About Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP):

• It is a high altitude national park located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh.
• Nestled in the far Western Himalayas, the park comprises four valleys: the Tirthan Valley, the Sainj Valley, the Parvati Valley, and the Jiwa Nal Valley.
• It is surrounded by steep ridges and permanent snow on its northern, eastern, and southern
• The GHNP is situated adjacent to Pin Valley National Park, Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Tirthan and Sainj Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Topography: The park is a stunning mix of lush coniferous forests, meadows, glaciers, and mountain peaks.
• It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2014.
• Flora:
  • Vegetation grows in well-defined altitude zones, beginning with rather open, subtropical forests at the lowest valley bottoms, gradually grading to mixed forests of horse chestnut, evergreen oak, spruce, and deodar, then to rusty-leaved kharsu oak, spruce, and fir in the upper temperate zone.
  • Further up is a subalpine zone of birches, stunted firs, and rhododendron bushes, followed by the higher alpine areas where vegetation is reduced to grasses, herbs, and low shrubs, such as juniper.
• Fauna:
  • The park is home to 31 mammals, including the elusive snow leopard, the majestic Himalayan brown bear, and the vibrant blue sheep, or bharal.
  • Other notable residents include the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and serow.
  • Birdlife in the park is equally diverse, with 209 species recorded, such as the endangered western tragopan and the impressive lammergeiers, alongside the Himalayan griffon vulture and golden eagle.

About Ichak:

• Ichak is a small village in Jharkhand.
• Known as the “temple town” of Hazaribag district, Ichak is dotted with hundreds of ancient temples, ponds, and gardens, many of which today stand in a state of alarming neglect.
• Ichak’s origins trace back over two centuries to the Ramgarh Raj under the Singh dynasty.
• The rulers had established Ichak as one of their prominent capitals before shifting to areas near the Padma River.
• During their reign, they built an extensive network of temples, akharas (traditional centres), ponds, and gardens.
  • At the heart of Ichak’s main market stands the imposing Singh Dwar, a massive domed gateway that once marked the entrance to the royal palace.
  • From Baba Banshidhar and Bhairavnath temples to Lakshmi Narayan (Bada Akhara) and Shri Ram Janaki (Chota Akhara), each structure carries historical, architectural, and cultural value.
  • Ichak is also home to the Budhiya Mata Temple, where devotees worship a formless deity — a rare and unique tradition for over 300 years.
  • Bhagwati Math Temple reflects architectural influences akin to the Mahabodhi Temple, showcasing the artistic excellence of the past.
• The style of the temples reveals the Nagara and the Bengal styles of architecture. The mosque-type domes emphasize the Moghul influence on these temples.
• Historians and locals said that at one point, Ichak had nearly 174 temples. Today, only a fraction of them remain, and many of them have either lost their idols—allegedly stolen—or are on the verge of collapse.

About SVAMITVA Scheme:

• The Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) is a central sector scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• It was launched nationwide on National Panchayati Raj Day, 24th April 2021, after successful completion of the pilot phase of the scheme (2020-2021) in 9 states.
• It aims to empower rural citizens with property cards, enabling access to credit, dispute resolution, and better planning.
• It provides a ‘Record of Rights’ to village household owners with the issuance of legal ownership cards (property cards/title deeds) to the property owners by mapping land parcels using drone technology.
• The mapping shall be done across the country in a phased manner. It generates high-resolution and accurate maps to confer ownership property rights.
• The scheme seeks to achieve the following objectives:
  • To bring financial stability to the citizens in rural India by enabling them to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits.
  • Creation of accurate land records for rural planning.
  • Determination of property tax, which would accrue to the Gram Panchayats (GPs) directly in States where it is devolved or else add to the State exchequer.
  • Creation of survey infrastructure and GIS maps that can be leveraged by any department for their use.
  • To support the preparation of a better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) by making use of GIS maps.
  • To reduce property-related disputes and legal cases.
• Eligibility: The applicant should have a property in a rural inhabited (Abadi) area.
• Exclusions: Agricultural lands are not covered under this scheme.
• Implementing Agency:
  • It is implemented by the Survey of India (SoI) with the National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) as the technology partner.
  • In the States, the Revenue Department/Land Records Department will be the Nodal Department and shall carry out the scheme with the support of the State Panchayati Raj Department.

