Daily Current Affairs - 24th & 25th April 2026
- Kaushal
- 3 days ago
- 20 min read
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | Strait of Malacca Chokepoint & Hormuz Crisis, UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2026, India–Egypt Defence Cooperation Plan 2026–27, Loss and Damage Fund (FRLD) Concerns, UN ESCAP Economic Survey 2026, CGTMSE Credit Guarantee Symposium, Mission Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, Swiss Re Insurance Outlook 2026–30, AI in Finance & RBI Prepaid Wallet Proposal, Online Gaming Rules 2026, Information Warfare Doctrine, First Gene Therapy for Genetic Hearing Loss, Sugarcane (Control) Order 2026 & Ethanol Push, FAO–WMO Extreme Heat Report, Sustainable Aviation Fuel Targets, Flex Fuel Vehicles Transition, Evaporative Demand & Global Drought Study and more.
Table of Content
SECURITY / DEFENCE
SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT
India–Egypt Defence Cooperation
India and Egypt adopted a Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan for 2026–27 during the 11th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting held in Cairo from April 20–22, 2026, strengthening strategic ties.
The India–Egypt JDC (institutional mechanism for defence dialogue) focused on enhancing structured military interaction mechanisms (formal engagement frameworks), joint training exchanges, maritime security cooperation (protection of sea lanes and resources), complex military exercises, and collaboration in defence production and technology.
The Indian delegation highlighted the rapid growth of the Indian defence manufacturing sector, noting that production has crossed US $20 billion, with exports worth around US $4 billion to over 100 countries, indicating expanding global reach.
Both countries agreed to develop a defence industry cooperation plan, with emphasis on co-development (joint design and innovation) and co-production (joint manufacturing), making defence industry collaboration a key pillar of bilateral ties.
On the sidelines, the inaugural Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks (direct naval-level engagement mechanism) were held, marking a new dimension in maritime cooperation.
The Indian delegation also paid tribute at the Heliopolis War Memorial, honouring Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I and II.
A major milestone in relations was the MoU on defence cooperation signed in September 2022, followed by the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2023, reflecting deepening engagement.
Egypt: Key Facts
Egypt (capital: Cairo) is located in northeastern Africa, acting as a geopolitical bridge between Africa and Asia.
It shares land boundaries with Libya (west), Sudan (south), and Israel and Gaza Strip (northeast).
Its maritime boundaries include the Mediterranean Sea (north) and the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba (east), giving it strategic maritime importance.
The country is dominated by the Nile, with the Nile Delta (fertile region at the river’s mouth into the Mediterranean Sea) located in the north.
Egypt features major deserts such as the Western Desert and Eastern Desert, which cover most of its land area.
The Sinai Peninsula is a triangular landmass linking Africa and Asia, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south.
It also hosts Lake Nasser, a large artificial lake formed by the Aswan High Dam, playing a key role in water storage and hydroelectric power.
United Kingdom Tobacco Law
The United Kingdom has passed a landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill that effectively blocks cigarette sales to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, creating a smoke-free generation policy.
Under this law, the legal age for purchasing tobacco will increase by one year annually (rolling age ban), meaning that children currently aged 17 and below, and future generations, will never legally buy cigarettes.
The move is driven by public health concerns, as smoking causes around 64,000 deaths and 400,000 hospital admissions annually in England, placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems.
Economically, smoking costs the National Health Service (NHS) about £3 billion annually, while overall economic losses exceed £20 billion, reflecting productivity and health-related costs.
Alongside tobacco, vaping (use of electronic nicotine delivery systems) has come under scrutiny due to rising use among youth and risks of nicotine dependence (addiction to nicotine).
The government had earlier banned single-use (disposable) vapes, citing concerns related to youth uptake and environmental damage, and the new bill expands regulation.
It empowers authorities to control flavours and packaging of tobacco and vaping products through secondary legislation (rules made under an existing law), strengthening regulatory oversight.
