About World Wealth Report 2025:

• It is released by the Capgemini Research Institute.
• It covers 71 countries, accounting for more than 98% of global gross national income and 99% of world stock market capitalization.
• Highlights of World Wealth Report 2025:
  • The Global high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) population rose by 2.6 percent in 2024.
  • This increase was driven by the growth in the population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), which grew by 6.2 percent, as strong stock markets and AI optimism boosted portfolio returns.
    • HNWIs are individuals with investable assets of $1 million or more, excluding their primary residence, collectibles, consumables, and consumer durables.
    • HNWIs are segmented into three categories based on wealth bands: Ultra-HNWIs($30 million or more), Mid-Tier Millionaires ($5-30M), and Millionaires Next Door (USD 1-5M).
  • The data indicates that alternative investments, such as private equity and cryptocurrencies, are now an established presence in HNWI holdings, representing 15 percent of their portfolios.
  • Within the largest individual markets, the S. was the clear leader, adding 562,000 millionaires as the country’s HNWI population grew by 7.6% to 7.9 million.
  • This dominance in wealth extends across all tiers: 36% of the world’s centi-millionaires (those with over $100 million) and 33% of the world’s billionaires reside in the United States.
  • India and Japan were standouts in the Asia-Pacific region, with both countries registering 6% growth, adding 20,000 and 210,000 millionaires, respectively.
  • In contrast, growth in China was negative, with the HNWI population declining by 1.0%.
  • India saw an 8.8 percent rise in high-net-worth individual (HNWI) wealth in 2024, witnessing 378,810 millionaires with a total wealth of $1.5 trillion by the end of last year.
  • The report further highlights the presence of a growing segment of "millionaires next door," with India counting 333,340 individuals in this category, holding a combined wealth of $628.93 billion.
  • At the pinnacle of wealth, India also saw 4,290 ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) by the close of 2024, collectively possessing $534.77 billion.

About World Environment Day:

• It is observed every year on June 5 across more than 150 countries.
• Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), it is an international day dedicated to raising global awareness about environmental issues and encouraging individuals, organisations, and others to take a step towards protecting the planet.
• History:
  • World Environment Day was established in 1972 during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm.
  • The UNEP was established in the same year.
  • Later that year, the UN General Assembly officially designated June 5 as World Environment Day.
  • The first celebration took place in 1973 with the theme “Only One Earth,” marking the beginning of what would become the largest global platform for environmental awareness.
  • Each year, a host nation spearheads the campaign, which raises awareness of a certain issue.
• World Environment Day 2025:
  • Theme: Beat Plastic Pollution
  • This year, the Republic of Korea is leading the campaign to spread awareness with a focus on ending plastic pollution globally.

About Ice Breaker Missile:

• It is a long-range, autonomous, precision-guided weapon system.
• It was developed by Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
• Compatible with multiple air and ground platforms, it offers significant flexibility in operational deployment.
• It is suitable for jet fighters, light attack aircraft, and helicopters as well as small maritime vessels and ground vehicles.
• Features:
  • It's about 4 meters long, weighs less than 400 kg, and can hit targets up to 300 km away at high subsonic speeds, carrying a 250 lb warhead.
  • It uses an incredibly advanced electro-optical seeker that can "see" in all weather conditions.
  • It is loaded with artificial intelligence that helps it recognize targets and ensures it only engages hostile ones.
  • It flies incredibly low, hugging the terrain or skimming the waves, and its design makes it very hard to detect. This 'Very Low Observable' (VLO) capability gives it a significant edge in getting to its target unnoticed.
  • It is remarkably compact and lightweight – under 400 kg.
  • It can work in a synchronized attack with multiple missiles.
  • It can function autonomously or in a man-in-the-loop mode.

About Kulsi River:

• It is a south-bank tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra
• Course:
  • It is composed of three rivers, namely Khri, Krishniya and Umsiri all of which originate from the West Khasi hill ranges of Meghalaya from an elevation of over 1800 metres and flow north.
  • The river is known as Khri in the upper catchments, and after being joined by two other tributaries, namely Krishniya and Umsiri, within the Khasi hills in Meghalaya, it flows northwest and enters Assam at Ukium.
  • After that it flows north up to Kulsi village through the plains of Kamrup District of Assam.
  • Finally, it outflows into the Brahmaputra near Nagarbera.
• The river Kulsi drains out a total area of 3770 sq. km. Out of the total catchment, 685 sq. km. is plain catchment in Assam, and 3085 sq. km. is hill catchment in Meghalaya and Assam.
• The total length of Kulsi from its source to outfall is about 220 km, out of which 100 km is in Meghalaya and the rest, 120 km, is in Assam.
• It is considered one of the last refuges of the endangered Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) in Assam.

About C CARES Version 2.0:

• It is an upgraded web portal of the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO).
• The platform, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in Provident Fund and Pension disbursements for coal sector workers.
• The upgraded portal brings together coal workers, coal companies, and CMPFO on a unified digital platform, enabling real-time tracking of claims, automated ledger updates, and direct benefit transfers to workers’ accounts.
• The system, developed with support from the State Bank of India, promises faster claim settlements, improved service delivery, and greater ease of access.
• The platform also includes a mobile application for CMPF members, allowing them to view profiles, track claims, raise grievances, and check PF balances. The app features a chatbot assistant for easy navigation and information retrieval.
• For coal companies and CMPFO, the system offers a prescriptive dashboard that generates custom reports, analyzes claim settlement trends, and supports data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency.

What is the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO)?

• CMPFO is an autonomous organisation under the aegis of the Ministry of Coal.
• It was set up in 1948 to administer provident fund and pension schemes for the coal sector workers.
• The organisation is presently rendering services to about 3.3 lakh provident fund subscribers and 6.3 lakh pensioners of the coal sector.

