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Latest News A 12-year-old tigress, which was sick and found roaming near the forest boundary in the Singara forest range of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, died recently. About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) Location: Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, covering 321 sq. km. Geographical Significance: Located at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Part of: Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve — the first biosphere reserve in India. Bou
Latest News More than 500,000 people in Gaza are trapped in famine, according to the latest IPC analysis. This crisis is characterized by widespread starvation, destitution, and preventable deaths. What is Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)? An independent global system funded by Western countries, widely recognized as the principal tool for measuring hunger crises worldwide. Established to raise early warnings to prevent famine and mass sta
Latest News A social group recently organized a march with members of the Matua community in Habra, North 24-Parganas, West Bengal. The protest was against the proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengal, which the community fears may affect their voting rights. About the Matua Community The Matua community is a marginalized Hindu sect with a strong socio-religious identity in Bengal, especially in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
Latest News INS Kadmatt recently completed a three-day port call at Surabaya, Indonesia, strengthening maritime ties between India and Indonesia. About INS Kadmatt An indigenous stealth anti-submarine warfare corvette built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (Kolkata) under Project 28. Second of four such corvettes for the Indian Navy. Commissioned in January 2016 and inducted into the Eastern Naval Command. Named after Kadmat Island
Latest News Indranil Bhattacharyya, Executive Director at RBI, has been appointed as a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). What is the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? Role: The MPC is responsible for deciding the key policy interest rate (repo rate) that controls inflation to ensure price stability while supporting economic growth. Legal Basis: Set up under Section 45ZB of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, amended in 2016 to incorporate a flex
The Delhi Legislative Assembly recently held a two-day conference titled ‘Vithalbhai Patel: His Role in Shaping India's Constitution and Legislative Institutions’ in New Delhi. The conference highlighted Vithalbhai Patel’s contributions to India’s constitutional and legislative framework. About Vithalbhai Patel Born: 27 September 1873 Relation: Elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Political Career:
Latest News A 12-year-old girl with Bloom Syndrome recently underwent a bone marrow transplant using stem cells from her younger brother at a private hospital in Chennai. This treatment aims to address some of the complications associated with the disorder. About Bloom Syndrome (BSyn) Definition: A rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the BLM gene, which codes for a protein crucial for DNA structure maintenance and repair. Impact of Mutation:
Latest News DRDO successfully conducted first flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), a multi-layered air defence system designed to protect Indian armed forces from aerial threats. About Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) Purpose: Multi-layered defence to protect against aerial attacks, combining missile and directed energy technologies. Components: Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM) – Develo
The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve became India’s second-biggest tiger reserve after the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) approved West Bengal’s proposal to expand its area. About Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Location Situated in the coastal districts of West Bengal. Lies at the southernmost part of the lower Gangetic delta, bordering the Bay of Bengal. Part of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganga
A rare sighting of a Lesser Flamingo (Raj Hamsa) near Fish Mill, Malpe has excited bird lovers and ornithologists. About Lesser Flamingo Scientific Name: Phoeniconaias minor The smallest and most numerous flamingo species worldwide. Native to sub-Saharan Africa and western India; occasional vagrants spotted further north. Prefers highly alkaline or saline lakes, lagoons, and mudflats. Key Features Bright pink plumage, long thin
The national capital is witnessing a significant rise in HFMD cases, especially among children. This has caused concern among parents and healthcare providers due to the rapid spread in schools and daycare centers. What is HFMD? HFMD is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and young children, though adults with weak immune systems can also be affected. It is caused mostly by the Coxsackie virus A16. Transmission and Spread
Latest News India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of AIBD during the 23rd AIBD General Conference held in Phuket, Thailand. This marks an important leadership role for India in the regional electronic media development sector. About AIBD Established in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO. It is a unique regional inter-governmental organisation serving countries under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and
Recent Incident Fear Among Villagers: In Bhati Ki Bagchi, on the edge of the reserve, villagers are fearful because a tigress named RBT-2507, recently released back into the wild, has been frequently seen near human settlements. Location and Geography Region: Southeastern Rajasthan, specifically in the Bundi district. Geological Elements: The reserve represents both Vindhyan and Aravalli geological elements. Area: Core area: 481.91 sq. km
India has extended privileges and immunities to IBCA and its officials under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, facilitating its smooth functioning and diplomatic status in India. About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) 1. Establishment Launched in April 2023 to mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. A treaty-based inter-governmental organisation focused on conservation of seven major big cat species globally. 2. Cover
Vietnam has significantly expanded island-building activities in parts of the Spratly Islands it claims. According to a recent U.S. think tank report, Vietnam’s construction efforts are expected to match or even surpass China’s scale of land reclamation and infrastructure development in the area. About the Spratly Islands Location: South China Sea, north of insular Malaysia, roughly between Vietnam and the Philippines. Geographical Spread: C
The Indian government recently launched a 15-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme under the SMILE scheme. Objective: To empower transgender persons economically and make them self-reliant through skill-building and entrepreneurship. About SMILE Scheme SMILE stands for Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise. It is a Central Sector Scheme with two main sub-schemes: Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Perso
Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted recently, sending lava fountains up to 30 meters high. This is the 31st eruption since December 2024, continuing its active phase. About Kilauea Volcano One of the world’s most active volcanoes. Located in the southeastern part of the Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii state, USA). It is a shield volcano, characterized by broad, gentle slopes formed by fluid lava flows. Height: 4,090 feet (1,250 meters).
