What is EMALS? Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is an advanced aircraft launch technology used on modern aircraft carriers to launch fighter jets using electromagnetic force instead of steam-powered catapults. It enables smoother, more controlled, and energy-efficient aircraft launches from carrier decks. How EMALS Works Key Components Advantages Over Steam Catapults Strategic and Operational Significance Countries Using or Developing EMALS Industrial and Technological Aspect Challenges and Limitations Relevance for India
Western Ghats
They are one of the most ecologically significant regions of India. They extend along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau and play a decisive role in monsoon regulation, river systems, biodiversity conservation, and climate stability. They stretch across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, covering nearly 160,000 sq km, and support millions of people through water, forests, agriculture, and ecosystem services. Location and Extent Geological Formation The Western Ghats are among the oldest mountain systems in India and have a tectonic origin. Major Divisions The Western Ghats are commonly divided into three broad sections based on relief, climate, and vegetation. Northern Western Ghats Central Western Ghats Southern Western Ghats Important Mountain Ranges and Peaks River Systems The Western Ghats are the primary water divide of Peninsular India, giving rise to both west-flowing and east-flowing rivers. West-Flowing Rivers East-Flowing Rivers Climate and Environmental Role Biodiversity The Western Ghats are one of the world’s most important biodiversity regions. Significance Major Challenges Conservation Efforts
Methane
What is Methane? Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas that has contributed to around 30% of global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution. Its atmospheric concentration today is about 2.5 times higher than pre-industrial levels and is increasing faster than most other greenhouse gases. Despite having a short atmospheric lifetime of around 10 years, methane has a very high warming impact, making near-term climate mitigation highly sensitive to methane reductions. According to the Global Methane Tracker 2025 released by the , the energy sector emitted about 145 million tonnes (Mt) of methane in 2024. Oil and gas operations alone accounted for over 80 Mt, highlighting methane as a critical climate challenge beyond carbon dioxide. Key Characteristics of Methane Major Sources of Methane Emissions Anthropogenic Sources The three largest human-driven sources are: The energy sector alone contributes more than 35% of global human-induced methane emissions. Methane Emissions from the Energy Sector Within the energy system, emissions arise from extraction, processing, transport, and end-use leakage. Natural Sources Natural methane emissions mainly come from: Climate change itself risks amplifying natural methane release, creating feedback loops. Mitigation Potential The IEA highlights that methane is one of the easiest greenhouse gases to reduce: Many of these measures are low-cost or even cost-saving, as captured methane can be sold as fuel. Major Methane-Emitting Countries Top emitters from fossil fuel operations include: Global Efforts to Reduce Methane
Southern Transitional Council (STC)
It is a political and military organisation based in southern Yemen. It seeks autonomy or full independence for South Yemen, reviving the territorial identity that existed before Yemen’s unification in 1990. Formation and Background Political Objective Territorial Control Military Wing and Capabilities External Support Role in the Yemen Conflict Strategic Importance
Venezuela Geography and Oil – UPSC GS-1 Notes
Venezuela
Heavy Oil WTI Brent – UPSC Energy GS-3
Venezuela crisis unlikely to impact India’s energy security Context Key Points Definitions
Nanobots in Cancer Therapy – UPSC Science GS-3
Context Nanobots Working Mechanism
India Disaster Losses – UPSC Economy GS-3
Chart 4: Average Annual Loss • India loses approximately 0.4% of its GDP annually due to disasters. Loss Drivers • Hydrological disasters such as floods and landslides constitute the largest share.• Meteorological events such as cyclones and heatwaves are significant contributors.• India’s disaster-related losses are higher than those of many ASEAN countries.
Yemen Saudi STC Tensions – UPSC IR GS-2
Notifiable Diseases – UPSC Health GS-2
Context • The Delhi government plans to declare rabies a notifiable disease to strengthen surveillance and prevent deaths.• The decision follows Supreme Court directions after taking cognisance of rabies deaths linked to stray dog bites.• Mandatory reporting by all public and private health facilities is expected to ensure early detection and timely treatment.• The stated aim is to achieve zero human deaths from rabies in Delhi.• Measures include improved vaccination availability, systematic reporting of bite cases, and coordination between human and animal health systems under the One Health approach. What is a Notifiable Disease? • A notifiable disease is one that must be mandatorily reported to government health authorities upon diagnosis. Purpose • To track disease trends• To enable rapid public health response• To prevent outbreaks and fatalities Examples in India • Tuberculosis• Cholera• COVID-19 (earlier)• Plague (state-specific lists)
