Daily Archives: January 24, 2025

Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

PRELIMS BITS Why in News? A recent study has found that the spotted hyena, once extinct in Egypt for over 5,000 years, has reappeared in southern Egypt. Overview: Scientific Name: Crocuta crocuta Family: Hyaenidae (largest member of the Hyaenidae family) Weight: 40-86 kg (females usually heavier than males) Diet: Carnivorous …

Read More »

Chinar Tree

PRELIMS BITS Chinar trees in Kashmir have been geo-tagged and fitted with QR codes for preservation. About Chinar Tree: Scientific Name: Platanus orientalis. Size: Can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk girth of 10–15 meters. Historical Significance: The oldest is over 700 years old. Uses: Medicinal properties, …

Read More »

Mount Ibu Eruption

PRELIMS BITS Mount Ibu in Indonesia erupted again, sending ash 4 km high, with purple lightning observed around the crater. About Mount Ibu: Type: Stratovolcano (steep, composed of lava and ash layers). Location: Halmahera Island, Indonesia. Frequent eruptions: Includes lava flows, ash, and pyroclastic activity.

Read More »

Mission SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking)

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Mission SCOT, developed by Digantara, is a commercial satellite launched to enhance Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Goals: Monitor space objects (satellites, debris). Strengthen national security and space defense. Reduce space debris risks. Features: Launched by SpaceX. Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit. Tracks objects as …

Read More »

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE Launched in 2015, SSY is a savings scheme under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative to provide financial security for the girl child. Parents or guardians can open an account in her name at authorized banks or India Post branches. Eligibility: The applicant must be an …

Read More »

Dhanauri Wetland

PRELIMS BITS   Context: The NGT directed the Uttar Pradesh government to report on the notification of Dhanauri Wetland as a designated wetland near the Jewar airport. About Dhanauri Wetland: Location: Near Dankaur, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Significance: Supports 217 bird species, including Sarus Cranes, and up to 50,000 …

Read More »

Diamond Imprest Authorisation (DIA) Scheme

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: Launched by the Ministry of Commerce, the DIA Scheme aims to enhance India’s diamond exports, mitigate job losses, and improve global competitiveness. Key Features: Duty-Free Import: For diamonds under ¼ carat. Export Obligation: Requires 10% value addition on exported diamonds. Eligibility: Exporters with Two Star …

Read More »

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, launched in 2015, aims to promote gender equality by saving and educating the girl child in India. Key Points: Objectives: Save the Girl Child: To prevent gender-based discrimination and improve the sex ratio. Educate the Girl Child: Promote girls’ …

Read More »

Enemy Property

GS 2 POLITY Context: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed actor Saif Ali Khan to approach the appellate authority about the classification of ancestral properties as “enemy property.” What is Enemy Property? Assets left by individuals who migrated to enemy countries (Pakistan, China) after wars (1947, 1965, 1971). Legal …

Read More »

National Turmeric Board

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The National Turmeric Board was inaugurated in Nizamabad, Telangana, to improve turmeric farming, research, and exports in India, fulfilling a long-standing demand. Turmeric – A herb used for medicinal and culinary purposes, containing curcumin, known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Uses of Turmeric: Culinary: Adds …

Read More »

National Health Mission (NHM)

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE Launched: 2013 Objective: To provide universal, affordable, and quality healthcare services, responding to people’s needs. Key Features: Comprehensive Primary Healthcare: Establishment of Health and Wellness Centers for preventive, curative, and palliative care. Maternal and Child Healthcare: Programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram …

Read More »

Ratnagiri Excavations in Odisha

GS 1 – HISTORY Context: The ASI has resumed excavations at Ratnagiri, an important Buddhist center from Emperor Ashoka’s reign, crucial in spreading Buddhism. Key Discoveries: Colossal Buddha sculptures and a monolithic elephant statue. Votive stupas, inscribed stones, pottery, and brick wall remnants from a Buddhist monastery. Artifacts revealing trade …

Read More »