News: The NGT has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to amend official records and restore the Suav’s classification from a “drain” to a “river” in revenue records and the gazetteer, warning that non-compliance may lead to legal punishment. About Rapti River Origin: It rises south of a prominent E-W ridgeline midway between the western Dhaulagiri Himalaya… Continue reading Rapti River
Tag: down to earth
Gentoo penguin
News: Gentoo penguin have become the first bird species confirmed with H5 avian influenza on an Australian territory, after testing positive on Heard Island. About Gentoo penguin The Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) belongs to the genus Pygoscelis. They are closely related to the Adélie penguin and Chinstrap penguin. Distribution-They are mainly found along the coasts of… Continue reading Gentoo penguin
ISA launches global AI-for-Energy mission
Source: The post “ISA launches global AI-for-Energy mission” has been created, based on “International Solar Alliance launches global AI-for-Energy mission to accelerate clean power in 120+ countries” published in “Down to earth” on 21 February 2026. ISA launches global AI-for-Energy mission. UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Science and technology Context: The International Solar Alliance launched a… Continue reading ISA launches global AI-for-Energy mission
Panama Disease
News: Scientist from The University of Queensland identified a genomic region that provides resistance to Fusarium wilt Subtropical Race 4 (STR4). About Panama Disease Panama disease, also called banana wilt, is a destructive plant disease that affects banana crops. Caused by: Soil-dwelling fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense), especially its virulent Tropical Race 4 (TR4) strains.… Continue reading Panama Disease
Cheer Pheasant
News: There has been rapid decline of cheer pheasant populations in Himalayan grasslands across northern Pakistan, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Nepal. About Cheer Pheasant The cheer pheasant is a ground-dwelling bird, known for its loud and distinctive calls. Family: It belongs to the pheasant family Phasianidae. Scientific name: Catreus wallichii Habitat: It prefers steep rocky slopes… Continue reading Cheer Pheasant
Monsoon Breaks
News: New research shows that dry desert winds blowing from the west and northwest of India can help predict monsoon break periods, offering an early warning system for farmers. These breaks, marked by reduced rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon, can seriously affect agricultural production. About Monsoon Breaks About: During the south-west monsoon period, after… Continue reading Monsoon Breaks
Blyth’s tragopan
News: Blyth’s tragopan is an indicator species for some of Asia’s most biodiverse and least-explored mountain ecosystems. About Blyth’s Tragopan Blyth’s tragopan is a rare and colourful mountain ground-dwelling pheasant. Family: Phasianidae Scientific name: Tragopan blythii Habitat: It lives in montane broadleaf forests, rhododendron forests, bamboo thickets, and dense undergrowth. It prefers moist, cool mountain… Continue reading Blyth’s tragopan
16th Finance Commission (FC)- Recommendations for Strengthening Local Bodies (Mention challenges of financing faced by local bodies, recommendation of 16th FC, Sources of revenue of Local bodies)
Local bodies are constitutionally mandated institutions under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, yet they continue to face severe fiscal constraints. Recognising the need for empowered grassroots governance, the 16th Finance Commission has recommended a total grant of about ₹7.9 lakh crore to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for the period… Continue reading 16th Finance Commission (FC)- Recommendations for Strengthening Local Bodies (Mention challenges of financing faced by local bodies, recommendation of 16th FC, Sources of revenue of Local bodies)
Heatwaves and lightning should be added to national disaster list
Source: The post “Heatwaves and lightning should be added to national disaster list” has been created, based on “Heatwaves and lightning should be added to national disaster list” published in “Down to Earth” on 3 February 2026. Heatwaves and lightning should be added to national disaster list. UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3-Disaster Management Context: The 16th… Continue reading Heatwaves and lightning should be added to national disaster list
What 2026 Delhi Declaration tells about India’s approach to the Middle East
Source: The post “What 2026 Delhi Declaration tells about India’s approach to the Middle East” has been created, based on “What 2026 Delhi Declaration tells about India’s approach to the Middle East” published in “Down to Earth” on 3rd February 2026. Wetlands as a National Public Good. What 2026 Delhi Declaration tells about India’s approach… Continue reading What 2026 Delhi Declaration tells about India’s approach to the Middle East
