Tirah Valley

 Source:  NIE Context: At least 23 people were killed in a blast in Pakistan’s Tirah Valley (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). About Tirah Valley: What it is? A mountainous region and tribal stronghold historically known for resistance to external control. Noted for fertile valleys, terraced agriculture, and as a hub of militant activity in recent decades. Located in: …

AI-enabled Centre at Betla National Park

Source:  NIE Context: Betla National Park, Jharkhand, will host India’s first AI-enabled nature experience centre. It will use AI, AR/VR, holograms, and immersive sound to simulate real jungle life. About AI-enabled Centre at Betla National Park: What it is? A high-tech nature interpretation and experience hub inside Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). Designed to recreate wildlife …

GST 2.0

Source:  IE Context: The Government rolled out GST 2.0 from September 22, 2025, termed the “GST Bachat Utsav” by Prime Minister of India. The reform rationalises tax slabs, cuts rates on over 375 items, and simplifies compliance to boost consumption and investment. About GST 2.0: What it is? A major tax reform under the Goods …

Bonnet Macaques

Source:  TH Context: Nine bonnet macaques were found dead in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, raising fears of poisoning or disease. About Bonnet Macaques: What it is? A primate species endemic to southern India, often found living close to human settlements. Known for the distinctive “bonnet-shaped” hair whorl on its head. Habitat: Found across Western Ghats, southern plains, …

Barren Island Volcano

Source:  TP Context: India’s only active volcano at Barren Island, Andaman Sea, witnessed two mild eruptions on 13 and 20 September 2025. About Barren Island Volcano: What it is? India’s only active volcano and South Asia’s only confirmed active volcanic site. An uninhabited island with rugged volcanic cones, ash deposits, and sparse vegetation. Located in: …

Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme

Source:  PIB Context: Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) launched the Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme in New Delhi. About Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme: What it is? A five-day professional engagement programme on national and regional security issues. Acts as a forum for civil–military dialogue, strategic review, and leadership development. …

Phytosaur fossil

Source:  NIE Context: Ancient fossilised remains discovered in Megha village, Jaisalmer, have sparked speculation of being a Phytosaur fossil dating back to the Late Triassic–Jurassic period. About Phytosaur fossil: What it is? Phytosaurs are extinct, large, semi-aquatic reptiles resembling modern crocodiles, belonging to the order Phytosauria. They thrived during the Late Triassic and possibly Early …

Protecting India’s Satellites

Syllabus: Science & Tech Source:  TH Context: India approved a ₹27,000-crore programme to launch 52 surveillance satellites from 2026. Reports suggest India is also considering “bodyguard satellites” to protect its space assets after near-miss incidents. About:  Protecting India’s Satellites: Need for Protecting India’s Satellites Vital role – Satellites are the backbone for communication, navigation (NavIC), …

From Promises to Participation: Reimagining Transgender Rights in India

Syllabus: Vulnerable Sections Source:  TH  Context: Recently leading trans activist, argued that India must move from symbolic welfare promises to genuine participation of transgender persons in politics and policymaking. Despite legal recognition since NALSA (2014), the gap between rights on paper and lived realities remains stark. About From Promises to Participation: Reimagining Transgender Rights in …

DR Congo

Source:  TH Context: Over 100 people, mostly children and the elderly, were killed in Sud Kivu province, eastern DR Congo, as flash floods triggered by torrential rains swept through Kasaba village. About DR Congo: Location: Located in Central Africa, it is the second largest country in Africa after Algeria. The DRC has a short 40 …

Longest Banana Infructescence (Musa indandamanensis)

Source:  TH Context: A wild banana species Musa indandamanensis from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has recorded the world’s longest banana infructescence at 4.2 metres. About Longest Banana Infructescence (Musa indandamanensis): What it is: An infructescence is the complete fruiting part of a plant. The 4.2-metre-long infructescence was found in Musa indandamanensis, a wild banana …

LICONN (Light-Microscopy-Based Connectomics)

Source:  TH Context: Scientists have developed LICONN, a new technique for nanoscale brain mapping using light microscopes. About LICONN (Light-Microscopy-Based Connectomics): What it is: LICONN stands for Light-Microscopy-Based Connectomics, a cutting-edge imaging technique to map neuronal connections at the synapse level. Developed by researchers integrating hydrogel expansion, protein staining, and AI-based segmentation. Key Features: Expands …

Dongria Kondh Tribe

Source:  TH Context: The Dongria Kondh tribe of Odisha was recently featured for showcasing their vibrant identity and cultural resilience during a festival near the Niyamgiri Hills. About Dongria Kondh Tribe: Who They Are? The Dongria Kondh are an indigenous tribal community, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). They are renowned for their …

Asteroid YR4

Source:  TH Context: NASA updated its projections for asteroid 2024 YR4, reducing its chances of striking Earth but noting a 3.8% probability of colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032. About Asteroid YR4: What is Asteroid YR4? Discovery: Identified in December 2024 by the ATLAS telescope in Chile as a near-Earth object (NEO). Type: …

BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile

Source:  IE Context: During Operation Sindoor, India reportedly deployed the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in combat for the first time against Pakistani military installations. About BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: What is BrahMos Missile? BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. It is a precision strike weapon capable of being launched …

Right to Self-Defence

Source:  TOI Context: India and Pakistan agreed to halt military action after India conducted precision strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The strikes revived international debates around self-defence and the ‘unwilling or unable’ About Right to Self-Defence in International Law: What it is: Right to self-defence is a principle …

Safe Harbour

Source:  TH Context: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reconsidering safe harbour protections under the IT Act, 2000, to tackle the surge in fake news and misinformation online. About Safe Harbour: What is Safe Harbour? Safe harbour is a legal protection that shields online platforms from being held liable for content posted by users. …