Frankincense-Producing Trees : Risk Of Extinction The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has issued a warning that Frankincense-producing trees (Boswellia species) are at risk of extinction. Five species on Socotra Island (Yemen) have moved from Vulnerable to Endangered, one species is now Critically Endangered and three others have been assessed as Critically Endangered […]
Category: Current Affairs
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
Geostationary Transfer Orbit: ISRO’s Breakthrough in Semi-Cryogenic Engine Development for LVM3 ISRO has achieved a breakthrough in developing a semi-cryogenic engine (liquid oxygen/kerosene engine) with a high thrust of 2,000 kN (kilonewtons). The first successful hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) was conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. […]
Gene Bank
Gene Bank: Government to set up second National Gene Bank to ensure future food security. The Government of India has announced the establishment of the Second National Gene Bank to conserve 10 lakh crop germplasm for ensuring future food and nutritional security. This initiative is part of the “Investing in Innovations” theme of the Union […]
BIMSTEC : Indian Prime Minister will visit for 6th BIMSTEC Summit
BIMSTEC : Indian Prime Minister will visit for 6th BIMSTEC Summit The Indian Prime Minister will visit Bangkok, Thailand, from April 3-4, 2025, to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and hold discussions with the Thai PM.BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a regional multilateral organization that connects South […]
IAEA Backs India’s NSG Bid via MECR
IAEA Backs India’s NSG Bid via MECR: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has backed India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a key body within the 4 major Multilateral Export Control Regimes (MECR).MECR are voluntary frameworks aimed at preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and restricting the transfer of sensitive […]
India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) Rises
India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) Rises: India’s current account deficit (CAD) widened to $11.5 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q3 FY25 (Oct-Dec 2024) due to a higher merchandise trade deficit, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, CAD moderated from $16.7 billion (1.8% of GDP) in Q2 FY25. Foreign exchange reserves have increased […]
Light Fishing
Light Fishing: Despite being banned in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) since 2017, light fishing continues unchecked, damaging marine biodiversity.Centre has banned light fishing in all coastal states in 2017.A fishing method using high-intensity artificial lights (often powered by generators) to attract fish to the water surface during night operations.Predominantly used by mechanised trawlers, especially […]
SBI Chief CS Setty Appointed as Chairman of Indian Banks Association
SBI Chief CS Setty Appointed as Chairman of Indian Banks Association: The Indian Banks Association (IBA), the apex body representing the banking sector in India, has elected Challa Sreenivasalu Setty, the Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI), as its new chairman for the upcoming fiscal year. Setty will lead the association until the next […]
Steve Waugh Appointed to Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board
Steve Waugh Appointed to Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board: Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh has been appointed to the Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board, as announced by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong. This appointment highlights Waugh’s long-standing contributions to fostering ties between Australia and India, particularly in the fields of […]
UNESCO Releases ‘Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well’ Report
UNESCO Releases ‘Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well’ Report: UNESCO released the report “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well” during the ‘Nutrition for Growth’ event hosted by France on March 27-28, 2025. The report highlights concerns regarding the nutritional quality of school meals worldwide and urges governments to improve food standards in schools.As […]
