9 July 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

 

India–Indonesia Relations

Why in News?

• The Prime Minister of India paid a State Visit to Indonesia from 6–8 July 2026, reaffirming the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
• During the visit, the Prime Minister was conferred the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, Indonesia's highest civilian award, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.

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Key Outcomes of the Visit

1. Defence and Maritime Cooperation

• Both countries agreed to deepen defence cooperation through collaboration on 7BrahMos Missile System and Astra Air-to-Air Missile programme.
• India welcomed the deployment of an International Liaison Officer (ILO) from Indonesia at the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), Gurugram, enhancing maritime domain awareness and regional security cooperation.

2. Health Cooperation

• Signed an Implementation Arrangement on Professional Health Workforce Development.
• The agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation in Capacity building, Skill development, Exchange of healthcare professionals, Public health management.

3. Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity

• Launched the Indonesia Open Network (ION), inspired by India's Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
• The initiative aims to Expand digital commerce, Enhance participation of Indonesian MSMEs in the digital economy, Promote interoperable digital marketplaces.

4. Food Security

• India agreed to supply 100 tonnes of high-quality DWR-162 wheat seeds to Indonesia.
• The initiative is intended to strengthen agricultural productivity and food security cooperation.

5. Cultural and Educational Cooperation

• India inaugurated an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-supported project for the restoration and conservation of the Prambanan Temple Compounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Both countries agreed to commemorate 2026–2027 as the "Tagore–Dewantara Year of India–Indonesia Cultural and Educational Diplomacy."
• The initiative marks the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore's visit to Indonesia in 1927 and celebrates the shared educational and cultural legacy of Tagore and Ki Hadjar Dewantara.
• Announcement of an overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore at Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Indonesia.

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About Prambanan Temple Compounds

• Located in Yogyakarta, on Java Island.
• Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex, dating to the 9th century CE.
• Dedicated to the Hindu Trinity: Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma.
• Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Major Agreements (MoUs) Signed

• Space Cooperation: Extension of the Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
• Medical Products Regulation: MoU between Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (India) and Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (Indonesia) for cooperation in medical product regulation.
• Electoral Cooperation: MoU between Election Commission of India (ECI), and General Elections Commission (KPU) of Indonesia to strengthen collaboration in electoral management.
• Steel Sector: Strategic Joint Venture between: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and PT Krakatau Steel to establish a stainless-steel slab manufacturing facility in Indonesia.
• Critical Minerals: MoU among Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre, Midwest Ltd., and PT PERMINAS for the development of rare earth magnets.

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India–Indonesia Relations: Key Facts

1. Historical Background

• India and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1949.
• 2024 marked the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
• Relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.

2. Major Joint Exercises

• IND-INDO CORPAT.
• Exercise Garuda Shakti.
• Exercise Samudra Shakti.
• Exercise Elang Shakti.
• Super Garuda Shield.
• Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo.
• Exercise Milan.

3. Economic and Trade Relations

• Indonesia is India's second-largest trading partner within ASEAN.
• Bilateral trade expanded from US$ 4.3 billion (2005–06) to approximately US$ 28.15 billion (2024–25).
• India is the largest importer of Indonesian crude palm oil.

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Strategic Importance of Indonesia for India

1. Critical Minerals

• Indonesia possesses approximately 21% of global nickel reserves.
• It is also among the world's leading producers of Copper, Bauxite, Tin.
• These minerals are crucial for electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

2. Maritime Security

• Both countries share a common vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• Maritime cooperation focuses on Maritime domain awareness, Freedom of navigation, Blue economy, Disaster response.

3. Investment Relations

• Indian investments in Indonesia amounted to approximately USD 1.56 billion across 7,292 projects during 2000–2024.

4. Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

• BRICS, India–Indonesia–Australia Trilateral Mechanism, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led mechanisms, East Asia Summit, Indian Ocean Rim Association.

5. Strategic Convergence

• Combating terrorism and violent extremism.
• Strengthening maritime security.
• Ensuring freedom of navigation and uninterrupted global commerce.
• Promoting a rules-based international order.
• Enhancing resilience of regional supply chains.

India and the Indo-Pacific

Why in News?

