🔆UN talks on drought deal in Saudi
✅The UN-hosted COP16 talks in Saudi Arabia failed to produce a binding protocol on drought response.
✅While no binding deal was reached, significant progress was made toward a future global drought regime, with plans to finalise it at COP17 in 2026 in Mongolia.
✅Droughts, exacerbated by environmental destruction, cost over $300 billion annually.
By 2050, 75% of the global population is expected to be affected by drought.
✅The UNCCD emphasised the need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by the decade’s end, requiring $2.6 trillion in global investments.
#gs3 #mains #prelims
#environment
✅The UN-hosted COP16 talks in Saudi Arabia failed to produce a binding protocol on drought response.
✅While no binding deal was reached, significant progress was made toward a future global drought regime, with plans to finalise it at COP17 in 2026 in Mongolia.
✅Droughts, exacerbated by environmental destruction, cost over $300 billion annually.
By 2050, 75% of the global population is expected to be affected by drought.
✅The UNCCD emphasised the need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by the decade’s end, requiring $2.6 trillion in global investments.
#gs3 #mains #prelims
#environment
🔆Nano-plastics identified as emerging agents in spread of antibiotic resistance
Nanoplastics derived from single-use plastic bottles (SUPBs) contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance
(AR), shows a new study, underscoring an unrecognized public health risk
#gs3
#prelims
#science_technology
Nanoplastics derived from single-use plastic bottles (SUPBs) contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance
(AR), shows a new study, underscoring an unrecognized public health risk
#gs3
#prelims
#science_technology
🔆Manganese:
✅Manganese is the fifth-most abundant metal on earth that exists in the form of oxides, carbonates and silicates.
✅It is present in water, soil and rock as a naturally occurring component.
Properties
✅It is too brittle to be of much use as a pure metal. It is mainly used in alloys, such as steel.
✅Its minerals are widely distributed, with pyrolusite (manganese dioxide) and rhodochrosite (manganese carbonate) being the most common.
✅It somewhat resembles iron in general chemical activity.
✅It oxidizes superficially in air and rusts in moist air.
✅It is obtained by reducing the oxide with sodium, magnesium or aluminium, or by the electrolysis of manganese sulfate.
✅Its ores are primarily found in Australia, South Africa, China, Gabon and Brazil.
✅It is essential for the growth of plants and is also involved in the assimilation of nitrates in plants and algae.
#gs3
#prelims
#science_technology@thegameoftoppers
✅Manganese is the fifth-most abundant metal on earth that exists in the form of oxides, carbonates and silicates.
✅It is present in water, soil and rock as a naturally occurring component.
Properties
✅It is too brittle to be of much use as a pure metal. It is mainly used in alloys, such as steel.
✅Its minerals are widely distributed, with pyrolusite (manganese dioxide) and rhodochrosite (manganese carbonate) being the most common.
✅It somewhat resembles iron in general chemical activity.
✅It oxidizes superficially in air and rusts in moist air.
✅It is obtained by reducing the oxide with sodium, magnesium or aluminium, or by the electrolysis of manganese sulfate.
✅Its ores are primarily found in Australia, South Africa, China, Gabon and Brazil.
✅It is essential for the growth of plants and is also involved in the assimilation of nitrates in plants and algae.
#gs3
#prelims
#science_technology@thegameoftoppers
🔆GPS Spoofing:
✅GPS spoofing, also known as GPS simulation, refers to the practice of manipulating or tricking a GPS receiver by broadcasting false GPS signals.
✅Essentially, it misleads the GPS receiver into believing it is located somewhere it is not, resulting in the device providing inaccurate location data.
✅This form of cyberattack undermines the reliability of GPS data, which is vital for a variety of applications, from navigation to time synchronization and more.
📍How Does GPS Spoofing Work?
✅It exploits the inherent vulnerabilities in the GPS infrastructure – the weak signal strength of GPS satellites.
✅The Global Positioning System (GPS) functions by sending signals from satellites to GPS receivers on Earth.
✅These receivers then calculate their position based on the time it takes for these signals to arrive.
✅However, due to the weak signal strength of the GPS satellites, these signals can be easily overwhelmed by fake signals, resulting in inaccurate location data on the receiving device.
✅Typically, a GPS spoofer begins by acquiring a basic understanding of the victim’s GPS setup, including the types of signals it uses and how they are processed.
✅With that information, the attacker then sends counterfeit GPS signals that mimic the real ones.
