Naini Lake Latest News

The Naini Lake, one of Nainital’s key attractions, recently recorded a water level of 4.7 feet — marking a five-year low.

About Naini Lake

• It is a natural freshwater lake of tectonic origin, located amidst Nainital city of Uttarakhand. 
• Discovered in the early 1800s by the British, the Naini Lake also finds mention in the Skanda Purana as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar. 
• The lake is in crescent or kidney shape, and has an outlet at the southeastern end. 
• It covers a perimeter of 2 miles with a depth from 6m to 28 m. 
• It is one of the four lakes in the Kumaon hills, the three others being Sattal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, and Naukuchiyatal Lake.
• Balia Nala is the main feeder stream of the lake. Other than this, 26 major drains, including the three perennial ones, feed it.
• Mallital is the name of the lake’s north end, while Tallital is the name of the southern one, which has a bridge with Gandhi’s statue and a post office on its sides. 
  • It is the world’s only post office on a lake bridge.

Naini Lake FAQs

Q1. What is the legend associated with Naini Lake?

Ans. According to the legends, the lake was where the eyes (nain) of the Hindu goddess Sati fell when her distraught husband, Shiva, was carrying her charred body. 

Q2. Which Hindu scripture mentions Naini Lake as "Tri-Rishi-Sarovar"?

Ans. Skanda Purana

Q3. Which stream is the main feeder of Naini Lake?

Ans. Balia Nala

Source: IE

Vibe Coding Latest News

Vibe coding recently became an overnight buzzword in Silicon Valley after being coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy.

About Vibe Coding

• Vibe coding basically refers to using generative AI not just to assist with coding but to generate the entire code for an app.
• At its core, vibe coding is about communicating with AI in natural language to build apps.
• Users ask, or prompt, Large Language Model (LLM)-based models such as ChatGPT, to produce the code for an app or service, and the AI system does all the work.
• The term was coined by Andrej Karpathy, a skilled software engineer who was head of AI at Tesla and a founding engineer at OpenAI – the maker of ChatGPT. 
• Vibe coding can help people with ideas for tools, apps, and services to make them a reality without the challenge of learning the specifics of a programming language.
• However, it can also be seen as a major security risk as it replaces experienced human coders with amateurs or untrained coders who give orders to AI chatbots instead of coding from scratch or understanding existing codebases.
  • Human project managers and coders precisely frame how the code needs to take shape in order to best serve a specific use case. 
  • But an AI code generator may not understand the larger context of what it is creating. 
  • In other words, a Gen AI tool may indeed produce the code that the user requested, but this generated code might be too slow to run, too expensive to maintain, and too long to scan regularly for security risks.

Vibe Coding FAQs

Q1. What is the core idea of vibe coding?

Ans. Using AI to generate complete code for an app

Q2. Who coined the term "vibe coding"?

Ans. Andrej Karpathy

Q3. What type of AI models are commonly used in vibe coding?

Ans. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT

Source: FORT

9K33 Osa-AK Missile System Latest News

The Indian Army’s Air Defence warriors from the White Tiger Division have proven their operational readiness and technical expertise during a recent live missile-firing exercise which involved the firing of the 9K33 Osa-AK missile system.

About 9K33 Osa-AK Missile System

• It is a Russian-built highly mobile, low-altitude, short-range tactical surface-to-air defence missile system.
• Originally developed in the 1960s and fielded by the Soviet Union in 1972, the Osa-AK has remained a crucial asset for many armies around the world, including the Indian Army.
• In the West, the Osa is known by the NATO reporting name "SA-8 Gecko". 

9K33 Osa-AK Missile System Features

• It has a length of about 9.1 m, a width of 2.78 m, and a weight of up to 18 tonnes.
• The Osa-AK’s all-in-one vehicle setup, combining the transporter-erector-launcher and radar (TELAR), enables it to detect, track, and engage aerial threats independently.
• The vehicle can carry up to five crew members and is fitted with a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system.
• It is armed with 6 missiles ready to fire, mounted on the roof of the vehicle. 
• It can engage targets up to a maximum range of 12km.
• It is highly mobile and can quickly respond to threats in a rapidly changing combat environment.
• It is fully amphibious, air transportable, and able to operate in a range of terrain conditions. 
• With a range of around 500 km on the road, it can swiftly relocate to different regions for strategic deployment.