• The Prime Minister's three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand underscores India's evolving Indo-Pacific strategy amid changing geopolitical and economic dynamics.
• The visit reflects India's emphasis on strengthening maritime partnerships, resilient supply chains, regional security, and a rules-based Indo-Pacific order.

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What is the Indo-Pacific?

• The Indo-Pacific is a strategic and integrated maritime region extending from the eastern coast of Africa, across the Indian Ocean, to the central and western Pacific Ocean.
• It has emerged as a key geopolitical and geo-economic region due to its importance for global trade, energy security, maritime connectivity, and strategic competition.

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India's Vision of the Indo-Pacific

• Free, Open and Inclusive.
• Based on international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• Anchored in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Centrality.
• Guided by dialogue, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty rather than bloc politics.

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Significance of the Indo-Pacific

1. Global Trade Hub

• Nearly 50% of global maritime trade passes through the Indo-Pacific.
• It hosts some of the world's busiest sea lanes and strategic maritime chokepoints, including Strait of Malacca, Sunda Strait, Bab-el-Mandeb.

2. Economic Powerhouse

• The region contributes over 60% of global GDP.
• It accounts for nearly two-thirds of global economic growth, making it the principal engine of the world economy.

3. Resource Security

• The Indo-Pacific possesses abundant Marine living resources, Offshore oil and natural gas reserves.
• Critical minerals required for Electric vehicles, Renewable energy technologies, Semiconductor manufacturing, Advanced industrial production.

4. Energy Security

• Vital energy supplies, including crude oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), transit through strategic sea routes such as Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca.

5. Strategic Importance for India

• Enhances India's maritime security.
• Supports the Act East Policy.
• Strengthens the Blue Economy.
• Serves as a strategic buffer against emerging security challenges.
• Expands India's regional diplomatic and economic engagement.

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India's Key Initiatives in the Indo-Pacific

1. Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) Vision (2015)

• Introduced in 2015.
• Serves as India's foundational maritime doctrine.
• Objectives: Promote maritime security, Strengthen regional cooperation, Build capacity among partner countries.
• Position India as a preferred first responder for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Maritime emergencies, Disaster response.

2. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (2019)

• Launched in 2019.
• Provides a voluntary and inclusive framework for regional cooperation.
• Major Pillars: Maritime security, Maritime ecology, Maritime resources, Capacity building, Disaster risk reduction, Science, technology and academic cooperation, Trade, connectivity and transport.

3. Multilateral and Regional Engagement

• India actively participates in regional institutions, including East Asia Summit, Indian Ocean Rim Association, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led mechanisms, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).
• These platforms support regional dialogue, maritime cooperation, and rules-based governance.

4. "G Minus Two" Strategy

• India is strengthening strategic partnerships with middle powers such as Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam.
• The approach seeks to diversify partnerships without being constrained by major power rivalry between the United States and China.

5. Emerging "Arc of Trust"

• India is fostering a network of trusted partnerships stretching Eastward to Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and Westward to Gulf countries and Eastern Africa.
• The objective is to promote Defence cooperation, Secure supply chains, Technology partnerships, Maritime stability.

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Key Challenges in the Indo-Pacific

1. China's Maritime Assertiveness

• Major concerns include Expansive claims in the South China Sea, The String of Pearls strategy, Non-compliance with UNCLOS, Growing military presence in the Indian Ocean.

2. Debt Vulnerability

• Unsustainable infrastructure financing has increased economic dependence among several small island and developing nations.
• This may influence regional strategic alignments.

3. Institutional Limitations

• Regional organisations such as Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Indian Ocean Rim Association often face challenges in Building consensus, Enforcing international maritime rules, Responding effectively to security crises.

4. Non-Traditional Maritime Threats

• The region faces multiple emerging security challenges, including Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, Piracy, Maritime terrorism, Climate change, Rising sea levels affecting island nations.

5. Chokepoint Vulnerability

• Critical sea lanes remain susceptible to Regional conflicts, Shipping disruptions, Piracy, Blockades.
• Any disruption around strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz or Strait of Malacca can significantly impact global trade and energy security.

 

Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) Report 2025–26

Why in News?

The Ministry of Education released the UDISE+ Report 2025–26, highlighting improvements in student enrolment, teacher availability, retention rates, and digital infrastructure across India's school education system.