New Zealand in 2022 became the first country to enact such a law against smoking, banning the sale of cigarettes to those born after 2008. But a newly elected conservative coalition repealed the law in November 2023, less than a year after it was introduced.
3.The Maldives in November last year banned the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after January 1, 2007.
United Kingdom: Political Features
The UK is a constitutional monarchy (monarch as head of state under a constitution) and parliamentary democracy (elected legislature governs), comprising Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and Northern Ireland.
It is located in north-western Europe, strategically positioned near continental Europe.
The UK is surrounded by important maritime boundaries, including the English Channel (separates England and France), the Irish Sea, and the North Sea, which influence trade and climate.
Geographical Features
The UK experiences a temperate maritime climate (moderate temperatures with regular rainfall influenced by the ocean).
Major rivers include the Severn and Thames, which are important for transport and settlements.
The most mountainous regions are Scotland and Wales, with the highest peak being Ben Nevis, located in Scotland.
The Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD)
Several international organisations have warned that the Loss and Damage Fund may run dry without fresh financial contributions.
About FRLD
Establishment: Created under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at COP27 (Sharm el-Sheikh 2022) and operationalized at COP28 (Dubai 2023).
Mandate: Assist vulnerable developing countries in addressing economic and non-economic loss and damage from climate change.
It supports Finance recovery, rebuilding and adaptation from climate-induced impacts like extreme and slow-onset events.
Functioning: Promotes country-led, locally driven solutions
Financing: Mobilizes funds via government contributions, private sector and innovative mechanisms.
Its Secretariat is hosted by the World Bank, which also serves as the fund trustee.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 has been released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, providing insights into regional economic trends and projections.
According to the report, India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 (after 7.4% in 2025) and further accelerate to 6.6% in 2027, indicating sustained but slightly moderated growth.
About UN ESCAP
The UN ESCAP is an intergovernmental platform (forum where multiple governments collaborate on regional issues) focused on promoting economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region.
It was originally established in 1947 as the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE), reflecting its historical roots in post-war regional cooperation.
It is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations and reports to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which coordinates global economic and social policies.
The commission has 53 Member States and 9 Associate Members, making it one of the largest regional UN bodies.
Its membership also includes countries outside the Asia-Pacific region, such as the United Kingdom and France, enhancing global cooperation.
India is a founding member of UN ESCAP, actively participating in regional economic initiatives.
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)
The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) recently organised a global symposium on Credit Guarantees (financial instruments that reduce lending risk), highlighting its role in strengthening MSME financing.
About CGTMSE
CGTMSE was established in 2000 with the objective of improving access to credit for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) (small-scale businesses critical for employment and economic growth).
It was jointly set up by the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), ensuring institutional support from both government and development finance institutions.
The primary aim of CGTMSE is to enhance formal credit availability without requiring collateral (assets pledged as security) by providing credit guarantees to both new and existing MSEs.
Under its mechanism, if a bank provides a collateral-free loan to an MSE and the borrower defaults (fails to repay), CGTMSE covers 75–90% of the loss, thereby reducing risk for lenders and encouraging credit flow.
It operates the Credit Guarantee Scheme for the MSE sector, which plays a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion and supporting entrepreneurship.
Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
Bihar has launched its first-ever structured pulse procurement initiative under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, marking a significant step towards strengthening domestic pulse production and farmer support systems.
About the Mission
The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses (protein-rich legume crops) by increasing domestic production, reducing import dependence, and improving farmers’ incomes sustainably.
It sets a target to scale up pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes and expand cultivation area to 310 lakh hectares by 2030–31, indicating a comprehensive growth strategy.
The mission was announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 and subsequently approved on 1st October 2025, reflecting policy prioritisation of food security.
It will be implemented over a 6-year period (2025–26 to 2030–31), ensuring a medium-term structured approach.
The mission is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, which oversees agricultural development policies in India.
