Scientists have raised concerns over the Thwaites Glacier, which is nicknamed the “Doomsday Glacier,” as it is melting at an unprecedented rate because of climate change fueled by human activities.
Thwaites Glacier (the Doomsday Glacier)
It is an outflow glacier of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS), flowing into the Amundsen Sea.
The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is one of the 16 climate tipping elements on the planet.
It is nicknamed ‘Doomsday Glacier’ due to its potential to cause major sea-level rise.
Recently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a slew of resources for AYUSH in the 2026-27 Union Budget.
AYUSH Sector in India
AYUSH encompasses traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
It includes clinics, wellness centers, research, herbal products, education, and holistic health practices.
India’s AYUSH sector is rapidly expanding, supported by increasing awareness, demand for natural therapies, and government initiatives to promote traditional medicine systems.
Recently, the experts highlighted that India’s agroforestry continues to face serious challenges, especially in access to finance, policy implementation, and farmer awareness, during the first South Asian Agroforestry & Trees Outside Forests (AF-TOF) Congress.
South Asian Agroforestry & Trees Outside Forests (AF-TOF) Congress
It is referred to as the ‘Treescapes’ 2026 Congress.
It marked the first regional platform dedicated to advancing agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) across South Asia.
National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval held high-level talks with Canadian officials in Ottawa to strengthen security cooperation, streamline information sharing and rebuild institutional links after nearly two years of diplomatic strain.
Background
In 2023, Canada alleged the involvement of Indian officials in the killing of a Canadian citizen linked to Khalistan extremism.
India rejected the allegations as absurd and politically motivated leading to diplomatic expulsions, suspension of trade negotiations, and deterioration of bilateral engagement.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 flagged the alarming rise of digital addiction and screen-related mental health problems, particularly among children and adolescents.
About
The Budget announced measures to strengthen mental health infrastructure.
Key highlights include the proposed establishment of a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in north India and the upgrading of premier institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur to improve regional access.
The Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated ₹13,416.20 crore to the Department of Space, signalling a renewed push towards deep-space exploration and astrophysics.
Key announcements in the Budget
Development of Advanced Telescope Infrastructure:
The government has prioritised the construction of the 30-metre National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT).
The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) near Pangong Lake in Ladakh has received funding support.
India and Malaysia vowed to expand their ties in the high-priority sectors of trade and investment, defence, energy, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors.
Key Outcomes
The two sides inked a total of 11 agreements and documents to expand cooperation in a range of key areas.
Audio-Visual Co-production Agreement to boost cultural and media collaboration, and a MoU on Disaster Management Cooperation aimed at improving joint preparedness for emergencies.
हाल ही में विशेषज्ञों ने प्रथम दक्षिण एशियाई कृषि-वनीकरण एवं वन क्षेत्र से बाहर वृक्ष (AF-TOF) कांग्रेस के दौरान यह रेखांकित किया कि भारत का कृषि-वनीकरण वित्तीय पहुँच, नीतिगत क्रियान्वयन और किसानों की जागरूकता के मामले में गंभीर चुनौतियों का सामना कर रहा है।
कृषि-वनीकरण के बारे में
यह एक भूमि-उपयोग प्रणाली है जिसमें एक ही भूमि पर वृक्षों को फसलों और/या पशुधन के साथ एकीकृत किया जाता है।
यह भूमि क्षरण और जलवायु जोखिमों से निपटने में सहायक है।
भारत और मलेशिया ने व्यापार एवं निवेश, रक्षा, ऊर्जा, उन्नत विनिर्माण तथा सेमीकंडक्टर जैसे उच्च-प्राथमिकता वाले क्षेत्रों में अपने संबंधों का विस्तार करने का संकल्प लिया।
मुख्य परिणाम
दोनों पक्षों ने सहयोग बढ़ाने हेतु कुल 11 समझौतों और दस्तावेज़ों पर हस्ताक्षर किए।
ऑडियो-विज़ुअल सह-निर्माण समझौता सांस्कृतिक और मीडिया सहयोग को बढ़ावा देने के लिए तथा आपदा प्रबंधन सहयोग पर समझौता ज्ञापन (MoU) आपात स्थितियों के लिए संयुक्त तैयारी को सुदृढ़ करने के उद्देश्य से।
