1. Tokara Islands

Context

• A magnitude 5.1 quake shook Akusekijima, part of the Tokara island chain in Kagoshima Prefecture, early Monday morning. It registered a lower 5 on the Japanese seismic scale of zero to 7.
• In an unprecedented seismic event, more than 1,000 earthquakes have rattled the Tokara Islands in southern Japan over the past two weeks.

Location

• The Tokara Islands are a small archipelago in Japan, south of Kyushu and north of the Amami Islands.

About the Island

• The Tokara Islands are a small archipelago in Japan, south of Kyushu and north of the Amami Islands. 
• They are also sometimes known as the Toshima Islands, and the name is preserved in the name of the administrative division, Toshima-mura, that covers them.
• It consists of seven inhabited islands (from north to south: Kuchinoshima, Nakanoshima, Suwanosejima, Tairajima, Akusekijima, Kodakarajima, and Takarajima) and five uninhabited islands (Gajajima, Kogajajima, Kojima, Kaminonejima, and Yokoatejima). 
• As a permanently inhabited municipality stretching over an area of about 160 kilometers, Toshima is “Japan’s longest village.”
• Nakanoshima is the largest island of Toshima Village in both area and population.
• Mount Otake dominates the northern section of Nakanoshima. At 979 meters, it is the highest mountain in the island group

Climate of the Island

• It lies between the subtropical and temperate zones, with an average annual temperature of 20ºC. 
• The weather is warm, and nearly all areas are frostless. The annual rainfall is about 2,700 millimeters.
• The islands are situated in one of the most seismically active regions of the world.

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2. BRICS Summit

Context

• Prime Minister recently participated today in the 17th BRICS Summit being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 6-7 July 2025

Rio de Janeiro Declaration

• It emphasised on strengthening Global South Cooperation for a more inclusive and sustainable governance.
• It affirmed BRICS spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration and consensus.
• They also affirmed on Framework Declaration on Climate Finance and of the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence.
• BRICS members also endorsed the launch of BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.
• BRICS members also affirmed on Strengthening Multilateralism and Reforming Global Governance
• Promoting Peace, Security and International Stability: They reiterate our commitment to the full implementation and advancement of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, especially in light of the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000).
• They also condemned the US strikes on Iran, calling it a violation of International Law.
• BRICS members showed grave concern for situation in Territory of Palestine and called for resolution based International Law.

About BRICS

• Definition: BRICS is an intergovernmental informal grouping of emerging economies aimed at fostering cooperation and enhancing their global influence.
• Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China (these are founding members); South Africa joined in 2010; Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia joined in 2024
• Background: The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia in 2009.

Significance of BRICS

1. Economic Influence: Represents a large share of the global economy:
2. Accounts for approximately 35% of global GDP.
3. Comprises 46% of the world’s population, providing a vast market and workforce.
4. Encourages trade and investment among emerging economies.
5. Counterbalance to Western Dominance: Provides a platform for emerging economies to challenge the G7 and other Western-led financial systems.
6. Promotes a multipolar global order, reducing reliance on dominant powers like the US and Europe.
   • Focus on Local Currencies and Non-Dollar Transactions: Aims to reduce dependence on the US dollar in international trade and finance.
   • Strengthens local currencies, reshaping global trade practices and reducing vulnerabilities to dollar-based systems.
7. Advocacy for Global Institutional Reforms: Pushes for greater equity and inclusivity in global institutions like the IMF and UN.

Importance of BRICS for INDIA

• BRICS focused primarily on economic cooperation, development, and global governance reform. 
• Economic Cooperation: BRICS facilitates economic collaboration through initiatives such as the New Development Bank (NDB), aimed at funding infrastructure projects in member countries.
• Economic collaboration within BRICS facilitates trade diversification, technology transfer, and infrastructure development, which are crucial for India’s economic growth and development aspirations.
• Global Governance Reform: India uses BRICS as a platform to advocate for reforms in international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, aiming to increase the voice and representation of emerging economies in global economic governance.
• Cultural and Academic Exchange: BRICS fosters cultural and academic exchanges, promoting people-to-people ties and enhancing mutual understanding among member countries.

Conclusion

The Declaration and the summit reflected the spirit of Global South reflecting on wider conflicts and there peaceful resolution.

