Exercise Ocean Sky

Indian Air Force (IAF) Joins Exercise Ocean Sky 2025 in Spain. 

• Overview:  It is a multinational air exercise hosted by the Spanish Air Force.
• Aim:  Enhance interoperability, sharpen air combat skills, and foster mutual learning among participating nations.
• Significance: This is the first time a non-NATO country is participating in this exercise highlighting growing India-Spain ties.

Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala

• President Droupadi Murmu recently offered prayers at the Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman President to worship at the hill shrine.

Sabarimala Temple

• President Droupadi Murmu recently offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman President to worship at the hill shrine.
• The Sabarimala temple is located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, atop Sabarimala Hill at an altitude of about 1,260 metres.
• It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (Dharma Shasta), revered as a Naishtika Brahmachari (eternal celibate).
• The temple is surrounded by 18 hills & dense forests forming part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala.
• The Pathinettu Thripadikal (18 sacred steps) leading to the shrine are of great spiritual significance.
• The temple was reconstructed in 1950 after being damaged by arson; the original stone idol was replaced with a Panchaloha (five-metal alloy) image.
• Traditionally, women of menstruating age (10–50 years) were barred from entering the temple, a practice that sparked intense social and judicial debate.
• The Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict allowed women of all ages to enter the shrine, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discussion of faith and gender equality.

9 Years of UDAN Scheme

• The UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched on 21 October 2016, has completed 9 years.

 UDAN Scheme

• The primary objective of the scheme is to provide affordable and efficient air travel options to residents of tier-2 and tier-3 cities, remote areas, and regions with limited or no air connectivity.
• Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) as the nodal implementing agency.
• The scheme is applicable for 10 years (till 2026) and was honoured with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2020) under the Innovation Category.
• It is supported through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the Regional Connectivity Fund, shared between the Centre (80–90%) and States (10–20%).
• Airlines get fee waivers on parking and navigation, ~50% seats at subsidised fares, and state support for land, utilities, and security at concessional rates.

Carbide Beetles as Bioindicators for Microplastics

Scientists recently identified Carabid beetles as a reliable bioindicator for monitoring microplastic contamination in terrestrial soils.

• Human Link: Carabid beetles from tourism-heavy areas showed higher microplastic ingestion.
• Bioindicator Value: Insects like carabids are ideal bioindicators due to their quick response to environmental stress and widespread distribution.
• Carabid beetles, also known as ground beetles, constitute a diverse insect family (Carabidae) with more than 40,000 species worldwide.
• Physical Traits: These beetles usually have dark or metallic bodies with ridged protective wing covers called elytra.
• Defence Mechanism: When threatened, many species secrete a foul-smelling fluid from abdominal glands to deter predators
• Habitat Preference: Highly adaptable, they thrive in forests, meadows, farms, wetlands, and urban landscapes in varied climates.
• Geographical Spread: Found in nearly every terrestrial habitat except Antarctica; around 2000 species have been recorded in India.
• Dietary Preference: Exhibit a highly diverse and opportunistic diet that includes insects, other invertebrates, weed seeds, and decaying organic matter.
• Ecological Role: They aid pest control, improve soil aeration, decompose dead organic material, and recycle nutrients.

Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme

WTO credits India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme for boosting Least Developed Country (LDC) exports.

• The DFTP scheme was introduced in 2008 and provides duty-free or preferential tariff treatment for products imported from LDCs into India.
• The DFTP scheme aims to boost LDCs'' economic growth, diversify exports, and strengthen trade relations etc.

Anagyrus lopezi

• The National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR) imported the parasitoid wasp Anagyrus lopezi to deploy biological control against the cassava mealybug pest.

• Pest Identity: The cassava mealybug is a highly invasive pest native to South America that damages cassava crops by feeding on plant sap.
• First detected in Kerala in 2020, the pest infested over 1.4 lakh hectares of cassava and lowered productivity to below 10 tonnes per hectare.
• Wasp Role: Anagyrus lopezi is a small, host-specific parasitic wasp from Central America known for suppressing cassava mealybug populations.
• The female wasp lays eggs inside the mealybug’s body. The larva then feeds on the pest from within, eventually killing it.

