News: A recent study identified Xerocoma as a new plant adaptation in Northern Western Ghats that protects dormant buds during harsh seasonal cycles. About Xerocoma Xerocoma is a plant adaptation strategy in which dry, cottony plant fibres form at the rootstock and envelop dormant buds to protect them during harsh seasonal conditions. Structure formation: Xerocoma… Continue reading Xerocoma
Author: Sumit Garg
Kerala as Keralam
News: The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Kerala as Keralam and initiated the constitutional process through the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026. About Kerala as “Keralam” Kerala as Keralam refers to the proposal to officially change the constitutional name of the State from Kerala to its Malayalam name, Keralam. Historical context Ancient… Continue reading Kerala as Keralam
Lal Baradari
News: Lal Baradari on Lucknow University campus became controversial after fencing, with student protests and debate over access, usage, and heritage restoration. About Lal Baradari Lal Baradari is a historic 19th-century heritage building of the Nawabi era located within the Lucknow University campus, Uttar Pradesh. The structure forms part of the former royal gardens of… Continue reading Lal Baradari
Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR
News: The US Army contingent arrived in India for the 16th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, in 2026. About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is a joint bilateral Special Forces exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the United States Army. Started in: The exercise was first conducted in India… Continue reading Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR
Hoysala Dynasty
News: Several Hoysala-era temples and basadis (Jain shrines) in Hassan, Mandya, and Mysuru districts have drawn attention to Karnataka’s rich yet often overlooked medieval architectural heritage. About Hoysala Dynasty The Hoysala Dynasty was a prominent South Indian dynasty that ruled from the 10th to the 14th centuries mainly in present-day Karnataka. Political history Origins: The… Continue reading Hoysala Dynasty
New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact
News: The number of countries endorsing the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact has increased to 91 signatories. About New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact is a non-binding, multi-nation consensus document for governing the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence. Signed by: The declaration has been signed by… Continue reading New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact
Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II)
News: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Vibrant Villages Programme–II in Nathanpur village of Assam with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore. About Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II) It is a programme for comprehensive development of villages in blocks along international land borders, expanding the focus beyond northern border areas to other international border regions. Nodal Ministry:… Continue reading Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II)
Himalayan Salamander
News: Every monsoon in Darjeeling hills, breeding habitats of the Himalayan salamander are shrinking, prompting restoration efforts by the West Bengal Forest Department. About Himalayan Salamander The Himalayan salamander (Tylototriton himalayanus) is a rare, semi-aquatic amphibian found in the hilly regions of the Eastern Himalaya. It is one of only two salamander species in India,… Continue reading Himalayan Salamander
Tirukkural
News: Thiruvalluvar was invoked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thiruvalluvar Day, praising his works and urging people to read Thirukkural. About Thirukkural The Tirukkural (literally “Sacred Couplets”) is a classical Tamil text consisting of 1,330 couplets on ethics, politics, economics, and love. Authored by: It was authored by Thiruvalluvar. Timeline: It was composed during… Continue reading Tirukkural
AI Impact Summit 2026
News: The Union Government is hosting the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, bringing global leaders, policymakers, and innovators together. About AI Impact Summit 2026 Hosted by: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is hosting AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Duration: The summit is being held from… Continue reading AI Impact Summit 2026
