Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Bioremediation Category: Science and Technology Context: India’s rapid industrialisation has come at a heavy environmental cost and to address this, India needs to focus on bioremediation. About Bioremediation: Definition: Bioremediation is the use of living microorganisms to degrade environmental contaminants into less toxic forms. Significance: Bioremediation has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to address various environmental challenges, from oil spills to contaminated soil and groundwater. Working Mechanism: Bioremediation involves introducing specific microorganisms or creating conditions that favour the growth of naturally occurring microbes capable of degrading pollutants. This technique leverages the natural capabilities of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms to break down contaminants into less harmful or harmless substances. Common micro-organisms used: Some bacteria commonly used in bioremediation include Pseudomonas, Alcanivorax, Bacillus, and Deinococcus, as they can break down various toxic substances. Monitoring: Bioremediation can be monitored indirectly by measuring the oxidation-reduction potential or redox in soil and groundwater, along with pH, temperature, oxygen content, electron acceptor/donor concentrations and concentration of breakdown products (e.g. CO2). Types of Bioremediation: In Situ Bioremediation: It involves treatment of the contaminated material at the site. Prominent types of In Situ Bioremediation techniques include Bio-Venting, Bio-Sparging, Bio-Augmentation, etc. Ex Situ Bioremediation: It involves the removal of the contaminated material to be treated elsewhere. Prominent types of Ex Situ Bioremediation techniques include Land Farming, Composting, Bio-Piles, Bio-Reactors, etc. Applications of Bioremediation: Heavy Metal Bioremediation: It removes toxic heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, copper) through degradation, absorption, and detoxification. Soil Bioremediation: It degrades hydrocarbons in soils contaminated with oil and petroleum products, maintaining soil health and promoting natural recovery. Marine Oil Spill Bioremediation: It involves use of indigenous oil-degrading microorganisms (Halomonas aquamarina, Alcanivorax) to break down oil, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical cleaners. Rubber Waste Bioremediation: Bioremediation of rubber waste includes microbial treatments which reduce pollutants such as BOD, COD, and solids, alongside sulfur removal and rubber degradation for recycling. Source: The Hindu Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Category: International Conventions Context: At the conference on 50 years of Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), Mr. Jaishankar said that Global South should be at centre of preparations to deal with bioweapons. About Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Nomenclature: It is formally known as “The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction”. Origin: It was negotiated in Geneva, Switzerland within the Eighteen Nation Committee on Disarmament (ENDC) and Conference of the Committee on Disarmament (CCD) from 1969 until 1971. It was opened for signature in 1972 and entered into force in 1975. Objective: It aims to effectively prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons. It supplements the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which had prohibited only the use of biological weapons. Membership: It has almost universal membership with 188 States Parties (India signed and ratified in 1974) and 4 Signatory States (Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic). Uniqueness: It is the first multilateral disarmament treaty which bans an entire category of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Meeting: States Parties meet approximately every 5 years to review its operation. States Parties to BWC have strived to ensure that Convention remains relevant and effective, despite the changes in science and technology, politics and security since it entered into force. Measures taken by India to implement Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro organisms, Genetically/Engineered Organisms or Cells Rules, 1989: It protects the environment, nature and health, in connection with the application of gene technology and micro-organisms. Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005: It Prohibits unlawful activities (such as manufacturing, transport, or transfer) related to weapons of mass destruction, and their means of delivery. Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET): SCOMET list is India’s National Export Control List of dual use items, munitions and nuclear related items, including software and technology. Source: The Hindu Darjeeling Mandarin Orange Category: Miscellaneous Context: Recently, the ‘Darjeeling Mandarin Orange’ has officially been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. About Darjeeling Mandarin Orange: Scientific name: It is botanically known as Citrus reticulata Blanco Nature: The Mandarin Orange is a major cash crop of the Darjeeling Hills and it is widely recognised for its rich aroma and flavour. Growing areas: It is grown in the hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal. Other names: It is commonly known as “suntala” is the pride of Darjeeling hills due to its delightful aroma and flavour. Significance: It is the third product from the region, after Darjeeling Tea and Dalley Khursani chilli, to get the tag. Required Climatic Conditions for its growth: It is cultivated at elevations ranging from 600 to 1500 meters above sea level, They grow successfully in all frost free tropical and sub-tropical regions upto 1,500 m. above mean sea level. Annual rainfall should be 100-120 cm. Temperature should range from 10–35°C is suitable for cultivation of the crop. The preferred soil is medium or light loamy soils. Source: Deccan Herald INS Taragiri Category: Defence and Security Context: INS Taragiri was delivered to the Indian Navy recently at MDL, Mumbai, marking a major milestone in achieving self-reliance in warship design and construction. About INS Taragiri: Nature: It is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that was part of the Indian Naval fleet from 1980 to 2013. Construction: It is the fourth ship of Nilgiri Class (Project 17A) built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL). Design: Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Mumbai), P17A frigates reflect a generational leap in indigenous ship design, stealth, survivability, and combat capability.  Significance: Taragiri is the fourth P17A ship to be delivered to Indian Navy in the last 11 months. The experience gained from construction of first two P17A ships have enabled the build period of Taragiri to be compressed to 81 months, in comparison to 93 months taken for First

