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• Heavy Monsoon Rainfall: Intense, short bursts overwhelm drainage capacity (e.g., Mumbai, Chennai 2015).
• Topography: Cities in low-lying areas/floodplains or lacking natural drainage accumulate water (e.g., Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru).
• Climate Change: Causes more frequent and intense rainfall events (e.g., Delhi 2023).
• Unplanned Urbanization: Leads to concretization, encroachment on wetlands/lakes, reducing natural water absorption (e.g., Bengaluru losing lakes).
• Inadequate Drainage: Outdated, undersized systems cannot cope with current rainfall intensity (e.g., Mumbai’s British-era drains).
• Solid Waste: Blocks drains and waterways, exacerbating flooding (e.g., Chennai 2015, Himachal Pradesh 2023).
• Deforestation: Increases surface runoff and silt, worsening downstream floods (e.g., Guwahati).
• Recurring Problem Areas: Same spots flood repeatedly due to lax maintenance, clogged drains, and unaddressed engineering/planning flaws (e.g., specific Bengaluru layouts and roads).
• Delayed Preparedness: Civic bodies often prepare for monsoon late, failing to address damage from earlier, intense pre-monsoon showers.
• Poor Management of Water Bodies/Drains: Lakes not utilized for flood control (filled, unsilted), drains have reduced capacity due to silt/sewage/concretization.
• Ongoing Roadworks: Exacerbate flooding by obstructing drainage paths.

• Strategic Importance: Acts as a gateway to Southeast Asia for trade (Act East Policy, connectivity projects like Trilateral Highway, Kaladan).
• Economic Potential: Vast resources in bio-economy, renewable energy (hydropower, solar), agro-industries (tea, bamboo), eco-tourism.
• Human Capital: High literacy, English proficiency, strengths in sports.
• Infrastructure Push: Significant Central funding, highways, rail, airports, gas grid, digital connectivity (BharatNet), key projects like Sela Tunnel, and new investments like a semiconductor plant in Assam.
• National Security: Plays a frontline role sharing long borders, Siliguri Corridor is a vital lifeline.

• Historical & Current Conflicts: Decades of insurgency, cross-border infiltration, recent ethnic violence (Manipur), identity politics, fear of “outsiders” and demand for ILP hindering investment.
• Economic Issues: Agricultural distress (low productivity, middlemen), employment gaps despite literacy, low tourism footfall due to poor connectivity/marketing, dependency on Central funds, limited industrial base due to logistics.
• Geographical & Environmental: Difficult terrain, vulnerability to natural disasters (floods, landslides), climate change impacts.
• Social Issues: Drug trafficking vulnerability, rising addiction, inter-state border disputes, local protests against large projects (hydropower).

• Promote sustainable tourism and cultural economy (eco-tourism, festivals).
• Develop tailored human capital through education and skill centers.
• Support organic agriculture (market access, incentives, branding).
• Deepen industrialization with targeted clusters and Border Economic Zones.
• Strengthen all-weather infrastructure and digital connectivity.
• Address insurgency and ethnic conflicts through reconciliation, inclusive governance, and socio-economic development initiatives.

Key Point: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) developed the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI).
Why: This is the country’s first tool specifically designed to measure and address the stigma faced by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients and their caregivers in India.

Key Point: The ISSSI has two parts: ISSSI-Pt for patients and ISSSI-Cg for caregivers.
Why: Stigma affects both those with the disease and those who care for them, requiring tailored measurement for each group.

Key Point: The scale assesses stigma across 5 areas: familial/reproductive, disclosure, illness burden, discrimination, and healthcare stigma.
Why: Stigma related to SCD in India is multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive tool to capture its various dimensions.

Key Point: The scale was developed and validated across 6 SCD-endemic districts in India and is culturally grounded.
Why: Existing global scales were unsuitable due to India’s unique phenotypic, socio-cultural, and contextual differences, necessitating a locally relevant and robust tool reflecting India’s diversity.

Key Point: The ISSSI is psychometrically robust, validated, and reliable.
Why: This ensures the scale is suitable for clinical use, research, and evaluating the impact of interventions or policies, like the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.

Key Point: India has the world’s second-largest SCD burden.
Why: Despite high prevalence, especially in tribal communities, research on SCD and its non-clinical aspects like stigma was limited, highlighting the urgent need for tools like the ISSSI to understand and address the full impact of the disease.

Key Point: People with SCD suffer severe symptoms and reduced quality of life.
Why: Stigma adds a significant non-clinical burden to patients and caregivers, compounding the challenges posed by the physical symptoms of the disease and impacting their well-being and access to care.

