Daily Current Affairs - 13th & 14th April 2026
- Kaushal
- Apr 14
- 21 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | 9th Indian Ocean Conference 2026, Indian Ocean Region Geopolitics & SAGAR Vision, Chagos Islands Sovereignty Dispute & Diego Garcia Base, RBI Safeguards Against Digital Payment Frauds, New Framework for Upper Layer NBFCs, Minimum Import Price for Honey, Access to Justice in India, Removal of Judges & Whip System, Exercise Dustlik 2026, ISRO Gaganyaan Mission Milestone, Climate Change–Poverty Nexus (NISER Study), Hubble Tension, Microbial Methane Emissions, Project Him Sarovar in Ladakh, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule 200th Birth Anniversary and more.
Table of Content
SECURITY / DEFENCE
SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT
Chagos Islands – Geopolitics and Background
The Chagos Islands have come into focus as the UK’s plan to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius faces uncertainty, after the United States withheld a key legal step, delaying implementation of the agreement.
Earlier, in 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion (non-binding legal advice) directing the United Kingdom to withdraw from the islands unconditionally, strengthening Mauritius’ claim.
The UK had planned to formalise a 2025 agreement to transfer the islands to Mauritius, while retaining control of the strategically important Diego Garcia through a long-term lease, but the process is now stalled.
About the Chagos Archipelago
The Chagos Archipelago comprises around 58 islands (atolls—ring-shaped coral islands) located in the central Indian Ocean, about 500 km south of the Maldives and ~2,000 km northeast of Mauritius.
The islands were uninhabited until the late 18th century, when the French brought slave labour from Africa and India for coconut plantations, and later ceded the islands to Britain in 1814.
In 1965, the UK detached Chagos from Mauritius (then its colony) to create the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), and when Mauritius gained independence in 1968, Chagos remained under British control.
During 1968–1973, around 1,500–2,000 Chagossians were forcibly displaced and relocated to Mauritius and Seychelles to facilitate military use of the islands.
Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, hosts a joint UK–US military base, making it one of the most strategically significant military locations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Its location places it within operational range of key maritime chokepoints such as the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Strait of Hormuz, and Malacca Strait, enabling strategic military reach.
The base supports long-range bombers, nuclear submarines, and guided-missile destroyers, and is also crucial for space tracking and surveillance operations.
It has been used in major military operations such as the 1990–91 Gulf War, 2001 Afghanistan operations, and the 2003 Iraq War, underscoring its global strategic role.
Why the UK Decided to Transfer Chagos
Mauritius has consistently claimed sovereignty over Chagos since the 1980s, arguing that its separation during independence was illegal.
Following the ICJ advisory opinion (2019), the UK and Mauritius began negotiations in 2022 to resolve the dispute.
In October 2024, the UK announced its intention to return the islands, and in May 2025, an agreement was signed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius.
As part of the deal, Diego Garcia would be leased back to the UK for 99 years at £101 million annually, ensuring continued military use, while also creating a £40 million trust fund for displaced Chagossians and allowing resettlement on other islands.
Why the Deal is Facing Challenges
Initially supported by Donald Trump, the agreement later faced opposition due to concerns over national security and strategic control of Diego Garcia.
The US has refused to complete legal formalities (exchange of treaty letters) required to amend the 1966 UK–US agreement, thereby stalling the sovereignty transfer process.
Concerns include the strategic importance of the base, tensions with allies such as North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and conflicts related to Iran and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Additional complications include a recent court ruling allowing Chagossians to return to outer islands, raising future legal and territorial uncertainties, including potential claims over Diego Garcia.
9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) & IOR Significance
The 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) concluded in Mauritius, where India emphasized addressing chokepoint anxieties (concerns over disruptions at key maritime routes) and building trusted partnerships to ensure resilience and stable regional growth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
The Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) was initiated in 2016 by the India Foundation in collaboration with regional think tanks and institutions, aiming to foster dialogue on regional issues.
The conference has witnessed participation from over 40 countries, making it a significant multilateral platform for regional engagement.
It has emerged as a flagship consultative forum for countries in the IOR, focusing on cooperation under the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR—India’s maritime doctrine for inclusive development and security).
Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its Significance
The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) spans over 70 million sq km, connects 35+ littoral states (countries with coastlines along the ocean), and is home to around 40% of the global population, making it geopolitically significant.
Economically, the IOR handles around 50% of global container traffic, one-third of bulk cargo, and two-thirds of global oil shipments, highlighting its central role in global trade.
Strategically, it includes critical sea lanes and chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, which are vital for global energy flows and maritime security.
For India, the region is crucial due to its 11,098.81 km coastline and 1,300+ islands, positioning it at key maritime crossroads.
The IOR also offers immense blue economy potential (sustainable use of ocean resources), with large Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ—maritime zones with resource rights) such as India’s ~2.4 million sq km EEZ, enabling opportunities in fisheries, renewable energy, tourism, and biodiversity conservation.
Environmentally, it is the warmest ocean, making it ecologically dynamic and biologically productive, but also vulnerable to climate change impacts.
India’s Role in IOR
India acts as a Net Security Provider (ensuring regional stability through security operations), including anti-piracy and anti-narcotics efforts.
It also serves as a First Responder in HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) by providing rapid assistance during natural disasters in the region.
Key Challenges in IOR
A major geopolitical challenge is the growing presence of extra-regional powers, including infrastructure investments in countries like Sri Lanka and Maldives, and strategic competition involving China.
The region also faces maritime security threats such as piracy, terrorism, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, and smuggling, along with disruptions to sea lanes due to conflicts (e.g., attacks on vessels like IRIS Dena).
Additionally, infrastructure and connectivity gaps persist in many IOR countries, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles, limiting economic integration and development.
RBI Safeguards Against Digital Payment Frauds
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a Discussion Paper on “Exploring Safeguards in Digital Payments to Curb Frauds”, aiming to address the rapid rise in digital payment frauds.
Status of Digital Frauds
Digital frauds have increased sharply, with cases rising from 2.6 lakh in 2021 to around 28 lakh in 2025, involving losses of about ₹22,931 crore, as per data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Fraud techniques include bogus call centres, deepfake-driven impersonation (AI-generated fake identities), social engineering (manipulating users psychologically), and mule account networks (bank accounts used to transfer illicit money).
In many cases, victims themselves initiate and authenticate transactions due to manipulation, resulting in Authorised Push Payment (APP) frauds (fraudulent payments made with user consent under deception).
These frauds disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, highlighting the need for targeted safeguards.
RBI’s Suggested Measures
RBI proposes introducing a time lag of 1 hour for transactions above ₹10,000, during which the payer can cancel the payment, reducing fraud risks.
A whitelisting mechanism (pre-approved trusted beneficiaries) will allow genuine transactions to bypass the delay, ensuring convenience.
For vulnerable users, additional authentication is suggested, where high-value transactions by senior citizens or divyang (persons with disabilities) may require approval from a trusted individual.
Users may also be given greater control features, such as the ability to switch payment modes on/off and set transaction limits, enhancing security.
To curb mule accounts, RBI recommends allowing large credits only after additional scrutiny, preventing misuse of banking channels.
RBI’s Existing Initiatives
RBI has already mandated Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) (verification using two independent credentials) for secure digital transactions.
It has introduced card security measures such as device tokenisation (replacing card details with secure tokens), card-on-file tokenisation, and customer-controlled card settings.
To detect fraudulent accounts, MuleHunter.AI, developed by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, helps identify mule accounts quickly and effectively.
Additionally, RBI is developing the Digital Payment Intelligence Platform (DPIP), which uses AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) to predict and mitigate fraud risks in real time.
RBI’s Revised Framework for Upper Layer NBFCs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a new methodology for identifying Upper Layer Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) under the Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework, aiming to simplify and strengthen financial oversight.
Existing SBR Classification of NBFCs
Under the SBR framework, NBFCs are classified into four layers—Base Layer (NBFC-BL), Middle Layer (NBFC-ML), Upper Layer (NBFC-UL), and Top Layer (NBFC-TL) (which ideally remains empty unless systemic risk increases).
The NBFC-Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) currently includes the top 10 NBFCs based on asset size, along with other NBFCs identified by RBI using a scoring model (multi-parameter risk assessment system).
