News: A recent study highlights that declining lichen and increasing snow depth can significantly reduce winter survival of caribou populations in the Arctic. About Caribou Caribou are large herbivorous ungulates adapted to Arctic and sub-Arctic environments. They are also called ‘Reindeer’ in Eurasia. Scientific Name: Rangifer tarandus Habitat: Caribou thrive in polar and Arctic regions.… Continue reading Caribou
Author: Arun
Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
News: Emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal have been uplisted to Endangered category in International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List due to climate change impacts. About Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) Emperor penguin is the largest penguin species that survives and breeds in extreme Antarctic winter conditions. Scientific name: Aptenodytes forsteri. Habitat: They depend on… Continue reading Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
Exercise Cyclone-IV
News: The Indian Army contingent departed for Egypt to participate in Exercise Cyclone-IV scheduled at Anshas from 09 to 17 April 2026. About Exercise Cyclone-IV It is a joint special forces exercise conducted between India and Egypt. Aim: It aims to enhance joint mission planning capabilities and improve interoperability through the exchange of best practices… Continue reading Exercise Cyclone-IV
Gourami Fossils
News: Scientists discovered freshwater fish fossils in Saharanpur, including first gourami fossil in India and second globally, indicating a Pliocene ecosystem. About Gourami Fossils The Gourami fossils are freshwater fish remains identified through otolith structures from ancient ecosystems. Discovered by: The fossils were discovered by scientists led by Dr. Ningthoujam Premjit Singh of the Wadia… Continue reading Gourami Fossils
International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, SMOPS-2026
News: The second edition of SMOPS-2026 conference is being held from 8–10 April 2026 in Bengaluru, India. About International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, SMOPS-2026 It is a global conference focused on spacecraft mission operations and future space mission management. Organized by: It is jointly organized by ISRO, Astronautical Society of India (ASI), and International… Continue reading International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, SMOPS-2026
RBI Revises Banking Correspondent Classification
News: The Reserve Bank of India proposed restructuring of Business Correspondent framework with new classification, governance norms, and remuneration standards, inviting comments. About RBI Revises Banking Correspondent Classification It introduces a structured framework with defined delivery points, governance norms, and remuneration standards to improve efficiency and oversight. Business Correspondents (BCs): Business Correspondents are individuals or… Continue reading RBI Revises Banking Correspondent Classification
Credit Default Swaps (CDS)
News: RBI kept FPI investment limits unchanged and fixed CDS sale limit at 5% of outstanding corporate bonds for 2026-27. About Credit Default Swaps (CDS) Credit Default Swaps (CDS) is a financial derivative that allows investors to transfer or offset credit risk of a debt instrument. Key Components of a CDS: Parties: CDS involves a… Continue reading Credit Default Swaps (CDS)
Tar-balls Management Rules, 2026
News: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued draft Tar-balls Management Rules, 2026 to address marine pollution from toxic oil residues. About Tar-balls Management Rules, 2026 These are dedicated rules for managing tar balls pollution across coastal areas. Released by: The rules were issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change… Continue reading Tar-balls Management Rules, 2026
Hokersar and Wular Lake
News: A CAG report highlighted that 518 lakes (74%) in Jammu and Kashmir have disappeared or shrunk, causing ecosystem degradation and climate insecurity. About Hokersar Lake Hokersar is an important high-altitude wetland in Kashmir Valley known for biodiversity and migratory birds. Location: It is located in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude… Continue reading Hokersar and Wular Lake
About First ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)
News: The National Statistics Office launched the first-ever ASISSE from April 2026 to build a comprehensive database of the services sector. About Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) It is a nationwide survey to generate reliable data on incorporated services sector enterprises. Launched by: It is launched by the National Statistics Office (NSO)… Continue reading About First ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)
