1. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

Context

• Recently, a fresh report stated that the Leopard population in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) has grown by 198.91% since 2022.

About the Tiger Reserve

• Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is located on the Indo-Nepal border in the district Lakhimpur-Kheri in Uttar Pradesh.
• It includes the Dudhwa National Park, and two nearby Sanctuaries, viz. Kishanpur and Katerniaghat, besides forest areas of North Kheri, South Kheri, and Shahjahanpur forest divisions in its buffer.
• The area of the approximately 2200 sq km including core area of 1100 sqkm
• It is a typical Tarai-Bhabar habitat of the upper Gangetic plains Biogeographic province.-reserve.
• Rivers flowing: The Sharda River flows by the Kishanpur WL Sanctuary.
• The Geruwa River flows through the Katerniaghat WL Sanctuary, and the Suheli and Mohana streams flow in the Dudhwa National Park, all of which are tributaries of the mighty Ghagra River

Flora

• It consists of Sal Forest along with its associate tree species like Terminalia alata (Asna), Lagerstroemia parviflora (Asidha), Adina cordifolia (Haldu), Mitragyna parviflora (Faldu), Gmelina arborea (Gahmhar), Holoptelea intgrifolia (Kanju).

Fauna

• Guldar, Tiger, Fishing cat, Monkey, Langur, Mongoose, Small Indian Mongoose, small Indian civet, Jackal.

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2. Helgoland

Context

• Helgoland is considered as the birthplace of Quantum physics.

About Helgoland

• It is a tiny red-sandstone island in the North Sea, about 50 km off Germany’s coast. 
• It is Less than a square kilometre in size and  it was once a naval fortress and later became a holiday destination for those seeking fresh air.
• Helgoland is a speck of red-sandstone cliffs lies in the German Bay (Deutsche Bucht) of the North Sea.

Relevance of Helgoland

• It became a pivotal site in the history of physics in June 1925 when 23-year-old Werner Heisenberg developed the foundation of quantum mechanics.
• Werner Heisenberg dropped the idea of electrons ‘orbiting’ an atom’s nucleus in favour of only those facts that fit experimental data: the frequencies and strengths of the light atoms absorb or emit.
• Noticing that the order of multiplication mattered, he derived equations that accurately described hydrogen’s spectrum, marking the birth of matrix mechanics. 
• This detail produced equations that matched the spectrum of hydrogen atoms perfectly. Heisenberg had thus sketched the first complete version of quantum mechanics, later called matrix mechanics.

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3. National Commission for Minorities

Context

• The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has been non-functional since April 2025 due to the retirement of its Chairperson.

About the Commission

• It is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. 
• The Commission consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and five Members, all nominated by the Central Government. At least five, including the Chairperson, must be from minority communities.
• Total of 7 persons to be nominated by Central Government should be amongst  persons of eminence, ability and integrity.
• Tenure: Each person holds office for a period of 3 years upon entering of his office.
• While investigating, the NCM has powers equivalent to a civil court, such as:
  • Summoning and enforcing the attendance of individuals.
  • Requiring the production of documents.
  • Receiving evidence on affidavits.
  • Requisitioning public records from courts or offices.

Constitutional Safeguard

• Article 29: It protects both religious and linguistic minorities and ensures their right to preserve their culture, language, and script. It also prohibits discrimination in admission to educational institutions on specific grounds.

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4. Barilius imphalensis

Context

• A new species of freshwater fish, named Barilius imphalensis, has been recently discovered in the Imphal River in Manipur.

About the Species

• It is a new species of freshwater.
• It is locally known Ngawa in Meitei language.
• The fish belongs to the Danionidae family and the subfamily Chedrinae—popularly known as danionid fishes—recognized for their vibrant patterns and ecological significance.
• Berilius imphalensis is endemic to Imphal River and differs significantly from related spices found in other parts of South East asia and India.
• Its habitat consists of clear, shallow waters typically 3 to 5 feet deep characterized by gravel and cobble beds, and lined with riverbank vegetation.
• Species under the Barilius genus are typically found in clear, fast flowing streams with rocky or gravelly substrates.

