Current Context : Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is set to be declared as India’s newest tiger reserve. ABOUT DEBRIGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location: Bargarh district, Odisha Established As Sanctuary: 1985 Nearby Landmark: Hirakud Dam on Mahanadi River (world’s longest earthen dam) Historical Link: Freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai used it as his base during the revolt against British rule.Read More

Current Context : At COP-30 in Belém, Brazil, India and other developing countries pushed to bring Article 9.1 back at the center of negotiations. About Article 9.1 Core Principle: Developed countries shall provide financial resources to assist developing countries in mitigation and adaptation. Basis: Anchored in the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) and historical responsibility. Significance: Ensures climate justice by placing the responsibility of financing on developed countries.Read More

Current Context : The National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) has approved the West Bengal government’s proposal to expand the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR). With this, STR has become the second-largest tiger reserve in India, after Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. ABOUT SUNDARBANS TIGER RESERVE (STR) Location: Coastal districts of West Bengal Uniqueness: World’s only mangrove forest with a significant tiger population (shared with Bangladesh). Boundaries: East – International boundary with Bangladesh (rivers Harinbhanga, Raimangal, Kalindi) South – Bay of Bengal West – River Matla North-West – Rivers Bidya & Gomdi Status: National Park area is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage....Read More

Current Context: Indian Oil’s Panipat Refinery received ICAO certification for production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel from used cooking oil. ABOUT SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL Definition: Jet biofuel/aviation bio-kerosene resembling conventional jet fuel but produced from renewable biomass sources. Feedstock Sources: Oil seed plants, energy grasses Municipal solid waste Industrial carbon monoxide waste gas Agricultural and forestry residue Fats, oils, greases from cooking and meat production Benefits: Compatible with existing aircraft engines and infrastructure (when blended), Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, Offers energy flexibility.Read More

Current Context : The Chandigarh Administration closed the floodgate at Sukhna Lake after water levels receded. ABOUT SUKHNA LAKE Type: Artificial lake. Location: Chandigarh, foothills of Shivalik Hills. Created: 1958 by damming Sukhna Choe (seasonal stream). Area: Originally 188 ha; currently around 1.5 sq.km. due to siltation. Depth: Originally 18 ft; now 8 ft 6 in. Length:52 km; Width: 1.49 km. Surroundings: Golf course (south), Nek Chand Rock Garden (west). Status: National Wetland; part of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.Read More

Current Context : Biochar, a carbon-rich substance made from agricultural waste, is expected to play a vital role in India's upcoming carbon market in 2026. ABOUT BIOCHAR Definition: A stable, carbon-rich product made by heating biomass in low oxygen (pyrolysis). Temperature: 400 to 600 degrees Celsius. Material Used: Crop residue, municipal solid waste. Advantages Locks carbon in soil for 100 to 1,000 years. Reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 30–50 percent. Improves soil health and water retention. Applications Agriculture: Restores degraded soils. Industry: Can absorb CO₂ from emissions. Construction: Used as low-carbon building material. Wastewater Treatment: Reduces water pollution.Read More

Current Context: India Post Payments Bank has introduced Aadhaar-based Face Authentication to make banking services easier and faster. ABOUT INDIA POST PAYMENTS BANK (IPPB) Launched In: 2018 Ministry: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication Ownership: 100% Government of India New Feature – Face Authentication: Developed Under: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Allows bank transactions through facial recognition No need for fingerprints or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) Promotes inclusive banking and faster services, especially for senior citizens and rural populationRead More

Current Context: The Odisha government plans to introduce tigers in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary to revive the tiger population in the state. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted technical approval. ABOUT DEBRIGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location: Bargarh district, near Hirakud Dam on Mahanadi River, Odisha Established In: 1985 Area: Around 347 square kilometres Significance: Known for rich biodiversity Historic site of freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai’s rebellion against British rule  Tiger Reserve Plan: Core and buffer zones being demarcated by expert committee Tiger relocation to begin once preparations are completeRead More

Current Context: The Kerala High Court has ordered urgent conservation steps for the Ashtamudi Wetland after reports of pollution and environmental damage. ABOUT ASHTAMUDI WETLAND Location: Kerala Ramsar Site Since: 2002 Significance: Second largest wetland in Kerala; rich in biodiversity Threats Identified: Open defecation and sewage discharge Shrinking wetland area Loss of mangroves and fish habitats Court Actions: Directed formation of a dedicated management unit Ordered preparation of an Integrated Conservation Plan Imposed penalty of Rupees 10 crore (by National Green Tribunal in 2023)Read More

Current Context The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR) in West Bengal is set to become India’s second-largest tiger sanctuary. A proposal to expand the reserve by 1,100 square kilometres is under consideration by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Once approved, the area will increase from 2,585.89 sq km to 3,629.57 sq km.  ABOUT THE PROPOSAL Forest Ranges to be Added: Raidighi Matla Ramganga (all in South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal) Significance: After expansion, the STR will be second followed by Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradeshin terms of area.Read More