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Key Findings of the UDISE+ Report 2025–26

1. Student Enrolment and School Profile

• Total student enrolment increased marginally to 24.72 crore (247.2 million) in 2025–26, reversing the declining trend observed over the previous three years.
• The total number of recognised schools witnessed a slight decline to 14.67 lakh, indicating continued consolidation of educational institutions.

2. Gender Parity

• Girls constitute 48.4% of the total enrolled students, reflecting sustained progress towards gender equity in school education.
• Women account for 54.9% of India's 1.03 crore school teachers, indicating increasing female participation in the teaching workforce.

3. Improvement in Pupil–Teacher Ratio (PTR)

• The Pupil–Teacher Ratio (PTR) improved across all stages of school education and remains significantly better than the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 benchmark of 30:1.
• Single-teacher schools declined by 3%.
• Schools with zero enrolment reduced significantly by 29%.

School Stage	Pupil–Teacher Ratio
Foundational Stage	10:1
Preparatory Stage	12:1
Middle Stage	17:1
Secondary Stage	21:1

 

4. School Infrastructure

a. Digital Infrastructure

• Computer facilities are now available in 69.9% of schools.
• Internet connectivity expanded to 67.4% of schools.
• 95% of schools are connected to the electricity grid.

b. Basic Amenities

• 98.5% of schools provide separate toilets for girls.
• 99.5% have access to safe drinking water.
• 58.2% are equipped with ramps for children with disabilities.

c. Area of Concern

• Availability of playgrounds declined to 81.9%, indicating the need for greater focus on sports and physical infrastructure.

5. Student Retention and Transition

• Secondary-level retention improved to 51.9%.
• The overall dropout rate declined to 7%.
• The transition rate from middle to secondary education increased to 88.3%.
• Retention rates at the foundational and preparatory stages registered a slight decline after showing continuous improvement during the previous three years.

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Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+)

1. UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) 

•  India's integrated digital database for school education.

2. It was launched by the

• Ministry of Education in 2018–19 as an upgraded version of the original UDISE, enabling real-time online data collection from schools.

3. Evolution

• UDISE: Introduced in 2012–13 by integrating
• District Information System for Education (DISE) for elementary education.
• Secondary Education Management Information System (SEMIS) for secondary education.
• UDISE+: Replaced manual data entry with an online, real-time data submission platform. Enhances transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in educational data management.

4. Implementing Agency

• Managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.
• Technical support is provided by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

5. Coverage

• Covers nearly 15 lakh recognised schools across the country.
• Collects data from pre-primary to Class XII, including information on Student enrolment, Teachers, School infrastructure, Learning facilities, Administrative details.

6. Permanent Education Number (PEN)

• Every student is assigned a Permanent Education Number (PEN).
• The PEN enables Tracking of a student's educational journey, Prevention of duplicate enrolments across schools, Better monitoring of learning outcomes and mobility.

 

World Bank's Income Group Classification

Why in News?

• According to the latest World Bank Income Group Classification, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Delhi have crossed the upper-middle-income threshold of US$ 4,636 per capita income.
• Despite this progress, India continues to be classified as a Lower-Middle-Income Economy, with a national per capita income of US$ 2,760.
• The report also indicates widening regional disparities, with the Gini coefficient of per capita income across Indian States increasing from 0.230 (1994–95) to 0.261 (2025–26).

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Key Highlights

1. India's Income Status

• India remains in the Lower-Middle-Income category under the World Bank's annual classification.
• Several States have individually achieved per capita income levels comparable to upper-middle-income economies, reflecting uneven regional economic development.

2. Regional Income Divergence

• Economic inequality among Indian States has widened over the past three decades.
• The Gini coefficient of State-wise per capita income increased: 1994–95: 0.230 & 2025–26: 0.261

3. Growth Pattern Since 1994–95

• This trend indicates that middle-income States have recorded the fastest economic expansion, while poorer States continue to lag behind.

 

Category of States	Growth in Per Capita Income
Middle-income States	36.7 times
High-income States	28.3 times
Low-income States	26.6 times

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World Bank Income Group Classification

• The World Bank classifies economies into four income groups every year on 1 July.
• The classification is based on Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, calculated using the Atlas Method.
• It is widely used for International comparisons, Development policy formulation, Allocation of concessional finance, Economic analysis.

