India successfully test-fired an advanced Agni missile, marking a significant milestone in its strategic capability. The missile is designed to deploy multiple payloads to separate targets simultaneously, utilizing Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The test, conducted from A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, was overseen by the Defence Ministry. This enhances India's defence preparedness and demonstrates its ability to target multiple strategic locations with a single missile system, reinforcing its position among global powers and adding an incredible capability to the country's defence.
India successfully test-fired an advanced Agni missile capable of deploying multiple warheads simultaneously.
The missile utilizes Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
The test was conducted from A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
Exam Points
The missile tested is an advanced Agni missile.
It uses Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
The test was conducted from A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
The Central government has operationalized the four Labour Codes by publishing the final rules, which were previously in draft form in December 2025. This move aims to replace 29 existing labour laws, covering wages, social security, working hours, retirement benefits, and trade union rights. However, the decision has met with strong opposition from central trade unions, who view it as a "direct attack" on workers' rights. They argue that the codes favour employers and undermine workers' protections, leading to protests and calls for amendments, highlighting a significant divide between government policy and labour advocacy.
The Central government has operationalized four Labour Codes by publishing final rules.
These codes aim to consolidate and replace 29 existing labour laws.
The operationalization covers aspects like wages, social security, working hours, and trade union rights.
A recent study reveals an "alarming gap" in biodiversity within the Western Ghats, with researchers documenting only about 65% of historically recorded dragonfly and damselfly species. This indicates a potential loss of nearly 35% of these ecologically critical insects. The study, conducted across 144 sites in five states, recorded 143 odonata species. These insects are crucial "indicator taxa" for the ecological health of water bodies. Multiple threats like infrastructure development, pollution, climate change, and land-use changes are fragmenting and degrading these ecosystems, leading to species loss and highlighting significant gaps in scientific understanding.
A study found a significant shortfall of nearly 35% of historically recorded dragonfly and damselfly species in the Western Ghats.
These insects, known as odonata, are vital "indicator taxa" for the health of freshwater ecosystems.
The study surveyed 144 sites across five states, recording 143 odonata species, including 40 endemic to the Western Ghats.
Exam Points
The study recorded 143 odonata species (76 dragonflies, 67 damselflies).
40 of the recorded species were endemic to the Western Ghats.
The study was carried out across 144 sites in Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Gujarat.
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have significantly reduced their stake in Indian equities, reaching a nearly 14-year low of 14.7% (down from 19.9% a decade ago). This decline is attributed to sustained foreign selling, with FPIs being net sellers in four of the five trading sessions during the week ended May 8, resulting in total equity outflows of ₹14,207.20 crore. In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) have increased their holdings to 18.9%, surpassing FPIs for the first time since December 2024. Analysts suggest India's underperformance in attracting foreign flows is partly structural, indicating FIIs do not find India as attractive from an allocation perspective compared to other emerging markets.
FPIs' ownership in Indian equities has fallen to a 14-year low of 14.7%.
Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) now hold 18.9% of Indian equities, surpassing FPIs.
FPIs were net sellers for most of the week, leading to significant equity outflows.
Exam Points
FPI ownership in Indian equities dropped to 14.7%.
The article discusses the Governor's critical role when no single party secures a clear majority in state elections, leading to a hung assembly. The Governor, as the constitutional head, invites the largest party or pre-poll alliance to form the government, but discretion is involved. Precedents and Supreme Court judgments emphasize that the Governor must act judiciously, ensuring stability and adhering to constitutional propriety. Key issues include the timing of inviting parties, the floor test, and the formation of post-poll alliances. The Sarkaria Commission and the Punchhi Commission have provided recommendations to guide the Governor's actions in such scenarios, stressing the need for transparency and fairness.
In a hung assembly, the Governor's role is crucial in inviting parties to form a government.
The Governor's discretion must be exercised judiciously, guided by constitutional provisions and precedents.
The largest single party or pre-poll alliance is usually invited first, but post-poll alliances can also be considered.
Exam Points
Article 164(1) of the Constitution states the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor.
The Sarkaria Commission (1988) recommended inviting a pre-poll alliance first.
The Punchhi Commission (2010) also provided recommendations on Governor's role.
Hantavirus is drawing global attention due to its potential for outbreaks, as highlighted by a recent incident on an expedition cruise ship. The virus, carried by rodents (rats and mice), can spread to humans through contact with infected animal droppings, urine, or saliva, or by inhaling aerosolized virus particles. It causes severe respiratory illnesses like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which can be fatal. There is no specific antiviral cure or approved vaccine, making early diagnosis and supportive medical care crucial. Public health agencies worldwide are monitoring and coordinating efforts to prevent its spread.
Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease primarily spread to humans from rodents like rats and mice.
Transmission occurs through contact with infected animal droppings, urine, saliva, or inhalation of aerosolized virus particles.
The virus can cause severe illnesses such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
Exam Points
Hantavirus is carried by rodents (rats and mice).
It can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
The WHO does not currently classify hantavirus as easily spread between humans like SARS-CoV-2.
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