Economy
Rupee depreciation:
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- Rupee depreciation means a fall in the value of the Indian Rupee against foreign currencies (mainly the US dollar).
- Occurs under a market-determined exchange rate system due to demand–supply of forex.
- Major causes:
- High trade/current account deficit
- Rising crude oil prices
- Capital outflows (FPIs)
- Global monetary tightening (e.g., US Fed rate hikes)
- Impacts:
- Makes exports cheaper and imports costlier
- Increases imported inflation (fuel, fertilizers)
- Raises burden of external debt repayment
- RBI role:
- Does not target a fixed exchange rate
- Intervenes to reduce excessive volatility, not to stop depreciation permanently.
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Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment
Inhalable microplastics:
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- Inhalable microplastics are plastic particles <10 micrometres (PM₁₀ range) that can be breathed into the respiratory system.
- Sources include synthetic textiles (fibres), tyre wear, plastic waste degradation, and urban dust.
- Found in indoor and outdoor air, especially in urban and industrial areas.
- Health concerns: lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential to act as carriers of toxic chemicals and pathogens.
- Linked with the broader issue of air pollution, plastic pollution, and One Health approach.
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Science & Technology
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
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- The wisdom teeth are the third molars that sit at the very back of the jaw. They usually start forming in the teens and try to erupt in the late teens to the mid-20s, hence the name “wisdom”. We have wisdom teeth because of our ancestors, whose lives demanded more chewing to get through.
- For most stretches of their evolution, humans’ diets were tougher and grittier, including uncooked plants, fibrous roots, meat unsoftened by modern tools, and nuts and seeds.
- So, chewing them led to more cavities and cracks (relative to today) and wore teeth down faster.
- Having an ‘extra set’ of grinding teeth could help adult humans keep eating well into midlife before experiencing discomfort.
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Defence & Security
Apache helicopters:
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- Context: The Indian Army received the final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing its six-unit fleet at the 451 Army Aviation Squadron based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- AH-64 Apache is an advanced attack helicopter developed by Boeing (USA).
- India inducted AH-64E Apache Guardian variant for the Indian Air Force and later for the Indian Army.
- Designed primarily for close air support, anti-tank warfare, and armed reconnaissance.
- Equipped with Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, 30-mm chain gun, and Longbow radar.
- Operates effectively in day/night and all-weather conditions, including high-altitude areas.
- Inducted via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route from the US.
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Important data/facts
Geography & Environment
Global economic losses from natural disasters in 2025:
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- Natural disasters caused an estimated $220 billion in global economic losses in 2025, according to reinsurer Swiss Re.
- This marks a 33% decline compared to the previous year, mainly due to a much milder North Atlantic hurricane season.
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Miscellaneous
PM honoured with Ethiopia’s highest award:
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- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Ethiopia’s highest award ‘The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.
- The award was to honour Mr. Modi’s role in strengthening India-Ethiopia ties, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
- India and Ethiopia also elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, after the leaders discussed issues of bilateral interest.
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