World Affairs 

The academic link between Nepal and India - The Hindu

Recently, a third-year woman student from Nepal was found dead by suicide in the Bhubaneswar-based Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). Initial investigation by the police revealed that harassment from a fellow male student had led the student to take her own life.

Challenges:

• 1950 Treaty: Treaty ensures free movement and employment for Nepali citizens in India. Some in Nepal view it as unequal and imposed by India.

• Territorial Disputes: Notably Kalapani is claimed by Nepal but inherited by India from British rule.
• Chinese Influence: Nepal shifting towards China for investments, aid, and loans.
• Security: Porous border exploited by terrorist groups for smuggling weapons, fake currency, and trained operatives.
• Trust Deficit: India’s slow project implementation and perceived political interference have weakened trust.

What USAID gives, to whom - Indian Express 

A program to explore the creation of a secure 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) for India as part of the United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy, initiatives for clean air and water and sanitation, and dozens of health projects will come to a halt in India following a decision by the Trump administration (January 20 Executive Order titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid”) to end foreign aid and all but disband the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

US, Ukraine agree to sign minerals deal? - Indian Express

After a showdown last week between Ukrainian President Zelensky and United States President Donald Trump at the White House’s Oval Office, the former has decided to mend the strained ties between the two countries.

Economy 

Pashu Aushadhi initiative for health of livestock - Indian Express

The government will open “Pashu Aushadhi” stores across the country to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines to people engaged in animal husbandry and dairying. 

Environment 

ZSI scientists discover soil nematode species in Odisha - Indian Express 

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, have announced the discovery of a species of soil-dwelling nematode in the Deccan Peninsular biogeographic zone of Odisha’s Keonjhar district.

Crassolabium dhritiae

• About: New soil-dwelling nematode species.
• Discovery: Keonjhar district, Odisha (Deccan peninsular biogeographic zone).
• Naming: After Dhriti Banerjee (Director, ZSI) for contributions to zoology and taxonomy.
• Feeding Habits: Likely predatory or omnivorous.
• Global Records: 39 Crassolabium species worldwide, 9 recorded in India.

Soil Nematodes

• About: Microscopic invertebrates, crucial for soil fertility.
• Location: Found in all soil types, even in nutrient-poor soils (millions per square meter).
• Diet: Feed on plant roots, bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoans, rotifers, arthropods, and other nematodes.
• Beneficial: Free-living nematodes aid in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
• Harmful: Some damage plant roots.

Indicators of Soil Health:

• Bacterial-to-fungal feeding ratio shows nutrient cycling rates.
• Entomopathogenic nematodes assist in pest control with bacteria.
• Help assess soil condition changes due to disturbance or pollution.

Sci and Tech 

ISRO successfully conducts crucial test for semi-cryogenic engines required for ‘heavy’ space launches in future - Indian Express 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently successfully conducted the hot test on a semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000), going a step closer to finalising the crucial cryogenic stage where powering the booster stages of launch vehicles is realised. Scientifically, this test is known as the Power Head Test Article (PHTA) and the first hardware test for the development of semi-cryo engines.

Defence 

Navy’s INSV Tarini sets off with its two women officers to Cape Town - The Hindu

INSV Tarini left Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands recently for its onward journey to Cape Town.