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6 new sites added to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

Why in the News? The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized six traditional farming systems from Brazil, China, Mexico, and Spain as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). About the Newly Recognised GIAHS Systems: Deqing Pearl Mussel Fishery (China): 800-year-old integrated system of pearl farming, rice, and silk boosts ecotourism and water purification. Fuding… Continue reading

‘Zudpi Jungles’ are Forest Land: SC

Why in the News? The Supreme Court of India ruled that 86,400 hectares of Zudpi Jungle lands in Eastern Vidarbha, Maharashtra, should be treated as forest land. However, existing structures (built before December 12, 1996) such as schools, homes, graveyards, and government offices were allowed to remain. About Zudpi Jungles: Location and Meaning: They are… Continue reading

Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme

Why in the News? The Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund has invested about ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs across India as of March 2025. The highest number of investee firms are in Karnataka (151), followed by Maharashtra (144) and Delhi (69). About the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme: Launch: The SRI Fund was launched in 2020… Continue reading

‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defence System

Why in the News? US President Donald Trump announced that he has shortlisted a design for a powerful new missile defence shield called the ‘Golden Dome’. About the Golden Dome Project: Project Launch: It is a proposed missile defence shield announced by Donald Trump. Development: It is being led by Michael Guetlein of the US… Continue reading

China’s ‘Mother Ship’ Drone

Why in the News? China has unleashed its unmanned aerial “mother ship” drone named ‘Jiu Tian,’ capable of launching and coordinating over 100 drones in a single mission. About the Jiu Tian Mother Ship Drone: Type and Capability: It is a jet-powered, super-high-altitude, long-range drone designed for advanced aerial missions. First Appearance: It was first… Continue reading

[23rd May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Tariff wars and a reshaping of AI’s global landscape

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples. Linkage: India as a strategic “third option” in the technological rivalry between the U.S. and China, driven by tariffs.… Continue reading

Why India needs stable urban forests

Why in the News? The Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad, a rare green space in the city, became the centre of a major legal and environmental fight when the Telangana government planned to turn 400 acres of it into an industrial area. What is the significance of urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli in Indian cities?… Continue reading

New drugs arrive on the block, but AMR threats continue

Why in the News? AMR is rapidly becoming one of the greatest public health threats, contributing to 2.97 lakh deaths in India in 2019 alone, as reported by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation. What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? AMR occurs when microorganisms (like bacteria) evolve to become resistant to antibiotics designed to kill… Continue reading

E-Zero FIR to speed up action on Cyber Frauds

Why in the News? The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a pilot project for the e-Zero FIR (First Information Report) system in Delhi to help police take faster action in high-value cyber financial frauds. What is Zero FIR? Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognisable offence… Continue reading

Lion count grows by 32% in 5 years

Why in the News? According to a recent report by the Gujarat Forest Department, the population of Asiatic lions in India has increased by 32% between 2020 and 2025, reaching 891 individuals. About the Asiatic Lion: Scientific Identity: The Asiatic Lion, also known as the Persian or Indian Lion, is found only in India and… Continue reading

SPICED Scheme

Why in the News? The Spices Board of India has decided to disburse ₹130 crore to almost 45,000 beneficiaries in 2025-2026 under the SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) Scheme. Back2Basics: Spices Board of India The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council… Continue reading

Rewriting the Keezhadi (Keeladi) Excavations Report

Why in the News? The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked to resubmit his excavation report on the Keeladi site near Madurai after making necessary corrections. ASI’s Concerns with the Report: The ASI asked for better scientific justification for the period of 8th century BCE to 5th century BCE. It said the earliest period… Continue reading

INSV Kaundinya

Why in the News? The Indian Navy has formally inducted a traditional stitched sail ship, named INSV Kaundinya, at a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Karwar. About INSV Kaundinya: Induction: It is a newly inducted, stitched sail ship of the Indian Navy, formally inducted at Karwar Naval Base. Design: The ship is based… Continue reading

[pib] International Day for Biological Diversity, 2025

Why in the News? India has celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 in Udaipur. About International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB): Annual Observance: The IDB is celebrated every year on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation. Significance: The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity… Continue reading

253rd birth anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

One of the most influential social and religious reformers of the 19th century, Ram Mohan Roy, born on May 22, 1772 in what was then Bengal Presidency’s Radhanagar in Hooghly district, would have turned 253 years today. Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) Early life Born into a prosperous upper-caste Brahmin family, Roy grew up within… Continue reading

[22nd May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Overfishing — the threat to ocean wealth, livelihoods

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2022] What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. Linkage: While it focuses on the influence of ocean currents rather than the threat of overfishing, it establishes the fishing industry as a subject of examination in the context of geography and marine environments.… Continue reading

India-Pakistan tensions put strain on struggling Western Border Districts

Why in the News? Most western border districts, except in Gujarat, had little or no growth in exports and saw slow poverty reduction. Now, recent tensions and shelling between India and Pakistan are hurting the economy in these 22 districts. What causes slower poverty reduction in border districts? Geopolitical Tensions and Hostile Neighbours: Constant threats… Continue reading

Analyzing Poverty Levels in India by Comparing various Surveys

Why in the News? A recent study titled ‘Poverty Decline in India after 2011–12: Bigger Picture Evidence’ shows that poverty in India fell from 37% in 2004-05 to 22% in 2011-12. However, poverty declined by only an additional 18% until 2022-23, and officials have not released any poverty estimates after 2011-12. What are the three… Continue reading

What are Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)?

Why in the News? A new ETH Zurich study warns that under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 5-8.5 scenario, warming could make cyclones more intense and hit unusual regions with greater damage. What are Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)? Definition: SSPs are 5 global scenarios that show how changes in society, economy, and technology might influence… Continue reading

WHO members adopt ‘Pandemic Agreement’

Why in the News? At the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted a new Pandemic Agreement that aims to make the global response to future pandemics more equitable and effective. About the WHO Pandemic Agreement: Adoption: It was unanimously adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva… Continue reading

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