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) recently issued a show cause notice to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS). The notice asks CSDS to disclose the source of funding for its studies related to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and the Maharashtra Assembly polls. About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) The ICSSR is the apex body of the Government of India for research in the social and hum
The Union and State Governments have yet to include Huntington's Disease (HD) in the rare disease category under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, a demand that was raised by patients and caregivers in 2024.. About Huntington's Disease (HD) Huntington's Disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects the brain cells. It is a progressive disease, meaning its symptoms worsen over time. HD is inherited, which means that it can be passed down f
The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, recently hosted the first-ever races in rowing, kayaking, and canoeing as part of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival.. About Dal Lake Location: Dal Lake is a mid-altitude urban lake located in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains and is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir. Significance: Often referred to as the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir”
A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 recently struck the Drake Passage, triggering a brief tsunami alert. The quake’s epicenter was located in this turbulent waterway between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica. About Drake Passage The Drake Passage lies between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Named after Sir Francis Drake, the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. It is a deep, wide
In response to increasing complaints from locals regarding the misbehavior of foreign visitors, police on Jeju Island in South Korea have taken proactive measures by printing a special type of multilingual notice. About Jeju Island Jejudo, commonly known as Jeju Island, is a renowned volcanic island located in South Korea. Below are some essential details about Jeju Island: Geographical Location: Jeju Island is situated about 130 km off the southern coast of the Korean P
Recently, Exercise Samanvay Shakti 2025 was inaugurated in Laipuli, located in the Tinsukia district of Assam. This exercise is a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and various state officials from Assam and Manipur to foster efficient cooperation and mutual understanding among diverse stakeholders involved in security and civil administration. About Exercise Samanvay Shakti Exercise Samanvay Shakti is a military-civil integration exercise designed to strengthen the cooperati
Recently, seaweed farming has gained attention as a potential Blue Carbon strategy, but empirical estimates of carbon burial from such farms are still lacking in scientific literature About Blue Carbon Blue Carbon refers to the organic carbon captured and stored by the ocean in vegetated coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, saltmarshes, and seagrass meadows. These ecosystems play a critical role in the global carbon cycle and contribute significantly to mitigating climate chang
SRVAs are accounts opened by foreign entities with Indian banks that allow international trade transactions to be settled in Indian Rupees (INR) rather than traditional global currencies like the US dollar or Euro. Purpose: The primary purpose of SRVAs is to facilitate the settlement of trade transactions between Indian and foreign entities directly in INR, without needing to convert the currency into a widely used global currency like the USD. Background: SRVAs were introduced in
Recently, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a constituent body of the Quality Council of India (QCI), launched its new Medical Application Portal. About the Quality Council of India (QCI) The Quality Council of India (QCI) is a non-profit, autonomous organization established in 1997 under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. The QCI was jointly set up by: The Government of India and The Indian industry, represented by three pro
Recently, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police arrested a 49-year-old contractor in connection with the multi-crore Mithi River desilting fraud. The scam has resulted in significant financial losses, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) losing over ?65 crore. This fraud involves the mismanagement and fraudulent practices related to the desilting operations of the Mithi River, a vital watercourse that flows through Mumbai. About Mithi River The Mithi Ri
A cess is an additional tax imposed by the Government of India for a specific purpose, as authorized under Article 270 of the Indian Constitution. It is levied on top of existing taxes or duties listed in the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Key Features of a Cess: Specific Purpose: Cess is distinct from regular taxes in that it is earmarked for a specific purpose. The purpose must be clearly stated in the law imposing the cess and should be a Union pu
The Krishna River basin is currently facing a flood-like situation as continuous heavy rainfall in the region has led to rising water levels, creating widespread concern. About the Krishna River The Krishna River is one of India's longest and most significant rivers, spanning across the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Key Facts: Length: The river has a total course of about 1,290 km (800 miles). Source: It originates from the Western Gha
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently introduced the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI), outlining 7 guiding sutras for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the financial sector. These principles aim to ensure AI innovation is balanced with risk mitigation, emphasizing accountability, fairness, and trust. RBI’s 7 Sutras for AI Adoption Trust is the Foundation: AI systems must be reliable, transparent, an
The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme, which was introduced by the Ministry of Law & Justice under the Nirbhaya Fund, is an initiative aimed at expediting the trial of rape and child sexual abuse cases, particularly under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Key Features of the Fast Track Special Courts Scheme Centrally Sponsored Scheme: The FTSCs are funded by the Nirbhaya Fund, which was established to enhance women’s safety and supp