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What is Gross National Income (GNI)?

• Gross National Income (GNI) is the total income earned by a country's residents and businesses, irrespective of whether the income is generated domestically or abroad.
• It includes Gross Domestic Product and Net income received from abroad (such as wages, interest, dividends, and remittances).

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Atlas Method

• The Atlas Method is the World Bank's standard methodology for estimating GNI per capita.
• Uses the average exchange rate over three years.
• Adjusts for differences in inflation between the domestic economy and major international economies.
• Minimises the impact of temporary exchange rate fluctuations, providing more stable cross-country comparisons.

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World Bank Income Groups (2026)

Income Group	GNI per Capita (US$)	Illustrative Countries
Low Income	US$ 1,175 or less	Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, North Korea, Somalia
Lower-Middle Income	US$ 1,176 – 4,635	India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria
Upper-Middle Income	US$ 4,636 – 14,375	China, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Vietnam, South Africa, Mexico
High Income	Above US$ 14,375	United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Australia

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Significance of Income Classification

• Economic Benchmarking: Enables comparison of economic performance across countries based on income levels.
• Development Assistance: Influences eligibility for concessional loans, grants, and development assistance from international financial institutions.
• Policy Formulation: Assists governments in designing strategies for Poverty reduction, Inclusive growth, Human development, Fiscal planning.
• Investment Decisions: Provides investors and financial institutions with a broad assessment of a country's level of economic development.

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Implications for India

• Several States have entered the upper-middle-income category, reflecting Rapid industrialisation, Expansion of the services sector, Improved infrastructure, Higher productivity.

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Key Challenges

• Persistent regional disparities in income and development.
• Uneven distribution of economic growth across States.
• Need to improve employment generation, productivity, and human capital in lower-income regions.

 

Report on India's Energy Statistics Framework

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Dr. Rangan Banerjee Committee Report on strengthening India's energy statistics system.
• The report proposes an internationally comparable, comprehensive, and standardised energy statistics framework to improve the quality, consistency, and reliability of energy-related data for policymaking.

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Need for an Improved Energy Statistics Framework

• India's energy sector has become increasingly diverse with the expansion of renewable energy, electric mobility, biofuels, and captive power generation.
• However, existing energy databases remain fragmented across multiple ministries and agencies, resulting in Inconsistent data reporting, Incomplete sectoral coverage, Difficulty in international comparisons, Challenges in evidence-based energy planning.

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Key Data Gaps Identified by the Committee

1. Inadequate Biofuel Database

• Traditional biomass sources such as Firewood, Dung cakes, Crop residues, Modern biofuels collectively contribute nearly 31–34% of India's annual energy consumption.
• India lacks a comprehensive national database on biofuel consumption.
• Existing estimates largely rely on international modelling by the United Nations, limiting the accuracy of domestic energy statistics.

2. Coal Consumption Misclassification

• Imported coal and coal procured through commercial auctions account for nearly 20% of total coal consumption.
• These categories are often grouped under "miscellaneous", making sector-wise analysis and policy formulation difficult.

3. Captive Power Not Adequately Recorded

• Many energy-intensive industries generate electricity for their own consumption through captive power plants.
• A significant portion of this electricity remains outside the national electricity accounting framework, leading to underestimation of actual power generation and consumption.

4. Electric Vehicle (EV) Energy Demand

• Electricity consumed by Electric Vehicles (EVs) is currently merged with domestic and commercial electricity consumption.
• This prevents accurate estimation of electricity demand attributable to the transport sector, affecting long-term energy planning.

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Major Recommendations of the Committee

1. Alignment with International Standards

a. Adopt globally recognised statistical classifications, including:

• International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC Rev. 5).
• National Industrial Classification (NIC-2025).
• Standard International Energy Product Classification (SIEC).

b. Expected Benefit

• Improve comparability of India's energy statistics with international datasets.
• Enhance credibility and transparency of national energy reporting.

2. Uniform Energy Conversion Methodology

All energy-related ministries and departments should adopt common energy conversion factors.

Objective

• Ensure consistency in reporting energy production, consumption, and efficiency across sectors.
• Eliminate discrepancies arising from differing methodologies.

3. Sector-wise Coal Consumption Mapping

Integrate the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) framework with energy statistics.