The NBFC-Middle Layer (NBFC-ML) includes entities such as deposit-taking NBFCs (NBFC-D), non-deposit taking NBFCs with assets ≥ ₹1,000 crore (NBFC-ND-SI), and specialised institutions like Core Investment Companies (CICs), Infrastructure Finance Companies (IFCs), Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), Stand-alone Primary Dealers (SPDs), and Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDFs).
The NBFC-Base Layer (NBFC-BL) consists of smaller NBFCs, including non-deposit taking NBFCs with assets below ₹1,000 crore, and those with limited public interface and risk exposure.
Proposed Amendments by RBI
RBI has proposed a new criterion for identifying NBFC-UL, based on a simple asset size threshold of ₹1 lakh crore or more, replacing the existing complex scoring model, with this threshold to be reviewed every five years.
The proposal also includes bringing government-owned NBFCs (such as National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Export-Import Bank of India, and Small Industries Development Bank of India) under the same regulatory framework as private NBFC-ULs, removing earlier exemptions.
Additionally, Upper Layer NBFCs may be allowed to use state government guarantees (assurance by government to repay loans in case of default) as a credit risk transfer mechanism without quantitative limits, enhancing their financial flexibility.
What is an NBFC?
A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 or 2013, engaged in activities such as loans and advances, investment in shares, bonds, debentures, and other securities.
NBFCs are primarily regulated by the RBI under Chapter III-B of the RBI Act, 1934, although certain entities are regulated by other bodies, such as insurance companies by IRDAI and stockbroking/merchant banking by SEBI, to avoid regulatory overlap.
Difference between Banks and NBFCs
Unlike banks, NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits (withdrawable on demand, like savings/current accounts).
They are not part of the payment and settlement system, meaning they cannot issue cheques drawn on themselves.
Depositors in NBFCs do not get insurance cover from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), unlike bank depositors.
However, certain entities like Standalone Primary Dealers (registered as NBFCs) can access the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF—RBI’s liquidity window).
As an exception, only those NBFCs with a specific deposit-accepting licence and a minimum credit rating of ‘BBB-’ are permitted to accept deposits from the public.
Minimum Import Price (MIP)
Government extended the MIP for natural honey.
About Minimum Import Price
Definition: It is a temporary trade policy tool that sets a floor price for specific imported goods to protect domestic industries and farmers from predatory low-priced imports.
Notified by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992.
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
Indian lenders have parked a record amount of funds in the RBI’s Standing Deposit Facility (SDF).
About SDF
Introduced: in 2022, as a financial stability tool in addition to its role in liquidity management.
It is the rate at which the Reserve Bank accepts Collateral-Free deposits, on an overnight basis, from all Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) participants.
It is placed at 25 basis points below the policy repo rate, making it the floor rate of the interest rate corridor (SDF < Repo Rate < Marginal Standing Facility).
SDF rate replaced the fixed Reverse Repo Rate as the floor of the LAF corridor.
Export Inspection Council (EIC)
India has relaxed rice export inspection requirements for certain European countries through the Export Inspection Council (EIC), aiming to facilitate smoother trade while maintaining quality standards.
About Export Inspection Council (EIC)
The Export Inspection Council (EIC) was established by the Government of India under the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963, to regulate export quality.
It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which oversees India’s trade and export policies.
The primary aim of EIC is to ensure the sound development of India’s export trade by enforcing quality control and inspection mechanisms, thereby enhancing global credibility.
EIC acts as an advisory body to the Central Government, which has the authority to notify specific commodities for mandatory quality control and inspection prior to export.
It also exercises technical and administrative control over five Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs) located at Chennai, Delhi, Kochi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, which carry out inspection and certification activities at the operational level.
Access to Justice in India
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) has highlighted that the primary impediment in India’s justice system is not the lack of laws, but limited access to justice (ability of citizens to effectively use legal systems), especially for ordinary and marginalized individuals.
Key Barriers to Access to Justice
Economic barriers such as poverty and high litigation costs prevent many from seeking justice, reflected in the fact that around 75% of prisoners are undertrials (accused awaiting trial), often unable to afford bail (India Justice Report 2025).