It focuses on key pulse crops such as Tur/Arhar (pigeon pea—major kharif pulse), Urad (black gram), and Masoor (red lentil), which are essential for nutritional security and soil health (due to nitrogen fixation).
India’s Insurance Market Outlook (2026–2030)
The report on India's economic and insurance market outlook 2026–2030 by Swiss Re projects a rapid expansion of India’s insurance sector, with premium growth expected to accelerate to 6.9% during 2026–2030.
Role of Insurance in the Economy
Insurance plays a key role in resource mobilization (pooling of funds) by providing long-term capital for economic growth and infrastructure development.
It ensures financial protection (income security) by safeguarding individuals and businesses against unexpected risks such as accidents, disasters, or illness.
It contributes to social protection (welfare coverage) by ensuring accessible health and livelihood support, especially for vulnerable populations.
Insurance also promotes enhanced safety standards, as it incentivises risk-reducing behaviour (lower claims lead to lower premiums).
Insurance Sector in India
Globally, India ranks as the 10th largest insurance market by premiums, reflecting its growing importance.
Insurance penetration (premium as a percentage of GDP) stands at 3.7%, with life insurance at 2.7% and non-life insurance at 1%, indicating scope for expansion.
Insurance density (per capita premium) is around USD 97.0, showing relatively low coverage compared to developed economies.
In terms of household financial assets, the share of insurance and pension funds has increased to 29.6% in FY25, indicating rising financial awareness and long-term savings.
The life insurance segment dominates, accounting for 91% of total assets managed on behalf of clients, highlighting its central role in the sector.
Steps Taken to Strengthen the Sector
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed the vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”, aiming for universal insurance coverage.
Policy reforms include the 2025 amendment raising the FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) limit to 100%, to attract capital and advanced technology.
To improve affordability, GST (Goods and Services Tax) has been removed from individual life and health insurance policies, reducing cost for consumers.
For consumer protection, the moratorium period in health insurance has been reduced to 5 years, after which claims cannot be rejected for non-disclosure (except in cases of fraud).
Social security schemes further expand coverage, including Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (₹2 lakh life insurance cover), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (accidental cover at ₹20 annual premium), and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (free health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family, including senior citizens aged 70+), enhancing inclusivity.
Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Finance
Artificial Intelligence (AI—technology enabling machines to simulate human intelligence) has the potential to transform financial services, improving customer experience, risk monitoring, and regulatory oversight, but without safeguards it may also amplify existing systemic weaknesses.
Significance of AI in Finance
AI enhances customer interaction by enabling multi-lingual chatbots (automated conversational systems) that provide simpler, faster, and more intuitive responses.
It improves credit delivery by going beyond traditional methods (like collateral and financial statements) and analysing transaction patterns, repayment behaviour, and business activity, thereby expanding access to finance.
AI strengthens fraud detection and risk management by identifying unusual patterns, flagging suspicious transactions, and enabling faster intervention.
It supports compliance and supervision by processing large volumes of data, detecting patterns, and highlighting anomalies for regulators and institutions.
Associated Concerns
AI systems may lead to bias and unfair outcomes, as they are trained on historical data that may reflect existing inequalities and exclusions.
The “black box” nature (lack of transparency in decision-making) of AI models can produce outcomes that are difficult to interpret or justify to users and regulators.
There are serious data privacy concerns, since financial data is highly sensitive personal information requiring strong protection.
Model and concentration risks arise when multiple institutions rely on similar AI systems, meaning a flawed model could affect large numbers of customers simultaneously.
AI also increases cyber risks, as malicious actors can use it to create advanced phishing attacks and deepfakes (AI-generated fake media).
Key Recommendations for Responsible AI in Finance
Human responsibility must be maintained, ensuring that AI supports decision-making but final accountability remains with humans.
Strong data governance (framework for managing data securely and ethically) should be implemented across the entire data lifecycle (collection, storage, processing, and usage).