Key Point: The ISSSI is now available for use by the National Mission and researchers.
Why: This provides a critical resource for implementing and evaluating SCD management interventions and research efforts focused on eliminating SCD as a public health problem in India.

• In-House Inquiry: A process where a panel of judges determines a prima facie case; findings are sent to the President/PM for impeachment consideration. Why: Developed by the SC as an alternative when the constitutional removal process (impeachment) is difficult; used in the Varma case.
• Impeachment (Article 124): The only constitutional removal process, initiated by Parliament. Why: It’s the prescribed method but has a very high bar and has never succeeded in 75 years, leading to calls for other mechanisms like criminal investigation.

• Why: Two experts suggested corrections to make the 982-page report “more authentic.” Specific issues include needing better justification for the 8th-5th century BCE dating of Period I, determining other periods based on scientific dates and stratigraphy, requiring layer numbers alongside depth for dates, and missing or unclear maps, drawings, and plans.

• Why: The ASI cites technical and evidentiary requirements for authenticity and consistency analysis.

• Why: Findings suggest early urbanisation in South India, comparable to Adichanallur’s significance. Carbon dating points to settlement from at least 200 BCE, with ASI suggesting pre-300 BCE maximum for the earliest period based on current knowledge.

• Why: Delays in publishing findings hinder understanding and public access to significant historical discoveries.

• Why: This is news as it highlights ongoing security challenges and counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

• Why: The loss of a soldier underscores the danger and intensity of the security situation faced by forces in the area.

• Why: Provides geographical context for the news event, identifying the specific area known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance, including districts like Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban.

• Why: Explains why security forces are actively conducting operations there, indicating a persistent security threat in specific pockets of the valley.

News: A recent study by the Wildlife Institute of India highlights severe chemical pollution risks to endangered Gangetic dolphins.

• Why: This is a major threat discovered through scientific research, indicating the dolphins are exposed to hazardous chemicals via their food, impacting their survival.

Status & Significance: India’s National Aquatic Animal, functionally blind, relies on echolocation, population has declined over 50% since 1957.

• Why: Their endangered status and role as an indicator of river health make any new threat particularly concerning for conservation efforts and the wider ecosystem.

Key Threat: High levels of harmful Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) like DEHP, DnBP, banned pesticides (DDT, Lindane), and heavy metals found in fish they eat.

• Why: These chemicals, from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, etc., disrupt hormonal and reproductive systems, posing a direct biological threat despite legal protection.

Consequences: High risk from specific pollutants (DEHP, DnBP, DDT, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, PCBs); study warns of potential extinction similar to the Yangtze river dolphin.

• Why: This underscores the severity of the pollution problem and the potential irreversible loss of one of the world’s few remaining river dolphin species.

Call to Action: Study recommends including these chemicals in conservation monitoring and establishing a national framework to assess/regulate river contamination.

• Why: Despite protection laws (Schedule I, IUCN Endangered), actionable policy and pollution control are crucial for the species’ survival, highlighting a gap between legal status and effective conservation.

• Why: The attacks made the Red Sea route unsafe, causing ships linked to Israel or allies to be targeted.

• Why: To incentivize cargo ships to return and boost revenue, which significantly dropped as vessels rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope.

• Why: To avoid the security risks in the Red Sea and ensure the safety of ships and crew.

• Why: The longer Cape route added transit time (10-14 days), fuel costs, and war risk insurance premiums for the Red Sea, making it more expensive or unviable.

• Why: Safety concerns persist as Houthi attacks haven’t ceased entirely, and shippers have adjusted to the Cape route, often passing increased costs to consumers and maintaining profitability.

• Inclusive India Summit organized by DEPwD, SBI Foundation, NAB, APD, and Mission Accessibility on GAAD.
• Three MoUs signed by DEPwD with I for Humanity Foundation, Nipman Foundation & YLAC, and Ramp my city Foundation.
• Initiatives include developing an ‘Accessibility Index’ and toolkits for auditing public buildings, promoting barrier-free infrastructure (healthcare centres, tourist spots, government buildings), and organizing hackathons, national competitions, and awards for awareness and inclusion.
• Focus on ensuring accessibility in built environment, transportation, technology (AI chatbot for scheme info), education (inclusive schools), and livelihood for Divyangjan.
• Accessibility and inclusion highlighted as a collective duty of society, not just the government.
• Emphasizes equal rights, participation, dignity, self-reliance, and overcoming physical, informational, and attitudinal barriers.

• Expands voter choice, allowing dissatisfaction expression without abstaining.
• Ensures voters can express dissent even in single-candidate elections.
• Promotes political accountability by signaling dissatisfaction, encouraging parties to field better candidates.
• NOTA votes can serve as an indicator of public discontent.