Geographical barriers also exist, as people in remote, hilly, and inaccessible regions face difficulty in physically reaching courts and legal institutions.
Institutional and procedural challenges include systemic delays (long pendency of cases), complex procedures, and inadequate infrastructure and staffing, which slow down justice delivery.
The language barrier further restricts access, as the use of English in higher courts alienates non-English-speaking litigants, limiting their participation.
There is also a lack of awareness and gaps in legal aid (free legal assistance for the poor), as implementation of such schemes remains weak.
Social and cultural barriers include the “black coat syndrome” (fear and anxiety experienced by marginalized groups while engaging with the legal system), which discourages them from approaching courts.
Additionally, discrimination and institutional apathy create obstacles for marginalized communities, making justice less accessible.
Victims, especially in sensitive cases, face secondary victimization (further trauma through social pressure, intimidation, or humiliation during legal processes).
Finally, lack of trust due to corruption and vested interests reduces public confidence in the judiciary and discourages engagement with legal institutions.
Initiatives to Promote Access to Justice
The constitutional framework, particularly Article 39A (directive for free legal aid) and the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, mandates provision of legal aid through the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
Promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR—methods like mediation and conciliation outside courts) through mechanisms such as Lok Adalats (people’s courts) helps provide faster and cost-effective justice.
Decentralisation of justice delivery is supported by the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, which establishes village-level courts for affordable and speedy rural justice.
Technological advancements like the E-Courts Mission Mode Project and the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG—online database of court cases) improve transparency and efficiency.
Procedural reforms, including Fast Track Courts (for speedy disposal of cases) and Undertrial Review Committees, aim to reduce delays and address overcrowding in prisons.
Additionally, local and context-specific initiatives such as the Access to Justice Project, One Stop Centres (support for women facing violence), and Women Help Desks provide targeted support to vulnerable groups.
Removal of Judges in India
Justice Yashwant Varma has submitted his resignation to the President of India, thereby withdrawing from the impeachment proceedings initiated against him, while it is notable that no judge in India has been impeached so far.
Constitutional Provisions for Removal
The removal of judges is governed by Article 124 (for Supreme Court judges) and Article 218 (for High Court judges) of the Constitution, which provide for removal through an impeachment process (formal procedure to remove a judge for misconduct or incapacity).
This process is further regulated by the Judges Enquiry Act, 1968, which lays down the detailed procedure for investigation and removal.
Impeachment Process of Judges
The process begins with initiation of a removal motion, which must be signed by at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha and submitted to the Speaker or Chairman respectively.
The Speaker/Chairman may admit or reject the motion, acting as a preliminary filter in the process.
If admitted, a three-member inquiry committee (comprising judicial and legal experts) is constituted to investigate the charges against the judge.
If the committee finds the judge guilty of proved misbehaviour or incapacity, the motion must be passed by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority (majority of total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting).
After the motion is passed, the President of India issues the final removal order, completing the constitutional procedure.
Indian Constitution in Different Languages
The Vice-President of India has recently released an updated version of the Constitution of India in Sindhi language, promoting linguistic inclusivity and accessibility of constitutional knowledge.
Sindhi is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution (list of officially recognized languages in India), and it was included through the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1967.
Original Language of the Constitution
The Constitution of India, known as the world’s longest written constitution, was originally drafted in English by the Constituent Assembly.
To ensure wider accessibility, the Constituent Assembly formed a Translation Committee under the leadership of Ghanshyam Das Gupta to prepare the Hindi version of the Constitution.
On 24 January 1950, the Hindi version of the Constitution was formally submitted to Rajendra Prasad, who was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
On the same day, members of the Constituent Assembly signed both the English and Hindi versions, ensuring equal authenticity and recognition of both texts.
Whip in Parliamentary System
A political party has issued a three-line whip (strict directive requiring members to vote as per party instructions) ahead of the upcoming Parliament session to ensure party discipline during crucial voting.
About Whip
A whip is a directive issued by political parties to ensure that their members attend the House and vote according to the party line, based on the conventions of parliamentary government (unwritten rules guiding legislative functioning).
