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The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has recently recommended 13 defence and paramilitary projects, most of which are located in the high-altitude protected areas of Ladakh, with one project proposed in Arunachal Pradesh. These recommendations reflect the ongoing need to balance national security requirements with wildlife conservation concerns in ecologically sensitive zones. About the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) The National Board for Wildlife is a
Scientists from the Environment Department of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla have recently revealed that the Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is the most effective natural air purifier for combating rising pollution levels. Their findings highlight the tree’s superior capacity to trap dust, absorb gases, and cleanse the air compared to other common tree species. About the Sal Tree The Sal tree is one of the oldest and strongest tree species found in India. Commonly known as
The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Kachhua Sanctuary, is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. It is recognised as India’s first freshwater turtle wildlife sanctuary, established to conserve endangered turtle species and support the ecological health of the Ganga River. Location and Extent The sanctuary covers a 7 km stretch of the Ganga River, extending from Ramnagar Fort to the Malviya Railway/Road Bridge in Varanasi. This protected riverine ecosystem
Introduction The Government of India is preparing a comprehensive cost roadmap for the textile sector to bring domestic production costs in line with global standards. This initiative comes at a time when India faces increasing competition from textile-exporting countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China. Status of India’s Textile Industry Economic Contribution India’s textile industry plays a crucial role in the national economy. It contributes 2.3% to the GDP,
The international community has convened in Belém, located in the Brazilian state of Pará, for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC. The conference brings together global leaders, negotiators, and experts to advance climate action and review progress under the Paris Agreement. About the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Overview The UNFCCC is the primary global treaty for coordinating international efforts to address cli
The latest Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) Report has stated that India is progressing steadily toward its vision of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047. The report highlights the increasing resilience and inclusiveness of India’s financial system. About the Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) Report The Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) Report is published by the World Bank. It evaluates the strengths, vulnerabilities, and overall performance of a country’s financial s
Recently, scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), in collaboration with NASA, successfully estimated crucial parameters of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) using data from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC). The VELC is one of the key scientific payloads aboard Aditya-L1, India’s first dedicated solar mission. About the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph is the primary payload of the Aditya-L1 Mission, design
The report from Climate Analytics highlights growing concerns about Asia's reliance on Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS) technologies, particularly in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. What is Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS)? CCUS refers to a suite of technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO?) emissions from major industrial sources like power plants, refineries, and factories or to remove CO? directly from the atmosphere. The pr
The recent calcium carbide-related incident in Bhopal, where over 60 people, primarily children, were hospitalized due to injuries from makeshift "calcium carbide guns" during Diwali celebrations, has highlighted the hazardous nature of this substance and its misuse in the community. About Calcium Carbide: Chemical Formula: CaC?. Appearance: It is a grayish-black lump or crystalline powder with a garlic-like odor. Manufacturing: Calcium carbide is produc
Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition that is often misunderstood but is a very real medical issue that affects approximately 2 to 3% of the global population. What is Fibromyalgia? Definition: It is a long-term condition that causes pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues of the body. The pain is often widespread and can occur in areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs. Associated Symptoms: In addition to pain, people with fibromyalgia o
What is a Payment Aggregator (PA)? A Payment Aggregator (PA), also known as a merchant aggregator, is a third-party service provider that enables merchants (businesses) to accept online payments from customers. This service is typically integrated into websites or mobile apps for smooth transaction processing. Functions and Features of Payment Aggregators: Payment Options: PAs provide a variety of payment methods such as debit/credit cards, UPI, bank transfers, e-wallets, and
The Ayni Air Base is a strategic military facility located in Tajikistan, just west of the capital, Dushanbe. India has operated and developed the base since 2002, making it India’s first overseas military facility. Development and Modernization Soviet-Era Facility: The base was originally a neglected Soviet-era airbase before India undertook its modernization. Indian Investment: India invested close to $100 million to upgrade the infrastructure, including the exten
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Deepavali aboard INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously designed and manufactured aircraft carrier. During the occasion, he lauded the Indian Armed Forces for their unity and achievements, particularly highlighting their role in Operation Sindoor, a significant defense operation. About INS Vikrant INS Vikrant is a milestone for India’s defense capabilities, as it is the first aircraft carrier to be designed and built entirely
The ongoing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meetings in Paris are focused on deliberating the issue of state sponsorship of terrorism, particularly regarding how certain states may be involved in financing banned terrorist outfits and their proxies. The discussions are expected to highlight the financing of terrorism and the role of Pakistan in supporting such groups through state sponsorship. About the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) The FATF is an independent intergovernmental
The Hyunmoo-5 missile is a significant development in South Korea’s military capabilities, especially in terms of deterrence against North Korea. The missile is designed to enhance South Korea’s ability to respond to threats without relying on nuclear weapons, as part of its Korean Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) framework. About the Hyunmoo-5 Missile: Developed By: South Korea, as part of its efforts to strengthen conventional military power. Purpos
