Dnipro River Latest News

Russia is launching repeated "suicidal" assaults to cross the Dnipro River in Kherson, despite heavy casualties, as part of a strategy to seize more territory before potential peace talks. 

About Dnipro River

• The Dnipro (Dnieper) River is one of the major transboundary rivers of Europe.
• It is the fourth-longest river in Europe (after the Volga, the Danube, and the Ural). 
• Located in Eastern Europe, the Dnieper River and its many tributaries drain much of Belarus and Ukraine.
• Historically, the river was an important barrier dividing Ukraine into right and left banks.
• Course:
  • It originates in Russia, in the low Valday Hills west of Moscow.
  • It runs a total length of 1,368 miles through western Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea.
  • Approximately 300 miles of the waterway is located in Russia, 430 miles are in Belarus, and 680 miles are within Ukraine.
• The Dnipro is a typical river of the plains, sloping gently and flowing slowly. The water level varies considerably, and the riverbed is unstable. 
• The Dnipro Basin covers 504,000 sq.km, of which 289,000 sq.km. are within Ukraine (48 percent of its area).
• It passes through numerous urban centers such as the Russian cities of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh, as well as Mogilev in Belarus and Kiev, Cherkasy, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia in Ukraine.
• It is an important navigable waterway for the economy of Ukraine and is connected by the Dnieper–Bug Canal to other waterways in Europe. 
• Tributaries: It has as many as 32,000 tributaries, including the Sozh, Desna, Trubizh, Bilozerka, Drut, Berezina, and Prypiat Rivers. 

Dnipro River FAQs

Q1. Which country is the Dnieper River in?

Ans. The Dnieper River flows through Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

Q2. What capital city is on the Dnieper River?

Ans. The capital city of Ukraine, Kyiv (also spelled Kiev), is located on the Dnieper River. 

Q3. Which is the longest river in Europe?

Ans. The Volga River is the longest river in Europe, stretching about 3,530 kilometers (2,194 miles).

Source: TOI

Ayushman Arogya Mandir Latest News 

Delhi gets three Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, focusing on holistic patient care and disease prevention.

About Ayushman Arogya Mandir

• Ayushman Arogya Mandir is an attempt to move from a selective approach to health care to deliver a comprehensive range of services spanning preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care. 
• It has two components which are complementary to each other. 
  • Under its first component, 1,50,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandir will be created to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care, that is universal and free to users, with a focus on wellness and the delivery of an expanded range of services closer to the community. 
  • The second component is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) which provides health insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs per year to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families seeking secondary and tertiary care.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs offer a wide array of services, including preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care.
• As of January 31, 2025, 1,76,141 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been operationalised throughout India.

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

• Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of the Government of India, was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• It is the largest health assurance scheme in the world which aims at providing a health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 12 crores poor and vulnerable families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries) that form the bottom 40% of the Indian population.

Ayushman Arogya Mandir FAQs

Q1: What is Ayushman Arogya Mandir?

Ans: It is a network of 1,50,000 centers providing free and comprehensive primary healthcare with a focus on wellness and community services.

Q2: What is the new name of Health and Wellness Centres (HWC)?

Ans: They are now called Ayushman Arogya Mandir, as per the Union Health Ministry's decision.

Q3: Who is eligible for Pradhan Mantri Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)?

Ans: SC/ST individuals, households without an earning member above 16 years making over ₹2.5 lakh, and those listed in the PMJAY beneficiary roster are eligible.

Source: IE

Crassolabium Dhritiae Latest News

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, recently announced the discovery of a species of soil-dwelling nematode, named Crassolabium dhritiae, in the Deccan Peninsular biogeographic zone of Odisha’s Keonjhar district.

About Crassolabium Dhritiae

• It is a new species of soil-dwelling nematode.
• It was discovered in the Deccan peninsular biogeographic zone of Odisha’s Keonjhar district.
• It has been named in honour of Dhriti Banerjee, director of ZSI, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to zoology and taxonomic research.
• It is characterised by its medium-sized, slender body, rounded lip region, wide odontostyle, long pharynx, distinctive female reproductive structures, and uniquely shaped tail. 
• While the feeding habits of the Crassolabium genus are still being studied, members of this group are known to exhibit both predatory and omnivorous behaviours. 
• Crassolabium dhritiae brings the total number of known Crassolabium species worldwide to 39, with nine now recorded in India.

