Why in NEWS The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) will come into effect on 1st October 2025. Key Terms/Concepts Term Explanation TEPA A Free Trade Agreement between India and EFTA aiming at trade promotion, investments, and job creation. EFTA […]
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Why in NEWS Kerala’s rubber plantations face a severe threat from the ambrosia beetle (Euplatypus parallelus) and associated Fusarium fungi, endangering tree health and latex output. Key Term Explanation Ambrosia Beetle A type of bark beetle that bores into trees and introduces fungal pathogens. Fusarium ambrosia / solani Fungi that block xylem vessels, causing wilting, […]
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Why in NEWS Key provisions of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 have come into force, aiming to modernize India’s banking sector, enhance depositor protection, improve audit transparency, and bring cooperative banks under stricter oversight. Key Terms / Concepts Term Explanation Substantial Interest A director/officer’s major financial stake in a firm, potentially leading to conflict […]
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Why in NEWS The Central Government has formed a high-level committee to address the escalating dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) and broader Krishna–Godavari water-sharing conflicts. Key Terms / Concepts Term Explanation Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) A proposed inter-basin transfer project to divert 200 TMC Godavari water to Rayalaseema. […]
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Why in NEWS To commemorate 5 years of NEP 2020, the Union Education Minister inaugurated the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) 2025, showcasing achievements and future priorities for India’s education reforms. Key Terms / Concepts Term Explanation NEP 2020 India’s overarching education policy reform aimed at quality, equity, and accessibility from preschool to higher education. […]
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Why in NEWS A Nature Cities global study found that India has the world’s largest number of slum clusters in flood-prone areas, highlighting growing climate vulnerability and urban risk. Key Terms / Concepts Term Explanation Slum Poor, crowded settlement with inadequate infrastructure, sanitation, and housing. Floodplain Low-lying area adjacent to rivers prone to seasonal or […]
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Why in NEWS The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986 to regulate and remediate chemically contaminated lands across India. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Contaminated Site Area where past dumping of hazardous waste has […]
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Why in NEWS Scientists have discovered travertine deposits in Puga Valley, Ladakh, which can trap prebiotic molecules like amino acids and fatty acids. This finding supports the theory that life may have originated in geothermal environments, similar to early Earth or Mars. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Travertine A form of calcium carbonate deposited […]
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Why in NEWS The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) released its second Sustainability Report (FY 2023–24), highlighting major strides in environmental performance, aligned with Mission LiFE and circular economy principles, amid rapid infrastructure expansion. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation Mission LiFE Lifestyle for Environment initiative launched by India to encourage sustainable living Circular […]
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Why in NEWS The Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has found that although 85% of the compensatory afforestation target has been achieved, only 67.5% of the CAMPA funds have been utilised, raising concerns over fund management and ecological integrity. Key Terms and Concepts Term Explanation CAMPA Statutory body under CAF Act, 2016 to manage […]
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