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), Richard Robson (Australia), and Omar Yaghi (US) for their pioneering work in the creation and development of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), a groundbreaking class of materials with immense potential across multiple industries. 1. Creation of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): Richard Robson: Robson was one of the first scientists to design 3D structures by combining metal ions (e.g.,
A recent study has documented 51 species of herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) in Papikonda National Park. About Papikonda National Park Location: Papikonda National Park is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the most ecologically rich parks in the state, with a diverse array of flora and fauna. Establishment and Area: The park was established in 2008 and spans an area of 1,012.86 square kilometers. It lies along th
A pod of striped dolphins, which are uncommon in Andhra Pradesh's waters, was recently spotted off the coast of Visakhapatnam. This rare sighting has drawn attention from both local and international marine biologists, as striped dolphins are typically found in more temperate and tropical oceans but are not frequently seen in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. About the Striped Dolphin Scientific Name: Stenella coeruleoalba The striped dolphin is a streamlined oceanic dolphin th
A novel monoclonal antibody called MAM01, developed by US researchers, has shown promising results in providing strong protection against malaria in an early clinical trial. About MAM01 Monoclonal Antibody Purpose: MAM01 is specifically designed to prevent malaria infection by targeting a critical protein on the malaria parasite. The antibody targets the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP), which is a key protein found on the surface of the malaria parasite&rs
India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A is set to join the fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a significant milestone in India's indigenous fighter jet program. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas Mk1, designed to improve its operational capabilities, survivability, and maintainability. About Tejas Mk1A The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced variant of the LCA Tejas, an indigenously developed fighter jet b
India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A is set to join the fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a significant milestone in India's indigenous fighter jet program. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas Mk1, designed to improve its operational capabilities, survivability, and maintainability. About Tejas Mk1A The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced variant of the LCA Tejas, an indigenously developed fighter jet b
A novel monoclonal antibody called MAM01, developed by US researchers, has shown promising results in providing strong protection against malaria in an early clinical trial. About MAM01 Monoclonal Antibody Purpose: MAM01 is specifically designed to prevent malaria infection by targeting a critical protein on the malaria parasite. The antibody targets the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP), which is a key protein found on the surface of the malaria parasite&rs
A pod of striped dolphins, which are uncommon in Andhra Pradesh's waters, was recently spotted off the coast of Visakhapatnam. This rare sighting has drawn attention from both local and international marine biologists, as striped dolphins are typically found in more temperate and tropical oceans but are not frequently seen in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. About the Striped Dolphin Scientific Name: Stenella coeruleoalba The striped dolphin is a streamlined oceanic dolphin th
A recent study has documented 51 species of herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) in Papikonda National Park. About Papikonda National Park Location: Papikonda National Park is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the most ecologically rich parks in the state, with a diverse array of flora and fauna. Establishment and Area: The park was established in 2008 and spans an area of 1,012.86 square kilometers. It lies along th
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), Richard Robson (Australia), and Omar Yaghi (US) for their pioneering work in the creation and development of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), a groundbreaking class of materials with immense potential across multiple industries. 1. Creation of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): Richard Robson: Robson was one of the first scientists to design 3D structures by combining metal ions (e.g., copper
The confirmation of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also known as Zombie Deer Disease, in Florida has raised significant concerns among wildlife experts and health authorities. What is Zombie Deer Disease (CWD)? Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a progressive neurological disease that primarily affects deer, elk, moose, and reindeer. It impacts the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe neurological dysfunction. What Causes CWD? CWD is caused by prions, which ar
The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) recently held its 8th session (CCSCH8) successfully in Guwahati, India. This is an important development in the realm of international food standards related to spices and culinary herbs. What is the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH)? Establishment: The committee was established in July 2013 by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) during its 36th meeting in Rome. Role: The primary mandate of t
Recent News: A tigress named Jhumri has played a significant role in reviving the tiger population in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR), according to recent reports from forest officials. About Achanakmar Tiger Reserve Location: District: Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh It is part of the Achanakmar - Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, making it an essential ecological zone in central India. History: The Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1975, and later
The Ministry of Mines has recently released the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI), a tool designed to assess and benchmark the performance of Indian states in the mining sector. The index aims to foster healthy competition among states, accelerate the pace of mining reforms, and promote sustainable resource management. The SMRI 2025 evaluates states based on key parameters related to auction performance, early mine operationalization, exploration focus, and sustainable mining practices, pa
A recent study has highlighted the positive effects of the indigenous rotavirus vaccine in India, showing significant reductions in rotavirus-based gastroenteritis across various sites in the country. This is particularly important as gastroenteritis is a leading cause of illness and death among children, and rotavirus is one of the primary viral causes. What is Gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis refers to the inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. While it is often no
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