Current Context : A year-long camera-trap survey (2024–25) by the Holématthi Nature Foundation, led by Dr Sanjay Gubbi, recorded 80–85 free-ranging leopards around Bengaluru—surpassing Mumbai’s 54—making Bengaluru the ‘Leopard Capital’ of India. ABOUT BENGALURU LEOPARD POPULATION Location & Survey Area Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) plus adjacent forests and scrublands cover 282 km² (Turahalli, B.M. Kaval, U.M. Kaval, Roerich Estate, Gollahalli Gudda, Sulikere, Hesaraghatta, Marasandra, Manduru). 250+ camera traps deployed across government and private lands. Survey Methodology & Findings Camera-trap study from June 2024 to May 2025. Total leopards: 80–85 individuals. Inside BNP: 54 leopards (up from 40 in 2019, 47....Read More

Current Context: The 5th State-Level Shirui Lily Festival commenced in Ukhrul district, Manipur, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), the state flower. About Shirui Lily Festival Organizer: Manipur’s Department of Tourism. Location: Ukhrul district, home to the Tangkhul Naga community. Significance: Honors the rare and endangered Shirui Lily, which blooms only in the Shirui Hills.Read More

Current Context: Mizoram has achieved 98.2% literacy, surpassing the 95% benchmark set by the Ministry of Education for functional literacy. A state-wide survey in 2023 identified 3,026 non-literates, and most of them were included in learning programs under the ULLAS scheme. ABOUT FUNCTIONAL LITERACY Definition: The ability to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic, enabling individuals to function effectively in everyday life. Significance: Essential for personal empowerment, community development, and national progress. ABOUT ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme - NILP) Full Form: Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society. Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme aligning....Read More

Current context: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inspected the first 'Complete Streets' initiative in Udyog Vihar, Gurugram. Key Points: The initiative is designed to provide safe mobility for all, including children, elderly, women, and persons with disabilities (divyangjan). The project covers a 2.4 km stretch along Sanath Road and Gali No. 7, with a total width of 30 meters. The total project cost is ₹23 crore, funded by GMDA (Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority), MCG (Municipal Corporation of Gurugram), DHBVN (Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam), and the Raahgiri Foundation. Private sector partners, such as Nagarro, Maruti Suzuki, and SafeExpress, contributed to....Read More

Current Context: Yeshasvini Health Scheme in Karnataka is set for revisions to improve healthcare access for rural beneficiaries.The report was submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of the scheme. Key Points: Proposed Changes: 15% to 25% increase in rates for general procedures. An expert committee has recommended a 12% to 50% increase for complex procedures like paediatric heart surgeries and oncology. Six outdated procedures removed and 69 new procedures added. Enrollment & Funding: Scheme is projected to serve 75,000 beneficiaries this financial year, with an estimated cost of ₹127.5 crore. ₹40 crore additional funding has been....Read More

Current context: Recently, Uttarakhand cabinet launched the Adarsh Sanskrit Village Programme to promote Sanskrit by selecting one model village per district for active teaching and use of the language. Key Details Objectives: Preserve and popularize Sanskrit; connect youth with Indian philosophy and cultural heritage; dispel its image as exclusive to certain communities. Village Selection: Thirteen villages chosen (e.g., Bhogpur in Dehradun, Mukhem in Tehri) based on community receptiveness; pilot may expand to block level. Instructors: Thirteen Sanskrit teachers to be hired at ₹20,000 per month after written test and interview; trained at the Sanskrit Academy, Haridwar. Curriculum: Structured syllabus with shlokas....Read More

Current context: Karnataka has launched a village‑level antiquities survey, becoming the first Indian state to document inscriptions, sculptures and monuments at this granular scale. Key Details Launch: Announced by the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage on World Heritage Day. Scope: Geo‑tagging and inventory of every antiquity—inscriptions, sculptures, minor and major monuments—in all villages. State‑Protected Sites: 800+ monuments under Karnataka’s protection 600+ sites under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Proposal submitted to add 110 more monuments Conservation Model: Operates under a Public‑Private Partnership (PPP) since 2001 with Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Dharmothana Trust. Funding split: 40% state department, 40% trust, 20%....Read More

Current Context: Telangana launched the Bhu Bharati Act, 2025, to address grievances related to the Dharani portal and improve land governance. Key Provisions: Rectification of land record errors Mandatory surveys and mapping before registration/mutation Regularisation of sada bainamas based on ground realities Timely mutation of hereditary properties Two-Tier Grievance Redressal: Stage 1: Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Stage 2: District Collector Farmer-Friendly: Grievance redressal process is now cost-free. Pilot Launch: Implemented in 4 mandals; statewide rollout by Telangana Formation Day (June 2). Rules Notified: Cover procedures for record maintenance, dispute resolution, andRead More

Current Context: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the Mahila Samvad campaign to empower women and strengthen their connection with government welfare schemes. Key Highlights Objective: To spread awareness about women-centric schemes and gather feedback for policy improvement. Coverage: Targets over 2 crore women via events at 70,000+ locations across Bihar. Awareness Vehicles: 600 “Mahila Samvad” vans with large screens and officials for real-time interaction in rural areas. Expected Outcomes: Enhanced awareness of rights, increased participation in governance, and stronger community engagement.Read More

Current Context: Telangana classifies heatwaves and sunstroke as state-specific disasters, aiming to enhance resilience and protect vulnerable groups. About Heatwave Definition: Heatwaves occur when temperatures reach 40°C or more, or are 5-6°C above normal, with severe heatwaves exceeding 7°C. Impact: Heatwaves cause health issues, especially for the elderly, outdoor workers, and children, with Telangana recording 98 deaths in 2020. Relief Measures: The state provides ₹4 lakh ex-gratia relief, up from ₹50,000, funded through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). National Exclusion: Heatwaves are not recognized as disasters by the Union government, limiting access to national relief funds, urging the need....Read More