Dark Matter Latest News

A recent study led by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has focused on the peculiar case of galaxy NGC 1052-DF2, which appears to lack dark matter—a component traditionally considered essential for galaxy formation.

About Dark Matter

• Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects.
• It constitutes about 27% of the universe’s total mass-energy content, while visible matter accounts for only about 5%.
• Dark matter is essential for explaining the observed structure and formation of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and the overall large-scale structure of the universe.
• It acts as a cosmic “scaffolding,” holding galaxies together and influencing their rotation and movement.
• Unlike ordinary (baryonic) matter, dark matter does not interact with electromagnetic forces, only gravity.
• The leading candidates for dark matter include:
  • Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs)
  • Axions (hypothetical ultralight particles)
  • Massive astrophysical compact halo objects (MACHOs) such as black holes, white dwarfs, and neutron stars.

Dark Energy

• Dark energy makes up approximately 68% of the universe and appears to be associated with the vacuum in space. It is distributed evenly throughout the universe, not only in space but also in time – in other words, its effect is not diluted as the universe expands. 
• The even distribution means that dark energy does not have any local gravitational effects, but rather a global effect on the universe as a whole. This leads to a repulsive force, which tends to accelerate the expansion of the universe. 
• The rate of expansion and its acceleration can be measured by observations based on the Hubble law. 
• These measurements, together with other scientific data, have confirmed the existence of dark energy and provide an estimate of just how much of this mysterious substance exists.

Dark Matter FAQs

Q1. What is dark matter in simple terms?

Ans. Dark matter is invisible matter that we can’t see but know exists because of its gravity.

Q2. Why is 95% of the universe invisible?

Ans. Because most of the universe is made up of dark matter and dark energy, which don’t emit light.

Q3. Does dark matter 100% exist?

Ans. Scientists are almost sure it exists due to its effects, but it hasn’t been directly detected yet.

Q4. Is dark matter a real thing?

Ans. Yes, it’s considered real because of the way it affects galaxies and cosmic structures.

Source: TH

Labeo Uru and Labeo Chekida Latest News

Labeo Uru and Labeo Chekida, two new species of freshwater Rohu fish, have been discovered in the Western Ghats region of India.

About Labeo Uru and Labeo Chekida

• Labeo uru and Labeo chekida are newly identified freshwater fish species belonging to the Rohu group (genus Labeo), discovered by ICAR-NBFGR scientists in the Western Ghats.
• Labeo uru was found in the Chandragiri River and is named for its distinctive sail-like dorsal fin.
• Labeo chekida, locally known as ‘kaka chekida’, is a small, dark-bodied fish discovered in the Chalakkudy River.
• The discovery resolves the long-standing taxonomic confusion with Labeo nigrescens, first described in 1870, by confirming the distinct identities of all three species based on unique morphological traits.
• This breakthrough highlights the rich and previously undocumented fish biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a recognised global biodiversity hotspot.

Labeo Uru and Labeo Chekida FAQs

Q1. Where were Labeo uru and Labeo chekida discovered?

Ans. In the rivers of the Western Ghats, specifically the Chandragiri River (Labeo uru) and Chalakkudy River (Labeo chekida).

Q2. Why are these discoveries significant?

Ans. They resolve a 150-year-old confusion with Labeo nigrescens and highlight the rich, undocumented biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Q3. What are the unique features of Labeo uru and Labeo chekida?

Ans. Labeo uru has a sail-like dorsal fin, while Labeo chekida is a small, dark-bodied fish known locally as ‘kaka chekida’.

Source: TH

ALH Dhruv Latest News

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Army has resumed limited operations of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv in the Anantnag region.

