Western Ghats
Syllabus :GS1/Geography
In News
- Karnataka’s Minister of Forest, Ecology, and Environment has ordered a study on the carrying capacity of the Western Ghats following landslips in Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, and other areas during pre-monsoon rains.
- Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustainably support over the long term, without degrading the environment.
Western Ghats
- They are older than the Himalayas and are a mountain range of immense global importance.
- They are known for their unique geomorphic, ecological, and climatic influence on the Indian subcontinent.
- They affect monsoon weather patterns and moderate the tropical climate.
- They are recognized as one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biodiversity.
- They pass through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- They are an example of Block Mountains formed as land warped into the Arabian Sea.
- They are a biodiversity hot spot, a biologically rich but threatened region, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- They are home to exceptionally high levels of endemism and at least 325 globally threatened species, including plants, mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
| Do you know? The Kasturirangan Committee was tasked with suggesting a holistic approach for sustainable and equitable development and conservation of ecology in the Western Ghats – It had proposed that 37% of the total area of Western Ghats be declared Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA). |
Source :TH
Heavy Rainfall in NorthEast India
Syllabus: GS1/Geography
Context
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Assam and Meghalaya for heavy rainfall.
Reasons for High Rainfall in NE region:
- Influence of the South-West Monsoon Winds: The South-West Monsoon (June to September) is the main contributor to rainfall in India.
- When these moisture-laden winds blow from the Bay of Bengal, they directly hit the North Eastern hills and valleys.
- Orographic Rainfall (Topographic Effect): The Eastern Himalayas, including hills of Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and others, act as a barrier.
- When the monsoon winds rise over these hills, the air cools and condenses, leading to heavy rainfall.
- Proximity to the Bay of Bengal: The region is very close to the Bay of Bengal, which is a major source of moisture.
Source: IE
International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed)
Syllabus: GS2/ International Relation
In News
- China asks Nepal to join its new International mediation organisation.
About International Organisation for Mediation
- It is a China-led global initiative, formally launched on May 30, 2025, in Hong Kong.
- It is positioned as an alternative dispute resolution forum aimed at resolving international conflicts through mediation, rather than arbitration or litigation.
- At its inception, the IOMed saw participation from 33 founding member countries, many of them developing nations from Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia regions where China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has already been established.
- The convention promotes mediation based on key international norms: sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Why does China favor this?
- Undercut Western-led institutions: Like the International Court of Justice or Permanent Court of Arbitration, which China views as extensions of the U.S.-European influence.
- Promotes China’s model of “Asian-style diplomacy”: That emphasizes consensus, informality, and face-saving negotiations.
- Advances the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI): China’s diplomatic branding campaigns that push “multipolarity” and “civilizational harmony” as alternatives to the liberal international order.
Source: ET
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
In News
- Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged $10 billion in financial assistance to support India’s urban development and metro rail network expansion.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Mission: The ADB supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific.
- Membership: Established in 1966 with 31 members, it has expanded to 69 members, with 50 from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 from outside the region.
- Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
- Largest Shareholders (as of 31 December 2023): Japan and the USA (each 15.6%), China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
Source: TH
SHOX Gene
Syllabus :GS 3/Science
In News
- A recent study linked the typical 5-inch height gap between men and women with the SHOX gene.
The SHOX gene
- It is found in the pseudoautosomal region of both the X and Y chromosomes, meaning it is present on both and not exclusive to a single sex chromosome.
- It produces a transcription factor that controls other genes and plays a vital role in skeletal development, particularly in the growth of arm and leg bones.
- It is part of the homeobox gene family, which directs the formation of body structures during early embryonic stages.
Latest Study
- The SHOX gene is found on both the X and Y chromosomes, but its expression varies.
- Women have two X chromosomes, but one is mostly inactive, which lowers their effective SHOX gene dosage.
- Men, having one active X chromosome and a Y chromosome that also carries SHOX, receive a slightly higher gene dose, resulting in greater height. Researchers discovered that having an extra Y chromosome increases height more than an additional X chromosome.
- This SHOX-related difference explains about 25% of the height gap between men and women, with hormones
Source :IE
Andaman & Nicobar Command
Syllabus: GS3/Defence
Context
- Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana assumed charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN).
About
- The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the first integrated theatre command in India with headquarters at Port Blair and set up in 2001.
- It integrates the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard to safeguard national interests in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region.
- It is headed by a Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), a rotational post among three services (Army, Navy, Air Force).
- Typically held by a Lieutenant General, Vice Admiral, or Air Marshal.
Source: PIB
EUNAVFOR
Syllabus: GS3/Defence
Context
- The Indian Navy and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) are planning to hold joint exercises.
- The exercise will see participation by Spanish Navy Ship ESPS Reina Sofia and Italian Navy Ship ITS Antonio Marceglia from EUNAVFOR and ships and aircraft from the Indian Navy.
Significance of the Collaboration
- The exercise reflects the shared interest in protecting lawful trade and countering non-traditional threats, including piracy, smuggling, and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Do you know?
- The Maiden Indian Navy – European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Exercise in Gulf Of Aden was held in 2021.
- EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA is the European Union’s pioneering naval operation, launched in December 2008. Its primary area of operation is the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
Source: PIB
Fibre Optic Drones
Syllabus :GS 3/Defence
In News
- Russia has deployed fibre optic first-person-view (FPV) drones in Ukraine since spring 2024.
Fibre optic drones
- They are similar to regular UAVs but use ultra-thin glass cables for navigation instead of radio waves.
- This makes them immune to electronic interception or jamming since signals travel through the cable, ensuring secure and high-quality video transmission.
- They have a range of 15 to 30 kilometers depending on their equipment sophistication.
- They offer longer battery life, higher accuracy, and reliable operation in challenging environments like forests, cities, or inside buildings.
Source :FP
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