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27/01/2026

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CA-27/01/2026

• Altitude: ~10,500 feet (3,200 meters).
• Region: Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis, Jammu region, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
• Connectivity: Links Bani (Kathua district) with Bhaderwah (Doda district).
• Mountain Range: Part of the Chamba–Doda ranges of the Greater Himalayas.

• Strategic Value: Provides a shorter link between Bhaderwah and Kathua, reducing travel time compared to traditional routes.
• Tourism Potential: Offers panoramic Himalayan views, making it attractive for trekkers and adventure travelers.
• Military Significance: Serves as a vital axis for troop movement and logistics in high-altitude areas.

• Officially known as Phuket Deep Sea Port at Ao Makham.
• Welcomes thousands of cruise travelers annually, making it a hub for tourism.
• Commonly used for shore excursions to beaches, cultural landmarks, and city tours.

• Cruise Travelers: Expect shuttle buses or taxis to Phuket Town and Patong Beach.
• Cargo Operations: The port also handles freight, making it a dual-purpose facility.
• Tourism Link: Close to major attractions like Old Phuket Town, Wat Chalong, and beaches.

• Traffic Congestion: During peak cruise arrivals, expect delays in transport.
• Limited Passenger Amenities: Compared to larger international cruise terminals, facilities are basic.
• Weather Dependency: Operations may be affected by monsoon season (May–October).

• Objective: To explore deep-sea resources, develop technologies for ocean exploration, and boost India’s Blue Economy.
• It is part of the UN’s Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

1. Samudrayaan Project
   • Development of MATSYA 6000, India’s first manned submersible capable of diving up to 6,000 meters.
   • In August 2025, Indian aquanauts achieved a 5,000 m deep dive, marking a historic milestone.
2. Deep-Sea Mining & Resource Exploration
   • Focus on polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese.
   • Potential to reduce import dependence for critical minerals.
3. Marine Biotechnology
   • Research on marine organisms for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and industrial applications.
   • Example: Mumbai University received ₹71.74 lakh funding for bio-prospecting marine microalgae for skincare and omega-3 products.
4. Ocean Climate Studies
   • Advanced modeling to understand ocean’s role in climate regulation and monsoon prediction.
5. Technology Development
   • Innovations in underwater robotics, sensors, and autonomous vehicles for exploration.

• Economic: Supports fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and mineral extraction.
• Strategic: Enhances India’s maritime capabilities, crucial given its 7,517 km coastline and 1,382 islands.
• Scientific: Positions India alongside nations like the USA, Russia, China, France, and Japan that have achieved deep-ocean crewed missions.

• Technological Risks: Extreme pressure and darkness at 6,000 m depth demand cutting-edge engineering.
• Environmental Concerns: Deep-sea mining could disrupt fragile ecosystems.
• High Costs: Requires sustained funding and global collaboration.

• Theme: India’s most significant criminal law reform in over a century.
• Focus Areas:
  • Tech-driven justice system – digital evidence, e-courts, and faster trials.
  • Citizen-centric reforms – victim support, rights protection, and simplified procedures.
  • Modernization – replacing colonial laws (IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act) with updated frameworks.

Law	Replaces	Key Features
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)	Indian Penal Code (IPC)	Defines modern crimes, emphasizes victim rights, stricter punishments for organized crime & terrorism.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)	Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)	Streamlines investigation & trial processes, promotes speedy justice, integrates technology in policing.
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)	Indian Evidence Act	Recognizes digital evidence, modernizes admissibility rules, strengthens transparency in trials.

• Historic Reform: First major overhaul of India’s criminal justice system since independence.
• Citizen Empowerment: Laws aim to make justice more accessible, faster, and fairer.
• Symbolism in Tableau: By placing the new laws atop Parliament, the tableau reinforced India’s sovereignty and departure from colonial legacies.

• NDICI–Global Europe Program: This is the EU’s main financial instrument for external action, covering development aid, neighborhood policy, and global partnerships.
• External Action Guarantee Expansion: By enhancing this guarantee, the EU can mobilize more private and public investments in partner countries.
  • It reduces risk for investors in fragile regions.
  • It boosts EU credibility as a global development and security actor.
• Strategic Implication: This positions the EU as a stronger player in global geopolitics, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where competition with China and other powers is intense.