Purpose

• Track industrial consumption of Imported coal and Auctioned coal.
• Generate detailed sector-wise coal consumption data.

4. Strengthening Energy Efficiency Database

Expand the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)'s Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) database.

Objective

• Capture industry-specific energy consumption and efficiency indicators.
• Facilitate benchmarking and monitoring of industrial energy performance.

5. State-Level Energy Statistics

Develop annual State and Union Territory Energy Statistics.

Benefits

• Improve decentralised energy planning.
• Support State-level renewable energy policies.
• Enable region-specific energy transition strategies.
• Strengthen monitoring of energy access and sustainability.

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Significance of the Report

• Evidence-Based Policy Formulation: Provides a reliable statistical foundation for national and State-level energy planning.
• Improved Energy Security: Enables better assessment of energy demand, supply, and resource utilisation.
• Support for Energy Transition: Facilitates monitoring of renewable energy, biofuels, electric mobility, and clean energy initiatives.
• International Comparability: Harmonising India's energy statistics with global standards enhances international reporting and supports climate commitments.
• Efficient Resource Allocation: High-quality energy data enables more effective infrastructure investment, subsidy design, and sectoral planning.

 

Teesta River Dispute

Why in News?

• Bangladesh and China have agreed to expedite a joint feasibility study for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).
• India has expressed security concerns over the proposed involvement of Chinese infrastructure and personnel near the strategically significant Siliguri Corridor, India's only land corridor connecting the mainland with its northeastern states.

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What is the Teesta River Dispute?

• The Teesta River is a transboundary river shared by India and Bangladesh.
• The dispute primarily relates to the equitable sharing of river water during the lean (dry) season, when river discharge declines significantly.
• Water allocation has remained unresolved despite several rounds of bilateral negotiations.

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Major Issues in the Dispute

1. Bangladesh's Position

• Bangladesh seeks an equitable distribution of Teesta waters, advocating an approximately 50:50 sharing arrangement during the dry season (December–March).
• The river is crucial for irrigation and agricultural livelihoods in the country's northern districts.

2. India's Position

• India has sought a larger share (around 55%) of the river's dry-season flow.
• The demand is driven by Irrigation requirements in northern West Bengal, Drinking water needs, Agricultural dependence on the Teesta basin.

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Impact of Upstream Water Diversion

• Bangladesh has raised concerns that water diversion through the Gazoldoba Barrage in West Bengal has reduced downstream flows.
• According to Bangladesh, this has Affected irrigation availability, Reduced agricultural productivity, Caused crop losses in several northern districts dependent on the Teesta River.

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Stalled Water-Sharing Agreement

• In 2011, India and Bangladesh negotiated a draft agreement proposing 37.5% of dry-season flow for Bangladesh, 42.5% for India, The remaining flow reserved for environmental and river management purposes.
• However, the agreement could not be finalised due to opposition from the Government of West Bengal, which cited concerns over the state's irrigation requirements and farmers' interests.

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About the Teesta River

• The Teesta is a glacier-fed, perennial transboundary river flowing through India and Bangladesh.
• Total length: Approximately 414 km.
• Around 83% of the river basin lies in India, while the remaining 17% lies in Bangladesh.
• Originates from Tso Lhamo Lake and the Teesta Khangtse Glacier in North Sikkim, at an elevation of about 5,280 metres.
• Flows southward through Sikkim and West Bengal.
• Enters Bangladesh near Mekhliganj in Cooch Behar district.
• Eventually joins the Brahmaputra River (known as the Jamuna in Bangladesh) on its right bank.
• Major Tributaries: Rangeet (largest tributary), Lachung Chhu, Lachen Chhu, Rangpo Chhu.
• The Rangeet River joins the Teesta at Melli, near the Sikkim–West Bengal border.

Kamarajar Port

 

Why in News?

• Kamarajar Port has become the second Major Port in India, after Visakhapatnam Port, to achieve a draft depth of 18 metres.
• This enhancement enables the port to handle larger cargo vessels, strengthening India's maritime trade capacity and port competitiveness.

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Key Highlights

1. 18-Metre Draft Capability

• The port now offers an 18-metre navigational draft, allowing the berthing of larger deep-draft vessels.
• This significantly enhances cargo handling efficiency, reduces shipping costs, and improves turnaround time for international trade.

