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Places in news: Erra Matti Dibbalu

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt from a photo published in ‘The Hindu’. About Erra Matti Dibbalu: Location: Found between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, stretching 5 km along the coast, with widths ranging from 200 m to 2 km. Meaning: In Telugu, “Erra Matti” means red soil and “Dibbalu” means… Continue reading Places in news: Erra Matti Dibbalu

Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea

Why in the News? China’s State Council has approved the creation of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Dao in Chinese, Bajo de Masinloc/Panatag Shoal in the Philippines). About Scarborough Shoal: Geography: A triangle-shaped chain of reefs and rocks in the South China Sea, about 200 km from Luzon (Philippines) and 800+ km… Continue reading Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea

PM inaugurated India’s first Bamboo-based Ethanol Plant

Why in the News? PM has inaugurated the world’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant in Golaghat district, Assam, marking a significant step in India’s green energy journey. Note: Ethanol is prepared from bamboo using a multi-step biochemical conversion process that transforms its rich cellulose content into fermentable sugars, which are then fermented and distilled into ethanol.… Continue reading PM inaugurated India’s first Bamboo-based Ethanol Plant

Ho Tribes’ Manki-Munda System

Why in the News? Members of the Ho tribe in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district staged a protest for alleged interference in their traditional Manki-Munda governance system by removing village heads (Mundas). About Ho Tribes: Location: Major community of Jharkhand (Kolhan, West Singhbhum), with presence in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Language: Speak Ho language (Munda branch, Austroasiatic… Continue reading Ho Tribes’ Manki-Munda System

National Lok Adalat  

Why in the News? On September 13, a countrywide National Lok Adalat was held with a special focus on clearing pending traffic e-challans for minor offences. What is National Lok Adalat? Overview: Lok Adalats held 4 times a year, on a single day, across all courts from the Supreme Court to Taluk Courts. Scope: Settles… Continue reading National Lok Adalat  

In news: Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? The Union Environment Ministry has approved the capture and translocation of eight tigers from Tadoba-Andhari and Pench reserves to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) in western Maharashtra. About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR): Overview: Situated in the Sahyadri Range, Western Ghats (Maharashtra), spanning districts of Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri. Status: Declared Tiger… Continue reading In news: Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

What is Decentralised Finance (DeFi)?

Why in the News? Decentralised Finance (DeFi) is rapidly expanding as a global financial innovation, enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries such as banks. What is DeFi? It is a financial system that runs on blockchains like Ethereum. It allows people to send, borrow, lend, invest, and trade money directly without banks. All transactions happen… Continue reading What is Decentralised Finance (DeFi)?

A Sense of Drift: Democracy at the Crossroads: Youth, Corruption and the New Global Malaise

Introduction Democracy, once celebrated as the ultimate safeguard of freedom and governance, is witnessing profound crises across continents. Nepal’s weak institutions, France’s protest-prone presidentialism, and America’s violent polarisation reveal that democratic malaise is not confined to one geography. The recurring theme is stark: young people feel robbed of their future. Why is democracy back in… Continue reading A Sense of Drift: Democracy at the Crossroads: Youth, Corruption and the New Global Malaise

BS-VII Emission Norms

Why in the News? To align India’s automobile sector with global standards, the government is planning to introduce BS VII emission norms by 2026-27. About BS7 Norms: Overview: India’s equivalent of Euro 7 emission standards, aimed at reducing vehicular pollution and aligning with global benchmarks. Coverage: Applies uniformly to cars, vans, buses, trucks, petrol, diesel,… Continue reading BS-VII Emission Norms

Researchers develop Red Ivy Plant-Based Wound-Healing Pad

Why in the News? Researchers at JNTBGRI has developed a multifunctional wound-healing pad using nanomaterials, inspired by the red ivy plant (Strobilanthes alternata), traditionally used in folk medicine. About the Red Ivy Plant: Overview: Strobilanthes alternata, locally called murikooti pacha, belonging to the Acanthaceae family. Habitat: Found abundantly in tropical regions, including India. Traditional Use:… Continue reading Researchers develop Red Ivy Plant-Based Wound-Healing Pad

Expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’

Why in the News? Defence Minister flagged off Samudra Pradakshina, the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing mission, from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. About Expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’: Overview: First-ever all-women tri-service circumnavigation sailing expedition in the world. Crew: Ten women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, led by Lt. Col. Anuja Varudkar.… Continue reading Expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’

In news: Pugad Island

Why in the News? The Philippine island of Pugad in Manila Bay is facing an existential threat as rising sea levels and rapid land subsidence combine to submerge homes and livelihoods. About Pugad Island: Overview: Small 7-hectare island in Manila Bay, situated at the mouth of the Angat–Pampanga River Delta, under Hagonoy municipality, Bulacan province,… Continue reading In news: Pugad Island

A joint and new journey along the SCO pathway

Introduction The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), now the largest regional grouping after 24 years of evolution, witnessed its biggest summit in Tianjin with 23 countries and 10 international organisations participating. The presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signalled a possible recalibration of bilateral ties amid a tense global order.… Continue reading A joint and new journey along the SCO pathway

[pib] Gyan Bharatam Mission

Why in the News? The Ministry of Culture has launched the ‘Gyan Bharatam’, a landmark national initiative dedicated to preserving, digitising, and disseminating India’s manuscript heritage. About Gyan Bharatam Mission: Launch: A national initiative by the Ministry of Culture to preserve, digitise, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage. Scheme Type: Approved as a Central Sector Scheme… Continue reading [pib] Gyan Bharatam Mission

Himachal Pradesh declared to be ‘Fully Literate’

Why in the News? Himachal Pradesh was recently declared a ‘fully literate’ state, becoming the 5th State/UT after Goa, Ladakh, Mizoram, and Tripura. Various Definitions of Literacy / Full Literacy: Ministry of Education (MoE) Definition: Literacy is the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, along with digital literacy and financial literacy as critical… Continue reading Himachal Pradesh declared to be ‘Fully Literate’

Power of Siberia 2 Pipeline

Why in the News? Russia has announced a “legally binding” memorandum with China to build the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, highlighting closer Russia–China ties amid Western sanctions. What are Power of Siberia Pipelines? Power of Siberia 1: Operational pipeline from eastern Siberia to northern China; commercial exports since Dec 2019. Specifications: Length over 5,100… Continue reading Power of Siberia 2 Pipeline

Swachh Vayu Survekshan, 2025

Why in the News? Indore, already recognized as the cleanest city in India, has topped the list of million-plus population cities in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2025. About Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS), 2025: Overview: Annual survey by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Objective: Promotes… Continue reading Swachh Vayu Survekshan, 2025

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