About International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics:

• It was established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the CGIAR on 28 March 1972.
• It is a non-profit, non-political public international research organisation that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia & sub-Saharan Africa.
• Vision: ICRISAT's vision is a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics.
• It is dedicated to combating poverty and uplifting the livelihoods of communities in the dryland regions it serves.
• It helps farmers by providing improved crop varieties and hybrids and also helps smallholder farmers in the drylands fight climate change.
• It conducts research on five highly nutritious drought-tolerant crops: chickpea, pigeonpea, pearl millet, sorghum, and groundnut.
• It has been awarded the 2021 Africa Food Prize for the Tropical Legumes Project that has improved food security across 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
• It is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana State, in India, with two regional hubs (Nairobi, Kenya and Bamako, Mali).

About Kerch Strait:

• Location: It is the only water body that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov.
• It separates the Kerch Peninsula towards the west from the Taman Peninsula (Russia), lying in the east.
• At its narrowest point, which lies at the northern end of the Chushka Landspit, it is only three to five kilometres wide.
• The city of Kerch lies near the middle of the strait, on the Crimean side.
• It has also been a key point of conflict between Russia and Ukraine after Moscow annexed the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.
• Significance: It is an important global shipping route, providing passage from the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea.

Key facts about Kerch Strait Bridge

• It is also known as the Crimean Bridge, this infrastructure links mainland Russia with Crimea.
• Completed in 2018, it includes a road and rail connection and is the longest bridge in Europe at 19 km.
• It is a symbol of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

About Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is part of the Godavari estuary, where the Coringa river confluences into the Bay of Bengal in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh.
• About 40% of the sanctuary is only sea-backwaters and the rest of the area is intermingled with creeks and gets inundated with tidal waters.
• Vegetation: It has extensive mangrove and dry deciduous tropical forests. It is the second-largest stretch of mangrove forests in India.
• Flora: Mangrove plants like Rhizophora spp, Avicennia spp, Sonnertia spp, etc; grow here.
• Fauna: It is home to endangered mammals like Smooth Indian otter, Fishing cat, Jackal, etc. And also home to birds like Black capped kingfisher, Brahminy kite, Sea gulls, Reef heron, Sand piper, etc.
• The sea coast of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a breeding ground for Olive ridley turtles.

Key facts about Fishing Cat

• It is a medium-sized wild cat.
• It is a solitary and nocturnal hunters that rest during the day amongst dense vegetation and then at night head to the water to find food. They are very strong swimmers.
• Female Fishing Cats are noticeably smaller than males.
• Habitat: They live primarily in wetland areas, swamps, and marshy areas around oxbow lakes, reed beds, tidal creeks, and mangrove forests. 
• Distribution:
  • In India, fishing cats are mainly found in the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, on the foothills of the Himalayas along the Ganga and Brahmaputra river valleys and in the Western Ghats.
  • They are mainly found in Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka and parts of Pakistan, in western India to southern China, Java, and Sumatra.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972:Schedule I.

About International Institute of Administrative Sciences:

• It was established in
• It is a federation of member States, national sections and academic research centres jointly elaborating public administration solutions to the policy challenges of the day.
• Members: It is a Federation of 31 Member Countries, 20 National Sections and 15 Academic Research Centres jointly collaborating for scientific research on public administration.
• Key member countries include - India, Japan, China, Germany, Italy, Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Mexico, Spain, Qatar, Morocco, Indonesia etc.
• Objectives
  • Enable collaborative and strategic projects with members and partners.
  • Accredit both academic and professional training programs in line with standards of best practices in public management.
  • To produce and promote comprehensive content on public governance research and practice to different audiences.
• The IIAS maintains a close working relationship with the United Nations, and participates in the UN’s Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and the UN Public Administration Network (UNPAN).
• It is not a formally affiliated body of the UN, it actively engages with the UN’s work in public administration.
• The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has represented India as a Member State of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences since 1998.
• It is the first time that India has secured the historic mandate for the Presidency of the IIAS.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

About Menar Wetland:

• It is a freshwater monsoon wetland complex located in Rajasthan.
• It is formed by three ponds, Braham talab, Dhand talab and Kheroda talab, and agricultural land that connects the latter two. 
• During the monsoon season the farmland floods, providing habitat for species of water birds.
• Among the notable bird species at the Site are the critically endangered white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus).
• Over 70 plant species are found, including mango trees (Mangifera indica) around Braham talab that host a large colony of Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus). 
• The Site is recognized as one of the best examples of community-led conservation in Rajasthan, with residents of the nearby Menar village playing a key role in conserving wildlife by preventing poaching or fishing. 

About Khichan Wetland:

• It is located in the northern Thar Desert, Rajasthan.
• It comprises two water bodies, Ratri nadi (river) and Vijaysagar talab (pond), riparian habitat and scrub land.
• This desert ecosystem supports drought-resistant plant species that provide habitat for over 150 species of birds. 
• It is especially recognized for hosting large wintering flocks of migratory demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides virgo), making up over 22,000 individuals each year.
• The Site attracts bird-watchers, tourists, students and scientists, drawn primarily by the large seasonal gathering of the cranes. 

