Quantum dots are tiny semiconductor particles (nanometres wide) considered zero-dimensional because electrons are confined in all directions.
Quantum confinement restricts electron movement, altering their energy states and giving quantum dots unique properties, making them behave like giant atoms.
Quantum dots have widespread applications in LEDs, diagnostics, solar panels, and fabrication.
The developers of a reliable method to create quantum dots received the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry due to their significant real-world impact.
2D metals are atomically thin sheets (1-2 atoms thick) where electrons move only in two dimensions.
Creating stable 2D metals was challenging because metals naturally favor 3D bonding, making thin sheets difficult to produce.
2D metals are expected to have unique properties useful for next-generation technologies like super-sensitive sensors.
Specific 2D metals like bismuth and tin are predicted to be topological insulators, conducting electricity only along edges, which could lead to faster computers.
A recent study reported a breakthrough method using a high-pressure sandwich technique with MoS2 and sapphire layers to create large-area, atomically thin 2D sheets of several metals, overcoming previous limitations.
This new technique provides a simpler and more effective way to create these materials, opening opportunities for further research and application development.
Updated PLFS
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) revamped by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), extending its coverage to rural areas.
Why: To provide high-frequency labour market indicators, better detail, timely insights, and improved precision across India.
Key Output Change: Provides monthly estimates of Labour Force Participation Rate, Worker Population Ratio, and Unemployment Rate for both rural and urban areas (all-India level) using the Current Weekly Status (CWS) framework.
Previous Frequency: These indicators were previously released only quarterly and just for urban areas.
Quarterly estimates will now cover rural areas and major states in addition to urban for enhanced detail and timeliness.
Annual estimates using Usual Status (ps+ss) and CWS frameworks continue for comprehensive coverage of activity status based on one-year and seven-day reference periods.
Enhanced Precision: Sample size significantly increased by 2.65 times to cover around 2.72 lakh households annually, aiming for more reliable estimates.
Timeline: Revamped sample design started from January 2025; first monthly bulletin for April 2025 released in May 2025; first quarterly bulletin covering both rural and urban areas (Apr-June 2025) due in August 2025.
Intel MAC
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently inaugurated the revamped Multi Agency Centre (MAC). Why: This marks a significant upgrade to a key national security platform.
MAC is a national intelligence-sharing fusion centre under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for sharing, storing, collating, and analysing intelligence on terrorism daily. Why: This is its core function, highlighting its central role in India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The new MAC network connects all police districts across the country through a secured network, built at a cost of ₹500 crore. Why: This represents a major expansion in reach and infrastructure, ensuring intelligence connectivity down to the remotest areas.
It incorporates advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Geographic Information System (GIS). Why: These technologies enhance data analysis, hotspot mapping, predictive capabilities, leading to more accurate and actionable intelligence.
The upgraded network strengthens efforts to tackle threats including terrorism, extremism, organised crime, and cyberattacks. Why: It’s designed to address a broader range of complex national security challenges.
As many as 28 organisations, including RAW, armed forces, and State police, are part of the platform, sharing real-time intelligence. Why: Shows the comprehensive integration and collaboration across various security and intelligence agencies.
MAC was created in 2001 post-Kargil and strengthened after 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Why: Provides historical context, showing its evolution in response to major security events and its continuous importance.
The new MAC provides a seamless and integrated platform for synergising efforts against complex security challenges and combating the terror ecosystem linked with organised crime. Why: Emphasises its role in improving inter-agency coordination and tackling intertwined threats effectively.
Campus Calling
What: National Commission for Women (NCW) launched the ‘Campus Calling’ programme in collaboration with Yuvamanthan. Why: To initiate a large-scale effort to make educational
spaces across India more gender-sensitive and cyber-safe for students.
What: The programme aims to enhance gender sensitivity, raise awareness on preventing sexual harassment, and address cybercrimes. Why: To equip students with knowledge and skills to combat discrimination, harassment, and cybercrimes effectively within educational institutions.
What: It targets reaching over 1,000 universities and colleges nationwide. Why: This makes it one of the most extensive youth-focused initiatives by the NCW, aiming for widespread impact across the country.
What: The initiative will appoint four student Campus Ambassadors (2 male, 2 female) from each participating institution. Why: These ambassadors will lead gender sensitization efforts among peers, fostering a culture of safety, equality, and respect, acting as key drivers of positive change on campus.
