Why in news?
Parakram Diwas 2026 celebrates Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's 129th birth anniversary from January 23 to 25 at Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with events at 13 other sites linked to his life.​
About Parakram Diwas 2026
Parakram Diwas 2026 is observed on 23rd January 2026 to commemorate the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, honoring his unmatched courage, patriotism, and leadership in India’s freedom struggle.
- Theme (2026): Focused on “Unconquerable Spirit of Netaji”—highlighting his resilience and vision for a self-reliant India.
- Yearly Observance: Declared by the Government of India in 2021 to mark his 125th birth anniversary, and celebrated annually since then.
Significance
- Tribute to Netaji: Recognizes his role as the founder of the Indian National Army (INA) and his vision for complete independence.
- Symbol of Courage: The word Parakram means valor or bravery, reflecting Bose’s fearless spirit.
- Youth Inspiration: Intended to instill patriotism, courage, and determination among India’s younger generations.
Major works and contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose:
- Founded and led the Indian National Army (INA / Azad Hind Fauj) to fight British rule
- Established the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government) in 1943
- Popularized the powerful slogan “Jai Hind”
- Gave the call “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom”
- Reorganized the INA with modern military structure and discipline
- Formed the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-women combat unit
- Strengthened India’s freedom struggle by seeking international support from Germany, Japan, and other Axis powers
- Escaped British house arrest (1941) and undertook a daring journey to continue the freedom movement abroad
- Served as President of the Indian National Congress (1938 – Haripura Session; 1939 – Tripuri Session)
- Founded the Forward Bloc in 1939 to unite radical nationalists
- Inspired mass nationalism through speeches, broadcasts, and writings
- Advocated for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) through armed struggle
- Played a key role in weakening British authority in India during World War II
Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework
Why in news?
India’s Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework, released January 22, 2026, is a landmark roadmap to integrate quantum technologies such as communication, computing, sensing, and materials, into the Army, Navy, and Air Force, ensuring technological dominance in future warfare.
Core Pillars
The framework is built on four pillars of quantum technologies:
| Pillar |
Purpose |
Defense Applications |
| Quantum Communication |
Secure, hack-proof networks |
Encrypted military communication, resilient command & control |
| Quantum Computing |
Advanced simulations & cryptography |
War-gaming, logistics optimization, real-time decision support |
| Quantum Sensing & Metrology |
Precision detection & navigation |
Submarine detection, GPS-independent navigation, missile guidance |
| Quantum Materials & Devices |
Cutting-edge hardware |
Quantum radars, superconducting devices, advanced sensors |
|
Strategic Objectives
- Technological Supremacy: Ensure India’s armed forces dominate in rapidly evolving battlefields.
- Jointness & Integration: Seamless adoption across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Civil–Military Fusion: Align defense R&D with national quantum initiatives.
- Future Readiness: Prepare for technology-centric warfare scenarios.
Risks & Challenges
- Implementation Gap: Translating vision into deployable systems requires sustained funding and talent.
- Global Race: China and the US are ahead; India must accelerate to avoid lag.
- Cybersecurity Concerns: Quantum communication promises security, but adversaries may exploit transitional vulnerabilities.
- Infrastructure Needs: Quantum labs, testbeds, and defense-industry partnerships must scale rapidly.
About National Quantum Mission (2023)
- The Government approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) on 19 April 2023 for the period 2023–24 to 2030–31.
- Its purpose is to boost research and development in quantum technologies and create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation in this field.
- Key goals include:
- Developing quantum computers (50–1000 qubits) using various technologies.
- Building secure quantum communication systems across distances (including ~2000 km networks).
- Advancing quantum sensing, metrology, atomic clocks, and quantum materials.
- To achieve these, Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) have been set up in leading research institutions focusing on different quantum technology areas.
- The mission aims to position India among global leaders in quantum technology and support applications in communications, security, healthcare, navigation, and more.
Why in news?
