1. Ancient marathi literature reveals savannas are not degraded forest
GS paper I-Geography
Context :Study using medieval Marathi literature shows western Maharashtra savannas are ancient, not degraded forests.
- Published in British Ecological Society journal People and Nature, covering ~750 years of texts.
Core idea of the study
- Open tree–grass savannas are long‑standing natural ecosystems, not deforested remnants.
- Literary ecology can reconstruct past landscapes where scientific data are sparse.
Why this study is important
- Challenges policies that treat savannas as “wastelands” suitable for mass tree planting.
- Recognises savannas as distinct biomes vital for biodiversity and pastoral livelihoods.
Conservation policy misunderstandings
- Afforestation and carbon projects often aim to convert savannas into dense forests.
- Such programs risk destroying fire‑adapted grasses, shrubs and associated fauna.
Correcting historical ecology
- Texts show open, thorny, grassy landscapes existed centuries before colonial timber extraction.
- This proves savannas are ancient “baseline” states, not products of recent degradation.
Sources used in the study
- 28 geo‑referenced excerpts from Marathi biographies, myths, narrative poems and ovi.
- Triangulated with paintings, photographs, colonial records, hunting logs and faunal remains.
How evidence was built
- Species mentioned in texts matched with modern flora lists to classify savanna indicators.
- Multiple independent lines of evidence produced a coherent ecological history.
Decoding historical terminology
- In Marathi–Sanskrit, vana = wild forest tract, jāgala = scrubby jungle.
- Authors show these words often referred to grasslands, scrubs and savannas, not rainforests.
Cultural descriptions supporting savanna ecology
- Texts describe cowherds using thorny, open plains with seasonal streams for grazing.
- Local idioms about “scrub jungles” and “terrifying forests” match savanna scrublands.
Types of savanna in Maharashtra (ecology)
- Fine‑leaf savannas in drier zones up to ~1,000 mm rainfall, dominated by thorny trees.
- Broad‑leaf savannas in wetter zones above ~700 mm rainfall, with taller grasses and trees.
Adaptations of savanna species
- Species show thick bark, spines, clonal growth and resprouting after fire or browsing.
- Traits indicate long co‑evolution with frequent fire, grazing and seasonal drought.
2. India, Pak exchange list of prisoners and nuclear installations
GS PAPER II-IR
Context: India and Pakistan exchanged lists of nuclear installations under a standing bilateral pact.
- They also swapped updated lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other’s custody.
Legal basis – nuclear list exchange
- Done under the “Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities,” signed 31 December 1988.
- The pact requires both sides to annually exchange lists of nuclear facilities on 1 January each year.
Why are nuclear lists exchanged?
- To identify all nuclear installations that must not be attacked in war or crisis.
- To build minimum transparency and reduce chances of miscalculation between two nuclear‑armed neighbours.
Significance of nuclear list exchange
- Reinforces mutual commitment to avoid strikes on each other’s nuclear infrastructure.
- Acts as a confidence‑building measure even when political relations are tense or hostile.
Exchange of prisoners’ lists – what it means
- Each side shares a list of all civilian prisoners and fishermen from the other country lodged in its jails.
- It helps verify nationality, speed up consular access, and facilitate release or repatriation where possible.
Context – why noteworthy now
- Occurs amid strained India–Pakistan ties with almost frozen dialogue and recent border tensions.
- Shows that legacy confidence‑building mechanisms and humanitarian processes continue despite overall deep freeze in relations.
Border implications for India and Pakistan
- Regular nuclear‑site list exchange reduces chances of pre‑emptive or accidental strikes on strategic facilities.
- Humanitarian prisoner exchanges can ease local tensions among coastal fishing communities.
- Continuation of such CBMs keeps communication channels open, which can help manage future border crises.
3. Centre’s tobacco tax rejig to take effect from Feb. 1
GS paper III-ECONOMY
Context :The Union government has announced a major overhaul of tobacco taxation from February 1, sharply raising levies on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
- The change shifts the system away from the GST compensation cess towards higher excise duty and GST rates on tobacco.
Key changes in taxation
- GST compensation cess on tobacco products will end, making excise duty a significant revenue component again.
- New, higher excise duties on cigarettes and other tobacco products are notified under the Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025.
- A fresh cess on pan masala units will come into force under the Health Security and National Security Act, 2025.
GST compensation cess background
- The cess was created under the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017 to protect states’ indirect tax revenue after GST rollout.
- It helped compensate exporting or producing states that lost revenue when GST shifted tax accrual to consuming states.
- Collections dipped sharply during the COVID‑19 years, forcing the Centre to borrow to meet compensation promises.
- The cess on tobacco will end once the Centre finishes servicing interest on these compensation‑related borrowings.
Expected impact – public health
- Higher prices are expected to discourage initiation and reduce overall tobacco consumption.
- Lower use should, over time, reduce cases of cancers, cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory illnesses.
- Reduced disease burden can generate long‑term savings for the public health system.