Political parties appoint a Chief Whip (senior member responsible for party discipline), assisted by additional whips, to issue instructions and ensure compliance among members in the legislature.
Types of Whips
A one-line whip is the least strict, mainly used to inform members about a vote, allowing them the option to abstain.
A two-line whip is more binding, directing members to be present in the House during voting, though not necessarily dictating how to vote.
A three-line whip is the most stringent, requiring members to strictly follow the party’s voting direction, especially in critical matters such as no-confidence motions or key legislation.
Legal Implications of Defying a Whip
Under the anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule of the Constitution), a member can be disqualified by the Speaker or Chairman if they vote or abstain contrary to party directions without prior permission, ensuring legislative stability and party cohesion.
Exercise Dustlik
An Indian Army contingent has departed for the 7th edition of Exercise Dustlik, a joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan, aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.
Exercise Dustlik is conducted as an annual event, held alternatively in India and Uzbekistan, ensuring regular military engagement between the two countries.
The primary aim of the exercise is to foster military cooperation and interoperability (ability of forces to operate together effectively) between the two armies.
It also focuses on enhancing combined capabilities for joint operations in semi-mountainous terrain (regions with mixed plains and hilly features), which is crucial for modern combat preparedness.
Gaganyaan Mission & Integrated Air Drop Test
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test for the Gaganyaan mission, validating the safe descent and landing systems of the Crew Module, particularly the parachute deployment sequence under simulated flight conditions.
About Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan mission aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability by sending a crew of three astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO—about 400 km above Earth) for a 3-day mission and safely returning them to Earth with a splashdown in Indian sea waters.
To achieve this, ISRO plans to conduct two unmanned missions followed by one manned mission, ensuring system reliability and crew safety.
Three Key Components of the Mission
The mission uses the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM-3) (modified version of LVM3—India’s heavy-lift rocket adapted for human safety standards), which is a three-stage rocket system.
Its first stage consists of two solid-fuel boosters attached to the core, providing initial thrust during launch.
The second stage is powered by two liquid-fuelled clustered Vikas-2 engines, ensuring sustained propulsion.
The third stage uses the CE-20 cryogenic engine (engine using liquid hydrogen as fuel and liquid oxygen as oxidiser), enabling efficient operation in space.
The mission also includes an Orbital Module (habitable space environment for astronauts) that orbits Earth and supports crew survival.
Within this, the Crew Module is a pressurised cabin equipped with Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS—systems that regulate oxygen, temperature, and pressure) along with parachutes for safe landing.
The Service Module is an unpressurised unit carrying propulsion systems, power supply, thermal radiators, and essential resources like water and oxygen.
Additionally, the Crew Escape System (CES) acts as a critical safety mechanism, enabling rapid evacuation of astronauts in case of launch failure.
Significance of Gaganyaan Mission
The mission will enhance space diplomacy, as India will become the fourth country after United States, Russia, and China to achieve independent human spaceflight capability, opening avenues for international collaboration.
It will also strengthen advanced technological capabilities, enabling future missions such as sample return missions and development of projects like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (India’s planned space station).
Additionally, the mission is expected to drive economic growth, employment generation, and foster academia–industry partnerships, contributing to broader national development.
Climate Change and Poverty in India – NISER Study
A study by the National Institute of Science Education and Research, an autonomous institute under the Department of Atomic Energy, finds that climate shocks are increasingly intensifying poverty in India, based on analysis of 593 districts across 21 states, highlighting the need for urgent policy action.
Relationship between Climate Change and Poverty
Climate-induced economic stress is a major driver, as recurring floods (extreme weather events causing water inundation) damage crops, infrastructure, and homes, pushing vulnerable populations into cycles of loss and recovery.
Similarly, drought conditions create a “drought trap” (cycle of crop failure, income loss, and debt) in agriculture-dependent regions, increasing poverty levels.
Economic diversification acts as a buffer, as regions with a stronger service sector (non-agricultural economic activities like IT, trade, etc.) are less vulnerable to climate shocks and provide more stable incomes.
The study finds that a 1-unit increase in the service sector’s share in GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product—state-level economic output) reduces the probability of poverty by around 1.9%, indicating the importance of structural transformation.
