Birch Glacier
Birch Glacier catastrophically failed, generating a massive landslide that has partially buried Blatten village.
- Location: Situated in the Swiss Alps, specifically in the Lötschental Valley, near Bietschhorn Mountain.
- Recent Collapse: A catastrophic landslide buried an Alpine village due to permafrost thawing, rising temperatures, and heavy debris load.
- Glacial Loss: Swiss glaciers have lost 40% of their volume since 2000, with record temperatures in 2022–2023 causing a 10% loss.
- Impact: The collapse affected the River Lonza, increasing flooding risks due to debris accumulation.
Fiscal Deficit
India’s Fiscal Deficit stood at 4.8% of GDP for FY2024-25, according to data released by the Comptroller General of Accounts (CGA), meeting the revised estimate set by the Union Budget FY2025-26.
- Definition: The gap between government expenditure and revenue, excluding borrowings.
- RBI Dividend Impact: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) transferred ₹2.69 lakh crore, easing the fiscal deficit by 20–30 basis points.
- Future Target: The government aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.4% of GDP by FY26, as part of its fiscal consolidation strategy.
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Nearly 41 % of urban adolescents in government schools across north India suffer from folate or vitamin B9 deficiency: AIIMS
- Function: Essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and fetal development.
- Sources: Found in leafy greens, legumes, citrus fruits, and fortified grains.
- Deficiency Risks: Can lead to anemia, birth defects, and neurological issues.
- Health Benefits: Helps prevent heart disease, supports brain function, and reduces premature aging.
Fibre Optic Drone
The fibre optics First-Person-View (FPV) drones are being used in the Russia Ukraine war.
- Technology: Uses fiber optic cables instead of radio signals, making it immune to jamming and interference.
- Military Use: Widely deployed in electronic warfare, especially in the Russo-Ukraine conflict.
- Advantages: Provides secure, high-speed data transmission, reducing latency and improving control.
- Limitations: Reduced range and maneuverability, with risks of cable entanglement in trees.
National Florence Nightingale Awards
President of India presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards for 2025 to 15 nurses for their exemplary service in strengthening public health delivery.
- Established: Instituted in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to honor nursing professionals.
- Award Components: Includes a Certificate of Merit, ₹1,00,000 cash prize, and a medal.
- Recent Awards: In 2024, 15 nurses received the award for their exemplary contributions to healthcare.
- Government Initiatives: India has established 157 nursing colleges and formed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission to improve healthcare education