Myopia is a rapidly growing global health concern; estimates suggest that nearly half the world's population will have myopia by 2050.
About Myopia
- Definition: Myopia (Nearsightedness) is a common refractive eye disorder where nearby objects appear clear, but distant objects are blurred.
- In Hyperopia (farsightedness), nearby objects appear blurry because light focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it.
- It occurs when the eyeball is too long from front to back or the cornea is too steeply curved.
- This abnormal shape causes incoming light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision.
A study has found that the clicking sounds (called codas) used by sperm whales to communicate contain complex sound patterns similar to vowel sounds in human speech.
About Sperm Whales
- They are found in all deep oceans, from the equator to the edge of the pack ice in the Arctic and Antarctic.
- Characteristics
- Largest toothed whale with the biggest brain of any known animal.
- Massive head contains spermaceti, a waxy fluid aiding buoyancy during deep dives.
- Produces ambergris, a valuable substance used in perfumes.
- Only living cetacean (order of mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises) with a single left-sided blowhole.
- Conservation status
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
Indigenous Vayu Astra-1 successfully completed high-altitude trials.
About Vayu Astra-1
- It is a loitering munition (also referred as kamikaze/suicide drone) capable of hovering, surveillance and precision strikes.
- Suicide drone is an unmanned aerial weapon that can hover over a target area before crashing into and destroying the target with an onboard explosive payload
- Range and Payload: 100 km range tested with a 10-kg warhead.
- Features: Precision & night capability, high-altitude endurance, intelligent combat features, etc.
Indian War Memorial inaurated at Imjingak Park, Seoul (South Korea), in the backdrop of the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.
- It honours the sacrifice and service of the 60 Para Field Ambulance and Custodian Force of India.
About the Korean War
- After World War II, Korea was divided along the 38th Parallel:
- North Korea (backed by Soviet Union and China)
- South Kora (supported byUSA)
- North Korea invaded the South in 1950, igniting a Cold War proxy conflict.
- A 1953 armistice divided the peninsula at the 38th parallel, roughly aligning with the Demilitarised Zone.
Officials are closely monitoring over a hundred Kanha National Park tigers following six tragic deaths from Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).
- CDV is a lethal, airborne Paramyxovirus commonly affecting dogs and also other animals that severely damages respiratory and nervous systems.
About the Kanha National Park
- Located in Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.
- Area of 1,945 sq km within the Maikal hills of the Satpura.
- Designated a national park in 1955 and a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973.
- Inhibited by two indigenous tribes the Gonds and the Baigas.
- Fauna: Bengal tigers, Barasingha (Swamp Deer) etc.
- Flora: Highland consist tropical moist dry deciduous type, slopes can be discovered differently.
- Said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling's classic "The Jungle Book".
Ayush Anudan Portal under Ayush Grid Initiative launched aiming to digitize the submission, processing, approval, and monitoring of grant proposals.
About Ayush Grid Initiative
- A digital initiative,launched by the Ministry of Ayush in 2018., to build an integrated, transparent, and citizen-centric digital ecosystem for the Ayush sector.
- Under this initiative, multiple digital platforms including Ayush Hospital Management Information System (A-HMIS) and e-Aushadhi have been developed.
- It comply Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and spans areas including education, research, medicinal plant administration, drug regulation, etc.
Article Sources
1 sourceIndia emerged as a major global carbon market with the launch of its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme according to a new World Bank report.
Key Findings from “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2026”
- Global Coverage: Carbon pricing policies cover 29% of global GHG and may reach nearly one-third of global emissions by 2030.
- Revenue Generation: Carbon taxes and Emission trading system (ETS) generated over $107 billion in 2025.
India’s Carbon Market Ecosystem
- Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): Launched in 2026 as a GHG emission intensity-based trading system for hard-to-abate sectors. Industries exceeding targets earn tradable Carbon Credit Certificates.
- Global Standing: India’s ETS is among world’s largest after China, EU and South Korea.
The UN General Assembly backed an ICJ advisory opinion declaring that states hold legal obligations under international law to tackle climate change.
Key Details of the Resolution
- Tabled by Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation facing existential threats from rising sea levels.
- Vote tally: 141 nations in favour, 8 opposed, 28 abstentions (including India).
- Obligations: All member states must avoid environmental damage, curb border emissions, and fulfill Paris Agreement pledges.
- Liability: Though not legally binding; Inaction could expose governments to international litigation, major liability claims, and full reparations.
