Location

The Ream Naval Base is located on Cambodia’s Gulf of Thailand coast, near Sihanoukville. It has become a significant focal point of international attention due to its expansion and Chinese military involvement.

Recent Developments

• Inauguration and Expansion: On April 5, 2025, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet officially inaugurated the expanded Ream Naval Base. The project received substantial financial and technical support from China.
• While Cambodian officials maintain that these developments serve national defense interests, there are persistent concerns about the potential Chinese military presence at the base.

Strategic Significance

• Geostrategic Importance: The Ream Naval Base holds significant strategic importance due to its proximity to the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s most vital maritime passages for global trade and energy shipments.
  • China’s involvement in the base's development has raised concerns about its broader intentions to establish a strategic foothold in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • This could potentially encircle India and bolster China’s naval presence in the South China Sea, a region of increasing geopolitical importance.
• Global Concerns: The expansion of Ream Naval Base has drawn reactions from multiple international stakeholders:
  • Satellite imagery has revealed the presence of Chinese warships at the base, heightening suspicions about the base’s potential role as a Chinese military outpost.

Implications for India and the Indo-Pacific

• Concerns for India: The expansion of Ream Naval Base has direct implications for India, especially regarding its maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The base’s proximity to critical sea lanes frequently used by the Indian Navy raises concerns about the risk of strategic encirclement.
  • If the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) establishes a presence at Ream, it could disrupt India’s operations in the region, particularly during regional conflicts.
• Impact on Maritime Security
• China's enhanced presence at Ream would increase its naval capabilities in Southeast Asia, potentially challenging India’s interests in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean Region.
• India may need to strengthen its naval presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to better monitor and counter Chinese activities in these strategic waters.

Ream Naval Base FAQs

Q1. What is the Ream Naval Base?
Ream Naval Base is a military facility in Cambodia, used by the Royal Cambodian Navy, with Chinese involvement in development.

Q2. What is the strongest naval base in the world?
The strongest naval base is typically considered to be the U.S. Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia, due to its size and capabilities.

Source: TH

Star-Rating System for Environmental Clearances

On January 17, 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) introduced a star-rating system to evaluate State Environmental Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs). The purpose was to assess their efficiency in granting clearances for industrial and infrastructure projects. The star ratings ranged from 0 to 7, with higher ratings reflecting:

• Faster approval times.
• Stricter adherence to timelines set out in the 2006 Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification.

Objective and Purpose

• Promoting Ease of Doing Business: The Ministry’s aim was to streamline the environmental clearance process to foster a more business-friendly environment, while also maintaining regulatory standards.
• Incentivizing States: The star-rating system was designed to:
  • Recognize and incentivize states that adhered to timelines and regulatory standards.
  • Encourage environmental bodies to expedite the clearance process without compromising the environment.

Challenges and Legal Dispute

The introduction of the star-rating system faced significant opposition, particularly from environmental advocacy groups.

• Concerns Raised by Tamil Nadu Fishermen's Association: The Tamil Nadu Fishermen's Association argued that the star-rating system could compromise the scrutiny of environmental clearances.
  • Their concern was that the emphasis on speeding up the clearance process could dilute the thoroughness required in assessing projects that may impact environmentally sensitive areas.
  • They emphasized the risk of weakening the environmental safeguards essential for protecting local ecosystems, biodiversity, and community livelihoods.
• Legal Challenge: The dispute led to intervention by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT issued an order noting that the MoEF & CC had effectively "given up" on the system.
  • The Ministry withdrew the original Office Memorandum (OM) dated January 17, 2022, with a possibility of issuing a revised memorandum in the future.

Star-Rating System for Environmental Clearances FAQs

Q1. What is the star rating system for SEIAA?

Ans. The star rating system evaluates environmental performance of projects, awarding stars based on compliance with environmental standards and sustainability.

Source: NIE

Saryu River Latest News

Devotees in large numbers continue to take holy dip in the Saryu River as they arrive at Ram temple in Ayodhya, on the occasion of Ram Navami.

About Saryu River

• It is a river that flows through the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
• It is also known as the Sarayu or Sarju River.
• This river is of ancient significance, finding mentions in the Vedas and the Ramayana. 
• Course:
  • It rises at Sarmul (or Sarmool), which is located in the extreme north of the district Bageshwar of Uttarakhand on the southern slope of a ridge of the Nanda Kot. 
  • It flows through the Kumaon Himalayas, and passes by the towns of Kapkot, Bageshwar, and Seraghat before flowing into the Sharada River at Pancheshwar at the India-Nepal border. 
  • Sharada River (also known as the Kali River) then flows into the Ghaghara River in Sitapur District, Uttar Pradesh.
• Lower Ghaghara is popularly known as Sarayu in India, especially while it flows through the city of Ayodhya.
• Length: Approximately 350–400 kilometers long.
• Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, is situated on the banks of the river Sarayu. 

