1. ‘Bone Collector’ Caterpillar

A newly discovered carnivorous caterpillar found on Hawaii’s Oahu island has earned the nickname “bone collector” for its unique and eerie behavior.

Key Details:

• This caterpillar is native to a remote mountain forest on Oahu, which faces threats from invasive species.

• It constructs a protective case from silk interwoven with parts of its prey, such as ant heads and fly wings.

• Its diet includes insects trapped in spider webs.

• The evolutionary lineage of this species is estimated to be over six million years old—predating the formation of the Hawaiian islands.

About Hawaii:

• Hawaii is a U.S. state situated in the Pacific Ocean, comprising a volcanic archipelago of eight main islands: Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe.

• The capital, Honolulu, is located on Oahu.

• The islands are known for their dramatic natural features including volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, and sea cliffs.

• The archipelago was formed by a volcanic hotspot in the Earth's mantle.

2. RNA-Based Antiviral for Crop Protection

According to the FAO, pests and diseases destroy around 40% of global crop yields annually, with plant viruses alone causing losses exceeding $30 billion.

The Problem:

• In India, Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) severely affects crops like bananas, pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons—reducing yields by up to 70% in some cases.

• Infected crops exhibit symptoms like mosaic-patterned leaves, stunted growth, and low-quality fruits.

The Solution: RNA-Based Technology

• Scientists have developed RNA-based antiviral methods to enhance plant immunity, akin to how the human immune system fights viruses.

• How It Works:

  • Plants use RNA silencing—a natural mechanism triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).

  • Enzymes like DCLs break dsRNA into siRNAs, which then target and destroy viral RNA.

Techniques in Use:

• Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS): Plants are genetically engineered to produce virus-fighting dsRNA internally, though challenges include cost and regulatory approval.

• Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS): External RNA sprays trigger immune responses without altering plant DNA. It’s more eco-friendly but can be less precise due to random siRNA production.

3. Lapu-Lapu Day

During the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver, a tragic incident occurred where a car crashed into a crowd, killing 9 and injuring several others.

What is Lapu-Lapu Day?

• It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521, when Datu Lapulapu, a native chieftain of Mactan Island, defeated Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan.

• Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, was killed in the battle.

• Lapulapu is honored as the first Filipino hero for resisting colonial invasion.

Recognition in Canada:

• In 2023, British Columbia officially designated April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day.

• The observance celebrates Lapulapu's legacy and acknowledges the cultural contributions of the Filipino community in the province.

• It stands as a symbol of multicultural respect, indigenous resilience, and historical remembrance.

About Lapulapu:

• He was the chief of Mactan in the Philippines.

• His name was historically recorded as Çilapulapu by Magellan's companion Antonio Pigafetta, with "Si" being an honorific prefix from Sanskrit.

• The Philippine government standardized his name as “Lapulapu” in 2021.

4. Extant Hyena Species

On International Hyena Day 2025 (April 27), conservationists have raised concerns about the declining populations of the four existing hyena species in Africa.

Overview of Hyenas:

• Hyenas, carnivorous mammals from the Hyaenidae family, are native to Africa and parts of Asia and the Middle East.

• Known for scavenging, they are also skilled hunters with sharp senses and strong physiques.

Four Living Species:

1. Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) – Most common, listed as Least Concern, but population is declining.

2. Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) – Near Threatened, with fewer than 10,000 adults.

3. Brown Hyena (Parahyaena brunnea) – Also Near Threatened, slightly over 10,000 in the wild.

4. Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) – Least Concern, but their numbers are unclear due to elusive behavior.

Habitat & Features:

• Found in savannas, forests, sub-deserts, and mountainous areas up to 13,000 feet.

• Typically nocturnal, they live up to 12–25 years depending on the species.

• Hyenas have large ears, long forelegs, and powerful jaws for scavenging and hunting.

5. Understanding Bond Markets

Former U.S. President Donald Trump not only disrupted global trade policies but also challenged the independence of the Federal Reserve, impacting bond markets worldwide.

What Are Bonds?

• Bonds are debt instruments offering fixed returns over a set period, unlike stocks which offer variable returns and no maturity.

• Investors use bonds as relatively low-risk assets for preserving capital and hedging against economic instability.