✅These fake signals are stronger, causing the receiver to recognize them as authentic signals.
✅As a result, the victim’s GPS receiver ends up processing these counterfeit signals, leading to erroneous location information.
#gs3
#prelims
#science_technology #science@thegameoftoppers
✅GPS spoofing, also known as GPS simulation, refers to the practice of manipulating or tricking a GPS receiver by broadcasting false GPS signals.
✅Essentially, it misleads the GPS receiver into believing it is located somewhere it is not, resulting in the device providing inaccurate location data.
✅This form of cyberattack undermines the reliability of GPS data, which is vital for a variety of applications, from navigation to time synchronization and more.
📍How Does GPS Spoofing Work?
✅It exploits the inherent vulnerabilities in the GPS infrastructure – the weak signal strength of GPS satellites.
✅The Global Positioning System (GPS) functions by sending signals from satellites to GPS receivers on Earth.
✅These receivers then calculate their position based on the time it takes for these signals to arrive.
✅However, due to the weak signal strength of the GPS satellites, these signals can be easily overwhelmed by fake signals, resulting in inaccurate location data on the receiving device.
✅Typically, a GPS spoofer begins by acquiring a basic understanding of the victim’s GPS setup, including the types of signals it uses and how they are processed.
✅With that information, the attacker then sends counterfeit GPS signals that mimic the real ones.
✅These fake signals are stronger, causing the receiver to recognize them as authentic signals.
✅As a result, the victim’s GPS receiver ends up processing these counterfeit signals, leading to erroneous location information.
#gs3
#prelims
#science_technology #science@thegameoftoppers
🔆National biopharma Mission and bio-agriculture
✅The National Biopharma Mission (NBM)-Innovate in India (i3), is a government-approved initiative led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and implemented by BIRAC.
✅It aims to boost India’s capabilities in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, biosimilars, medical devices, and diagnostics by fostering collaboration between industry and academia
#gs3
#prelims
✅The National Biopharma Mission (NBM)-Innovate in India (i3), is a government-approved initiative led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and implemented by BIRAC.
✅It aims to boost India’s capabilities in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, biosimilars, medical devices, and diagnostics by fostering collaboration between industry and academia
#gs3
#prelims
🔆National Critical Mineral Mission
✅Critical minerals are essential for a country's economic development and national security, and their lack of availability or concentration in a few geographical locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.
✅The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
📍Usage
✅Critical minerals such as silicon, tellurium, indium, and gallium are vital for the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells used in solar panels.
India’s current solar capacity of 64 GW is heavily dependent on these minerals.
✅Rare earth elements like dysprosium and neodymium are used in permanent magnets for wind turbines.
India aims to increase its wind energy capacity from 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030
✅Lithium, nickel, and cobalt are key materials used in lithium-ion batteries.
#gs3
#economy
#prelims@thegameoftoppers
✅Critical minerals are essential for a country's economic development and national security, and their lack of availability or concentration in a few geographical locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.
✅The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
📍Usage
✅Critical minerals such as silicon, tellurium, indium, and gallium are vital for the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells used in solar panels.
India’s current solar capacity of 64 GW is heavily dependent on these minerals.
✅Rare earth elements like dysprosium and neodymium are used in permanent magnets for wind turbines.
India aims to increase its wind energy capacity from 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030
✅Lithium, nickel, and cobalt are key materials used in lithium-ion batteries.
#gs3
#economy
#prelims@thegameoftoppers
🔆POSHAN Scheme
📍Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme:
✅It was earlier known as the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in schools.
✅In September 2021, Mid-Day Meal Scheme was renamed as Pradhan Mantri POSHAN Scheme.
✅It is a centrally sponsored scheme under which one hot cooked meal is served to students studying in Balvatika and classes I to VIII, in Government and Government-aided schools on all school-days.
✅The Scheme aims at providing nutritional support and enhancing school participation of students.
✅Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education
#gs3
#prelims
#economy
#goverment_scheme
📍Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme:
✅It was earlier known as the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in schools.
✅In September 2021, Mid-Day Meal Scheme was renamed as Pradhan Mantri POSHAN Scheme.
✅It is a centrally sponsored scheme under which one hot cooked meal is served to students studying in Balvatika and classes I to VIII, in Government and Government-aided schools on all school-days.
✅The Scheme aims at providing nutritional support and enhancing school participation of students.