• Stepwise Ban on Russian Gas Imports: The Council’s approval marks a decisive shift away from Russian energy dependence.
  • The EU had already reduced Russian oil imports; gas was the harder challenge due to infrastructure reliance.
  • A phased ban allows member states to adjust supply chains and expand LNG terminals, renewables, and interconnections.
• Strategic Implication: This is not just about energy—it’s about sovereignty. Cutting Russian gas ties reduces vulnerability to geopolitical blackmail and strengthens EU unity.

• These moves are part of the EU’s dual strategy, externally to Build partnerships and project influence through funding guarantees. And, internally to secure energy independence and resilience.
• Together, they reinforce the EU’s ambition to be a geopolitical union, less dependent on adversarial powers and more capable of shaping global norms.

• Role: Executive branch of the EU.
• Functions:
  • Proposes new legislation.
  • Implements EU policies and budget.
  • Enforces EU law (can take member states to court if they break rules).
• Composition: 27 Commissioners (one from each member state), led by the President of the Commission (currently Ursula von der Leyen).
• Accountability: Answerable to the European Parliament, which can dismiss the Commission.
• Analogy: Similar to a national government cabinet.

• Role: Defines the EU’s overall political direction and priorities.
• Functions:
  • Sets long-term strategy (e.g., foreign policy, enlargement, climate goals).
  • Decides on major issues like treaties, crises, and leadership appointments.
• Composition: Heads of state or government of the 27 EU countries, plus the President of the European Council (currently Antonio Costa).
• Accountability: Not a legislative body—does not pass laws but guides the EU agenda.
• Analogy: Similar to a summit of national leaders.

Feature	European Commission	European Council
Nature	Executive body	Political body
Members	27 Commissioners (appointed)	27 Heads of State/Government (elected nationally)
Leader	President of the Commission	President of the European Council
Main Role	Proposes/enforces laws, manages EU	Sets priorities, defines strategy
Decision Power	Drafts legislation, ensures compliance	No legislative power, but sets agenda
Accountability	To European Parliament	To national governments

• Date & Venue: Signed on 27 January 2026 in New Delhi during the 16th India–EU Summit.
• Signatories:
  • India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and service chiefs.
  • EU: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
• Scope of Cooperation:
  • Defence Capabilities: Joint research, technology sharing, and potential Indian participation in European defence initiatives.
  • Counterterrorism: Intelligence sharing and coordinated strategies against global terror networks.
  • Cybersecurity: Collaboration on cyber resilience, threat detection, and digital infrastructure protection.
  • Maritime Security: Joint naval exercises, anti-piracy operations, and safeguarding Indo-Pacific sea lanes.

• Global Tensions: The pact comes amid rising geopolitical volatility, including Indo-Pacific security challenges and European concerns over Russia and Middle East instability.
• Upgrade from 2004 Framework: Builds on the 2004 India–EU Strategic Partnership, expanding beyond trade and political dialogue into hard security cooperation.
• Complementary Agreements: Alongside this pact, India and the EU are finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a mobility framework to ease student and professional exchanges.

Partnership	Year Formalized	Key Focus Areas	Strategic Importance
India–EU Security & Defence Partnership	2026	Defence tech, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security	Strengthens India’s ties with Europe, diversifies beyond US/Russia
India–US Defence Framework	2016 (renewed)	Defence sales, joint exercises, Indo-Pacific strategy	Anchors India’s role in QUAD and Indo-Pacific
India–France Strategic Partnership	1998	Defence procurement (Rafale jets), nuclear cooperation	Deep bilateral defence-industrial ties
India–Russia Defence Cooperation	1971 (Treaty of Peace, Friendship & Cooperation)	Arms supply, joint production	Long-standing but strained by Russia’s tilt toward China

• Technology Transfer Sensitivities: EU states may be cautious about sharing advanced defence tech.
• Balancing Alliances: India must manage ties with the US, Russia, and EU without overdependence.
• Implementation Pace: Past India–EU agreements (like FTA talks) faced delays; defence cooperation may encounter similar hurdles.
• Cybersecurity Divergence: EU’s strict data protection norms (GDPR) may complicate joint cyber operations.

