Reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as Major Minerals

1️⃣ Background & Recent Decision Ministry of Mines Notification (20th Feb 2025): The Ministry of Mines has reclassified Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as major minerals, shifting them from the minor minerals category. This decision aligns with India’s goal of enhancing critical mineral mining. National Critical Mineral Mission (Approved on 29th Jan 2025): This mission … Read more

10 Most Important Themes for UPSC Prelims Exam 2025

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is known for its unpredictability, requiring aspirants to master a blend of conceptual clarity, interdisciplinary knowledge, and adaptive strategies. Here’s a curated guide to help you focus on the most relevant topics based on the last five years of trends: Key Topics to Master 1. Inflation 2. Conflict Regions 3. … Read more

Lake Naivasha Crisis, Kenya

An invasive water hyacinth in Kenya’s Lake Naivasha has devastated fishing communities, cutting daily catches by 83%. While startups like HyaPak are converting the plant into biodegradable packaging, the rapid spread continues to cause massive economic losses across Kenya’s water-dependent sectors. Impact & Scale: Reference:The hindu

What is Rome Declaration on Water Security?

The Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture, adopted during FAO’s 2024 World Food Forum, addresses water scarcity challenges worsened by climate change. It emphasizes sustainable water use, climate resilience, and supporting family farming. The initiative builds on global efforts like WASAG and aims to improve rural livelihoods through investments and policy support. Key Event: … Read more

Catastrophic Oil Spill in Black Sea’s Kerch Strait

Russia’s Transport Ministry claims all identified polluted areas have been cleaned, but Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov warned of a persistent threat of further leaks. Incident Overview: Extent of Spill: Environmental Impact: The Black Sea has seen a decline in marine life, including dolphins, molluscs, and crustaceans, due to war and pollution. Additional Info:

Pacific ‘Warm Blob’ Causes Massive Common Murre Die-Off

Common murres are a unique and resilient seabird species often compared to flying penguins due to their stout build and black-and-white plumage. These birds are exceptional divers, swimming to catch small fish in the ocean before returning to their nesting sites on coastal cliffs or remote islands. While they may appear robust, common murres are acutely sensitive to shifts in ocean temperatures and food availability, making them an important indicator of marine ecosystem health.