UPSC Current Affairs 02 May 2026

• Co-Chairs: Shri Rajesh Agrawal (India's Commerce Secretary) and Amb. Dr. Samwel William Shelukindo (Tanzania's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs).
• Business Delegation: A group of Indian business leaders led by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) attended a "Joint Business Meet" on the sidelines.

• Local Currency Settlement: Discussions were held to promote trade using local currencies (Rupee and Shilling) to reduce dependence on third-party currencies.
• Business Visas: Plans to facilitate long-term business visas for Indian entrepreneurs were reviewed.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India offered to share its India Stack ecosystem, including real-time payment systems (similar to UPI), Digi Locker, and e-commerce best practices.

• Water Projects: India has extended Lines of Credit exceeding $1.1 billion for water infrastructure in 24 Tanzanian towns, expected to benefit over 6 million people.
• Railways and Shipbuilding: India offered expertise in locomotives, rolling stock, and shipyard development for port infrastructure.

• Pharma & AYUSH: Both sides agreed to strengthen regulatory collaboration in pharmaceuticals and capacity building in AYUSH and oncology.
• IIT Madras Zanzibar: The session highlighted the growing role of IIT Madras Zanzibar as a regional hub for science and technology.

• Trade in Pulses: Cooperation on technology transfer, agro-processing, and trade in pigeon peas and other pulses was a priority.
• Energy Partnership: Plans for a comprehensive MoU covering renewable energy, natural gas, and biofuels were discussed.
• Mining: Focus was placed on geological exploration and value addition in the gemstone sector.

• The committee agreed to hold the 6th Session of the JTC in New Delhi, India, on mutually convenient dates.

• Milestone Achievement: It is the sixth ship of the Nilgiri-class to be delivered and the fourth and final one constructed by MDL under Project 17A.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The ship features 75% indigenous content, involving over 200 MSMEs in its construction.
• Strategic Boost: Its induction is seen as a "force multiplier" for the Navy's capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, especially following recent regional conflicts where similar class weapons were tested.

• Class: Part of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A), which are advanced versions of the earlier Shivalik-class (Project 17).
• Design: Developed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
• Builder: Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• Namesake: Named after the Mahendragiri mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha.
• Integrated Construction: Built using a modern modular methodology, where segments are pre-outfitted before assembly to reduce building time.

• Stealth Features: Designed with a low radar cross-section (RCS) and radar-suppression screens to make it difficult to detect.
• Dimensions: Measures 149 metres in length and 17.8 metres in width, with a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes.
• Propulsion: Uses a CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) system, reaching speeds over 28 knots.
• Offensive Weapons:
  • 8 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for anti-ship and land-attack roles.
  • 32 Barak-8 (MR-SAM) surface-to-air missiles for air defence.
• Guns & Torpedoes:
  • One 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM).
  • Two AK-630M Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) for point defence.
  • Triple-tube torpedo launchers and RBU-6000 rocket launchers for anti-submarine warfare.
• Sensors: Equipped with the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar for long-range tracking.

• Historic Fusion: It marks the first time Eri (Ahimsa) silk and Chanderi weaving traditions have been merged into a single unique variety of fabric.
• Government Backing: The initiative is under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and aligns with the 'Make in India' and 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' visions.
• Sustainability Focus: The launch highlights ethical "non-violent" silk production and the use of time-honoured natural dyeing practices.

• Hybrid Fabric: Integrates the warmth and texture of Eri Silk (Assam/Northeast) with the lightness and discipline of Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh).
• Ahimsa Silk: Uses non-violent silk practices, ensuring silkworms are not harmed during production.
• Scientific Advancement: Employs an isothermal process to enhance fabric durability, comfort, and environmental integrity.
• Natural Dyes: Exclusively uses dyes derived from natural sources, following traditional practices.

• Artisan Platform: Designed as a platform-led ecosystem rather than a conventional brand, connecting weavers directly to global markets.
• Cultural Bridge: Acts as a "cultural bridge" between Central India and the Northeast, merging distinct generational knowledge systems.
• Visibility: Provides a premier stage for artisans to showcase their craft through live demonstrations and curated exhibitions.

• Attendance: The launch was graced by notable figures, including film director Muzaffar Ali, and senior officials like Sanjay Jaju (Secretary, DoNER).
• Immersive Experience: The debut included curated regional culinary presentations and cultural music alongside the textile showcase.

