Source: IE Context: The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026, released by Germanwatch at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, assesses global human and economic losses from extreme weather events (EWEs) over 1995–2024. The report highlights deepening climate vulnerabilities, especially in the Global South. About the Climate Risk Index (CRI) Key Findings of the CRI 2026 Report India’s Vulnerability According to CRI 2026 Nature of Disasters Affecting India Impacts of Climate Change on India What India Should Do: Key Recommendations

Context: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched an upgraded version of its Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0), along with the Global Passport Seva Programme and the e-passport initiative for citizens in India and abroad. This is part of MEA’s efforts to enhance digital services, simplify processes, and improve user experience. Key Highlights: Additional Details

Source: TH Context: According to the WHO Global TB Report 2025, India has recorded a 21% annual decline in tuberculosis (TB) incidence between 2015 and 2024, nearly double the global average of 12%. This decline is among the highest globally, reflecting India’s robust strategies in TB detection, treatment, and elimination. Key Highlights: What is Tuberculosis (TB)? India’s TB Control Strategies Driving Success Intervention Key Features / Actions Impact / Objective Ni-kshay Digital Ecosystem Real-time case reporting and monitoring through Ni-kshay Portal Improved traceability of patients and medicine delivery Active Case Finding & Community Screening Door-to-door TB screening in high-risk districts; Involvement of ASHAs, local health workers, and TB Champions (cured patients) Early detection of TB cases and enhanced community outreach Strengthened Diagnostics Expansion of CB-NAAT/Truenat molecular tests; Wider availability of chest X-ray and sputum testing units Rapid, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment initiation Drug-Resistant TB Management Adoption of shorter MDR-TB regimens (BPaL, BPaLM); Focus on drug susceptibility testing (DST) Effective management of drug-resistant TB cases Nutrition Support – Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana Monthly ₹500 DBT support to TB patients Improved treatment adherence and nutritional recovery Challenges That Still Remain Government’s Target

Source: TH Context: At the Tribal Business Conclave in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced a significant reduction in the Geographical Indications (GI) tag application fee, from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000, aimed at encouraging tribal artisans to register and protect traditional products. Key Highlights: GI Tags Distributed Geographical Indications (GI) Geographical Indications (GIs) are a type of intellectual property (IP) that identify goods as originating from a specific geographical region, where quality, reputation, or other characteristics are essentially linked to that location. India has over 400 registered GIs, covering agricultural, handicraft, and industrial products. Legal Framework in India

Source: TOI Context: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468.25 hectares (≈314 sq. km.) of the Saranda forest as a wildlife sanctuary, balancing the need for biodiversity protection with sustainable iron ore mining. About Saranda Forest

Source: IE Context: According to the Global Carbon Project, India’s carbon emissions in 2025 are expected to rise slower than previous years, reflecting the impact of favourable monsoon conditions and increased use of renewable energy. The findings were released amid COP30 discussions in Belém, Brazil. Key Highlights:

Context: The HIS 2026, to be conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), is aimed at collecting household income data for the first time in nearly two decades. Unlike consumption surveys, which households are generally comfortable reporting, income data collection faces unique difficulties, particularly because a majority of Indians work in the informal sector and do not file taxes. Understanding income is crucial for evaluating living wages, earnings adequacy, and social protection policies (linked to Article 43 of the Constitution). Key Challenges

Source: TH Context: The India Skills Report 2026 highlights a major shift in India’s labour market, driven by rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation. For the first time in five years, women’s employability has overtaken men, marking a significant change in workforce dynamics. Key Highlights:

Source: PIB Context: The Union Minister of State for Science & Technology launched the Phenome National Conclave on Longitudinal Cohort Studies: Cohort Connect 2025 at CSIR–IMMT, Bhubaneswar.The initiative is part of Phenome India, aimed at building large-scale, India-specific health datasets for precision medicine and long-term disease prediction. Key Highlights:

Context: Indian Railways is deploying an advanced Artificial Intelligence–powered Locking Monitoring System named ‘DRISHTI’ to strengthen freight train security, improve transparency in cargo movement, and reduce manual monitoring challenges. The system automatically detects unlocked, open, or tampered wagon doors in real time, enabling faster response and safer logistics. What is ‘DRISHTI’? Developed By Objectives Key Features