9K33 Osa-AK Missile System FAQs

Q1. What type of missile system is the 9K33 Osa-AK?

Ans.Short-range tactical surface-to-air defense system.

Q2. What is the NATO reporting name for the 9K33 Osa-AK?

Ans. SA-8 Gecko

Q3. What is the maximum engagement range of the Osa-AK missile system?

Ans. 12 km

Source: RW

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Latest News

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on ‘Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi’ highlights serious concerns regarding Air Quality Monitoring, Vehicular Pollution, and Government Accountability.

About the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

• The CAG of India is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA-AD) and is responsible for auditing government expenditures to ensure financial accountability.
• As per Article 148 of the Indian Constitution, the CAG safeguards the public purse and monitors financial transactions at the central and state levels.
• The CAG is one of the key pillars of Indian democracy, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• The CAG’s powers and responsibilities are defined by the Comptroller and Auditor-General’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, with amendments in 1976, 1984, and 1987.

Constitutional Provisions Related to CAG

• Article 148: Defines the appointment, term, and conditions of the CAG.
• Article 149: Specifies the CAG’s duties and powers to audit government accounts.
• Article 150: Requires that government accounts be maintained as prescribed by the President on the CAG’s advice.
• Article 151: Mandates that CAG audit reports be submitted to Parliament and State Legislatures.
• Article 279: Grants the CAG authority to certify "net proceeds" of taxes and duties.
• Sixth Schedule: Requires the CAG to audit District and Regional Council accounts.

Appointment and Term of the CAG

• Appointed by the President of India through a warrant under his hand and seal.
• Holds office for six years or until reaching the age of 65, whichever comes first.
• Takes an oath of office to perform duties impartially, without fear or favour.
• Can be removed by the President in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge, which requires a special majority resolution in both Houses of Parliament.
• Can resign at any time by submitting a resignation letter to the President.

Independence of the CAG

• Cannot be removed at the President’s discretion; only constitutional procedures apply.
• After completing tenure, the CAG cannot hold any further government office under either the central or state governments.
• Salary is determined by Parliament, equivalent to that of a Supreme Court judge.
• Administrative expenses (including salaries, pensions, and allowances) are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India, meaning they do not require parliamentary approval.
• No minister can represent the CAG in Parliament or take responsibility for CAG’s actions.

Duties and Powers of the CAG

• Audits the expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India and state funds.
• Examines government corporations, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and other government-funded bodies.
• Certifies net proceeds of taxes and duties, ensuring financial accuracy.
• Audits debt, advances, and suspense accounts.
• Submits audit reports to the President, which are then presented in Parliament and examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
• Acts as an agent of Parliament, ensuring that public money is used legally and efficiently.
• Conducts propriety audits to assess whether government spending is wasteful or extravagant.

Difference Between CAG in India and the UK

• The CAG of India does not control fund disbursement; it functions as an Auditor-General only.
• In contrast, Britain’s CAG acts as both Comptroller and Auditor-General, exercising direct control over fund releases.

CAG’s International Audit Responsibilities

• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (2022-2027): Ensures safe use of nuclear technology worldwide.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2020-2025): Audits operations aimed at achieving global food security

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) FAQs

Q1. What is the role of the CAG in India?
Ans. The CAG audits government accounts and ensures the financial accountability of public funds. It is the guardian of the public purse.

Q2. Under which constitutional article is the CAG appointed?
Ans. The CAG is appointed under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.

Q3. Who appoints the CAG, and what is the tenure?
Ans. The President of India appoints the CAG, who serves for six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

Q4. Can the CAG be removed from office?
Ans. Yes, the CAG can be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge, i.e., by impeachment in Parliament.

Source: TH

Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) Latest News

The Supreme Court of India has directed Mahua Moitra, a Member of Parliament, to approach the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regarding transparency concerns in Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

About Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)

• Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) refers to investments made by foreign entities in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and other securities of a country. 
• It is distinct from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), as it does not involve acquiring control over a business.

Key Characteristics of FPI

• Passive investment: Investors do not participate in the management of the company.
• Short-term focus: Aims for capital appreciation rather than long-term strategic interests.
• Enhances market liquidity: Provides capital flow into financial markets, increasing efficiency and investment potential.
• Sensitive to market sentiments: FPI is highly volatile, as investors can quickly withdraw funds in response to economic or political instability.

