The Foundation Day of the Lokpal of India was held for the first time on 16th January at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.

• The Lokpal of India was established by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, on 16th January 2014.  
• The Chief Guest of the programme was the Chief Justice of India Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna. 

About Lokpal

• The Lokpal is a national-level anti-corruption institution established to investigate and prosecute corruption cases involving public officials. 
• It serves as an independent body to ensure accountability among ministers and government employees.
• It is a statutory body without any constitutional status.
• Establishment: The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, passed in 2013, came into force in 2014. 
• However, the first Lokpal, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh, was appointed only in 2019 after a delay of nearly five years. 
  • The Act also mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas at the state level.

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Need for Lokpal

• Prevalence of Corruption in India: India has long struggled with corruption at both state and central levels.
  • In 2023 India ranked 93rd out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index.
• Lack of Effective Investigation and Prosecution: Existing mechanisms like the CBI and CVC have often been accused of inefficiency and  political interference.
  • In the past even the CBI has been termed as a “caged parrot” and “its master’s voice” by the Supreme Court of India.
• Lack of Internal Transparency and Accountability in Anti-Corruption Agencies:  There is no effective and separate mechanism to maintain checks on agencies like CBI and CVC.
• An independent institution of Lokpal and Lokayukta has been a landmark move which can offer a solution to the never-ending menace of corruption.
• These institutions provide a powerful and effective measure to counter corruption at all levels of the government.

Key provisions of the Lokpal Act

• Composition: 
  • Lokpal is composed of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members, with half of them being judicial members. 
  • At least a half of members should belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, and women.Selection Committee:
  • The Selection Committee includes the Prime Minister as Chairperson, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (or the leader of largest opposition party in Lok sabha), Chief Justice of India or a Judge nominated by him/her and one eminent jurist appointed by the President.

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• Jurisdiction:
  • Over Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament and Groups A, B, C and D officers and officials of the Central Government.
• Superintendence: It has the power of superintendence and directs any investigative agency, including the Central Bureau of Investigation, Central and Central Vigilance Commission, for cases referred to it by the Lokpal.

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Powers and functions of the Lokpal

• Jurisdiction:
  • Prime Minister: The Lokpal’s jurisdiction includes the Prime Minister, except for cases related to:
    • International relations, National security, Public order, Atomic energy and Space
  • Ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs): Lokpal can investigate allegations of corruption but not actions or statements made in Parliament or votes cast by MPs.
  • Group A, B, C, and D officers and officials of the Central Government.
• Superintendence and Oversight Powers:
  • Control over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
    • Lokpal has superintendence over the CBI for cases referred by it.
    • The CBI investigating officer in such cases cannot be transferred without Lokpal’s approval.
  • Inquiry Wing: The Inquiry Wing of the Lokpal has been vested with the powers of a civil court.
• Confiscation Powers: Lokpal can order the confiscation of assets, proceeds, or benefits obtained through corrupt means in special circumstances.
• Powers to Ensure Integrity of Proceedings: 
  • Can recommend the transfer or suspension of public servants involved in corruption allegations.
  • Empowered to give directions to prevent the destruction of records during preliminary inquiries.
• Asset Disclosure: The Lokpal Act mandates public officials to disclose the assets and liabilities of themselves and their dependents.
• Advisory and Preventive Role: Lokpal can recommend measures to curb corruption and suggest administrative reforms for better governance.

Challenges and Issues with the Lokpal

• Delayed Appointment: First Lokpal was appointed five years after the Act’s implementation.
  • Despite the Act being passed in 2013, the first Lokpal Chairperson, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh, was appointed in 2019.
  • The position of Chairperson also remained vacant from May 2022 until March 2024..
• Political Interference: The selection process of Lokpal involves political figures, such as the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
• Jurisdictional Limitations: 
  • The Prime Minister, while being under the purview of the Lokpal, is protected from investigation in matters related to national security, foreign affairs, and atomic energy.
  • The Lokpal cannot investigate corruption at the state level, leaving a significant gap in addressing corruption in state administrations.
• Anonymous complaints not allowed: The Lokpal Act does not permit anonymous complaints, which may deter potential whistleblowers from coming forward.
• High Rate of Disposal Without Action: According to a Parliamentary panel report, Lokpal disposed of 68% corruption complaints against public servants without any action. 
• Limited Power to Enforce Action: The Lokpal has no direct investigative powers. It relies heavily on the CBI and the CVC for investigation and action.
  • Out of 8,703 complaints received between 2019-23, only three were fully investigated. 
• Limitations in Complaint Processing: 
  • Nearly 90% of complaints have been rejected over the past five years due to submission in incorrect formats.
  • Complaints must be filed within seven years of the alleged offence, further restricting the scope of investigations.
• Low Productivity of Lokpal:  Only 24 investigations ordered and six prosecution sanctions granted since its establishment.
• Resource Constraints: The Lokpal has faced issues related to understaffing and insufficient resources, which impacts its ability to handle the high volume of cases.
• Inadequate Transparency: The Lokpal’s functioning has been criticized for a lack of transparency in its processes. 
• Weak Whistleblower Protection: The Lokpal Act prescribes protection for whistleblowers, but in practice, there are significant loopholes in the protection mechanism. 

