1. RBI and Banks to Develop Digital Payment Intelligence Platform (DPIP)
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India is developing a Digital Payment Intelligence Platform (DPIP) as part of Digital Public Infrastructure to address rising bank frauds.
Key Points:
- DPIP will enable real-time intelligence sharing and coordination among banks, strengthening fraud detection using advanced technologies1.
- A committee under A.P. Hota will examine DPIP’s setup; RBI Innovation Hub will build a prototype with 5–10 banks.
- Bank frauds surged to ₹36,014 crore in FY25 (from ₹12,230 crore in FY24), highlighting the need for robust risk management.
- RBI’s other initiatives: multi-factor authentication, zero liability for customers, and “bank.in”/“fin.in” domains for authentic banking sites.
2. FATF Report on Proliferation Financing (PF) and Sanctions Evasion
Context:
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released a report on the global risks of proliferation financing (PF) for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and sanctions evasion.
Key Points:
- PF involves raising/moving funds for WMD, posing global security threats1.
- Only 16% of countries effectively implement UN sanctions to stop WMD proliferation.
- Illicit actors use shell companies, intermediaries, virtual assets, and maritime sector loopholes (e.g., “dark fleet”) to evade sanctions.
- FATF recommends regular threat assessment updates, enhanced information sharing, and adding WMD PF to its glossary within five years.
3. WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 Report
Context:
WHO released its tenth report tracking global progress in tobacco control since 2008.
Key Points:
- India has implemented strong bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) across all media, including digital streaming content—the first country to do so1.
- Large graphic health warnings on cigarette packs are the most widely adopted measure.
- Tobacco taxation is least adopted; cigarettes remain affordable in India.
- Since 2007, 155 countries have implemented at least one MPOWER tobacco control measure, benefiting over 6.1 billion people.
4. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste & Pollution
Context:
A new UN panel has been established to provide scientific advice on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention.
Key Points:
- Created following a UNEA 2022 resolution; hosted by UNEP1.
- Completes a “global scientific trifecta” with the IPCC (climate) and IPBES (biodiversity).
- Panel aims to address the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution/waste.
- Municipal solid waste is projected to rise from 2.1 billion tonnes (2023) to 3.8 billion tonnes (2050); modern pollution has increased by 66% in two decades.
5. Environmental Impact of Conflicts
Context:
Ongoing global conflicts, including the Ukraine war, are causing significant environmental damage.
Key Points:
- Global militaries contribute ~5.5% of worldwide GHG emissions1.
- Conflicts lead to pollution (e.g., toxic releases in Ukraine), resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.
- Landmines and ordnance pollute soil and water, with cleanup costs in Ukraine estimated at US$34.6 billion.
- International agreements: Paris Agreement (voluntary military emissions reporting), Rome Statute (environmental war crimes), ENMOD Convention (prohibits hostile environmental modification).
6. National Rare Blood Donor Registry
Context:
India’s first National Rare Blood Donor Registry has been created by NIIH under ICMR.
Key Points:
- Objective: Assist patients with rare blood types needing frequent transfusions1.
- Rare donors lack high-prevalence antigens (e.g., Rhnull, Bombay (Oh), Jr(a-)).
- Registry will improve access to rare blood types for critical patients.
7. Thirstwave
Context:
Researchers have defined a new term, “thirstwave,” to describe periods of high atmospheric evaporative demand.
Key Points:
- A thirstwave is ≥3 consecutive days with daily evaporative demand above the 90th percentile1.
- Driven by temperature, wind, humidity, and sunshine.
- Understanding thirstwaves helps farmers manage water resources and improve crop yields.
8. ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram)
Context:
Tripura has become the third fully literate state under the ULLAS literacy program.
Key Points:
- Full literacy requires 95% literacy among those aged 15+.
- ULLAS is a centrally sponsored scheme (2022–27) targeting 5 crore learners, using hybrid (online/offline) modes1.
9. State of the Climate in Asia 2024 (WMO Report)
Context:
WMO released its annual climate report for Asia.
Key Points:
- 2024 was Asia’s warmest or second warmest year, with temperatures 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 average1.
- Asia is warming twice as fast as the global average.
- Significant glacier loss in the Central Himalayas and Tian Shan; record sea surface temperatures.
10. Health Risks from Recycled Plastic
Context:
A new study raises concerns about chemicals in recycled plastic.
Key Points:
- A single recycled plastic pellet contains over 80 chemicals, some of which can leach into water and disrupt hormones/metabolism1.
- Recycling reduces virgin plastic use but poses health risks due to chemical contamination.
11. Blowout in ONGC Assam Oil Well
Context:
A blowout occurred at an ONGC oil well in Assam.
Key Points:
- A blowout is an uncontrolled release of oil/gas due to underground pressure, often caused by valve failure or miscalculation1.
- Impacts include fires, explosions, air pollution, and casualties.
12. Ambubachi Mela
Context:
The annual Ambubachi Mela is being held at Kamakhya Temple, Assam.
Key Points:
- Major Hindu fair during the monsoon, symbolizing fertility and the Earth as a fertile woman1.
- Kamakhya Temple is a prominent Shakti shrine and Tantric worship center.
13. Qatar: Place in News
Context:
Iran launched missile attacks at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US base in West Asia.
Key Points:
- Qatar is a peninsula on the west bank of the Arabian Gulf, sharing its only land border with Saudi Arabia1.
- No rivers or lakes; water sourced from rainfall and groundwater.
- Terrain: Mostly plain, with small carbonate mountains in the north and sand dunes in the southeast.