About Aravalli Range:

• The Aravalli Range, estimated to be around 670 million years old, predates the Himalayan Range, making it one of the oldest fold mountains on Earth.
• It is the oldest mountain range in India.
• It stretches over approximately 692 kilometres (430 miles) in a northeastern direction.
• It traverses the Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana before culminating in
• It is characterised by rugged hills, rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation, and it plays a crucial role in the region's ecology and hydrology.
• Formation:
  • The Aravalli Range was formed during the Proterozoic Eon through a process of orogeny, or mountain-building, that occurred as a result of tectonic activity in the Indian subcontinent.
  • The range consists of a series of ridges and hills, formed through a combination of volcanic and sedimentary rock formations.
  • The range is composed primarily of metamorphic rock, with granite, gneiss, and schist being the most common types of rock found in the region.
  • The Aravalli Range has undergone significant erosion over millions of years, with its current landscape shaped by the forces of weathering and water.
• The Aravallis serve as a natural barrier against desertification and help regulate the climate, support diverse ecosystems and act as a watershed for several rivers, including the Sabarmati, Luni and Banas (tributary of Yamuna).
• The Guru Shikhar, located in Mount Abu, is the tallest point in the Aravalli range, rising to an elevation of 1,722 metres.
  • The peak is named Guru Shikhar, or “peak of the guru,” after Dattatreya, an incarnation of Vishnu.
• Dilwara is the second highest peak in Rajasthan, and like Guru Shikhar, is located in Mount Abu.
  • Dilwara is renowned for the Dilwara Temples, which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. The Dilwara temples consist of 5 temples of the Jain faith.
• Aravallis is divided into two sections: the Sambhar-Sirohi ranges, taller and including Guru Shikhar; and the Sambhar-Khetri ranges, consisting of three ridges that are discontinuous.
• Some of the notable waterfalls in the region include the Bhimlat Falls, the Kumbhalgarh Falls, and the Chitrakoot Falls.
• The range is also home to several lakes, including the Sambhar Lake, the Nakki Lake, and the Ana Sagar Lake.
• It is known for its rich fossil deposits. Fossils of trilobites, brachiopods, and other marine organisms have been found in the rocks of the Aravalli Range, providing evidence of the region’s ancient seabeds.
• The range is rich in mineral resources like copper, zinc, lead, and marble.

Aravalli Green Wall Project:

• The project is a major initiative to green the 5 km buffer area around Aravalli Hill.
• It is part of the Union Environment Ministry's vision to create green corridors across the country to combat land degradation and desertification.
• The project covers the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi - where the Aravalli Hills landscape spans over 6 million hectares of land.
• The project will involve planting native species of trees and shrubs on scrubland, wasteland, and degraded forest land, along with rejuvenating and restoring surface water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
• The project will also focus on agroforestry and pasture development to enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

About Flue Gas:

• Flue gas (sometimes called exhaust gas or stack gas) refers to the gas that is released from combustion plants. It is a by-product of burning fossil fuels.
• Flue gas actually contains a mixture of gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, nitrogen oxides (NO & NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), other trace pollutants, and often some particulate matter.
• This mixture can escape through long pipes, chimneys, and ducts traditionally called ‘flues’, hence the term ‘flue gas’.
• The exact composition of flue gas will vary depending on the type of fuel used and the combustion conditions.
• It often contains pollutants that must be removed before being released into the atmosphere.
• Flue gas analysis is critical for evaluating combustion conditions. Not only may it be required for compliance with environmental regulations, it also enables efficiency and safety, providing valuable insights into the following:
  • Air-to-fuel ratios: Achieving the optimal air-to-fuel mix is essential to maximizing energy output and reducing emissions & particulate matter.
  • Burner efficiency: Regular flue gas analysis helps regulate burner performance in boilers and furnaces, leading to lower fuel consumption and operating costs.
  • Pollutant levels: Monitoring concentrations of harmful gases like NOx and SO2 is essential to meeting environmental standards and reducing the risk of corrosion or damage to industrial equipment.

What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?

• It is a technology to eliminate sulphur compounds from exhaust emissions.
• FGD Process:
  • FGD is done through the addition of absorbents, which can remove up to 95% of the sulphur dioxide from the flue gas.
  • Substances such as ammonia or sodium sulphite are used as absorbents; however, the use of lime or limestone slurry (wet limestone scrubbing) is also widespread.
  • The uncleaned flue gas is sprayed in a scrubber tower (absorber tower) with a mixture of water and limestone (scrubbing slurry), whereby most of the sulphur dioxide is bonded by chemical reaction.

About Kheer Bhawani Temple:

• It is a Hindu temple situated at Tulla Mulla village near Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Ragnya Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
• Maharaja Pratap Singh built this temple in 1912, which was later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh.
• The temple was originally named Bhawani Mandir but eventually came to be known as Kheer Bhawani due to the famous Indian dessert Kheer, which is the main offering to the goddess.
• Goddess Ragnya Devi is prominently worshipped as the patron deity by the Kashmiri Pandits.
• The most significant event connected with the temple is the annual festival of Mela Kheer Bhawani, celebrated on the Zyeshta Ashtami during May or June.
• Architecture:
  • The architecture of the temple is simple yet beautifully created using smooth grey stones.
  • The main altar of the temple is built amidst a pond. This structure hosts a marble platform on which the idol of the goddess is placed in the sanctum sanctorum.
  • It is bracketed by four stone pillar-like structures that roof the statue.
  • There is also a holy spring flowing from the western end of the temple, which is known to change its colors. Rumour has it that the waters turn black as a warning for any looming calamity.

What are Enzymes?

• Enzymes are proteins that help speed up metabolism or the chemical reactions in our bodies.
• They build some substances and break others down.
• All living things have enzymes.
• Our bodies naturally produce But enzymes are also in manufactured products and food.

About Nanozymes:

• They are nanomaterials that display enzyme-like characteristics.
• They may be metallic, metal oxide-based, carbon-based, or of other types.
• Advantages:
• They are less expensive and recyclable.
  • They can also be easily manufactured and stored for long periods of time, further reducing their cost.
  • Typical inorganic enzymes require high temperature, high pressure, and extreme pH In contrast, nanozymes are able to work in environments closer to physiological conditions and respond to a range of external stimuli.
  • The most important advantage is the display of size/composition-dependent activity, meaning that nanozymes can be designed with a range of catalytic activity by simply varying shape, structure, and composition.
  • They also have unique properties compared to other artificial enzymes, including integrated multi-functions not related to catalysis.
  • Nanoscale materials provide large surface areas, allowing greater ease in further modifications and bioconjugation.
  • The ability to self-assemble also mimics an important strategy in biology, meaning that biological components can be easily incorporated.
• Applications:
  • They have a large range of applications for diagnostic medicine, targeted therapy, and biosensing.
  • In recent years, it has been found that various nanozymes have antioxidant activity, allowing them to simulate the endogenous antioxidant system and play an important role in cell protection.
  • Therefore, nanozymes can be applied in the treatment of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related neurological diseases.