Saryu River FAQs

Q1. Which major place lies on the banks of the Saryu River?

Ans. Ayodhya

Q2. Through which Indian states does the Saryu River flow?

Ans. Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh

Q3. Where does the Saryu River originate?

Ans. Sarmul in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand

Source: NDTV

Antimony Latest News

Pakistan reportedly discovered a massive cache of antimony in the conflict-torn region of Balochistan.

About Antimony

• Antimony is a chemical element with the symbol Sb and atomic number 51. 
• Classified as a metalloid, Antimony is a solid at room temperature.
• It exhibits poor electrical and heat conductivity properties.
• Commercial forms of antimony are generally ingots, broken pieces, granular, or cast cake.
• Antimony ores occur both in deposits associated with volcanic rocks and also in more deep-seated veins formed under moderate to high temperatures and pressure. 
• The chief ore of antimony is stibnite. It is more commonly obtained as a byproduct in lead-zinc-silver mines. 
• Producers: 
  • China produces 88% of the world’s antimony. 
  • Other producers are Bolivia, Russia, and Tajikistan.

Antimony Uses

• It is used in the electronics industry to make some semiconductor devices, such as infrared detectors and diodes.
• It is alloyed with lead or other metals to improve their hardness and strength. 
• A lead-antimony alloy is used in batteries.
• Other uses of antimony alloys include type metal (in printing presses), bullets, and cable sheathing.
• Antimony compounds are used to make flame-retardant materials, paints, enamels, glass, and pottery.

Antimony FAQs

Q1. Is antimony radioactive?

Ans. No, antimony is not radioactive in its natural form.

Q2. What is the chemical symbol for antimony?

Ans. Sb

Q3. What is the chief ore of antimony?

Ans. The chief ore of antimony is stibnite, which is chemically known as antimony trisulfide.

Source: IND

About the News 

The Delhi government has signed an MoU with the National Health Authority to roll out the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, making Delhi the 35th Union Territory/state to implement this flagship health insurance scheme. West Bengal remains the only state yet to adopt it.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme Overview

Ayushman Bharat is a flagship healthcare initiative by the Government of India, designed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to vulnerable sections of society. Launched on 23rd September 2018, the scheme is officially known as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). It is recognized as the largest health assurance scheme in the world.

Key Features

1. Coverage of Medical Procedures: The scheme offers free and cashless treatment for 1,961 medical procedures across 27 specialities. This includes a wide range of services such as: Medicines, Diagnostic services, Hospitalisation, ICU care, Surgeries.
2. Financial Coverage: Under Ayushman Bharat, eligible families are provided with an annual health coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh:
   • Rs 5 lakh from the Central Government.
   • Rs 5 lakh as a top-up from the States/UTs Government.

Implementation and Governance

• The National Health Authority (NHA) is the apex body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.

Impact and Reach

• The scheme aims to cover 55+ crore beneficiaries, targeting 12 crore families, which constitutes approximately 40% of India’s vulnerable population.
• As a result of the Ayushman Bharat initiative, the out-of-pocket expenditure for healthcare has significantly decreased, from 62% in 2014 to just 38% today.

Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana FAQs 

Q1. What is Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana in English?
Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana is a health insurance scheme offering financial protection for medical treatment in India.

Q2. What is Ayushman Bharat card?
Ayushman Bharat card is a health insurance card that provides access to free medical treatment at empanelled hospitals.

Q3. Who is eligible for Ayushman Bharat card?
Eligibility includes low-income families, socially vulnerable groups, and individuals identified through the SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census) database.

Source: PIB

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve Latest News

A massive fire, triggered by stone-crushing sparks, erupted in Mukundra Tiger Reserve recently.