Bonds & Inflation:

• Bond prices and yields move inversely—when prices drop, yields rise.

• Rising inflation lowers real returns from bonds, prompting central banks to hike interest rates.

• Higher rates make bond prices fall, raising yields and influencing wider economic investments.

• Currency devaluation further reduces returns for foreign investors converting back to their home currency.

India’s Bond Market:

• An essential part of the financial system, facilitating fund-raising by governments, companies, and institutions.

• Primary Market: New bonds are issued—includes:

  • Government Securities (G-Secs): Treasury Bills, long-term bonds

  • Corporate Bonds

  • Municipal Bonds

  • PSU Bonds

  • Green Bonds

  • Masala Bonds (rupee bonds sold internationally)

• Secondary Market: Previously issued bonds are traded—examples include Treasury Bills, Commercial Papers (CPs), and Certificates of Deposit (CDs).

6. Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH):

Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) is expected to expand its Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) by around 4,500 hectares, as per the rationalisation mandated by the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC).

About CTH:

• Identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1972, these core areas are scientifically designated to remain free from human disturbance to support tiger conservation.

• Scheduled Tribes or forest dwellers’ rights are protected while notifying CTHs.

• State governments notify CTHs in consultation with expert committees.

• Surrounding areas are designated as buffer zones to ease the transition from core conservation zones.

Central Empowered Committee (CEC):

• Established by the Supreme Court in 2002 (restructured in 2008), now under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (since 2023).

• Transformed into a permanent statutory body with a chairperson (minimum 25 years of experience), a government-appointed member secretary (minimum 12 years’ experience), and three domain experts.

• NGOs are no longer included in the reconstituted committee.

7. Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM):

The Indian Navy recently test-fired the MR-SAM air defence missile system from INS Surat in the Arabian Sea.

About MR-SAM:

• A high-speed, vertically launched, supersonic missile system jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries, and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited.

• Designed to intercept aerial threats such as missiles, aircraft, and guided bombs.

• Each unit includes a command system, tracking radar, mobile launcher, and up to 8 canisterised missiles.

• Equipped with an active radar RF seeker and dual-pulse propulsion system with thrust vectoring, enabling speeds up to Mach 2.

• Capable of engaging multiple targets up to 70 km away.

8. Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV):

Researchers have developed an RNA-based antiviral agent that provides strong resistance against CMV, a major plant virus.

About CMV:

• First identified in 1916 in the U.S., CMV affects over 1,200 plant species, including crops like cucumbers, melons, bananas, and cereals.

• Spread primarily by aphids (nearly 90 species), making containment difficult.

• Causes mosaic-like leaf discoloration, stunted growth, and poor fruit quality.

• In India, causes 25–30% losses in banana yields; in cucurbits, up to 70%.

• Management involves agrochemical use and removal of infected plants, as there is no cure.

9. Exercise Balikatan 2025:

The Philippines and the U.S. have launched the 40th edition of the “Balikatan” military exercise, with 17,000 personnel simulating full-scale battle scenarios.

About Balikatan:

• A major annual bilateral exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

• "Balikatan" means "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalog.

• Balikatan 2025 will feature a virtual Full Battle Test across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.

• Key components: Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (CJLOTS), humanitarian assistance, command-and-control operations, and multilateral maritime exercises.

10. Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C):

The government has authorised I4C to collaborate with the Enforcement Directorate under the anti-money laundering law to track money trails and tackle cyber fraud.

About I4C:

• Established by the Ministry of Home Affairs as a national nodal agency to combat cybercrime.

• Promotes cooperation among law enforcement, industry, academia, and citizens.

• Based in New Delhi, it supports investigation, awareness, training, and legal reform.

Key Components:

• TAU: Tracks cybercrime threats.

• NCRP: 24x7 online reporting portal.

• NCTC: Trains police and legal personnel.

• Research Centre: Develops tools with academic partners.

• Coordination Teams & Ecosystem Units: Ensure collaboration and mass awareness.

• Forensic Lab: Supports investigations.

Other Initiatives:

• Helpline 1930 for immediate fraud reporting.

• CyberDost for public awareness.

• Volunteer Program to involve citizens in cybercrime prevention.