Why in the News?

• This is the first time MSC Irina, the lead ship of the MSC Irina-class, a series of six identical ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), is sailing into the coast of a south Asian port.

 About MSC Irina:

• It is a container ship built in 2023 and currently sailing under the flag of Liberia.
• It is the world’s largest container ship.
• It is operated by the Swiss-based container shipping giant, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
• It is 399.9 meters long and 61.3 meters wide.
• The Irina-class ships have a capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). It exceeds the previous record-holder, OOCL Spain, by over 150 TEU.
• The vessel could carry more than 24,300 standard 20-foot shipping containers stacked up to 22 decks.
• Beyond its size, MSC Irina is a pioneer in green shipping. The vessel incorporates cutting-edge innovations.
  • With air lubrication technology, energy-efficient propellers, and advanced hull design, the ship significantly reduces fuel consumption and lowers its carbon footprint.
  • These features make it one of the most eco-friendly mega container ships ever built.

About Clean Plant Programme:

• It is an initiative by the Indian Government aimed at boosting the availability of disease-free and high-quality planting material for horticultural crops, such as fruits, vegetables and flowers.
• Its focus is to enhance the productivity and quality of horticultural produce by ensuring that farmers have access to certified, disease-free planting material, which can significantly reduce crop losses and improve yields.
• The programme consists of three key components
• Establishment of Nine Clean Plant Centers (CPCs):These centres will offer disease diagnostics and treatments, develop mother plants for nurseries, and quarantine all domestic and imported planting materials intended for commercial propagation and distribution.
• Infrastructure Development: This includes setting up large-scale nurseries to efficiently multiply clean planting material. The mother plants produced by the CPCs will be propagated in these nurseries and then distributed to farmers.
• Regulatory and Certification Framework: A robust regulatory and certification process will be created to ensure complete accountability and traceability in the production and distribution of planting material.
• Implemented by:It will implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the National Horticulture Board (NHB) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

About Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS):

• It the regional group established by signing the Lagos Treaty on the 28th of May 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria.
• It has following objectives:
  • To promote cooperation and integration, leading to the establishment of an economic union in West Africa in order to raise the living standards of its peoples, and to maintain and enhance economic stability, foster relations-among Member States and contribute to the progress and development of the African continent.
  • To have a single common currency and create a single, large trading bloc in areas of industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, financial issues, and social and cultural matters.
• Member countries: The current Member States of ECOWAS are Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sénégal and Togo.
• On January 29, 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially withdrew from ECOWAS.
• Along with the goals of economic cooperation, it has attempted to quell military conflicts in the region. 
• It also operated a regional peacekeeping operation known as ECOMOG, led by Nigeria in the 1990s and early 2000s.
• Headquarter: Abuja, Nigeria.

About National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction:

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
• Aim: Reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy: education, de-addiction, and rehabilitation of affected individuals and families.
• Objectives:
  • Create awareness and educate people on the ill-effects of drug abuse, reduce stigmatization, and facilitate social reintegration.
  • Develop human resources and build capacity.
  • Facilitate research, training, documentation, innovation, and information collection.
  • Provide community-based services for identification, motivation, counseling, de-addiction, after-care, and rehabilitation for Whole Person Recovery (WPR).
  • Formulate and implement comprehensive guidelines, schemes, and programs using a multi-agency approach.
  • Address all forms of drug abuse.
  • Alleviate the consequences of drug dependence.
• Under this scheme financial assistance is provided to:
  • State Governments/ Union Territory (UT) Administrations for Preventive Education and Awareness Generation, Capacity Building, Programmes for Drug Demand Reduction by States/UTs etc.
  • NGOs/VOs for  running  and  maintenance  of  Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), Integrated Rehabilitation Centres (IRCAs), Community Peer-led Interventions (CPLI) Outreach and Drop-in Centres (ODIC) and District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs); and
  • Government Hospitals for Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs)
• Target Period: 2018-2025.

About Mt Etna:

• Location: Mount Etna, sometimes referred to simply as Etna, is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Etna’s peak is the highest in Italy south of the Alps, and it is the largest of Europe’s active volcanoes.
• Etna’s summit has five craters, which are responsible for most of the volcano’s eruptions. “Flank” eruptions also occur at the 300-odd vents of varying sizes along the slopes of the mountain.
• The volcano was witnessing a “Strombolian” eruption.
• This type of eruption is usually characterised as discreet moderately explosive bursts which can eject chunks of rock and cinders that can travel hundreds of metres into the air. It occurs due to the presence of gas in the magma chamber within the volcano.
• The Strombolian eruption is named after another Italian volcano called Stromboli, which produces minor eruptions every 10 to 20 minutes.
• Etna has been a World Heritage Site since 2013, and according to UNESCO, the volcano’s eruptive history can be traced back 500,000 years. At least 2,700 years of this activity have been documented.

About UMEED Portal:

• The 'Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Portal is a centralised digital platform to register Waqf properties across the country.
• It aims to promote better management and enhance transparency.
• The portal is being launched against the backdrop of the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which received presidential assent. 
• Registrations will be facilitated by respective State Waqf Boards.
• Key Features of Portal
  • Under the new plan, all Waqf properties must be registered on the portal within six months of its launch.
  • Each registration must include full details such as measurements (length and width) and geotagged locations.
  • Properties that are registered under women’s names will not be eligible to be classified as Waqf properties.
  • However, women, children, and people from economically weaker sections will continue to be key beneficiaries of Waqf assets.
  • Properties not registered within the stipulated time frame due to technical or other significant reasons may be granted an extension of one to two months.
  • However, properties that remain unregistered beyond the permitted period will be considered disputed and referred to the Waqf Tribunal for resolution.