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3. Pethia Dibrugarhensis

Context

• A team of scientists has discovered a new species of cyprinid fish in the Brahmaputra river at Maijan in Dibrugarh and named it as ‘Pethia dibrugarhensis’
• The discovery was made during a freshwater faunal survey of the Brahmaputra, carried out by a team of scientists from the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Guwahati regional centre; ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; and Manipur University. 

About Pethia Dibrugarhensis

• It is a member of the Cyprinidae family, and is classified as a barb.
• Habitat: It was found inhabiting moderately fast-flowing sections of the river, with a substrate composed of mud, sand, and stones.
• The species is known to coexist with several other small indigenous fish in the region.

Features of Pethia Dibrugarhensis

• The new species is distinguished by a unique combination of morphological features.
• It consists of an incomplete lateral line, a prominent black blotch extending to both the dorsal and ventral sides of the caudal peduncle, and the absence of humeral marks and barbels.

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4. Global Income Equality

Context

• India ranked 4th, in recently as per World Bank in global equality status.

About

• As per World Bank, India lifted 171 million people out of extreme poverty.
• According to a World Bank report, inequality in India has come down significantly between 2011-12 and 2022-23, making it the fourth-most equal country globally.
• As per World Bank, India Gini Index stands at 25.5,  this place India as one of most equal countries in relative terms.

Understanding the Gini Index and India Score

• The Gini Index is a statistical measure used to gauge inequality in income, wealth, or consumption. A score of 0 represents perfect equality, while 100 denotes maximum inequality.
• India’s Gini Index (2022-23) is 25.5. In comparison, China: 35.7, United States: 41.8, G7/G20 Averages which is significantly higher than India
• India’s placement within the “moderately low inequality” category (Gini score of 25-30) positions it far ahead of many advanced economies and closer to the “low inequality” threshold.

Decline is Extreme Poverty as a Key Achievement

• India showed a great improvement in getting people out of extreme poverty as based on the global poverty line of USD 2.15/day, India’s extreme poverty rate dropped from 16.2% in 2011 to just 2.3% in 2022-23.
• This progress has resulted in 171 million Indians exiting the poverty trap in a decade, making it one of the most significant anti-poverty achievements globally in recent years.

Other trends

• Globally, just 30 countries fall into the moderately low inequality category including several european countries with strong welfare measures.
• These include Iceland, Norway, Finland and Belgium. It also includes growing economies like Poland and wealthy nations like UAE.

Government Schemes for Inclusive Growth and Driver for Less Inequality

The World Bank attributes this achievement not only to economic growth but to India’s focused, inclusive welfare policies. Key initiatives include:

Financial Inclusion and Direct Transfers

• PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Over 55 crore bank accounts have expanded financial access, especially for rural and underbanked citizens.
• Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): Enabled efficient and leak-proof delivery of government benefits, saving over ₹3.48 lakh crore by March 2023.
• Health and Social Security Ayushman Bharat: Offers ₹5 lakh in health insurance, with over 41 crore cards issued to date.
• PMGKAY: Provided free food grains to over 80 crore beneficiaries, contributing to food security and nutrition.
• Livelihood and Entrepreneurship
• Stand-Up India: Supports SC/ST and women entrepreneurs with loans and financial assistance.
• PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Aims to uplift traditional artisans with training, credit, and market support.

Balancing Growth with Equity

• India’s journey reflects a rare convergence of economic reform with social protection. 
• According to the Social Welfare Department’s statement, “India’s path to income equality has been steady and focused
• The Gini Index of 25.5 reflects real change in people’s lives, better access to food, jobs, healthcare, and banking.”
• The country’s progress in this domain is being seen as a model for developing economies that aim to pursue growth with fairness.

Conclusion

This report shows India’s remarkable journey towards more equal and inclusive society showcasing State’s commitments towards upholding constitutional values of welfarism.

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5. Wildlife Institute of India

Context

A detailed review by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has highlighted the need for scientific, infrastructure-based and community-driven measures to improve the ecological management of Andhra Pradesh’s wildlife sanctuaries.

About Wildlife Institute of India

• It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• It was established in 1982.
• It is based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
• It offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory in wildlife research and management.