About Alleles:

• An allele is a variant form of a gene.
• Some genes have a variety of different forms, which are located at the same position, or genetic locus, on a chromosome.
• Humans are called diploid organisms because they have two alleles at each genetic locus, with one allele inherited from each parent.
• Each pair of alleles represents the genotype of a specific gene.
• Genotypes are described as homozygous if there are two identical alleles at a particular locus and as heterozygous if the two alleles differ.
• Alleles contribute to the organism's phenotype, which is the outward appearance of the organism.
• Some alleles are dominant or recessive. When an organism is heterozygous at a specific locus and carries one dominant and one recessive allele, the organism will express the dominant phenotype.
• This genetic diversity allows offspring to inherit traits from both parents while exhibiting unique characteristics.
• For example, in hair color, dark hair is typically dominant over light hair; a child may inherit light hair only if both parents pass on the recessive allele.
• All genetic traits are the result of the interactions of alleles.
• Mutation, crossing over, and environmental conditions selectively change the frequency of phenotypes (and thus their alleles) within a population.

About Udayan Fort:

• Udayan Fort, also known as Udayan Kila, is a historical site located in the Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh.
• It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River.
• The fort is associated with King Udayana, the ruler of the Vatsa kingdom—one of the 16 Mahajanapadas of ancient India.
• It served as the capital fort of the Vatsa kingdom during the 6th century BCE.
  • King Udayana was known for his military strength, diplomatic skills, and cultural patronage.
  • According to Buddhist and Jain texts, Udayana had connections with both Lord Buddha and Mahavira, who visited Kaushambi and contributed to its spiritual growth.
  • The fort thus played a key role in shaping the early political and religious landscape of the region.
• Architectural Remains and Layout:
  • The layout of the fort suggests a well-planned administrative and residential zone, complete with defensive structures and public buildings.
  • The defensive structures include thick brick walls, earth ramparts, and bastions rising up to 50 to 60 feet, along with evidence of protective moats or trenches.
  • The site is characterized by extensive brickbats scattered across the ground, hinting at the density of buildings that once stood inside the fortress.
  • Archaeologists have unearthed pottery, coins, and ancient tools from the area, providing evidence of a thriving settlement.

About Ecuador:

• Location: It is a country located on the northwestern edge of South America.
• Bordering countries: It is bordered by Colombia to the north, by Peru to the south and east.
• Maritime boundaries: It shares borders with the Pacific Ocean to the west.
• Capital City:
• Geographical Features of Ecuador
  • It consists of 4 geographic regions namely:
    • Coastal lowlands and mountain area; the Central Andes Mountainsand its two major chains Cordillera Occidental in the West and the Cordillera Oriental in the east.
  • Climate: Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands.
  • Highest Point: The highest point in Ecuador is Mount Chimborazo.
  • Volcano: Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes located in the Andes Mountains.
  • Rivers:  Babahoyo, Chira, Coca, Curaray.
  • Natural resources: It mainly consists of Petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower

    India and Ecuador are looking at the possibility of firming up a preferential trade pact to boost economic ties.

About Spinal Muscular Atrophy:

• It is a rare and progressive neuromuscular disorder that leads to muscle weakness and can cause life-threatening complications. 
• It is a debilitating genetic condition which affects motor neurons that control movement, and leads to progressive muscle weakening.
• Cause: Most forms of SMA are caused by mutations of the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) on the fifth chromosome, resulting in insufficient expression levels of the SMN protein.
• Types of SMA: There are five subtypes of SMA- type 0, 1, 2, 3, 4. Healthcare providers classify them based on the age of onset, as well as the severity and life expectancy.
• Symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy:
  • Its symptoms vary and may be mild or disabling, but involve a weakness of the muscles that control movement.
  • The weakness in SMA tends to be more severe in the muscles that are close to the center of your body than in the muscles farther away from your body’s center.
  • Treatment: Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for SMA. Treatment for SMA mainly seeks to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

About Atomic Energy Regulatory Board:

