I.              India’s Escalating Heat Risk: Over Half of Districts in Danger

A new report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), titled "How Extreme Heat is Impacting India," highlights that 57% of India’s districts—home to 76% of its population—are exposed to high or very high levels of heat risk. The most affected states include Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. CEEW, a leading climate think tank headquartered in New Delhi, conducted the study.

Understanding Heat Risk: Different from Heatwaves or Heat Stress

• Heatwaves: Though definitions vary, heatwaves generally refer to prolonged periods of unusually high temperatures in a specific area.
• Heat Stress: Happens when the body temperature surpasses 37°C and struggles to dissipate heat. This can cause symptoms like cramps, fatigue, or in extreme cases, heat stroke if body temperature rises above 40°C.
• Heat Risk: Defined by CEEW as the likelihood of heat-related illness or death, based on three main factors:
• The severity of heat and related elements like humidity
• Levels of exposure
• Vulnerability of communities (e.g., elderly, those with health conditions)

Major Drivers of Rising Heat Risk in India

• Increase in Hot Nights: From 2012 to 2022, over 70% of Indian districts experienced at least five more hot nights each summer. These warm nights hinder the body’s ability to cool down, raising the risk of heat stroke and aggravating conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
• Higher Humidity in Northern India: Relative humidity in the Indo-Gangetic Plain has increased from 30–40% (1982–2011) to 40–50% (2012–2022), making it harder for sweat to cool the body, especially when body temperatures exceed 37°C.
• Urbanisation and Dense Populations: Cities such as Delhi and Mumbai are more exposed due to their high population density. Rapid urban growth in smaller cities has led to more night-time heat retention due to concrete-heavy infrastructure.
• Health and Socio-Economic Challenges: Districts in states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh are especially at risk due to aging populations and the prevalence of chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Key Insights from the Study

• 2024: Hottest Year Recorded: Globally, 2024 was the warmest year ever, with temperatures averaging 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In India, the average was 1.2°C above the 1901–1910 baseline.
• Severe Climate Impacts in India: The country saw its longest heatwave since 2010, with over 44,000 cases of heatstroke reported in 2024 alone.
• Weak Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Many of India’s HAPs—plans designed to reduce heat impacts—are either poorly implemented or lack long-term vision. The Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC) warns this shortcoming hampers India’s preparedness.

II.            Why U.S. Investigators Are Involved in an Air India Crash That Happened in India

When Air India Flight 171 went down in Ahmedabad, tragically killing all 241 people on board, local emergency teams and media quickly responded. Soon after, international bodies—including the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)—joined the investigation. This raised a critical question: Why are foreign agencies investigating a crash that occurred in India, involving an Indian airline?

International Involvement in Air Crash Investigations: Explained

The Chicago Convention: A Global Framework

The reason lies in the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, a treaty designed to standardize and coordinate aviation safety across countries. With 193 member states (including India, the U.S., and the U.K.), the Convention sets out rules through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN-affiliated body based in Montreal.

Annex 13: International Rules for Investigations

Annex 13 of the Convention outlines the procedures for aircraft accident investigations. Its purpose isn’t to assign blame or legal responsibility, but to identify causes and improve safety globally. It allows relevant countries to participate in investigations, even when an incident occurs outside their borders.

Which Countries Get Involved and Why

Lead Role: Country of the Crash

The country where the accident occurs—known as the State of Occurrence—leads the investigation. For the Air India Flight 171 crash, this is India, with the investigation led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Countries with Investigation Rights Under Annex 13

Other countries can formally participate if they are connected to the aircraft:

• State of Registry: India (as the aircraft carried a VT tail number)
• State of the Operator: India (Air India is the operator)
• State of Design: United States (Boeing designed the aircraft)
• State of Manufacture: United States (Boeing and GE produced the aircraft and engines)

Because of this, U.S. agencies like the NTSB and FAA are automatically entitled to join the probe. Boeing and General Electric may also send technical experts.

Why the UK Is Involved

While not automatically included, the UK is participating because 53 British citizens were on board. ICAO provisions allow such involvement if a country’s nationals are significantly impacted.

What Foreign Agencies Can Do

Countries participating in the investigation may:

• Access the crash site
• Inspect aircraft debris and other evidence
• Submit technical input
• Review and comment on the final report

A Standard Practice, Not Interference

Why Global Collaboration Matters

Involving foreign agencies isn’t overreach—it’s a necessary step in today''s interconnected aviation industry, where planes are designed, built, and operated across many countries. Shared investigations help ensure transparency, accuracy, and safety improvements worldwide.

Learning from Each Incident

A crash in one country might reveal flaws relevant to others. For example, a technical failure in India could uncover risks that affect airlines in the U.S. or Indonesia, making international cooperation crucial.

