Daily Current Affairs - 27th & 28th March 2026
- Kaushal
- Mar 28
- 19 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | India–Nepal Relations & Strategic Significance, India–Iran Civilizational Ties, Impact of Iran War on Global Agriculture, India as a Global Electro-Tech Manufacturing Hub, RBI Payments Vision 2028, PLFS Annual Report 2025, Paternity Leave as a Social Security Benefit, IT Act Section 79(3)(b) & I4C, Defence Acquisition Council and S-400 Systems, Tunguska Air Defence System, Shigellosis Outbreak, Cloud Seeding Technology, Global Initiative on Migratory Species (CMS), TRP Policy 2026, Zoji La Pass Avalanche and more.
Table of Content
REPORTS & INDICES
SOCIAL ISSUES
MISCELLANY
The Prime Minister of India congratulated Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal, while expressing intent to deepen India–Nepal friendship and cooperation, highlighting the importance of bilateral ties.
Importance of Nepal for India
Nepal holds strategic and security significance, as it acts as a buffer state (a country situated between two powerful nations to reduce direct conflict) between India and China, thereby contributing to the security of India’s northern borders.
Under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy (a foreign policy approach prioritising relations with neighbouring countries), Nepal plays a vital role in regional stability and cooperation, also influencing India’s engagement with BIMSTEC (a regional grouping for economic and technical collaboration).
Nepal is also important for regional economic influence, as India is Nepal’s largest trading partner, strengthening India’s economic presence in South Asia.
In terms of water resource management, Nepal’s river systems are crucial for India’s water security, particularly affecting flood control and irrigation in northern states.
The relationship is further strengthened by military integration, as the Indian Army’s Gorkha regiments include around 32,000 Nepali soldiers, reflecting deep defence cooperation and mutual trust.
Additionally, strong cultural and people-to-people ties exist, often described as the “Roti-Beti relationship” (symbolising shared culture through intermarriage and social exchanges).
Challenges in India–Nepal Relations
One major issue is boundary disputes, particularly over regions such as Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Susta, which remain unresolved territorial disagreements.
The China factor poses another challenge, as Nepal’s growing proximity to China, including engagement with the Belt and Road Initiative, affects strategic dynamics.
There are also water-sharing disagreements related to agreements on rivers like the Mahakali, Koshi, and Gandak, impacting bilateral trust.
Several hydropower projects, such as Pancheshwar, Arun III, and Upper Karnali, have faced delays, slowing progress in energy cooperation.
Finally, the open border system (free movement of people across the India–Nepal border) creates challenges such as illegal trade, human trafficking, and security concerns, requiring better coordination.
The historical relationship between India and Iran reflects deep civilizational ties, where the Iranian (Persian) influence significantly shaped India’s art, architecture, administration, and culture, making the connection highly fruitful over centuries.
Key Persian Invaders that Laid the Foundation of Ties
Cyrus (558–530 B.C.), the greatest conqueror of the Achaemenian Empire (ancient Persian empire), was the first to lead an expedition into India, capturing the Gandhara region (north-western part of the Indian subcontinent).
Darius I (522–486 B.C.), the grandson of Cyrus, further expanded Persian influence by conquering the Indus Valley in 518 B.C. and annexing Punjab and Sindh, thereby strengthening early Indo-Persian connections.
Persian Influence on Key Areas
In administration, the Achaemenian statecraft (governance system of the Persian Empire) influenced Chandragupta Maurya when he established the first Indian Empire, and this influence continued even during the East India Company period, when Persian remained the official language of law and bureaucracy until reforms of 1832–37.
In literature, there are deep linguistic and textual connections, as the Rigveda (India’s oldest sacred text) and the Avesta (Iran’s religious text) share similarities, while Persian became the official language under Akbar in 1582, and many commonly used words such as kagaz, rasid, vakil, diwani, tahsil, and mohalla are derived from Persian.
In art, the Mughal period saw the introduction of Persian miniature painting techniques, particularly when Humayun invited renowned Persian artists Abdu Samad and Mir Sayyid Ali to his court.
In architecture, Persian influence appeared early during the Mauryan period, where the Kharoshti script (a form of Iranian writing) became popular in north-western India and was used in some Ashoka edicts, including the idea and wording of issuing edicts, which had Iranian inspiration.
This influence continued in the Mughal era, where Persian garden design (characterised by symmetrical layouts and water channels) inspired the “charbagh” style (four-part garden layout), visible in monuments like Humayun's Tomb and the Taj Mahal.