• It is India’s premier regulatory authority for nuclear and radiation safety.
• Background: It was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
  • The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Objective: To ensure the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India does not cause undue risk to the health of people and the environment.
• Headquarters: Mumbai.
• Composition:
  • It comprises six members of which two are whole time members including the chairman. 
  • The other whole-time member is the executive director of the AERB Secretariat who is an ex-officio member of the Board. 
  • The other four members are eminent experts from various disciplines relevant to the mandate of the board.
  • The Board shall be responsible to the Atomic Energy Commission.
• Functions of AERB:
  • Develop safety policies in nuclear, radiation and industrial safety areas for facilities under its purview.
  • Develop Safety Codes, Guides and Standards for siting, design, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of different types of nuclear and radiation facilities.
  • Grant consents for siting, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning, after an appropriate safety review and assessment, for establishment of nuclear and radiation facilities.
  • It shall have authority to administer the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, the industrial safety for the units of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

About Padma Doree:

• It is a unique cross-cultural textile initiative that brings together the Eri (Ahimsa) silk traditions of Northeast India with the rich Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
• It aims to promote sustainable textiles, strengthen cross-regional craft collaboration, and create new livelihood opportunities for artisans while showcasing India’s rich textile heritage.
• Launched by:It was launched by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
• Executing Agency: It is executed by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC).
• Key Aspects of 'Padma Doree':
  • Convergence of Traditions: It is developed across two culturally significant regions of India, and represents a convergence of textile traditions and generational knowledge systems.
  • Environmental Integrity: Padma Doree is crafted using natural dyes, drawing from time-honoured dyeing practices that yield depth and environmental integrity.
  • Ethical Philosophy: In alignment with an ethical philosophy, Padma Doree adopts a non-violent silk approach, ensuring that silkworms are not harmed in its production.

About Fiber Optic Drones:

• Fiber optic drones are specialized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that integrate fiber optic technology.
• Working of Fiber Optic Drones:
  • Fiber optic drones operate by using optical fiber cables instead of traditional wireless systems.
  • These are operated while connected to the ground through a fiber optic tether.
  • Unlike regular drones that rely on radio frequencies for communication and batteries for power, these drones receive both data connectivity and often electrical power through the
• Advantages:
  • Real-time Data: It operates at near-zero latency transmission, ideal for surveillance, targeting and network maintenance.
  • Improved Coverage: These can be operated in GPS-denied, RF-jammed environments like electronic warfare zones.
  • High Security: These drones carry optical fiber cables, ensuring the transmission of large data volumes with minimal signal interference.  
  • Reliable Transmission: These drones provide high-speed, reliable data transmission over vast distances.
• Applications: Military and Drone Warfare, Telecommunications and Infrastructure Maintenance, Emergency and Disaster Response.

About Mount Dukono:

• It is an active volcano located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku, Indonesia.
• It is a complex volcano presenting a broad, low profile with multiple summit peaks and overlapping craters.
• It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with high tectonic activity.
• Since its first eruption in 1933, the volcano has exhibited significant volcanic activity, including frequent eruptions and smoke emissions.
  • Eruptions have been explosive and also produced lava flows and mudflows.
  • It often produces ash plumes that can reach several kilometers into the atmosphere.
• The tropical rainforest surrounding the volcano is home to various endemic flora and fauna species.

About Korowai Tribe:

• The Korowai tribe is a group of indigenous people who live in the southeastern part of Papua, Indonesia.
• The tribe has unique cultural practices and a unique way of living in treehouses high above the ground.
• The Korowai people have a deep connection to the forest, which they rely on for their survival.
• They hunt and gather food from the forest, including wild animals and plants.
• They live high up in the trees which they built on the tree trunks.
• The Korowai people were totally disconnected from the outside world until the 1970s.
• They have been sensationalised in modern media for their association with cannibalism, a practice of eating human flesh.
  • While it is believed that the tribe historically practised cannibalism as part of their spiritual and social beliefs, it has largely faded over time.

About Leprosy:

• Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae.
• It primarily affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes.
• It is a neglected tropical disease (NTD).
• People affected by the disease often face social isolation and discrimination, particularly in regions where the illness is more common.
• Transmission:
  • The disease is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth of an untreated case of leprosy, containing the causative agent, following prolonged, close contact.
  • The disease does not spread through casual contact (like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals or sitting next to each other).
  • The patient stops transmitting the disease upon initiation of treatment.
• Treatment:
  • Leprosy is a curable disease.
  • The currently recommended treatment regimen consists of three medicines (dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine) and is referred to as multi-drug therapy (MDT).

About Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat.
• It spans the rugged terrain of the Girnar hills, which are a part of the Saurashtra region.
• Girnar has a rich cultural and religious significance with Hindu and Jain temples situated on the hills.
• Flora:
  • Predominantly dry deciduous forests with species like teak, dhak, acacia, and other drought-resistant plants.
  • The sanctuary supports a mix of dense forest, open scrub, and grasslands.
• Fauna:
  • It is filled with abundant wildlife, including Asiatic lions, spotted deer, Sambar, Chousinghas, Chinkaras, leopards, Indian golden jackals, and around 300 species of birds, which include both resident and migratory.
  • It serves as an extension of the Gir National Park’s lion population.

About DAMPE Satellite:

• DAMPE (Dark Matter Particle Explorer), also known as “Wukong”, is China's first astronomical satellite.
• It is a powerful space telescope for high-energy gamma-ray, electron, and cosmic ray detection.
• The satellite was launched into a polar, sun-synchronous orbit with an altitude of 500 km in 2015.
• The main scientific objective of DAMPE is to measure electrons and photons with much higher energy resolution and energy reach than achievable with existing space experiments in order to identify possible dark matter signatures.
• It also has great potential in advancing the understanding of the origin and propagation mechanism of high-energy cosmic rays, as well as in new discoveries in high-energy gamma astronomy.

About Hepatitis:

• It is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents.
• It is commonly the result of a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis.
  • These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.
  • Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.
• Common Symptoms: Fatigue, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, pale stool, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice.
• Classification of Hepatitis Virus:
  • Hepatitis A: It is the result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease.
  • Hepatitis B: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. This is often an ongoing, chronic condition.
  • Hepatitis C: It comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is among the most common bloodborne viral infections and typically presents as a long-term condition.
  • Hepatitis D: It is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B
    • The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection.
  • Hepatitis E: It is a waterborne disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV).
    • It is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.
  • Treatment:
    • There are vaccines that can help protect against many hepatitis viruses.
    • There are vaccines for prevention against Hepatitis A, B and D.
    • However, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C or E.

About Whitley Awards:

• It is often called as the “Green Oscars,”
• It recognises grassroots conservation leaders in the Global South.
• It is given by the UK charity Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN).
• It provides winners with £50,000 in project funding over one year to scale up local solutions to biodiversity loss.

Key Facts about Himalayan salamander

• It is a lizard-like amphibian species.
• Although it resembles a lizard, it lacks scales on its body.
• Distribution: It is endemic to India (the Darjeeling region), Nepal and Bhutan,
• Salamanders return to their natal site to breed and lay eggs—a process known as philopatry, which makes them highly vulnerable to changes in habitat and wetland health.
• Cultural Significance: The wetlands where Himalayan salamanders breed are culturally revered water bodies, associated with local deities and rituals.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable

Key Facts about Indian skimmer

• It is one of the three species that belong to the skimmer genus Rynchops in the family Laridae. 
• It gets its name from the way it feeds, flying low over the water surface and ‘skimming’for fish.
• Habitat: It occurs primarily on larger, sandy, lowland rivers, around lakes and adjacent marshes.
• Distribution: It is mainly found in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, with some populations extending to Nepal and Myanmar.

In India, one of the key areas for spotting Indian Skimmers is the Chambal River.

Conservation status: IUCN: Endangered

About Jamaica:

• It is a large island nation located in the west-central Caribbean in the Greater Antilles archipelago.
• It is situated to the south of Cuba; to the west of Hispaniola Islands (Haiti & the Dominican Republic) and to the northwest of Cayman Islands.
• It is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea.
• Capital City: Kingston
• Geographical Features of Jamaica:
  • Climate: The tropical climate is influenced by the sea and the northeast trade winds, which are dominant throughout the year.
  • Major Mountains: It consists of Blue Mountains (highest point), John Crow Mountains, Don Figuero Mountains, Santa Cruz, etc.
  • Major Rivers: Rio Minho (the longest river of Jamaica), Black River, Rio Cobre
  • Natural Resources: Jamaica's main natural resources are bauxite, gypsum and limestone.

What is Aarogya Maitri?