India Has Done This Before

This isn’t the first time India has invited global involvement. After the 2010 Air India Express crash in Mangalore, the NTSB assisted in the investigation—highlighting that such collaboration is not only standard but also beneficial.

III.          Government Launches Massive Tribal Outreach Campaign for PM JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Schemes

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has initiated a nationwide outreach effort targeting over 500 districts to boost the implementation of key tribal welfare initiatives. The campaign aims to reach around 1 lakh tribal-majority villages and settlements, with a focus on promoting two central schemes: PM JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.

This initiative forms a core part of the Union government’s Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh celebrations, commemorating tribal heritage throughout the year beginning November 15, 2024, the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.

PM JANMAN: Uplifting India’s Most Marginalised Tribal Groups

The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), launched in 2023, is tailored to improve the socio-economic well-being of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These communities often struggle to access mainstream welfare due to remoteness, lack of identity documents, and limited institutional outreach.

Key Focus Areas of PM JANMAN:

• Providing essential documentation like Aadhaar and health coverage under Ayushman Bharat
• Financial inclusion through Jan Dhan accounts and pension schemes
• Securing land and forest rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA)
• Developing infrastructure and services specifically for PVTGs

This initiative represents a major policy shift—from passive delivery to active outreach and inclusion, ensuring last-mile access to rights and entitlements for tribal populations.

Dharti Aaba Abhiyan: Converging Ministries for Tribal Development

Named after Birsa Munda (Dharti Aaba, or “Father of the Earth”), the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan was launched in 2024 to enable integrated, multi-sector development of tribal villages. It coordinates the efforts of 17 Union Ministries through a convergence model of development.

With a five-year funding of Rs. 79,156 crore (Rs. 56,333 crore from the Centre and Rs. 22,823 crore from states), the scheme promotes holistic growth by:

• Building tribal hostels and homes under PM Awas Yojana
• Enhancing electrification and safe drinking water in tribal areas
• Supporting livelihoods through livestock and fisheries

Each ministry under the scheme is given specific responsibilities and funding to ensure coordinated implementation.

By breaking traditional silos between ministries and aligning development goals, Dharti Aaba Abhiyan mirrors successful past programs like the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

Moreover, embedding the campaign within the cultural celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh aims to both honour tribal heritage and strengthen trust in government institutions among indigenous communities.

I.              India to Drive Global Oil Demand Surge by 2030: IEA

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India, currently the world’s third-largest oil consumer and importer, is set to become the leading contributor to global oil demand growth by the end of this decade. The IEA projects that India will add around 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in demand by 2030, significantly outpacing other countries.

About the International Energy Agency (IEA)

The International Energy Agency is an autonomous intergovernmental body founded in 1974 under the umbrella of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Headquartered in Paris, France, the IEA was originally established to coordinate a collective response among major economies to serious oil supply disruptions.

Key Focus Areas

The IEA operates with a comprehensive “all-fuels, all-technologies” philosophy. Its work spans across:

• Energy security
• Sustainable economic growth
• Environmental responsibility
• Global energy cooperation

The agency provides policy guidance to help countries achieve reliable, affordable, and clean energy systems. It covers a wide range of energy topics, including:

• Oil, gas, coal, and renewable energy supply and demand
• Energy efficiency
• Clean energy innovations
• Power markets and grid systems
• Universal energy access and demand management

International Energy Program

One of the IEA''s core mechanisms is the International Energy Program, under which member nations agree to maintain emergency oil reserves. These reserves can be used collectively in response to unexpected disruptions in the global oil supply.

Membership Structure

• The IEA currently has 32 member countries, all of which are OECD members.
• Additionally, it has formed partnerships with 13 Association countries, including major economies like India and China.

To become a full member, a country must first be part of the OECD and meet several technical and policy criteria set by the IEA.

Major IEA Publications

The IEA is known for publishing authoritative reports on global energy trends, including:

• World Energy Outlook
• World Energy Balances
• Energy Technology Perspectives
• World Energy Statistics
• Net Zero by 2050

II.            What is Fattah 2?

·       Fattah 2 is an advanced hypersonic ballistic missile developed by Iran, representing the latest iteration of the country’s first indigenously produced hypersonic missile, Fattah—a name that translates to “Conqueror” in Farsi.

·       This upgraded missile is equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead, which allows it to maneuver and glide at extremely high speeds, making it more difficult to detect and intercept.

·       Powered by a liquid-fuel propulsion system, Fattah 2 features an adjustable thrust mechanism, enhancing its in-flight control and performance.

·       It is a precision-guided, two-stage missile with an operational range of up to 1,500 kilometers and can reach speeds of Mach 15 (approximately 18,522 km/h), placing it among the fastest missiles currently in development globally.