Beyond these, Persian influence extended to music and spirituality, with instruments like sitar and santur, genres such as qawwali and ghazal, and Sufi traditions (mystical Islamic practices emphasizing devotion and unity) shaping India’s cultural landscape.
A recent communiqué (official joint statement) issued by the Group of Seven (G7) has called for an “immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure” in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, reflecting its role in global diplomacy.
About Group of Seven (G7)
The G7 was established in 1975 (genesis) in response to the global energy crisis (sharp rise in oil prices and economic instability), with the aim of promoting economic and financial cooperation among major economies.
It is an informal bloc of industrialised democracies (a non-treaty-based group of advanced economies coordinating on global issues), rather than a formal international organisation.
The group currently consists of **seven member countries—France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan, United States, and Canada—representing major advanced economies.
Russia was also a member from 1998 to 2014, during which the group was known as the G8, but it was suspended following its annexation of Crimea in March 2014, due to geopolitical tensions.
The G7 meets annually to deliberate on key global issues such as global economic governance (management of international economic systems), international security, and energy policy, among other strategic concerns.
16th annual edition of QS World University Rankings by Subject was recently published.
Key Highlights
Published By: London-based, QS Quacquarelli Symonds.
Subjects: Ranks universities for 55 subjects sorted into five broad areas, namely, Arts and humanities; Engineering and technology; Life sciences and medicine; Natural sciences; Social sciences and management
Five Indicators: Academic reputation; Employer reputation; Research citations per paper; H-index ; International research network (by broad faculty area) .
Top positions from India: Indian School of Mines (IIT-ISM) Dhanbad, ranked 21st globally in Mineral and Mining Engineering, along with IIM Ahmedabad in both Business and Management Studies and Marketing.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran in the Middle Eastern region has disrupted global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz (a narrow sea passage crucial for global oil and commodity transport), thereby posing a significant threat to global agriculture systems.
Impact of War on Agriculture
One major impact is the disruption of fertilizer supply chains, as the Middle East serves as a critical hub for producing and exporting key agricultural inputs such as ammonia, urea, phosphate, and sulphur (essential chemicals required for crop nutrition and soil fertility).
This disruption leads to a surge in agricultural input costs, as shortages and logistical challenges increase the prices of fertilizers and related inputs, raising the cost of farming.
Consequently, there is global food price inflation, where the combined rise in energy prices (fuel for transport and production) and fertilizer costs increases the overall cost of food production, ultimately resulting in higher consumer food prices and raising concerns about global food affordability and security.
India’s agriculture sector continues to demonstrate resilience, contributing nearly one-fifth of Gross Value Added (GVA) (total value of goods and services produced in the economy) and employing around 46% of the workforce, making it a critical pillar of the economy.
Performance of Indian Agriculture (2024–25)
In 2024–25, India achieved record production levels, with foodgrain output reaching 357.73 million tonnes (MT) and horticulture production at 362.08 MT, indicating a shift toward high-value crops (fruits, vegetables, etc.).
Globally, India holds top rankings in agricultural production, being first in pulses, millets, dry onion (with nearly 25% of global output), coconut, and spices, highlighting its leadership in diverse crops.
It is also second globally in cereals (rice and wheat), fruits and vegetables, and cash crops such as sugarcane, cotton, and tea, reinforcing its position as a major agricultural producer.
Agricultural exports have grown significantly, rising from USD 34.5 billion in FY20 to USD 51.1 billion in FY25, reflecting increased global competitiveness.
Notably, the share of processed food exports increased from nearly 15% in FY18 to 20.4% in FY25, indicating a shift toward value addition and integration into global value chains.
Initiatives Taken for Agriculture in India
Under financial support measures, schemes like PM-KISAN have provided over ₹4.27 lakh crore (as of March 2026) for direct income support to farmers.
In terms of risk management, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has insured 4.19 crore farmers in 2024–25, protecting them against crop losses.
For institutional credit, there are 7.72 crore operative Kisan Credit Card accounts, ensuring access to affordable loans for farmers.
The government has also launched targeted missions, including the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (for rice, wheat, pulses, and nutri-cereals), the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31) (self-reliance in pulse production), and the National Mission on Edible Oils (to reduce import dependence).
Additional initiatives include 25 crore Soil Health Cards (by 2025) (documents providing soil nutrient status for better fertiliser use) and 6.85 lakh Seed Villages (localised quality seed production systems).