About National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR):

• It is a permanent institute of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), an autonomous organization under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• It is one of its kind of unique institutions which utilizes information science for health research as its integral component.
• The main broad and overall objective of the centre is to sustain and develop a national research database on cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), and stroke through recent advances in electronic information technology with a national collaborative network so as to undertake aetiological, epidemiological, clinical, and control research in these areas.
• The centre closely works with the Ministry of Health, Government of India, and other Central/State Government or other agencies to provide or plan to provide baseline information and technically help in designing, monitoring, and evaluating control programmes and activities.
• The centre encourages and extends technical support to all Central/Regional/State medical institutions and medical colleges, non-governmental or private centres for constituting and establishing data collection (on cancer, CVD, diabetes, and stroke) in their institutions along internationally acceptable and nationally adaptable formats and standards. Use of the internet and electronic information networking will be a regular feature.
• The centre plan, innovates and integrates recent advances in communications and electronic information technology to develop the emerging field of health/disease informatics and develop software modules for data capture, checking, and analysis.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB):

• It is a multilateral development bank established on 19th December 1966.
• It is the principal international development finance institution for the Asia-Pacific region.
• It envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in the region.
• Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
• Functions:
  • It provides assistance to its developing member countries, the private sector, and public-private partnerships through grants, loans, technical assistance, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.
  • ADB maximizes the development impact of its assistance by facilitating policy dialogues, providing advisory services, and mobilizing financial resources through cofinancing operations that tap official, commercial, and export credit sources.
  • The Bank focuses on six key areas that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): education, health, transport, energy, finance, and climate change.
  • The ADB also works in partnership with NGOs and private companies to improve capital markets and the business infrastructure of developing countries in the region.
• Membership:
  • Membership in the ADB is open to members and associate members of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East.
  • It's also open to other regional countries and non-regional developed countries that are members of the U.N. or of any of its specialized agencies.
  • From 31 members at its establishment in 1966, ADB has grown to encompass 69 members, including 49 regional members from Asia and the Pacific, such as India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and many others, and 20 non-regional members from Europe, North America, and other regions.
• Governance:
  • It is operated by a Board of Governors, which is composed of one representative from each member state.
  • The Board then votes to choose 12 of their members to serve as the Board of Directors, with eight members coming from members from the Asia and Pacific region and the other four from non-regional members.
  • The Board of Governors is also responsible for electing a president who serves a five-year term as the chairperson of the Board as well as being responsible for the bank’s operations.
  • Because Japan founded the ADB and remains the largest shareholder of the bank, every single president of the ADB has been from Japan.
• Voting Power:
  • The ADB was modelled closely on the World Bank and has a similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion to members' capital subscriptions.
  • ADB's five largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (each with 6% of total shares), the People's Republic of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
• Source of Funding:
  • It raises capital regularly through the international bond markets.
  • The ADB also relies on member contributions, retained earnings from lending, and the repayment of loans for the funding of the organization.
• In terms of financial commitments to members that are developing countries, India ranks first with 14% of the bank’s financial commitment, followed by China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Pakistan.

About Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs):

• LSDs are rare genetic conditions that cause a buildup of toxic materials in your body’s cells.
• Examples include Gaucher, Pompe, Fabry, MPS I, MPS II, mucopolysaccharidoses, mucolipidoses, oligosaccharidoses, etc.
• The majority of the LSDs are caused by mutations in the genes encoding a lysosomal enzyme.
  • A lysosome is a membrane-bound cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes.
  • Lysosomes are involved with various cell processes. They break down excess or worn-out cell parts.
  • People with LSDs lack certain enzymes or a substance that helps the enzyme work (enzyme activator or modifier). Enzymes assist your cells’ lysosomes with metabolism.
  • Without functioning enzymes, your body can’t break down fats, sugars and other substances.
  • If those build up in your body, they can be harmful. They cause dysfunction of those organs where they accumulate and contribute to great morbidity and mortality.
• All LSDs except Hunter syndrome (MPS II) and Fabry disease are autosomal recessive This means both parents must carry the abnormal gene that prevents the body from making an enzyme with normal activity.
• LSDs usually appear during pregnancy or soon after birth.
• More rarely, adults may develop
• People usually have more severe cases when an LSD starts early and more mild cases when an LSD starts later.
• Treatment:
  • There are no cures for lysosomal storage diseases.
  • But treatments can help you to manage your symptoms and lessen damage to organs and tissues.

About Raigad Fort:

• It is a hill fort situated in Raigad district, Maharashtra.
• It is situated in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, or the western ghats.
• It stands at an elevation of 2,700 feet (820 meters) above its base and 4,449 feet (1,356 meters) above sea level.
• Raigad, surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers, stands as an isolated massif without connections to neighbouring hills.
• The fort also overlooks an artificial lake known as the ‘Ganga Sagar Lake’.
• It is only accessible by a pathway on one side, through several steps in a stiff climb.
• There is a famous tower built on a high valley near Raigad Fort, which is called “Hirkani Buruj”.
• It is one of the strongest-ever fortresses of the Deccan Plateau and is known as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’ across the world.
• It was seized by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656 from Chandraraoji More, the King of Jawali.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj renovated this fort and declared it the capital of the Maratha Empire in 1674 AD.
• The fort’s layout is strategically designed to maximize its defensive capabilities, with multiple layers of fortification, bastions, and gateways.
• The fort was the location for an armed campaign executed by the British East India Company in 1765.
• On May 9, 1818, the fort was looted and subsequently destroyed by British.

