News: A significant barrier lake formed on the Tibetan side after the August 26 glacier collapse, creating a fresh flooding threat for Nepal. About Barrier Lake A barrier lake is a temporary water body formed when landslide debris completely blocks a river or stream channel. Formation: Triggering Event: A glacier collapse, landslide, rockfall or debris… Continue reading Barrier Lake
Author: Arun
Grand Chess Tour (GCT)
News: Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win the prestigious Grand Chess Tour title in 2026. About Grand Chess Tour (GCT) Grand Chess Tour (GCT) is an international chess circuit featuring Classical, Rapid and Blitz events. Founded: The inaugural GCT was held in 2015 with three Classical events. Format: Rapid and Blitz… Continue reading Grand Chess Tour (GCT)
Australian Merino and Gaddi Sheep
News: Himachal Pradesh is introducing Australian Merino lambs among Gaddi pastoralists to improve wool quality while protecting indigenous sheep breeds. About Australian Merino and Gaddi Sheep Aspect Australian Merino Sheep Gaddi Sheep Origin Merino is a Spanish breed that is being reared in Australia. Gaddi is an indigenous sheep breed of Himachal Pradesh traditionally reared… Continue reading Australian Merino and Gaddi Sheep
Key Facts About Kyrgyzstan
News: India’s Prime Minister is visiting Kyrgyzstan to participate in the 26th SCO Summit and attend the 6th World Nomad Games. Key Facts About Kyrgyzstan Location: Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked mountainous country in Central Asia. Boundaries: It shares borders with Kazakhstan in the north, Uzbekistan in the west, Tajikistan in the south, and China in… Continue reading Key Facts About Kyrgyzstan
UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD)
News: India rejected what it called “politically motivated” and “malicious” references made by UNCERD after its 11th periodic review in Geneva. About UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) UNCERD is a United Nations treaty body that monitors the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination… Continue reading UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD)
Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan
News: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has been selected for the Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan 2025–26. About Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan It is a special honour that recognises continuous excellence in the implementation of the Official Language. Presented by: The award is presented by the Department of Official Language under the Ministry of… Continue reading Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
News: A monsoon bird survey recorded 124 bird species at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, including several Western Ghats endemic and rare species. About Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Location: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. It an integral part of the UNESCO-designated Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, which also… Continue reading Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
India’s First Non-GMO Popcorn Maize Hybrid Seed
News: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched India’s first non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed in Andhra Pradesh. About India’s First Non-GMO Popcorn Maize Hybrid Seed It is an indigenously developed hybrid maize seed designed to produce high-expansion popcorn without genetic modification. Developed by: The seed was developed through a collaboration between the Indian Council… Continue reading India’s First Non-GMO Popcorn Maize Hybrid Seed
Demand for a Gorkha State
News: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs constituted a high-level committee to prepare a framework for a permanent political solution to the Gorkha issue. About Demand for a Gorkha State Demand: The Gorkhas have long demanded political self-rule, protection of their ethnic-linguistic identity, and a separate administrative unit or Gorkhaland. Gorkhaland refers to the proposed… Continue reading Demand for a Gorkha State
Gut Microbiome
News: A major study has found that South Asian gut microbiomes are distinct and follow community-specific changes shaped by lifestyle and local factors. About Gut Microbiome Gut Microbiome is the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, that live in the human gut. Acquisition of Gut Microbiome Initial acquisition: A human infant first acquires… Continue reading Gut Microbiome