Institutional capacity needs strengthening through training of risk managers, regulators, and professionals, including academic preparation.
AI systems should promote inclusivity, ensuring financial services are simpler, safer, and accessible to marginalised populations.
Key Applications of AI in Indian Banking
AI-powered chatbots are widely used, such as SBI Intelligent Assistant by State Bank of India and Baroda Brainy by Bank of Baroda, improving customer service.
In fraud detection, platforms like SBI’s YONO (digital banking app) use AI to prevent fraudulent transactions and enhance security.
AI also enables fast customer service delivery, as seen in HDFC Bank’s EVA (Electronic Virtual Assistant) developed by HDFC Bank, which handled a large number of queries efficiently within months of adoption.
Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs)
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a draft paper proposing the introduction of prepaid wallets for special use cases such as foreign nationals or non-resident Indians (NRIs) in India.
About Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs)
PPIs are instruments that facilitate purchase of goods and services, conduct of financial services, enable remittance facilities, etc., against the value stored therein.
E.g. Digital Wallet
Issuers: It can be issued by banks and non-banks.
Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026
The Government has notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026, framed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to operationalise the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025, establishing a structured regulatory framework for online gaming in India.
Key Highlights of the Rules
The Rules establish the Online Gaming Authority of India (a regulatory body) as an attached office of MeitY, with its head office in Delhi, consisting of six members chaired by the Additional Secretary of MeitY.
The Authority is tasked with inquiring into complaints, issuing compliance orders, and publishing a list of determined online money games (games involving financial stakes).
The Rules introduce a determination test (criteria-based evaluation) to classify whether a game qualifies as an online money game, based on factors such as payment of fees and expectation of monetary gain.
Registration of online games is not mandatory for all, but is required for notified games based on risk, scale, transaction volume, origin, and for all e-sports offerings (competitive video gaming platforms).
To ensure protection, user safety features (technical, procedural, behavioural safeguards) are mandated, particularly for vulnerable users such as children.
A two-tier grievance redressal mechanism is provided, where users can first approach internal grievance systems set up by service providers, and subsequently appeal to the Appellate Authority (Secretary, MeitY), with each level expected to resolve issues within 30 days.
For enforcement, penalty proceedings are conducted digitally (online adjudication) and must be completed within 90 days of receiving a complaint, ensuring time-bound resolution.
About PROG Act, 2025
The PROG Act, 2025 establishes a robust legal framework to regulate online money gaming, aiming to curb harmful and predatory practices that may cause financial, psychological, and social distress.
At the same time, it promotes a regulated and growth-oriented ecosystem for e-sports and online social games, balancing innovation with regulation.
The framework aligns with India’s broader vision to become a global gaming and innovation hub, while ensuring user safety and responsible digital behaviour.
Information Warfare: The Changing Face of War
Information Warfare is increasingly emerging as the fourth dimension of warfare (alongside air, land, and sea), as seen in conflicts ranging from India’s Operation Sindoor to the ongoing US-Iran tensions, highlighting the growing role of digital influence in modern conflicts.
About Information Warfare
Information Warfare refers to the collection, distribution, modification, disruption, interference, corruption, and degradation of information to gain a strategic advantage over an adversary.
It involves the use of digital platforms and social media to manipulate public opinion, influence political discourse, and shape social norms, making it a powerful non-kinetic tool (non-physical warfare method).
Tactics Used
Common tactics include disinformation campaigns (spreading false or manipulated content such as morphed images or AI-generated videos) and fake news (misleading information presented as credible news).
Adversaries also exploit social media algorithms (systems that determine content visibility) to amplify selective narratives and control information reach, influencing perception at scale.
Key Features
Information warfare is characterised by low entry cost (easy access to digital tools), making it accessible even to non-state actors.
It focuses heavily on perception management (shaping beliefs about victory or defeat) and psychological manipulation of populations, often without direct physical conflict.
