News: India has signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with SACU. About Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is an African regional economic organisation and the world’s oldest customs union. Established: It was established in 1910 and re-established in 1969. Members: It comprises South… Continue reading Southern African Customs Union (SACU)
Author: Arun
Babirusa/Pig-Deer
News: Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom recorded the birth of a babirusa as its wild populations face a rapid decline due to African swine fever. About Babirusa/Pig-Deer They are unusual wild pigs commonly known as “pig-deer”. Species: Since 2001, scientists have recognized three extant species: Buru babirusa, North Sulawesi babirusa and Togian babirusa. Habitat:… Continue reading Babirusa/Pig-Deer
De-reservation
News: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes will review Central government de-reservation proposals received over the last three years. About De-Reservation De-reservation: It is the process of filling a reserved vacancy as an unreserved vacancy, under specific conditions.. Regulated by: De-reservation in Central government recruitment is regulated through Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) rules… Continue reading De-reservation
Asian Elephant
News: World Elephant Day is observed annually on 12 August, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to conserve Asian elephants and their habitats. About Asian Elephant The Asian elephants are the largest land mammal on the Asian continent. Habitat: Asian elephants inhabit grasslands, scrublands, evergreen forests and deciduous forests. In India, their habitat ranges from… Continue reading Asian Elephant
Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS)
News: The Government has proposed a ₹10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme in the Union Budget 2026–27 to strengthen domestic container production. About Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) is a targeted initiative to build a competitive domestic container manufacturing industry through financial and institutional support. Ministry involved: The scheme is associated… Continue reading Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS)
Zanskar Range
News: A new study found that glaciers in the Zanskar region of Ladakh are moving more slowly than they did 30 years ago. About Zanskar Range The Zanskar Range is an important Trans-Himalayan mountain range in Ladakh. Location: The range is located mainly in the Kargil and Leh regions of Ladakh, with extension towards Himachal… Continue reading Zanskar Range
Moon Base Program of NASA
News: NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base program during the 9th India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru. About Moon Base Program of NASA Moon Base Programme is part of NASA’s broader Artemis Programme, which seeks to build a permanent lunar outpost near the Moon’s South Pole. Aim: The program aims… Continue reading Moon Base Program of NASA
Indian Peacock
News: India recently donated five Indian peafowls—four blue males and one white male-to the United Nations Office at Geneva. About Indian Peacock The Indian Peacock is India’s national bird and a large, colourful member of the pheasant family. Scientific Name: Its scientific name is Pavo cristatus. Habitat: It occurs in deciduous forests, shrublands, grasslands, forest… Continue reading Indian Peacock
Dirac Medal 2026
News: Four physicists, including Indian physicist Deepak Dhar, have been awarded the Dirac Medal 2026 for contributions to statistical mechanics and theoretical physics. About Dirac Medal 2026 Origin: The Dirac Medal was first awarded in 1985 by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). Naming: It is named after P.A.M. Dirac, one of the greatest… Continue reading Dirac Medal 2026
S.H.I.N.E. Initiative
News: The Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research will organise the second edition of S.H.I.N.E. on 11–12 August 2026 across 83 locations. About S.H.I.N.E. Initiative S.H.I.N.E. stands for Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorer. It is a nationwide student outreach programme. Launched by: The initiative was launched by the Indian Council of… Continue reading S.H.I.N.E. Initiative
