Scientists studying the Barbary Macaque population in Gibraltar have observed geophagy (soil eating) behavior. This is believed to help them counter the harmful effects of tourist provided junk food.
About Barbary Macaque
One of the 25 species of macaques worldwide
The only macaque species found outside Asia
The only non human primate in Europe and North Africa
Distribution
Native range:
Atlas Mountains in Algeria and Morocco
Introduced population: Gibraltar
IUCN Red List: Endangered
[2013] In which of the following states is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat? 1 Tamil Nadu 2 Kerala 3 Karnataka 4 Andhra Pradesh Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Recent research across global institutions is advancing the field of Cyborg Botany, where scientists are transforming plants into living electronic systems capable of sensing and transmitting data.
What is Cyborg Botany
A hybrid system integrating living plants with electronic components
Combines:
Biology
Materials Science
Engineering
Derived from the term “cyborg” (cybernetic organism)
Aim: Merge natural plant processes with artificial electronic functions
How it Works
Embedding Nanowires and Transistors
Inserted into plant cell walls
Act as biosensors
Detect biochemical changes in real time
Conductive Polymers (Living Wires)
Example: PEDOT (Poly 3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene)
Functions as electrical pathways inside plant tissues
Transmits signals from plant cells to external devices
Key Concept
Biosensor: A device that uses biological material to detect changes and produce signals
Types of Plant Stress (Important for Prelims)
Biotic Stress
Caused by living organisms
Example: pests, diseases
Abiotic Stress
Caused by environmental factors
Example: drought, temperature extremes
Significance
Enables early detection of crop stress before visible symptoms
Helps in precision agriculture
Reduces water and chemical usage
Improves crop productivity and sustainability
Supports climate resilient agriculture
[2020] With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements: 1 They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body. 2 They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body. 3 They can be used in biochemical sensors. 4 Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
India’s Industrial Output Growth, measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), slowed to 4.1 percent in March 2026, marking a five month low. The slowdown is linked to weak performance in construction and consumer sectors and the emerging impact of the West Asia crisis.
What is Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?
A composite indicator measuring short term changes in industrial output
Released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Base year: 2011 to 12
Published monthly
Components of IIP
Primary Goods
Capital Goods
Intermediate Goods
Infrastructure and Construction Goods
Consumer Durables
Consumer Non Durables
Key Highlights from Data
IIP Growth (March 2026): 4.1 percent
Manufacturing Growth: 4.3 percent
Capital Goods Growth: 14.6 percent (29 month high)
Infrastructure and Construction: 6.7 percent (slowed)
Consumer Non Durables: 1.1 percent (weak demand)
Core Sector Growth: -0.4 percent (contraction)
About Core Industries
Eight core sectors account for about 40 percent of IIP
[2015] In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight? (a) Coal Production (b) Electricity generation (c) Fertilizer production (d) Steel production
The United Arab Emirates has announced its decision to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries effective May 1, 2026. The move is significant as the UAE is one of the major oil producers, and its exit is expected to weaken the cartel’s influence over global oil prices.
About OPEC
Established in 1960
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Objective:
Coordinate petroleum policies among member countries
Stabilize oil markets
Ensure fair prices for producers and steady supply
As of May 1, 2026, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) consists of 11 members following the exit of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The remaining member countries are Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela
Non-OPEC “Plus” Members (10): Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Key Facts About the UAE’s Exit
UAE was the third largest producer in OPEC
Producing around 3.4 million barrels per day
Production capacity up to 5 million barrels per day
Also exiting OPEC+ grouping
Joined OPEC in 1967 (via Abu Dhabi)
Reasons for Exit
Disagreement over production quotas
UAE wants to increase oil output after heavy investments
Strategic economic shift toward maximizing energy exports
Geopolitical tensions with Saudi Arabia
Weakening cohesion within OPEC (example: Qatar exited in 2019)
Global Context
Ongoing conflict involving Iran has impacted oil supply
Closure of the Strait of Hormuz affects global oil transport
Brent crude prices above 111 dollars per barrel
United States now produces more oil than any OPEC country
Impact of UAE Exit
Reduces OPEC’s spare production capacity
Weakens cartel’s ability to control oil prices
May lead to greater market volatility
Strengthens non-OPEC producers’ influence
Significance for India
India is a major oil importer
Changes in oil prices affect:
Inflation
Fiscal deficit
Energy security
[2009] Other than Venezuela, which one among the following from South America is a member of OPEC? (a) Argentina (b) Brazil (c) Ecuador (d) Bolivia
Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, is in the news following a controversy involving alleged derogatory remarks by a YouTuber, which led to protests and raised concerns about communal harmony in Goa.
Key Facts About St Francis Xavier
Born in Spain in 1506
One of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order)
Arrived in Goa in 1542 during Portuguese rule
Mission: Spread and restore Christianity among settlers
Death and Relics
Died in 1552 on Shangchuan Island (off China)
Body brought to Goa in 1554
Mortal remains preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus since 1624
Considered “incorruptible” as it showed minimal decay
Religious and Cultural Significance
Revered as “Goencho Saib” (Lord of Goa)
Central figure in Goan Catholic identity
Associated with pilgrimage tourism and heritage
Exposition of St Francis Xavier
Held once every 10 years
Relics are displayed for public veneration
Duration: Around 45 days
Relics moved to Se Cathedral
Historical Context
Goa was a Portuguese colony during his arrival
Linked to spread of Christianity in India
His role is sometimes debated in relation to the Goa Inquisition
[2021] Consider the following statements: 1 St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order. 2 St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there. 3 The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
A recent study published in the journal Science has reported a breakthrough in CAR T-cell therapy, where scientists developed a highly sensitive receptor capable of detecting faint tumour signals, potentially enabling treatment of solid cancers such as kidney and ovarian cancer.