2. Cape-Compliant Deep-Water Port

• With the upgraded draft, Kamarajar Port qualifies as a Cape-Compliant Port, capable of accommodating fully laden Capesize bulk carriers.
• These vessels can carry cargo of up to 1,70,000 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) without requiring partial unloading or transshipment.
• Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) refers to the maximum weight a ship can safely carry, including Cargo, Fuel, Freshwater, Crew and passengers, Provisions and stores.
• It is a standard measure of a vessel's carrying capacity.

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About Kamarajar Port

• Located on the East Coast of India, approximately 24 km north of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu.
• Strategically positioned along major international shipping routes in the Bay of Bengal.
• Formerly known as Ennore Port.
• Declared a Major Port under the Indian Ports Act, 1908 in March 1999.
• Incorporated as Ennore Port Limited under the Companies Act, 1956 in October 1999.
• Subsequently renamed Kamarajar Port Limited in honour of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj.
• India's first corporatised major port operating under the Companies Act.

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Major Ports in India

• Major Ports are administered by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• India currently has 14 Major Ports, of which 12 are operational.

 

Mizoram University NHM Designated as India's 21st Designated Repository

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Natural History Museum (NHM), Mizoram University, Aizawl, as India's 21st Designated Repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• The recognition strengthens India's biodiversity conservation infrastructure and enhances scientific documentation of the biologically rich Northeast India.

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What is a Designated Repository?

• A Designated Repository is a scientific institution authorised to receive, preserve, catalogue, and maintain biological specimens in secure custody for research, identification, and conservation purposes.
• It is notified under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• Designated Repositories are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• The notification is issued in consultation with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).

Quasars

 

Why in News?

The European Space Agency's Euclid Space Telescope has discovered two of the earliest known quasars, dating back to when the Universe was about 670 million years old, during the Epoch of Reionisation.

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What are Quasars?

• A quasar (Quasi-Stellar Radio Source) is the extremely luminous central region of a distant active galaxy.
• It is powered by a supermassive black hole that continuously accretes surrounding gas and dust.
• As matter spirals into the black hole, immense gravitational energy is converted into electromagnetic radiation, making quasars among the brightest objects in the Universe.

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How are Quasars Formed?

• Most large galaxies host a supermassive black hole at their centre.
• When abundant gas and dust fall towards the black hole, they form a rapidly rotating accretion disk.
• Friction and intense gravitational forces heat this material to extremely high temperatures, producing enormous amounts of energy across the electromagnetic spectrum.
• This energetic core appears as a quasar, often outshining its host galaxy.

 

SpudCell

Why in News?

Researchers have developed SpudCell, the world's first fully synthetic cell assembled entirely from non-living chemical components, marking a major milestone in synthetic biology and origins-of-life research.

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What is SpudCell?

1. SpudCell is

• A bottom-up synthetic cell created entirely from non-living chemical substances, rather than by modifying an existing living organism.

2. It is designed to

• Mimic the essential functions of a biological cell, helping scientists better understand the minimum requirements for life.

3. Composition

• A lipid membrane (liposome) that acts as the cell boundary.
• Synthetic DNA carrying genetic information.
• Enzymes that catalyse biochemical reactions.
• Other artificial cellular components required for basic life-like processes.

 

Akash Tarang

Why in News?

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of Akash Tarang, an indigenous Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Anti-UAV) Electronic Warfare System, along with Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS) and several other advanced defence platforms to strengthen India's air defence capabilities.

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Akash Tarang: Key Features

• Akash Tarang is an indigenously developed Anti-UAV Electronic Warfare System.
• It is designed to safeguard military assets and critical infrastructure against hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Detects, tracks, identifies, and neutralises hostile UAVs by Detecting drone communication signals, Tracking their movement, Jamming radio frequency (RF) links used for command, control, and navigation.
• Disrupts communication between the drone and its operator, rendering the drone ineffective.

 

Girish Bharadwaj: ‘Bridge Man of India’

Renowned civil engineer and social innovator Girish Bharadwaj passed away in Karnataka.

He was widely celebrated for building low-cost suspension bridges in remote and inaccessible regions of India, significantly improving connectivity for rural communities.

 

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