What: Students took a pledge on gender sensitivity, prevention of sexual harassment, and cyber safety during the launch. Why: To reaffirm their commitment to fostering respectful and secure campuses and actively participate in creating safe environments.
Rajon ki Baoli
Conservation work on the 16th-century Rajon ki Baoli stepwell in Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park has been successfully completed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), World Monuments Fund India (WMFI), and TCS Foundation. Why: This is the main news highlighting the successful preservation effort.
The restoration involved cleaning, de-silting, structural repair, and water quality improvement using traditional materials like lime plaster and mortar to maintain its historical character. Why: Details the specific conservation methods used, emphasizing authenticity. Fish were introduced to help water quality.
Rajon ki Baoli, built in 1506 during the Lodi dynasty by Daulat Khan, is a significant historical stepwell. Why: Establishes the structure’s age, builder, and historical context as a testament to Lodi-era architecture and water engineering.
Known as ‘Baoli of the Masons’, it is a four-tiered, subterranean structure (1610 sq m area, 13.4m depth) featuring Indo-Islamic architecture with intricate carvings and arches, originally used for water storage and as a summer retreat. Why: Describes the baoli’s unique design, features, original function, and historical name meaning.
The project is part of WMFI’s Historic Water Systems of India initiative, aligning with the Climate Heritage Initiative, highlighting the importance of restoring traditional water systems for sustainable water management. Why: Connects the specific conservation project to larger heritage and sustainability goals, particularly in the context of climate change.
Local communities were engaged through educational programs and participatory conservation activities to promote awareness and ensure the site’s long-term care. Why: Shows the inclusive approach taken to involve locals in the preservation and future maintenance of the heritage site.
Kids’ Future Wellbeing
A UNICEF report shows child wellbeing declined significantly in wealthiest nations post-Covid-19 pandemic (Why: due to disruptions caused by the pandemic and related shutdowns).
Academic performance dropped, with 8 million 15-year-olds in wealthy nations lacking basic literacy/numeracy by 2022 (Why: school closures and remote learning issues, especially affecting disadvantaged children).
Child life satisfaction decreased in many wealthy countries (Why: impact of the pandemic on routines, social interaction, and mental state).
Overweight and obesity rates increased in many wealthy nations (Why: continuation of a long-term trend exacerbated potentially by pandemic lifestyle changes).
The Netherlands and Denmark rank highest for child wellbeing (Why: consistent performance across mental, physical, and skills metrics).
In India, child mental health is a major concern, with many untreated cases and high stigma around seeking help (Why: pre-existing issues compounded by pandemic stress; suicide is a leading cause of death in late adolescents).
India faces rising child obesity projections (Why: part of a global trend with significant future economic cost implications).
Despite high school enrollment, India struggles with poor learning outcomes, particularly in foundational skills post-Covid (Why: pandemic disruption, digital inequality, and existing challenges in quality education).
Causes for declining wellbeing include economic/digital inequality, social issues (discrimination, conflict, traditional practices, pressure,
abuse), and climate change impacts (Why: these factors directly affect children’s basic needs, safety, and development).
Suggested measures include strengthening health/nutrition programs, implementing school-based mental health support, improving digital literacy (especially cyber safety), reducing social/economic inequality, enforcing protection laws (POCSO, JJ Act), and leveraging international best practices (Why: targeted interventions needed to address the multi-faceted challenges).
The report serves as an urgent call for governments globally to prioritize child-centric policies (Why: swift action is needed to reverse declines and protect a generation’s future).
Heatwave GeoClim Factors
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana experience intense heat waves due to unique geography and climate, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
Latitude and Solar Intensity: States near the Tropic of Cancer receive intense, nearly vertical solar radiation in summer, significantly heating the ground.
Terrain and Surface: Rocky, barren landscapes (like the Deccan plateau) and black soils absorb and retain more heat than vegetated or moist areas. Evapotranspiration from vegetation/irrigation cools the surroundings.
Landlocked Regions: Areas far from large water bodies (like most of Telangana and interior AP) lack the moderating, cooling effects of water, leading to greater temperature extremes.
Urban Heat Islands: Dense urban areas with concrete and limited green space absorb and retain more heat, intensifying local temperatures.
Rainfall and Humidity: Low pre-monsoon rainfall leads to dry soil and reduced evaporative cooling. Minimal cloud cover increases solar radiation. High humidity worsens heat stress by reducing sweat evaporation.
Wind and Atmosphere: Weak winds prevent heat dispersion. Stable atmospheric conditions (like temperature inversion) trap heat near the ground. High-pressure systems (anti-cyclonic flows) cause clear skies, dry air, and sinking air, enhancing heating.