About MERCOSUR:

• The Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR for its Spanish initials) is a South American regional economic organization.
• It was created in 1991 by signing the Treaty of Asunción.
• Objective: facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among the member countries.
• Members:
  • It originally comprised Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay as its members.
  • Bolivia and Venezuela joined it later. (Venezuela has been suspended since December 1, 2016).
  • Mercosur also counts Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname as associate members.
• Headquarters: Montevideo, Uruguay.
• Its official working languages are Spanish and Portuguese.
• Governance:
  • The bloc’s highest decision-making body, the Common Market Council, provides a high-level forum for coordinating foreign and economic policy.
  • The group consists of the foreign and economic ministers of each member state, or their equivalent, and decisions are made by consensus.
  • The group’s presidency rotates every six months among its full members.
• It is the fourth largest integrated market after the European Union (EU), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and ASEAN.
• India and MERCOSUR signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in 2004.

About International Air Transport Association:

• It was founded in Havana, Cuba, on 19 April 1945.
• It is the prime vehicle for inter-airline cooperation in promoting safe, reliable, secure and economical air services - for the benefit of the world's consumers. 
• Members: At its founding, IATA had 57 members from 31 nations, mostly in Europe and North America. Today it has some 350 members from 120 nations in every part of the globe.
• The modern IATA is the successor to the International Air Traffic Association founded in the Hague in 1919.
• The last AGM in India was held 42 years ago in 1983.
• Objectives
  • Promote the development and growth of international air transportation.
  • Promote and guarantee collaboration between the different international air transport companies.
  • Strengthen safety within all areas of air transportation.
  • Creation of international air traffic rules and regulations.
• Head Office: Montreal, Canada.

About First-Person View Drones:

• These drones are unmanned aerial vehicles enhanced with artificial intelligence to perform advanced tasks with greater precision and autonomy. 
• By processing real-time video data through AI algorithms, FPV drones are able to avoid obstacles, and carry out mission-specific operations such as surveillance and search and rescue.
• First-person view (FPV) means that a person piloting a drone can see what the drone sees, through a camera attached to its body.
• The live video can be seen through specialised goggles, or on smartphones and other kinds of screens, and the drone can be manoeuvred remotely.
• Before FPV drones are deployed, a reconnaissance drone with a larger range first goes to survey the area and zero in on a specific region that needs to be targeted.
• FPV drones have a much smaller range, of a few kilometres.
• Features
  • GPS-independent navigation: Operates without relying on satellite-based GPS, enhancing resilience against jamming or signal loss.
  • SmartPilot system:Utilises advanced visual-inertial navigation, interpreting camera data to determine position and movement.
  • LiDAR technology:LiDAR technology complements the SmartPilot system, boosting precision in complex or cluttered environments.
• Advantage: The key advantages are cost and deep strike capabilities while remaining largely undetected.
• Challenge: One major challenge is that the drones’ movement through their surroundings cannot be seen by the drone operator.
• This can limit situational awareness and may lead to disorientation. At times, another person, a visual observer, may be needed to guide the person controlling the drone.
• Uses: Such drones are also used in filming and other non-defence purposes.

About BharatGen:

• It is India’s first-of-its-kind, indigenously developed, Artificial Intelligence (AI) based, government-funded, Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) for Indian languages.
• It is developed under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and implemented through TIH Foundation for IoT and IoE at IIT Bombay.
• BharatGen aims to revolutionize AI development across India’s linguistic and cultural spectrum.
• The initiative is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and brings together a robust consortium of leading academic institutions, experts, and innovators.
• The platform integrates text, speech and image modalities, offering seamless AI solutions in 22 Indian languages.
• This initiative will empower critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance, delivering region-specific AI solutions that understand and serve every Indian.
• The BharatGen initiative is being executed through a network of 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs), four of which have been upgraded to Technology Translational Research Parks (TTRPs).
• The Mission’s four pillars include technology development, entrepreneurship, human resource development, and international collaboration.
• Key features of  BharatGen:
  • Multilingual and multimodal models
  • Bhartiya dataset-based training
  • Open-source platform
  • Generative AI research ecosystem in India.

About Caspian Gull:

• It is a monotypic, large, white-headed gull and is one of the rarest gulls to be seen in India.
• Habitat: It typically nests on flat, low-lying ground by water. 
  • During the breeding season the species nests near lakes surrounded by reedbeds in steppe and semi-desert (Central Asia) reservoirs, rivers, and on grassy or shrubby river islands
• Diet: Its diet consists of fish, invertebrates including insects, molluscs etc.
• It is very difficult to identify since it closely resembles the Steppe Gull.
• The Caspian Gull, usually found in Central Asia, visits northwestern India, such as Gujarat, in winter.
• They move from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, then to southern and eastern Kazakhstan and western China. They winter in Asia and Africa.
• Traditionally, its wintering areas are from the eastern Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf and western India but increasing numbers now disperse into Europe, into countries such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Least Concern.

About Phytoplankton:

• Phytoplanktons are microscopic plants, but they play a huge role in the marine food web.
• Phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, are similar to terrestrial plants in that they contain chlorophyll and require sunlight in order to live and grow.
• Most phytoplankton are buoyant and float in the upper part of the ocean, where sunlight penetrates the water.
• They require inorganic nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates and sulfur which they convert into proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
• The two main classes of phytoplankton are dinoflagellates and diatoms.
  • Dinoflagellates use a whip-like tail, or flagella, to move through the water and their bodies are covered with complex shells.
  • Diatoms also have shells, but they are made of a different substance and their structure is rigid and made of interlocking parts. Diatoms do not rely on flagella to move through the water and instead rely on ocean currents to travel through the water.
• In a balanced ecosystem, phytoplankton provide food for a wide range of sea creatures including shrimp, snails, and jellyfish.
• When too many nutrients are available, phytoplankton may grow out of control and form harmful algal blooms (HABs).
• These blooms can produce extremely toxic compounds that have harmful effects on fish, shellfish, mammals, birds, and even people.
• Ecological significance
  • Phytoplankton is estimated to produce about 50 percent of Earth’s oxygen.
  • They have a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.
  • They provide an essential food source for organisms like zooplanktons.
  • Just like land plants, they grow more in certain seasons. 