With digital integration, platforms like e-NAM have connected 1.8 crore farmers, improving market access and transparency.
Furthermore, the formation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by February 2026 (collective farmer groups for better bargaining power) has strengthened aggregation and market participation.
According to the World Economic Forum, India is emerging as a global electro-tech manufacturing hub, with its growth increasingly decoupled from carbon emissions (economic growth without proportional rise in emissions), unlike traditional industrialisation paths followed by the West and China, by focusing on “electrotech” (electronics, solar energy, and advanced battery systems).
Key Achievements of India
India’s electronics industry has grown six-fold in the last decade, reaching $130 billion in 2024–25 and generating 25 lakh jobs, with India becoming the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer.
In renewable energy, India has significantly scaled up solar capacity, with solar module capacity reaching 120 GW, contributing to 9% of total electricity generation in 2025.
India is also emerging as a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market (vehicles powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels), with electric three-wheelers accounting for nearly 60% of the market and passenger EV penetration approaching 5%.
Initiatives Taken by India
The government has implemented Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes (financial incentives tied to production output) across sectors like Advanced Chemistry Cells (battery storage technology) and automobiles & auto components, attracting over $4 billion in FDI since FY 2020 in electronics.
The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) aims to build a robust domestic electronics ecosystem, reducing dependence on imports.
Additionally, schemes like FAME India Scheme and PM E-DRIVE Scheme promote adoption of electric vehicles across segments such as e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-4Ws, e-trucks, e-buses, and e-ambulances, accelerating clean mobility transition.
Significance for India
India is positioning itself as a reliable global supplier, especially as advanced economies adopt the “China Plus One” strategy (diversifying supply chains away from China to reduce dependency).
Its “Clean First” development model (prioritising low-carbon industrial growth) provides a blueprint for the Global South, enhancing India’s role as a leader in a new electric industrial age.
Furthermore, this transition strengthens strategic autonomy (ability to make independent policy decisions), by reducing dependence on oil imports (and influence of petrostates) and enabling India to shift from a technology “taker” to a “maker”, thereby reducing geopolitical vulnerabilities.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the ‘Payments Vision 2028’ (a strategic roadmap for future payment systems), aiming to strengthen and expand India’s digital payments ecosystem (network of platforms, institutions, and technologies enabling digital transactions).
Challenges in Digital Payments Ecosystem
A key challenge is cross-border inefficiencies, where international payments remain complex, costly, and opaque due to multiple jurisdictions and regulatory differences (varying laws across countries).
Another concern is cybersecurity and fraud risks, as the rapid expansion of digital transactions increases vulnerability to cyberattacks, requiring continuous cyber resilience (ability to prevent and recover from cyber threats).
Additionally, banking transition friction affects users, as customers face difficulties in updating mandates (pre-authorised payment instructions) during bank switching or account migration.
Key Focus Areas of Payments Vision 2028
To address these issues, the RBI plans cross-border reforms, including exploring a single-window authorization process under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) and Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) to simplify international payments.
The vision also focuses on enhancing Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) interoperability (integration across platforms), which will improve MSME financing efficiency (access to working capital for small businesses).
It further proposes innovative initiatives such as “Switch On/Off” Facility (user control over payment channels), Payments Switching Service (PaSS) (a system for seamless transaction routing), and Uniform Domestic Legal Entity Identifier (DLEI) (a unique identification system for entities in financial transactions).
India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem
India has emerged as a global leader in digital payments, processing nearly 50% of global real-time digital transactions, highlighting its scale and innovation.
The ecosystem is supported by strong core infrastructure, including Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS, introduced in 2004—system for large-value instant transfers), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT—retail electronic fund transfer system), Electronic Clearing Services (ECS—bulk payment system), and the Cheque Truncation System (CTS—digital processing of cheques).
Institutional support was strengthened with the creation of the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS) within RBI in 2005 and the establishment of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2008 (umbrella organisation for retail payments).
The legal framework was reinforced through the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, granting RBI statutory authority to regulate payment systems in India.
Transformative platforms such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) have significantly expanded accessibility and efficiency of digital payments.
Further market expansion has been driven by Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) (digital wallets), TReDS platforms for MSME payments, and regulatory guidelines such as the Master Direction on Payment Aggregators, ensuring smoother digital commerce.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2025 (covering January–December 2025), released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, continues its role since its launch in 2017 in providing key labour market data.