Researchers in China developed a strong, recyclable plastic from bamboo cellulose that matches engineering plastics in toughness for uses in cars and appliances. It retains 90% strength after recycling and biodegrades in soil, though it's more rigid than packaging plastics.​
Key Features
- Strength & Toughness: Comparable to engineering plastics (like ABS or polycarbonate), which are widely used in cars, electronics, and appliances.
- Recyclability: Retains about 90% of its strength after recycling, meaning it can go through multiple use cycles without losing performance.
- Biodegradability: Unlike conventional plastics, it can biodegrade in soil, reducing long‑term pollution.
- Rigidity: It’s more rigid than typical packaging plastics, so it’s better suited for durable goods rather than flexible packaging.
Potential Applications
- Automotive parts: Interior panels, casings, or lightweight structural components.
- Home appliances: Casings for washing machines, refrigerators, or electronics.
- Construction materials: Rigid panels or fittings where strength and sustainability matter.
Environmental Impact
- Reduced reliance on petroleum: Bamboo cellulose is renewable, unlike fossil‑fuel‑based plastics.
- Circular economy: High recyclability plus biodegradability means less landfill waste.
- Carbon footprint: Bamboo grows quickly and absorbs CO₂, making it a more climate‑friendly raw material.
Trade‑offs
- Rigidity: Limits use in flexible packaging (like bags or wraps).
- Scaling challenges: Industrial adoption depends on cost, production scalability, and supply chains for bamboo cellulose.
Why in news?
A 19-year-old college student in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, died, after ingesting borax (known locally as "venkaaram") for weight loss, following a YouTube video. Borax is not safe for human consumption. It is a chemical compound (sodium borate) commonly used in cleaning products, insecticides, and industrial applications. Ingesting borax can cause severe poisoning, leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, kidney damage, seizures, and in high doses, death.
Why This Is Dangerous?
- Misinformation online: The video promoted a harmful practice without medical basis.
- Toxicity of borax: Even small amounts can be lethal, especially when ingested.
- Weight-loss myths: Quick fixes like chemicals or unverified remedies are extremely risky compared to safe, evidence-based methods (diet, exercise, medical guidance).
Broader Context
- Tamil Nadu has seen several cases where traditional or household chemicals are misused due to social media misinformation.
- This highlights the urgent need for:
- Digital literacy: Teaching people to critically evaluate health claims online.
- Regulation: Platforms must act against harmful content that promotes unsafe practices.
- Awareness campaigns: Local health authorities and colleges can spread accurate
About Borax
- Chemical Identity: Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Na_2B_4O_7\cdot 10H_2O)
- Appearance: White, powdery mineral that dissolves easily in water.
- Natural Occurrence: Found in evaporite deposits from dried lake beds, especially in places like California’s Death Valley
Why in news?
CDAC has officially expanded ICE-Cloud into an open-access supercomputing platform, now available to students, researchers, startups, and industries across India. It integrates AI, quantum technologies, simulations, bioinformatics, and High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources, democratizing access to advanced computing.
Usages of ICE-Cloud
- Supercomputing Power: Remote access to clusters, including a 50-teraflop system, enabling large-scale simulations and AI workloads.
- AI & Quantum Research: Designed to support cutting-edge projects in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum technologies.
- Bioinformatics & Healthcare: Specialized tools for genomics, medical research, and computational biology.
- Cloud-native Environment: Containerized applications, dynamic provisioning of compute/storage, and reproducible workflows.
- Secure Data Repository: All data hosted within India, ensuring compliance with national security and privacy standards.
- Collaboration Tools: Controlled access for sharing datasets and applications among institutions and industries.
Benefits
| Audience |
Benefits |
| Students |
Hands-on experience with HPC and AI tools, training programs for 20,000 learners. |
| Researchers |
Access to scalable compute for simulations, experiments, and reproducible workflows. |
| Startups |
Affordable infrastructure for AI/ML model training, product prototyping, and innovation. |
| Industries |
HPC-backed solutions for manufacturing, pharma, finance, and engineering. |
Importance
- Democratization of Supercomputing: Previously, HPC resources were limited to select institutions. ICE-Cloud now opens them to a wider audience.