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5. UAE Nomination bases Golden Visa Scheme

Context

• The UAE has introduced a new nomination-based Golden Visa scheme for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, offering lifetime residency without any property or business investment.

About the Scheme

• The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign nationals to live, work, study, or run a business in the UAE without the need for local sponsorship.
• It is a Pilot programme launched in July 2025 which is limited to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals under the UAE‑India/Bangladesh CEPA framework, with plans to expand to other countries.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility hinges on professional merit and contribution rather than investment:
• Senior professionals: healthcare nurses with 15+ yrs, educators, corporate executives, etc.
• Specialized talents: scientists, researchers, artists, athletes.
• Digital creators & e-sports pros 25+ years old.
• Maritime professionals: yacht owners, maritime executives.
• Frontline/humanitarian workers.
• Outstanding students: Select high achievers.

Objective of the Scheme

• Attract global talent in science, culture, trade and Innovation.
• Boost UAE position as a Global Hub for skilled professionals.
• Strengthen ties with partner countries like India.
• Diversify UAE economy beyond oil by driving more towards knowledge based economy.

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6. India’s Invisible Trade

Context

• India’s foreign trade dynamics have shifted significantly over the past two decades, with “invisibles”—exports of services and remittances from Indians abroad—now playing a more crucial role than physical goods.

India’s Evolving Trade Landscape

• Surge and Stagnation in Goods Exports.
• India’s merchandise exports grew from $66.3 billion in 2003–04 to $318.6 billion by 2013–14, followed by a slowdown. 
• After a post-Covid recovery peak of $456.1 billion in 2022–23, they dipped again to $441.8 billion by 2024–25.
• Steady Rise of Invisible Receipts
• In contrast, receipts from invisibles—services and private remittances—rose consistently, from $53.5 billion in 2003–04 to $576.5 billion in 2024–25, showing long-term stability and resilience.
• Where goods exports once outpaced invisibles by $85 billion in 2013–14, the trend has reversed by 2024–25, with invisibles exceeding merchandise by $135 billion.

India’s Service Sector

• India’s services sector covers a wide variety of activities such as trade, hotel and restaurants, transport, storage and communication, financing, insurance, real estate, business services, community, social and personal services, and services associated with construction.
• The Economic Survey 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, highlights the service sector as the ‘Old War Horse’ of India’s economy, driving growth both domestically and globally. 

Present Status

• Services have consistently supported GDP growth, contributing around 55% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) in FY25, up from 50.6% in FY14. 
• The sector has maintained an average growth rate above 6% annually over the past decade, except during the pandemic, with post-pandemic growth accelerating to 8.3%. 
• It employs about 30% of the workforce and it  also boosts manufacturing through ‘servicification’—the increasing integration of services in industrial processes.
• India’s global share in services exports has risen steadily, now ranking seventh worldwide with 4.3% of the market. 
• India remained amongst the top five major countries in terms of growth in services exports in FY25 (April-September).
• India’s services export growth accelerated to 12.8% in April-November FY25 from 5.7% in FY24. Computer services and business services exports account for around 70% of India’s total services exports.

Potential of Service Sector

• India is a unique emerging market in the globe due to its unique skills and competitive advantage created by knowledge-based services. 
• The Indian services industry, which is supported by numerous government initiatives like smart Cities, clean India, and digital India is fostering an environment that is strengthening the services sector. 
• The sector has the potential to open up a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity that might stimulate symbiotic growth for all nations. 

Challenges and Issues

• India’s service sector faces key challenges including infrastructure gaps—especially in digital connectivity and logistics—that limit growth outside urban areas. 
• There is also a significant skill shortage, with many workers lacking specialized training for high-value services, impacting productivity and innovation. 
• Regulatory complexities and limited access to global markets further restrict export growth. 
• It also remains vulnerable to global economic fluctuations.

