Bengaluru-based Astrobase Space Technologies has unveiled EVEREST, an 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX–Methane rocket engine. It represents an important development in India’s private space sector, particularly in the field of advanced propulsion and reusable launch vehicles.

Key Features of EVEREST

The EVEREST engine is designed to produce 800 kN of thrust and has a specific impulse of approximately 340 seconds. It offers a 50–110% throttle range, allowing precise control of engine thrust. The engine is being developed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles.

Full-Flow Staged Combustion Technology

In an FFSC engine, both the fuel and oxidiser pass through separate pre-burners before entering the main combustion chamber. The gases generated in the pre-burners drive the turbopumps and are subsequently directed into the main combustion chamber.

This architecture enables more complete utilisation of propellants and provides high efficiency and performance, making FFSC particularly suitable for reusable launch systems.

LOX–Methane Propulsion

EVEREST uses Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and methane as propellants. Methane provides relatively clean combustion and is considered suitable for engines designed for multiple reuses.

The combination of LOX–methane propulsion and FFSC architecture is therefore aimed at improving the efficiency and reusability of future launch vehicles.

Reusable Launch Vehicle

Astrobase is developing EVEREST as part of a reusable launch system intended to reduce launch costs and turnaround time while providing precise thrust control.

The proposed vehicle architecture targets approximately 3 tonnes of payload to a 500-km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and is designed for Return-to-Launch-Site (RTLS) recovery.

Development Roadmap

Development of EVEREST began in 2024, and its subsystems have already undergone testing. A major milestone planned for 2026 is full-scale engine hot-fire testing at Astrobase’s facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

This is expected to be followed by stage-level testing and vehicle integration. The company plans to manufacture and test around 20 engines before the first orbital flight, which is targeted for 2028.

Government Support

Astrobase has received support through IN-SPACe’s Technology Adoption Fund, which promotes private-sector development of advanced and technically demanding space technologies, including propulsion systems.

Global Significance

According to Astrobase, India would become the fourth country after Russia, the United States and China to develop FFSC technology, while Astrobase describes itself as the fourth commercial company globally developing a high-thrust FFSC engine.

Strategic Significance for India

The successful development and operationalisation of EVEREST could strengthen India's capabilities in reusable launch vehicles, indigenous propulsion and high-frequency launches. It could also reduce dependence on foreign propulsion technologies and enhance India's participation in the global commercial space economy.

World Lion Day is observed annually on 10 August. It was established in 2013 by conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert to raise awareness about lion conservation and declining wild lion populations.

On World Lion Day 2026, India highlighted the remarkable recovery of the Asiatic lion population, which increased from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025. This recovery has been supported by scientific conservation, habitat expansion, prey management and community participation.

Historical Decline and Recovery

The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) historically had a much wider distribution across West Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Overhunting and habitat loss drastically reduced its population, with fewer than 50 lions surviving in the Gir region by the late 1890s.

The princely State of Junagadh played an important early role in protecting the remaining lions. Conservation efforts were subsequently strengthened through the establishment of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and expansion of protected and suitable habitats across Gir, Girnar, Mitiyala, Pania and Barda.

Project Lion

Project Lion, launched on 15 August 2020, follows a landscape-level conservation approach rather than restricting conservation efforts to a single protected area.

It focuses on habitat improvement, disease surveillance, scientific monitoring, radio-collaring, camera trapping, prey management and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. The Gujarat Forest Department leads its implementation.

Expansion of Lion Habitat

Conservation has increasingly expanded beyond protected areas into forests, grasslands, coastal areas and multi-use landscapes. Between 2015 and 2025, the lion distribution range expanded by around 59%, reaching approximately 35,000 sq km across 11 districts of Saurashtra.

The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has emerged as an important additional habitat. Lions, which had been absent from Barda since 1879, were recorded there in increasing numbers, reaching 17 lions by 2025.

Community-Based Conservation

Local communities are an important component of lion conservation in the Greater Gir Landscape. The Gir Gram Samiti initiative, launched in 2019, brings together forest officials and villagers for wildlife protection and human-wildlife conflict management.

Community participation involves honorary wildlife wardens, community leaders, eco-guides and eco-development committees, helping integrate conservation with local livelihoods.

Use of Technology

Modern technology has strengthened scientific monitoring of Asiatic lions. GPS-based tracking is used to monitor lions and vehicles, while radio-collaring enables real-time tracking of individual animals.

SIMBA (Software with Intelligent Marking Based Identification of Asiatic lions) uses AI-based individual identification to improve population monitoring. GIS-based monitoring further supports real-time analysis, reporting and conservation management.

Key Facts about Asiatic Lion

The scientific name of the Asiatic lion is Panthera leo persica. Its only wild population is currently found in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, particularly across the Greater Gir Landscape.

Its habitat includes dry deciduous forests, scrublands, grasslands and open landscapes. The population has also expanded into riverine, coastal and multi-use landscapes.

Unlike African lions, male Asiatic lions are generally solitary or form small coalitions, while females generally form prides consisting of related females and cubs.

Asiatic lions are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, resting during the day in shaded vegetation. Their diet is predominantly carnivorous, with scavenging also contributing to their feeding ecology in the Gir landscape.

Ecological Coexistence

Asiatic lions coexist with Indian leopards and striped hyenas. Differences in habitat use, prey selection and activity patterns help reduce direct competition among these carnivores.

The Maldhari pastoral community has historically coexisted with lions in the Gir landscape, making the region an important example of human-wildlife coexistence.

Major Conservation Challenges

Genetic Bottleneck

The Asiatic lion population originated from a relatively small founder population, resulting in low genetic diversity and inbreeding. This can increase vulnerability to diseases and environmental changes.

Disease Risk

Diseases such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and babesiosis have previously caused lion mortality, highlighting the importance of continuous disease surveillance and veterinary preparedness.

Habitat Saturation

Increasing lion numbers and the limited carrying capacity of parts of Gir have encouraged lions to move into human-dominated landscapes. This can increase human-wildlife conflict and livestock depredation.

Infrastructure Threats

Infrastructure such as open wells, railway lines and roads poses a significant risk of accidental lion deaths across the Greater Gir Landscape.

Significance of Asiatic Lion Conservation

The recovery of the Asiatic lion demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term species protection, habitat management, scientific monitoring and community participation.

The expansion of the lion's range also highlights the importance of landscape-level conservation, where protected areas are connected with surrounding forests, grasslands and other suitable habitats.

For India, conserving the Asiatic lion is therefore not only about increasing population numbers but also about maintaining genetic diversity, habitat connectivity, disease resilience and sustainable human-wildlife coexistence.

Recently, Colombia declared a national state of emergency after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the western part of the country, causing significant loss of life and leaving several people missing or injured. The earthquake was centred near San José del Palmar in Chocó and was described by the Colombian Geological Service as the strongest earthquake in Colombia in the 21st century.

Why is Colombia Highly Earthquake-Prone?

Nazca–South American Plate Convergence

Along Colombia’s Pacific coast, the Nazca Plate converges with and subducts beneath the South American Plate. This process generates substantial tectonic stress and makes western Colombia highly seismically active.

Complex Tectonic Setting

Colombia lies at the interaction zone of the Nazca, South American and Caribbean Plates, along with smaller tectonic blocks. This complex setting produces subduction-zone, crustal and intermediate-depth earthquakes.

Pacific Ring of Fire

Colombia forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a circum-Pacific belt characterised by intense earthquake and volcanic activity resulting mainly from plate convergence and subduction.

Andean Tectonic Activity

The continuing convergence of tectonic plates has caused the uplift and deformation of the Andes, creating numerous faults and zones of accumulated crustal stress across western and central Colombia.

Intermediate-Depth Earthquake

The August 2026 earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 107 km, placing it in the intermediate-focus category (70–300 km). Its depth reflects the complex tectonic environment and the influence of descending oceanic lithosphere.

High Urban Exposure

Cities such as Cali, Bogotá, Medellín, Pereira and Manizales are located within or close to active Andean seismic zones. Therefore, high population concentration increases the potential human and economic impact of earthquakes.

Stress Transfer

Movement along one active fault can redistribute stress within the surrounding crust and potentially influence nearby faults. However, establishing a direct connection between separate earthquakes requires detailed seismological analysis.

Pacific Ring of Fire

About

The Pacific Ring of Fire, also called the Circum-Pacific Belt, is a horseshoe-shaped zone surrounding the Pacific Ocean characterised by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Geographical Extent

The Ring of Fire extends for approximately 40,000 km around the Pacific Ocean and broadly follows the boundaries of several major tectonic plates.

Global Significance

The Ring of Fire is commonly estimated to account for around 90% of the world's earthquakes and approximately 75% of its active volcanoes.

Major Plates

The region involves interactions among the Pacific, Nazca, Cocos, Juan de Fuca, North American, Philippine and Indo-Australian Plates, along with several smaller plates.

Distribution

It extends along the western coasts of North and South America, through Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, and across East and Southeast Asia towards New Zealand.

Major Countries

Important countries associated with the Ring of Fire include Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

Why Does the Ring of Fire Have High Volcanic Activity?

In many parts of the Ring of Fire, one tectonic plate is subducted beneath another. The descending plate contributes to processes that generate magma, which can rise towards the surface and produce volcanic activity.

Why Does the Ring of Fire Have Frequent Earthquakes?

Continuous plate convergence, subduction and fault movement cause tectonic stress to accumulate. Its sudden release produces frequent and sometimes powerful earthquakes.

Colombia: Important Geographical Facts

Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Its extensive eastern tropical grasslands, forming part of the Orinoco Basin, are known as Los Llanos.

Colombia is a megadiverse country. Despite occupying less than 1% of Earth's land area, it is home to nearly 10% of global biodiversity.

Colombia is also a major global centre of coca cultivation and cocaine production and is an important source country for international cocaine trafficking.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), formally known as the Directorate of Enforcement, is a specialised financial investigation and economic intelligence agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It primarily deals with money laundering, foreign exchange violations and fugitive economic offenders under the PMLA, FEMA and FEOA.

Establishment and Evolution

The ED originated in 1956, when an Enforcement Unit was established under the Department of Economic Affairs to investigate foreign exchange violations. In 1957, it was renamed the Enforcement Directorate. Its administrative control shifted to the Department of Revenue in 1960, and except for a brief period between 1973–1977, it has remained under the Ministry of Finance.

Organisational Structure

The ED is headquartered in New Delhi and is headed by the Director of Enforcement. Its organisational network includes regional, zonal and sub-zonal offices across India, allowing it to conduct financial investigations at the national level.

The ED consists of officers drawn from services such as the IRS, IPS and IAS, along with other investigative personnel. The Director is appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of a high-level committee. The normal tenure is two years, which can be extended by one year at a time up to a maximum of five years in public interest.

Major Laws Enforced by ED

Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002

Under the PMLA, the ED investigates money laundering, traces the proceeds of crime, and can provisionally attach properties derived from such proceeds. Prosecution is conducted before the designated Special Courts.

Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999

FEMA is primarily a civil law dealing with foreign exchange management and external payments. The ED investigates violations and can impose monetary penalties according to the law.

Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018

The FEOA targets major economic offenders who leave India to avoid criminal prosecution. The ED can initiate proceedings for the attachment and confiscation of their properties.

COFEPOSA, 1974

The Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act provides for preventive detention in specified cases involving activities affecting foreign exchange and smuggling.

Major Functions and Powers

The ED investigates money laundering, foreign exchange violations, financial fraud and other economic offences within its statutory jurisdiction. It can conduct searches, seizures, arrests, property attachment and summons under the relevant laws.

It also works with agencies such as the CBI, Income Tax Department and Customs authorities to investigate complex financial crimes and trace illicit financial flows.

Importance of ED

The ED helps protect India's financial integrity by detecting and investigating economic offences. By tracing and recovering illicit assets, it can prevent criminals from benefiting from proceeds of crime.

Effective enforcement also supports investor confidence, fair competition, economic stability and transparency. Since financial crimes increasingly involve international transactions, ED's cooperation with foreign agencies is also important in tackling cross-border money laundering and economic offences.

Criticism and Challenges

The ED has faced criticism over allegations of political misuse and selective targeting, particularly in cases involving political opponents. Concerns have also been raised regarding transparency, prolonged investigations, procedural safeguards and low conviction rates.

Frequent searches and investigations can also create concerns regarding the business environment and investor confidence if enforcement is perceived as excessive or unpredictable.

Way Forward

The effectiveness of the ED can be strengthened through greater institutional accountability, transparency and operational independence. Clearer procedures, timely completion of investigations and stronger coordination with other enforcement agencies can improve outcomes.

At the same time, reforms should maintain a balance between strong action against financial crimes and protection of due process and individual rights. Greater transparency regarding investigative procedures and appropriate judicial oversight can help strengthen public trust in the agency

The Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 was jointly released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It provides a comprehensive assessment of the global cancer burden, regional trends, healthcare preparedness, access to treatment and policy responses. The report promotes a people-centred approach covering cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship and palliative care.

Global Cancer Burden

Cancer is an increasingly important global public health and development challenge. Around 20.6 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths occur every year, making cancer the second leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular diseases. Without stronger prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, annual cancer cases could rise to nearly 35 million by 2050.

Asia accounts for more than half of global cancer cases and deaths, while lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Among men, lung, prostate and colorectal cancers are major contributors, while breast, lung and colorectal cancers account for a high proportion of the cancer burden among women.

Inequality in Cancer Care

The report highlights significant global inequalities in cancer prevention and treatment. Fewer than one-third of countries currently provide comprehensive cancer care under Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The availability of the 20 priority cancer medicines is also much lower in low- and lower-middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

There has nevertheless been progress in cancer governance. Around 82% of countries now have National Cancer Control Plans, compared with only 50% in 2010. However, implementation remains constrained by limited finance, inadequate infrastructure and shortages of trained healthcare professionals.

Major Causes of Rising Cancer Cases

Demographic and Lifestyle Factors

The rising cancer burden is driven by population ageing, tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, obesity and physical inactivity. Rapid urbanisation and changing lifestyles have further increased exposure to behavioural risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases.

Infections and Environmental Factors

Infections such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Helicobacter pylori continue to contribute significantly to cancer incidence. Increasing exposure to air pollution and other environmental carcinogens is also adding to the cancer burden.

Importantly, nearly four in ten cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors, highlighting the importance of stronger preventive healthcare and health-promotion measures.

Impact of the Rising Cancer Burden

The growing cancer burden places increasing pressure on healthcare systems, particularly by increasing demand for diagnostic facilities, oncology specialists, treatment centres and palliative care. High treatment costs and productivity losses can also create serious economic hardship for patients and families.

Cancer also has major social and developmental consequences, including emotional stress, caregiver burden and reduced quality of life. Unequal access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment further widens health inequalities and threatens progress towards Universal Health Coverage and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Cancer Burden in India

India is experiencing a steady rise in cancer cases, making cancer one of the country's major public health challenges. India records around 15.6 lakh new cancer cases and nearly 8.7 lakh cancer deaths every year.

Among Indian women, breast cancer is the most common cancer, while oral cancer is the leading cancer among men, largely associated with widespread tobacco use. Other important cancers include lung, cervical, oesophageal, stomach and colorectal cancers.

The North-Eastern States, particularly Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, record high cancer incidence rates, especially for tobacco-related cancers. A major concern is late diagnosis, with around 60–70% of patients reportedly diagnosed at advanced stages, which reduces survival and increases treatment costs.

Government Initiatives in India

India has adopted a multi-dimensional approach to cancer control, focusing on prevention, early detection, affordable treatment and healthcare infrastructure. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) supports screening and early detection, while Tertiary Care Cancer Centres are being expanded to improve access to specialised treatment.

Financial protection is strengthened through Ayushman Bharat–PM-JAY, while affordable medicines are made available through Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT Pharmacies. The government has also provided customs duty exemptions on several life-saving cancer medicines.

Major Challenges in Cancer Control

Late Diagnosis and Weak Surveillance

Late diagnosis remains a major challenge because of low awareness, inadequate screening and delayed health-seeking behaviour. In addition, inadequate cancer surveillance and gaps in death registration and cause-of-death certification affect accurate estimation of the disease burden.

Unequal Healthcare Access

Specialised doctors, diagnostic facilities and advanced cancer treatment remain concentrated largely in urban centres, creating significant regional disparities in cancer care. High treatment and long-term care costs further increase the financial burden on households.

Infrastructure and Workforce Gaps

Shortages of oncology specialists, cancer centres, diagnostic facilities and essential medicines continue to affect cancer control, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The rising number of patients is placing additional pressure on healthcare infrastructure, workforce and public health financing.

Key Recommendations

The report emphasises stronger cancer prevention through tobacco and alcohol control, healthy diets, physical activity, HPV and Hepatitis B vaccination, and reduced exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens.

It recommends expanding cancer screening and early detection, improving diagnostic and pathology services, and integrating comprehensive cancer care into Universal Health Coverage to ensure affordable diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and essential medicines.

Countries should also invest in oncology infrastructure, trained healthcare professionals, cancer surveillance, registries, research and innovation. A people-centred approach should provide financial protection, mental-health and psychosocial support, recognise caregivers and involve cancer survivors in policymaking.