Cassava Crop (Manihot esculenta)

• Cassava (also called tapioca) is a perennial woody shrub native to South America, widely cultivated for its starchy edible roots.
• Growth Conditions: The crop thrives in warm, humid climates (25-32°C), tolerates drought, and can grow on low-fertility lands.
• Nutritional Value: Cassava helps regulate blood sugar and provides prebiotic fibre that supports digestion and controls appetite (aids weight loss).
• Industrial Uses: Cassava starch serves as a binder in the pharmaceuticals, paper, and textiles industries, and is used to produce bioethanol and biodegradable plastics.
• Global Standing: Nigeria is the largest cassava producer, Thailand leads in starch exports, and Cambodia ranks first in productivity (27 tonnes/ha).
• Indian Output: Tamil Nadu and Kerala together account for more than 90% of India’s cassava production, with Tamil Nadu leading in both yield and cultivation area.

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

DAC clears proposals, worth around Rs 79,000 crore, to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces. 

• Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been granted for Nag Missile System Mk-II, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with Material Handling Crane etc.

DAC

• It is an overarching structure for strategic defence acquisition planning and oversight, ensuring coordinated decision-making across India''s defence establishment.
• Chairman: Union Minister of Defence. 
• Functions
• Gives approval to Capital acquisitions in the Long Term Perspective Plan.
• Monitors the progress of major projects.
• Grants acceptance of necessity for acquisition proposals.

India’s Renewable Energy Transition

• India’s renewable strategy is shifting from just rapid expansion to focus on system integration and stability to achieve its 500 GW renewable energy capacity target by 2030.

India’s Current Renewable Landscape

• Installed Capacity: India’s installed renewable capacity grew over fivefold from 35 GW in 2014 to 197 GW in 2025 (excluding large hydro projects).
• Project Pipeline: Over 40 GW of renewable projects are in advanced stages of securing Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Power Sale Agreements (PSA) and transmission connectivity approvals.
• Annual Addition: India continues to add 15-25 GW of renewable capacity annually, sustaining one of the world’s fastest growth rates.
• Transmission Corridors: Green Energy Corridors and high-capacity transmission lines from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Ladakh will unlock over 200 GW of renewable generation potential.
• Grid Capacity: Supported by the ₹2.4 lakh crore Transmission Plan, inter-regional grid capacity is expected to grow from 120 GW to 143 GW by 2027 and reach 168 GW by 2032.

Changing Renewable Policy Directions

• Tender Focus: New tenders now prioritise energy storage and Round-The-Clock (RTC) power, indicating a clear shift towards dispatchable renewable energy.
• Manufacturing Policy: Earlier import-dependent solar capacity is now being replaced by self-reliant domestic manufacturing supported by the PLI scheme, duty exemptions, etc.
• Grid Access: The 2025 General Network Access (GNA) framework replaces static grid connectivity with a time-segmented system that allocates transmission corridors based on generation hours.
• E.g., solar projects to use them during the daytime and wind or storage projects at night.
• Market Mechanisms: Traditional long-term PPAs are evolving into Virtual PPAs (VPPAs). VPPAs offer flexibility by decoupling procurement from physical delivery.
• Future Levers: Policy focus is expanding beyond land-based renewables to include offshore wind, pumped hydro storage, and green hydrogen for long-term diversification.

Government Initiatives for Renewable Energy

• PLI Scheme for Solar PV Modules: Offers financial incentives to manufacturers of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to boost domestic production and reduce imports.
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Maintains grid stability and stores surplus renewable energy, targeting 236 GWh of storage capacity by 2031-32.
• Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Builds dedicated transmission networks to transfer renewable energy from resource-rich states like Rajasthan and Gujarat to the national grid.
• Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks: Provide developers with land and transmission facilities on a “plug-and-play” basis for large-scale renewable projects (minimum capacity: 500 MW).
• Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO): Require power distribution companies to procure a fixed share of electricity from renewable energy sources.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims to make India a major producer of green hydrogen with a 5 MMT annual production target by 2030.

International Convention against Doping in Sport

India Re-elected as Vice-Chair of Bureau for the Asia-Pacific at the 10^th session of the CoP to the International Convention against Doping in Sport.

• Azerbaijan was elected Chairperson.
• Overview: It is a multilateral treaty by which States agree to adopt national and international measures to prevent and eliminate doping in sport.
• Genesis: Adopted by UNESCO in 2005 and entered into force in 2007.
• Aim: To harmonize anti-doping legislation, regulations and rules internationally to ensure a level playing field. 
• Parties:  192 (India is a signatory).

Sree Narayana Guru

President of India inaugurated the observance of the Mahasamadhi centenary of Sree Narayana Guru at Kerala.

Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928)

• Born in Chempazhanthy (near present-day Thiruvananthapuram) to Ezhava family.
• He was a saint, philosopher, poet, and social reformer who revolted against caste system. 
• Key Contributions
• Emphasized the principle of "One caste, One Religion, One God for all human beings.”
• He launched the Aruvipuram movement for equal rights to temple entry.
• In 1903, along with P. Palpu, he established an organization, later called the Sri Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam for upliftment of Ezhava community. 
• He lent support to Vaikkom Satyagraha for temple entry (1924-25) in Travancore.
• Works: Anukamba Dasakam, Brahmavidya Panchakam, etc. 
• Values: Equality, Non-violence, Compassion, Integrity, Courage etc.

RBI Warns State Governments against Pre-Election Populist Spending

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cautioned state governments against excessive pre-election spending; highlighting the risks it poses to macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline.

Pre-Election Populist Spending

• It refers to government expenditure undertaken shortly before elections with the primary aim of gaining political support, rather than addressing long-term economic or developmental needs.
• It includes subsidies, free goods or services (Freebies), DBT schemes like Ladki Bahin Yojana (Maharashtra), Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (Bihar) etc. targeting voters.
• Around ₹68,000 crore was spent by state governments across 8 major state elections (2023–25) on populist welfare schemes.
• Bihar (2025) disbursed 32.48% of its tax revenue in various schemes just before elections.

Impact on State Economy

• Fiscal Stress: Leads to higher fiscal deficits and increased borrowing by the government.
• Inflationary Pressure: Excessive spending can increase demand, pushing prices up.
• Debt Burden: Short-term populist measures often result in higher public debt, affecting future budgets. E.g., Punjab’s debt to touch 3.74 lakh crore by the end of 2024-25.
• Resource Misallocation: Diverts funds from essential development projects and long-term welfare programs.

Liberalised Remittances Scheme

India’s outward remittances for overseas education fell to an eight-year low under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

• Genesis: Introduced in 2004
• It intended to simplify and streamline the process of remitting funds outside India. 
• Benefit: All resident individuals, including minors, are allowed to freely remit up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both.
• There are no restrictions on the frequency of remittances under it.
• The Scheme is not available to corporates, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Trusts etc.

Storm Shadow Cruise Missile

• In October 2025, Ukraine launched UK-supplied Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles to strike a Russian chemical plant in Bryansk.
• Storm Shadow is an Anglo-French cruise missile (developed by the UK and France). In France, it is called the SCALP-EG.
• It has a range exceeding 250 kilometres and is designed for precision strikes.
• The missile can operate day and night, in all weather conditions, and is equipped with fire-and-forget technology, allowing it to independently navigate and strike after launch.
• Its guidance system combines Inertial Navigation System (INS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and Terrain Reference Navigation (TRN), enabling accurate route control and terrain-following flight.
• The BROACH (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge) warhead features a two-stage design — the first charge pierces the target’s surface, and the second detonates inside, ensuring deep penetration.

Chang’e-6 Lunar Samples

• Chinese scientists have discovered rare meteorite fragments in the lunar soil sample brought back by the Chang’e-6 mission.

Chang’e-6 Mission

• Chang’e-6 is a robotic spacecraft part of China’s lunar exploration program, designed to gather and return soil samples from the far side of the Moon.
• In 2024, it became the first mission to return lunar soil from the Moon’s far side, collected from the South Pole–Aitken (SPA) Basin.

Findings in the Lunar Samples

• Small fragments of CI chondrites were found in the lunar samples; they were preserved because the Moon lacks an atmosphere and geological activity.
• CI chondrites are meteorites rich in water and organic compounds, originating from the cold, outer regions of the early solar system. They act as pristine records of the solar system’s chemical composition.
• Implication: The findings suggest that the early Earth–Moon system was struck by more water-bearing asteroids than believed, shedding light on the shared origins of water on both Earth and the Moon.

A trial test on Cloud Seeding in Delhi

Conducted by IIT Kanpur, it could lead to city’s first artificial rain in the coming days if the weather remains favourable.

Cloud Seeding

• Meaning: It is a weather modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into certain types of clouds.  
• It is conducted on existing natural clouds and does not create clouds.
• Working: Nuclei are released into the cloud by an aircraft and/or by ground-based generators providing a base for snowflakes to form.
• These newly formed snowflakes quickly grow and fall from the clouds back to Earth. 
• Seeding Agents: Silver Iodide (AgI), most common material, known for its efficient ice nucleating properties.
• Other chemicals used are potassium iodide (KI), sulfur dioxide (SO2), frozen carbon dioxide – dry ice (CO2), etc. 