From 2025 onwards, the survey period has been shifted from the agricultural year (July–June) to the calendar year (January–December), along with changes in survey methodology, improving data alignment and comparability.
About PLFS Report and Key Indicators
The report aims to estimate key employment and unemployment indicators, including Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) (share of population working or seeking work), Worker Population Ratio (WPR) (share of employed persons), and Unemployment Rate (UR) (share of unemployed within the labour force), using both Usual Status and Current Weekly Status (CWS) measures.
Usual Status (Principal + Subsidiary Activity Status) is determined based on a 365-day reference period, capturing long-term employment conditions.
In contrast, Current Weekly Status (CWS) is based on a 7-day reference period, reflecting short-term employment dynamics.
Key Highlights of PLFS 2025
The LFPR for individuals aged 15 years and above stood at 59.3%, with male participation at 79.1% and female participation at 40%, indicating a significant gender gap.
Among those not in the labour force, 69.8% of males cited continuing studies as the main reason, whereas 44.4% of females cited childcare and household responsibilities, reflecting socio-economic patterns.
The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for ages 15 and above was 57.4%, with 76.6% for males and 38.8% for females, highlighting disparities in employment.
The Unemployment Rate (UR) for persons aged 15 and above was 3.1%, with rural unemployment at 2.4% and urban unemployment at 4.8%, indicating relatively higher joblessness in urban areas.
The share of self-employed persons declined gradually from 58.2% in 2023 to 56.2% in 2025, suggesting structural changes in employment patterns.
In terms of sectoral employment, agriculture remains the largest employer, although its share has declined from 44.8% in 2024 to 43% in 2025, indicating a slow shift toward other sectors.
Indicator | Overall | Male | Female | Remarks / Explanation |
LFPR (Labour Force Participation Rate) (% of population working or seeking work) | 59.3% | 79.1% | 40% | Gender gap persists; lower female participation due to socio-economic factors |
Reason for not being in labour force | — | 69.8% (studies) | 44.4% (childcare/home-making) | Reflects gendered division of roles |
WPR (Worker Population Ratio) (% of employed persons in population) | 57.4% | 76.6% | 38.8% | Mirrors LFPR trend with gender disparity |
UR (Unemployment Rate) (% of unemployed in labour force) | 3.1% | — | — | Indicates relatively low unemployment overall |
UR (Rural vs Urban) | Rural: 2.4% | — | — | Urban: 4.8% (higher due to job competition and structural issues) |
Share of Self-Employed | 56.2% (2025) | — | — | Declined from 58.2% (2023) indicating gradual structural shift |
Agriculture Employment Share | 43% (2025) | — | — | Declined from 44.8% (2024) but remains largest employer |
Recently, a private bank took action against individuals for alleged involvement in mis-selling of Additional Tier-1 (AT-1) bonds.
About AT-1 Bonds
Type of debt instrument issued by banks to strengthen their capital base.
Key Features:
Perpetual: Unlike regular bonds (government, corporate, etc) with a fixed maturity date, AT-1 bonds have no maturity date.
Convertible to Equity: In a financial distress situation.
High Risk, High Reward: Due to their risk profile, they offer higher interest rates than traditional bonds.
Issued by: Banks at the direction of the RBI.
The Supreme Court of India, in the case of Hamsaanandini Nanduri vs Union Of India, observed the need to recognise paternity leave as a social security benefit (state-supported provision ensuring welfare and protection of workers).
About Paternity Leave
Paternity leave refers to a period of paid or unpaid leave granted to a father after the birth or adoption of a child, enabling him to participate in early childcare and support the mother during the postnatal phase (period immediately after childbirth).
In India, although there is no universal legal recognition of paternity leave, the concept exists in limited forms, such as under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules (government employee regulations), which provide 15 days of paternity leave to male government employees.
Additionally, the Paternity And Parental Benefit Bill, 2025 (a proposed law introduced by a non-minister MP) has suggested 8 weeks of paternity leave, though it is yet to be enacted.
Need for Introducing Paternity Leave
The evolving nature of parenthood highlights that childcare is a shared responsibility, and the absence of fathers during early formative years (critical developmental phase of a child) cannot be considered natural or insignificant.
There exists an “invisible injustice”, where society has traditionally assigned caregiving roles exclusively to mothers, overlooking the equally important role of fathers, and this bias has become normalised over time.
From a child welfare perspective, paternity leave ensures that the child receives emotional support and proper care from both parents, contributing to healthier development.