FPI Policy in India

• A foreign investor can hold up to 10% of the total paid-up capital of an Indian company without being classified as an FDI.
• If the holding exceeds 10%, it is reclassified as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
• Regulated by SEBI, ensuring compliance with financial laws.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) vs. FPIs

• Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) are a subset of FPIs and include large investment entities such as:
  • Mutual Funds
  • Pension Funds
  • Insurance Companies
  • Hedge Funds
• Unlike individual FPI investors, FIIs typically adopt a more structured and strategic investment approach. However, all FIIs are considered FPIs, but not all FPIs are FIIs.

Key Differences Between FPI and FDI

About Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

• Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are privately pooled investment vehicles that gather capital from investors—both domestic and foreign—for specialized investments that differ from conventional investment instruments like mutual funds.

Key Features of AIFs

• Regulated by SEBI under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.
• Can be structured as a company, trust, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
• Typically cater to high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and institutional investors due to the high investment threshold.

Categories of AIFs

• Category I AIFs (Investment in Priority Sectors)
  • Focus on sectors that are considered socially or economically beneficial by the government and regulators.
  • Includes venture capital funds, angel funds, SME funds, social venture funds, and infrastructure funds.
• Category II AIFs (Diversified Investment Strategies)
  • Covers investment vehicles that do not fall under Category I or III.
  • These funds do not use leverage beyond operational needs.
  • Includes real estate funds, debt funds, private equity funds, and distressed asset funds.
• Category III AIFs (High-Risk, High-Return Investments)
  • Employ complex trading strategies and leverage, including investments in listed or unlisted derivatives.
  • Examples include hedge funds and Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE) funds.
  • Unlike Category I and II AIFs, which are close-ended with a minimum tenure of three years, Category III AIFs can be open-ended or close-ended.

Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) FAQs

Q1. What is Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)?
Ans. FPI refers to investments in a country's financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, by foreign investors.

Q2. How is FPI different from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?
Ans. FPI is short-term and involves passive investment in financial markets, while FDI is long-term and involves ownership or control over business operations.

Q3. How is FPI regulated in India?
Ans. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates FPI under the Foreign Portfolio Investment Regulations, 2019.

Source: TH

Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill Latest News

The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, which seeks to implement international conventions on the leasing of aviation equipment.

About Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025

• The bill aims to implement international agreements, particularly the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (commonly known as the Cape Town Convention of 2001) and its Protocol on Aircraft Equipment. 
• India became a signatory to these agreements in 2008.
  • These international standards are designed to secure the rights over high-value mobile assets such as aircraft, helicopters, and engines, thereby ensuring greater legal clarity and uniformity across the aviation industry.
  • The bill is designed to bring these international agreements into India’s legal framework, ensuring that creditors and stakeholders in the aviation leasing space are protected under clear guidelines.
• The bill empowers the central government to make rules to implement the provisions of the Convention and the Protocol. 
• The legislation designates the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the registry authority for the purposes of the convention. 
• The registry authority is responsible for the registration and de-registration of aircraft.
• Key provisions of the bill include the requirement for creditors to notify the DGCA before initiating any remedies in the event of a default. 
• In cases where defaults occur, creditors will be entitled to recover assets such as aircraft, helicopters, and engines within two months, or a mutually agreed upon timeframe.
• The bill is expected to provide much-needed clarity and security, particularly in the leasing industry.

Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill FAQs

Q1. Which international convention does the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, seek to implement in India?

Ans. Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (commonly known as the Cape Town Convention of 2001) and its Protocol on Aircraft Equipment.

Q2. When did India become a signatory to the Cape Town Convention and its Protocol on Aircraft Equipment?

Ans. 2008

Q3. Which authority is designated as the registry authority under the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025?

Ans. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Source: IE

INSV Tarini Latest News

The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini has reached Cape Town, South Africa, marking the fourth and final international stop in its global circumnavigation expedition, Navika Sagar Parikrama II.

About INSV Tarini

• INSV Tarini is an indigenously built, 56-foot sailing vessel commissioned into the Indian Navy in February 2017.
• Built by:Aquarius Shipyard Ltd., Goa, under the Make in India initiative.
• Advanced features: It is equipped with a Raymarine navigation suite, satellite communication systems, and emergency steering mechanisms, allowing it to operate under extreme conditions.
• Symbolic naming: The vessel is named after the Tara-Tarini hill shrine in Odisha, which was historically revered by sailors for safe voyages. In Sanskrit, ‘Tarini’ means both boat and saviour.