Recently, the proceedings of Chamber 1 in Kerala High Court were disrupted due to a foul stench caused by an Asian Palm Civet. This unusual incident brought attention to this nocturnal mammal and its presence even in urban or human-dominated areas. About Asian Palm Civet Also known as Toddy Cat or Common Palm Civet. Scientific Name: Paradoxurus hermaphroditus. It is a small, nocturnal mammal found widely across South and Southeast Asia, includin
Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project is a significant development in Arunachal Pradesh, both in terms of energy production and its potential environmental impact. Key Features of the Project: Capacity & Location: 1,200 MW capacity, which is substantial and will contribute a major share to the state's power generation. Located on the Lohit River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, a region with significant
The Didayi Tribe in Odisha has made headlines with Champa Raspeda, a student from the tribe, becoming the first member to clear the NEET 2025 exam. About the Didayi Tribe Location: The Didayi Tribe is an indigenous group residing primarily in the Malkangiri district of Odisha, in the Eastern Ghats hills. This region is remote, with many of the tribe's villages still isolated. Demographics: They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG
India is set to significantly strengthen its strategic defence capabilities with the upcoming induction of INS Aridhaman, the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in its fleet. About INS Aridhaman Class & Project: INS Aridhaman is the second submarine in the Arihant-class, following INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered SSBN. It is being developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, a significant initiative aimed at b
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that Nepal has eliminated rubella as a public health problem.This achievement means Nepal has effectively controlled rubella transmission to a very low level, protecting public health. What is Rubella? Rubella is a highly contagious viral infection, best known for its distinctive red rash. It is also called German measles or three-day measles. Though rubella and measle
For the first time ever, scientists have recorded the sliteye shark in the Great Chagos Bank, part of the Indian Ocean. This is significant because: The Great Chagos Bank is the world’s largest coral atoll (a ring-shaped reef or island formed of coral). It highlights the ecological importance of this region and suggests that the sliteye shark's habitat may be broader than previously known. About the Sliteye Shark Scien
India’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.6% in June 2025 to 5.2% in July 2025, showing an improving employment scenario. About Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Purpose: Estimates key labour market indicators such as: Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) Worker Population Ratio (WPR) Unemployment Rate (UR) Revamped Sample Design (From Jan 2025): Introduced a monthly rotational panel scheme for rural
Since its launch, over 2 lakh users have registered on the e-Jagriti Platform. This includes not just Indian residents but also Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), showing its global reach and relevance. What is the e-Jagriti Platform? e-Jagriti is a flagship digital initiative launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. It is part of India’s efforts to digitize and modernize the consumer dispute redressal mechanism.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), India's largest refiner and fuel retailer, plans to commence commercial-scale production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at its Panipat refinery by December 2025. This initiative aligns with India's push for cleaner, greener aviation fuel and reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)? SAF is a type of biofuel, also called bio-jet fuel, derived from sustainable feedstocks.
Recent research has revealed a possible genetic link associated with the unusually high rate of tuberculosis (TB) among the Sahariya tribe of central India. This discovery helps understand the health vulnerabilities of this tribal group and may guide future healthcare interventions. About the Sahariya Tribe The Sahariya tribe is classified as one of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) — meaning they are among the most disadvantaged
Thirty-four students from Indian government schools have been selected to participate in the Sakura Science Programme 2025 and will visit Japan.. What is the Sakura Science Programme? The Sakura Science Programme is a prestigious youth exchange initiative launched by Japan in 2014. It is aimed at young students and researchers across Asia and other regions to stimulate interest in science and technology. The programme promotes scientific curiosity, learning, and i
The flash flood in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, highlights the growing threat of disasters caused by extreme weather events in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Factors Driving Frequent Disasters in the IHR Tectonic Activity and Earthquake Risk: The Himalayas are still rising due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, making the region highly seismically active. Fault lines like Dhaulagiri and Indus-Ganga absorb tectonic stress, triggering earthquakes tha
SEBI has recently proposed more flexibility in the rules around Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) for companies looking to get listed. The aim is to simplify the fundraising process for issuers in India, encouraging easier access to capital markets. What is Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)? MPS is a SEBI regulatory requirement under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 and the Listing Obligations and Disclosu
Two native plant species, Bombax ceiba and Lagerstroemia speciosa, have been found to be behaving like invasive species, altering the natural structure of the park’s riverine ecosystem. About Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Location and Geography Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, in northeast India. It lies in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and is surrounded by three rivers: North: Brahmaputra