III.          PM-WANI Scheme: Expanding Affordable Public Wi-Fi Access

The Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme, launched by the Department of Telecommunications in December 2020, is a government initiative aimed at boosting the availability of public Wi-Fi hotspots across India—particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.

Purpose and Goals

• The scheme seeks to build a robust digital infrastructure by enabling widespread access to low-cost internet.
• It aims to empower small and micro-entrepreneurs by allowing them to set up Public Data Offices (PDOs) that offer Wi-Fi services to the public.
• This initiative is designed to bridge the digital divide, improve connectivity for households with limited internet access, and create new livelihood opportunities.

Key Features

• Local shops and small businesses are encouraged to act as Wi-Fi providers at the last mile without the need for a licence or registration fee.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently introduced a cap on tariffs charged to PDOs, ensuring that public Wi-Fi remains affordable.

IV.          Lac Insect and Lac Pigment: New Insights from IISc Study

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have uncovered important details about how lac insects produce laccaic acid, the compound responsible for the red pigment used in lac production.

What is the Lac Insect?

• Lac insects belong to a group with six genera, but only five are capable of secreting lac, a resin-like substance.
• Among them, only one genus—Laccifer—is commercially important for lac production.

Geographical Distribution

• Lac insects are found across South-East Asia, including: India, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar & Yunnan Province of China
• India and Thailand are the top lac-producing nations.
• In India, more than 90% of the lac output comes from: Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Eastern Maharashtra & Northern Odisha

Uses of Lac Pigment

·       The lac pigment, derived from laccaic acid, is highly valued and used in: Food coloring, Textile dyes, Handicrafts & Folk art

Key Findings from IISc Research

• The study suggests that laccaic acid might not be produced solely by the insect.
• Instead, it may be synthesized by a symbiotic yeast-like microbe residing inside the lac insect.
• A crucial component for this synthesis is tyrosine, an amino acid the insect cannot produce on its own or obtain from tree sap—indicating a possible mutualistic relationship with the microorganism.

V.             Cyber Suraksha: Strengthening India''s Cyber Defence:

Cyber Suraksha is a major cybersecurity exercise conducted by the Defence Cyber Agency, under the supervision of the Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters. The exercise is structured to simulate real-life cyber threats and test the nation''s preparedness against evolving digital risks.

Key Features of the Exercise

• Designed to mimic real-world cyberattack scenarios
• Conducted in a gamified, high-pressure environment
• Aims to assess and improve:
• Cyber defence capabilities
• Incident response strategies
• Analytical and technical skills of cybersecurity professionals
• Encourages the adoption of best practices for digital security

About the Defence Cyber Agency (DCA)

• The Defence Cyber Agency is a tri-service unit under the Indian Armed Forces.
• Established in 2019, it plays a crucial role in protecting India’s military infrastructure from cyber threats.
• It coordinates and executes offensive and defensive cyber operations, ensuring cybersecurity across all three branches—Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• The DCA represents a critical advancement in India’s strategic and digital defence framework.

Father of Cybersecurity

• Bob Thomas, an American computer scientist, is widely regarded as the father of cybersecurity.
• He is known for developing Creeper, the first computer worm, and laying the foundation for modern cybersecurity concepts.

VI.          SMILE Scheme: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise

The SMILE scheme, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at the rehabilitation and empowerment of vulnerable groups, especially transgender persons and individuals engaged in begging.

Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir is set to become the second district in the Union Territory, after Srinagar, to implement the scheme.

Key Components of the SMILE Scheme:

The scheme includes two central sector sub-schemes:

1. Comprehensive Rehabilitation for the Welfare of Transgender Persons

This sub-scheme provides a holistic support system for transgender individuals, including:

• Educational scholarships from Class IX to post-graduate level
• Skill training under the PM-DAKSH scheme
• Financial assistance for gender-affirmation surgeries via PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana)
• Establishment of ‘Garima Greh’ shelter homes that offer:
• Safe housing
• Healthcare
• Skill development opportunities
• Transgender Protection Cells in every state to ensure legal protection and swift justice in cases of violence or discrimination

2. Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Persons Engaged in Begging

This sub-scheme adopts a structured, four-pronged approach:

1. Survey and Identification:
• Identifies individuals involved in begging
• Creates a national database for targeted support
2. Mobilization and Outreach:
• Conducts awareness campaigns to inform beneficiaries about available services
3. Shelter and Basic Services:
• Offers food, clothing, healthcare, and education for children
• Provides counselling and psychological support
4. Rehabilitation and Livelihood Training:
• Offers vocational training and skill development
• Aims for employment or self-employment and social reintegration

SMILE-75 Initiative

• Aimed at expanding SMILE''s reach to 75 cities across India, including:
• Metropolitan areas
• Pilgrimage and cultural centers
• Tourist hubs
• Aspirational districts
• Cities in the Northeast
• Ensures broad geographical coverage and greater inclusivity

VII.        Global Nuclear Arsenal: SIPRI Yearbook 2025 Highlights:

According to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), as of January 1, 2025, nine countries collectively possess an estimated 12,241 nuclear warheads.