• Has no impact on election results currently.
• Uncontested elections are rare scenarios (only 6 Lok Sabha since 1971, 9 since 1952).
• May reflect biases (e.g., caste prejudice) rather than genuine candidate rejection.
• Could lead to voter apathy or disillusionment if it has no electoral consequence, potentially weakening representative democracy.
• EC argues it’s a rarity and requires legislative changes.

• Why: This is the most recent significant event involving the PSLV, marking a rare mission failure for ISRO’s typically reliable launch vehicle.

• Why: Pinpoints the specific part of the rocket that malfunctioned, which is crucial information for understanding the incident.

• Why: Provides the preliminary technical cause identified for the mission failure.

• Why: Outlines ISRO’s immediate response and future plans following the failure.

• Why: Provides fundamental context about what PSLV is and its origin.

• Why: Explains its primary purpose and versatility in orbital placements.

• Why: Describes the technical design and power source of the rocket, highlighting its engineering features.

• Why: Explains its reputation and importance to India’s space program despite the recent failure.

• Tidal deformation/Gravitational asymmetry: Earth’s gravity causes the nearside to flex more than the farside during orbit, indicating a different internal structure.
• Volcanic activity and heat distribution: The nearside was more volcanically active in the past, concentrating heat-producing radioactive elements (like thorium) in its mantle, making it hotter than the farside and creating a long-term thermal imbalance.
• Crustal thickness: The nearside crust is significantly thinner than the farside crust, which allowed magma to more easily reach the surface and form the extensive lava plains (“mare”) seen on the nearside.

• Why: Offers a breakthrough to help restore reefs facing climate threats.

• Why: Built by these polyps over time, creating complex habitats.

• Why: Specific conditions required for coral polyps and their symbiotic algae (for photosynthesis) to survive and build the reef structure.

• Why: Different formations depending on coastline proximity or geological factors like sinking islands.

• Why: Their structure and ecosystem support a vast array of marine life and offer protective services and economic benefits to human populations.

• Uplift began ~650 million years ago.
• Himalayan-scale peaks reached ~580 million years ago.
• Crustal melting and flow ceased ~500 million years ago.

Asteroid 2024 YR4: Initially flagged as a potential Earth threat, NASA now estimates a 3.8% chance of it colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032.

Discovery & Size: Discovered in December 2024 by the ATLAS telescope in Chile. Estimated to be about 65 meters wide (size of a 10-15 story building).

Near-Earth Asteroid: It’s a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA), meaning its orbit brings it within 1.3 Astronomical Units (AU) of the Earth.

Revised Threat Assessment: Initial high alert due to potential Earth impact was lowered after more data refined the orbit calculations.

Impact Implications: A lunar collision could create a large crater (500-2000 m wide) and pose a risk to lunar missions. The impact would be far more powerful than Hiroshima.

Monitoring Efforts: Observatories constantly monitor NEAs. Automated searches identify moving objects, and models predict their orbits. Uncertainties are reduced with additional data.

Visibility Debate: Whether the impact flash will be visible from Earth is debated.

Future Observations: YR4 will pass Earth again in 2028, allowing for more data collection and refined predictions.

Preventable Disaster: Asteroid impacts are considered a preventable natural disaster with adequate monitoring and potential mitigation strategies.

RBI’s CIMS: Regulated entities must report digital lending app (DLA) details through the CIMS portal.

CIMS Purpose: Introduced by RBI for managing large data flows, analysis, dissemination, and governance. It acts as a central data warehouse.

CIMS Technology: Employs advanced technology for Big Data management, enabling data mining, text mining, visual analytics, and statistical analysis across financial, external, fiscal, corporate, real estate, and pricing sectors.

Advantages: Improves regulatory reporting efficiency for RBI and reduces the workload for regulated entities via electronic submission using cloud technology.

Benefits for RBI: Enhanced timeliness and quality of regulatory data, improved financial system monitoring, quicker response to risks, and better communication with regulated entities.

Selenium Error: Indicates a problem with locating a specific element on a webpage using Selenium automation, specifically element with CSS selector “.MainStory_storycontent__Pe3ys”. This suggests a website structure change or issue with the script.

“6% GDP Growth Trap”: India’s GDP growth has largely hovered around 6% between 2000 and 2025, needing structural reforms, tech investment, human capital development, and sustainability to surpass.

Current Growth: IMF projects 6.2% GDP growth in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026, fastest among major economies. Forex reserves are strong, infrastructure is expanding, and manufacturing capacity utilization is high. Unemployment is gradually improving.

Investment & Job Creation: Investment-to-GDP ratio has fallen, slowing growth and job creation. Employment elasticity of investment has declined due to capital-intensive sectors.

