- STUDY FINDS MICROPLASTICS IN CITY’S GROUNDWATER
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- Delhi government-commissioned study detected microplastics in groundwater.
- Microplastics found in Yamuna’s water & soil samples, suggesting leaching into groundwater.
- Conducted by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute), final report expected inlate 2024.
- Microplastics are plastic particles <5mm accumulating in water bodies, soil, and human organs.
- 2021 UNEP report: Microplastics affect genetics, brain development, and respiration.
- Detected in tap water (Delhi, 2017), raising concerns over drinking water safety.
- Filtration plants can’t remove microplastics, increasing toxicity risks.
2. INDIA’S TIGER POPULATION ROSE 30% OVER TWO DECADES, RECOVERY BOOSTED BY STRONG LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- 30% increase in India’s tiger population in two decades.
- India hosts70% of global wild tiger population.
- Study by Yadvendradev Jhala in Science journal
- Factors Supporting Growth
- 85% of breeding tiger populations in protected zones.
- Wildlife corridors enable dispersal into multi-use forests.
- Legislative protections: Wildlife Protection Act
- Forest Conservation Act
- National Tiger Conservation Authority
3. EXCESSIVE FINANCIALISATION CAN HURT INDIA’S ECONOMY, CAUTIONS SURVEY
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Household Financialisation:18% of Indian households investing in risky financial assets.
- Over-Reliance on Asset Prices: Risk of wealth concentration & economic instability.
- Advanced Economies’ Lessons: High financialisation linked to debt crises.
- Challenges & Way Forward –
- Balanced Growth Model: Focus on real sector investment, not just market gains.
- Regulatory Vigilance: Prevent speculative asset bubbles.
- Strengthen Banking Sector: Ensure retail investors are not overexposed to market risks.
4. INDIA SHOULD NOT SHUT COAL PLANTS WITHOUT ALTERNATIVES : SURVEY
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- India’s Net Zero Goal: By 2070, but coal remains crucial for energy security.
- Premature Coal Shutdown Risks: Stranded assets, power shortages.
- Developed Nations’ Double Standards: EU, US continue fossil fuel use while advising cuts.
- Challenges & Way Forward
- Gradual Coal Phase-Out: Build renewable capacity before shutting coal plants.
- Invest in Energy Security: Battery tech, smart grids.
- Global Energy Equality: Developed nations must reduce fossil fuel use too.
5. FOUR YEARS ON, MYANMAR AND ITS CONTINUING NIGHTMARE
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- Since the February 2021 coup, Myanmar faces military rule & civil war.
- Ethnic armed groups (EAOs) & People’s Defence Forces (PDFs)continue resistance.
- 3.3 million internally displaced due to violence & military crackdowns.
- Political & Geopolitical Impact
- Elections delayed, raising legitimacy concerns.
- ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus failed due to military non-cooperation.
- China deepens influence, leveraging Myanmar’s instability.
- India faces refugee influx & border security issues.
- India’s Strategic Response
- Diplomatic engagement with ASEAN & UN.
- Humanitarian aid for refugees.
- Balance between China’s influence & India’s security needs.
