- FOSSIL FUELS TO PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE IN ENERGY SECURITY, SAYS ROSNEFT CEO
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
- Despite global push for renewable energy, fossil fuels will remain vital for energy security until 2050
- Global oil demand projected to rise to20 million barrels per day by 2050.
- Significant investment needed in oil production to meet demand (OPEC estimates $550 billion annually)
- Highlights energy transition challenges in achieving net-zero targets.
- India’s energy policy must balance growth with renewable adoption under the National Energy Policy.
2. UN DECALRES DECEMBER 21 AS WORLD MEDITATION DAY
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Resolution unanimously adopted by 193-member UN General Assembly.
- Core group of countries included India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra.
- India’s Role: India emphasized its leadership in promoting human well being, aligning with the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam(the world is one family).
- Promotes mental health and well-being globally.
- India’s soft power diplomacy through cultural heritage (Yoga, Meditation)
3. DESIGN PHASE OF INDIGENOUS NUCLEAR ATTACK SUBMARINES TO TAKE 4-5 YEARS
SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- India begins designing indigenous nuclear attack submarines (SSNs).
- Design phase: 4-5 years; construction to follow.
- Expected induction: 2036-37.
- Boosts India’s capabilities in the Indo-Pacific amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
- Builds on experience from the SSBN (nuclear missile submarines) program.
- Enhances endurance and stealth, critical for underwater dominance.
- Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan by focusing on indigenous defence production.
4. SPECIAL SC BENCH WILL HEAR PLACES OF WORSHIP ACT CASE
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- Supreme Court to hear challenges against the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
- Petitions aim to “reclaim” religious places allegedly encroached upon during Mughal rule.
- Section 2(c):Defines “place of worship” to include all religious structures.
- Section 3:Prohibits conversion of any place of worship.
- Section 4:Mandates maintaining the religious character of worship places as on August 15, 1947
- Secularism and Fraternity: Ensures religious harmony by preserving status quo of places of worship.
- Ayodhya Judgment Reference: Observed the Act as integral to upholding India’s secular fabric.
5. STUDY BRINGS INDIAN STAR TORTOISE TO EVIDENCE BASED CONSERVATION
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- Its name comes from the star-like patterns that feature on its high-domed shell.
- It has very distinctive patterns and its highly rounded shell makes it popular in the world’s trade in exotic pets.
- They occupy a wide variety of habitats, including semi-arid lowland forests, thorn scrub forests, semi-desert and arid grasslands.
- This species has a high tolerance for habitats that are seasonally wet or dry, with many populations inhabiting areas with a monsoon or rainy season followed by a long hot and dry period.
- Distribution: It is endemic to the subcontinent and resides in arid pockets of northwest India (bordering Pakistan), South India, and Sri Lanka. However, members of the species have also been found in people’s homes as far afield as Canada and the U.S.
- It is generally crepuscular, which means they are active in the early morning and the late afternoon during dry, hot weather.
- Diet: Indian star tortoises are mainly herbivores and mostly eat grasses, herbaceous leaves, flowers etc.
- Conservation status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES:Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