- Boost to Innovation Ecosystem: Startups and universities can experiment without prohibitive infrastructure costs.
- National Self-Reliance: Built indigenously, ICE-Cloud reduces dependence on foreign cloud/HPC providers.
- Skill Development: Training initiatives aim to build a workforce skilled in AI, quantum computing, and HPC.
Challenges & Considerations
- Scalability: Current cluster (50 teraflops) may need expansion as demand grows.
- Awareness & Onboarding: Many potential users may not yet know how to access or leverage ICE-Cloud.
- Competition: Global platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer similar services; ICE-Cloud’s edge lies in affordability and national hosting.
- Data Security: While localized hosting is a strength, ensuring robust cybersecurity against advanced threats remains critical.
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Why in news?
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease globally, affecting roughly 30%–38% of the adult population as of 2026.
About (MASLD)
MASLD is a chronic liver condition caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver due to metabolic dysfunction rather than alcohol use. It is strongly linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders. It was previously known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
Risk Factors
- Obesity – up to 80% of obese individuals may develop fatty liver.
- Type 2 Diabetes – 60–70% of patients show signs of MASLD.
- Dyslipidemia & Hypertension – elevated cholesterol and blood pressure increase risk.
- Sedentary Lifestyle & Poor Diet – high sugar and fat intake worsen progression.
- Silent Disease: Often asymptomatic in early stages, making it difficult to detect without screening.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
- Symptoms: Usually absent in early stages; fatigue or mild discomfort may occur later.
- Diagnosis: Blood tests (liver enzymes), imaging (ultrasound, MRI), and sometimes biopsy.
- Progression: Can advance to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
Management & Treatment
- Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, regular exercise, and balanced diet are the most effective interventions.
- Medical Management: No specific drug is approved yet, but treatments target metabolic syndrome (diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension).
- Monitoring: Regular liver function tests and imaging for at-risk individuals.
Global & Indian Context
- Prevalence: MASLD affects 30–40% of adults worldwide, making it the most common chronic liver disorder.
- India: Ranked among the top 3 globally for fatty liver disease, with a 13.2% rise in prevalence between 2010–2021.
- Public Health Concern: Strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, liver cancer, and extrahepatic conditions like gout.
Metadon Ghorpadei and Metadon Reemeri
Why in news?
Metadon Ghorpadei and Metadon Reemeri are two newly discovered species of rare ant flies from India. Researchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu identified them in the subfamily Microdontinae (Syrphidae).​ Metadon ghorpadei was found in Delhi’s Northern Ridge forest, while Metadon reemeri was discovered in the Siruvani Hills of the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu.
About the Species
- Taxonomy:
- Family: Syrphidae (hoverflies)
- Subfamily: Microdontinae
- Genus: Metadon
- Unique Trait: Their larvae live inside ant nests, feeding on ant brood. This specialized lifestyle makes them rare and hard to detect.
Ecological Significance
- Myrmecophily: Larvae live as inquilines inside ant nests, feeding on ant brood without destroying the colony.
- Adult Behavior: Unlike most hoverflies, adults rarely visit flowers; they stay close to ant colonies.
- Conservation Message: Their discovery underscores the need to protect both urban green spaces and biodiversity hotspots.
Importance
- Rarity: Only 27 Microdontinae species are known in India out of 454 worldwide. These two discoveries expand India’s list.
- Scientific Importance: Published in Zootaxa, the findings highlight hidden biodiversity and the role of DNA testing in confirming new species.
- Conservation Implications: Urban forests like Delhi’s Ridge and fragile ecosystems like the Western Ghats are crucial for sustaining rare species.
Why in news?
Recent developments highlight the wider use of steel slag technology for resilient roads in areas with heavy rainfall, landslides, and short construction windows, like Himalayan states.
About Steel Slag
- Steel slag is the non-metallic by-product produced during the separation of molten steel from impurities in steelmaking furnaces.
- Composition: Rich in oxides of calcium, silicon, iron, and magnesium, along with trace metals.