Key Facts about Soil Nematodes

• They are tiny invertebrates that play a vital role in soil fertility.
• Nematodes occur in all soils. Even in relatively poor soils, there are millions in every square metre.
• Nematodes feed on plant roots and on all the organisms that live in soil (e.g., bacteria, fungi, algae, diatoms, protozoans, rotifers, tardigrades, springtails, arthropods, oligochaetes and nematodes).
• They can be either beneficial or harmful to plants.
• Beneficial nematodes include free-living nematodes, which help decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients in soil. 
  • The ratio of bacterial- to fungal-feeding nematodes indicates the rate of nutrient cycling.
• Entomopathogenic nematodes work with bacteria to control pests. 
• Nematodes are also valuable indicators of soil health, as they can help assess changes in soil conditions caused by disturbance or pollution.

Crassolabium Dhritiae FAQs

Q1. What is a nematode?

Ans. Nematodes are microscopic, non-segmented, worm-shaped invertebrates enclosed within a tough cuticle.

Q2. What is an omnivore?

Ans. An omnivore is an organism that regularly consumes a variety of material, including plants, animals, algae, and fungi.

Q3. What are fungi?

Ans. Fungi, classified under the kingdom Fungi and distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria, include mushrooms, molds, and yeast.

Source: IE

Open Market Operations Latest News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently announced its plan to infuse Rs 1.9 lakh crore into the banking system through open market purchases of government securities and USD/INR swaps

About Open Market Operations

• OMOs refer to a central bank selling or purchasing securities in the open market.
• It is a monetary policy tool to rein in inflation and money supply in the system. 
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses OMOs in order to adjust the rupee liquidity conditions in the market on a durable basis. 
• When the RBI feels that there is excess liquidity in the market, it resorts to the sale of government securities, thereby sucking out the rupee liquidity. 
  • Selling securities removes money from the system, raises interest rates, makes loans more expensive, and decreases economic activity.
  • However, when liquidity is sucked out, it can lead to a spike in bond yields as the RBI will release more government securities into the market, and bond buyers demand more interest rate on these securities.
• Similarly, when the liquidity conditions are tight, the central bank buys securities from the market, thereby releasing liquidity into the market. 
  • Buying securities adds money to the system, lowers interest rates, makes loans easier to obtain, and increases economic activity.

Open Market Operations FAQs

Q1. What are securities?

Ans. A security is a fungible, negotiable financial instrument that represents some type of financial value, usually in the form of a stock, bond, or option.

Q2. What is a bond?

Ans. A bond is a type of debt security that represents a loan made by an investor to a borrower, typically a corporation, government, or other organization.

Q3. What is bond yield?

Ans. A bond's yield is the return an investor expects to receive each year over its term to maturity.

Source: TOI

World Obesity Day Latest News 

On March 4, 2025, World Obesity Day highlighted alarming projections for India.

About World Obesity Day

• World Obesity Day is a unified day of action that calls for a cohesive, cross-sector response to the obesity crisis. It takes place on 4 March and is convened by the World Obesity Federation in collaboration with its global members.
• Theme: The theme for World Obesity Day 2025 is "Changing Systems, Healthier Lives," emphasizing the need for systemic changes to address the global obesity epidemic.
• Goal: The day aims to increase awareness, encourage advocacy, improve policies, and share experiences related to obesity prevention and treatment.
• Since 2015, World Obesity Days have focused on recognizing the root causes of obesity, increasing knowledge of the disease, tackling weight stigma, and improving understanding, prevention, and treatment of obesity.

Obesity in India Trends

• Recent analyses published in The Lancet predict that by 2050, India, China and the United States are projected to have the highest numbers of people who are overweight or live with obesity by 2050
• India is expected to have over 440 million obese and overweight people by 2050, ranking second globally after China.
  • The prevalence of obesity and overweight among boys in India increased from 0.46 crore in 1990, to 1.3 crore in 2021, and is projected to increase to 1.6 crore in 2050. 
  • Among girls, it has increased from 0.45 crore in 1990, to 1.24 crore in 2021, and projected to increase to 1.44 core in 2050, according to the study.
• The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals that nearly 24% of women and 22.9% of men in India are now classified as overweight or obese

World Obesity Day FAQs

Q1: Why is World Obesity Day celebrated?

Ans: The World Obesity Day was introduced in response to rising obesity rates and growing recognition of obesity as a complex public health issue.

Q2. When is Wolrd obesity day?

Ans: World Obesity Day is a unified day of action observed annually on March 4th that calls for a cohesive, cross-sector response to the obesity crisis

Q3. What is the world obesity in 2025?

Ans: By 2025, global obesity prevalence is predicted to reach 18% in men and surpass 21% in women, with many countries experiencing much higher levels.

Source: DTE

Astra MK-III Missile Latest News

India’s latest and most advanced air-to-air missile, the Astra MK-III, has now been officially renamed Gandiva, after the legendary bow of Arjuna from the Mahabharata.