Way Forward

• Timely Appointment of the Lokpal and Members: Amend the Lokpal Act to introduce clear deadlines for the constitution of the selection committee and final appointments.
• Minimizing Political Interference: Introduce mechanisms to reduce political influence in the appointment of Lokpal members, such as increasing the weightage of judicial and independent members in the selection committee.
• Expanding Jurisdiction: Reassess the limitations on investigating the Prime Minister, ensuring safeguards for national security without diluting accountability.
• Enhancing Investigative Powers: Grant the Lokpal direct investigative powers to reduce dependence on agencies like the CBI and CVC.
• Strengthening Resources and Infrastructure: Increase budgetary allocation for the Lokpal to ensure adequate staffing, technology, and infrastructure.
• Improving Transparency: Make the Lokpal’s processes more transparent by publishing annual reports, details of ongoing investigations, and the status of resolved cases.
• Strengthening Whistleblower Protection: Amend the Lokpal Act to provide more protection  for whistleblowers, including anonymity and legal safeguards.

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The Rubber Board launched iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber) and INR Konnect during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act, 1947 in Kottayam, Kerala.

• These initiatives aim to enhance global competitiveness and improve domestic productivity in the rubber sector.

About the Initiatives

iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber)

• Aim: To align Indian rubber production with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards.
• It features traceability certification to ensure compliance with EUDR and verify the origin of rubber products.
• It simplifies compliance for stakeholders targeting the European Union market.

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INR Konnect (Web-Based Platform)

• Objective: Connects owners of untapped rubber plantations with adopters to maximize productivity.
• Certified Network: Rubber Board certifies growers, adopters, and tappers for credibility.
• Training: Provides training in production management and sustainable practices.
• Database: Maintains a comprehensive list of certified tappers.

Status of India’s Rubber Sector

• Global Rank: In 2024 India occupies the fourth position with a production of approximately 911,000 metric tons of natural rubber.
• Top Producer: Kerala accounts for over 90% of India’s rubber production.
• Other States: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya also produce rubber.
• Challenges:
• 20-25% of plantations remain untapped.
• • Climate variations, such as torrential rains.
  • Concerns over EUDR implementation.

About Rubber Plantation

• Origin: Native to the Amazon River Basin and was introduced to Asia and Africa by the British.
• Rubber is a rainfed plantation crop (except in nurseries where it needs to be regularly
• irrigated).
  • For Example: Indonesian and Malaysian archipelagos and Southern Sri Lanka have the most ideal rainfall pattern for rubber cultivation
• Rubber Extraction: 
  • Obtained as latex, a milky fluid tapped from the tree bark.
  • Latex is processed to produce natural rubber.
• Climatic Conditions Required: 
  • Climate: Equatorial monsoon climate prevailing in the tropics in between 10 S and 8 N with annual rainfall of 200–300 cm.
  • Temperature: High temperatures ranging from 20°-35°C.
  • Soil: Deep, well-drained, lateritic soil with good water retention and organic matter.

About Rubber Board

• Establishment: The Rubber Board is a statutory body constituted by the Government of India, under the Rubber Act 1947, for the overall development of the rubber industry in the country.
• Administrative Body: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Mandate: Ensures sustainable growth, supports stakeholders, and enhances the global competitiveness of Indian rubber.

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Key Initiatives for the Rubber Sector

• National Rubber Policy 2019: Focuses on sustainable and inclusive growth of the rubber industry.
• Sustainable & Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector Scheme: Encourages eco-friendly practices and sectoral growth.
• INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) Project: Aims to improve productivity and strengthen the supply chain.

