Extant Hyena Species: International Hyena Day 2025 (27th April): The four extant species of hyena or hyaenids found on the African continent are facing increasing threats, leading to population declines, according to conservation organisation, Wild Africa. Hyenas are dog-like carnivores belonging to the family Hyaenidae, native to Asia and Africa, noted for their scavenging habits. […]
Tag: 29th Apr 2025
Bond Markets
Bond Markets: U.S. President Donald Trump has not only disrupted international trade rules but has also sought to challenge the independence of the U.S. Central Bank (Federal Reserve). A bond is a financial instrument that promises a fixed return (face value) at the end of a specific period, unlike equity, which has no fixed term […]
Critical Tiger Habitat
Critical Tiger Habitat: The Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) is likely to expand by approximately 4,500 hectares following a rationalisation exercise mandated by the Supreme Court of India’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC). Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH), also known as core areas of tiger reserves, are identified under the Wild Life Protection […]
Medium Range-Surface to Air Missile
Medium Range-Surface to Air Missile: The Indian Navy has successfully test-fired a Medium range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) air defence missile system aboard the INS Surat warship in the Arabian Sea recently. It is a high-response, quick-reaction, vertically launched supersonic missile designed to neutralize enemy aerial threats – missiles, aircraft, guided bombs, helicopters, etc. It is […]
Cucumber Mosaic Virus : Study
Cucumber Mosaic Virus : Study A team of researchers recently reported developing an RNA-based antiviral agent that confers strong protection against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), a widespread and destructive plant virus. Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) is one of the most common plant viruses. CMV was first identified in 1916 as the causal agent of cucumber […]
Exercise Balikatan 2025
Exercise Balikatan 2025: As many as 17,000 personnel are participating in the annual “Balikatan” exercises, which this year will simulate a “full-scale battle scenario” as the treaty allies seek to deter China’s ambitions in the waterway. It is the largest bilateral exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States. “Balikatan,” […]
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre: The government recently authorised Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to share and receive information from the Enforcement Directorate under the anti-money laundering law, a move aimed at detecting money trails and combating cyber frauds I4C has been established under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to act as a nodal […]
National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign
National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign: The National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign (2025-26) has been launched on World Immunization Week (24-30 April), under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). It aims to eliminate Measles and Rubella (M-R) in India by 2026 through 100% immunization coverage. As per 2024–25, India’s M-R vaccination coverage is more than 90% for […]
World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief 2025
World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief 2025: The World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief acknowledged India’s success in lifting 171 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011-12 and 2022-23. Published twice a year, these briefs track poverty, shared prosperity, and inequality trends in over 100 developing countries. India’s Highlights: Extreme poverty (living […]
Hindu Kush ICIMOD 2025 Report
Hindu Kush ICIMOD 2025 Report: The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, often called the “Third Pole,” plays a critical role in supporting river systems and water needs across South Asia. The latest ICIMOD report raises serious concerns about snow persistence and water security in the region. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) released […]