El Niño and “Loo”: El Niño can weaken monsoons, reduce rain and cloud cover, causing dry soils and higher surface temperatures. “Loo” is a hot, dry summer wind contributing to heat.
Deforestation: Loss of forest cover reduces evapotranspiration, contributing to higher local temperatures.
Mahadayi River
Protest in Goa erupted following a scientific paper by CSIR-NIO and INCOIS scientists on the Mahadayi river’s water budget. Why: The paper’s finding that Karnataka’s permitted diversions would not significantly impact Goa (except for Kalasa’s effect on a sanctuary area) contradicted Goan concerns and triggered outrage.
The scientific paper assessed the river’s water budget and concluded permitted diversions from Bhandura would have minor impact, while Kalasa diversion could impact the northern Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. Why: It offered a scientific perspective on the dispute’s technical aspects, becoming the direct cause of the recent news event.
Goan groups like the Mhadei Movement and RGP protested the report, alleging it is biased, politically motivated, and aims to favour Karnataka while the dispute is before the Supreme Court. Why: They questioned the paper’s findings and timing, viewing it as a threat to Goa’s water security and a conspiracy.
The news is set against a long-standing dispute between Karnataka and Goa over sharing the Mahadayi river’s water, primarily Karnataka’s plans to divert water from the Kalasa and Bhandura tributaries. Why: This decades-old conflict provides the essential context for understanding the sensitivity and implications of the scientific paper and protest.
The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) in 2018 allowed Karnataka to divert specific amounts (1.72 tmc from Kalasa, 2.18 tmc from Bhandura), an award challenged by both states in the Supreme Court. Why: The scientific paper evaluated the impact of these specific, legally contested diversions, directly linking it to the ongoing legal battle and making it newsworthy.
The Mahadayi river is vital for Goa, often called its lifeline, providing drinking water, irrigation, and supporting ecosystems, particularly in North Goa. Why: This highlights the high stakes for Goa in the dispute and explains the strong emotional and practical reasons behind their opposition to diversions.
Tanot Temple
The historic Tanot Mata Temple, a 1,200-year-old site near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, is set to reopen for visitors. Why: Public access is being restored as border tensions subside after a temporary closure for safety.
The temple gained widespread fame during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan Wars for surviving heavy bombardment unharmed. Why: This survival is considered miraculous and is central to the belief in the deity’s protective powers.
Unexploded bombs from the wars are kept in a museum within the temple premises. Why: They serve as physical evidence of the temple’s legendary survival story during the conflicts.
Since the 1971 war, the temple has been managed by the Border Security Force (BSF). Why: This reflects its strategic location and post-war significance, maintaining a close link with border security forces.
A Vijay Sthamba (Victory Pillar) built inside the temple premises commemorates India’s victory in the 1971 war. Why: It highlights the temple’s connection to a significant national historical event.
The temple was temporarily closed to the public due to recent security assessments and the discovery of drone and missile debris in border areas. Why: This measure was taken for public safety amidst ongoing searches for remnants of recent cross-border incidents.
While BSF priests continued daily worship during the closure, public participation in rituals is now resuming. Why: This signifies a return to normal operations for the temple and its devotees.
Searches for remnants of recent drone and missile incidents continue in various locations in the border areas. Why: This ongoing activity provides context for the recent security concerns that led to the temporary temple closure.
People’s Court
Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of the non-functioning of 16 Permanent Lok Adalats in the state.
This stoppage occurred because the tenure of presiding officers and members was not extended due to a government order, halting operations since April 8.
The issue affects potentially over 10,000 pending disputes across 16 districts, stalling quick and cost-effective resolution.
Lok Adalats are statutory alternative dispute resolution (ADR) forums under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, aiming for expeditious dispute settlement through compromise.
Their awards are binding and enforceable as civil court decrees, with no court fees for cases.
Permanent Lok Adalats are specifically for disputes related to public utility services.
The High Court stated courts cannot ignore the need for speedy justice under the guise of policy matters and impleaded senior government officials, appointing an amicus curiae.
The situation leaves litigants uncertain, with some judgments written but not delivered.
E-Passport
E-passports are being issued by the Ministry of External Affairs under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. This is news as it marks a modernization step in travel documentation using technology.
An e-passport includes a paper passport with an embedded RFID chip containing personal and biometric data. This makes verification faster and enables digital security checks.