• Mission Mausam: It is a critical component of the Central Government’s "Mission Mausam", which focuses on building a "Weather Ready" India.
• Monsoon Warnings: The launch was accompanied by a significant update from the Earth Sciences Secretary regarding El Niño conditions, which are expected to develop earlier than usual and potentially impact the 2026 monsoon by July-August.
• First Observations: Within hours of its opening, the observatory recorded data from the first seasonal thunderstorm in Visakhapatnam, marking its immediate operational success.

• Total Project Cost: Estimated at ₹180 crore, making it a high-priority scientific installation.
• Collaboration: Established by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, in partnership with Andhra University.
• Equipment: The site currently hosts ₹60 crore worth of advanced instruments, with another ₹120 crore earmarked for future expansion.

• Advanced Sensors: Equipped with Aerosol Mass Spectrometers, Cloud Condensation Nuclei Counters, Ceilometers, and Greenhouse Gas Analysers.
• Integrated Monitoring: Designed to monitor rainfall microphysics, atmospheric turbulence, and wind speeds in real-time.
• Upcoming Tech: Plans are in place to install Wind Lidars, Doppler Weather Radars, and Phase Array Radars to capture high-resolution data on severe weather processes.

• Improved Forecasting: The high-resolution data will be fed into national Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models to improve their accuracy.
• Cyclone Warnings: Strengthens early warning systems for cyclones and extreme weather events along the east coast.
• Climate Research: Provides a platform for process-level diagnostics of monsoon convection and data assimilation experiments.

• Strike One (Kalamboli): Officials intercepted a commercial vehicle near the KWC Warehousing Complex. They found 136 packets (approx. 1 kg each) of cocaine hidden inside cartons of cricket equipment, specifically tucked into pads and gloves.
• Strike Two (Bhiwandi): Following the interrogation of the arrested driver, a second raid was conducted at a warehouse in Laxman Compound. This led to the recovery of another 213 packets of cocaine.

• Industrial Machinery: The narcotics were imported into India by being secreted inside custom-built cavities within heavy industrial machinery to bypass standard scans.
• Multi-Layer Packaging: Each cocaine packet was wrapped in nine layers of different types of polythene, including a layer of black greasy substance designed to evade detection by sniffer dogs and sensors.

• Market Value: The seized high-grade "black gold" cocaine is estimated to be worth ₹1,745 crore on the international illicit market.
• Logistics Network: The operation exposed how international cartels are exploiting Maharashtra’s warehousing ecosystem for large-scale "import, store, and distribute" operations.
• Ongoing Investigation: While the immediate shipment has been neutralized, the NCB is currently pursuing the kingpins, financiers, and international handlers across South America and Europe

• Overhead Gantries: Physical toll booths are replaced by metal structures (gantries) equipped with sensors.
• High-Speed Recognition: Uses a combination of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and high-performance RFID readers.
• Highway Speeds: Vehicles can pass through at normal speeds (up to 80–100 kmph) without slowing down or stopping.
• Automatic Deduction: The system identifies the vehicle and automatically deducts the toll from the linked FASTag account in real-time.

• Zero Waiting Time: Aims to eliminate queues entirely, improving "Ease of Living" for commuters.
• Fuel Savings: Projected to save fuel worth ₹1,500 crore annually by eliminating engine idling at toll points.
• Revenue Growth: Expected to increase government toll revenue by ₹6,000 crore per year by reducing leakages and theft.
• Lower Emissions: Continuous traffic flow significantly reduces vehicular pollution compared to start-stop traffic at traditional plazas.

• Unpaid User Fee: Defined as any passage recorded by the system where the fee is not successfully deducted (e.g., low balance).
• E-Notice System: Violators receive digital notices via the VAHAN database. If not paid within 72 hours, the fee can be doubled.
• Service Blocking: Unpaid dues will prevent vehicle owners from obtaining NOCs, Fitness Certificates, or renewing National Permits.

• Lepcha Heritage: "Ru-Soam" is a Lepcha term where 'Ru' means cane/rattan and 'Soam' means bridge.
• Indigenous Engineering: These are traditional cane suspension bridges built by the Lepcha community, primarily in the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.
• Historical Recognition: They were famously described as "the most characteristic of Himalayan object art" by British botanist Sir J.D. Hooker in 1848.

• 100% Natural Materials: Built entirely from wild cane, bamboo, and wooden logs sourced from nearby forests.
• Zero-Carbon Design: They leave no carbon footprint and use materials that naturally regrow within 3–5 years.
• Structural Components:
  • Soamgyang: Two parallel main canes tied to trees at either end to keep the bridge suspended.
  • Ahool: Swinging cane loops that provide structural support and stability.
  • Soamgur: Bamboo decks that form the walkway.
• Capacity: These bridges can span up to 100 metres and typically support 2–3 people crossing at a time.

