1. Bio-Fortified Potatoes

India is introducing iron-rich bio-fortified potatoes, developed by the International Potato Center (CIP), Peru, to combat iron deficiency and promote sustainable agriculture. These potatoes are produced through conventional breeding and biotechnology without affecting taste or yield. A CIP regional centre is being set up in Agra, recognizing the Indo-Gangetic plains as a key potato-producing region. Iron-enriched germplasm has been shared with ICAR-CPRI, and trials are underway for Indian conditions. Vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes are already grown in Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha.

Other Biofortified Crops:

• CR Dhan 416: Salt-tolerant rice with pest resistance

• Durum Wheat: Zinc (41.1 ppm), Iron (38.5 ppm), 12% protein

About Biofortification:
It enhances nutrient content in crops through breeding or biotechnology, helping reduce micronutrient deficiencies.

2. El Salvador’s Political Shift

El Salvador's legislature has approved a law enabling indefinite presidential re-election and extended terms to six years.

Country Facts:

• Location: Central America, bordered by Honduras, Guatemala, and the Pacific Ocean

• Capital: San Salvador

• Terrain: Mountainous with volcanic plateaus; highest point is Cerro El Pital (2,730m)

• Major Water Bodies: Lempa River, Lakes Ilopango, Coatepeque, Güija

• Climate: Tropical, moderated by elevation

3. ICRISAT’s AI-Powered Agromet Advisory

ICRISAT and ICAR launched an AI-ML-based agro-meteorological advisory service to help small farmers make informed decisions on sowing, irrigation, and pest control.

• Delivered via platforms like an AI-powered WhatsApp bot

• Piloted in Maharashtra through AMFUs under Monsoon Mission III

• Partners: CRIDA, ILRI, IITM, IMD

• Builds on iSAT platform from Monsoon Mission II

4. Collusive Litigation

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu notice of collusive litigation involving the Bengaluru Development Authority.

What is Collusive Litigation?
A legal suit where both parties collaborate for a pre-decided outcome, often misusing the judicial process. Courts can annul such decrees if collusion or fraud is proven—especially by non-parties. Article 227 empowers High Courts to intervene in such cases.

5. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR)

The tiger count in PTR has risen from 71 to 80 in three years, according to a WWF-supported survey.

Key Facts:

• Location: UP districts of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich

• Ecosystem: Terai Arc Landscape, sal forests, swamps, grasslands

• Rivers: Gomti (originates here), Sharda, Chuka

• Wildlife: Tigers, swamp deer, Bengal florican, leopards

• Forest Types: Moist/dry deciduous, semi-evergreen, swamp forests

6. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Expansion

The Centre has approved the induction of 58,000 additional CISF personnel, anticipating new industrial hubs in LWE-affected regions.

About CISF:

• Established: 1969, under MHA

• Strength: 1.88 lakh+ personnel

• Mandate: Security for vital installations – airports, metros, heritage sites, industrial hubs

• Unique Features: Fire wing, VIP security, public-facing roles, compensatory cost model

7. Sea of Japan

China and Russia have started joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan.

Geographic Highlights:

• Bounded by: Japan, Sakhalin (east); Russia, Koreas (west)

• Area: 978,000 sq. km; Avg. depth: 1,667 m

• Linked to other seas by multiple straits

• Low tidal variation, high oxygen levels, rich biodiversity

• Major ports: Vladivostok (Russia), Wonsan (North Korea), Niigata (Japan)

8. Lyme Disease

Singer Justin Timberlake revealed he has Lyme disease.

Key Points:

• Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted via deer tick bites

• Not spread human-to-human or via pets, food, or air

• Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, erythema migrans rash

• Advanced cases may affect joints, heart, and nervous system

• Treatment: Antibiotics, but recovery may be slow if untreated early

9. Sawalkote Hydropower Project

India is reviving the long-pending 2,185 MW Sawalkote Hydropower Project on the Chenab River in J&K amid a pause in the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Highlights:

• Location: Ramban District, J&K

• Status: NHPC-JKSPDC led, cost ~₹22,704 crore

• Output: 7,000 MUs annually, helps in flood control and water management

About IWT:

• Signed in 1960 (India-Pakistan, brokered by World Bank)

• Allocates eastern rivers to India and western rivers to Pakistan

• India can use western rivers for non-consumptive purposes

10. HQ-16 Missile

A mock-up of China’s HQ-16 SAM system was recently showcased by the US military at the Oshkosh AirVenture Show.

HQ-16 Highlights:

• Medium-range surface-to-air missile, based on Russia’s Buk

• Targets: Aircraft, drones, cruise missiles

• Vertical launch system; mounted on 6x6 mobile chassis

• Range: Up to 40 km (aircraft), 12 km (cruise missiles)

• Guidance: Inertial + semi-active radar