Geography 

Echoes of Ancient Flames: Unraveling the Fire Chronicles of Permian India - PIB 

From the Late Silurian (spanning from 419.2 to 443.8 million years ago (mya) to the Quaternary (2.58 mya) period. Palaeofires left their mark on landscapes, influencing vegetation, climate, and even the formation of coal.

Palaeofires

• Definition: Ancient wildfires preserved in geological records.
• Importance: Crucial for understanding past vegetation, climate evolution, and coal formation.

• Studied periods: Late Silurian (443.8–419.2 million years ago) to Quaternary (2.58 million years ago–present).
• Methodologies Used:
  • Palynofacies analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, and FTIR Spectroscopy.
  • Analyzed microscopic organic matter and fossil charcoal in sedimentary rocks.
• Organic Matter Types: 
  • Translucent Organic Matter (TrOM) – plant debris and pollen.
  • Palaeofire Charcoal (PAL-CH) – indicates direct vegetation burning.
  • Oxidized Charcoal (OX-CH) – suggests post-burning transport or reworking.
• Major Discoveries: 
  • Differentiation of in situ vs ex situ charcoal resolved debates on charcoal origins in coal seams.
  • Stratigraphic analysis showed:
    • Regressive phases (sea-level fall): concentrated fire residues.
    • Transgressive phases (sea-level rise): dispersed, oxidised charcoal.
• Key Insights
  • High oxygen levels during the Permian led to intense wildfire activity.
  • Raniganj Coalfield: first Indian site with macroscopic charcoal evidence of palaeofires.
• Climate Relevance: Enhance understanding of carbon cycling and long-term carbon sequestration, aiding modern climate change mitigation strategies.
   

World Affairs 

Pakistan’s complex web of terror networks - The Hindu 

The Soviet-Afghan War of 1979 was the inflection point when Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), backed by U.S. funding, systematically cultivated jihadi infrastructure that evolved into today’s sophisticated terror network. This deliberate cultivation created fighters with diverse objectives — Kashmir-focused aggression, control in Afghanistan, sectarian violence, and ideological warfare. Recent data has confirmed a resurgence of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism across the region.

Major Terrorist Groups

1. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)

• Founded in 1990s; led by Hafiz Saeed (UN-designated terrorist).
• Headquarters: Markaz-e-Taiba near Lahore; over 300 madrassas in Pakistan.
• Major attacks: 2008 Mumbai (166 dead), 2006 train blasts (209 dead).
• Global recruitment network in 21 countries.
• Funding:
  • ISI support ($25–50 million/year)
  • Gulf donors, diaspora charities, real estate, and trading ventures.
• Training camps: At least 16 in PoK and Pakistan.

1. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)

• Founded in 2000 by Masood Azhar after IC-814 hijack release.
• Key attacks: 2001 Parliament attack, 2019 Pulwama bombing.
• Structure:
  • Askari (military), Dawati (recruitment), and Intelligence wings.
  • Training hubs in Bahawalpur, KPK, PoK, and Afghanistan (Balakot rebuilt).
• Ideology: Deobandi fundamentalism and martyrdom doctrine.
• Funding:
  • Al-Rehmat Trust ($10–15 million/year)
  • Businesses, ISI channels, real estate (worth $30+ million).

1. Haqqani Network

• Operates from Af-Pak border under Sirajuddin Haqqani (also Afghan interior minister).
• Semi-autonomous ISI proxy in Afghanistan and Kashmir.

1. Islamic State–Khorasan (ISIS-K)

• Breakaway faction from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
• Alleged passive ISI support despite ideological opposition.

1. Harakat-ul-Mujahidin (HuM)

• Feeder group for LeT and JeM via madrassa networks.

State Sponsorship & Strategy

• ISI’s 3-tier model:
  • Strategic control via “S-Wing”
  • Operational support by retired military
  • Material aid: weapons, training, logistics
• Post-9/11 Tactics:
  • Greater plausible deniability
  • Use of cyber, information warfare
  • Continued use of Taliban territory post-2021

Funding Mechanisms

• Religious front organisations: 40+ groups raising $150–200 million/year
• State funding: $100–125 million in black budgets
• Hawala & laundering hubs: Dubai, Karachi, Peshawar
• Narcotics trade: $75 million/year
• Cryptocurrency: $15+ million in 2023

Radicalisation Infrastructure

• ~30,000 madrassas in Pakistan; 10–15% linked to terror groups
• Recruitment from economically weak youth
• Tools: extremist education, online propaganda, community-level radicalisation

International Exposure

• FATF Grey Listing:
  • Pakistan was grey-listed in 2008–10, 2012–15, 2018–22 for failure to act on terror financing.
• Internal Admissions:
  • Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, President Musharraf admitted to state support for militants.
  • Recent ministerial admissions about “dirty work” for foreign powers.

Pakistan’s terror ecosystem is not rogue but deeply embedded in state structures. It represents a strategic instrument of proxy warfare, particularly targeting India. Its dismantling requires coordinated international efforts to target both the organisations and the enabling infrastructure sustained by the Pakistani state.
 

Economy 

India, UK secure ‘historic’ free trade agreement - Indian Express 

India and the United Kingdom ironed out major differences during the latest round of talks in April end at London and announced recently the conclusion of the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement.

