Context: As per National Family Health Survey, there is such a five fold increase in overweight and obesity cases in India as revealed by a new study published in The Lancet over the past three decades. The number of overweight or obese individuals increased from 53 million in 1990 to 236 million in 2021, projected to surpass 521 million by 2050 in urgent action failure, Making India the second most affected country in the world after China. This includes the key findings of the study What is Obesity? Obesity is a chronic disease that occurs when there is too much body fat. It can lead to many health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.  Definitions of BMI Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation that estimates body fat and compares weight to height. It’s a quick and inexpensive way to screen for weight categories like underweight, overweight, and obesity.  Need for Urgent Action: 5 Year Plan (2025-30) The study’s authors call for global and national policy interventions in order to curb the obesity crisis. According to Dr. Jessica Kerr, co lead author of the study, preventing obesity should come at top priority among low and middle income countries. The absence of an action plan could transform into a dramatic rise in an obesity related health care in the next decades. That holistic policy must advocate healthier diets and physical exercise, and improved urban planning to reverse the current trend. Source: TH

What Is Superconductivity? What Are the Bose Metals? Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) A Bose Metal? The Experiment Significance Applications There may be some forsaken few who saw the glimmer of a new state of matter meeting neither the perceived classical nor the microscopic rules and potentially on a path to a new physics in condensed matter. Source: TH

Context: The Indian Space and Research Association has announced the second set of scientific data released by ISRO‘s solar observation mission Aditya L1, providing crucial information regarding the Sun’s photosphere, chromosphere, and corona, as well as in situ particle and magnetic field measurements at the first Earth Sun Lagrange Point (L1). The Scientific Journey of Aditya L1 The mission serves as a treasure trove of data for solar parameter studies and helps augment the understanding of solar activity, space weather, and their effect on Earth.

Context: A very large survey has brought out the figure of 6,327 Gangetic dolphins inhabiting the waters of the Ganga and its tributaries, it is the very first standardized assessment of their population. At present, because of varied previous counting methodologies, this number cannot yet indicate trends in population over time. Distribution of Dolphin Population This survey is the first step undertaken in scientific conservation efforts, covering a huge expanse of river stretches that totals 8,507 km. Difficulties in Counting the Dolphins New Survey Methodology Threats of Gangetic Dolphins Roadmap for Conservation in the Future State Wise Dolphin Population With standardized survey methods, simple and focused conservation strategies, India is gearing up for a major leap in the direction of ensuring a favorable future for the Gangetic dolphin, one of the most relevant indicators of river ecosystem health. Source: TH

Context: India launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity C-3, a multi national platform for city to city collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership with the private sector in support of sustainable urban development. Key Objectives of C-3 Prime Minister’s Vision To further strengthen the coalition, he proposed the formation of a working group to develop the structure and operational framework for the coalition. Key Signing of the CITIIS 2.0 Agreement A key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for CITIIS 2.0 was signed at the time of the launch in the city of Jaipur. C-3 will play a very crucial role in making Indian cities sustainable and resource efficient, said Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. 3R and Circular Economy Forum Previous Development A Milestone: The Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023) The launch of C 3 marks a significant step in India’s commitment to sustainability. Through this initiative, India aims to lead global efforts in circular economy practices, ensuring a greener, more resilient urban future. Source: TH

Context: In pursuance of the judgment of the Supreme Court of India, all sacred forests in Rajasthan known as orans were, from December 2024, protected under a High Court order recognising the socio-ecological and cultural significance of orans in T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India. The ruling brought orans under the purview of the biodiversity-related laws, but the issue remains whether formalisation undermines community governance. The meaning of Orans Yet, despite the concern for mere empowerment of communities that the Court expressed, the whole idea of formalisation, as presented, makes one apprehensive: Declare Orans as Forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 Declare Orans as Community Reserves under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Orans may become ‘Common Forest Land’ under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Strengthening Community Led Governance While the Supreme Court’s ruling acknowledged the cultural and ecological significance of orans, the formalization could disturb traditional governance systems.