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The indigenously designed guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai is participating in the fourth edition of the Multinational Exercise LA PEROUSE.

About Exercise LA PEROUSE

• Origin: Initiated in 2019, conducted by the French Navy.
  • It is a biennial exercise aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Participation: The first edition (2019) saw participation from navies of France, Australia, Japan, and the US.
  • India joined the exercise for the first time in the second edition (2021).

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• • The fourth edition involves navies from 9 countries including  India, France, the US, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, and the UK.
  • Location: Conducted in the Straits between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, including Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits.
• Key Objectives:
• • Enhance maritime domain awareness.
  • Improve maritime coordination and tactical interoperability among participating navies.
  • Promote information sharing and progressive training for seamless operations.

Significance of the Exercise

• Maritime Cooperation: Demonstrates the commitment of like-minded navies to a rules-based international order.
  • Strengthens India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
• Regional Security: Enhances the collective ability to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Strategic Synergy: Fosters closer ties among partner navies, improving planning, coordination, and operational efficiency.

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A wolf recently gave birth to eight pups at the Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary in Karnataka’s Koppal district.

About Indian Grey Wolf

• Subspecies: A subspecies of the grey wolf, ranging from Southwest Asia to the Indian subcontinent.
• Distribution: Extends from Israel to the Indian subcontinent.
• Nocturnal Behavior: Hunts primarily during dusk to dawn.
• Monogamous Nature: Mates with only one partner throughout its lifetime.
• Gestation period: 62-75 days.
• Pack Size: Travels in smaller packs and is less vocal than other wolf species.
• Habitat: Prefers scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid agro-ecosystems, thriving in warmer conditions.

Conservation Status

• IUCN: Listed as Endangered.
• CITES: Included in Appendix I.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I.
• Threats: Habitat loss, depletion of prey species, and human interference.

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Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary Highlights

• Location: Spread across 332 hectares near Gangavati town, Karnataka.
• Flora and Fauna: Hosts wildlife like leopards, blackbucks, foxes, and peacocks alongside wolves.
  • The sanctuary features a dry Grassland on Deccan Plateau with Acacia, Neem and Ficus plants.
• Current Wolf Population: Approximately 35-40 wolves, including the new pups.
• Declared as Karnataka’s first Wolf Sanctuary during the 15th Wildlife Board meeting.

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The Forest Department has started persuading residents of Sheribikanahalli Tanda, located inside Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary on the Karnataka-Telangana border, to relocate from the ecologically sensitive area.

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About Sheribikanahalli Tanda (Hamlet)

• Location: Situated deep inside Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.
• Population: Home to 98 families, comprising 219 members (114 female and 105 male).

• Rehabilitation Plan: Relocation to Venkatapur village, 13 km away.
• Land Allocation: 58 acres identified for relocation, with 56 acres for cultivation and 2 acres for housing and civic amenities.
• Families have the option of:
• • A financial package of ₹15 lakh per family.
  • Two acres of land plus ₹10 lakh, along with benefits from government housing schemes.
• Objective of Relocation: To conserve wildlife habitats and comply with the Wildlife Protection Act.
• Challenges: Lengthy procedure involving coordination between State and Central governments due to relocation from wildlife sanctuary to forest land.
• Current Status: Process initiated after decades of pending discussions.

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About Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Kalaburagi District, North Karnataka.
• Significance:
• • First dry land wildlife sanctuary in South India.
  • Also referred to as the “Ooty of Telangana.”
• Major Water Body: Chandrampalli Dam on the Bhima River.
• Cultural Aspect: Sanctuary hosts Lambani Tandas, a protected tribal community residing in the forests.
• Flora: Dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests dominate the core area.
  • Acacia and teak plantations found on the fringes.
• Fauna: Species include Blackbuck, Common Fox, Four-horned Antelope, Fruit Bat, Hyena, Indian Wolf, and more.

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The International Labour Organization (ILO) released the fourth edition of the ‘Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers’, highlighting the critical contributions of International migrants (IMs) to global economic growth.

