India’s 56th Tiger Reserve notified in Chhatisgarh

Why in the News? The Indian government has notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the country’s 56th Tiger Reserve, now recognized as the third-largest tiger reserve in India. Largest Tiger Reserves in India: First: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh Second: Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam Third: Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh About… Continue reading

Salt Chimneys discovered in the Dead Sea

Why in the News? Researchers have identified unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor. Key facts about the Dead Sea: Details Location • Located between Jordan and Israel, with the eastern shore in Jordan and the western shore in Israel. • The southern half of the western shore belongs to Israel, and the northern… Continue reading

[pib] Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025-2029)

Why in the News? India and Italy signed an ambitious 5-year ‘joint strategic action plan 2025-2029’ that would include cooperation in space sector, critical technology, research, co-production of military equipment and widening the ambit of economic cooperation. Key Focus Areas of the Joint Strategic Action Plan: Details Political Dialogue • Regular high-level meetings and reciprocal… Continue reading

[19th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Manipur as a case for imposing Article 356

PYQ Relevance: Q) Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that priniciple is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. (UPSC CSE 2014) Q) Given the… Continue reading

CAG flags 42% resource-expenditure gap, 37% staff vacancy

Why in the News? The CAG found that urban local bodies in 18 states, serving 241 million people, face a 42% gap between income and spending, with just 29% used for development work. What are the key findings of the report? Resource-Expenditure Gap: Urban local bodies (ULBs) in 18 states face a 42% gap between… Continue reading

COP-29 discussions flagging, no progress made on issues critical to developing countries: India

Why in the News? The first week of the COP29 summit in Baku ended without major progress, as stark divisions between developed and developing nations hindered agreements on climate finance, trade measures, and equitable climate responsibilities. What is a COP meeting? Establishment and Early Meetings: The COP was established in 1995 following the adoption of… Continue reading

[pib] Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana

Why in the News? Within just three weeks of its launch, over 10 lakh senior citizens have enrolled for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana. Note: Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PM-VVY) is a pension scheme and insurance policy for senior citizens in India. One must not get confused with Ayushman-VVY. About Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana:… Continue reading

Why BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers have been banned in Delhi

Why in the News? To tackle Delhi’s severe pollution and smog, the Delhi government started implementing GRAP Stage III on November 15, which bans BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the National Capital Region (NCR) to help improve air quality. What are Bharat Stage Emission Standards? Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards are regulations established… Continue reading

Will Riyadh summit have an impact on Gaza war?

Why in the News? Saudi Arabia recently hosted a summit of Arab and Islamic leaders, urging an immediate halt to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon while addressing the broader Palestine issue. What were the key outcomes of the Riyadh summit on the Gaza conflict? Condemnation of Israeli Actions: The leaders from Arab and… Continue reading

Species in News: Western Honey Bees

Why in the News? Western Honey Bees widely used for boosting pollination has led to unintended ecological consequences. Now they inadvertently carry and transmit Thai Sacbrood Virus to native bee colonies. About Western Honey Bees Scientific Name: Apis mellifera Introduced globally for their pollination abilities and honey production. In India, they were introduced in 1983… Continue reading

[pib] Press Council of India

Why in the News? National Press Day is celebrated annually on November 16 to honour the critical role of a free and responsible press in society. It marks the start of the Press Council of India in 1966, established as a moral watchdog to uphold press standards and protect it from undue influence or threats.… Continue reading

Centre reimposes AFSPA in 6 ‘volatile’ regions

Why in the News? Eighteen months after ethnic violence began in Manipur, the Central government has reinstated the Disturbed Areas status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station jurisdictions, including the affected area of Jiribam. Present map What is the historical background? The original ordinance (AFSPA) was a response to… Continue reading

India needs a globally recognized public policy school

Why in the News? India, the world’s largest democracy, still doesn’t have a top-tier public educational policy institution like those in the United States and Europe. What are the gaps between public policy education and job market demands? Mismatch of Skills and Employability: According to the India Skills Report 2024, only 51.8% of fresh graduates… Continue reading

[pib] Centenary of Bose-Einstein Statistics

Why in the News? The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Bose-Einstein Statistics at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences. Bose-Einstein Statistics Bose-Einstein statistics describe how certain particles called bosons (like photons and helium-4 atoms) behave, especially at low temperatures. This concept was developed by Satyendra Nath… Continue reading

RBI released list of Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)

Why in the News? The RBI designated SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2024. Current D-SIBs in India: As of 2024, the State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank are classified as D-SIBs. SBI was classified as a D-SIB in 2015, ICICI Bank in 2016,… Continue reading

ADB increases Climate Finance backed by US, Japan Pledge

Why in the News? The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will boost climate-related lending by up to $7.2 billion following an agreement by the United States and Japan to provide risk guarantees for some existing loans. This marks the first-ever use of sovereign guarantees for climate finance. ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK About ADB was founded in 1966… Continue reading

Barak River

Why in the News? Police found dead bodies floating in the Barak River (inflicted due to Manipur Violence). About the Barak River: Details Geographical Location • Originates from Japvo mountain in Manipur hills at 3,015 m altitude. • Flows south, forming the border between Assam and Manipur up to Jirimat. • Flows for 524 km… Continue reading

[15th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A 2024 election result that leaves many astounded

PYQ Relevance:Q) Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. (UPSC CSE 2018) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC has always focused on major countries like the USA (2018), Russia, and China (2024) as well as minor regions like ‘the Malay Peninsula’ (2017) whenever there are major… Continue reading

No dual eco-clearance for 39 categories of industry

Why in the News? The Environment Ministry has agreed to a long-standing request from industries to remove the need for environmental clearance and permission to set up operations. This will make it easier for businesses to comply with regulations. India’s Environmental Policies and Goals Streamlining Compliance: The government has removed the requirement for ‘white category’… Continue reading

Leverage similarity, complementarity in Nigeria

Why in the News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and its second-largest economy. Historical Background of Bilateral Relations between India and Nigeria Long-standing Ties: India and Nigeria have maintained a bilateral relationship for over six decades, marked by shared values of democracy, pluralism, and economic cooperation. This… Continue reading

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