Current Context: The Supreme Court of India has directed the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to assess the impact of glass industries on the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About NEERI Established: 1958 in Nagpur, Maharashtra (initially as Central Public Health Engineering Research Institute – CPHERI). Renamed: NEERI in 1974 by PM Indira Gandhi. Governing Body: Operates under Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology. Mission: Provide sustainable, science-backed environmental solutions for the government, industry, and marginalized communities. About Taj Mahal Location: Agra, on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. Built....Read More

Current context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on May 2, 2025. Significance: The port will be India’s first semi-automated deep-water international container transhipment port, marking a milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure development. Greenfield Project: Vizhinjam port is the first Greenfield port project in India, initiated by a state government with an investment exceeding ₹18,000 crore. Development Mode: The port has been developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, making it one of the largest initiatives in India’s port sector. Project Details: The project was allotted to Adani Ports and Special Economic....Read More

Current context: The Surya Kiran aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will perform a two-day airshow in Patna, Bihar. Schedule: The airshow will take place on April 23 between 10 am to 11 am over the Ganga River in Patna. Occasion: The event is being organized to commemorate the Vijayotsav of Babu Kunwar Singh, a prominent freedom fighter from the 1857 revolution in Bhojpur, Bihar. Highlight: The show will feature intricate maneuvers and performances by the IAF Surya Kiran aircraft.Read More

Current context :The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, has developed a new turmeric variety named IISR Surya, specifically designed for the masala and powdering industry. Key Highlights: High Yield: IISR Surya is a high-yielding variety, producing 20–30% more compared to existing local varieties. Under optimal conditions, it can yield up to 41 tonnes per hectare.​ Light-Coloured Rhizomes: The variety features light-colored rhizomes, making it ideal for powdering and catering to the preference for pale turmeric in specialty markets.​ Pleasant Aroma: IISR Surya has a pleasant aroma, which is expected to increase its market appeal.​ Market Demand: The demand....Read More

Current Context: The Thovalai Manikka Malai (garland) and Kumbakonam Vetrilai (betel leaf) have been granted the Geographical Indications (GI) tag by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Key Points: Thovalai Manikka Malai: A unique garland crafted exclusively in Thovalai, Tamil Nadu. Kumbakonam Betel Leaf: Cultivated in Cauvery Delta regions of Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts. Historical Significance: The betel leaf has a rich history dating back centuries, commonly grown alongside paddy and sugarcane.Read More

Current Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is organizing Startup Mahakumbh 2025 from April 3-5, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to empower Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs and celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Key Highlights: Dharti Aaba Tribe Preneurs 2025 is a flagship initiative under MoTA, showcasing 45+ ST-founded startups incubated at institutions like IIM Calcutta and IIT Bhilai. Focus on promoting tribal entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative. Objectives: Provide exposure to venture capitalists and investors. Foster inclusive growth and economic empowerment for tribal communities. Funding: Launch of a ₹50 crore....Read More

India’s first green waste processing plant is located in Bicholi Hapsi, Indore, developed under the Public-Private Partnership model with Astronomical Industries Pvt. Ltd. on 55,000 sq. ft., processing wood, branches, leaves, and flowers as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban to manage green waste sustainably. Processing & Revenue Model Indore generates 30–70 tons of green waste daily. Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) earns ₹3,000 per tonne from wood and branches. The plant converts wood waste into wooden pellets, an alternative to coal. Additional Waste Processing Facilities Meghdoot & Sub-Grade Plants (Sirpur, 10,000-15,000 sq. ft.) process garden waste like leaves and twigs,....Read More

Airtel and SpaceX's Starlink have announced a strategic partnership to provide satellite-based internet services in India, particularly in remote and underserved areas. However, the agreement is subject to SpaceX receiving regulatory approvals to operate in India. Key Takeaways: India’s Stance on Starlink: While India has not yet approved Starlink due to security, privacy, and pricing concerns, the partnership with Airtel could facilitate its entry. Expansion of Satellite Internet: The collaboration aims to enhance Airtel’s telecom network and expand connectivity to rural communities, businesses, and public institutions like schools and health centers. Regulatory Considerations: India’s Telecommunications Act, 2023, allows for administrative....Read More

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), in partnership with the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, organized a discussion on Diyaslai. About Diyaslai Kailash Satyarthi's autobiography Diyaslai was published on January 20, 2025, and launched at the Jaipur Literature Festival on January 30, 2025. Chronicles his journey from a humble upbringing in Vidisha to his global fight for child rights. About Kailash Satyarthi Born in 1954 in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. A global advocate against child slavery and exploitation, working across 140 countries. His organization has rescued over 138,000 children from child labour, slavery, and trafficking. Major Contributions Shiksha....Read More

The Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal Gurjar. The university will be established on the campus of the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)in Anand, Gujarat. IRMA will be incorporated as a Centre of Excellence for rural management while maintaining its autonomy. It will offer technical and management education focused on the cooperative sector, including training, research, and development. The university aims to meet global standards of excellence and strengthen India's cooperative movement. It will establish sector-specific schools dedicated to areas like dairy, fishery, banking, sugar, and rural credit.Read More