News in Shorts: 01 January 2026

Kolleru Lake

Context: Kolleru Lake’s black dried fish (Karelu/Karimeen) has gained national and international recognition, with nearly 90 tonnes exported annually, boosting local livelihoods.

About Black Dried Fish (Karelu / Karimeen)

• Introduction: Black dried fish is a traditional, nutrient-rich delicacy from Andhra Pradesh, valued for its high protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and long shelf life.
• Process of Production: Freshly caught fish are cleaned, salted, and naturally sun-dried on mats or racks using chemical-free methods involving salt, turmeric and crushed chillies, enhancing flavour and nutrition.
• Source: The fish are primarily harvested from Kolleru Lake using traditional fishing practices and processed by local communities, creating seasonal employment, especially for women.

About Kolleru Lake

• Introduction: Kolleru is one of India’s largest freshwater lakes, often described as a “fisherman’s paradise and bird haven,” supporting rich aquatic and avian biodiversity.
• Location: It is located in Andhra Pradesh, between the Krishna and Godavari river deltas, spanning Krishna and West Godavari districts near Eluru.
• Ecological Significance
• • Biodiversity: Habitat for around 90 fish species and large populations of resident and migratory birds.
  • Flood Regulation: Acts as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for the Krishna–Godavari basin.
  • Ramsar Site: Designated a Wetland of International Importance (2002), supporting fisheries and thousands of livelihoods.

Kolleru’s black dried fish showcases the linkage between traditional knowledge, sustainable livelihoods and wetland conservation.

Pralay Missile

Context: DRDO successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles off the coast of Odisha.

About Pralay Missile

• Pralay is an indigenously developed short-range, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile designed for high-precision conventional strike roles against critical enemy targets.
• Developed By : Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with multiple DRDO laboratories
  • Produced with production partners Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Key Features
  • Propulsion: Solid-propellant, quasi-ballistic configuration.
  • Range: 150–500 km, suitable for tactical and operational-level strikes.
  • Payload Capacity: 500–1,000 kg, capable of carrying multiple types of conventional warheads.
  • Accuracy: Advanced guidance and navigation system with Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 metres.
  • Speed: Terminal velocity up to Mach 6.1, enhancing survivability.
  • Maneuverability: Capable of mid-course trajectory changes to evade air defences.
  • Targets: Radar installations, command centres, airbases, and logistics hubs.
  • Mobility: Can be launched from mobile launchers, improving deployment flexibility.

What is a Salvo Test?

• A salvo launch involves firing multiple missiles in rapid succession from the same launcher to simulate combat conditions and overwhelm enemy air and missile defence systems.
• Significance of the Salvo Test:  Establishes the operational reliability, accuracy, and rapid-fire capability of the Pralay missile, strengthening India’s conventional deterrence posture.

Nimesulide

Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of oral Nimesulide formulations above 100 mg under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

About Nimesulide

• Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used for the treatment of acute pain, inflammation, and fever due to its analgesic and antipyretic properties.
• It is commonly marketed in India under brand names such as Nise, Nimulid, Nimtex, and Nicip.
• The drug is typically prescribed for short-term pain relief and is available in various oral formulations.
• Scope of the Ban
• • Applies only to oral immediate-release formulations above 100 mg.
  • Lower-dose formulations (≤100 mg) are not prohibited.
  • The ban takes effect immediately across manufacturing, distribution, and sale.

Rationale Behind the Ban

• Health Risk: Scientific evidence indicates that higher-dose Nimesulide is likely to pose risks to human health, particularly liver toxicity.
• Expert Recommendations: The decision followed consultations with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and safety concerns flagged by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• Availability of Safer Alternatives: Multiple safer NSAID alternatives are available in the market, making continued use of high-dose formulations unnecessary.
• Background: Nimesulide has been under regulatory scrutiny for over a decade, with earlier restrictions on paediatric use and repeated expert recommendations to limit dosage.

Significance: The ban strengthens drug safety regulation, promotes rational drug use, and aligns public health policy with evidence-based medical practice.

Justice Mission 2025

Context: China conducted large-scale live-fire military drills named “Justice Mission 2025” around Taiwan, involving missile launches, fighter jets, and naval deployments to simulate a blockade.

