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The Smooth-Coated Otters have recently been in the news following the arrival of a pair at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi from Surat, marking a rare animal exchange after 20 years. This development is significant for both conservation efforts and the public’s awareness of this vulnerable species. About Smooth-Coated Otters Scientific Classification: The smooth-coated otter is the only extant representative of the genus Lutrogale. Distribution G

Tato-II Hydroelectric Project

The Tato-II Hydroelectric Project has been in the news recently with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approving an investment proposal of ?8,146.21 crore for its construction in Arunachal Pradesh. Key Details of the Tato-II Hydroelectric Project Capacity: The project will have an installed capacity of 700 MW. Location: The project is planned on the Siyom River (also known as the Siyom Basin) in Shi Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh. Type: It is a ru

24 August, 2025
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Orbiting Carbon Observatories

The Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCO) Program is a significant initiative by NASA, focusing on monitoring atmospheric CO? levels from space to better understand climate change. However, recent developments have seen the Trump administration requesting the shutdown of this important program. About the OCO Program The OCO program is a series of dedicated Earth remote sensing satellites specifically designed to observe atmospheric CO?, one of the main greenhouse gases contributing to cl

Cess

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has reported that, as of 2023-24, the Central Government has failed to transfer ?3.69 lakh crore worth of cess collections to the relevant funds for which the cess was implemented. About Cess A cess is a form of additional tax levied by the government for a specific purpose. It's different from regular taxes like excise duties or income tax, as it is a supplementary charge added on top of existing taxes. Key Points about Cess:

Semiconductor Mission

The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has recently approved four additional semiconductor manufacturing projects in the states of Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh. This is part of the government's push to strengthen India's position in the global electronics and semiconductor manufacturing industry. About the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) Establishment: ISM is a specialized institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), functioning