What is CAR T-cell Therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy)?
A form of immunotherapy where a patient’s T-cells are genetically modified to identify and destroy cancer cells
Existing Limitation
Effective mainly in blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma
Limited success in solid tumours due to
Antigen Heterogeneity
Tumour cells vary in protein expression
Some cells remain undetectable to CAR T-cells
Note: An antigen is any substance—such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, or foreign proteins—that causes the immune system to produce antibodies or mount a specific defense response
Key Discovery
Target protein: CD70
Found in
70 to 80 percent of kidney and ovarian cancers
Around 25 percent of pancreatic cancers
Many tumour cells thought to lack CD70 actually contain it in very low quantities
New Innovation
HIT Receptor (HLA Independent T-cell Receptor): engineered immune receptors that enable T cells to target cancer cells without requiring HLA matching.
Detects very low levels of tumour antigens
Works by linking detection directly to the natural T-cell activation pathway
Bypasses the HLA system
Results of Study
Conventional CAR T-cells failed to eliminate all tumour cells
HIT receptor based T-cells:
Eliminated hidden tumour cells
Achieved complete tumour removal in experimental models
Safety Concerns
High sensitivity may attack normal cells
Known as Goldilocks Challenge
CD70 mostly absent in vital organs like Heart, Lungs, and Brain
Minor effects observed in immune cells
[2022] Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body? (a) They protect the body from environmental allergens. (b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation. (c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body. (d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.
Rising Light Pollution and proposed energy projects have raised concerns about the degradation of the pristine night skies in the Atacama Desert, one of the world’s most important hubs for astronomical research.
What is Light Pollution
Light pollution refers to excessive or misdirected artificial light that brightens the night sky and interferes with astronomical observations and ecosystems.
Hosts some of the world’s largest ground based telescopes
Major Astronomical Facilities
European Southern Observatory operates key observatories
Paranal Observatory is a major site
Extremely Large Telescope
Cost about 1.5 billion dollars
Expected completion by 2030
Features 798 mirrors
Around 20 times more powerful than current telescopes
Compared with Hubble Space Telescope
Around 15 times sharper resolution
[2017] What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project? (a) To detect neutrinos (b) To detect gravitational waves (c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system (d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems
A major Artificial Intelligence Data Centre Hub is being launched by Google in Andhra Pradesh, with the foundation stone laid by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at Tarluvada near Visakhapatnam on April 28, 2026. It is one of the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in India’s digital infrastructure sector.
Key Facts
Total Investment: 15 billion dollars (1.35 lakh crore rupees)
Implemented by Raiden Infotech in partnership with Adani Group
Total Land Area: 601.4 acres
Locations:
Rambilli (Anakapalli district)
Adavivaram and Tarluvada (Visakhapatnam district)
Technical Features
Initial Power Capacity: 1 Gigawatt (GW)
Scalability: Up to 5 Gigawatt (GW)
Key infrastructure:
Submarine Cable Landing Stations
Dedicated Fibre Networks
Purpose: Low Latency Global Connectivity for AI and data operations
[2020] With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic? (a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company. (b) It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow. (c) It is the investment which involves debt-servicing. (d) It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
India has signed a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand in 2025. The agreement is being highlighted as one of the fastest negotiated FTAs by India and is expected to come into force after ratification by the New Zealand Parliament. It reflects India’s push for deeper global trade engagement and supply chain diversification.
What is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
A Free Trade Agreement is a pact between countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers on goods and services, thereby promoting trade and investment.
Key Features of the Agreement
New Zealand will eliminate tariffs on all goods imported from India.
India will remove or reduce tariffs on about 95 percent of imports from New Zealand.
The agreement was signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his New Zealand counterpart.
Tariff Structure
Immediate elimination
Wood and wool
Raw leather hides
Phased elimination
Petroleum oils
Vegetable oils
Electrical machinery
Tariff reduction
Wine
Pharmaceuticals
Iron, steel and aluminium products
Sensitive Sector Exclusions
India has excluded several key sectors to protect domestic interests
Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt
Agricultural items like onion, pulses, corn and almonds
Sugar and artificial honey
Copper and aluminium products
Animal products except sheep meat
Trade and Investment Aspects
India’s exports to New Zealand reached 711.1 million dollars in 2024 to 25
Imports from New Zealand reached 587.1 million dollars
New Zealand has committed to facilitate 20 billion dollars investment in India over 15 years
Additional Provisions
Mobility for students and skilled professionals
Boost to services such as IT, education, healthcare and engineering
Support for MSMEs, farmers and manufacturing sectors
[2017] ‘Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and: (a) European Union (b) Gulf Cooperation Council (c) OECD (d) SCO
A report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development highlights a record 27% decline in snow persistence in the HKH region.
Indicates accelerating climate change impacts on Asian water systems.
About Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)
A vast mountain system extending about 3,500 km
Spans 8 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
Why Called “Third Pole”?
Largest ice reserves outside Arctic and Antarctic
Critical for:
Global climate regulation
Freshwater supply
Major Rivers Originating from HKH
Indus
Ganga
Brahmaputra
Amu Darya
Mekong
Yangtze
Yellow River
Irrawaddy
Salween
Tarim
[2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: 1 Deep gorges 2 U-turn river courses 3 Parallel mountain ranges 4 Steep gradients causing land sliding Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