• Disaster Resilience: Their flexibility allows them to withstand the high-velocity water and debris of floods that typically destroy rigid steel or concrete structures.
• Scientific Study: The current UNESCO project is assessing how these ancient principles can inform modern climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.
• Eco-Tourism: The government is promoting these bridges as sustainable tourism attractions in Lower Dzongu to support local livelihoods.

• Nature: A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease caused by a single-stranded RNA virus (Paramyxoviridae family).
• Systemic Attack: It simultaneously attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems.
• Multi-Host Pathogen: While it primarily affects dogs, it can infect a wide range of wildlife, including lions, tigers, leopards, foxes, wolves, and ferrets.

• Stage 1 (Respiratory/GI): High fever, reddened eyes, and watery discharge from the nose and eyes. This often progresses to coughing, vomiting, and severe diarrhoea.
• Stage 2 (Neurological): As the virus reaches the brain, animals experience "chewing gum fits" (jaw tremors), seizures, head tilts, and paralysis.
• "Hard Pad Disease": A classic sign where the skin of the nose and paw pads becomes abnormally thick and hard.

• Airborne Spread: Primarily transmitted through aerosol droplets (sneezing or coughing) and direct contact with infected fluids (saliva, urine).
• No Cure: There is no antiviral drug to kill the virus; treatment is strictly supportive (IV fluids and managing secondary infections).
• Vaccination is Key:
  • For Pets: A core vaccine (DHPP) is highly effective. Puppies need a series starting at 6–8 weeks.
  • For Wildlife: Conservationists are now debating mass vaccination of stray dogs around forest boundaries to create a "buffer zone" for tigers.

• District: Located in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, India.
• Subdivision: Primarily falls under the Baliguda subdivision.
• Landscape: Characterised by the beautiful blue hills of the Eastern Ghats, dense forests, and numerous perennial streams.
• Size: Spans an area of approximately 399.5 square kilometres.

• Flagship Species: Famous for its Elephant population and the rare Chousingha (four-horned antelope).
• Key Fauna: Home to tigers, leopards, Gaur (Indian bison), Sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, and wild boars.
• Avian Life: Hosts a variety of birds including peacocks, red jungle fowl, and the endangered green munia.
• Flora: Dominated by moist deciduous forests featuring Sal, Piasal, Sisoo, and various medicinal plants.

• Local Communities: The sanctuary is home to 52 tribal settlements, primarily belonging to the Kutia Kondh and Desia Kondh tribes.
• Sacred Groves: The tribes maintain "Sacred Groves" within the forest, which serve as mini-reservoirs of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

• Top Attractions: The Ludu Waterfall is a major scenic spot hidden within the dense forest.
• Nearby Hubs: Often visited alongside Daringbadi (the "Kashmir of Odisha"), which is about a 2-hour drive away.
• Base Camp: The Belghar Nature Camp offers eco-tourism cottages for visitors looking to stay amidst nature.

• The Hormone: They mimic the GLP-1 hormone naturally produced in the gut after eating.
• The Mechanism:
  • Insulin Boost: Tells the pancreas to release more insulin (lowering blood sugar).
  • Appetite Suppression: Signals the brain that the stomach is "full."
  • Delayed Digestion: Slows down how fast the stomach empties, making people feel full for longer.

• Diabetes Treatment:
  • Ozempic (Semaglutide - injectable)
  • Mounjaro (Tirzepatide - dual-action GLP-1/GIP)
  • Rybelsus (Semaglutide - oral pill form)
• Weight Management:
  • Wegovy (High-dose Semaglutide)
  • Zepbound (Tirzepatide specifically for obesity)

• Weight Loss: Patients typically lose 15% to 22% of their body weight over a year.
• Heart Health: Clinical trials (SELECT trial) showed a 20% reduction in the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Kidney Protection: Proven to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients.

• Gastrointestinal: Most common are nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
• Muscle Loss: Rapid weight loss can lead to significant loss of lean muscle mass if not paired with protein intake and exercise.
• "Ozempic Face": A term for the facial sagging that occurs after rapid subcutaneous fat loss.
• Rare Risks: Potential for pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and long-term concerns regarding "stomach paralysis" (gastroparesis).

• Oral Pills: Manufacturers are rushing to develop high-dose oral versions to eliminate the need for weekly injections.
• Medicare Coverage: Intense lobbying is underway in the US to have these drugs covered for obesity, which could reshape national healthcare budgets.
• Neurological Studies: Research is expanding into whether these drugs can slow Parkinson's or Alzheimer's by reducing brain inflammation.

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