Deep‑Diving Sperm Whale

A study has found that the clicking sounds (called codas) used by sperm whales to communicate contain complex sound patterns similar to vowel sounds in human speech.

Sperm Whales

»   They are found in all deep oceans, from the equator to the edge of the pack ice in the Arctic and Antarctic.

»   Characteristics

    Ø  Largest toothed whale with the biggest brain of any known animal.

    Ø  Massive head contains spermaceti, a waxy fluid aiding buoyancy during deep dives.

    Ø  Produces ambergris, a valuable substance used in perfumes.

    Ø  Only living cetacean (order of mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises) with a single left-sided blowhole.

»   Conservation status

    Ø  IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable

Deepening Russia–China Bond

Russian President’s recent China visit highlighted Russia’s growing dependence on China, with both sides signing 40+ agreements and reaffirming support for a multipolar world order against Western dominance. 

Reasons for the Increasing Russia-China Nexus

»   Shared Geopolitical Rivalry: Both view US-led order as a threat to their core interests.

»   Economic Complementarity: Western sanctions increased Russia’s dependence on China.

»   De-dollarisation & Alternative Institutions: Growing trade in Yuan and Ruble. Use of BRICS and SCO to promote a non-Western Eurasian security architecture.

Implications on India

»   Erosion of Russia as a Strategic Balancer: Russia’s growing dependence on China weaken its neutrality in India-China tensions.

»   Defence Vulnerabilities: India’s reliance on Russian arms faces risks due to delays in supplies (e.g., S-400, stealth frigates) and transfer of advanced platforms to China affects India’s security.

»   Emerging Russia–China–Pakistan Convergence:  E.g., Russia is expanding ties with Pakistan through arms sales, discounted oil exports, etc.

»   Challenges in Multilateral Forums: E.g., Cooperation between Russia and China in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

»   Pressure on India’s Strategic Autonomy: Russia-China proximity and uncertain US policies constrain India’s multi-alignment strategy.

Fertility & Mortality Trends 2024

Report released by Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI) is one of the largest demographic surveys globally providing annual estimates of India''s vital statistics.

Key Highlights of Report

»   Fertility Trends

   Ø  Sub-Replacement Fertility: Total Fertility Rate (TFR) remained flat at 1.9, staying below replacement level for fifth consecutive year.

·         The "replacement level" fertility is the rate at which population size remains constant from generation to generation, crudely defined as 2.1 births per woman.

»   Mortality Trends:

   Ø  Crude Death Rate (CDR): CDR at 6.4 in 2024; overall death rate remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.

   Ø  Infant Mortality: Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined to 24, drop of 6 points over last five years. (Kerala lowest IMR 8).

   Ø  Infant mortality rate is the probability of a child born in a specific year or period dying before reaching the age of one. (Expressed as a rate per 1,000 live births).

   Ø  Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR): Stands at 28.

·         U5MR is the probability that a child born in a specific year or time period will die before reaching the age of five. (Expressed as a rate per 1,000 live births).

»   Causes of Death Concerns:

   Ø  From motor vehicle accidents deaths rose to 3.2% and deaths by suicide increased to 2.8%.

»   Demographic & Social Indicators:

   Ø  Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): Marginal improvement, rising to 918 females per 1,000 males in (2022-2024).

Govt Tweaks NADA 2022

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has proposed amendments in Act to address the growing trafficking and distribution of prohibited performance-enhancing substances and methods.

»   The 2022 Act was enacted to provide for the constitution of the National Anti-Doping Agency for regulating anti-doping activities in accordance practices evolved by the World Antidoping Agency.

»   The proposed amendments are aligned with India’s commitments under the UNESCO Convention against doping in sport.

Key proposed Amendment

»   Targeting Supply Chains & Personnel: Shifts focus on prosecuting the organized trafficking ecosystem, making it a criminal offense for support staff (e.g., doctors, coaches) to administer banned substances.

»   Medical & Promotional Rules: Provides safeguards for athletes with valid Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) and for bona fide medical practitioners acting in emergency situations.

Doping

»   Doping is the use of prohibited substances or methods (under the World Anti-Doping Code) by athletes to enhance athletic performance.

   Ø  E.g., Anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, stimulants, and diuretics.

