Presence of Water-Ice Beyond Moon’s Polar Regions

Context: A new analysis of data from Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) aboard Chandrayaan-3 suggests that there was a good probability that water-ice was present in locations outside of the polar regions of the Moon.

Key Findings

• Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) recorded high temperature variations over short distances.
• Inclined areas not facing the Sun could have conditions similar to the polar regions, potentially hosting sub-surface water-ice.

About ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment)

• It is a temperature probe on the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 mission. 
• Objectives:
  • Measure the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the South Pole. 
  • Understand the thermal behavior of the Moon’s surface. 
  • Determine the vertical temperature gradient up to a depth of 100 mm (10 cm) at the landing site. 
  • Measure thermal conductivity of the lunar regolith.

Africa’s giant Goliath beetle

Context: New research has found that one species of the enormous Goliath beetles has been almost wiped out by the west African cocoa industry and, to a lesser extent, by the international trade in dried insects.

Key Research Findings

• Species under threat:
  • Goliathus cacicus (smaller, rainforest-dependent): 80% decline in Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Goliathus regius (drier forest species): 40% habitat loss.
• Causes of decline:
  • Deforestation due to cocoa farming .
  • Illegal insect trade (sold online via eBay, Facebook).
  • Habitat destruction from mining and land conversion.

About Goliath beetle

• Goliath beetle (Genus: Goliathus) is the world’s largest insect, found in African rainforests.
• Five species exist, growing up to 110 mm long.
• Indicators of forest health: Their presence signals a healthy ecosystem.
• Ecological role:
  • Larvae (grubs) are omnivorous, feeding on plant debris and meat, helping nutrient cycling.
  • Adults feed on tree sap in mature rainforests.
• IUCN Red List: The Goliath beetles are not currently evaluated on the IUCN Red List.

North Sea

Context: A cargo ship carrying toxic chemicals and an oil tanker transporting jet fuel collided in the North Sea on March 10, 2025, about 16 km off the coast of Hull. 

About North sea

• The North Sea is part of northern Europe and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean.
• It links to the Atlantic Ocean through the English Channel in the southwest.
• In the east, it connects to the Baltic Sea via the Kattegat and Skagerrak straits.
• The Kiel Canal, one of the busiest artificial waterways, also connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea.
• Countries Bordering the North Sea
  • The North Sea is bordered by:
    • West: United Kingdom and Norway.
    • South: Denmark.
    • East: Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
    • North: Faroe Islands and Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.
• Climate
  • The North Sea has a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures.
  • Winters are long and cool, while summers are short and mild.
• Major rivers that drain into the North Sea include: Forth, Elbe, Weser, Ems, Rhine and Meuse, Scheldt, Thames, and Humber. 
• Important Ports
  • Several major ports are located along the North Sea coast.
  • Rotterdam is the busiest port in Europe.
  • Other important ports include:
    • Antwerp
    • Hamburg
    • Bremerhaven
    • Felixstowe
  • Port of Bruges-Zeebrugge is Europe’s leading RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) port.
• Economic Importance
  • The North Sea is one of Europe’s most productive fishing areas.
  • It serves as a major shipping route for trade within Europe and between Europe and the Middle East.
  • It has large reserves of petroleum and natural gas beneath the seafloor, making it crucial for energy production.

China’s Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR)

Context: China has deployed a powerful Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province, near the China-Myanmar border.

More about China’s Large Phased Array Radar

• Range: Over 5,000 km, covering deep into Indian territory and the Indian Ocean.
• Unlike traditional radars, which rely on mechanical rotation, LPARs use electronically controlled antennas to scan vast areas almost instantly. 

Strategic Capabilities of the LPAR

• Early Missile & Aircraft Detection: The system tracks ballistic missiles that travel into low-earth orbit before re-entering the atmosphere.
• Electronic Warfare Potential: It can interfere with communication systems, including radio, TV, GPS, and aviation navigation.
• Integration with China’s Defense Network: The LPAR is part of a larger early-warning system and complements similar radars in Korla and Xinjiang.

Impact on India

• Indian security agencies have raised concerns that this system can monitor missile tests conducted from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island (off Odisha’s coast). 
• This island is a key launch site for:
  • Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missiles
  • K-4 submarine-launched missiles
• By capturing vital data on missile trajectories, speeds, and distances, China gains a strategic advantage, enabling it to analyse and develop countermeasures.

Vishwamitri River

Context: Measures to desilt and resection the Vishwamitri river in Gujarat’s Vadodara in ‘serious deviation’ from National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandate has been called out by a group of citizens and environmentalists.

About Vishwamitri River

• Origin: The River originates from Pavagadh hills and Jambughoda forests in the Panchmahal District of Gujarat.
• Location: Vishwamitri River flows mainly through the west of the city of Vadodara. 
• Naming: The river is named after the great saint Vishwamitra.
• Tributaries: The river system consist of three major tributaries ie Khanpur, Dhadhar and Jambuva
• Flow: Its flow is from East to West in between two large perennial rivers Mahi and Narmada
• Mouth of River: The river discharges into the Gulf of Khambhat.
• Fauna: Vishwamitri is a home to the mugger or marsh crocodiles (Crocody-lus palustris) which are legally protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • Indian Softshell Turtles are also found in the river system.

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