rchives (PRELIMS  Focus) Blue Dragons Category: POLITY Context:  Several beaches in Spain were closed after the arrival of blue dragons (Glaucus atlanticus) Several beaches in Spain were closed after the arrival of blue dragons (Glaucus atlanticus), small but venomous sea slugs capable of delivering extremely painful stings. These creatures float upside down on the ocean surface, feeding on venomous jellyfish and incorporating their toxins for defense. Rarely seen in the Mediterranean, their sudden presence surprised scientists and locals. Stings can cause pain, swelling, nausea, and vomiting, though not usually fatal. Their appearance is linked to shifting water currents and marine anomalies, possibly driven by climate change. Learning Corner: Blue Dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) A small but strikingly blue sea slug (nudibranch) found in warm ocean waters. Floats upside down on the water surface using a gas-filled sac in its stomach. Feeds mainly on venomous organisms like Portuguese man o’ war and jellyfish, storing their stinging cells (nematocysts) in its own tissues. This ability makes its sting extremely painful, causing swelling, nausea, and vomiting, though not usually fatal. Rarely seen in the Mediterranean; presence there is linked to shifting water currents and climate change. Considered an indicator of marine ecological anomalies. Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS APK scams Category: ENVIRONMENT Context : APK scams are a fast-growing cybercrime in India where fraudsters spread fake Android Package Kit (.APK) files disguised as official apps to steal sensitive personal and financial data. Victims are lured through calls or messages about blocked bank accounts or subsidies and tricked into downloading malicious apps. Once installed, these apps capture OTPs, banking details, and contacts in real time, enabling immediate fund theft. They are traded on underground platforms, and stolen data is decoded for fraudulent transactions. These apps often self-delete after theft, making tracking difficult. Authorities are countering the menace by tracing digital trails, coordinating with banks and telecom operators, and raising public awareness, but losses remain significant due to the scams’ scale and sophistication. Different types of cybercrime: Phishing & Smishing – Fraudulent emails or SMS messages trick users into revealing personal/banking details. Malware Attacks – Malicious software (viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware) used to steal data, disrupt systems, or extort money. Ransomware – Encrypts a victim’s files and demands ransom for decryption. Identity Theft – Stealing personal information (like Aadhaar, PAN, bank details) to commit fraud. Financial Frauds – Online banking frauds, UPI scams, fake investment schemes, and APK-based fraud apps. Cyberstalking & Online Harassment – Using digital platforms to stalk, threaten, or harass individuals. Hacking & Data Breaches – Unauthorized access to systems or databases to steal sensitive data. Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS) Attacks – Overloading a network/server to make it unavailable. Online Child Exploitation – Circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming. Intellectual Property Theft – Piracy, software cracking, or stealing trade secrets. Cyber Terrorism – Attacks on critical infrastructure, government systems, or spreading extremist propaganda online. Cryptocurrency & Dark Web Crimes – Illegal trading, money laundering, and transactions through untraceable crypto wallets. Source:  THE HINDU Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir Category: INTERNATIONAL Context: The Supreme Court has asked the government for a status update on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court has asked the government for a status update on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that its prolonged absence affects citizens’ rights and undermines India’s federal principles. The Constitution allows for admission, establishment, and formation of states, as seen in J&K’s reorganization in 2019. While upholding the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the Court directed statehood restoration and noted that the last Assembly elections were held in October 2024. Restoring statehood is seen as crucial to uphold constitutional values, equitable resource sharing, and the federal balance. Learning Corner: Constitutional provisions of state creation in India: Article 1: India is a “Union of States.” This emphasizes indestructibility of the Union but not of individual states. Article 2: Parliament may admit new states into the Union or establish new states. Example: Sikkim admitted in 1975. Article 3: Parliament has the power to form a new state by separation of territory, uniting two or more states/UTs, or altering boundaries/names of existing states. Example: Telangana created in 2014. Procedure under Article 3: President refers the proposal to the concerned State Legislature for its views. However, the State Legislature’s opinion is not binding on Parliament. Article 4: Laws made under Articles 2 and 3 are not considered constitutional amendments under Article 368. Significance: Ensures flexibility for reorganization of states to accommodate linguistic, cultural, administrative, or political demands while maintaining the Union’s integrity. Source: THE HINDU Coral microatolls Category: POLITY Context: This can be directly asked in prelims Research on coral microatolls—sensitive to the lowest tides—provides a continuous record of sea-level changes since 1959, refining projections and highlighting the urgent need for local monitoring and adaptation strategies. These findings are crucial for protecting coral reefs, island nations, and regional stability against climate risks. Learning Corner: Coral Microatolls – Brief Note Definition: Coral microatolls are disk-shaped coral formations that grow outward rather than upward, as their vertical growth is restricted by the lowest tide levels. Unique Feature: Their flat, saucer-like tops record sea-level changes over time because they grow only within a narrow vertical range controlled by tidal variations. Scientific Importance: They act as natural tide gauges, providing long-term, continuous records of sea-level fluctuations spanning decades to centuries. Climate Studies: Used to reconstruct past sea levels and refine projections of future rise, especially critical for vulnerable low-lying islands. Conservation Relevance: Help monitor the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, coral reef health, and coastal communities. Source: THE HINDU Ramon Magsaysay Award Category: CULTURE Context: Educate Girls, an Indian non-profit dedicated to enrolling unprivileged and out-of-school girls, has won the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award. Founded in Rajasthan, the organization works in rural and remote areas to address gender injustice in education, ensuring girls remain in school until they secure credentials for higher studies or employment. This is the first time an Indian organization has