Key Highlights of the ILO Report

• Global Labour Force Representation:
  • IMs constituted 4.7% (167.7 million) of the global labour force in 2022, with 155.6 million employed and 12.1 million unemployed.
  • The annual growth rate of IMs dropped below 1% during 2019-2022, partly due to the pandemic.
• Gender and Age Distribution:
  • Employment by Gender:
    • IM men accounted for 61.3% of the workforce, compared to 38.7% for women.
    • Women IMs face lower representation in both total IM numbers and the global labour force.
  • Age Distribution:
    • Prime-age IM workers (25-54 years) formed the largest group at 74.9%.
    • Youth (15-24 years) and seniors (above 55 years) made up smaller shares.
• Sectoral Employment:
  • Services Sector: The majority of IMs (68.4%) worked in services, with women dominating at 80.7%.
  • Industry: IMs constituted 24.3%, similar to non-migrants.
  • Agriculture: IMs accounted for 7.4%, compared to 24.3% for non-migrants.
• Host Countries:
  • High-income nations absorbed 68.4% (114 million) of IMs, particularly in services and care sectors.
  • Upper-middle-income countries hosted 17.4% of IMs.
  • Northern America and Europe remained key destinations, while Arab states saw a slight decline in IM workforce share.

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Who are International Migrants?

• As per the United Nations, international migrants are individuals who move to a country different from their usual residence for at least one year, regardless of the reason or legal status.
  • Refugees, asylum seekers, and related groups are also part of IM.

Role of International Migrants

• Economic Contribution: Address labour shortages in host countries, especially in sectors like healthcare, construction, and agriculture.
  • Enhance productivity and innovation in diverse industries.
• Remittances: Send significant financial resources to home countries, boosting household income and economic development.
• Cultural Exchange: Enrich societies with cultural diversity and global perspectives.
• Global Connectivity: Strengthen international ties through trade, investments, and networks.
• Support Ageing Populations: Provide workforce solutions for ageing societies in high-income countries.

Issues Regarding International Migrants

• Gender Disparities: Women are underrepresented in the IM workforce and face barriers to employment, including discrimination and limited opportunities.
• Sectoral Dependence: Over-reliance on certain sectors like services increases IMs’ vulnerability to economic downturns.
• Labour Exploitation: Many IMs face poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of legal protection in host countries.
• Social Exclusion: Migrants often experience challenges in integrating socially and culturally in host nations.
• Pandemic Impact: COVID-19 disrupted migration flows, employment opportunities, and remittance systems.

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Way Forward

• Promoting Gender Equality: Policies should focus on increasing women’s participation in the global IM workforce and providing equal opportunities.
• Inclusive Policies: Host countries need frameworks to protect IMs from exploitation and ensure access to healthcare, housing, and social security.
• Skills Development: Initiatives to enhance IMs’ skills can improve employability and benefit host economies.
• Regional Cooperation: Strengthened collaboration between sending and receiving countries can ensure smooth migration processes and fair treatment of IMs.
• Monitoring and Data Collection: Regular assessments of IM contributions and challenges can inform effective policymaking.
• Global Solidarity: Organizations like the ILO must continue to advocate for IMs’ rights and promote their inclusion in sustainable development strategies.

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Yala glacier, one of Nepal’s most extensively studied glaciers, is expected to vanish by the 2040s.

• According to WMO and UNESCO, there are more than 275,000 glaciers worldwide.
  • It covers approximately 700,000 sq km and with ice sheets, storing about 70% of the global fresh water.

About Yala glacier

• Yala Glacier is situated in the Langtang Valley, central Nepal.
• Significance and Monitoring

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• • It is a key representative of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) database.
  • Critical Status : It’s the only glacier in the Himalayas on the Global Glacier Casualty List.
  • It plays a vital role in studying the cryosphere.  

What is Glacier Retreat?

• Glacier retreat refers to the shrinking of glaciers in size and mass due to melting, evaporation, and other environmental factors.
• Retreat of Yala Glacier
  • The glacier has lost  36% of its total area during the period between 1974 and 2021
• Impact of Warming
  • The Hindu Kush Himalayan cryosphere is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to the accelerated melting and retreat of glaciers in the region.
• Other Critically Endangered Glaciers
  • Pico Humboldt Glacier: Disappeared in Venezuela in 2024.
  • Sarenne Glacier: Disappeared in France in 2023.
  • Dagu Glacier: In China, expected to disappear by 2030.
  • Chinese Glacier Shrinkage: Chinese glaciers have shrunk by 12,442.4 sq km, losing 20.6% of their total area.

