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Why in NEWS Scientists using digital fossil-mining techniques have discovered that squids dominated ancient oceans 30 million years earlier than previously believed. They identified at least 40 ancient squid species from the Cretaceous period (110–70 million years ago) in fossil concretions from Japan, reshaping the evolutionary timeline of cephalopods. Key Terms Explained Term Explanation Digital […]

Why in NEWS On 30th June, the Prime Minister paid tribute on Hul Diwas, marking the beginning of the Santhal Uprising (1855). The day honors the memory of tribal martyrs like Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, Phulo-Jhano, and others who led a united revolt against British colonial exploitation and land alienation. Key Terms Explained Term Explanation Hul Diwas […]

Why in NEWS The Coast Guards of QUAD nations—India, Japan, the United States, and Australia—launched the ‘QUAD At Sea Ship Observer Mission’, in alignment with the Wilmington Declaration (2024), adopted at the 6th QUAD Summit held in Delaware, USA. This marks a significant step in enhancing interoperability and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Key Terms […]

Why in NEWS A recent study found that secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulphate (formed from sulphur dioxide and ammonia), contribute nearly one-third of India’s PM2.5 pollution. Notably, over 60% of SO₂ emissions come from coal-fired power plants, but only 8% have installed mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, underlining poor compliance and rising public health […]

Why in NEWS On 1st July 2025, India celebrated 10 years of the Digital India initiative, which was launched in 2015 to bridge the digital divide and empower citizens through technology. Over the decade, it revolutionized internet access, e-governance, financial inclusion, and infrastructure, placing India among the top three digital economies in the world. Key […]

Why in NEWS Kerala is exploring mass sterilisation of Bonnet Macaques (Macaca radiata) to manage their growing population, which is increasingly leading to human-wildlife conflicts, especially in urban and agricultural areas. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Bonnet Macaque A primate species native to southern India, named for the bonnet-shaped tuft of hair on its […]

Why in NEWS Italian luxury fashion brand Prada faced criticism for releasing men’s sandals closely resembling Kolhapuri chappals. Following backlash, the brand acknowledged the Indian inspiration, raising questions on cultural appropriation and possible violation of GI tag protections. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Cultural Appropriation The uncredited or disrespectful use of elements from one […]

Why in NEWS The ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR), Kozhikode, has developed a granular biopesticide using the fungus Lecanicillium psalliotae to control cardamom thrips, a major pest threatening India’s cardamom production. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Lecanicillium psalliotae A naturally occurring fungus that infects and kills insects like cardamom thrips by penetrating their […]

Why in NEWS The 19th Statistics Day was observed on 29th June 2024 to commemorate the 132nd birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. This year’s theme, “75 Years of National Sample Survey (NSS)”, emphasized the NSS’s foundational role in India’s statistical ecosystem. Key highlights included the launch of the GoIStat app, the Prof. C.R. Rao […]

Why in NEWS The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs flagged China’s increasing strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a major threat to India’s security and regional dominance. Key Concepts and Terminologies Term Explanation Indian Ocean Region (IOR) The maritime area surrounding the Indian Ocean, including coastal nations in South Asia, Southeast […]