Fiscal Constraints: High interest payments on debt and a low tax-to-GDP ratio limit crucial investments. Inefficient public spending reduces policy effectiveness.

Infrastructure & Trade: High logistics costs and trade barriers limit access to global markets.

Social Weaknesses: Uneven wealth distribution, rural-urban disparities, and corruption hinder growth.

External Factors: Global uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and dependence on foreign investment impact growth.

Growth Drivers: Domestic demand, infrastructure spending, digital economy, manufacturing growth, services sector, energy transition, and fiscal/monetary stability drive growth.

Needed Steps:

• Boost private investment in labor-intensive industries.
• Reform fiscal policy to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio.
• Expand exports by strengthening trade agreements.

Conclusion: Targeted investments, trade and tax reforms, and prudent fiscal management are crucial to break the “6% growth trap” for poverty reduction and enable a larger middle class.

Why in News: Growing concerns over social media’s impact on youth identity and mental health, highlighted by a young entrepreneur’s suicide due to follower loss.

Identity Formation: Social media shifts identity formation from private reflection to public performance, driven by algorithm-based self-curation, blurring the lines between authenticity and online approval.

Mental Health Concerns: Pressure for validation and curated self-presentation contribute to anxiety, depression, and distorted self-image. The system rewards performance, not vulnerability. Filter bubbles reinforce extreme views.

Ecosystem’s Role: The entire social media ecosystem, not just influencers, is responsible for promoting unrealistic ideals and punishing vulnerability.

Child Influencers: Concerns are heightened with child influencers, where parents may push content for follower count, leading to adult scrutiny and performance pressure.

Body Image Distortion: Online trends like “thigh gaps” distort body image, causing internalized shame and eating disorders.

Extreme Trends: Trends like the “Blue Whale challenge” demonstrate the dangers of pushing boundaries without addressing underlying issues.

Parental Role: Moving from surveillance to connection is crucial; parents should understand and learn the language children use online, fostering open conversations rather than imposing fears. Recognizing Finsta accounts indicates a disconnect.

Regulation & Policy: Social media platforms should modify recommendation algorithms to prioritize educational content. Ethical design standards should be enforced to prohibit amplification of harmful content. Digital literacy programs should be integrated into school curricula.

Kendu Leaf Trade Deregulation Delayed: Eight Gram Sabhas in Odisha’s Koraput district are waiting for government deregulation of kendu leaf trade, crucial for their economic self-sufficiency under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.

Impact of Delay: Failure to deregulate last year resulted in an estimated Rs 36 lakh loss due to rain damage, severely impacting local tribal economies.

Economic Importance: Kendu leaves (“green gold”) are a significant Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP), providing vital income for tribals, women, and widows.

FRA 2006 and Community Rights: The FRA, 2006 grants forest rights, including MFP rights, to forest-dwelling communities, allowing them to manage and sell non-timber forest produce independently.

Odisha’s Significance: Odisha is a major kendu leaf producer, contributing about 20% of India’s national output, making deregulation particularly critical for the state.

Current Situation: The Gram Sabhas are ready to manage the trade, having collected over 400,000 bundles, but await the crucial government notification to proceed.

News: Digital Banking Units (DBUs) face limited expansion and sustainability concerns despite their 2022 launch aimed at extending digital financial services to remote areas.

What are DBUs: Specialized banking hubs offering digital services through self-service, anytime access; launched in 75 remote districts in 2022.

Challenges:

• Ineffective Planning: Rushed implementation without considering local needs and digital readiness.
• High Operational Costs: RBI mandates separate infrastructure, increasing expenses, especially in low-traffic areas.
• Low Digital Literacy: Hinders DBU usage, particularly among senior citizens, in areas lacking cash counters.
• Connectivity Issues: Unstable internet and power in remote areas disrupt operations.

Enhancement Measures:

• Decentralized Expansion: Base DBU establishment on local demand and digital literacy.
• Strengthened Digital Literacy Programs: Leverage PMGDISHA and collaborate with local entities for training.
• Infrastructure Support: Improve connectivity via BharatNet and ensure backup power.
• Enhanced Customer Support: Provide human assistance for onboarding and multilingual interfaces.
• Focused Financial Products: Facilitate access to schemes like PMSBY, PMJJBY, APY, and digital loans (Mudra).

MY Bharat selects civil defence volunteers: Aims to empower youth in disaster management.

Training: Volunteers receive week-long specialized training from national and state disaster management agencies.

Goals: Build a trained force to handle disasters, accidents, and emergencies. Foster civic responsibility and equip youth with critical skills.

Need: Addresses increasing security concerns and the need for a community-based response system.

Volunteer Roles: Rescue operations, evacuation, first aid, traffic/crowd control, public safety, disaster rehabilitation, and assisting government agencies.