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Impacts of Melting Glaciers and Cryosphere

• Disruption of Ecosystems and Livelihoods
  • Glaciers and ice sheets store 70% of the world’s freshwater, essential for ecosystems and human survival.
  • 240 million people in the Hindu Kush Himalayas depend on glaciers for water and livelihoods.
• Increased Risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
  • Rapid melting creates unstable glacial lakes.
  • These lakes can breach, causing devastating floods in downstream areas.
• Climate Feedback Loop
  • Melting glaciers reduce the Earth’s albedo (reflectivity).
  • Less reflectivity increases heat absorption, accelerating global warming.

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The Union Minister of Communications has launched multiple initiatives to enhance telecom accessibility, security, and empowerment across India.

• Other Key Initiatives introduced: Sanchar Saathi Mobile App and Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-Funded 4G Sites
  • Sanchar Saathi Mobile App initiative offers essential tools to help users protect their telecom resources and prevent fraud.
  • Key Features
    • Chakshu – Report Fraudulent Communications : Enables users to report suspected fraudulent communications (SFC) for quick action.
    • Check Mobile Connections: Users can verify all mobile connections registered in their name, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse.

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About National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 

• It is a continuation of NBM 1.0 and focuses on expanding broadband connectivity and creating a digitally inclusive India.
  • NBM 1.0 is a part of National Digital Communications Policy, 2018. 
• Nodal ministry: Department of Telecommunications (DoT),  Ministry of Communications. 
• It strives to align with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

• Objectives of NBM 2.0
  • Rural Connectivity: Aim to connect 1.7 lakh villages and ensure 60 out of every 100 rural households have broadband.
  • High-Speed Internet: Target a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps for rural India.

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Benefits of NBM 2.0

• Enhance Broadband Access:
  • Broadband for Anchor Institutions: Provide broadband connectivity to 90% of key institutions like schools, healthcare centers, and government offices.
  • Speed Improvement: Increase the national average fixed broadband download speed from 63.55 Mbps to a minimum of 100 Mbps.
• Improve Planning and Infrastructure:
  • PM GatiShakti Integration: Map all government PSU-owned fiber networks  the PM GatiShakti platform on by 2026 and utilize it for planning the BharatNet project.
  • Ease of Doing Business: Reduce the average Right of Way (RoW) application disposal time from 60 days to 30 days.
  • Rural Internet Penetration: Increase rural internet subscribers per 100 population from 45 to 60.
• Sustainable and Resilient Networks:
  • Green Energy: Power 30% of mobile towers with sustainable energy sources.
  • Infrastructure Protection: Enhance the usage of the “Call Before You Dig” (CBuD) mobile app to protect underground telecom infrastructure.
  • New RoW Rules: Collaborate with stakeholders to effectively implement the New RoW Rules 2024.
  • Future-Proofing:
    • Develop robust street furniture infrastructure for 5G and 6G network rollout.
    • Promote common/shareable telecom ducts and utility corridors.
• Leveraging Existing Resources:
  • Power Sector Synergy: Utilize Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) from the power sector for enhanced broadband connectivity, especially in remote and challenging areas.

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The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) published the World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025 report.

• It provides an in-depth analysis of global labor market trends, highlighting challenges such as slowing economic recovery, persistent youth unemployment, and widening global jobs gaps.

Key Points of the Report

• Global Unemployment Stability: 
  • The global unemployment rate remained steady at a historical low of 5% in 2024.
  • It is projected to maintain this level through 2025, indicating a plateau in job creation.
• Youth Unemployment Concerns:
  • Despite overall stability, youth unemployment remains high, with rates of more than 12% for young men and women.
  • It reflects systemic barriers to decent employment for younger demographics.
• Economic Growth Slowdown:
  • The global economy experienced a slowdown from 3.3% to 3.2% in 2024, with a gradual deceleration expected to limit job creation.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo emphasizes the need for new approaches to social justice.
  • He advocated for investments in education and leveraging migrant remittances to stimulate job creation and development in lower-income countries.

Challenges highlighted by the report

• Geopolitical tensions, the rising costs of climate change and unresolved debt issues are putting labour markets under pressure.
• Around 402.4 million jobs were missing in 2024, an increase of around 2.3 million from the previous year.  This includes people who have stopped searching for a job because of discouragement.
• Informal employment and working poverty have reverted to pre-pandemic conditions, with low-income nations encountering the greatest challenges in generating adequate jobs.
• While employment in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing more rapidly than unemployment, a majority of workers are not engaged in productive and decent jobs.