About ALH Dhruv

• Advanced Light Helicopter or ALH-DHRUV is an indigenously developed utility aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with a twin-engine. It has a multi-role, multi-mission dimension to it.
• Even though its development started in 1984, and was initially designed with Germany's assistance, Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB), the helicopter was first flown in 1992 but entered service after certification in 2002.
• According to HAL, the aircraft is “type–certified” for military operations by the Centre for Military Airworthiness Certification and civil operations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV.
• HAL has bagged orders for 73 ALH in 2017 from the Indian Army, Coast Guard, and Navy for ALH Mk-III & Mk-IV variants. It has also been supplied to the Nepal Army, the Mauritius Police, and the Maldives.
• Features:
  • Twin-engine configuration
  • Glass cockpit with advanced avionics
  • Crashworthy airframe and landing gear
  • Composite interchangeable main rotor blades
  • Chaff and flare dispenser
  • Helmet Pointing System
  • Integrated self-protection suite
  • On-board inert gas generation system
  • Capability to operate in diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions

ALH Dhruv FAQs

Q1. What is the ALH Dhruv?

Ans. The ALH Dhruv is an indigenously developed multi-role Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Armed Forces.

Q2. Why were Dhruv helicopters grounded earlier in 2025?

Ans. The entire fleet was grounded in January 2025 following a crash in Porbandar that resulted in the deaths of two Coast Guard pilots and an aircrew diver, prompting safety 

Q3. What are the key features of the ALH Dhruv helicopter?

Ans. The ALH Dhruv helicopter features a twin-engine configuration, advanced avionics, a glass cockpit, and the capability to operate in diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions.

Source: TH

Parens Patriae Doctrine Latest News

The Bombay High Court, invoking 'parens patriae', recently appointed a daughter as the legal guardian of her 78-year-old mother diagnosed with severe dementia.

About Parens Patriae Doctrine

• The Doctrine of Parens Patriae, meaning “parent of the nation” in Latin, is a legal principle that empowers the state to act as a guardian for individuals who are unable to care for themselves.
• Under parens patriae, a state or court has a paternal and protective role over its citizens or others subject to its jurisdiction.
• Originating from English common law, the doctrine allows the government to protect the welfare of vulnerable groups such as minors, incapacitated individuals, and persons with disabilities. 
• It embodies the state’s responsibility to ensure the safety, rights, and interests of those unable to safeguard their own. 
• In modern legal systems, this principle has been applied in areas such as juvenile justice, mental health, consumer protection, and environmental conservation, making it a cornerstone of judicial intervention to promote societal welfare and equity.

Parens Patriae in Indian Legal Framework:

• In India, the Doctrine of Parens Patriae reflects the state’s constitutional commitment to protecting the welfare and rights of its citizens, particularly vulnerable groups. 
• Indian courts have consistently invoked this doctrine in areas such as juvenile justice, consumer protection, environmental conservation, mental health, and the rights of persons with disabilities.

Parens Patriae Doctrine FAQs

Q1. What is the doctrine of parens patriae?

Ans. Under parens patriae, a state or court has a paternal and protective role over its citizens or others subject to its jurisdiction.

Q2. What is the meaning of paren patriae?

Ans. The term parens patriae is a Latin phrase meaning "parent of the nation" or "parent of the country."

Q3. The doctrine of Parens Patriae is commonly applied to protect which groups?

Ans. Vulnerable groups like minors and the disabled

Source: TOI

Heat Waves Latest News

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for regions including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

About Heat Waves

• Heat Waves are a period of unusually high temperatures as compared to what is normally expected over a region. Therefore, the temperatures at which Heat waves are declared differ from place to place based on the temperature climatology (historical temperatures) of that region. 
• Heat wave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for the Plains and at least 30°C or more for the Hilly regions.
• Based on Departure from Normal 
  • Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C 
  • Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.4°C 
• Based on Actual Maximum Temperature 
  • Heat Wave: When the actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C °c 
  • Severe Heat Wave: When the actual maximum temperature is ≥47°C
• When maximum temperature departure is 4.5°C or more from normal, a Heat Wave may be described, provided the actual maximum temperature is 37C or more.
• Heatwaves typically occur in India from March to June, sometimes extending into July.
• The core heatwave zone covers central, northern, and peninsular India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Vidarbha (Maharashtra), Gangetic West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana

Heat Waves FAQs

Q1. What is meant by Heat Waves?

Ans. A heat wave is a period of unusually high temperatures that lasts for several days.

Q2. Why did Heat Waves get so popular?

Ans. Heat waves gained attention due to their rising frequency and severe impact on health, crops, and daily life.

Q3. What is causing a heat wave?

Ans. Heat waves are mainly caused by high pressure systems, climate change, and weather pattern shifts like El Niño.