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, India sealed a ₹7,995-crore deal with the U.S. as part of “follow on support” package for Indian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for five years. About MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter: Construction: It is manufactured by US defence major Lockheed Martin. Other names: It is often called the “Romeo” is a state-of-the-art naval helicopter. Nature: It is an all-weather helicopter designed with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors. Capability: It is designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), maritime surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and ship-borne operations. Uniqueness: It is one of the world’s best submarine-hunting helicopters, equipped with advanced sensors like the AN/AQS-22 ALFS dipping sonar and sonobuoys. Multi-purpose operations: The helicopter can operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers, amphibious ships, and aircraft carriers. Suitable for littoral warfare: It is suitable for intense littoral warfare operations for handling numerous contacts in confined spaces, and for open-water operations. Radar system: It is combined with electro-optical sensors and radar systems that can identify hostile ships, fast attack craft, or suspicious vessels and neutralise them with precision. Advanced features: It also carries the powerful Mk-54 torpedo, allowing it to detect, track, and engage underwater threats. For surface warfare missions, the MH-60R can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, lightweight torpedoes, and machine guns. Source: The Hindu National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) Category: Government Schemes Context: UGC has instructed the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to select college professors to train school teachers under National Mission for Mentoring (NMM). About National Mission for Mentoring (NMM): Launch: It was launched on 29th July 2022 in selected 30 Central Schools (15 KVs, 10 JNVs, 5 CBSE) across the country. Objective: It aims to create a supportive environment, enhance mentorship experiences and contribute to individual and collective growth. Nodal ministry: It is the flagship initiative of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. Functions: It provides platforms for professionals and experts where they can share knowledge, skills and expertise as a Mentor with Mentee teachers and help them in their journey to become effective teachers.  In sync with NEP 2020: It is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Implementing authority: National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has been assigned to develop and design the modalities for the mission. NCTE released a comprehensive document on the mission (NMM – The Blue Book) with a detailed roadmap of its framework and implementation strategy. Phases of implementation: Pilot phase: It was first tested in 30 Central Schools (15 Kendriya Vidyalayas, 10 Jawahar Navodaya schools, and 5 CBSE schools) with 60 mentors, some even Padma Awardees. Building capacity: Seminars and workshops are conducted to teach “Master Mentors” who can subsequently teach others. Incentivisation: Although participation is voluntary, the NMM manual encourages participants to do so with certificates, performance credits and other incentives. Source: The Hindu Golden Jackal Category: Environment and ecology Context: The Tenkasi district forest division is set to launch ‘Golden Jackal Ambassadors’ scheme in the schools and colleges to address dwindling population of Golden Jackals. About Golden Jackal: Nature: It is strictly nocturnal in areas inhabited by humans, but may be partly diurnal elsewhere. Other names: It is also known as the common jackal or reed wolf is a medium-sized wolf-like canid. Difference with wolves: Compared to a wolf, these canids are physically thinner and have a slender muzzle. It has a short, yet bushy tail that ends with a tan or black tip. Habitat: They dig caverns for shelter, or use crevices in rocks, or caverns that were dug by other animals. These animals are abundant in valleys and along rivers and their tributaries, canals, lakes, and seashores, but are rare in foothills and low mountains. Mating behaviour: They live in mated pairs and are strictly monogamous.  Uniqueness: They live in a group of 4 to 5 individuals. They hunt together, share their food, groom each other, and jointly defend their territory, which they mark with the scent of their excretion.  Distribution: They are found in North and East Africa, Southeastern Europe and South Asia to Burma. They are quite widespread across India. Right from the Himalayan foothills, down to the Western Ghats, the Golden Jackal has a wide distribution. Food pattern: They are omnivores in terms of eating habits. These opportunistic foragers have a rather diverse diet. Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern CITES: Appendix III Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I. Source: The Hindu Asia Power Index Category: Miscellaneous Context: India has secured third ranking in the Asia Power Index 2025, while the U.S. and China occupy the first and second spots. About Asia Power Index: Publishing agency: It is published annually by the Australia-based think tank, Lowy Institute. Launch: It was launched in 2018, and it assesses the power dynamics across 27 Asia-Pacific countries. Objective: It assesses the ability of nations, particularly of those in the Asian continent, to influence their external environment. Criteria: It is based on 131 indicators across eight thematic measures, including Military Capability and Defence Networks, Economic Capability and Relationships, Diplomatic and Cultural Influence and  Resilience and Future Resources. Key highlights of Asia Power Index 2025: India has secured third ranking in the Asia Power Index 2025, while the U.S. and China occupy the first and second spots. India ranks third for two measures: economic capability and future resources. India’s economic and military capability have both increased in the 2025 edition of the Asia Power Index.  India’s economy has continued to grow strongly and made small gains in terms of its geopolitical relevance – defined in terms of international leverage, connectivity, and technology. Source: News on AIR Perseverance Rover Category: Science and Technology Context: In a significant breakthrough, NASA’s Perseverance rover recently detected electrical activity in Mars’ atmosphere for the first time. About Perseverance Rover: Nature: Perseverance, nicknamed “Percy“, is a semi-autonomous rover the size of a small car designed to explore the surface of Mars. It is part of NASA’s ongoing Mars 2020 Mission. Launch: It was launched on July