Government Efforts

• The Government of India actively promotes growth in the services sector through various incentives and focused initiatives across key areas like healthcare, tourism, education, IT, banking, and finance. 
• – It has launched an ‘Action Plan for Champion Sectors in Services’ targeting 12 priority sectors, with tourism expected to generate $50.9 billion by 2028. 
• – The country hosts over 1,000 universities, supporting education and skill development through programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship.
• – Financial inclusion is strengthened by schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which has opened over 47 crore bank accounts. 
• – The government also supports manufacturing with production-linked incentives and healthcare infrastructure through missions like Ayushman Bharat and a planned credit incentive program. 
• – Foreign direct investment limits in insurance have been raised to encourage investment.

India as Office of World

• India’s strong services trade surplus of $188.8 billion, supported by remittances, helped stabilize its external balance.
• This proved that invisibles, not goods, are India’s true trade drivers.

Conclusion and Way forward

• India’s service sector remains strong and vital for growth and jobs. 
• India’s services-led surplus and remittances have kept its overall current account deficit manageable.
• This shift underscores India’s emergence as the “office of the world,” driven less by trade in tangible products and more by global flows of intangibles.
• Improving infrastructure, enhancing skills, easing regulations, and boosting global market access can help India realize its full potential and reinforce its role as a global services leader.

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7. Witchcraft and Black Magic

Context

• Recently five family members in Bihar were allegedly killed and accused burnt there bodies in a bush of suspicion of practicing witchcraft.

Issues of Superstitious Practices in India

• Kerala Issue:
  • Two women were allegedly abducted, beheaded and buried as part of a “witchcraft ritual”.
• Incidences of witchcraft in India:
  • According to the 2021 National Crime Records Bureau report, three states in India – Chhattisgarh (20), Madhya Pradesh (18) and Telangana (11) – accounted for 49 out of the 68 registered cases of witchcraft in the country.
• What do the laws against witchcraft target?
  • Apart from curbing superstitious beliefs, such laws have been introduced mainly to protect women, who are identified as “witches” by local people. 
  • Many such incidents have been reported, usually after the spread of an illness or unusual circumstances in a community that spreads panic among people. 

About Witchcraft and Witchhunting

• Witchcraft:
  • Witchcraft is a practice of magic skills, spells, and abilities that are believed to influence a person’s body, mind, or property.
  • Females who practice this craft are often portrayed and attributed as ominous, wicked, and scary.
• Witch-hunting:
  • Witch-hunting was initiated due to the superstitious beliefs and customs for eliminating the so-called witches residing in the society. 
  • Even today it is continued and practiced as a custom in different parts of the world. 
  • Women are specifically targeted, tortured ruthlessly, and called a “Witch.”

Legal Safeguards in India

• Bihar: Bihar was the first State to enact a law to prevent witchcraft, identification of a woman as a witch and “eliminate torture, humiliation and killing of women.” The Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act came into force in October 1999.
• Anyone who identifies a person as a “witch” and acts to aid this identification can face a jail term of up to three months, or a fine of ₹1,000, or both.
• Jharkhand: A similar law was passed in Jharkhand in 2001 — the Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act.
• Chhattisgarh: The State enacted the Chhattisgarh Tonahi (witch) Pratadna Nivaran Act in 2005.
• Odisha: The Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Bill was passed by the Assembly in 2013. The bill provides penalties for a witch doctor, or a person claiming to be a black magician.
• Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013 was passed after the murder of anti-superstition activist Dr. Narendra Dabholkar.
• Rajasthan: Rajasthan enacted the Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act in 2015 to “provide for effective measures to tackle the menace of witch-hunting and prevent the practice of witchcraft.”
• Assam: The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015, which received the President’s assent in 2018, prohibits witch hunting completely.
• Karnataka: The latest law was passed in Karnataka where the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017 came into effect in January 2020.
• The law bans several practices related to black magic and superstition, like forcing a person to walk on fire at religious festivals and the practice of piercing rods from one side of the jaw to the other.