✅Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education
#gs3
#prelims
#economy
#goverment_scheme
🔆Myristica swamps
✅Myristica swamps are unique freshwater swamp ecosystems dominated by trees of the Myristicaceae family, including nutmeg trees.
✅These swamps are found in specific regions of the Western Ghats, especially in Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa, and also in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
✅ They are characterized by stilt and knee roots that help trees adapt to waterlogged conditions.
✅These forests are characterized by trees with large protruding roots jutting out of waterlogged soil which remains inundated throughout the year.
They have evolved over millions of years and are comprised of old-growth trees.
✅Climatic conditions: The formation of these swamps is dependent on abiotic conditions like the shape of the valley between the forested hills, the amount of rainfall a place receives (with an average of 3000 mm), and water availability throughout the year
#gs3
#prelims
#enviroment
✅Myristica swamps are unique freshwater swamp ecosystems dominated by trees of the Myristicaceae family, including nutmeg trees.
✅These swamps are found in specific regions of the Western Ghats, especially in Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa, and also in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
✅ They are characterized by stilt and knee roots that help trees adapt to waterlogged conditions.
✅These forests are characterized by trees with large protruding roots jutting out of waterlogged soil which remains inundated throughout the year.
They have evolved over millions of years and are comprised of old-growth trees.
✅Climatic conditions: The formation of these swamps is dependent on abiotic conditions like the shape of the valley between the forested hills, the amount of rainfall a place receives (with an average of 3000 mm), and water availability throughout the year
#gs3
#prelims
#enviroment
🔆Mosura fentoni
✅Lived around 506 million years ago, during the Cambrian period.
✅Classification: Belongs to Radiodonta, an extinct lineage of early arthropods that also includes Anomalocaris.
Size: Approximately the length of an adult human index finger.
✅Eyes: Possessed three eyes-two lateral and one prominent central eye-providing advanced visual capabilities for its time.
✅Trunk-Like Body: Elongated body with swimming flaps along the sides for propulsion, similar to the movement of modern rays.
✅Abdomen-Like Region: Unique among radiodonts, Mosura fentoni had a segmented rear section comprising 16 tightly packed segments, each lined with gills.
✅This structure likely enhanced its respiratory efficiency and is considered an example of evolutionary convergence with modern arthropods such as horseshoe crabs and insects.
✅Respiration: Breathed through gills located at the posterior end of its body, a feature not previously seen in related species.
#gs3
#prelims
✅Lived around 506 million years ago, during the Cambrian period.
✅Classification: Belongs to Radiodonta, an extinct lineage of early arthropods that also includes Anomalocaris.
Size: Approximately the length of an adult human index finger.
✅Eyes: Possessed three eyes-two lateral and one prominent central eye-providing advanced visual capabilities for its time.
✅Trunk-Like Body: Elongated body with swimming flaps along the sides for propulsion, similar to the movement of modern rays.
✅Abdomen-Like Region: Unique among radiodonts, Mosura fentoni had a segmented rear section comprising 16 tightly packed segments, each lined with gills.
✅This structure likely enhanced its respiratory efficiency and is considered an example of evolutionary convergence with modern arthropods such as horseshoe crabs and insects.
✅Respiration: Breathed through gills located at the posterior end of its body, a feature not previously seen in related species.
#gs3
#prelims
🔆What is PBAT?
✅Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura has introduced compostable bags made from PBAT as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic (SUP).
📍What is PBAT?
✅PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer used as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional plastics.
✅It is a copolymer of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and terephthalic acid and can be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing methods.
✅PBAT is often blended with other biopolymers to enhance its mechanical and barrier properties
📍Properties of PBAT
✅100% compostable – breaks down into water, CO₂, and biomass under industrial composting conditions within 180 days.
✅Flexible and tough, making it ideal for bags, films, and packaging.
✅It is moisture-resistant, chemically inert, and offers good barrier properties.
#gs3
#environment
✅Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura has introduced compostable bags made from PBAT as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic (SUP).
📍What is PBAT?
✅PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer used as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional plastics.
✅It is a copolymer of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol, and terephthalic acid and can be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing methods.
✅PBAT is often blended with other biopolymers to enhance its mechanical and barrier properties
📍Properties of PBAT
✅100% compostable – breaks down into water, CO₂, and biomass under industrial composting conditions within 180 days.
✅Flexible and tough, making it ideal for bags, films, and packaging.
✅It is moisture-resistant, chemically inert, and offers good barrier properties.
#gs3
#environment