Traditional intelligence systems face challenges in detecting such threats, due to their diffuse and rapidly evolving nature.
Information Warfare and India
India’s current approach remains largely reactive, focusing on deterrence, defence, and fact-checking, rather than proactive narrative-building and offensive capabilities.
Way Forward
India needs enhanced inter-ministerial coordination and dedicated funding for offensive cyber and psychological operations to strengthen its capabilities.
It should also leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI—machine-based intelligent systems) to proactively disseminate its narratives and collaborate with social media platforms to curb disinformation effectively.
Initiatives to Counter Information Warfare in India
The government promotes digital literacy (ability to critically evaluate online content) through programmes like Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan and National Digital Literacy Mission.
In terms of military preparedness, steps include the creation of the Director General Information Warfare post in the Indian Army, enhancing strategic capabilities.
Additional measures include the PIB Fact Check Unit (government body to verify misinformation), WhatsApp chatbot services, and government-led social media rapid response teams, aimed at countering misinformation in real time.
First-Ever Gene Therapy for Genetic Hearing Loss
The first-ever gene therapy for treating genetic hearing loss, named Otarmeni, developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration under the National Priority Voucher Program, marking a major breakthrough in medical science.
Key Highlights of the Therapy
The therapy targets hearing loss caused by OTOF gene mutations (genetic defects in a specific hearing-related gene).
The OTOF gene codes for otoferlin (a protein essential for inner ear function), which helps convert sound vibrations into electrical signals interpreted by the brain.
When an individual inherits two defective copies of the OTOF gene (one from each parent), it leads to severe-to-profound hearing loss, accounting for 2%–8% of inherited, non-syndromic (not associated with other disorders) hearing loss cases.
Otarmeni is a one-time biologic-device combination therapy (treatment combining biological components and delivery devices), using a dual adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1) vector system.
It works by delivering a functional copy of the OTOF gene into inner hair cells (sensory cells of the ear responsible for hearing), thereby restoring otoferlin production and normal auditory signalling.
The use of dual adeno-associated virus (AAV) therapy means that two viral vectors (modified harmless viruses used for gene delivery) are employed to effectively transport the therapeutic gene into target cells.
About Gene Therapy
Gene therapy refers to a set of medical techniques used to correct defective genes, typically by inserting functional genes into a patient’s cells and tissues to treat disease at its root cause.
In this process, a vector (carrier, often a modified virus) is used to deliver the therapeutic gene into target cells, enabling proper cellular function.
NGT Directions on Groundwater Contamination
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed state governments to take urgent measures to mitigate arsenic and fluoride contamination in groundwater (presence of harmful chemical elements in underground water sources affecting health).
This directive aims to address serious public health risks, as prolonged exposure to arsenic (toxic element causing skin lesions, cancer) and fluoride (excess levels leading to fluorosis—bone and dental damage) can have severe consequences.
The NGT has also instructed the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) to regularly monitor the mitigation measures implemented by states, ensuring consistent oversight.
Additionally, CGWA has been tasked with ensuring timely remedial action (corrective measures to reduce contamination levels) wherever groundwater quality issues persist.
Sugar Sector Reforms and Ethanol Promotion
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution has released the draft Sugarcane (Control) Order, 2026, which seeks to replace the 1966 order and modernise regulations in the sugar sector, with a strong focus on boosting ethanol production (biofuel derived from sugarcane).
Key Features of the Draft Order
The draft expands provisions for ethanol production by redefining a sugar factory to include facilities producing ethanol from sugarcane juice, syrup, sugar, and molasses (by-product of sugar processing).
It also provides incentives by exempting ethanol-only factories from the ₹2 crore performance bank guarantee (financial security deposit), encouraging investment in biofuel production.
A conversion rate formula has been introduced, where 600 litres of ethanol is treated as equivalent to one tonne of sugar production, helping in standardised accounting and policy planning.