• Diversifies Defence Partnerships: Reduces reliance on Russia and balances US influence.
• Boosts Indo-Pacific Strategy: EU’s involvement strengthens India’s maritime security posture.
• Economic Linkages: Defence pact complements trade and mobility agreements, creating a holistic strategic partnership.

• Scope: Comprehensive agreement covering trade in goods, services, investments, energy, and technology cooperation.
• Economic Impact:
  • Represents 25% of global GDP and one-third of global trade.
  • Expected to boost Indian exports, especially in textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT services, and renewable energy.
  • EU gains greater access to India’s fast-growing consumer market and energy sector.

• Tariff Reductions: Lower duties on Indian exports like textiles, leather, and agricultural products.
• Market Diversification: Helps Indian exporters reduce reliance on the US and China amid shifting global trade dynamics.
• Energy & Tech Cooperation: EU investments in India’s renewable energy sector, with targets of $100 billion in oil & gas and $500 billion in energy investments.
• Strategic Leverage: Strengthens India’s position against protectionist measures from other economies.

• Access to India’s Market: Expands opportunities in consumer goods, automobiles, luxury products, and financial services.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Reduces dependence on China by deepening ties with India.
• Energy Security: EU firms gain entry into India’s growing energy and infrastructure sectors.

• Regulatory Alignment: India and EU must harmonize standards on data protection, labor, and environmental rules.
• Agriculture Sensitivity: Indian farmers may face competition from EU agricultural imports.
• Geopolitical Pressures: US tariffs and global trade tensions could complicate implementation.
• Implementation Timeline: Though signed, full tariff reductions and regulatory changes may phase in over several years.

• KarXT (Karuna Therapeutics)
  • Combines xanomeline (muscarinic agonist) with trospium (peripheral blocker).
  • Shows promise in reducing positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) while minimizing side effects like weight gain and extrapyramidal symptoms.
  • Phase III trials indicate significant efficacy, potentially positioning KarXT as a first-in-class muscarinic-based therapy.
• Cobenfy (AbbVie)
  • A new mechanism-based drug that has reshaped understanding of schizophrenia’s pathophysiology.
  • Targets non-dopaminergic pathways, offering hope for patients resistant to standard antipsychotics.
• Other emerging compounds

• Focus on glutamatergic modulation (NMDA receptor enhancers, glycine modulators).
• Trials exploring TAAR1 agonists (trace amine-associated receptor 1) for improved tolerability and cognitive outcomes.

• Unmet needs remain:
  • Current antipsychotics poorly address negative symptoms and cognitive impairment, which are major contributors to disability.
  • Long-term tolerability issues (weight gain, metabolic syndrome) drive demand for safer alternatives.
• Optimism vs. caution:
  • While breakthroughs like KarXT and Cobenfy inspire hope, past failures (e.g., muscarinic trials) remind clinicians of the difficulty in translating lab success to real-world outcomes.

• Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, often leading to hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. It distorts perception of reality, emotions, and social functioning.
• It usually begins between ages 16–30 and requires lifelong treatment with medication, therapy, and social support.
• Affects less than 1% of the global population, but is among the most disabling mental illnesses.

• Positive symptoms (added experiences):
  • Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things not present).
  • Delusions (false, fixed beliefs).
  • Disorganized speech or behavior.
• Negative symptoms (loss of normal function):
  • Reduced emotional expression.
  • Social withdrawal.
  • Lack of motivation.
• Cognitive symptoms:
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Poor memory and decision-making.

• Genetics: Family history increases risk.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate.
• Environmental factors: Prenatal complications, stress, or substance use may contribute.

• Diagnosis: Based on psychiatric evaluation, medical history, and ruling out other conditions.
• Treatment approaches:
  • Medication: Antipsychotics are the mainstay.
  • Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), social skills training.
  • Support: Family education, community programs, vocational rehabilitation.
• Lifelong management: Relapses are common if treatment is stopped.

• Many patients do not realize they are ill, making adherence to treatment difficult.
• Untreated schizophrenia can lead to severe disability, unemployment, homelessness, or substance abuse.
• Stigma remains a major barrier to care, especially in countries like India where awareness is limited.