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The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2025 has identified extreme weather events as the most significant long-term risk for the next decade.

• The top risks in the Global Risks Report include state-based armed conflict, extreme weather events, geoeconomic confrontation, and misinformation, which destabilize global systems. 
• The report, released ahead of the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, underscores the necessity for global collaboration to address environmental challenges.

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About Global Risks Report 2025

• It presents an analysis of the most pressing global risks anticipated over short-term (2 years) and long-term (10 years) periods.  

Key Points of the Report

• Top Risks for India: Water supply shortages, misinformation and disinformation, erosion of human rights and civic freedoms, pollution (air, water, and soil), and labour and talent shortages.
  • As a significant global player, India faces potential disruptions to its trade routes and energy security from ongoing instability in regions critical to its interests.
• State-based armed conflict: The report warned that state-based armed conflict is the most immediate risk for 2025, reflecting deepening geopolitical fragmentation. 
• Extreme Weather Events:Ranked as the top long-term risk, these events have increased in frequency and cost, with inflation-adjusted expenses rising by nearly 77% over the past five decades.
• Short-Term Risks:In the 2025-2027 period, extreme weather ranks as the second most severe global risk, appearing among the top five risks in 28 countries, up from 24 the previous year.
• Regional Impacts: Countries like the United States face significant challenges, with wildfires in regions such as Los Angeles projected to incur losses exceeding $200 billion, potentially becoming the costliest in U.S. history.
• Broader Implications: Climate change is also influencing other global risks, including involuntary migration, which ranks as the eighth most severe short-term risk.
• Call to Action:The report emphasizes the urgent need for cooperative global efforts to tackle critical environmental issues, aligning with the WEF Annual Meeting’s theme, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.
• Pollution: 
  • Unsustainable production and consumption patterns are driving the increasing pollution of air, water and land. 
• In 6 countries — Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Italy, Malawi and Mauritius — extreme weather events have become more pressing compared to 2024.
• Mauritius and Malawi saw a notable rise from fifth to second place in their risk assessments.

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Issues and risks raised by the report

• Misinformation and disinformation lead short-term risks, posing threats to stability and eroding trust in governance, which complicates the need for cooperation in addressing global crises.
• Societal polarization and economic downturns exacerbate tensions, while biodiversity loss, human rights erosion, and inequality present long-term challenges. 
• Migration and resource shortages further disrupt societies and economies.

The report’s findings are based on a survey of over 900 global risk experts, policymakers, and industry leaders conducted in late 2024.

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Trajan Gun System

Context: The Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system, developed by India and France, has secured an export order from Armenia.

About Trajan Gun

• Joint Development: Developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in collaboration with KNDS France.
• Manufacturing: Produced in India with several indigenously developed subsystems, including the auxiliary power unit, control panel, and rolling gear assembly.
• Features: Modular design for ease of transportation and deployment, automated loading system for rapid firing, and advanced targeting and fire-control systems compatible with modern military networks.
• Range: Effective range exceeding 40 kilometers, depending on ammunition.
• Terrain Compatibility: Designed to operate efficiently in diverse terrains, including marshy lowlands and high-altitude cold deserts.

About Artillery Gun

• Artillery refers to large-caliber guns with big barrels, designed for land battles, capable of being moved to different locations.
• Purpose: Used for long-range fire support in military operations.
• Examples in the Indian Army:
  • Dhanush: Indigenous 155 mm towed howitzer, an upgraded version of the Bofors gun.
  • M777 Howitzer: Lightweight, 155 mm artillery gun used in high-altitude regions like Ladakh.

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Planet Parade

Context: Currently, six planets Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, and Neptune  are visible in the night sky, forming a celestial arc known as a ‘planet parade.’

• This rare astronomical event will be observable until February 2025.

About Planet Parade

• Definition: A ‘planet parade’ occurs when multiple planets are visible in the night sky simultaneously.
• Astronomical Phenomenon: It is not a technical term but refers to the alignment of planets along the plane of the solar system, appearing as an arc.
• Visibility of Planets
• Naked Eye: Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars can be seen without equipment.
• With Assistance: Uranus and Neptune require a telescope or binoculars to view due to their distance.
• Frequency and Rarity
• • Planet parades are not extremely rare but don’t occur annually.
  • The last major planet parade took place in May-June 2024.
  • Such events can last weeks or months, with planets visible at convenient evening hours.

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