About Astra MK-III Missile

• It is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile designed to be mounted on fighter aircraft.
• Still under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this missile is expected to redefine the landscape of aerial warfare, especially in BVR combat.
• The missile will be deployed on the IAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKI jetsand the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
• With the eventual induction of Gandiva, India will possess one of the longest-range BVR air-to-air missiles in the world.
• This missile is capable of targeting a variety of aerial threats, including enemy fighter jets, bombers, military transport aircraft, refueling planes, and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.

Astra MK-III Missile Features

• It has a range of 340 kilometers when the target is at an altitude of 20 kilometers, and 190 kilometers when the target is at a lower altitude of 8 kilometers.
• It is powered by a dual-fuel ducted ramjet engine, enabling it to be launched from an IAF jet at sea level or as high as 20 kilometers in altitude.
• The missile’s launch speed ranges from 0.8 to 2.2 Mach, with the capability to hit targets at a speed of 2.0 to 3.6 Mach.
• One of its most advanced features is its ability to engage highly maneuverable fighter aircraft, with an angle of attack of up to 20 degrees. 
• Additionally, the Gandiva has a ±10 km snap-up/snap-down capability, allowing it to engage targets at varying altitudes—either higher or lower than the firing aircraft.

Astra MK-III Missile FAQs

Q1. Who developed the Astra missile?

Ans. The Astra missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Q2. What is the range of Astra Mark 3 missile?

Ans. Around 340 kilometres.

Q3. What is the speed of the Astra Mark 3 missile?

Ans. The missile’s launch speed ranges from 0.8 to 2.2 Mach, with the capability to hit targets at a speed of 2.0 to 3.6 Mach.

Source: ET

Gum Arabic Latest News

Gum Arabic, essential in products like Coca-Cola and M&M's, is being increasingly trafficked from rebel-held Sudanese regions, complicating supply chains for Western companies.

About Gum Arabic

• It is a dried, water-soluble exudate that comes primarily from two species of acacia, Acacia senegal and A. seyal.
• Distribution: 
  • The trees are native to North Africa and grow mainly in the sub-Saharan or Sahel zone of Africa and also in Australia, India, and South America. 
  • A. senegal is found in some parts of India, mainly in the dry rocky hills of south east Punjab, in the northern Aravalli hills, and in other drier parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Major producing countries: Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Nigeria, and Sudan (market share of about 70%).
• Humans have in fact used gum arabic for thousands of years; one of its earliest known uses was as an embalming agent in ancient Egypt. 
• Gum Arabic has numerous applications, particularly in the food industry and in areas such as ceramics, painting, photography, and printmaking. 

Gum Arabic Properties

• It is a neutral or slightly acidic salt of a complex polysaccharide containing calcium, magnesium, and potassium cations.
• It is non-toxic, odourless, and has a bland taste, and it does not affect the odour, colour or taste of the system in which it is used.
• It is somewhat yellowish in colour.
• It is insoluble in oils and in most organic solvents, but usually dissolves completely in hot or cold water, forming a clear, mucilaginous solution.
• It yields L-arabinose, L-rhamnose, D-galactose, and D-glucuronic acid after hydrolysis.

Gum Arabic FAQs

Q1. Is gum arabic ok to eat?

Ans. Yes, gum arabic is safe to eat and is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a natural additive. 

Q2. Is gum arabic water-soluble?

Ans. It dissolves completely in hot or cold water, forming a clear, mucilaginous solution.

Q3. Is gum arabic soluble in oils?

Ans. It is insoluble in oils and in most organic solvents.

Source: ET

US-Ukraine Mineral Deal Latest News 

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and Ukraine plan to sign the much-debated minerals deal following a disastrous Oval Office meeting.

About US-Ukraine Mineral Deal

• The US-Ukraine Mineral Deal is a bilateral agreement aimed at providing the United States access to Ukraine's vast mineral reserves, particularly critical raw materials.
• The deal establishes a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund, managed equally by Kyiv and Washington, to support Ukraine's post-war rebuilding efforts.
• Ukraine will contribute 50% of future revenues from its state-owned mineral resources, oil, and gas to the fund, which will then be reinvested in projects within Ukraine.
• The agreement aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations and help the United States diversify its critical minerals supply chain, reducing dependence on China.
• However, the deal does not include explicit security guarantees for Ukraine, focusing primarily on economic cooperation and resource development.

Ukraine Mineral Reserves

• Ukraine possesses significant reserves of rare-earth minerals essential for various high-tech industries, including aerospace, defence, and renewable energy.
• According to data from the Ukrainian geologic survey, Ukraine possesses 5% of the world’s mineral resources, including 23 of the 50 materials deemed critical by the U.S. government.

US-Ukraine Mineral Deal FAQs

Q1: What is the primary objective of the US-Ukraine mineral deal?