They are visually identified by a small gold symbol on the front cover. This allows quick distinction from traditional passports.
Key benefits include enhanced security against forgery and fraud through a secure digital signature and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). PKI ensures data authenticity and integrity, protecting sensitive information.
PSP 2.0, operational from 2024, is a tech-driven digital transformation expanding passport services nationwide. This program provides the framework for the e-passport rollout.
E-passports are currently issued in several Regional Passport Offices across India, including Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagpur, etc., showing the practical implementation and progress.
Traditional passports remain valid, and switching to an e-passport is optional and gradual. This is important for citizens to know their existing documents are still valid.
Shingles
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which reactivates years after a chickenpox infection, typically when the immune system weakens.
It usually presents as a painful rash with blisters, often on one side of the body, and can lead to complications like persistent nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia).
The shingles vaccine, such as Shingrix, is recommended for adults aged 50 and over and those with weakened immune systems to prevent the disease and its complications.
A recent large-scale South Korean study revealed that individuals vaccinated against shingles have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.
Studies also indicate the shingles vaccine is associated with a lower risk of dementia, showing reductions ranging from 17% to 25%.
A unique Welsh study, mimicking a natural experiment, found a 20% lower relative risk of dementia over seven years in vaccinated individuals (using the older Zostavax vaccine).
An Oxford study using Shingrix also found a 17% reduction in dementia diagnoses.
The exact mechanism linking the vaccine to lower dementia risk is being researched, possibly by preventing the virus’s effects or altering immune responses.
Other common vaccines, including for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Diphtheria, and Pneumococcal disease, have also been linked to reduced dementia risk in studies.
Dirang First NE Geothermal
North-East India’s first geothermal production well drilled in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh; why: marks a significant step for renewable energy in the Himalayan region.
Dirang Geothermal Project aims to make Dirang the first fully geothermal-powered town; why: reduces dependence on fossil fuels and firewood, improves living standards in high-altitude areas.
Site has a reservoir temperature of ~115°C; why: suitable for direct-use geothermal technologies like drying agricultural products and space heating.
Uses closed-loop binary organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system; why: harnesses geothermal heat efficiently for electricity generation with minimal environmental impact.
Geothermal energy is renewable baseload power (available 24/7); why: provides stable energy unlike intermittent solar/wind, contributing to India’s energy security.
India has potential for 10,600 MW geothermal energy (enough for 10 million households); why: highlights the large untapped resource.
Project supported by Arunachal Pradesh govt. and Ministry of Earth Sciences; why: demonstrates government commitment to geothermal development.
Leveraged international cooperation (Norway, Iceland) and advanced analysis/drilling; why: ensures precision and efficient resource access.
Potential environmental risks from fluid leaks highlighted; why: emphasizes need for sustainable development and monitoring.
Adds to India’s growing geothermal efforts, alongside pilot projects in Telangana (Manuguru, Khammam) and Ladakh (Puga Valley); why: shows progress and challenges in harnessing this resource nationally.
India has international partnerships (Iceland, Saudi Arabia, US RETAP) for geothermal collaboration; why: facilitates knowledge sharing and technological advancement.
Teesta Prahar
Exercise Teesta Prahar was a large-scale integrated field training exercise conducted by the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps. This is news as it demonstrates the Army’s operational training intensity.
Held at the Teesta field firing range in West Bengal, near the strategic Siliguri corridor (“Chicken’s Neck”). Its location highlights training relevance to a critical national security area.
The exercise showcased the Army’s operational readiness and coordination among key combat and support arms in challenging riverine terrain. This is significant news showing preparedness for specific environments.
It involved a wide array of units including Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Para Special Forces, and Army Aviation, emphasizing integrated force capability and jointness.
A key element was the deployment and validation of newly inducted next-generation weapon systems and advanced battlefield technologies, reflecting the Indian Army’s ongoing modernisation efforts.
The drill reinforced synergy and seamless coordination, demonstrating the Army’s ability to operate effectively across varied terrain and adverse weather conditions through tactical manoeuvres.
Gig Work
A meeting by the Gig Workers Association highlighted critical issues in India’s gig economy, urging for minimum wages, social security, and legal protections for workers.
Workers demanded tripartite welfare boards (including workers, employers, and government) at state and national levels to address welfare concerns.
Gig work is defined as flexible, task-based work outside traditional employment, often enabled by digital platforms, leading to a lack of employee benefits.