• 'Aarogya Maitri' project is a humanitarian initiative that extends India's commitment to global health and disaster relief.
• The Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM), part of Project Aarogya Maitri, is an innovative emergency medical aid program.
  • At its core are compact, portable "mini cubes" filled with essential medicines and equipment, designed for rapid deployment in various emergencies.

About INS Mahendragiri:

• It is the sixth ship of Nilgiri Class (Project 17A).
• It was designed by Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
• It was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) Mumbai.
• Features of INS Mahendragiri:
  • Propulsion: These ships are configured with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants.
  • Comprising a diesel engine and a gas turbine that drive a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) on each shaft, and state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
  • Armaments: The potent weapon and sensor suite comprises anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare systems.

What are Project 17A frigates?

• These are versatile multi-mission platforms designed to address current and emerging challenges in the maritime domain. 
• The five already delivered to the Navy are INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Taragiri and INS Vindhyagiri.
• Armaments: P17A ships are fitted with an advanced weapon and sensor suite like MF-STAR active phased array radar, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, and Barak-8 long-range surface-to-air missiles, designed for superior anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.

About Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling:

• It is part of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), which is aimed at building the domestic capacity of and supply chain resilience in critical minerals. 
• Time Period: The Scheme will have a tenure of six years from Financial Year 2025-26 to Financial Year 2030-31. 
• Features:
  • Eligible feedstock is e-waste, Lithium Ion Battery (LIB) scrap, and scrap other than e-waste and LIB scraps. 
  • Expected beneficiaries will be both large, established recyclers, as well as small, new recyclers (including start-ups), for whom one-third of the scheme outlay has been earmarked. 
  • It is applicable to investments in new units as well as expansion of capacity and modernization and diversification of existing units. 
  • It provides incentive for the recycling value chain, which is involved in the actual extraction of critical minerals, and not the value chain involved in only black mass production.
  • The incentives include a 20% capital subsidy on plant and machinery for projects that commence production within the stipulated timeframe and an operational subsidy tied to incremental sales. 
  • The operational support will be provided in tranches—40% in the second year and 60% in the fifth year—on meeting specific sales thresholds.
  • To ensure wider participation, the total incentive has been capped at ₹50 crore per large entity and ₹25 crore per small entity, with limits on operating subsidies of ₹10 crore and ₹5 crore, respectively.

About Easter Island:

• It is a Chilean dependency in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
• It is the easternmost outpost of the Polynesian island world.
• Named Rapa Nui by its earliest residents, it is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world.
• It was discovered by Europeans on Easter Sunday (1722) by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen. Hence the name “Easter Island”.
• It faces a tropical rainforest climate.
• The island comprises three extinct volcanoes, namely Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau.
• The island has no permanent rivers but contains three crater lakes, namely Rano Aroi, Rano Raraku, and Rano Kau.
• It is known for its iconic Moai statues, carved by the indigenous Rapa Nui people.
• UNESCO named Easter Island a World Heritage Site and major parts of the island have been protected under the Rapa Nui National Park.

What are Moai Statues?

• Rapa Nui is famous for its large statues called moai.
• They are shaped like large human heads and erected on stone pedestals.
• They are famous for their carved heads and “Pukao,” a hat-like covering made from a soft red stone.
• They were carved in volcanic stone at quarries and then moved to their current locations across the island.
• Scholars believe the Rapa Nui people built the moai between the 13th and the 16th centuries and represented their revered ancestors.

What is Rongorongo?

• Rongorongo is a writing system that comprises carved symbols, known as glyphs, on wooden tablets and artefacts discovered in Easter Island.
• Rongorongo differs from other scripts in that it has not yet been deciphered.
• Rongorongo was noted for the first time in 1864 when it was observed by Europeans.
• Rongorongo looks very different from the European writing This has led some experts to believe it may have developed locally by the inhabitants.

About Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is located in the Kandhamal district of Odisha.
• It’s classified as a moist deciduous forest in the Eastern Highlands.
• The sanctuary is home to some tribal settlements, including Kutia Kondh and Desia Kondh.
• Vegetation: The sanctuary’s principal vegetation is dense, damp deciduous forests with meadows.
• Flora: Sal, Piasal, Sisoo, Kendu, Gamhar, Asan, Kusum, Harida, Bahada, Amala, Mango, Tamarind, Mahua, Jackfruit, Randhan, Kangada, Jamun, Salapo, Bheru, Arjun, Char, Dhaura, and Kochila are among the prevalent flora.
• Many rare and endangered medicinal plants exist, including Abutilon Indicum, Cissus quadrangularis, Crateva Magna, Cycas sphaerica, etc.
• Fauna:
  • Tigers, elephants, Gaur, Sambar deer, Spotted deer, Peafowl, Red jungle fowl, Blackbuck, Leopard, Sloth bear, Chital, and various bird and reptile species, including rare species like Forsten's cat snake (Boiga forsteni), can all be found in this sanctuary.
  • The sanctuary’s major attraction is the Chousingha, or four-horned antelope.

About Sacred Groves:

• A sacred grove comprises patches of natural vegetation – from a few trees to several acres – that are dedicated to local deities or tree spirits.
• These spaces are protected by local communities because of their religious beliefs and traditional rituals that run through several generations.
• These are some of the most valuable, primitive practices of nature conservation.
• They act as repositories of biodiversity, sheltering rare plant and animal species.
• Hunting and deforestation are usually prohibited, while sustainable activities such as honey collection or gathering deadwood are permitted.
• The total number of sacred groves in India is more than 1,00,000. These groves are found all over the country with local names and associated deities.
• They are particularly found in regions like:
  • The Western Ghats
  • The Himalayas
  • The northeastern hill tracts
  • Central India
• Regional Names for Sacred Groves:
  • Dev Van in Himachal Pradesh
  • Bugyal or Dev Van in Uttarakhand
  • Than and Madaico in Assam
  • Matagudi, Devgudi, or Sarana in Chhattisgarh
  • Jaherthan or Sarana in Jharkhand
  • Devarakadu in Karnataka
  • Kavu or Sarpa Kavu in Kerala
  • Kovilkaadu in Tamil Nadu
  • Devrai or Devgudi in Maharashtra
  • Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi in Meghalaya
  • Orans in Rajasthan.
  • Jahera or Thakuramma in Odisha

About Canine Distemper:

• It is a contagious and serious disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV).
• The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs and has a very high mortality rate.
• All dogs are at risk of canine distemper. Those at particular risk include puppies younger than four months and dogs that have not been vaccinated against CDV.
• CDV is a worldwide multi-host pathogen and is increasingly found in wildlife species, including carnivores, large felids, marine mammals, and non-human primates.
• Transmission:
  • It is spread through direct contact or airborne exposure.
  • The virus does not last long in the environment and can be destroyed by most disinfectants.
  • However, the distemper-infected dogs can shed the virus for up to several months.
  • Once a dog is infected, the virus quickly spreads throughout the entire body and significantly weakens the immune system, leaving them susceptible to secondary infections.
• Treatment:
  • There is no cure, and no antiviral drugs have been approved to combat the infection.
  • The best way to prevent canine distemper is through vaccination.

About International Labour Day (ILD):

• International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is observed annually on May 1 to honor the dedication and contributions of workers across the globe.
• It is a memorial to the labor movement’s struggles and victories.
• History:
  • The origins of ILD trace back to the late 19th century when 400,000 workers across the USA organised a peaceful strike in Chicago on 1st May 1886.
  • They were protesting to demand an eight-hour workday.
  • Unfortunately, the strike turned violent, and several unarmed workers were killed by the police.
  • It came to be known as the Haymarket Affair and was a turning point in the struggle for workers' rights.
  • This turning point stimulated trade unions and socialist federations across Europe to declare May 1 an international day of workers’ solidarity, formally approved in 1889 at the Paris meeting of the Second International.
• In India, the first Labour Day celebration was held in Chennai (then Madras) in 1923 by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.
  • Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar, the leader, raised the red flag for the first time in India and demanded that the government declare May 1 a national holiday to recognise workers' rights.
• The day usually involves parades, union gatherings, and celebrations that emphasize employee rights.
• May Day 2026 Theme: This year, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) selected the theme for May Day 2026 as: “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment. 

