Astronomers identified the largest known structure in the universe, named Quipu. 

About Quipu Superstructure

• This superstructure has mass of 200 quadrillion solar masses and stretches over 1.3 billion light-years. 
• Superstructures: Extremely large structures containing groups of galaxy clusters and superclusters.

Effects of Superstructures:

• Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): Superstructures cause fluctuations in the CMB (relic radiation from Big Bang).
• Hubble Constant: Superstructures distort accurate measurements of the Universe's expansion rate.
• Distort sky images due to gravitational lensing (GL).
  • GL occurs when a massive object, like a superstructure, bends light from background sources.

Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ₹10,147 crore for ammunition procurement for the Pinaka MLRS

Pinaka MLRS

• Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Type: Pinaka is a "multi-barrel rocket launcher"; Launches 12 rockets in 44 seconds.
• Capability: Offers extended-range precision strikes for artillery operations.
• Range: Pinaka Mk-II rocket has 60 km range
• Significance: Modernises Artillery Rocket Regiments, enhancing long-range strike capability and battlefield effectiveness.
• Export: Armenia became the first export customer for the Pinaka.

Israel follows U.S. in withdrawing from UNHRC, citing bias against Israel.

About UNHRC

• Intergovernmental body of the United Nations for human rights discussions.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Mandate: Promote universal respect for human rights & address violations.
• Established: 2006, replacing the Commission on Human Rights (1946-2006).
• Composition: 47 Member States, elected by the UN General Assembly for 3-year terms. Geographical representation ensures balanced distribution.
• Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Reports: Assess the human rights records of all UN member states.

Scientists have successfully produced 1st kangaroo embryos using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) technology which is expected to help protect marsupial species 

About Marsupials

• Marsupials are a group of mammals with over 330 species. 
• Examples: Koalas, Bandicoots, Wombats, Wallabies, Possums etc
• They are considered a crucial evidence of Continental Drift Theory.
  • Earlier they lived in North America and then migrated to South America, Antarctica, and Australia due to continental drift.
• They generally have a  pouch that is used for housing and nourishing the baby which is born pre-mature due to their short-lived placenta.
  • Not all marsupials have pouches.
• Distribution: Around 2/3rd live in Australia whereas 1/3rd live in South America.

January 2025 was the warmest January on record despite the development of La Niña.

About La Niña

• La Niña (Little Girl in Spanish) is a climate pattern which is opposite to El Niño.
• In La Niña, the Tropical Pacific Trade Winds become very strong resulting in abnormal accumulation of cold water in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
• La Nina impact on Indian Climate
  • Normal to above-normal rainfall during southwest monsoon throughout India.
  • Below-normal temperatures during winters.

Recently, a new water flea species (a crustacean ) of genus  Bryospilus (Indobryospilus) bharaticus has been found in Korigad Fort near Pune.

About Crustaceans

• These are mostly aquatic arthropods with gills for respiration.
• Examples: Crabs, shrimps, lobsters, crayfish, woodlice etc
• Body Segmentation:  It is divided into head, thorax, and abdomen. 
• Habitats: Primarily aquatic, with some semiterrestrial and terrestrial species.
• Ecological Role: Plays Key role in marine food webs linking phytoplankton to fish and whales and also aids in nutrient recycling. 
  • For e.g: Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings

Light pollution threatens the world's largest telescope in Atacama Desert.

About Atacama Desert (Northern Chile, South America)

• It is located between the Andes Mountains and Pacific Ocean.
• Features: It includes salt pans, alluvial fans, dunes, and volcanic cones.
• Climate & Environment: It is one of the driest places on Earth.
• Reason for  Aridity: It is  caused by  Humboldt Current (cold ocean current) flowing off the Pacific Coast
• Importance: It supports astronomical observations due to clear skies.

The Ministry of AYUSH has launched a campaign titled “Shatavari –For Better Health" to increase awareness about Shatavari’s health benefits.

About Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

• Shatavari, meaning “curer of a hundred diseases” 
• It is a medicinal woody climber growing to 1-2 m in height.
• Uses: Dried roots, leaves are used as a drug in Ayurvedic medicine
• Habitat: Low altitudes in shade and in tropical climates.
  • It is spread across Asia, Australia and Africa. 
• Health Benefits: Improves female reproductive health, hormonal balance, ulcer healing effect, promotes vitality and longevity, imparts immunity, treating nervous disorders etc.