Ans: To invest in and develop Ukraine’s natural resources, aiding economic recovery and stability.

Q2: How will the Reconstruction Investment Fund operate?

Ans: Co-managed by the US and Ukraine, it will allocate 50% of future revenues from state-owned resources to fund reconstruction and growth.

Q3: What are the strategic benefits for both countries?

Ans: Ukraine gains economic recovery, energy security, and tech growth, while the US secures critical minerals and strengthens regional ties.

Source: HT

Semi-Cryogenic Engine Latest News 

ISRO recently successfully conducted the hot test on a semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000), coming closer to finalising the crucial cryogenic stage.

About Semi-Cryogenic Engine

• A semi-cryogenic engine (SCE) is a liquid rocket engine that uses liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidizer and refined kerosene as fuel. 
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a semi-cryogenic engine with a thrust of 2000 kN to power the booster stages of future heavy-lift launch vehicles. This engine utilizes a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and refined kerosene (RP-1) as propellants. 
• The semi-cryogenic engine offers several advantages over traditional cryogenic engines, including:
  • Higher Density Impulse: The LOX-kerosene combination provides a higher density impulse compared to LOX-liquid hydrogen, resulting in improved performance.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Kerosene is more cost-effective and easier to handle than liquid hydrogen, reducing overall mission costs.
  • Operational Efficiency: Kerosene can be stored at ambient temperatures, simplifying storage and handling requirements.
• The development of this engine is expected to enhance the payload capacity of ISRO's existing launch vehicles, such as the LVM3, and is also planned for use in future launch vehicles like the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

Difference Between Semi-Cryogenic Engine and Cryogenic Engine

• Unlike a cryogenic engine, a semi-cryogenic engine uses refined kerosene instead of liquid hydrogen. The liquid oxygen is used as an oxidiser. 
• “The advantage of using a semi-cryogenic engine is that it requires refined kerosene, which is lighter than liquid fuel and can be stored at a normal temperature.

Semi-Cryogenic Engine FAQs

Q1: What is a semi-cryo engine?

Ans: A semi-cryogenic engine is an advanced rocket propulsion system that uses liquid oxygen as an oxidizer and refined kerosene as fuel, offering higher thrust and improved payload capacity for space launches.

Q2. What is the difference between cryogenic and semi-cryogenic?

Ans: Cryogenic engines use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, both stored at extremely low temperatures. Semi-cryogenic engines use refined kerosene (stored at room temperature) and liquid oxygen, simplifying fuel handling and increasing density.

Q3. What is the fuel in a semi-cryogenic engine?

Ans: The fuel used in a semi-cryogenic engine is refined kerosene, also known as RP-1 (Rocket Propellant-1). It is combined with liquid oxygen as the oxidizer to produce thrust.

Source: IE

Indus River Latest News 

Pakistan has discovered vast gold reserves worth approximately Rs 80,000 crore in the Indus River bed, potentially boosting the country's struggling economy

About Indus River

• Origin: The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in Asia. It rises from Mansarovar in Tibet at an elevation of about 5182 m and flows for about 2880 km up to its outfall into the Arabian Sea. The length of the river in India is 800.75 km. 
• Tributaries: Its principal tributaries are the Sutlej, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab and the Jhelum.
• Countries Flowing Through: It flows through China, India, and Pakistan, serving as a vital water source for agriculture, hydropower, and human consumption.
  • The Indus flows through India only through the Union Territory of Ladakh.
• Drainage System: The Indus basin extends over an area of 11,65,500 sq. km and lies in Tibet, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. 
  • The drainage area in India is 321289 sq. km. which is nearly 9.8% of the total geographical area of the country. 
  • It is bounded on the north by the Karakoram and Haramosh ranges, on the east by the Himalayas, on the west by the Sulaiman and Kirthar ranges and on the south by the Arabian Sea.
• Historical Significance: The river has played a crucial role in the development of ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest urban cultures.

Indus River Civilisation

• Indus Valley civilization is the earliest known urban culture of the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. 
• It is one of the world’s three earliest civilizations along with Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. This civilization flourished from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE.
• Most of the sites discovered earlier, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, are present in the Indus valley which gives the name to it. Harappa was the first excavated site therefore, it is also called Harappan culture.

Indus River FAQs

Q1: What is Indus River called in India?

Ans: The Indus River is called Sindhu in Sanskrit, which is its name in India.

Q2. Where do 5 rivers meet Indus?

Ans: Jhelum and Ravi join Chenab, Beas joins Sutlej, and then Sutlej and Chenab join to form Panjnad, 10 miles north of Uch Sharif in Muzaffar Garh district. 

Q3. Why is the Indus River so important?

Ans: The Indus River has been important since early civilization. It provided humans with a source of water when little other water could be found in the region.

Source: DH