Registration: Individuals can register on the My Bharat portal (mybharat.gov.in).

MY Bharat Overview: Autonomous body under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Purpose: Technology-driven platform for youth development and engagement across government initiatives.

Target Age Group: Primarily 15-29 years (10-19 years for specific adolescent programs).

Focus: Shifting youth from “passive recipients” to “active drivers” of development.

Phygital Platform: Combines physical activities with digital connectivity.

US Welcomes Afrikaner Refugees: The US Deputy Secretary of State welcomed the first group of Afrikaner refugees to the United States, following President Trump’s directive to prioritize resettlement for this “vulnerable group facing unjust racial discrimination.”

Accusations of Racial Bias: The US administration’s decision to welcome Afrikaners has sparked accusations of racial bias, with critics alleging selective migrant acceptance.

Afrikaner Identity: Afrikaners are a white ethnic group native to South Africa, with origins dating back to 1652 with the Dutch East India Company’s settlement. They are often called “Africa’s White Tribe” due to their long-standing presence and ethnogenesis on the continent.

Origins and Formation: The Afrikaner community evolved from Dutch, French Huguenot, German settlers, and enslaved people from India, Indonesia, Madagascar, and East Africa. A unique identity developed through interactions among these groups, marked by Afrikaans language, Calvinist values, and a self-reliant culture.

Historical Conflicts: Afrikaners, particularly the Trekboers, engaged in conflicts with indigenous communities as they moved inland. Later, they fought wars with Britain, including the Boer Wars, resulting in significant loss and displacement.

Apartheid and Inequality: The Afrikaner-led National Party implemented apartheid in 1948, which ended in 1994. Despite the end of apartheid, wealth and land ownership remain disproportionately in white hands, with significant economic disparities between white and Black South Africans.

Afrikaner Perspective: Afrikaners view themselves as having a legitimate claim to Africa, seeing it as their home and wanting their right to be there.

Sand Mining Concerns: Illegal sand mining is a major environmental issue in the Chambal River region (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh), threatening its ecosystem.

Clean River Status: The Chambal is recognized as one of India’s cleanest rivers.

Habitat for Endangered Species: It is a crucial habitat for endangered species such as gharials, Gangetic dolphins, and Indian skimmers, highlighting its biodiversity importance.

National Chambal Sanctuary: A significant portion of the river is protected by the National Chambal Sanctuary, emphasizing conservation efforts.

Tributary of Yamuna: The Chambal is a tributary of the Yamuna River, and part of the Gangetic drainage system, underscoring its role in the larger river system.

Origin and Course: It originates in the Vindhya Range, flows through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, forms a boundary between them, and finally joins the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. This defines its geographical path.

Drainage Basin: The river and its tributaries drain the Malwa region and southeastern Rajasthan, illustrating its regional influence.

Key Tributaries: The Banas, Mej, Parbati, Kali Sindh, and Shipra rivers contribute to the Chambal’s water flow, indicating a complex hydrological network.

Major Dams: Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Jawahar Sagar Dam are built on the river, demonstrating its use for water management and power generation.

Hydrocarbon Exploration Project Proposed: The Union government plans hydrocarbon exploration at Wadge Bank under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP). The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has invited bids for exploration of oil and natural gas from three areas in South of Cape Comorin, covering 27,154.80 sq km.

Fishermen Opposition: Fishermen in Kanyakumari and surrounding districts (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) strongly oppose the project.

Livelihood Concerns: Fishermen fear the project will negatively impact their livelihoods by disrupting access to vital fishing grounds, potentially forcing small-scale fishers to sail longer distances.

Ecological Sensitivity: Wadge Bank is a marine area in south of Cape Comorin, rich in fishery resources and a biodiverse, ecologically sensitive zone. Concerns raised about potential harm to the environment.

Wadge Bank Importance: Wadge Bank is a submarine plateau, a rich fishing ground with high organic productivity, serving as a key feeding and breeding area for fish. It spans approximately 10,000 sq km

Lack of Consultation: Criticism that the government did not adequately consult the local fishing community before proposing the project.

Potential Environmental Impact: Hydrocarbon exploration may release pollutants into air and water, according to research.

Protests and Advocacy: Fishermen associations are raising awareness, planning protests, and submitting memorandums to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Wadge Bank’s Natural Barrier Role: Wadge Bank serves as a natural barrier protecting the region from disasters. The project could weaken this barrier.

State Government Stance: The Tamil Nadu government has not granted a no-objection certificate and is reportedly reviewing the project. No major intimation or public hearing done.

ISRO Semi-Cryogenic Engine Hot Test Successful: ISRO successfully conducted a short-duration hot test of its semi-cryogenic engine at IPRC, Mahendragiri, marking its 2nd successful hot test.

