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India got its 58th Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has become India’s 57th tiger reserve after receiving approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Madhav National Park also received approval to be declared a tiger reserve, which will make it India’s 58th tiger reserve after the official notification. About Ratapani… Continue reading India got its 58th Tiger Reserve

[5th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Cash transfer schemes for women as a new poll plank

PYQ Relevance:Q) Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (UPSC CSE 2022) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘cash transfer system for the welfare schemes to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms (in 2013), and ‘Direct Benefit… Continue reading [5th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Cash transfer schemes for women as a new poll plank

[pib] National Cooperative Policy

Why in the News? The Union Minister of Cooperation has provided crucial information regarding India’s National Cooperative Policy to the Lok Sabha. The new National Cooperative Policy is almost ready and will be announced in 2-3 months. Update regarding the New National Cooperative Policy: Details National Level Committee Formation • A 48-member National Level Committee… Continue reading [pib] National Cooperative Policy

[pib] Maha Kumbh Mela, 2025

Why in the News? The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. About Kumbh Mela Details A major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism, occurring four times in twelve years at different locations in India. It attracts millions of pilgrims for spiritual purification. Types of Kumbh Mela: Kumbh… Continue reading [pib] Maha Kumbh Mela, 2025

[4th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Reflections on Baku’s ‘NCQG outcome’

PYQ Relevance:Q)  Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are India’s commitments at this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021) Mentor’s Comment:  UPSC Mains have focused on India’s changing policy towards climate change (2022) and COP26 (2021). The… Continue reading [4th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Reflections on Baku’s ‘NCQG outcome’

World Wildlife Conservation Day

Why in the News? World Wildlife Conservation Day (December 4) reminds us to focus on preserving and protecting the critically endangered species in India and globally. The theme for this year is “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation”. World Wildlife Conservation Day: Key Facts Observed annually on December 4th. Purpose: Raise… Continue reading World Wildlife Conservation Day

Marburg Virus outbreak in Rwanda

Why in the News? An outbreak of Marburg Virus (Bleeding Eyes) disease (MVD) has killed and infected many in Rwanda. About Marburg Virus: Overview • Causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever. • Belongs to the filovirus family (same as Ebola). • Discovered during outbreaks in 1967 in Marburg and Frankfurt,… Continue reading Marburg Virus outbreak in Rwanda

Windfall Gains Tax on Oil Production, Diesel-Petrol Export Removed

Why in the News? With global oil prices stabilizing and domestic fuel supply improving, the government has decided to scrap the windfall gains tax, ensuring more predictable taxation for the oil industry. What is Windfall Tax? A windfall tax is a levy imposed on companies experiencing unexpected profits due to external factors like market shifts… Continue reading Windfall Gains Tax on Oil Production, Diesel-Petrol Export Removed

ecDNA Challenges Law of Genetics

Why in the News? A recent study published in the ‘Nature’ has shown that Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is present in approximately 50% of cancer types, playing a significant role in tumor evolution and genetic heterogeneity. What is ecDNA? Details • ecDNA stands for extrachromosomal DNA, which is small, circular DNA found in the nucleus of… Continue reading ecDNA Challenges Law of Genetics

Environment Ministry’s Lok Sabha reply shows 33.6% of India’s coastline is threatened by erosion

Why in the News? During the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the Union Environment Ministry presented data shedding light on the critical issue of coastal erosion in India. What are the key findings of the report? Extent of Coastal Erosion Nationwide: 33.6% of India’s coastline has been affected by erosion over the past three decades.… Continue reading Environment Ministry’s Lok Sabha reply shows 33.6% of India’s coastline is threatened by erosion

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

Why in the News? The ICIMOD has launched Air Quality Dashboard for Indo-Gangetic Plain. ICIMOD Air Quality Dashboard: Important Features The dashboard provides real-time and forecasted air quality data for the region. It uses a combination of ground sensor data and satellite imagery to give a comprehensive view of air pollution across local, sub-regional, and… Continue reading International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

Gandhamardan Hills, Odisha

Why in the News? The Odisha government has clarified that it will not allow bauxite mining in the Gandhamardan hills after concerns arose when the Adani Group’s subsidiary acquired 112 acres of land near the hills. About Gandhamardan Hills: Geographical Features Situated in the western part of Odisha, spread across the Bargarh and Bolangir districts.… Continue reading Gandhamardan Hills, Odisha

[pib] SHAKTI Yojana

Why in the News? The SHAKTI Yojana plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of coal supply for India’s power sector. About SHAKTI Yojana: Details • SHAKTI stands for Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India. • Introduced by: Ministry of Coal, Government of India. • Launched in 2018, with amendments in… Continue reading [pib] SHAKTI Yojana

[2nd December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Research security should be a national priority

PYQ Relevance: Q) Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.  (UPSC CSE 2021) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on ‘Cyber Security’ (in 2022), and ‘Maritime Secuirty’ (2021). India ranks fourth globally in defense… Continue reading [2nd December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Research security should be a national priority

[pib] Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14)

Why in the News? The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) will take place from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi. About AOMSUC: Details What is it? • It is a conference focused on the use of meteorological satellite data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster risk management. • First AOMSUC was held… Continue reading [pib] Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14)

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