- Generation: India alone produces ~19 million tonnes annually, projected to reach 60 million tonnes by 2030 due to steel industry expansion.
Uses of Steel Slag
- Road Construction:
- Steel slag has been successfully used as an aggregate in road building.
- The Steel Slag Road Technology developed by CRRI (Central Road Research Institute) in collaboration with the Ministry of Steel is part of India’s Waste to Wealth Mission.
- Roads built with steel slag are more durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
- Construction Material:
- Can replace natural aggregates and river sand in concrete and brick manufacturing.
- Offers high strength and resistance to wear.
- Environmental Applications:
- Used in wastewater treatment for removing heavy metals and phosphorus.
- Helps reduce landfill waste and pollution around steel plants.
Risks & Considerations
- Environmental Risks: Untreated slag can leach heavy metals, contaminating soil and water.
- Health Concerns: Dust from slag dumps may cause respiratory issues.
- Policy Needs: Stronger regulations and incentives are required to mainstream slag reuse.
Why in news?
The Nicobar Tribal Council has recently raised alarms over alleged pressure from the Andaman and Nicobar administration to sign "surrender certificates" for ancestral lands affected by the 2004 tsunami, linked to the proposed Great Nicobar development project.
Highlights of Issues and Challenges
- Great Nicobar Island Mega Project:
- A ₹92,000 crore infrastructure plan involving ports, airports, and urban development.
- Requires diversion of forest lands where Nicobarese lived before the 2004 tsunami.
- Council’s Stand:
- Members allege they are being pressured by the district administration to sign “surrender certificates” giving up ancestral lands.
- Tribal leaders argue these lands are integral to their heritage, culture, and future generations.
About Nicobar Tribal Council
The Nicobar Tribal Council is the traditional governing body of the Nicobarese tribes, responsible for safeguarding their welfare, culture, and ancestral lands. Recently, it has been in the news for resisting pressure to surrender tribal lands for the Great Nicobar Island mega project.
Structure and Role of the Nicobar Tribal Council
- Village Councils:
- Each tribal village has a council headed by a First Captain, assisted by Second and Third Captains.
- Captains are elected democratically by secret ballot, usually for a 4-year tenure.
- Tribal Councils:
- Formed by the First Captains of village councils within a group of islands.
- They elect a Chief Captain and Vice Chief Captain to lead.
- Current Councils:
- In Nicobar district, there are seven Tribal Councils: Car Nicobar, Katchal, Nancowry, Kamorta, Teressa, Chowra, and Pilobhabi.
- Functions:
- Oversee welfare, cultural preservation, and dispute resolution.
- Act as a bridge between tribal communities and the administration.
Risks and Implications
- Loss of Ancestral Lands: Could lead to cultural disintegration and displacement.
- Legal & Ethical Concerns: Raises questions about indigenous rights and consent.
- Environmental Impact: Diversion of forest lands may harm fragile ecosystems.
- Future Generations: Tribal leaders fear their children will have “nothing left” if lands are surrendered.
Why in news?
The Konthuruthy River (also called a canal) is a 620-meter waterway in Thevara, Kochi, Kerala, connecting Thevara canal to Vembanad Lake; originally 48 meters wide, it has narrowed severely due to encroachments, causing flooding and pollution.
Legal and Environmental Issues
- Encroachment: Settlements along the riverbanks are considered unauthorized.
- Court Orders: In 2020, the High Court gave one year for rehabilitation and clearance. By late 2025, the court criticized delays and set a four-month deadline for eviction.
- Impact on Residents: Families face uncertainty about housing and livelihoods, with many appealing for humane rehabilitation.
About Konthuruthy River
- Location: Runs through Konthuruthy in Thevara, Ernakulam (Kochi, Kerala).
- Community Importance: About 126 families have lived along its banks for decades, though many are technically on government puramboke land (public land).
- Legal Status: The Kerala High Court has repeatedly ordered removal of encroachments, directing Kochi Corporation to clear settlements and rehabilitate affected families.