About “Justice Mission 2025”

• “Justice Mission 2025” is a high-intensity, two-day military exercise conducted by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), showcasing joint operations across air, sea, missile, and ground forces.
• Location and Scope: The drills were carried out around Taiwan, including waters to its north and south, with missile launches observed from Pingtan Island, the closest Chinese territory to Taiwan.
• Objectives
• • To deter Taiwan’s independence assertions.
  • To warn the United States and its allies against arms sales and military support to Taiwan.
  • To demonstrate China’s capability to blockade and isolate Taiwan during a potential conflict.

Implications of Recent Drills Around Taiwan

• Heightened Regional Tensions: Increases the risk of miscalculation and accidental escalation in the Taiwan Strait.
• Intensified US–China Rivalry: Reinforces strategic competition amid expanded US arms sales and security assurances to Taiwan.
• East Asian Security Concerns: Raises alarms for Japan, ASEAN nations, and global trade routes dependent on regional maritime stability.

Copper

Context: Copper prices hit record highs in late 2025, with London Metal Exchange (LME) near USD 12,000/tonne and Indian futures above ₹1,240/kg, driven by demand, supply disruptions, and policy shifts.

Copper Market Trend

• Monetary Tailwinds: US Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2025 reduced real yields and financing costs, boosting investment demand for industrial metals like copper.
• Trade Policy Distortions: Anticipation of US tariffs led to stockpiling in American warehouses, tightening supply on the London Metal Exchange (LME).
• Supply Disruptions: Mine outages in Chile (El Teniente) and Indonesia (Grasberg) constrained global output, reinforcing bullish sentiment.
• Structural Demand: Electrification, renewable energy, electric vehicles, grid expansion, and artificial intelligence-driven data centers increased long-term copper demand.

About Copper Production

• Copper is a strategic industrial metal critical for modern infrastructure, energy systems, and advanced technologies due to its superior conductivity.
• Key Properties: Copper has high electrical and thermal conductivity, excellent ductility, corrosion resistance, and recyclability, making it ideal for repeated industrial use.
• Applications: Copper is widely used in power transmission, electronics, AI-Data Centres , Electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, construction, and industrial machinery.
• Leading Global Producers: Major copper-producing countries include Chile (largest), Peru, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States, and Australia.
• Domestic Production: Madhya Pradesh is consistently India’s leading copper-producing state, with its Malanjkhand mine (Balaghat district).
  • It is followed by Rajasthan (Khetri mines) and Jharkhand (Singhbhum) as major producers.

The current copper rally reflects a convergence of structural demand growth, fragile supply chains, and policy-driven trade realignments, keeping prices elevated despite near-term volatility risks.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Policy-2026

Context: The Rajasthan Cabinet approved the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Policy-2026 to promote ethical AI, strengthen e-governance, and position the state as a technology-driven investment hub.

About Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Policy-2026

• The Rajasthan AI-ML Policy-2026 is a comprehensive state-level framework aimed at mainstreaming artificial intelligence and machine learning across governance, industry, and public services.
• Objectives
  • To make public service delivery faster, transparent, and citizen-centric through responsible AI use.
  • To enhance administrative efficiency and support innovation-led economic growth.
  • To ensure ethical, secure, and accountable deployment of AI systems.
• Key Components
  • Ethical AI Framework: Emphasis on transparency, fairness, explainability, auditability, bias reduction, and data privacy protection.
  • Institutional Mechanism: Establishment of a State Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence and appointment of AI Nodal Officers in each department.
  • Digital Infrastructure: Development of AI cloud services, secure data repositories, testing platforms, and high-performance computing facilities.
  • Capacity Building: Promotion of AI education and skill development in schools, ITIs, polytechnics, colleges, and training of government officials.
  • Industry Support: Incentives for startups, MSMEs, industries, and research institutions aligned with state industrial and startup policies.
• Significance
  • Strengthens e-governance and data-driven decision-making.
  • Positions Rajasthan as a regional hub for ethical and responsible AI innovation.
  • Aligns state initiatives with the national vision of “AI for All”, fostering inclusive digital transformation.

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