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The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) is a major new initiative by the Indian government aimed at transforming the agricultural sector, especially in regions facing significant challenges. Key Points of PMDDKY: Launch and Budget: The scheme was launched recently alongside the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses. Total outlay: ?35,440 crore for both initiatives. Annual budget: ?24,000 crore over six years (2025-26 to 2030-31), w

Green Sea Turtle

The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) has recently seen a positive shift in its IUCN Red List status. Previously classified as Endangered, the species' status has improved to Least Concern due to sustained conservation efforts. Key Facts About the Green Sea Turtle: Largest Hard-Shelled Sea Turtle: The Green Sea Turtle holds the title of the largest hard-shelled sea turtle species. Diet and Feeding Habits: Juvenile Diet: Carnivorous (feeding on invertebra

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board

The recent move by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to invite stakeholder and consumer comments on an LPG interoperability framework is an innovative step in improving the convenience and accessibility of LPG refills for consumers. If implemented, this framework would allow households to draw LPG refills from distributors of other PSU oil companies, much like the concept of mobile number portability (MNP), enhancing competition and consumer choice. About the Petroleu

Wassenaar Arrangement

The recent protests against Microsoft over allegations that its Azure cloud services were used to support Israeli military operations, and the concerns about the Wassenaar Arrangement’s export control framework, highlight the growing ethical, legal, and security challenges in regulating dual-use technologies. What is the Wassenaar Arrangement? The Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) is a multilateral export control regime designed to regulate the international trade of sensitive dual-use te

31 October, 2025
International treaties and conventions
Nuclear weapons
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IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas

The IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) plays a pivotal role in global conservation efforts. Recently, the Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve received the Kenton R. Miller Award, highlighting the park's exemplary contribution to conservation and protected area management. About IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA): The WCPA is one of the six technical commissions of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global

Payments Regulatory Board

The establishment of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) marks a significant step in strengthening the governance and oversight of India’s payment systems. Composition of the PRB: Chair: The RBI Governor will chair the PRB, which aligns with the central role the RBI plays in regulating and supervising the country’s payment systems. RBI Members: Two additional RBI representatives, including the Deputy Governor and the Executiv