UPSC PT Pointers

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

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

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

Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) Report

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

Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC)

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

calcium carbide

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

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

Payment Aggregator (PA) and Payment Gateway

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

Ayni Air Base

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

INS Vikrant

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

Hyunmoo-5 missile

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