About National Company Law Tribunal:

• It is a quasi-judicial authority incorporated for dealing with corporate disputes that are of civil nature arising under the Companies Act, 2013.
• It was constituted on 1 June 2016 under the Companies Act, 2013.
• It was established based on the recommendation of the Balakrishna Eradi committee on law relating to the insolvency and the winding up of companies.
• Composition: It shall consist of a President and such number of Judicial and Technical Members as may be required.
• Appeal: Decisions of the tribunal may be appealed to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, the decisions of which may further be appealed to the Supreme Court of India on a point of law.
• Powers of National Company Law Tribunal
  • It is guided by the principles of natural justice, subject to the other provisions of this Act and of any rules that are made by the Central Government.
  • It can enforce any order that it gives in the same manner as a court would enforce it.
  • It has the power to scrutinize its own orders.
  • It has the power to regulate their own procedure.
  • It is the adjudicating authority for the insolvency resolution process of companies and limited liability partnerships under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

About Italy:

• Location: It is located in South-central Europe on the Apennine Peninsula.
• Bordering Countries: It shares its border with Switzerland and Austria in the north, Slovenia in the northeast and France in the northwest.  
• Maritime boundaries: It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Sea of Sicily in the south, the Ionian Sea in the southeast, the Ligurian Sea, and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the southwest.
• Capital City: Rome
• Geographical Features of Italy:
  • Terrain: It is mostly rugged and mountainous and has some plains, coastal lowlands.
  • Major Rivers: Po (It is Italy’s longest river) and Adige
  • Highest Point: Mont Blanc 
  • Volcano: Italy is volcanic in origin, and a few of its many volcanoes are active, including Sicily’s Mt. Etna, Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands.
  • Natural Resources: Coal, antimony, mercury, zinc, potash, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves.

About Peacock Tarantula:

• It is one of the rarest and most visually striking spiders in the world, famous for its metallic blue coloration.
• It is also known as the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula, named after the region where it was first discovered.
• Appearance: The spider has a distinctive bright blue body with yellow and white markings, forming geometric patterns on its legs and abdomen.
• Habitat: In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species, meaning it lives on trees, occupying tree holes, bark crevices, and elevated surfaces.
• Distribution: It is endemic to India, primarily found in parts of Andhra Pradesh.
• Characteristics:
  • It is a nocturnal hunter, remaining hidden during the day and becoming active at night.
  • It is an active predator that does not rely on webs but instead uses speed and venom to capture prey such as insects and small animals.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Critically Endangered
• Threats: The main threats it faces come from habitat loss due to logging, firewood collection, and forest degradation.
• Ecological Role: It plays an important ecological role by controlling insect populations and supporting biodiversity.

About Ru-Soam Bridges:

• It is a cane bridge built by the Lepcha community in Sikkim, especially in the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.
  • In the Lepcha language, ‘Ru’ means cane or rattan, while ‘Soam’ refers to a bridge.
• Materials Used: It is crafted from locally available materials such as bamboo, cane, and wood.
• Structural Features:
  • It consists of two parallel canes called soamgyang. The soamgyang are tied to trees on the two ends, ensuring that the bridge remains suspended.
  • A ru-soam contains swinging cane loops called ahool.
  • Bamboos, or soamgur, are used to make the deck of the bridge.
  • The bridges can be 100 metres long, and two or three people can cross them at a time.
• This engineering practice reflects a sophisticated understanding of ecological balance and structural resilience.
• The Ru-Soam cane bridges are not relics of the past; they are living expressions of engineering ingenuity.

About Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA):

• It is a regulatory initiative designed to bring transparency and standardization to performance claims made by financial intermediaries.
• It has been operationalised by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
• Designated Entities: CARE Ratings Limited has been granted recognition as the PaRRVA and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) will function as the PaRRVA Data Centre (PDC).
• The following entities can Use PaRRVA:
  • Investment Advisers (IA)
  • Research Analysts (RA)
  • Trading Members (TM)
  • Investors seeking verified performance data
• Features:
  • It will enable regulated entities such as investment advisers, research analysts, and algorithmic trading service providers to showcase their verified performance.
  • It will enable investors to access reliable and standardised data for informed decision-making.
  • Additionally, regulated entities will be permitted to use PaRRVA-verified performance in their advertisements, in line with SEBI’s regulatory provisions.
  • It ensures that all risk-return metrics presented to investors are independently verified and compliant with SEBI guidelines.