About Birch Glacier:

• It is located in the Lötschental valley in northern Switzerland.
• The collapse of the glacier blocked the flow of the Lonza River, which runs through the valley.
• The Birch glacier was a special case: the only Swiss glacier that was advancing rather than shrinking. However, this was not because of extra snowfall.
• Its advance "was quite likely due to the pre-loading with rockfalls from this mountain, which has finally collapsed.
• Glaciologists have repeatedly expressed concerns about a thaw in recent years, attributed in large part to global warming, that has accelerated the retreat of glaciers in Switzerland.
• Switzerland, a landlocked Alpine country has the most glaciers of any country in Europe, and saw 4% of its total glacier volume disappear in 2023. That was the second-biggest decline in a single year after a 6% drop in 2022.

About ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram:

• Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society(ULLAS) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027.
• The scheme, aligned with NEP 2020, targets adults (aged 15 years and above) who can’t go to school.
• Aim: It aims to empower those adults aged 15 years and above from all backgrounds who could not get due schooling and mainstream them with society to be able to contribute more to the growth story of the country.
• The scheme has five components - Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills and Continuing Education.
• The vision of the ULLAS Scheme is to make India Jan Saakshar and is based on the spirit of Kartavya Bodh and is being implemented on volunteerism.
• The ULLAS app can be used for registration of learners and volunteers either through self-registration or by surveyors.
• It will serve as a digital gateway for learners to engage in diverse learning resources through the DIKSHA portal of NCERT.

About Valley of Flowers National Park:

• It is located in the state of
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms one of the two core zones (the other being the Nanda Devi National Park) of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
• The valley is believed to have been discovered in 1931, when three British mountaineers – led by Frank S Smythe – lost their way and chanced upon this spectacular valley. 
• The Valley of Flowers is located within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, spread over an area of 87 sq.km. 
• The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park. Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya.
• Flora: Flower species such as orchids, poppies, primulas, marigold, daisies and anemones can be found here. The valley also abounds in medicinal plants and herbs.
• Sub-alpine forests birch and rhododendron cover parts of the park's area. 
• Fauna: It is home to such rare and amazing wildlife species like the gray langur, the flying squirrel, the Himalayan weasel, and black bear, the red fox, the lime butterfly, the snow leopard.

About Preeclampsia:

• It is a serious condition that develops during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks or so.
• It is often marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine and this condition can also affect other organs of the body including the kidneys, liver and brain.
• Untreated preeclampsia can have serious, even fatal consequences for the mother and baby.
• In some women, preeclampsia may develop after the delivery of the baby; this is known as postpartum preeclampsia.
• What causes preeclampsia?
  • The exact cause of preeclampsia remains unknown, but researchers believe it may have come from a problem with the health of the placenta(the organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus). 
• Symptoms:
  • Many people with preeclampsia do not have any symptoms.
  • For those that do, some of the first signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, protein in the urine and retaining water (this can cause weight gain and swelling).
  • Other signs of preeclampsia include Headaches, Blurry vision or light sensitivity, Dark spots appearing in your vision, Right side abdominal pain, Swelling in your hands and face (edema) and Shortness of breath.
• Treatment:
  • The only cure for preeclampsia is to give birth.
  • Even after delivery, symptoms of preeclampsia can last 6 weeks or more.
  • Treatment, if necessary, is based on how far along the pregnancy is, and may include induced labor or a Caesarean section (C-section).
• Prevalence: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), preeclampsia affects 2–8% of pregnancies worldwide. There are around 46,000 maternal deaths due to pre-eclampsia per year and around 5,00,000 foetal or newborn deaths. Preeclampsia and eclampsia (a complication of preeclampsia) are responsible for approximately 10% of maternal deaths in Asia and Africa.

About NAKSHA Programme:

• The NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban Habitations (NAKSHA) programme is a city survey initiative under the existing Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
• It is spearheaded by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), under the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Under the new initiative, maps of towns and cities will be prepared. The programme has been launched as a pilot across 152 urban local bodies in 26 states.
• The cities selected meet two criteria: area less than 35 sq km and population less than 2 lakhs. The pilot will be completed in a year.
• Objectives
  • Creates a comprehensive geospatial database for urban land records.
  • Uses aerial and field surveys integrated with GIS technology.
  • Enhances land governance, streamlines property records, and supports urban planning.
  • Improves decision-making, ensures efficient land use, and facilitates smoother property transactions.
• The Survey of India is the technical partner for NAKSHA programmewhich is responsible for conducting aerial surveys and providing orthorectified imagery, through third party vendors, to state and Union Territory governments.

About Samoa:

• It is a Polynesian island nation located in the central South Pacific Ocean.
• Samoa sits about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii.
• It is made up of an archipelago of nine islands, four of which are inhabited.
• It covers an area of 2,842 sq.km.
• The two largest islands are Savai’i and Upolu. About three-quarters of the population lives on the island of Upolu.
• The country originated from volcanic activity.
• It is mountainous, with many lakes and rivers.
• The islands are ringed by coral reefs and shallow lagoons.
• Its capital and main commercial centre is Apia, on the island of Upolu.
• Samoa gained its independence from New Zealand in 1962. It is the first Pacific island country to achieve independence.
• It is a parliamentary democracy.
• Languages:
  • Samoan is the country’s official language.
  • Legislative activity is conducted in both Samoan and English as required by the constitution.
• The economy revolves around fishing and agriculture, which is vulnerable to cyclones and disease.