Economic and industry effects
- Cigarette prices are likely to rise by roughly 15–40%, varying across length and brand segments.
- The industry may see short‑term demand softness and lobby against the hikes, but tax revenue should remain robust.
- Weak enforcement could encourage illicit trade and counterfeit products, eroding both health gains and revenue.
Equity and livelihood concerns
- Beedis remain more lightly taxed despite causing serious health harms, raising questions of tax fairness.
- Tighter policies may hurt employment in the largely informal beedi‑rolling sector without adequate livelihood support.
Challenges and risks
- Higher differentials between legal and illegal products increase incentives for smuggling and tax evasion.
- Consumers may shift from taxed cigarettes to less‑taxed beedis or other forms, muting health benefits.
- Effective implementation needs close coordination across the Union government, states and tax‑enforcement agencies.
Way forward
- Move gradually towards a simplified, uniform tobacco tax structure explicitly aligned with health objectives.
- Strengthen surveillance, tracing and penalties to curb illicit tobacco manufacture and smuggling.
- Earmark part of additional tobacco‑tax revenue for public health, cessation services and awareness campaigns.
- Support skill training and alternative livelihoods for workers dependent on beedi and related industries.
4. India’s first Sunrise Festival 2026 with “Alo Prabhat
GS PAPER I -Art &culture
CONTEXT : Dong hosted India’s first Sunrise Festival 2026 with “Alo Prabhat: Dance of the Dawn”.
- Event marks first sunrise of New Year in India’s easternmost inhabited village.
Why Dong sees first sunrise
- Easternmost inhabited village of India in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Located far to the east, so Earth’s rotation brings dawn here before rest of India.
- Higher valley setting with clear eastern horizon lets sun appear early.
Alo Prabhat – what is it
- Curated cultural performance named “Alo Prabhat: Dance of the Dawn”.
- Uses indigenous chants, songs, and rhythmic dance sequences.
Who performs it
- Performed mainly by local Meyor and Mishmi community artists.
- Supported by invited theatre, music and film professionals collaborating on choreography.
What it represents
- Symbolises hope, renewal and collective welcome to the New Year’s first light.
- Expresses gratitude to nature, mountains and the rising sun for life and prosperity.
- Projects unity of diverse tribes under the first rays of the national dawn.
Sunrise Festival – purpose
- Promote Dong as India’s first‑sunrise destination and unique tourist landmark.
- Generate livelihood for border villagers through homestays, crafts and food stalls.
- Create awareness of Meyor–Mishmi culture and eco‑sensitive travel.
Sunrise Festival – importance
- Boosts infrastructure, connectivity and services in remote frontier region.
- Enhances soft‑power image of Arunachal Pradesh as “Land of the Rising Sun”.
- Provides platform for youth to showcase arts, sports and entrepreneurship.
Strategic and national importance
- Dong lies near India–China–Myanmar trijunction and close to Line of Actual Control.
- Civilian presence and tourism help assert sovereignty in sensitive border belt.
- Better roads and communication here aid defence logistics and disaster response.
Constitutional perspective
- Protects tribal culture in spirit of Article 29 on cultural rights of minorities.
- Advances Directive Principles on promoting educational and economic interests of tribes.
- Reflects fundamental duty to value and preserve rich heritage of India (Article 51A(f)).
Cultural perspective
- Celebrates Meyor and Mishmi rituals of greeting dawn with songs and offerings.
- Integrates traditional attire, instruments and narratives into a modern festival stage.
- Reinforces idea of India’s cultural unity beginning from its eastern frontier village.
5. Export of technical textiles witness 1.2% dip in April-0ct
GS paper III-Economy
Context :Indian technical textiles exports dipped 1.2% in April-October 2025, reaching $1.95 billion from $1.97 billion in the prior period.
- October 2025 exports fell sharply to $249.7 million from $305.5 million in October 2024.
- Decline attributed mainly to high US tariffs (up to 50%), impacting competitiveness.
- News highlights market concentration in the US and risks if tariffs persist.
What Are Technical Textiles
- Engineered textile materials prioritized for technical performance and functionality over aesthetics.
- Used in industries like agriculture, construction, healthcare, automotive, and protection.
- Examples include geotextiles, medical disposables (gauze, wipes), packaging (FIBC bags), protective gear, and sportswear fabrics.
- Classified into 12 segments: Agrotech, Buildtech, Medtech, Packtech, Mobiltech, etc.
- Distinct from traditional textiles focused on clothing or decoration.
Composition of India’s Technical Textile Exports
- Packtech dominates with items like FIBC bags, slings, ropes, gauze, wipes (~60% share in April-Oct 2025).
- Technical fabrics follow at ~27.7%.
- Other segments include Medtech (medical textiles), Geotech, and Indutech.
- Overall market: Packtech leads domestically (~41-50%), followed by Mobiltech, Indutech, and Sportech.
- Exports emphasize packaging and industrial applications due to demand in key markets.
