India rejects Nepal's objection to resumption of India-China border trade through Lipulekh Pass.

• In 2020, Nepal passed a constitutional amendment and issued a new map, asserting claims over Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani.

About Lipulekh Pass

• Location: Himalayan pass in Uttarakhand, India.
• Significance: A vital link between India and Tibet (China) and is a significant part of the trade and pilgrimage route (Kailash Mansarovar Yatra).
• It is a part of Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan (battlefield tourism initiative).

Recently, an image giant Solar Tornado was captured by the researchers.

About Solar Tornado

• Nature: Solar tornadoes are made of ionized gas (plasma), held in place by magnetic fields, and are formally known as tornado prominences.
• Dimensions: They can reach heights of 130,000 kilometers and rotate at speeds up to 200,000 kilometers per hour.
• Characteristics: These are blisteringly hot, reaching around 250,000 ⁰C, and can be observed at the sun's poles. As many as 11,000 can swirl above the sun's surface at any moment.
• Significance: They may funnel heat into the sun's atmosphere and contribute to the solar wind.

Niti Aayog has flagged the issue of incompatible gasification technology for the high ash content coal available in India.

• Indian coal has high ash content, ranging from 30-45% and a high alumina-silica composition, making many global technologies unsuitable for coal gasification. 

About Coal Gasification

• Coal gasification technology enables conversion of coal into syngas (synthetic gas).
• Syngas can be used for electricity production, used in energy-efficient fuel cell technology, produce downstream products like methanol, ammonium nitrate, Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) and Fertilizers etc.

Uttarakhand State Assembly passed Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill 2025 which seeks to abolish Madrasa Board and establish Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority in its place.

Constitutional Provisions for Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities

• Article 29(1): Provides that any section of the citizens having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same.
• Article 29(2): Prohibits discrimination for admission in educational institutions maintained or aided by State on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.
• Article 30(1): All minorities, whether religious or linguistic, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
• Article 30(2): State shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether religious or linguistic.

International Solar Alliance plans to establish a Global Capability Centre in India, akin to a “Silicon Valley for solar”.

About Global Capability Centres (GCC)

• It is a strategic unit that supports an organization's global operations through technology, talent, and innovation.
• Objective: To leverage global talent pools and technological advancements to enhance organizational capabilities and drive business transformation. 
• Major Drivers for establishment of GCC in India: Cost efficiency, talent availability (highly skilled workforce with English proficiency), etc.

Faunal survey adds nine new species in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary)

• Location: Ernakulam District, Kerala.
• Kerala’s first bird sanctuary and is recognised as one of the richest ecological zones in the Western Ghats.
• Marshy lands or vayals are found in certain areas bordering with Periyar and Idamalayar rivers. 
• Plantations: Teak, rosewood, mahogany, fruit orchards.
• Fauna: Leopard, Sloth Bear, Porcupine etc.

Saltwater Crocodile population has increased in Sundarban Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal.

About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

• It is the largest of all crocodilians and the largest reptile in the world.
• Habitat: It lives in saline and brackish mangrove swamps, deltas, lagoons, and lower stretches of rivers.
• Distribution: Tropical to warm temperate latitudes in Eastern Indian and Western Pacific Oceans.
• Conservation Status: 
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
  • CITES: Appendix I.

SEBI proposes to ease Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) norms for companies aspiring to get listed.

About MPS

• Applicability: To all listed companies in India.
• It states that at least 25% of a listed company's shares must be held by the general public (non-promoter shareholders).
• Legal Mandate: Under Securities Contracts Regulation Act, 1956 and Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957.
• Purpose: Ensures adequate public participation; prevents excessive concentration of ownership; enhances corporate governance and transparency; provides better liquidity for trading.