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Distribution: yearly

Specie in news: Lion-Tailed Macaque

Why in the News? The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted approval for diverting 142.76 hectares of forest land in Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka. About Lion-Tailed Macaque: Scientific Classification: The Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the Wanderoo or Bearded Monkey, is an primate species endemic to the Western Ghats… Continue reading Specie in news: Lion-Tailed Macaque

Revising Guidelines to declare Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

Why in the News? The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has decided to review and revise the 2011 guidelines on the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)? Overview: ESZs, also called Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs), are areas notified by the Ministry… Continue reading Revising Guidelines to declare Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

[12th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: View India’s Gender Gap Report ranking as a warning

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2023] Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? Linkage: The report says that India’s low scores in areas like women’s jobs and health show a deep problem that is slowing down the country’s progress. Even though the economy is growing, women are still left behind in… Continue reading [12th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: View India’s Gender Gap Report ranking as a warning

‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ included in the UNESCO World Heritage List

Why in the News? The ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ of India have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the cultural category during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris. About Maratha Military Landscapes: Overview: A network of 12 forts showcasing the Maratha Empire’s military architecture and strategic fortification from… Continue reading ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ included in the UNESCO World Heritage List

[pib] Sanchar Mitra Scheme

Why in the News? The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched an expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme to engage engineering students as digital ambassadors for promoting telecom literacy, digital safety, and citizen engagement. What is the Sanchar Mitra Scheme? Launching Body: An initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. Primary Aim: To engage… Continue reading [pib] Sanchar Mitra Scheme

[pib] E-Truck Incentive Scheme

Why in the News? The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched E-Truck Incentive Scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks (e-trucks) under the PM E-DRIVE initiative. What is E-Truck Incentive Scheme? Overview: It is a dedicated scheme to provide financial incentives for electric trucks under the broader PM E-DRIVE initiative. First-of-its-Kind Support: This… Continue reading [pib] E-Truck Incentive Scheme

What are Autonomous District Councils (ADC)?

Why in the News? Mizoram Governor has imposed Governor’s Rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) due to prolonged political instability and repeated leadership changes. About Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): Basis: They are local self-governing institutions established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Coverage: ADCs are constituted in tribal areas of the… Continue reading What are Autonomous District Councils (ADC)?

ExplainSpeaking: Why govt claims on reducing inequality in India are being contested

Why in the News? The Indian government recently claimed that India is among the world’s most equal societies, citing a Gini Index of 25.5 from the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief, which would place India as the fourth most equal country globally. However, this claim has sparked debate and criticism from economists and inequality… Continue reading ExplainSpeaking: Why govt claims on reducing inequality in India are being contested

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

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