Q4. How hot will India be in 2025?

Ans. In 2025, many parts of India may see temperatures above 44°C during peak summer, as per IMD forecasts.

Source: BS

Lipids Latest News

New research challenges the view that proteins are the only key to evolution, highlighting the importance of lipids.

About Lipids

• Lipids are fatty, wax-like compounds that perform a variety of functions in your body. 
• Lipids are a structurally and functionally diverse group of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are chemical compounds that consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
• Lipids are in your blood and throughout your body. They’re in every cell you have.
• Lipids like cholesterol are part of your cell membranes. 
• They give your cells structure and allow substances to go in and out of your cells.
• They help with moving and storing energy, absorbing vitamins, and making hormones. 
• Lipids are not soluble in water as they are non-polar but are thus soluble in non-polar solvents such as chloroform.
• Lipids are found in higher quantities in fried foods, animal fats, and dairy products like cream, butter, and cheese.
• Various lipids have different functions. These include:
  • Triglycerides transport and store energy.
  • Steroid hormones send messages in cells.
  • Bile salts from cholesterol help digest fat.
  • Fatty acidsmetabolize to create energy.
  • Phospholipids and cholesterol make biological membranes. Phospholipids are like gatekeepers that let some molecules into your cells but require others to come in with proteins.
• Your body can produce the amount of lipids it needs. However, sometimes, it produces the wrong amount of lipids. This can cause:
  • Hyperlipidemia (high lipid levels).
  • Hypolipidemia (low lipid levels).
  • Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Atherosclerosis.
  • Coronary artery disease.
  • Hypertriglyceridemia.

Lipids FAQs

Q1. Are lipids made of fatty acids?

Ans. Yes, most lipids are made of fatty acids, but not all lipids are exclusively made of them.

Q2. Are lipids hydrophilic?

Ans. No, lipids are generally hydrophobic, meaning they are not soluble in water. 

Q3. What are examples of lipids?

Ans. Examples include fats, oils, waxes, certain vitamins, hormones, and components of cell membranes.

Source: TH

Arun-III Hydro Power Project Latest News

Indian Minister of Power and Housing Affairs, recently visited the Arun-III Hydel Project, which is being constructed with Indian assistance, during his official trip to Nepal.

About Arun-III Hydro Power Project

• It is a 900 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project located on the Arun River in the Sankhuwasabha District of Eastern Nepal. 
• It envisages about 70 m high concrete gravity dam and Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of 11.74 km with an underground Power House containing four generating units of 225 MW each on the Left Bank.
• It is being developed with Indian assistance at a cost of Rs. 144 billion.
• Once completed, it will be the biggest hydroelectric facility in Nepal.
• It is being developed on a build-own-operate-and-transfer (BOOT) basis by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Arun-III Power Development Company (SAPDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of India's SJVN.
  • SJVN is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
• SAPDC will operate the facility for a period of 25 years, excluding the construction period of five years, before transferring ownership to the Nepal government.
• Nepal will receive 21.9% of the electricity generated at the power plant as free power during these initial 25 years of commercial operations.
• The project will provide surplus power to India, strengthening economic linkages with Nepal. 
  • The power from the project shall be exported from Dhalkebar in Nepal to Muzaffarpur in India.

Arun-III Hydro Power Project FAQs

Q1. Where is the Arun 3 hydroelectric project located?

Ans. It is located on the Arun River in the Sankhuwasabha District of Eastern Nepal. 

Q2. What is the capacity of the Arun-III Hydro Power Project?

Ans. 900 MW

Q3. Which company is responsible for developing the Arun-III Hydro Power Project?

Ans. It is being developed by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Arun-III Power Development Company (SAPDC), a wholly owned subsidiary of India's SJVN.

Source: ANI

National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Latest News

The Union Health Ministry recently launched new competency-based curricula for 10 allied healthcare professions in collaboration with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP).