• In India, schizophrenia is recognized under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which ensures the right to treatment and protection from discrimination.
• Access to psychiatric care is improving, but urban-rural gaps remain significant.
• Community-based mental health programs are expanding, especially in states like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

• Weak nuclear force - responsible for beta decay.
• Electromagnetic & strong nuclear forces - govern alpha and gamma decay

Type of Decay	What is Emitted	Example	Effect on Nucleus
Alpha (α)	Helium nucleus (2 protons + 2 neutrons)	Uranium-238 to Thorium-234	Mass decreases significantly
Beta (β)	Electron (β⁻) or positron (β⁺)	Carbon-14 to Nitrogen-14	Proton/neutron ratio changes
Gamma (γ)	High-energy photon (electromagnetic radiation)	Cobalt-60 to Cobalt-60*	Energy decreases, no change in mass/charge

• Medicine: Radiation therapy for cancer, diagnostic imaging (PET scans).
• Archaeology: Carbon dating (using C-14) to determine the age of fossils and artifacts.
• Energy: Nuclear power generation relies on controlled radioactive decay.
• Environmental Science: Tracking pollutants and studying geological processes.

• Radiation exposure can damage living tissue, causing burns, mutations, or cancer.
• Shielding: Lead or concrete is used to block radiation.
• Regulation: Strict safety protocols in nuclear plants, hospitals, and labs.

• First Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS) under the Axiom-4 mission in 2025.
• Displayed exceptional courage, swift decision-making, and commitment to duty during the mission.
• Conducted pioneering experiments, including agricultural trials in space (cultivating fenugreek and mung beans).

• Established: 1952
• Nature: India’s highest peacetime military decoration
• Eligibility:
  • Officers of the Armed Forces, Territorial Army, militia, and other lawfully constituted forces
  • Members of nursing services of the Armed Forces
  • Civilians, police, paramilitary forces, and Railway Protection Force
• Awarded For:
  • Most conspicuous bravery
  • Acts of daring or pre-eminent valor
  • Self-sacrifice in non-combat situations
• Equivalent: Param Vir Chakra (wartime)
• Post-nominal letters: AC

• First Recipients (1952): Havildar Bachittar Singh and Naik Narbahadur Thapa for bravery during Operation Polo in Hyderabad.
• Total Awardees (1952–2026): 87 recipients, including 68 posthumous honors.

• Ice cores (Antarctica, Greenland): Trap bubbles of ancient air, revealing past CO₂ levels and temperatures.
• Tree rings (Dendroclimatology): Width and density reflect rainfall and temperature year by year.
• Sediments & boreholes: Contain pollen, isotopes, and microfossils that indicate vegetation and ocean conditions.
• Corals & shells: Record ocean temperatures and chemistry.
• Glacial deposits: Show the extent of ice sheets during past ice ages.

• Ice Ages: Identified cycles of glaciation driven by Earth’s orbital changes (Milankovitch cycles).
• Warm Periods: Evidence of warmer climates like the Medieval Warm Period and the Holocene Climatic Optimum.
• Carbon & Climate Link: Past records show strong correlation between greenhouse gases and global temperatures.
• Mass Extinctions: Climate shifts contributed to events like the end-Permian extinction.

• Context for Global Warming: By comparing current warming trends with natural variability, scientists confirm that modern climate change is unprecedented in speed and scale.
• Predictive Models: Past climate data improves accuracy of future climate projections.
• Policy & Awareness: Helps governments and communities understand risks like sea-level rise, droughts, and extreme weather.

1. It reconstructs Earth’s past climate using indirect evidence known as proxies.
2. Instrumental records are the primary data source for palaeoclimatic studies.

1. Trap ancient air bubbles revealing past atmospheric composition.
2. Provide direct records of volcanic eruptions and temperature changes.

1. Tree rings
2. Coral reefs
3. Borehole temperatures

1. The Holocene Climatic Optimum was warmer than the last Ice Age.
2. The Medieval Warm Period occurred before the Industrial Revolution.

1. They indicate the extent of ice sheets in the past.
2. They provide evidence of sea-level rise during warm periods.

1. Coral growth bands
2. Oxygen isotope ratios in shells
3. Volcanic ash layers

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