Key Issues in Extending Paternity Leave
A major barrier is the need for a cultural shift, as many men hesitate to take paternity leave due to social stigma associated with caregiving roles.
There is also a fear of career repercussions, since in a competitive work environment, taking extended leave may negatively affect career growth and opportunities.
Furthermore, the dominance of the informal workforce (workers outside formal labour protections) in India means that a large section remains outside the ambit of such legal provisions, limiting its overall impact.
Way Forward
Addressing this issue requires both a shift away from patriarchal mindsets (traditional gender-role biases) and learning from global models such as Sweden, which provides 480 days of paid parental leave shared between both parents, promoting gender equality and shared caregiving.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) dedicated agency has blocked suspicious online content under Section 79(3)(b) of IT Act.
MHA established I4C as scheme in 2018 for prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of cybercrime.
It has been set up as an Attached Office of MHA with effect from 1st July, 2024.
About Section 79 (3) (b) of IT Act
Section 79(1) of IT Act shields online platforms and social media intermediaries from legal liability for content posted by users.
Section 79(3)(b) says that shield will not apply if they fail to take down content despite being flagged by government authorities.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) (initial approval indicating the need for procurement) for defence proposals worth ₹2.38 lakh crore, which includes the acquisition of five additional S-400 missile systems, strengthening India’s defence capabilities.
About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
The DAC functions as the apex body for strategic defence acquisition planning and oversight (top decision-making authority for defence procurement), ensuring coordinated and streamlined decision-making across India’s defence establishment.
It is chaired by the Union Minister of Defence, reflecting its high-level policy significance.
Its key functions include granting ‘in-principle approval’ for capital acquisitions (major defence purchases), monitoring the progress of large defence projects, and issuing Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement proposals.
About S-400 Air Defence System
The S-400 Air Defence System is a long-range surface-to-air missile system (designed to detect, track, and destroy aerial threats from the ground).
It has advanced target engagement capability, enabling it to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 400 km, providing a multi-layered defence shield.
Additionally, the system can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously, making it highly effective against complex aerial threats.
Defence Ministry has signed contracts for procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile System
About Tunguska Air Defence Missile System
Also Known by its NATO designation SA-19 “Grison”
Origin: It is a Soviet-origin, tracked, self-propelled air defence system designed to protect ground forces from low-flying aerial threats.
Feature: It integrates surface-to-air missiles with twin 30 mm autocannons, allowing it to engage targets across varying ranges and altitudes.
Range:
Detection: up to 18 km away
Target: Can engage targets at ranges of up to 8–10 km and altitudes of up to 3,500 metres.
Significance: Hybrid design makes it effective against helicopters, drones and cruise missiles.
Conflict in the Middle East region triggers Helium shortage, disrupting Global Tech Supply Chains.
About Helium (He)
Odorless, nontoxic, colorless, tasteless, inert gas.
It is second most abundant element in the universe but is scarce on Earth.
On Earth, most helium is a radioactive decay product of uranium and thorium and is found under the Earth’s crust with other natural gases.
Commercial helium is extracted from natural gas.
U.S., Qatar and Algeria have the world’s major helium reserves.
Uses: Space exploration, national defense, scientific research, medical technology (MRI machines), high-tech manufacturing (semiconductors, arc-welding), deep sea-diving and energy programs (cooling nuclear reactors, leak-detection agent).
Solar Radio Burst
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the phenomenon of solar radio bursts, helping resolve a long-standing mystery related to solar activity.
About Solar Radio Burst
A solar radio burst is an intense and short-lived emission of radio waves (a type of electromagnetic radiation with long wavelengths) originating from the Sun, typically during solar eruptions such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) (massive explosions releasing energy and charged particles from the Sun).
These bursts originate when energetic electrons (high-speed charged particles produced during solar events) interact with the surrounding plasma (ionised gas consisting of charged particles), converting their energy into electromagnetic radiation in the form of radio waves.
Solar radio bursts can have significant impacts on Earth, as they may interfere with GNSS/GPS systems (satellite-based navigation systems) and radio communications, disrupting critical services.
They are also scientifically important, as they are used to track shock waves in the solar corona (the Sun’s outer atmosphere) and to predict space weather (conditions in space influenced by solar activity), thereby improving our understanding of the Sun’s behaviour.
An outbreak of shigellosis (shigella infection) has been reported in Kerala, raising public health concerns due to its contagious nature.