Objectives of the Institute

• Build up scientific knowledge on wildlife resources.
• Train personnel at various levels for conservation and management of wildlife.
• Carry out research relevant to management including the development of techniques appropriate to Indian conditions.
• Provide information and advice on specific wildlife management problems.
• Collaborate with international organizations on wildlife research, management, and training.
• Develop as a regional centre of international importance on wildlife and natural resource conservation.

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6. India’s Toy Industry and its Export

Context

• India’s toy industry  has undergone a major transformation and is now manufacturing domestically and exporting to 153 countries.

Toy Sector in India and its Historical Linkages

• India’s toy-making tradition dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2500 BCE), with early toys made from clay, wood, and cloth reflecting cultural and social values. 
• Traditional toys like Channapatna wooden toys and Kondapalli figurines are known for their eco-friendly craftsmanship and regional themes. 
• Toy-making in India is deeply rooted in cultural customs and varies by region, shaped by local folklore and artisanal practices. 

Present Status

• India’s toy market is valued at US$ 1.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 10%, reaching US$ 4.7 billion by 2033. 
• Currently, around 90% of the market is dominated by the unorganised sector, comprising small-scale and cottage industries.
• However, the organised sector is expanding quickly, fueled by increasing brand awareness, urbanisation, and rising digital connectivity.

Initiatives by Government

• The government has launched several initiatives to strengthen the domestic toy industry, reduce reliance on imports, and promote local manufacturing. 
• Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat aim to boost indigenous production and establish India as a global hub for toy manufacturing.
• The government raised import duties on toys from 20% to 60% to curb cheap imports and support local manufacturers
• Quality Control Orders (QCOs): Implementation of stringent quality and safety standards (BIS certification) has ensured compliance and enhanced consumer confidence in toys made in India.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme offers financial incentives to manufacturers who focus on high-quality, innovative, and export-ready toy production.

Challenges

• The Indian toy industry, despite strong growth potential, faces key challenges such as market fragmentation, outdated production methods, and limited technological capabilities.
• The dominance of unorganised players affects quality and brand recognition.
• Traditional toy-making communities face obstacles related to sustainability, market accessibility, and competition from mass-produced plastic toys, despite their cultural value.

Conclusion

• The Indian toy industry is undergoing major transformation driven by demographics, shifting consumer preferences, policy support, and technology. With growing demand for educational, tech-enabled, and eco-friendly toys, there are vast opportunities for innovation and expansion. 
• By improving product quality, using digital platforms, and incorporating cultural elements, India can emerge as a global toy leader.

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7. Australian Bat Lyssavirus

Context

• Recently, an Australian man has died from Australian bat lyssavirus.

About the Virus

• It is a rare but deadly virus that can be transmitted from bats to humans through bites or scratches.
• It is closely related to the rabies virus and was first identified in 1996 in a fruit bat in northern New South Wales, Australia.
• The lyssavirus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes viruses that cause rabies.
• The virus has been discovered in flying foxes, fruit bats and insect-eating microbats throughout Australia.
• Transmission: Human infection with bat lyssavirus occurs through direct contact with infected bat saliva via bites, scratches or open skin.
• It can also occur if our mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) are exposed to bat saliva. There’s no risk associated with bat faeces, urine, blood, or casual proximity to roosts.
• Symptoms: The nature of the illness in humans mirrors rabies, beginning with flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue), then quickly progressing to severe neurological disease, including paralysis, delirium, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. 
• Treatment: Lyssavirus has no effective treatment once symptoms appear.

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8. Peshwa Bajirao

Context

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation unveiled the statue of Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa I in Pune, Maharashtra.

About

• Peshwa Bajirao, also known as Bajirao I, was the 7th Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. He was the son of Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa.
• He served under Chhatrapati Shahu I and is renowned for his military campaigns and expansion of the Maratha kingdom

Military Achievements 

• Bajirao Peshwa fought 41 battles in a span of 20 years and emerged victorious in all of them.
• Major Campaigns:
  • Battle of Palkhed (1728): Defeated the Nizam of Hyderabad, demonstrating swift cavalry movement and encirclement tactics.
  • Battle of Dabhoi (1731): It was a conflict between Peshwa Bajirao I and the Dabhade clan, led by Trimbak Rao Dabhade, over the authority to collect revenue from the province of Gujarat.
  • Invasion of Delhi (1737): Successfully marched on the Mughal capital and forced the Mughals to cede territories without directly capturing Delhi.

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