About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

• It is situated near Kota in southeastern Rajasthan.
• It is named after two continuous flat-topped, almost parallel hills with narrow central ridges, forming part of the Vindhyan range and extending from the Chambal River to Kalisindh, with a length of almost 80 km. and the width ranging from 2 to 5 km.
• The tiger reserve was constituted in the year 2013, which encompasses the area of Mukundra National Park, Dara Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and part of Chambal Sanctuary (from Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam), forming its core/ ritical tiger habitat.
• It was once a hunting preserve belonging to the Maharaja of Kota.
• It is traversed by four rivers: Chambal, Kali, Ahu, and Ramzan.
• Vegetation: Dry Deciduous Forest
• Flora: Anogeissus pendula (Kala Dhok or Kaladhi) is the predominant species, along with Khair (Acacia catechu), Ber (Zizyphus mauratiana), Kakan (Flacourtia indica), Raunj (Acacia lecofolia), etc.
• Fauna: The important fauna include: Leopard, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, Spotted Deer, Small Indian Civet, Toddy Cat, Jackal, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Common Langur, etc.

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1. Where is Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve located?

Ans. Southeastern Rajasthan

Q2. Which major river flows near or through Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve?

Ans. Chambal

Q3. The Mukundra Hills form part of which mountain range?

Ans. Vindhyan

Source: TOI

Dwarkadhish Temple Latest News

A group of 300 Pakistani citizens of Indian origin, residing in Pakistan’s Sindh, recently visited the Dwarkadhish Temple, Devbhumi Dwarka in Gujarat and offered prayers.

About Dwarkadhish Temple

• Located in Dwarka, Gujarat, India, the Dwarkadhish temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is referred to as Dwarkadhish, which means the 'King of Dwarka'. 
• This temple holds immense significance as it is one of the destinations along the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, which includes the other pilgrimage sites, Badrinath, Rameshwaram, and Puri.
• According to archaeological findings, the original temple was built in 200 BCE at the earliest. 
• It is believed to have been constructed by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna, over the hari-griha (Krishna's residential place). 
• The temple was rebuilt and made bigger in the 16th century.
• The temple has a five-story building supported by 72 pillars, which are made of limestone and sand. 
• Bearing the imprints of the 16th-century Chalukya style of architecture, the temple has intricately carved walls with mythical characters and legends on them.
• The temple is a Pushtimarg temple, which means that it follows the teachings and rituals of Vallabhacharya, a 15th-century Hindu saint and philosopher. 
  • Vallabhacharya propounded the philosophy of Shuddhadvaita, or pure non-dualism, which emphasizes the devotion and grace of Krishna. 
  • The temple is managed by the descendants of Vallabhacharya, who are known as Vallabha Kul. 
  • The temple has a special relationship with the Nathdwara temple in Rajasthan, which is the main seat of the Pushtimarg sect.
• The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, or holy abodes of Vishnu, which are glorified by the Alwars, the 12th-century Tamil poet-saints. 
  • The temple is the 98th Divya Desam and is praised by four Alwars: Nammalwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Thirumalisai Alwar, and Periyalwar. 
• The temple is also mentioned in the works of other Hindu saints and scholars, such as Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, and Narsinh Mehta.

Dwarkadhish Temple FAQs

Q1. In which city is Dwarkadhish Temple?

Ans. The Dwarkadhish Temple is located in the city of Dwarka, in the state of Gujarat.

Q2. Who built the Dwarkadhish Temple?

Ans. It is believed to have been constructed by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna.

Q3. Which architectural style is reflected in the Dwarkadhish Temple?

Ans. Chalukya

Source: TP

Pamban Rail Bridge (Rameswaram Bridge) Overview

The Pamban Rail Bridge, also known as the Rameswaram Bridge, is a historic cantilever bridge that connects Rameswaram Island to the mainland of India. Opened in 1914, it has served as a vital transportation link for over a century, playing a key role in both regional and national connectivity.

Key Developments and Upgrades

• Modernization and Upgrades: In recent years, the Pamban Rail Bridge has undergone significant upgrades to enhance its functionality and accommodate modern transportation needs:
  • Vertical Lift Span: In 2025, a new vertical lift span was added, making the Pamban Bridge India's first vertical lift sea bridge. This feature allows the central span to lift, providing 22 meters of clearance for ships, an improvement from the previous 19 meters.
  • Faster Train Operations: The upgraded bridge now supports double-line electrification, allowing for faster train operations between the mainland and Rameswaram Island.
• Operational Timeline: The modernization project began in 2019 and was completed by March 2025, with the newly upgraded bridge becoming operational during this period.