To protect farmers, the draft mandates timely payment of Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) within 14 days of sugarcane delivery, failing which interest penalty of 15% per annum will be imposed on sugar mills.
The order also brings Khandsari sugar (traditional unrefined sugar) under the FRP regime and subjects it to mandatory licensing, ensuring better regulation of the sector.
About Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)
FRP is the minimum price fixed by the central government at which sugar mills are legally bound to procure sugarcane from farmers, ensuring income security.
It is determined based on factors such as cost of production, returns from alternative crops, sugar recovery rate (amount of sugar extracted from cane), value of by-products, consumer affordability, and reasonable farmer margins.
The price is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
Some states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand fix a State Advised Price (SAP), which is generally higher than FRP, offering additional support to farmers.
Status of Sugar Sector in India
India is the second-largest sugar producer in the world after Brazil, making it a key player in the global sugar market.
Major sugarcane-producing states include Uttar Pradesh (largest producer), followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka, which drive production and supply.
Extreme Heat and Agriculture Report
The report titled “Extreme Heat and Agriculture” released jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Meteorological Organization warns that extreme heat is pushing global and Indian agrifood systems (food production, processing, and distribution systems) to the brink.
Key Highlights for Indian Agriculture
The report highlights serious food security risks, as heatwaves (prolonged periods of extreme temperature) threaten rice and wheat production, particularly in the Ganges and Indus river basins, which face the most intense impacts.
It also projects declining yields in fruits, vegetables, dairy, and poultry, due to increased insect pests, disease outbreaks, and rainfall deficits, all aggravated by rising temperatures.
Another major concern is the threat to agricultural workers, as under high-emission scenarios (continued high greenhouse gas emissions), wet-bulb temperature extremes could reduce work capacity by up to 40% by the end of the 21st century.
Wet-bulb temperature (combined measure of heat and humidity) represents the lowest temperature achievable through evaporation, indicating how effectively the human body can cool itself through sweating, making it a critical indicator of heat stress risk.
Recommendations and Adaptation Strategies
The report suggests on-farm adaptation measures, including heat-tolerant crop varieties and livestock breeds, adjusted planting schedules, and improved management practices like efficient irrigation and shading.
It emphasises the importance of early warning systems (forecast-based alerts such as seasonal outlooks) to help farmers anticipate risks and take preventive actions.
Improving access to financial services such as cash transfers, crop insurance, and shock-responsive social protection (support systems activated during crises) is crucial to help farmers recover and avoid falling into poverty traps.
The report also stresses climate change mitigation, calling for a transition away from high-emission pathways to protect long-term global food security.
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was established in 1945 as a specialised UN agency leading global efforts to eradicate hunger and improve food security.
Its headquarters are located in Rome, and it has 194 members (193 countries + European Union), with India as a founding member.
Key FAO reports include The State of the World’s Forests and The State of Food and Agriculture, which guide global policy.
About WMO
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was established in 1950 as a specialised UN agency responsible for international cooperation in meteorology (weather science), hydrology (water science), and climate studies.
It originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO, 1873) and is headquartered in Geneva.
WMO has 193 members (187 states and 6 territories), including India, and co-founded the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 1988 with United Nations Environment Programme, which assesses climate change science globally.
Twisters (Tornadoes)
Massive weather phenomena called twisters were recently observed in the United States, referring to tornadoes (violently rotating columns of air connecting a thunderstorm to the ground).
A tornado can reach wind speeds of up to 500 km per hour, making it one of the most destructive atmospheric events.
These systems form when warm, moist air collides with cold, dry air, creating atmospheric instability (unstable air conditions leading to storms) and strong updrafts (rising air currents) within a thunderstorm.
The presence of wind shear (change in wind speed or direction with height) causes the air to start rotating horizontally, which can then be tilted vertically by updrafts, leading to the formation of a spinning vortex.
When this rotation intensifies and extends from the cloud to the ground, it becomes a fully developed tornado (twister).