India’s gig workforce is estimated to grow significantly (7.7M in 2020-21 to 23.5M by 2029-30), driven by increasing digital access, e-commerce growth, demand for convenience, and a need for income among the low-cost labor pool.
Despite offering flexibility and income potential, major challenges include lack of legal protections (classified as independent contractors), employment instability due to algorithmic control and ratings, and inadequate government response (slow implementation of social security).
Many workers face low earnings (average Rs 15k-20k/month) and lack savings, highlighting vulnerability.
Issues also include gender disparities, delayed payments, and opaque algorithmic management leading to arbitrary decisions without recourse.
Steps recommended include urgent legal reforms like implementing labour codes, potentially reclassifying workers, establishing portable benefits systems, improving working conditions through transparent grievance mechanisms, skill development, and formalizing workers via digital IDs.
Food Crises Report
Acute hunger reached a new record high in 2024, affecting 295.3 million people in 53 countries, continuing a sixth consecutive annual increase due to conflict, climate disasters, and economic shocks.
The number of people facing catastrophic levels of hunger (famine conditions) more than doubled to 1.9 million.
Conflict is the primary driver of acute hunger in many countries, alongside extreme weather and economic shocks impacting millions.
The outlook for 2025 is “bleak” as humanitarian funding for food sectors is projected to fall by up to 45%, threatening crucial aid operations and nutrition services.
Over 37 million children under five in 26 countries suffered from acute malnutrition in 2024.
The crisis signifies a “failure of humanity,” with hunger spreading faster than the global ability to respond, exacerbated by funding cuts and food loss/waste.
Stagflation
Stagflation concerns are rising in the US as of May 2025.
This is linked to potential high inflation, slow growth, and high unemployment occurring simultaneously.
A major contributing factor currently highlighted is stress in the US banking sector.
US banks are holding $482.4 billion in unrealized losses from securities investments, a 32.5% increase from the previous quarter.
These losses are tied to high interest rates, which reduce the value of older, lower-yield bonds held by banks.
High interest rates are a tool used to fight inflation, but they can also slow economic growth and potentially worsen bank stability by reducing bond values and increasing credit loss risks.
Experts warn these unrealized losses could trigger another banking crisis if depositors lose confidence, similar to SVB in 2023.
High interest rates are expected to continue, potentially reaching 5%, which experts believe could lead to “serious problems” for the banking system and further unrealized losses.
Rising tariffs are also mentioned as a factor potentially increasing input costs and contributing to price hikes (inflation), potentially worsening a stagflation scenario.
Stagflation makes it harder to manage because actions to fight inflation (like raising rates) can hurt growth and jobs, and vice-versa.
In a stagflation scenario, higher rates could persist longer, accumulating credit losses, particularly for lenders to sectors like tech and venture capital.
Repair Index
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has submitted a report on a Framework on Repairability Index (RI) for consumer electronics and appliances.
The RI aims to assign scores to products based on how easy they are to repair.
Products will be evaluated on factors like availability and cost of spare parts, software updates, and availability of repair information.
This initiative stems from issues like planned obsolescence (designing for short lifespan to drive sales) and leaner engineering choices (using fewer materials due to rising costs), leading to products with shorter lifespans and frequent failures.
The framework aligns with the global “right to repair” movement, which seeks to empower consumers and independent repair businesses by ensuring access to necessary tools, parts, and documentation without manufacturer restrictions.
DoCA has already launched the Right to Repair Portal India to provide consumers easy access to product repair information and authorized service centers.
Focus on repairability is also driven by benefits like promoting e-waste recycling, supporting a circular economy, reducing demand for virgin metals, and providing consumers with longer-lasting products and lower maintenance costs.
Industry concerns exist regarding potential loss of repair revenue and business impact, reflected in the composition of the committee that drafted the framework, though consumer advocates were also included.
Deadly Algal Bloom
A massive toxic algal bloom, caused by the algae Karenia mikimotoi, has devastated marine life along 150 km of South Australia’s coastline.
Over 200 marine species, including fish, rays, and sharks, have died.
The algae produces toxins that damage gills, attack red blood cells causing internal bleeding (giving a red tinge to dead fish), and act as a neurotoxin disrupting the nervous system, leading to suffocation, abnormal behavior, and death.
An ongoing marine heatwave, raising sea temperatures by 2.5°C, is identified as a cause that can trigger algal blooms.
The thick bloom itself significantly reduces oxygen levels in the water, suffocating marine life.
This event is described by conservationists as unprecedented and a “horror movie for fish”.
