Glaw Lake Becomes India’s 101st Ramsar Wetland Site Officially

Why in the News ? Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India’s 101st Ramsar Site, becoming the State’s first wetland of international importance. The recognition strengthens wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods in the Eastern Himalayas, aligning with sustainable business practices and ethical standards promoted by institutional investors and…

Washington Declares Emergency as Massive Wildfires Spread Rapidly Statewide

Why in the News ? The U.S. State of Washington has declared a statewide emergency as rapidly spreading wildfires, fuelled by extreme weather conditions, forced mass evacuations. Authorities also issued the State’s first Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning, highlighting escalating climate-related disaster risks. Washington Wildfires: Key Developments ●  Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared…

India Publishes Landmark Catalogue of Butterflies and Moths Diversity

Why in the News ? The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has published the first comprehensive Catalogue of Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths) of India, documenting 13,703 species. The landmark work strengthens biodiversity conservation, taxonomy, and ecological research while highlighting India’s status as a megadiverse country. Key Findings of the Lepidoptera Catalogue: ●  Scientists from the…

New Alloy Discovered From Hiroshima Atomic Blast Debris Samples

Why in the News ? Researchers have discovered a previously unknown metal alloy inside Hiroshima atomic bomb debris, revealing how extreme-energy nuclear events can create novel materials. The findings, published in Science Advances, provide new insights into materials science and the effects of nuclear explosions, with potential applications in green economy companies and sustainable investing…

Kerala Faces Rising Leptospirosis Burden Amid Monsoon Season Risks

Why in the News ? Kerala has reported a sharp rise in leptospirosis cases, with 50 deaths in July, bringing renewed attention to the State’s high disease burden. Health experts emphasize early diagnosis, preventive measures, and protection of high-risk occupational groups, while highlighting the role of social responsibility in public health management. Why Kerala Reports…

Prime Minister Launches Nationwide Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan Initiative

Why in the News ? Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 100-week ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, a nationwide campaign to promote a drug-free youth population, strengthen public awareness against substance abuse, and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Key Features of ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ ● …

Climate Change Reshapes Malaria Risk Across Sub-Saharan Africa

Why in the News ? A Nature study has found that climate change is altering the geographical distribution of childhood malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. While warming may reduce malaria in current hotspots, it is increasing disease risk in southern and eastern Africa. Key Findings of the Study ●  A study published in Nature found that…

Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana for Floating Solar

Why in the News ? The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹5,070-crore scheme to promote floating solar power projects. The initiative aims to achieve 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity by 2030–31, enhancing India’s renewable energy transition. Key Features of Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana: ●  The Pradhan Mantri…

Greece’s Island Visa Scheme Boosts Turkish Tourism and Cooperation

Why in the News ? The Greece–Türkiye visa-on-arrival (“Door Visa”) scheme has significantly increased Turkish tourist arrivals to Greek islands, strengthening people-to-people ties, boosting local economies, and demonstrating how tourism can foster cooperation despite long-standing geopolitical differences between the two neighbours. Greece’s Visa-on-Arrival Scheme: Key Features ●  Greece introduced a Visa-on-Arrival (Door Visa/Kapi Vizesi) scheme…

Bloomberg Defers India’s Entry into Global Bond Index Again

Why in the News ? Bloomberg Index Services Limited (BISL) has once again deferred the inclusion of Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) in the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index, stating that recent market reforms need to demonstrate sustained operational efficiency before India can be included. This decision impacts institutional investors, asset managers, and fund managers who…