The highest frequency of tornadoes occurs in the “Tornado Alley” region, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, due to favourable atmospheric conditions.
Limnonectes Motijheel
Scientists discover new frog species in Arunachal Pradesh, Limnonectes Motijheel.
About the new Frog Species
It belongs to a group commonly called Fanged Frogs, named for small, fang-like projections in the lower jaw of the males.
These frogs are found across South and Southeast Asia and are known for their unusual breeding habits.
The new species has been placed within the genus Limnonectes.
Unlike most frogs that lay eggs in water or on leaves, this species builds a nest out of mud beneath leaf litter on the forest floor.
This is a behaviour not previously recorded in this group from India.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The Government has allowed the blending of ethanol (biofuel from crops) and synthetic hydrocarbons (lab-produced fuel compounds) into Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF—jet fuel derived from crude oil refining), marking a step towards cleaner aviation energy.
About Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a liquid aviation fuel produced from alternative feedstocks (raw materials) such as waste oils and fats, municipal waste, and non-food crops, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
SAF is significant because it can reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel.
It can be blended with traditional ATF in varying proportions (typically 10% to 50%), depending on the feedstock used and production process, ensuring compatibility with existing aircraft engines.
India’s Targets and Global Framework
India aims to blend 1% SAF into jet fuel for international flights by 2027, increasing to 2% by 2028 and 5% by 2030, aligning with global climate commitments.
These targets are in line with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), led by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which aims to reduce aviation emissions globally.
Currently, no blending targets have been specified for domestic aviation fuel, indicating a phased implementation approach.
Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)
India is considering a transition to Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil (petroleum imports) and promote alternative fuels like ethanol.
About FFVs
Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are specially modified vehicles capable of operating on gasoline (petrol) or any blend of gasoline and ethanol, typically up to E83 (83% ethanol and 17% petrol).
Modern FFVs are increasingly designed to run on higher ethanol blends, including E100 (pure ethanol), enhancing fuel flexibility.
These vehicles use a conventional internal combustion engine (engine that burns fuel to produce energy) similar to standard petrol vehicles, but are equipped with an ethanol-compatible fuel system (materials resistant to ethanol corrosion) and adjusted powertrain calibration (engine tuning for optimal fuel combustion).
FFVs can offer improved acceleration performance when operating on higher ethanol blends, due to ethanol’s higher octane rating (measure of fuel efficiency and resistance to knocking).
Evaporative Demand and Global Drought
A study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment highlights that the global drought in 2025 affected nearly 30% of the Earth’s land area, indicating the growing intensity of climate-related water stress.
The study emphasises that modern droughts are increasingly driven not just by rainfall deficits (lack of precipitation), but by high evaporative demand (atmospheric demand for moisture).
About Evaporative Demand
Evaporative demand refers to the maximum amount of water that could evaporate and transpire (combined loss of water from soil and plants) if sufficient moisture is available, effectively measuring the “thirst of the atmosphere.”
It is controlled by key climatic factors such as temperature (heat levels), humidity (amount of moisture in air), wind speed (air movement), and solar radiation (sunlight energy).
The mechanism works such that higher temperatures increase evapotranspiration (combined evaporation + plant transpiration), which dries out soils and vegetation, even in conditions where irrigation or moderate rainfall is present.
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary has been designated as India’s 99th Ramsar Site, recognising its importance as a wetland of international significance.
Ramsar Sites are wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention (1971) (an international treaty for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands).
About Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located in Aligarh and serves as an important freshwater ecosystem.
It is a freshwater perennial water body (water present throughout the year) that originated after the construction of the Upper Ganges Canal in 1852, linking it to irrigation infrastructure.
The wetland supports notable bird species such as the Indian river tern (Sterna aurantia) and the sarus crane (Grus antigone), both important for biodiversity conservation.
It has also been recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, highlighting its ecological value for bird habitats.
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