»   India reported the highest Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for three consecutive years. (WADA 2024 Report)

Key Anti-Doping Measures

»   The NIDAMS (NADA India Data Administration and Management System) portal digitalizes anti-doping planning, sample collection, and athlete testing to improve transparency and efficiency.

»   Program for Education and Awareness on Anti-Doping in Sports (PEADS), launched by NADA, for education and awareness regarding doping.

»   In-Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing, NADA conducts testing both during competitions and outside competitions, including at training venues and HPTCs.

»   Other: The ''Know Your Medicine'' (KYM) App allows users to check the status of various medicines.

Kanha – Home of Barasingha

Officials are closely monitoring over a hundred Kanha National Park tigers following six tragic deaths from Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).

»     CDV is a lethal, airborne Paramyxovirus commonly affecting dogs and also other animals that severely damages respiratory and nervous systems.

Kanha National Park

»     Located in Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.

   Ø Area of 1,945 sq km within the Maikal hills of the Satpura.

»     Designated a national park in 1955 and a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973.

»     Inhibited by two indigenous tribes the Gonds and the Baigas.

»     Fauna: Bengal tigers, Barasingha (Swamp Deer) etc.

»     Flora:  Highland consist tropical moist dry deciduous type, slopes can be discovered differently.

»     Said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling''s classic "The Jungle Book".

Myopia: Common Eye Disorder

Myopia is a rapidly growing global health concern; estimates suggest that nearly half the world''s population will have myopia by 2050.

Myopia

»   Definition: Myopia (Nearsightedness) is a common refractive eye disorder where nearby objects appear clear, but distant objects are blurred.

   Ø  In Hyperopia (farsightedness), nearby objects appear blurry because light focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it.

»   It occurs when the eyeball is too long from front to back or the cornea is too steeply curved.

»   This abnormal shape causes incoming light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision.

North vs South Korea War

Indian War Memorial inaurated at Imjingak Park, Seoul (South Korea), in the backdrop of the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.

»   It honours the sacrifice and service of the 60 Para Field Ambulance and Custodian Force of India. 

»   About the Korean War

»   After World War II, Korea was divided along the 38th Parallel:

   Ø North Korea (backed by Soviet Union and China)

   Ø South Kora (supported by USA)

»   North Korea invaded the South in 1950, igniting a Cold War proxy conflict.

»   A 1953 armistice divided the peninsula at the 38th parallel, roughly aligning with the Demilitarised Zone.

State of Carbon Markets 2026

India emerged as a major global carbon market with the launch of its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme according to a new World Bank report.

Key Findings from “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2026”

»   Global Coverage:  Carbon pricing policies cover 29% of global GHG and may reach nearly one-third of global emissions by 2030.

»   Revenue Generation: Carbon taxes and Emission trading system (ETS) generated over $107 billion in 2025.

India’s Carbon Market Ecosystem

»   Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): Launched in 2026 as a GHG emission intensity-based trading system for hard-to-abate sectors. Industries exceeding targets earn tradable Carbon Credit Certificates.

»   Global Standing:  India’s ETS is among world’s largest after China, EU and South Korea.

UN General Assembly Resolution

The UN General Assembly backed an ICJ advisory opinion declaring that states hold legal obligations under international law to tackle climate change.

Key Details of the Resolution

»   Tabled by Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation facing existential threats from rising sea levels.

»   Vote tally: 141 nations in favour, 8 opposed, 28 abstentions (including India).

»   Obligations: All member states must avoid environmental damage, curb border emissions, and fulfill Paris Agreement pledges.

»   Liability: Though not legally binding; Inaction could expose governments to international litigation, major liability claims, and full reparations.

Vayu – Life Breath Symbol

Indigenous Vayu Astra-1 successfully completed high-altitude trials. 

»   About Vayu Astra-1

»   It is a loitering munition (also referred as kamikaze/suicide drone) capable of hovering, surveillance and precision strikes. 

   Ø Suicide drone is an unmanned aerial weapon that can hover over a target

area before crashing into and destroying the target with an onboard explosive payload 

»   Range and Payload:  100 km range tested with a 10-kg warhead.

»   Features: Precision & night capability, high-altitude endurance, intelligent combat features, etc.