Society 

Electronically track undertrials to cut crowding of jails: SC body - The Hindu

As the prison system in India faces significant challenges, with overcrowding being a pressing issue, a recent report titled ‘Prisons in India - Mapping Prison Manuals and Measures for Reformation and Decongestion’ by the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning has called for launching pilot programmes to use electronic tracking devices for releasing undertrial prisoners (UTPs) to ease prison overcrowding.

Ayushman Vay Vandana - The Hindu 

35% doctors in India feel unsafe while at work, study shows - The Hindu

In a tragic incident at a government hospital in Chennai recently, a doctor was repeatedly stabbed while performing his duties. This follows the brutal rape murder of a young doctor in Kolkata just three months prior, underscoring a troubling and persistent issue: workplace violence against healthcare professionals.

Polity 

Why were the Kerala IAS officers suspended? - The Hindu

Kerala has suspended two IAS officers citing violation of service rules.

Charges Against IAS Officers

AFSPA in Imphal Valley - Indian Express 

The Centre recently reimposed the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas of Manipur. The Home Ministry’s notification mentioned the “volatile” situation and “active participation of insurgent groups in heinous acts of violence” as the reasons.

World Affairs

India and Nigeria will join hands to tackle terrorism, piracy, says Modi - The Hindu

India accords high priority to its strategic partnership with Nigeria, the Indian Prime Minister said recently as he held wide-ranging talks with Nigerian President with a focus on shoring up bilateral cooperation in sectors such as defence, trade and energy.

Nigeria

• Location: Western coast of Africa, known as the "Giant of Africa."
• Borders: North - Niger, East - Chad and Cameroon, South - Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean), West - Benin.

• Area: ~9.24 lakh sq. km.
• Independence: Achieved in 1960 from Britain.
• Capital: Abuja.
• Population: Africa's most populous country.
• Official Language: English.
• Local Languages: Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw.
• Currency: Naira.
• Climate: Ranges from arid to humid equatorial.
• Major Drainage Areas: Niger-Benue basin, Lake Chad basin, Gulf of Guinea basin.
• Principal Rivers: Niger and Benue.
• Mountain Range: Cameroonian Highlands.

WHY NEW ZEALAND LAWMAKERS STAGED 'HAKA' AGAINST DIVISIVE BILL - Indian Express

New Zealand’s parliament was briefly suspended recently following a protest by the Indigenous Māori group’s legislators, who staged a “haka” or ceremonial dance against a contentious Treaty Principles Bill.

Economy 

Centre aims to make Andaman and Nicobar Islands a tuna export hub - The Hindu

As export of tuna fish from India increased by 31.83% in 2023-24, the Centre is exploring new areas to source one of the most commercially valuable fish. A recent meeting of investors held in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was a step towards making the Union Territory a hub of tuna export.

Tuna Fishery

Environment 

Why CO2 has contributed the most to global warming  - Indian Express

India’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from burning fossil fuels are expected to increase by 4.6% in 2024, the highest among major economies, according to a new report by Global Carbon Project, an organisation that quantifies the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Findings on CO₂ Emissions

• Record Emissions: Fossil-based CO₂ emissions are projected to reach 37.4 billion tonnes in 2024, a 0.8% increase from 2023.
• Global Warming Threshold: At this rate, there is a 50% probability that global warming will exceed 1.5°C consistently within six years.
• Climate Impact: CO₂ is a key greenhouse gas and the primary driver of human-induced climate change.

Defence 

India conducts ‘historic’ flight test of hypersonic missile with a range of 1,500 km - The Hindu

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha recently.

Missile Test

• Overview: Designed to carry multiple payloads for ranges exceeding 1,500 km for the Armed Forces.

• Tracking and Accuracy:

• Monitored by range systems deployed across multiple domains.
• Successfully performed terminal maneuvers and achieved high-accuracy impact as confirmed by flight data.

• Development: Indigenously developed by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, in collaboration with DRDO laboratories and industry partners.

Hypersonic Missiles

• Definition: Weapon systems that travel at speeds of Mach 5 or more (five times the speed of sound) and are manoeuvrable, unlike ballistic missiles.
• Types:
  • Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV): Launched via rockets and glide to their target.
  • Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: Powered by high-speed air-breathing engines (scramjets) after targeting.
• Advantages:
  • Precision Strike: Effective for long-range, time-critical, or defended targets like mobile missiles.
  • Destructive Force: Use kinetic energy to destroy targets, including underground facilities, without explosives.
• Global Possession:
  • Advanced Programs: US, Russia, and China.
  • Developing Programs: India, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia.

India and Japan sign agreement for UNICORN masts for naval warships - The Hindu

India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the “co-development” of UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) mast.

Japan

• Location: Island nation in East Asia, in the Pacific Ocean which comprises five main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa) and nearly 4,000 smaller islands.
• Borders: East of the Sea of Japan, near China, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia. Extends from the Sea of Okhotsk to the East China Sea and Taiwan.

• Name: Known as the "Land of the Rising Sun" (derived from the meaning of its name).

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Topography: Mountainous terrain with the Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji as the highest peak.
• Disaster zone: Part of the Ring of Fire, prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity with about 200 volcanoes.
• Government Type: Parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy.
• Emperor: Ceremonial head of state and part of the Imperial Family.