LOX-Kerosene Engine: The engine utilizes liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidizer and refined kerosene (RP-1) as fuel.

Higher Performance: This LOX-kerosene combination provides a higher density impulse compared to cryogenic systems (LOX-LH2), improving propulsion efficiency.

Cost-Effective & Easier Handling: Kerosene is cheaper and easier to manage than liquid hydrogen, reducing costs and simplifying operations.

Boosts Payload Capacity: The engine’s development enhances ISRO’s payload capacity.

Supports Future Launch Vehicles (NGLV): This engine is designed to power booster stages of heavy-lift launch vehicles like the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

NGLV Details: The NGLV is a cost-efficient, reusable heavy-lift rocket under development, capable of carrying up to 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit and designed for communication satellite launches, deep space missions, and human spaceflight.

Maharana Pratap Jayanti: Observed on May 9th, 2025.

Prime Minister’s Tribute: Shri Narendra Modi paid respects to Maharana Pratap, acknowledging his courage and valor in defending the motherland.

Birth and Lineage: Born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan. He was the 13th King of Mewar and son of Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur.

Battle of Haldighati: Fought on June 18, 1576, against Raja Man Singh (Akbar’s General). Though brave, Maharana Pratap was defeated.

Regaining Mewar: After 1579, he regained Western Mewar and established his capital at Chavand.

Death and Succession: Died on January 19, 1597. His son, Amar Singh, succeeded him.

Inspiration: Maharana Pratap’s life and bravery continue to inspire generations, serving as a guide for courage and patriotism.

Taiwan Live-Fire Exercise: Taiwan recently conducted its first live-fire exercise using the American-supplied HIMARS. This is noteworthy as it signals Taiwan’s increased defense capabilities and readiness in a region with heightened geopolitical tensions.

What is HIMARS? It’s a lightweight, wheeled, multiple rocket launcher system capable of launching precision-guided rockets and tactical missiles. This makes it highly versatile for various combat scenarios.

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Corporation (USA). This highlights the US’s role as a key provider of advanced military technology.

Targets: Designed to engage artillery, air defense systems, trucks, light armor, and troop concentrations. This illustrates HIMARS’ effectiveness against a wide range of enemy assets.

Key Features:

• Air-transportable and mounted on a 5-ton FMTV. This provides rapid deployment and maneuverability.
• Carries either 6 rockets (43-mile range) or 1 ATACMS missile (200-mile range). This emphasizes its ability to strike both near and far targets.
• Quick firing time (less than 20 seconds to prepare, 45 seconds to fire all 6 rockets). This allows for shoot-and-scoot tactics, minimizing vulnerability.
• Equipped with Increased Crew Protection cabin. This protects the crew from various battlefield hazards.

High Mobility: Designed to quickly relocate after firing, reducing the risk of counter-attack. This highlights its survivability in a dynamic combat environment.

NSO Survey on Private Sector Capex: The National Statistics Office (NSO) released its first survey estimating private corporate capital expenditure (capex) trends over five financial years (2021-22 to 2025-26).The survey was conducted between November 2024 and January 2025.

Capex Growth and Projected Decline: Overall capex rose by 66.3% between FY22 and FY25. However, a 25.5% decline is projected for FY26, indicating cautious planning after a strong capex cycle in FY25.The highest capex was seen in 2024-25 at Rs 6.56 lakh crore.

Investment Purpose: In FY25, 49.6% of enterprises invested for income generation, 30.1% for upgradation, and 2.8% for diversification.

Sectoral Distribution: Manufacturing received the highest capex share (43.8%), followed by Information & Communication (15.6%) and Transportation & Storage (14%).

Asset Allocation: 53.1% of total capex in FY25 was directed towards machinery & equipment, 22% to capital work-in-progress, and 9.7% to buildings and structures.

Growth in Gross Fixed Assets (GFA): Average GFA per enterprise grew by 27.5% from Rs 3,279.4 crore in FY23 to Rs 4,183.3 crore in FY24. The highest GFA was in Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply, followed by Manufacturing.

Challenges: The projected decline in FY26 is attributed to high borrowing costs, weak demand, geopolitical uncertainties, lack of greenfield projects, and structural bottlenecks (land acquisition, labour reforms).

Cautious Approach: Data for 2025-26 should be interpreted with caution, given the conservative approach shown by responding enterprises in reporting these figures.Capex tends to rise when enterprises pursue growth strategies rather than maintain current operations.The sample size for the survey was of 5,380 enterprises.

National Technology Day 2025 Theme: “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration.”