Key Findings

·       Russia has the most, with 5,459 nuclear weapons, India has 180 and North Korea has the least, with 50 nuclear weapons.

• Of the total inventory, approximately 9,614 warheads are in military stockpiles and available for potential use.
• The rest are retired warheads, mostly in the process of being dismantled.

Trends in Nuclear Development

• All nine countries continued to modernise their nuclear arsenals in 2024:
• Upgrading old systems
• Deploying newer, more advanced warheads and delivery systems

Country-Specific Highlights

• Russia and the United States together hold about 90% of the global nuclear arsenal.
• China’s stockpile is expanding the fastest, adding around 100 new warheads per year since 2023.
• India slightly increased its arsenal in 2024 and is developing:
• New nuclear delivery systems
• Canisterised missiles capable of carrying multiple independently targetable warheads (MIRVs)
• North Korea continues to build its arsenal and now holds about 50 warheads.

Global Outlook

• Although the total number of nuclear warheads worldwide continues to decline, mainly due to the dismantling of retired warheads by the US and Russia, the number of deployed or deployable warheads is increasing.
• This shift signals an intensifying focus on operational readiness and the modernisation of active nuclear capabilities, raising global security concerns.

VIII.      Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcanic Eruption:

 Recent Event: A volcanic eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia sent ash clouds soaring up to 11 kilometers into the atmosphere.

• Location:
• Situated on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia.
• Part of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, known for high volcanic activity.
• Geographical Features:
• The mountain is a twin volcano with two peaks aligned northwest to southeast, about 2 km apart.
• The name Lewotobi means “husband and wife” in the local language.
• The two peaks are:
• Lewotobi Lakilaki (Man) — frequently active during the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Lewotobi Perempuan (Woman) — taller and broader but historically erupted only twice.
• Significance: One of the most active volcanoes in the region, its recent eruption highlights ongoing volcanic risks in this part of Indonesia.

IX.          Quantum Communication:

Recent Development: Scientists from IIT Delhi, in collaboration with DRDO, successfully demonstrated quantum communication over a distance exceeding 1 km through free space, marking a significant advancement in secure communication technologies.

What is Quantum Communication?

Quantum communication uses fundamental particles like photons (light particles) to transmit information with extreme security. It leverages the principles of quantum physics, especially quantum entanglement, to create communication channels that are virtually impossible to intercept without detection.

• If an eavesdropper tries to intercept the photons, the quantum state changes instantly, alerting users that the channel is compromised.
• A key technique is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which securely shares encryption keys.

Key Concepts:

• Quantum Entanglement: Two particles become linked so that the state of one instantly influences the other, regardless of distance.
• Security Advantage: Attempts to tap the channel are revealed immediately, making it highly suitable for sensitive communications.

Applications:

• Military & Government: Secure transmission of classified information.
• Banking: Protects financial transactions using QKD.
• Power Grids: Safeguards communication within energy infrastructure.
• Consumer Privacy: Enhances security of personal data online.
• Scientific Collaboration: Enables secure sharing of research data.
• Navigation: Could improve GPS security by preventing signal tampering.

Historical Notes:

• Quantum theory foundations were laid by Niels Bohr and Max Planck.
• In India, Satyendra Nath Bose contributed significantly to quantum theory.

X.             Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR):

 Location:

• Situated in the Maikal ranges of the Satpura hills, in Mandla and Balaghat districts, Madhya Pradesh.
• Largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, covering 2074 sq km (940 sq km core + 1009 sq km buffer).

Historical Background:

• Area once ruled by the Gondwana dynasty (Gond rulers).
• Declared reserve forest in 1879, became a wildlife sanctuary in 1933, and a national park in 1955.

Significance:

• Leading tiger habitat in India with a rich population of ungulates (hoofed herbivores).
• Connected by wildlife corridors to Pench Tiger Reserve (MP) and Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh).
• Associated with Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book jungles.

Tribal Communities:

• Home to ancient tribal groups such as the Gond and Baiga.

Mascot:

• First tiger reserve in India to have an official mascot, “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha”.

Flora:

• Predominantly moist Sal and mixed deciduous forests.
• Common trees: Bamboo, Tendu, Sal, Jamun, Arjun, Lendia.

Fauna:

• Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild dogs.
• Known worldwide for conserving the Barasingha (swamp deer), the state animal of Madhya Pradesh, harboring the last surviving population.