Major Challenges

• Violation of fundamental rights: Witch-hunting and broader superstition related crimes violate basic fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution. 
• Violation of various conventions: Such acts also violate several provisions of various International legislations to which India is a signatory, such as the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948’, ‘International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966’, and ‘Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, 1979’.
• Bad implementation: Law and order is a State subject, so States are free to enact specific criminal laws. In the same way, States are also free to make amendments to Union laws.
• Lack of effective governance: If the executive is serious about curbing such practices, active implementation and enforcement of existing laws need to be made more effective.
• Certainty of punishment: Studies in criminology have established that certainty of punishment curbs the rate of crime and not the type or the quantum of punishment.
• Bad implementation: We already have a reputation of having good laws but bad implementation. In legal parlance, it is known as ‘over-criminalisation’ — more laws but less ‘rule of law’.
• Religions are aware that faith is vulnerable to improper use: stories of fake sadhus and deceitful sanyasis have long been around.  

Way Forward

• Need of sensitisation: Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental sensitisation is necessary.
• The anti-superstition law also makes it possible to curtail activities of so-called godmen before they become too powerful.
• Accessible criminal justice: The enforcement machinery needs a major overhaul to make criminal justice more accessible.
• Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution makes it a fundamental duty for Indian citizens to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
• Provisions under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act of 1954 also aim to tackle the debilitating impact of various superstitious activities prevalent in India. 

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8. Bonn Climate Talks 2025

Context

• The Bonn Climate Talks 2025, a crucial preparatory summit for COP30 in Brazil, ended with limited progress amid disagreements over finance, equity, and adaptation metrics.
• It is a mid-year UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meeting that lays the technical groundwork for the annual COP summit.
• It is Held in Bonn, Germany, June 2025
• It is organised by: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC.
• Its objective is to assess climate action progress, refine policy tools, and build consensus on key agendas like finance, mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage before COP30.

Key Outcomes of the Summit:

1. Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA):
   • 490 out of 9,000 indicators shortlisted to track adaptation progress in health, water, agriculture.
   • India backed context-specific indicators over uniform benchmarks.
2. Mitigation Work Programme (MWP):
   • Consensus on keeping the MWP as a non-punitive, facilitative platform.
   • Brazil proposed a digital knowledge-sharing hub and EU cautioned against duplication.
3. Loss and Damage (L&D):
   • Progress on integrating L&D into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
   • Funding gaps and Santiago Network implementation remain unresolved.
4. Climate Finance Roadmap (‘Baku to Belém’):
   • Talks initiated for a $1.3 trillion/year climate finance target.
   • Sharp divide over grants vs loans and mitigation vs adaptation priorities.
5. Just Transition & Gender Action Plan
   • Countries stressed equity-based transitions and labour rights.
   • Disputes arose over terminology and scope of the new gender framework.

Failures of Bonn Climate Talks 2025

1. Procedural Delays: Talks began 2 days late due to a deadlock over agenda adoption, especially on finance and carbon border taxes.
2. No Consensus on Finance Metrics: Developed countries resisted including finance indicators under adaptation goals, weakening accountability.
3. Equity Deadlock: LMDCs (incl. India) demanded historical responsibility; developed nations pushed forward-looking, voluntary models.
4. Transparency Issues: Discrepancies found in ex-ante climate finance reporting by developed countries under Article 9.5 of the Paris agreement

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Finance Architecture: Shift focus to predictable, non-debt instruments (grants over loans); target small island and LDC-specific funds.
2. Address Asymmetries in Commitments: Ensure burden-sharing frameworks reflecting Common But Differentiated Responsibilities CBDR are built into COP30 outcomes.
3. Streamline Adaptation Reporting: Adopt flexible, context-based indicators and fund capacity-building to ease reporting burdens on developing nations.
4. Institutional Reforms: Empower technical bodies with clear mandates; limit political micromanagement of scientific assessments.

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