• Why: YANTRA symbolizes India’s scientific heritage, innovation, systems, synergy, and scalable solutions. Yugantar signifies India’s shift towards global tech leadership.

Observed on: May 11th, 2025.

• Why: Commemorates the successful nuclear tests (Operation Shakti) and the first flight of Hansa-3 aircraft on May 11th, 1998.

Declared in 1999: By then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

• Why: To honor India’s scientific and technological achievements.

Focus of 2025 Celebrations: Advancing deep-tech, precision engineering, and transformative R&D.

• Why: To accelerate India’s technological progress in key sectors.

Key Participants: Policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, academic institutions, and startup founders.

• Why: To foster collaboration between science, industry, and society for technological advancement.

Organized by: Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

• Why: TDB-DST plays a crucial role in promoting and funding technological innovation.

Significance: Reinforces the partnership between science, society, and industry.

• Why: To translate scientific discoveries into practical applications that benefit society.

IMDEX Asia 2025 Overview: A premier biennial maritime and defence exhibition held in Singapore since 1997, serving as a global platform for navies and maritime industries in the Asia-Pacific.

Key Features: Includes the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) for strategic dialogue and the Maritime Information Sharing Exercise (MARISX) to improve maritime security coordination.

Indian Participation: INS Kiltan, an indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare stealth corvette, is participating, reaffirming India’s strategic presence and strengthening naval ties.

INS Kiltan Significance: This is India’s first major warship with a carbon fiber composite superstructure.

• Participated in the war and named after an island.

India-Singapore Partnership: The visit underscores the robust maritime partnership between India and Singapore.

Activities and Objectives: The ship’s crew will engage in bilateral/multilateral activities to strengthen naval cooperation, enhance interoperability, and promote mutual understanding. These include professional exchanges, guided tours, and cross-deck visits.

Focus: Highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional security, stability, and the longstanding friendship between India and Singapore.

Microbial ‘Phosphorus Gatekeeping’ Discovered: Soil microbes (fungi and bacteria) control phosphorus (P) cycling in soil, regulating its availability to plants. Study in Cooloola, Australia (700,000-year-old system).

Phosphorus is Crucial: Essential for all life; involved in energy metabolism (ATP), cell membranes, photosynthesis, and genetics (DNA/RNA). Often limiting in old/weathered soils.

Microbial Adaptations to P Scarcity: Microbes adapt via lipid replacement, lipid accumulation and optimizing phosphorus use efficiency in metabolism.

Competition and Facilitation for Plants: Microbes compete with plants for P, but also recycle and make P more accessible over time, aiding plant growth in the long run.

Microbial Control Over P Availability: Microbes control P release, uptake, and storage in the soil.

NCLAT Dismissed Insolvency Petition Against PepsiCo India: NCLAT rejected an insolvency petition by SNJ Synthetics, reinforcing that IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) should not be used merely for debt recovery, especially when only disputed interest claims are involved.

Upheld NCLT Order: NCLAT supported the prior decision of the Chandigarh bench of NCLT, which had also dismissed SNJ Synthetics’ plea.

Disputed Interest Claim: The principal debt owed by PepsiCo had been repaid, leaving only a disputed interest claim. NCLAT ruled that initiating CIRP (corporate insolvency resolution process) based solely on a contested interest component was not justified.

IBC’s Purpose: NCLAT emphasized that IBC aims to rejuvenate and revive companies facing genuine insolvency, not to push them into “corporate death” for debt recovery.

SNJ Synthetics’ Claim: SNJ Synthetics initially claimed ₹1.96 crore, including principal and interest. After the principal was settled, they pursued only the interest claim, which NCLT found potentially below the minimum threshold and based on an unsigned agreement.

NCLAT Rationale: NCLAT’s decision confirms the appropriate use of IBC and prevents it from being misused as a tool for simple debt recovery, especially over disputed amounts.

NCLAT Overview: NCLAT is a quasi-judicial body established under the Companies Act, 2013 to hear appeals against NCLT, IBBI, CCI and NFRA orders. It ensures corporate dispute resolution, transparency, and efficiency in insolvency and corporate governance.

Man-Animal Conflict: Four people were injured in a bear attack within the Kawardha range of Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary while collecting tendu leaves. This highlights the ongoing issue of human-wildlife interaction in the area.

Location: Situated in the Kawardha district of Chhattisgarh, the sanctuary is part of the Maikal range of the Satpura hills.

Name Origin: The sanctuary derives its name from the ancient Bhoramdeo Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) located nearby, often called the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh”.

Area: Covers approximately 352 sq.km.

Ecological Significance: Part of the crucial Kanha-Achanakmar Corridor, facilitating wildlife movement between Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) and Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary (Chhattisgarh).

Terrain: Features undulating hills, dense forests, and numerous streams.