Geopolitical Context and Strategic Timing

• UK’s Post-Brexit Outreach:
  • UK is actively forming new trade partnerships post-2020 (e.g. Japan, Singapore, Vietnam).
  • Joined CPTPP; FTA with India is its most significant post-EU deal.
• India’s Trade Vision:
  • Aligned with India’s goal of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
  • Marks India’s first major FTA beyond Asia; reflects Ricardian comparative advantage.

Key Provisions and Economic Gains

• Benefits for India:
  • Market access: Lower tariffs for key exports – fuels, pharma, apparel, machinery, chemicals, iron & steel.
  • Mobility: Eases entry for Indian professionals/students to UK.
• Benefits for UK:
  • Access to India’s large, young, tech-savvy market.
  • Exports boosted – automobiles, Scotch whisky, legal/financial services.

Safeguards and Strategic Clauses

• Phased Tariff Cuts: For sensitive items (e.g., autos, whisky, agri-products).
• Quotas: Prevent market flooding.
• Reciprocity: UK to eliminate tariffs on Indian textiles.

Economic Impact and Investment

• Bilateral Trade: £42 billion (mid-2024), with India’s £8 billion trade surplus.
• Investment Trends:
  • UK: 6th-largest investor in India; £38 billion in 3 years.
  • India: 2nd-largest FDI source in UK (2023).
  • Target: Double trade by 2030.

Progressive Features and Challenges

• Trade Modernisation:
  • Emphasis on digital trade, e-commerce, and climate-linked norms.
  • Non-binding provisions on labour and environment.
• Education & Services:
  • Boost to UKIERI and MRAs for academic and professional qualifications.

Significance in India’s Trade Diplomacy

• Shift in Policy: From protectionism to proactive global engagement.
• Template for Future FTAs: Sets path for EU and US deals.
• Tool for Reforms: FTAs can drive changes in labour, logistics, and governance.
• Rise of Bilateralism: In absence of effective multilateralism, FTAs mimic WTO’s role in China’s rise.

Crisis at Kaleshwaram — why Telangana’s massive irrigation project is distressed - Indian Express 

India’s national safety regulator for large dams has found “irreparable damage” in the structure of three barrages that are part of the world’s biggest multi-stage lift irrigation project.

Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP)

• Overview: Multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River at Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally, Telangana.
• Aim: To supply irrigation and drinking water to 45 lakh acres across 20 of 31 districts, including Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

• Scale: World’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project.

• Site: Begins at the confluence of Pranhita and Godavari rivers.
• Pranhita is formed by tributaries: Wardha, Painganga, and Wainganga, making it the 7th largest drainage basin in India.
• Infrastructure:
  • Comprises 7 links and 28 packages.
  • Extends across 13 districts over 500 km.
  • Canal network spans over 1,800 km.
• Water Allocation:
  • Total capacity: 240 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet).
  • Usage: Irrigation, Hyderabad municipal supply, industrial purposes, and village drinking water.
     

Sci and Tech 

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh set to inaugurate Global Space Exploration Summit GLEX 2025 - PIB 

India is set to host the 12th edition of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) from 7th to 9th May 2025 in New Delhi.

 Global Space Exploration Summit (GLEX) 2025

• Theme: “Reaching New Worlds: A Space Exploration Renaissance”.
• Focus: Innovation, inclusivity, and international collaboration in space science.
• Organisers:
  • International Astronautical Federation (IAF) – global space advocacy body.
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – host agency.
  • Astronautical Society of India (ASI) – co-host.
• Significance:
  • Marks India’s growing role in global space leadership.
  • Showcases India’s transition from regional space actor to a global partner.

International Astronautical Federation (IAF)

• Establishment: 1951 with 500+ members from 78 countries.
• Members: Space agencies, private companies, universities, and research bodies.
• Motto: “Connecting @ll Space People”.
• Vision: Global cooperation for the benefit of humanity.

Defence 

Precision guided long range weapons in Indian military's arsenal - Indian Express 

India has not revealed what weapons were used in Operation Sindoor recently. The Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes, hitting terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Major precision-guided long-range weapons and drones:

1. HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range)

• Developed by Safran (France) for Rafale aircraft.
• Precision-guided, air-to-ground weapon system with a range of up to 70 km.
• Capable of being integrated with various bombs and guided systems.
• Resistant to jamming and can be launched from low altitudes and rough terrains.
• Designed for medium-range tactical precision strikes.

2. SCALP (Storm Shadow)

• Air-launched stealth cruise missile by MBDA (Europe).
• Range: up to 450 km; used for deep strike operations.
• Equipped with INS, GPS, and terrain referencing for high accuracy.
• Effective in night and all-weather operations.
• Capable of penetrating hardened targets like bunkers and ammo depots.

3. METEOR

• Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) by MBDA.
• Designed to perform in electronic warfare environments.
• Uses a solid-fuel ramjet engine, maintaining thrust till impact.
• Has the largest "No Escape Zone" among current BVRAAMs.

4. BRAHMOS

• Supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
• Speed: nearly Mach 3; high accuracy and reduced response time.
• Operates on 'Fire and Forget' principle with flight flexibility.
• Carries 200–300 kg conventional warhead.
• Altitude: cruise up to 15 km, terminal as low as 10 m.
• Range for land and ship targets enhanced in recent years.

5. Loitering Munitions

• Drones capable of hovering, target identification, and precision strikes.
• Can be operated autonomously or by remote control.
• Increasingly procured by Indian Armed Forces for surveillance and strike operations.