote the donation of food.
Heart Attack Rewind: It is a mass media campaign of FSSAI to support FSSAIโs target of eliminating trans fat in India by the year 2022.
Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
India described the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) as a key instrument for expanding equitable and technology-driven climate action at COP30 in Belรฉm, Brazil.
Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)
The JCM is a bilateral initiative that allows a partner country, such as India, to cooperate with Japan to implement low-carbon projects and receive carbon credits.
These credits, generated from projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, can be used by both countries to help meet their national climate targets.
The JCM facilitates technology transfer, mobilizes investment in green technologies, and promotes sustainable development in the partner country.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Syllabus: GS2/Health
Context
Acanthosis Nigricans can manifest in skin folds and creases on skin closely linked to the insulin resistance.
Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)
It is a skin condition characterised by dark, velvety patches on skin folds.
The skin changes do not appear overnight, but develop gradually over the course of several months.
It is strongly linked to insulin resistance, which makes it an important early warning sign for prediabetes and diabetes.
Causes – Obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and extremely rarely, in melanomas, stomach or liver malignancies.
Treatment: In most cases related to obesity or insulin resistance, improving metabolic health can help lighten the skin discoloration.
The India International Trade Fair
Syllabus: GS3/Economy
Context
The India International Trade Fair (IITF), held at Bharat Mandapam, stands as one of Indiaโs largest and most culturally immersive exhibitions.
The India International Trade Fair
Organised by – Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Mandate – This annual event provides a common platform for the manufacturers, traders, exporters and importers.
It is held every year at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
It is recognised as one of the largest integrated trade fairs in South Asia.
It was first held in 1980.
Theme: โEk Bharat Shreshtha Bharatโ.
Global Methane Status Report 2025
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
The Global Methane Status Report released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) at COP30 in Belem.
Key Points of the Report
Methane Emissions Rising: Despite stronger waste regulations and improved monitoring, global trends remain far short of the target to cut methane by 30% by 2030.
Potency and Impact: Methane is around 80 times more powerful than COโ over a 20-year timescale, accounting for approximately one-third of current warming.
Methane Emissions: India emitted about 31 million tonnes of methane in 2020, accounting for 9% of global emission It contributes 12% of global agricultural methaneโthe highest share worldwide.
Agriculture Profile: Livestock (enteric fermentation) is the largest source, followed by rice cultivation, which is projected to increase by 8% in emissions by 2030. Crop residue burning is rising, making India a global hotspot.
Methane
It is a short-lived climate pollutant (12-year atmospheric lifetime).
It is 80โ84 times more potent than COโ over 20 years
Main Sources Globally: Agriculture (40%), energy (35%), and waste (20%).
Initiatives to Curb Methane Pollution- Global Initiatives:
Global Methane Pledge (GMP), 2021:
It is a voluntary international framework to reduce methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
Launched at –COP26 by the US, EU, and Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
Note – India has not signed the pledge.
Indiaโs Initiatives:
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):
Promotes climate-resilient and low-emission agriculture.
Focus on soil health, water efficiency, and crop diversification, indirectly reducing methane.
Technologies & Practices to Reduce Methane from Rice Agriculture
The National Board for Wildlife has recommended reinstating Rhesus Macaques under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Rhesus Macaque(Macaca mulatta)
Habitat: It is a diurnal, omnivorous species that lives both in trees and on the ground. It occupies a wide range of habitatsโfrom coniferous, deciduous, bamboo, and mixed forests to mangroves, scrublands, rainforests, and even areas near human settlements.
Distribution :It is found throughout most of southern Asia, in eastern Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and India.
Ecological Roles : It is vital seed dispersers, aiding forest regeneration and biodiversity, making their protection essential for both ecological balance and sustainable coexistence.
Threats : It is generally unthreatened, though its original habitat is increasingly being lost to development
Protection status : It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
It is listed on CITES Appendix II.
AJEYA WARRIOR-25
Syllabus: GS3/Defence
Context
The 8th edition of the IndiaโUnited Kingdom (UK) Joint Military Exercise โAJEYA WARRIOR-25โ commenced in Rajasthan.
AJEYA WARRIOR-25
Objective – The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments.
Additional information –
KONKAN is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (UK).
Indradhanush is a bilateral air exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force of UK.
Sentinel-6B
Syllabus: GS3/Space
Context
Sentinel-6B has been successfully launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.
Sentinel-6B
It is an ocean-tracking satellite with six onboard science instruments that will measure the rising sea levels and its impacts on the planet.
It will orbit Earth at a speed of 7.2 km per second, completing one revolution every 112 minutes.
The mission is a joint collaboration between NASA, NOAA, and the European Space Agency (ESA).
A China Coast Guard ship formation conducted a โrights enforcement patrolโ near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, escalating tensions with Japan.
The Senkaku Islands
The Senkaku Islands is the collective term that refers to a group of islands that includes Uotsuri, Kitakojima, Minamikojima, Kuba, Taisho, Okinokitaiwa, Okinominamiiwa, and Tobise
Dispute: The Senkaku Islands have long been a contentious issue in Japan-China relations.
At present it is being controlled by the Japanese.
Siliguri Corridor
Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security
Context
Indian Army sets up three new garrisons near the strategic Siliguri Corridor.
Siliguri Corridor
It is also referred to as the Chickenโs Neck.
It is a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects the Northeastern States to the rest of the country.
It is a very important strategic area of eastern India, located between Mahananda and Teesta river.
Significance of Siliguri Corridor
Strategic Connectivity: If disrupted, it would isolate the north east states, making it difficult for the government to supply essential goods, services, and military support.
Military and Defense Considerations: It lies close to sensitive international borders, particularly with China, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Supreme Court Prohibited Tiger Safaris in Core Tiger Habitats
Syllabus: GS3/Environment, Conservation
Context
The Supreme Court has issued directions to prohibit tiger safaris in the core or critical tiger habitat.
Eco Sensitive Zones
Notified by – These are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
Definition – The land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are notified as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
Activities in ESZs
Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc), establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood.
Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system.