About Dibang River:

• It is an important tributary of the
• It flows through the northeast Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• The Dibang Valley, a district of Arunachal Pradesh, is named after this river.
• Course:
• Origin: The Dibang originates near Keya pass on the Indo-Chinese border in the Upper Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The region all along the upper course of the river is located in the Great Himalayan Mountain Range, with its northern and eastern reaches bordering Tibet.
• The Mishmi Hills is found along the upper courses of the Dibang River.
• The Mishmi Hills is the southward expansion of the Himalayas; compose most of the northern part of the region.
• They have an average elevation of 15,000 feet (4,500 m) and are dotted with passes such as Yonggyap at 13,000 feet (3,950 m) and Kaya at 15,600 feet (4,750 m).
• After traversing through Arunachal Pradesh, Dibang River enters the plains of Assam.
• Eventually, it joins the Lohit and Siang rivers, which together form the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
• The major tributaries of the Dibang River are the Dri, Mathun, Talon, Eme, Ahi, Emra, and Awa.

_{Dibang Multipurpose Project:}

• It is a flood control cum hydroelectric power project planned to be developed on the Dibang River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, in Arunachal Pradesh.
• At 2,880 MW installed capacity, it will be the country’s biggest hydropower facility.
• It is being developed by India’s state-run National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
• The Project is designed as an energy storage project, with flood moderation as one of the key objectives, besides power generation.
• The project envisages the construction of a 278 m-high and 375 m-long concrete gravity dam, which will be the highest concrete gravity dam of India.

About Krishi Nivesh Portal:

• It is an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to facilitate farmers and investors.
• The portal will cater to diverse stakeholders, including farmers, entrepreneurs and industries, by providing easy access to information regarding various Central and State Government schemes.
• There are many government schemes for farmers’ welfare through which the investors can avail the subsidized benefits provided by various departments, divisions and ministries.
• This portal is a one-stop place for availing the benefits promulgated by different Government departments and ministries in the agriculture sector.
• It is a comprehensive platform designed to enhance agribusinesses, attract investments, and improve farmers' income.
• It serves as a centralized interface to track investment opportunities, monitor the status of applications and access information on schemes — all from a single source.
• It is designed to streamline the investment process, making it more transparent and efficient.
• The portal features a user-friendly interface, real-time assistance through chatbot and interactive dashboards for data-driven decision-making.
• It currently provides information on 17 flagship agri-sector schemes, including the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, PM Kisan Sampada Yojana, and PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan), covering initiatives from seven ministries on a single platform.
• Currently, the portal is being utilised by multiple ministries, including those of agriculture, food processing, rural development, jal shakti, new and renewable energy and fertilisers.

About Bayraktar TB2:

• It is a Turkish-made Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike missions.
• It is Turkey’s first domestically developed armed UAV.
• It is an effective, low-cost platform that can be produced with commercial, off-the-shelf parts, which drives down cost and makes maintenance affordable for many countries.
• Features:
  • It features a high-wing monoplane design, which provides increased stability and efficiency for extended missions.
  • The drone is equipped with a tailplane, further improving its aerodynamic characteristics.
  • Its wingspan is 12 meters, while its length is 6.5 meters, and its height is 2.2 meters.
  • Range: Flies up to 300 km from its base.
  • Endurance: Can stay in the air for up to 27 hours.
  • Payload Capacity: Can carry 150 kg, including laser-guided MAM-L missiles — powerful enough to take out armored vehicles.
  • Top Speed: The UAV achieves a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80 mph), with a cruising speed of around 100 km/h (62 mph).
  • Sensors: Equipped with high-tech cameras (day/night vision), laser designators, and target finders — ideal for tracking and destroying targets.

About Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary:

• It is located approximately 64 km west of Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
• It is a natural lake with shallow waters and muddy lagoons, dotted by 360 islets.
• Spread over an area of 120.82 sq km, this sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
• The history of Nalsarovar dates back to the 15th century, when the lake was created as a result of the construction of a check dam across the Sabarmati River.
• The lake was initially used for irrigation and as a source of drinking water for nearby villages.
• Over time, the lake became an important habitat for a variety of bird species, and local communities recognized its ecological significance.
• In the early 20th century, the British colonial administration recognized the importance of Nalsarovar as a wetland ecosystem and established it as a protected area.
• In 1969, the Gujarat government declared Nalsarovar a bird sanctuary to primarily protect its bird population.
• The Ramsar Convention designation of Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in 2012 recognized its ecological importance as a wetland habitat for birds and other wildlife.
• Flora:
  • The sanctuary area has 48 species of algae and 72 species of flowering plants.
  • The common aquatic plants are Cyperus sp., Scirpus sp., Typha ungustata, Eleocharis palustris, Ruppia, Potamogeton, Vallisnaria, Naias, Chara, etc.
• Fauna:
  • The sanctuary has about 250 bird species, which include greater and lesser flamingoes, pelicans, ducks & geese, rails, coots, cranes, cormorants, herons, egrets, storks, ibises, spoonbills, teals, sarus cranes, moorhens, and waders, etc.
  • Other animals: On southern or southwestern fringes, small herds of wild ass can be seen. Mongoose, jungle cat, Indian fox, jackal, wolf, and hyena are also there.

Key Facts about Sabine’s Gull:

• Sabine's gull (Xema sabini), also known as the fork-tailed gull or xeme, is a small gull.
• It breeds in the subarctic and high arctic regions of North America and Russia, as well as on Greenland and in Svalbard.
• This species is easy to identify through its striking wing pattern.
• The adult has a pale grey back and wing coverts, black primary flight feathers and white secondaries. The white tail is forked.
• IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern.