1. Which country contributed most to the global emissions rise in early 2025?
Notes: In early 2025, the United States contributed the most to the global emissions rise, accounting for over half the increase in fossil fuel emissions, with a 1.43% rise (48.57 million tonnes CO2e) in the first half of 2025, mainly due to increased reliance on oil, gas, and coal.
2. What is Japan’s targeted defense spending as a percentage of GDP by 2027?
Notes: Japan aims to raise defense spending to around 2% of GDP by 2027, doubling from around 1% in 2022, as part of a five-year military build-up in response to regional challenges, especially from China and North Korea.
3. Why did global GHG emissions rise in early 2025 despite lower power sector emissions?
Notes: Climate TRACE reported that global GHG emissions rose by 0.13% in H1 2025 to 31 BtCO₂e, despite a decline in worldwide power sector emissions. The biggest driver was a 1.5% rise in fossil fuel operations, adding 77.65 million tonnes CO₂e, with the U.S. contributing more than half. India’s emissions rose slightly (+0.21%, 4.44 MtCO₂e), while its power sector emissions fell by 0.8%. The findings underscore that global dependence on fossil fuels is offsetting progress from renewables. The ICJ recently warned that failure to curb fossil fuel reliance could be deemed an “internationally wrongful act.”
4. Which state government has launched a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Shree Anna Abhiyan (SAA) to conserve landraces?
Notes: Odisha launched a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Shree Anna Abhiyan (SAA) to conserve landraces and empower smallholder farmers. Landraces are genetically diverse traditional seed varieties adapted to local conditions with traits like pest resistance and climate resilience. The SOP bridges the gap between formal seed systems and community-led traditional seed systems. It expands beyond millets to include pulses, cereals, and tubers. Surveys will identify valuable landraces based on farmers’ knowledge and scientific traits.
5. The silver-backed chevrotain (Mouse Deer) was recently rediscovered in which country after 30 years?
Notes: A tiny animal called the silver-backed chevrotain, or two-tone mouse deer, was rediscovered in a Vietnamese forest after being lost for nearly 30 years. It was captured on camera using trap cameras by scientists from Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC). The chevrotain is a rabbit-sized hoofed mammal with a russet head, silver-grey body, and white rear end. Mouse Deer live in dense tropical forests across South and Southeast Asia like India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Mouse Deer are mainly herbivores, feeding on fruits, leaves, and soft plants.