About Shigellosis
Shigellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Shigella, which primarily affects the intestinal tract.
It spreads through the faecal-oral route (transmission of pathogens from contaminated faeces to mouth), typically via contaminated food, water, or close person-to-person contact.
The disease presents symptoms such as acute diarrhoea (often bloody), along with fever and abdominal cramps, indicating intestinal infection.
Certain groups are more vulnerable, especially children under five years of age and immunocompromised individuals (people with weakened immune systems).
Globally, shigellosis imposes a significant health burden, with approximately 188 million cases reported annually, highlighting its widespread impact.
A major concern is the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) (when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics), coupled with the absence of an approved vaccine, making treatment more challenging.
Prevention relies primarily on proper hygiene, sanitation, and access to safe food and clean drinking water, which are essential to breaking the transmission cycle.
Saudi Arabia, under its Saudi Green Initiative (a large-scale environmental restoration programme), has successfully restored one million hectares of degraded land (land that has lost productivity due to environmental factors), demonstrating that large-scale ecological restoration is possible even in water-scarce regions.
This restoration effort includes measures such as cloud seeding, early warning systems for sand and dust storms (technologies to predict and mitigate environmental hazards), and the expansion of protected areas (regions designated for conservation of biodiversity).
Cloud Seeding
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique (human intervention to influence weather conditions) that aims to enhance precipitation by introducing artificial nuclei (tiny particles that act as a base for raindrops or snowflakes to form) into clouds.
The process involves dispersing these nuclei into clouds using aircraft or ground-based generators, which promotes the formation of ice crystals (frozen water particles) that grow in size and eventually fall as rain or snow.
Common agents used in cloud seeding include silver iodide (AgI) (a compound with a crystal structure similar to ice), dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), and potassium iodide, all of which facilitate condensation and precipitation formation
The Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) was launched at COP15 (Conference of Parties) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, held in March 2026 at Campo Grande, marking a significant step toward global biodiversity conservation.
About GTI
The GTI is a collaborative global initiative involving governments, conservation organisations, and local communities, aimed at addressing the drivers of illegal and unsustainable taking (capture, hunting, or exploitation) of migratory species.
The State of the World’s Migratory Species Report 2024 highlights that illegal and/or unsustainable taking threatens nearly 70% of the 1,200 species listed under CMS, indicating the severity of the issue.
According to the report, major domestic drivers include hunting, fishing for food, sale, sport, and medicinal use, which contribute significantly to the decline of migratory species.
The initiative aims to support countries in meeting their biodiversity commitments, particularly under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, focusing on species recovery and prevention of extinction.
The GTI focuses on four key areas: improving data collection and monitoring (better tracking of species), strengthening legal and policy frameworks (enhancing laws and enforcement), enhancing community engagement (involving local populations), and raising awareness (educating stakeholders).
Key partner organisations include the Convention on Biological Diversity, United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, World Wide Fund for Nature, and TRAFFIC, among others.
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
The CMS, also known as the Bonn Convention, was established in 1979 in Bonn, as an international environmental treaty.
It operates under the United Nations Environment Programme, focusing on the conservation of migratory wild animals and their habitats across international boundaries.
Migratory species under CMS are listed in two appendices:
Appendix I includes endangered species requiring strict protection,
Appendix II includes species that require international cooperation for conservation.
The convention currently has 133 Parties (132 countries and the European Union), including India, reflecting broad global participation.
One of its key publications is the State of the World’s Migratory Species Report, which provides scientific assessments of threats and conservation status.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released TV Ratings Policy 2026, replacing 2014 TV Rating Guidelines.
AboutTelevision Rating Point
Definition: Television Rating Point measures viewership of a TV programme.
It indicates the percentage of target audience watching a programme at a given time.
Calculated over a specific target group (age, region, etc.). Example: TRP = % of viewers within that defined audience.
Purpose:
Helps broadcasters & advertisers assess popularity of shows.
Used to determine advertising rates and media planning.
A massive avalanche has hit Ladakh's Zojila Pass.
About Zojila Pass
Elevation: Around 3528 m (11, 649 ft) above sea level.
Nature: Longest bi-directional pass in Asia.
Location: Important link between Ladakh and Kashmir, separating Kashmir Valley from Drass Valley.
Nestled on National Highway 1 between Srinagar and Leh, this pass is considered to be the second-highest pass after Fotu La.
In 2018, the Zojila tunnel project was launched.
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