Rivers: Origin of the Fen and Sankari rivers.

Vegetation: Tropical moist and dry deciduous forests, including Saaj, Sal, Tendu, and Nilgiri trees.

Fauna: Home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and diverse bird species.

• Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• Aims to provide legal ownership of residential properties in rural areas using drone and GIS technology.
• Has issued property cards to 24.4 million households in 1.6 lakh villages as of April 2025.
• Unlocking land value worth USD 1.162 trillion.

• A GIS-based platform for rural governance and planning.
• Integrates geospatial data with existing schemes for effective decision-making.

• Why: Underscores the significance of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in India’s defense strategy.

• Why: Highlights India’s growing defense capabilities and the system’s role in providing a swift kinetic response.

• Why: Targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan, sending a message of zero tolerance against terrorism.

• Why: Reinforces India’s commitment to counter-terrorism efforts and protect its interests.

• Why: Enhances multi-domain warfare readiness and ensures deterrence against adversaries.

• Why: Bolsters India’s defense capabilities and promotes indigenous defense production.

• Why: Promotes self-reliance in defense manufacturing and strengthens regional industrial capabilities.

India-China Engagement: India is actively engaging with the Chinese government to address export restrictions imposed on germanium.

Critical Mineral: Germanium is crucial for manufacturing semiconductors, fiber optic cables, and solar panels.

Export Restrictions Impact: China’s export restrictions are causing issues for Indian electronics manufacturers and other industries.

Source of Grievances: The Indian embassy in Beijing confirmed that germanium export restrictions were a source of concern raised by Indian industry players.

Not a Rare Earth Element: Germanium is not classified as a Rare Earth Element (REE), but China holds a significant production share.

Import Dependence: India is entirely reliant on imports for its germanium needs, as it does not produce any domestically.

Trade Route: India is importing germanium through the UAE, leading to increased costs.

Fiber Optic Use: Germanium oxide is essential in manufacturing fiber optic cables.

Broader Restrictions: China is reportedly imposing export curbs and travel restrictions impacting other projects, such as those involving Foxconn.

NHRC Seeks Report: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested an Action Taken Report from Odisha’s Chief Secretary regarding the poor living conditions and lack of basic amenities for over 10,000 Dongria Kondh families. This highlights concerns about the community’s well-being and rights.

PVTG Status: The Dongria Kondh are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), signifying their specific vulnerabilities and need for targeted support.

Niyamgiri Hills: They inhabit the Niyamgiri hills in Odisha’s Kalahandi and Rayagada districts. This region is central to their identity, culture, and livelihood.

Cultural Significance: The Niyamgiri hills and forests hold deep religious and cultural significance for the Dongria Kondh. They consider the hilltops supreme deities and trace their ancestry to Niyam Raja.

Jharnia protectors of Streams: They are protectors of streams.

Unique Identity: They have distinctive jewellery, tattoos, and hairstyles, showcasing their unique cultural identity.

Livelihood: Their economy relies on collecting Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and horticulture (podu cultivation). The forest is their primary source of survival.

Language: They speak “Kuyi” and “Kuvi,” languages distinct from the state’s official language, Odia, further isolating them.

Concerns Highlighted: The NHRC’s action emphasizes the urgent need to address the Dongria Kondh’s precarious living conditions and ensure they have access to basic necessities and protection of rights.

ORNL Develops New Visualisation Technique: Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have created a technique to visualise ferroelectric domain wall dynamics in unprecedented detail using Scanning Oscillator Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (SO-PFM). This allows observation of both slow and abrupt movements of domain walls under rapidly fluctuating electric fields.

Ferroelectricity Explained: Ferroelectricity is a property where materials exhibit spontaneous electric polarisation, reversible by an external electric field. Electric dipoles align spontaneously in domains, similar to magnetic domains in ferromagnetism. Examples include barium titanate and Rochelle salt. This polarization vanishes above the Curie temperature.

Domain Walls’ Unique Properties: Domain walls, the boundaries between differently polarised regions, can exhibit electrical or magnetic properties distinct from surrounding domains. Some may become conductive or magnetically active even when the bulk material is not, making them suitable for nanoelectronic components.

Significance of New Technique: Traditional methods only provided static snapshots of domain walls. The new SO-PFM method creates dynamic visualisations, allowing researchers to understand how domain walls evolve and how much energy is required to move them.

Applications of Ferroelectric Materials: Used in non-volatile memory devices, sensors, actuators, capacitors, and energy storage technologies.

Ferroelectricity vs. Piezoelectricity: All ferroelectric materials are piezoelectric, but not all piezoelectric materials are ferroelectric. The key difference is switchable polarisation in ferroelectrics.