Market Concentration and Trade Dependence
- US is the largest market (~25.9% share), followed by Germany (~6%) and UK (~5%).
- High dependence on US exposes exports to tariff risks and policy changes.
- Exports to US dropped 15% in April-Oct 2025 vs. prior year.
- Limited diversification; rivals like Vietnam/Bangladesh face similar demand issues, hindering rerouting.
- Emerging growth in Canada, Saudi Arabia, Japan, but slow to offset US reliance.
Why Exports Are Declining
- Primary cause: US tariffs up to 50% imposed in 2025, making Indian goods less competitive.
- Reduced US orders, cancellations, and forced discounts to retain buyers.
- Broader textile sector saw sharper drops (e.g., 12.9% in Oct 2025 overall).
- Dull global demand affects rerouting to alternatives like Vietnam/Bangladesh.
- Custom production limits easy diversion to new markets.
Future Outlook & Concerns
- Outlook: Domestic market projected to reach $45 billion by 2026 (from $29 billion in FY24), driven by NTTM and infrastructure.
- Exports may face 9-10% decline in 2026 if tariffs unresolved; broader textiles limited to 5-10% drop.
- Potential recovery via diversification, EU/UK FTAs, and China+1 strategy.
- Concerns: Persistent US tariffs could badly affect volumes and jobs.
- High import dependence on specialty fibers/machinery; low awareness and testing infrastructure.
- Protectionism and climate barriers globally challenge 2026 growth.
6. Why does India need climate resilient agriculture
GS‑III: Agriculture, climate change, environmental conservation and biotech applications in farming.
Context :Climate‑Resilient Agriculture (CRA) highlighted in recent policy debates and expert articles in early 2026.
- Linked to BioE3 policy, NICRA and India’s climate commitments for sustainable food security.
What is Climate‑Resilient Agriculture
- Farming approach using biotech, bio‑inputs and digital tools to handle climate stress.
- Aims to keep or raise yields while cutting dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Why India needs CRA
- Large share of India’s farms is rainfed and exposed to droughts, floods and erratic monsoons.
- Climate change threatens major crop yields, food inflation and rural livelihoods.
Key tools and practices
- Biofertilizers, biopesticides and microbial inoculants to improve soil and reduce chemicals.
- Climate‑tolerant and genome‑edited crops for heat, drought, salinity and pest resistance.
- AI‑based advisories and precision farming for location‑specific decisions on inputs and timing.
Existing initiatives
- NICRA develops climate‑resilient varieties and practices like stress‑tolerant rice and zero‑till wheat.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture focuses on rainfed areas, soil, water and resource efficiency.
- BioE3 policy promotes green biotechnology as a pillar of economy, environment and employment.
Challenges
- Low awareness, access and affordability for small and marginal farmers.
- Quality issues and supply gaps in biofertilizers and biopesticides create mistrust.
- Digital divide and slow spread of resilient seeds limit large‑scale adoption.
Way forward
- Speed up breeding, testing and release of climate‑resilient and genome‑edited crops.
- Strengthen regulation and logistics for reliable bio‑input supply chains.
- Expand digital advisory platforms, climate services and AI tools to village level.
- Offer credit, insurance and incentives to de‑risk farmers shifting to CRA.
7. Bomb Cyclone
Context : Winter Storm Ezra exploded into a bomb cyclone over the US, hitting during peak holiday travel. It caused massive flight cancellations, blizzards, power outages, and hurricane-force winds across multiple states (NDTV, Jan 2026).
What Defines a Bomb Cyclone
Winter Storm Ezra rapidly intensified via explosive cyclogenesis in mid-latitude regions. Central pressure drops ≥24 mb in 24 hours, fueling severe weather over vast areas.
Formation Mechanism
Cold, dense polar air clashes with warm, moist maritime air, often over oceans. Latent heat from rising warm air drives sharp pressure falls, pulling in high-speed winds.
Key Characteristics
- Rapid intensification: ≥24 mb pressure drop in 24 hrs signals instability.
- Hazard mix: Blizzards, freezing rain, flooding, hurricane winds create whiteouts.
- Temp plunge: 40-50°F drops in hours strain health, transport, grids.
- Wide reach: Spans 100s of kms, disrupting flights, roads, power nationwide.
- A tropical cyclone with sustained winds ≥74 mph; it mainly caused coastal flooding along the Gulf Coast during holiday travel.
- An extratropical cyclone that rapidly intensifies, with central pressure dropping at least 24 millibars in 24 hours; Winter Storm Ezra triggered widespread flight cancellations, blizzards, power outages, and hurricane‑force winds across the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast during peak holiday travel.
- Any mid‑latitude storm with snowfall over 12 inches; Ezra chiefly hit the Southern U.S. with ice storms and little wind.
- A fast‑strengthening storm driven only by changes in solar radiation; it caused temperatures to rise 40–50°F instead of fall, affecting only farm areas.