About Navika Sagar Parikrama II

• The expedition was flagged off from Goa on October 2, 2024, by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
• Total distance: The mission aims to cover 23,400 nautical miles (approximately 43,300 km) in eight months, sailing across three oceans and three major capes.
• Route covered:
  • Fremantle, Australia
  • Lyttelton, New Zealand
  • Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (UK)
  • Cape Town, South Africa (final stop before returning to India)
• The mission is scheduled to conclude in May 2025, when INSV Tarini returns to Goa.

INSV Tarini FAQs

Q1. What is INSV Tarini?
Ans. INSV Tarini is an Indian Navy sailing vessel, part of the Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) series, used for ocean voyages and training.

Q2. Why is INSV Tarini significant?
Ans It gained fame when an all-women crew of the Indian Navy completed a circumnavigation under the Navika Sagar Parikrama mission in 2017-18.

Q3. What is the Navika Sagar Parikrama?
Ans. It was a historic expedition where an all-women crew of the Indian Navy sailed around the world using INSV Tarini.

Q4. What type of vessel is INSV Tarini?
Ans. It is a sailing vessel based on the Dutch ‘Tonga 56’ design and built in India at Aquarius Shipyard, Goa.

Source: TH

Sangama Dynasty Latest News

A set of rare copper plates dating back to the early 15th century, from the reign of Devaraya I of the Sangama Dynasty, has been unveiled in Bengaluru by Falcon Coins Gallery in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

About the Copper Plates

• These copper plates are written in Sanskrit and Kannada, using Nāgarī characters and are particularly significant as they were issued during the coronation of King Devaraya I.
• A unique feature of the seal is that it depicts Vamana instead of the customary Varaha, which was the traditional royal insignia of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• The plates are dated Saka 1328 (1406 CE), confirming the coronation date of Devaraya I.
• The plates provide a detailed genealogy of the Sangama Dynasty, tracing the lineage from Chandra, Yadu, and Sangama to Harihara, Kampa, Bukka, Mãrapa, and Muddapa.

About Sangam Dynasty

• The Sangama Dynasty was the founding dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, ruling from 1336 to 1485 AD. 
• Established by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, this dynasty laid the foundation for one of the most powerful empires in South India.
• The rulers of this dynasty significantly strengthened administration, military power, and territorial expansion, making Vijayanagara a dominant political and cultural center.

Key Rulers of the Sangama Dynasty

Sangama Dynasty FAQs

Q1. What was the Sangama Dynasty?
Ans. The Sangama Dynasty (1336-1485 CE) was the founding dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, established by Harihara I and Bukka I.

Q2. Who were the notable rulers of the Sangama Dynasty?
Ans. Harihara I, Bukka I, and Devaraya II were among the most significant rulers who expanded and consolidated the empire.

Q3. What was the capital of the Sangama Dynasty?
Ans. The capital was Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi, Karnataka), a major cultural and economic hub.

Source: TH

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Latest News

Jipmer recently launched a support group for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

About Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• It is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause swelling and inflammation of the tissues in the digestive tract.
• The most common types of IBD include:
  • Ulcerative colitis. This condition involves inflammation and sores, called ulcers, along the lining of the colon and rectum.
  • Crohn's disease:
    • In this type of IBD, the lining of the digestive tract is inflamed. 
    • The condition often involves the deeper layers of the digestive tract. 
    • Crohn's disease most commonly affects the small intestine. 
    • However, it also can affect the large intestine and, uncommonly, the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease usually include belly pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, extreme tiredness, and weight loss.
• Causes: The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but IBD is the result of a weakened immune system. Possible causes are:
  • The immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, such as viruses or bacteria, which cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • There also appears to be a genetic component. Someone with a family history of IBD is more likely to develop this inappropriate immune response.
• Treatment:
  • IBD is a chronic or long-term condition, but there are treatments available to ease symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
  • IBD treatment usually involves either medicines or surgery.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs

Q1. What does the term "Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)" refer to?

Ans. A group of conditions causing inflammation in the digestive tract.

Q2. What part of the digestive tract does Crohn’s disease most commonly

Ans. Small intestine

Q3. Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) curable?

Ans. IBD is a chronic or long-term condition, but there are treatments available to ease symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Source: TH