Benefits of Cloud Seeding

• Combating Pollution: Regarded as the scientific method for providing respite from pollution. 
• Enhancing Winter snowfall and mountain Snowpack: It supplements the natural water supply available to communities of surrounding area.

Concerns Associated

• Lack of Reliable Information: Making the operation less effective, also the return on investments remains unclear.
• Issues with Seeding Material: Silver Iodide might be toxic to terrestrial and aquatic life, prompting exploration of less harmful alternatives.
• Environmental Risks: In case cloud seeding coincides with intense rainfall causing floods, damaging infrastructure, crops, and livelihoods, etc. 

      There is an ethical imperative to conduct an exhaustive research, weighing the potential benefits against the associated health risks involved.  

Fiji Eliminates Trachoma

• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Fiji has become the 26^th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.
• Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and the first such disease to be eliminated in Fiji.
• Significance: The achievement advances the WHO’s Roadmap for NTDs 2021–2030 to prevent, control, eliminate, and eradicate 20 diseases and disease groups by 2030.

 Trachoma

• Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, leading to visual impairment and blindness if untreated.
• Transmission: It spreads through direct contact with eye or nasal discharges of infected persons, and indirectly through contaminated objects or eye-seeking flies carrying the bacteria.
• Health Burden: It remains the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, mainly impacting women and preschool children in areas with poor sanitation.
• Prevention Approach: The WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement) forms the basis of trachoma control.

Triple Whammy Situation in South India

• The Northeast Monsoon (NEM) of 2025 arrived four days earlier than usual over Tamil Nadu, creating a “triple whammy” situation.

Triple Whammy Situation

• Early Onset of Northeast Monsoon: Heavy, short-duration rainfall episodes due to Bay of Bengal low-pressure systems.
• Simultaneous Rainfall: Overlap between retreating Southwest Monsoon and the onset of NEM.
• Dam and Catchment Overflow: Rapid inflow into reservoirs like Mullaperiyar forces excess discharge, aggravating flooding in downstream Tamil Nadu districts.

RBI Warns Geopolitical Tensions Could Disrupt Cross-Border Payment Flows

In its bi-annual Payment Systems Report, RBI cautions that sanctions, currency restrictions, and other operational barriers could disrupt seamless international transactions.

Cross Border Payments

• Definition: These are financial transactions where the payer and the recipient are based in separate countries. 
• They cover both wholesale and retail payments, including remittances.
• Two Main Types:
• Wholesale cross-border payments: Typically between financial institutions.
• Retail cross-border payments: Typically between individuals and businesses. E.g. person-to-person, person-to-business etc. 
• Significance: Increased International mobility of goods and services, capital and people has contributed to its growing economic importance.
• Status in India: India remains the top recipient of global foreign remittances, with a record $137.7 billion inflow in 2024. 

Initiatives to facilitate Effective Cross Border Payments

• Global
• G20 Roadmap: Addressing challenges like high cost, slow speed, limited access, and insufficient transparency, etc. 
• Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub Projects: Like Project Hertha, Project Rialto, Project Agora etc.
• Others: Recommendations of Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructure (CPMI), etc. 
• India
  • E.g. UPI and PayNow (Singapore) Linkage, Project Nexus (a multilateral international initiative), etc.
• Bilateral/Multilateral collaboration: Linking UPI with foreign Fast Payment Systems (FPSs) of other countries via QR code acceptance of UPI at merchant locations abroad.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) to recommend a successor

The Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) provides the guidelines for appointing the CJI & other Supreme Court (SC) judges.

• CJI of and other SC judges are appointed by the President under Article 124(2) of the Constitution.

How CJI and SC Judges are appointed?

• Appointment of CJI
• Seniority Principle: Conventionally, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is elevated as the CJI. 
• Government Initiatives Process: Union government asks the current CJI to recommend a successor, usually about a month before retirement. 
• Recommendation by CJI: The CJI sends a formal recommendation to the Ministry of Law, naming the senior-most eligible judge. 
• Approval & Appointment: After PM’s approval, the President issues the warrant of appointment.
• Appointment of Other Judges 
  • High Court Judges: Appointed by the President under Article 217, based on recommendations of the Collegium (CJI and two senior-most SC judges).
• Other SC judges are appointed by the President, based on recommendations of the Collegium consists of CJI and four other senior-most judges of the SC.
• Collegium System evolved through the Three Judges Cases (1981, 1993, & 1998).