Historical Background

• Construction and Inauguration: The Pamban Bridge was commissioned on February 24, 1914, to improve connectivity between the mainland and Rameswaram Island. Over the years, it has become a key landmark in the region.
• Strategic Importance
  • Sole Link: For much of its history, the bridge was the only link between Rameswaram Island and the mainland, making it a crucial infrastructure piece for both transportation and economic activities.
  • Pilgrimage Significance: The bridge has played a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of pilgrims traveling to the Rameswaram Temple, a major religious site in Tamil Nadu.
  • Humanitarian Role: During the Sri Lankan Civil War, the bridge also served as an important route for refugees seeking asylum in India, further emphasizing its strategic significance.

Pamban Rail Bridge FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between new and old Pamban Bridge?
The new Pamban Bridge is modern, more durable, and accommodates larger traffic, while the old bridge is narrow and outdated.

Q2. What will happen to the old Pamban Bridge?
The old Pamban Bridge will be preserved as a heritage structure but will no longer serve active transportation purposes.

Source: Mint

Technology and Innovation Report Latest News

India has been ranked 10th in the world with significant private investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2023, according to the 2025 Technology and Innovation Report. 

About Technology and Innovation Report

• It was released by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
• It seeks to address issues in science, technology and innovation that are topical and important for developing countries in a comprehensive way with an emphasis on policy-relevant analysis and conclusions.
• The 2025 edition of the report, entitled: Inclusive artificial intelligence for development, aims to guide policymakers through the complex  Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape and support them in designing science, technology and innovation policies that foster inclusive and equitable technological progress.

Highlights of the Technology and Innovation Report

• It shows that just 100 companies, mostly in the United States and China, are behind 40 percent of the world’s private investment in research and development, highlighting a sharp concentration of power.
• At the same time, 118 countries – mostly from the Global South – are missing from global AI governance discussions altogether.
• The report estimates that up to 40 percent of global jobs could be affected by AI. 
• To avoid being left behind, developing countries need to strengthen what UNCTAD calls the “three key leverage points”: infrastructure, data and skills. 
• India and China are the only developing countries in the world with significant private investments in AI in 2023.
• The US leads the world in terms of private investment in AI, at 67 billion US dollars in 2023, or 70 percent of global AI private investment. China was in second position, with 7.8 billion US dollars, and India in tenth position, with 1.4 billion dollars.
• India ranked 36th in 2024 out of 170 nations on the Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index, improving its position from 48th in 2022.

Technology and Innovation Report FAQs

Q1. Who publishes the technology and innovation report?

Ans. UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Q2. What was India's rank in 2024 on the Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index?

Ans. 36th

Q3. Which developing countries were identified as having significant private investments in AI in 2023?

Ans. India and China

Source: NOA

About the News

The flowerpot snake, one of the world’s smallest snakes, has three sets of chromosomes instead of two, and has 40 chromosomes, organised into three subgenomes. By analysing the flowerpot snake’s unique genome, scientists are uncovering how the reptile repairs its DNA and prevents harmful mutations. 

• The findings provide insights into genetic repair mechanisms that could deepen our understanding of human gene evolution and also provide insights into human trisomy conditions, such as Down Syndrome.

Flowerpot Snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) Overview

The Flowerpot Snake, also known as the Brahminy Blind Snake, is a small, harmless species of blind snake. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, although it has been introduced to other parts of the world as well.

Key Characteristics

• Common Name: Flowerpot Snake (Brahminy Blind Snake)
• Size: One of the smallest snakes in the world, typically growing to a length of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches).
• Non-Venomous: These snakes are completely harmless to humans and are non-venomous.
• Burrower: They spend the majority of their time underground, where they feed on small invertebrates like ants and termites.

Unique Features

• Blindness: The Flowerpot Snake doesn’t have functional eyes, hence the term "blind" in its common name. It relies on other senses to navigate and survive.
• Appearance: Due to their small size and appearance, they are often mistaken for earthworms.

Habitat and Behavior

• Flowerpot Snake Habitat: They are often found in potted plants, which is why they are called flowerpot snakes. They tend to hide in the soil of these plants, making them a frequent discovery by gardeners.

Reproductive and Genetic Uniqueness

• Chromosomal Uniqueness: The Flowerpot Snake is the only known snake species with three sets of chromosomes (trisomy) instead of the usual two.
• Asexual Reproduction: One of the fascinating traits of the Flowerpot Snake is its ability to reproduce asexually, meaning it does not require a mate for reproduction.

Flowerpot Snake FAQs

Q1. Is blind snake poisonous?
No, blind snakes are not poisonous. They are non-venomous and harmless to humans.

Q2. How big are flowerpot snakes?
Flowerpot snakes are small, typically growing to about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) in length.

Source: Science Advances