Tribal populations (Scheduled Tribes—communities with traditional dependence on natural resources) are particularly vulnerable, as their livelihoods depend heavily on climate-sensitive resources, increasing their risk of poverty.
Way Forward
There is a need for region-specific policies, shifting from a one-size-fits-all approach to district-level targeted strategies, based on local climate vulnerabilities.
Strengthening implementation of frameworks like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC), and the SDG India Index (monitoring progress on Sustainable Development Goals) is essential for effective outcomes.
Promoting climate-resilient agriculture through drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems can reduce vulnerability of farmers.
Additionally, expanding non-farm employment opportunities, adopting integrated policymaking (coordination across sectors), and investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure can help mitigate climate-induced poverty.
Hubble Tension
A study by the H0 Distance Ladder Network Collaboration has reported a highly precise value of the Hubble Constant, providing new insights into the ongoing “Hubble tension” (discrepancy in measuring the universe’s expansion rate).
Hubble Constant
The Hubble Constant represents the current rate of expansion of the universe, expressed in km/s/Mpc (kilometres per second per megaparsec—rate at which galaxies move away per unit distance).
A megaparsec (Mpc) is a unit of astronomical distance equal to about 3.26 million light-years, used to measure vast cosmic scales.
About Hubble Tension
Hubble tension refers to the disagreement between two methods of measuring the universe’s expansion rate—one based on the nearby universe and the other on the early universe.
Measurements from the nearby universe (observations of relatively close galaxies in recent cosmic time) typically give a higher expansion rate, using methods like the distance ladder (stepwise measurement using standard candles such as stars and supernovae).
In contrast, measurements from the early universe—derived from the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB—faint radiation left over from shortly after the Big Bang)—predict a lower expansion rate, based on theoretical cosmological models.
This persistent mismatch suggests either unknown physics beyond current cosmological models or limitations in measurement techniques, making it one of the most significant unresolved problems in modern astrophysics.
Microbial Methane
McGill University study finds high microbial methane emissions from inactive oil wells
Microbial (biogenic) methane is methane gas produced by microorganisms, specifically archaea known as methanogens — through the decomposition of organic matter in oxygen-depleted (anaerobic) environments.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas driving near-term climate change.
It is a major component of the global carbon cycle, generated in wetlands, rice paddies, landfills and digestive systems of ruminants.
Transition Metals and New Research
Recent research has shown that aluminium (a non-transition metal) can mimic the catalytic behaviour of transition metals, potentially offering cost-effective and abundant alternatives in chemical processes.
About Transition Metals
Transition metals are metallic elements located in the d-block of the periodic table, acting as a bridge between the two sides of the periodic table (s-block and p-block elements).
These elements can easily gain or lose electrons, enabling them to form multiple oxidation states (different charge states), which is key to their chemical versatility.
Common examples include titanium, iron, nickel, and copper, widely used in industrial and technological applications.
General Properties
Transition metals are generally hard, strong, and lustrous (shiny), and possess high melting and boiling points, making them suitable for structural and industrial uses.
They are also good conductors of heat and electricity, which enhances their utility in various applications.
Applications
Transition metals are widely used as catalysts (substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed) in industrial processes.
For example, metals like palladium, platinum, and rhodium are used in important chemical reactions such as Heck and Suzuki reactions (methods used in drug synthesis and organic chemistry).
Project Cheetah
An Indian-born female cheetah at Kuno National Park has given birth to four cubs in the wild, marking a significant milestone in the success of Project Cheetah, particularly in natural breeding.
About Project Cheetah
Project Cheetah, launched in 2022, aims to reintroduce cheetahs into India by translocating African cheetahs (relocation of species from one region to another) to suitable habitats.
The project operates under the broader framework of Project Tiger (India’s flagship wildlife conservation programme), leveraging existing conservation infrastructure.
It is the world’s first intercontinental translocation of a large wild carnivore, making it a unique conservation experiment.
Under this initiative, 8 cheetahs from Namibia were introduced in 2022, followed by 12 from South Africa in 2023, and 9 from Botswana in 2026, gradually building a viable population.
Institutional Framework
The project is implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 2006).