About National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions

• NCAHP is a statutory body established under the NCAHP Act 2021 to regulate and maintain standards of education and services of allied and healthcare professionals. 
• It aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services by ensuring that all practitioners in the allied health fields meet established national standards. 
• By focusing on both education and practical competencies, the NCAHP plays a significant role in safeguarding public health and enhancing the overall effectiveness of healthcare systems.
• The key objective of the NCAHP is to oversee the registration, training, and accreditation of various allied healthcare practitioners. 
  • This encompasses a broad range of professions, including but not limited to, Psychologists, medical technologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. 
  • By providing a framework for the evaluation of educational institutions and training programs, the NCAHP ensures that practitioners are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality patient care.
• Another critical aspect of the NCAHP’s role is to facilitate ongoing professional development. 
  • The commission promotes continuous learning among allied healthcare professionals, encouraging them to update their skills in accordance with the latest advancements in the healthcare industry. 
  • This commitment to lifelong learning not only benefits the individual practitioners but also leads to better patient outcomes and a more proficient healthcare system overall.
• It also functions as a central repository for information on professional standards, educational pathways, and regulatory requirements for practitioners.
• Moreover, the NCAHP contributes to the overall improvement of healthcare services by engaging in research and policy-making activities that influence health sector reforms.

National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions FAQs

Q1. What is the primary function of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP)?

Ans. To regulate and maintain standards for allied and healthcare professionals.

Q2. When was the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) established?

Ans. 2021

Q3. How does the NCAHP support the overall healthcare system?

Ans. By ensuring high standards in allied healthcare professions, leading to better patient care.

Source: TH

Indus Water Treaty Latest News

Recently, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) following a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.

About Indus Water Treaty

• The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, with the World Bank acting as a mediator.
• The treaty was designed to ensure cooperation and information-sharing between the two countries regarding water use from the Indus River system, which includes six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
• The treaty allocated the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan for unrestricted use, while India retained the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—for its exclusive use.
• India was allowed limited, non-consumptive uses of the western rivers for domestic, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes, under strict conditions.
• This arrangement meant that around 80% of the total water volume was granted to Pakistan, while India received the remaining 20%.
• To manage the treaty’s implementation, both nations agreed to establish a Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), which is required to meet annually to discuss technical matters and facilitate data exchange.

Pahalgam Terror Attack

Indus Water Treaty FAQs

Q1. What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

Ans. The Indus Waters Treaty is a 1960 agreement between India and Pakistan governing the sharing of the Indus river system.

Q2. What recent action has India taken regarding the treaty?

Ans. India has suspended the treaty, signaling a shift toward greater control over its rivers and faster dam construction.

Q3. How could this affect Pakistan?

Ans. Pakistan may face reduced water availability, lower crop yields, power shortages, economic fallout, and increased inter-provincial tensions.

Source: BT

Vatican City Latest News

Vatican City mourns the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, a day after his Easter appearance. 

About Vatican City

• It is the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state.
• It covers an area of only 0.49 sq. km.
• It is located in the south-central region of Europe, on the west banks of the Tiber River on a low hill known as the Vatican Hill. 
• It is situated both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. 
• The territory of Vatican City is completely surrounded by Rome (Italy). It is thus an enclave of Italy.
• The country lacks any rivers of lakes.
• It is the residence of the spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
  • The Holy See is the name given to the government of the Roman Catholic Church, which is led by the pope as the bishop of Rome. 
  • As such, the Holy See’s authority extends over Catholics throughout the world. 
  • Since 1929 it has resided in Vatican City, which was established as an independent state to enable the pope to exercise his universal authority.
  • As the Holy See, it derives its income from the voluntary contributions of more than one billion Roman Catholics worldwide, as well as interest on investments and the sale of stamps, coins, and publications.
• The most imposing building in Vatican City is St. Peter’s Basilica,built during the 4th century and rebuilt during the 16th century. 
  • Erected over the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle, it is the second largest religious building (after Yamoussoukro Basilica) in Christendom.
• The Vatican Palace is the residence of the pope within the city walls. 
• The Vatican Swiss Guard is the oldest, continuously operating military force in the world, responsible for the security of the pope.

Vatican City FAQs

Q1. Is Vatican City a country or city?

Ans. Vatican City is the world's smallest independent nation-state.

Q2. Vatican City is an enclave of which country?

Ans. Italy

Q3. Vatican City is located on which river’s west bank?

Ans. Tiber

Source: TOI