1. Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)
Context:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator to fight rising cyber financial frauds.
Key Features:
- Categorizes mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High Risk of financial fraud.
- Data sources include NCRP, Chakshu, DIP, and banking sector inputs.
- Enables banks and financial institutions to take preventive action.
Cyber Fraud Statistics (FY 2020–2024):
- Approx. ₹3,207 crore lost in over 5.82 lakh cases.
- Common frauds: KYC frauds, UPI scams, digital arrest frauds, card frauds, investment schemes.
Prevention Measures:
- Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP): Real-time coordination tool.
- Chakshu Facility: Public reporting mechanism for suspicious calls/SMS.
- Mulehunter: AI tool to detect mule accounts (RBI).
- E-Zero FIR: Auto-FIR for complaints above ₹10 lakh.
- Cyber Fraud Reporting System: Helpline 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in.
2. Asiatic Lion Population Grows – 16th Census (2025)
Context:
India’s Asiatic lion population increased from 674 to 891, a 32% rise over 5 years.
Highlights:
- Conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department.
- Indicates expansion beyond Gir National Park.
- Part of Project Lion (2020).
Species Info – Panthera leo persica:
- Habitat: Grasslands, scrub forests, woodlands.
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
- Legal Protection: Wildlife Protection Act (Schedules I & IV), CITES Appendix I.
- Traits: Visible belly fold, small mane, smaller than African lions.
Conservation Initiatives:
- IBCA (2023) – Global big cat conservation.
- Greater Gir Concept – Alternative habitats: Girnar, Pania, Mitiyala.
- AI Monitoring – Tools: SIMBA, E-GujForest.
- Reintroduction Project – Plan to relocate to Kuno National Park.
3. Makhana Export Strategy Report Released
Context:
A report titled “Strategies to Boost India’s Makhana Exports” was launched at the International Buyer-Seller Meet in Patna.
Organizers:
- MoFPI, Bihar Govt, APEDA, ICRIER, and TPCI.
About Makhana (Euryale ferox):
- Aquatic crop grown in stagnant water bodies.
- India is the largest global producer (~90%), with Bihar contributing 85–90%.
- Only 1–2% of output exported.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in amino acids, vitamins, low-fat, low-glycemic food.
- Anti-aging, digestive benefits.
Export Boost Strategies:
- Implement dedicated HSN codes.
- Create central hubs for grading, packaging, auctioning.
- Operationalize Makhana Board via PPP.
4. CPEC Expansion to Afghanistan
Context:
China and Pakistan have agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
What is CPEC?
- A ~3,000 km route linking Xinjiang (China) to Gwadar (Pakistan).
- Key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
India’s Concerns:
- Violates sovereignty: Passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- Maritime threat via Gwadar port.
- Regional instability and strategic encirclement.
India’s Countermeasures:
- Chabahar Port (Iran).
- International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
5. Aravalli Action Plan Launched
Context:
Union Environment Minister launched a detailed restoration plan for the Aravalli range.
About Aravallis:
- One of the world’s oldest mountain ranges.
- Extends ~692 km from Gujarat to Delhi via Rajasthan and Haryana.
- Acts as a climate and desert barrier.
Degradation Issues:
- Forest loss, mining, animal displacement.
Key Pillars of Action Plan:
- Ecological Restoration: Native plantations, soil conservation.
- Community Participation: Women/youth engagement.
- Governance: Convergence of schemes, stricter regulation.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Agroforestry, NTFP enterprises.
- Technology: GIS mapping, remote sensing.
6. INS Kaundinya – Traditional Indian Sailing Vessel Inducted
Context:
The Indian Navy inducted INSV Kaundinya, a ship built using the traditional Tankai method.
Highlights:
- Inspired by Ajanta Cave paintings (5th century CE).
- Stitched with coir rope and natural resin instead of nails.
- Named after ancient mariner Kaundinya.
Tankai Shipbuilding:
- 2,000-year-old method.
- Offers flexibility and sandbar resistance.
7. Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Turtle Conservation Film
Context:
A documentary about Asian Giant Softshell Turtle conservation in Kerala won a Dadasaheb Phalke award.
Species Details – Pelochelys cantorii:
- Called Bhimanama in Kerala.
- Habitat: Rivers, estuaries, coastal mudflats.
- IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.
- Protection: Wildlife Act Schedule I.
Traits:
- Ambush predator with powerful jaws and fast strikes.
8. Jarosite Study in Gujarat
Context:
Indian scientists studied Jarosite in Kachchh, Gujarat, due to its Mars-like terrain.
Key Facts:
- Yellow-brown mineral with potassium, iron, and sulfate.
- Exists on both Earth and Mars.
- Indicates past water presence and can preserve organics like glycine.
9. Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT) Bags in Tripura
Context:
Tripura introduced PBAT-based compostable bags as an eco-friendly plastic alternative.
About PBAT:
- Biodegradable thermoplastic copolymer.
- Made from corn starch and sugarcane.
- Safe, flexible, and chemical-free.
10. Doctrine of Essentiality & Waqf
Context:
Union Govt told SC that Waqf is not an essential part of Islam, invoking the Doctrine of Essentiality.
Doctrine of Essentiality:
- Determines which religious practices are protected under Article 25.
- Ensures religious freedom does not override equality, dignity, liberty.
11. iGOT Karmayogi Crosses 1 Crore Users
Context:
The iGOT Karmayogi platform under Mission Karmayogi has surpassed 1 crore users.
Key Features:
- Online training portal for civil servants.
- Offers governance, tech, and policy courses.
- Implemented by Karmayogi Bharat SPV.
12. Plant Treaty Reform Demands
Context:
Civil societies demanded reforms in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Highlights:
- Launched by FAO in 2001.
- Ensures global access and benefit-sharing for 64 key food crops.
- India is a signatory.