To oversee the project, a Cheetah Project Steering Committee was constituted in 2023 by NTCA, responsible for monitoring, evaluation, and providing expert guidance on implementation.
Project Him Sarovar
Centre pushes Project HIM SAROVAR to ensure year-round water security in Ladakh.
About Project Him Sarovar
The initiative aims to conserve snowmelt and rainwater through creation of water bodies to address water scarcity in Ladakh.
Targets: Development of 50 water bodies based on ground-level experience to ensure year-round water availability and support irrigation for farmers.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
The first Conference of the CPA India Region (Zone–VII) has recently concluded, highlighting efforts to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and democratic practices within the region.
About Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), headquartered in London, was established in 1911 as an international inter-parliamentary organisation within the Commonwealth.
Its primary objective is the advancement of parliamentary democracy and good governance, by promoting dialogue, capacity building, and institutional strengthening among legislatures.
The CPA has a broad membership of around 180 national, state, and provincial legislatures, which are organised into 9 geographic regions across the Commonwealth, ensuring wide representation.
It also publishes “The Parliamentarian” journal, a key platform for sharing best practices, research, and developments in parliamentary functioning worldwide.
Mahatma Jyotirao Phule – 200th Birth Anniversary
The celebration of the 200th birth anniversary of Jyotirao Phule has commenced, recognising his pioneering role in social reform and upliftment of marginalized communities in India.
About Jyotirao Phule (1827–1890)
Jyotirao Phule was born in 1827 in Maharashtra into the Mali community (a socially backward agrarian caste), shaping his early understanding of social inequality.
He was conferred the title “Mahatma” by Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar, in recognition of his contributions to society.
Known as the “Father of Indian Social Revolution”, Phule dedicated his life to the upliftment of backward classes, women, and the abolition of the caste system.
His major works include Satyashodhak (weekly newspaper), Gulamgiri (critique of caste oppression), Brahmananche Kasab, Sarvajanik Satyadharma Pustak, and Shetkaryacha Asud (analysis of agrarian exploitation).
Contribution towards Subaltern Classes
Phule was among the first to unite Shudras and Ati-Shudras (historically oppressed castes including “untouchables”) as a single oppressed group, giving a collective identity to marginalized communities.
He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873, aimed at challenging the caste-based social order (varna system) and promoting equality.
He emphasised education as liberation, establishing schools for Mahar and Mang communities (excluded groups), and highlighted this idea in his play “Tritiya Ratna” (importance of knowledge for emancipation).
His book Gulamgiri (1873) drew parallels between caste oppression in India and slavery in America, aiming to generate global awareness and critique social injustice.
Contribution towards Women
Phule, along with his wife Savitribai Phule, started the first school for girls in Pune in 1848, marking a milestone in women’s education in India.
He established the Home for the Prevention of Infanticide (Baal Hatya Pratibandhak Griha) in 1863, and actively advocated for widow remarriage and women’s rights.
Contribution towards Peasants and Poor
Through his work Shetkaryacha Asud, Phule analysed the exploitation of peasants by moneylenders and colonial bureaucracy, highlighting agrarian distress.
He advocated for free and compulsory primary education before the Hunter Commission (1882) and opposed the downward filtration theory (education trickling from elites to masses).
He also promoted simple and inexpensive Satyashodhak marriages (without Brahmin priests), reducing social and economic burdens on poor families.
NSTFDC and Tribal Entrepreneurship
The Union Minister Jual Oram highlighted the role of the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) as a catalyst for tribal entrepreneurship, during its 25th Foundation Day celebrations.
About NSTFDC
The NSTFDC, established in 2001, is an apex organisation (top-level institution) functioning under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aimed at promoting socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes.
Its primary objective is to provide financial assistance (loans and support) for income-generating activities and sustainable livelihood opportunities among Scheduled Tribes (STs—constitutionally recognized disadvantaged communities).
Over the years, NSTFDC has achieved significant outreach by extending around 16.8 lakh loans amounting to ₹4,400 crore, supporting livelihood creation.
The corporation plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth (ensuring benefits reach all sections of society), fostering tribal entrepreneurship, and enhancing economic empowerment of marginalized communities.
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