January 2025 -

Pallas’s Cat Spotted in India, Rare Sighting in Himachal Pradesh

January 4, 2025

Context: The first photographic evidence of Pallas’s cat was found during a snow leopard survey recently in Himachal Pradesh. About Palla’s Cat It is named after Peter Simon Pallas, who first described it in 1776. Distribution: It is native to Central Asia, with its range extending to western Iran, Mongolia, China, Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. …

Continue reading “Pallas’s Cat Spotted in India, Rare Sighting in Himachal Pradesh”

Ukraine Halts Transit of Russian Gas to Europe

January 4, 2025

Context: Ukraine has stopped the transit of Russian gas to Europe after a pre-war five-year transit deal expired. About Russian Gas Transit Infrastructure Before the war, Russia supplied nearly 40% of the EU’s pipeline natural gas, using 4 major routes: Nord Stream (Baltic Sea). Belarus-Poland pipeline. Ukraine pipeline network. TurkStream (Black Sea) to Turkey and …

Continue reading “Ukraine Halts Transit of Russian Gas to Europe”

Should Voter ID be linked with Aadhaar to Combat Voter Fraud?

January 4, 2025

Allegations of election fraud, such as deliberate name deletions and booth capturing. Claims of tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs), including misuse after polling hours. Aadhaar’s Role and Features Unique Identification: Aadhaar assigns a unique number to every individual. Real-Time Authentication: Aadhaar offers online authentication. Limitations: Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship and can be …

Continue reading “Should Voter ID be linked with Aadhaar to Combat Voter Fraud?”

Panama Canal Treaty, Historical Background and Strategic Importance

January 4, 2025

Recently U.S. President-elect Donald Trump called the transfer of the Panama Canal to Panama a “foolish” decision and demanded its return to the U.S. This article explores Trump’s recent threats regarding the Panama Canal, its historical background, and its strategic importance for UPSC aspirants. Trump’s Threat to Take Over the Panama Canal In December 2024, …

Continue reading “Panama Canal Treaty, Historical Background and Strategic Importance”

Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Location, Flora and Fauna

January 4, 2025

Context: A young male tiger that left Rajaji Tiger Reserve in November 2022 was later found at Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh after passing through Haryana’s Kalesar National Park.It was recently seen by the Army patrol party near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri, Jammu. About Rajaji Tiger Reserve It is spread over …

Continue reading “Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Location, Flora and Fauna”

Obesity and Undernutrition, Parameters, Causes, Socio-economic Factors

January 4, 2025

Context: Obesity and overweight are causing over 3.4 million deaths every year worldwide. Obesity and Undernutrition India faces a growing challenge of both obesity and undernutrition, co-existing within the population, as per a new Lancet study. This phenomenon, known as the “double burden” of malnutrition, poses significant health risks. About Obesity Obesity is a chronic …

Continue reading “Obesity and Undernutrition, Parameters, Causes, Socio-economic Factors”

Challenges and Setbacks in UN Environmental Summits 2024

January 3, 2025

Despite participation from governments, researchers, industries, and civil society organizations, these summits achieved partial or no success. This marks the fourth consecutive instance of unsatisfactory outcomes in UN discussions addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and plastic pollution. Key Challenges and Setbacks Divergent National Interests Developing Nations: Demand for increased technology transfer and financial support. Struggle …

Continue reading “Challenges and Setbacks in UN Environmental Summits 2024”

Scorpene-class submarine among 3 frontline platforms to be inducted by Navy

January 3, 2025

On January 15, 2024, the Indian Navy will commission three advanced platforms—INS Vagsheer, INS Surat, and INS Nilgiri—at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. These platforms signify a milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and maritime security strategy. Key Platforms 1. INS Vagsheer (Submarine) Type: Scorpene-class submarine (6th and final of its class). Manufacturing: Built under a …

Continue reading “Scorpene-class submarine among 3 frontline platforms to be inducted by Navy”

Excessive Nitrates Found in Groundwater in 440 Districts

January 3, 2025

Key Facts of the Report Extent of Nitrate Contamination 56% of districts in India have nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/litre. 8% of groundwater samples tested in 2023 had excessive nitrates, marginally lower than 21.6% in 2017. States with Highest Contamination: (1) Rajasthan (49%) (2) Karnataka (48%) (3) Tamil Nadu (37%) Central …

Continue reading “Excessive Nitrates Found in Groundwater in 440 Districts”

Tobacco Epidemic in India, Awareness and Control Programs

January 3, 2025

Context: Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of disease and death globally, affecting both consumers and cultivators. India’s tobacco exports likely cross ₹13,000 crore this year. About Tobacco Tobacco cultivation in India was introduced by the Portuguese in 1605. It is one of the important commercial crops cultivated in India. Tobacco types cultivated in India: …

Continue reading “Tobacco Epidemic in India, Awareness and Control Programs”