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
Tag: down to earth
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
Madras Hedgehog
News: For the first time, the Tamil Nadu forest department has begun a study on Madras Hedgehog at the Theri forests. About Madras Hedgehog The Madras hedgehog is a small-sized insectivorous mammal. It is also called the bare-bellied hedgehog or South Indian hedgehog. Scientific name: Paraechinus nudiventrus Habitat: It lives in arid and semi-arid habitats… Continue reading Madras Hedgehog
TomTom Traffic Index 2025
News: As per TomTom Traffic Index 2025, Bengaluru was the second most congested city in the world in 2025. About TomTom Traffic Index 2025 TomTom Traffic Index is an annual analysis of global traffic trends and commuting behavior. Released by: TomTom, an Amsterdam- based company that offers traffic solutions Benchmark: The Index measures congestion levels, average… Continue reading TomTom Traffic Index 2025
Pygmy Hog
News: The population of Pygmy Hog has declined sharply due to habitat loss, grass burning, illegal grazing, and land degradation. About Pygmy Hog The Pygmy Hog is the smallest and rarest wild suid in the world. Scientific name: Porcula salvania Habitat: Pygmy Hogs prefer undisturbed patches of tall wet grassland mixed with a wide variety… Continue reading Pygmy Hog
Kinnow Cultivation in India
News: The Rajasthan government is organising a Kinnow Mahakumbh in Sri Ganganagar on January 23, 24 and 25, 2026. About Kinnow Cultivation in India Kinnow is a high-yielding citrus fruit which belongs to the “Mandarin” family. It is a hybrid of two varieties: King (Citrus nobilis Lour) and ‘Willow Leaf’ (Citrus deliciosa Tenora). Favourable conditions… Continue reading Kinnow Cultivation in India
Electricity Amendment Bill: Centre signals course correction after stakeholder pushback
Source: The post “Electricity Amendment Bill: Centre signals course correction after stakeholder pushback” has been created, based on “Electricity Amendment Bill: Centre signals course correction after stakeholder pushback” published in “Down To Earth” on 20 January 2026. Electricity Amendment Bill: Centre signals course correction after stakeholder pushback. UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3- Governance Context: The Union… Continue reading Electricity Amendment Bill: Centre signals course correction after stakeholder pushback
Royle’s pika (Ochotona roylei)
News: Royle’s pika of the Himalayan highlands which goes about its life unaware that scientists now view it as a sentinel of climate change. About Royle’s pika (Ochotona roylei) Royle’s pika is also called the Himalayan mouse hare or hui shutu is a species of pika. Scientific name: Ochotona roylei Habitat: They commonly inhabit rocky mountain slopes,… Continue reading Royle’s pika (Ochotona roylei)
