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What are Zonal Councils?

Why in the News? Union Home Minister recently highlighted that 83% of issues discussed in Zonal Council meetings have been resolved, reaffirming their role as effective platforms for intergovernmental cooperation. What are Zonal Councils? Establishment: They are statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956; they are not constitutional bodies. Purpose: Their main goal… Continue reading What are Zonal Councils?

[pib] Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas

Why in the News? The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) recently celebrated Ashadha Purnima, also known as Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath. About Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas: First Sermon: It marks the day when Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Date of Observance: The day is observed annually on the full… Continue reading [pib] Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas

[10th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: How can cat bonds plan for a natural disaster?

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). Linkage: This PYQ, focusing on “disaster resilience” and “Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR),” provides an excellent framework to discuss how catastrophe bonds (cat… Continue reading [10th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: How can cat bonds plan for a natural disaster?

India, Africa must work side by side, says PM in Namibia

Why in the News? Recently the Prime Minister highlighted that India supported Namibia’s freedom not just through words, but by taking real action. How has India’s support for Namibia’s independence shaped their present bilateral relationship? Early International Advocacy (1946): India was one of the first countries to raise the issue of Namibia’s independence at the… Continue reading India, Africa must work side by side, says PM in Namibia

What are Optical Atomic Clocks?

Why in the News? Researchers conducted the most precise global comparison of 10 Optical Atomic Clocks to pave the way for redefining the second by 2030, replacing Caesium Clocks with more accurate Optical ones. Definition of a Second: The current SI unit of time is based on caesium-133 (Cs) atomic clocks. In 1967, one second… Continue reading What are Optical Atomic Clocks?

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Why in the News? The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations are facing a credibility crisis, as years of underperformance, weak accountability, and neglect of developing countries’ concerns have created growing frustration. About the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Overview: The UNFCCC is an international treaty adopted at the 1992 Rio… Continue reading UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

[pib] Aspirational District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Programme

Why in the News? The Union Coal and Mines Minister launched operational guidelines for the Aspirational DMF Programme to align DMF initiatives with the goals of the Aspirational District and Block Programmes. Back2Basics: District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Establishment: DMF is a non-profit trust established under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.… Continue reading [pib] Aspirational District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Programme

Quick fix: On India’s Research Development and Innovation scheme

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has recently approved a ₹1-lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme to encourage private companies to invest more in basic scientific research. What are the aims and design of the ₹1-lakh crore RDI scheme? Promote Private Investment in Basic Research: The scheme aims to shift the R&D… Continue reading Quick fix: On India’s Research Development and Innovation scheme

PARAKH Survey reveals deficits in Student Learning

Why in the News? The Ministry of Education recently released the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (RS) Report, an extensive nationwide student performance assessment for Grades 3, 6, and 9. About PARAKH: Full Form: PARAKH stands for Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development. Establishment: It was established in 2023 as an autonomous institution… Continue reading PARAKH Survey reveals deficits in Student Learning

Rare Great Hornbill sighted in Kerala

Why in the News? The Great Hornbill (Malamuzhakki Vezhambal)—Kerala’s State bird and a symbol of forest biodiversity—was spotted far outside its usual habitat. About the Great Hornbill (Malamuzhakki Vezhambal) Overview: The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is the largest hornbill species found in India. Attributes: It is known for its striking yellow casque on the upper… Continue reading Rare Great Hornbill sighted in Kerala

Quad Critical Minerals Initiative 

Why in the News? The Quad has launched the “Quad Critical Minerals Initiative” to secure critical mineral supplies, addressing concerns over China’s price manipulation and coercive practices. What is the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative? Launch: The Quad Critical Minerals Initiative was launched during the second Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Washington, DC. Participants: The… Continue reading Quad Critical Minerals Initiative 

Vera C Rubin Observatory 

Why in the News? The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has recently begun a 10-year project to study dark matter and dark energy using a 3,200-megapixel camera (of the Simonyi Survey Telescope) from its site in the Chilean Andes. About Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Location: The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is situated on Cerro Pachón in… Continue reading Vera C Rubin Observatory 

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