Indian Grey Wolf Latest News

Indian grey wolves, apex predators and ecological regulators of grasslands, are facing rapid population decline due to rising threats from feral (free-ranging) dogs.

About Indian Grey Wolf

• The Indian Grey Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf found in the Indian subcontinent and Southwest Asia.
• Habitat: Prefers scrublands, semi-arid grasslands, and pastoral agro-ecosystems.
• Behavior: Generally nocturnal, hunts in small packs, and is less vocal than other wolf subspecies.
• Appearance: Intermediate in size between the Tibetan and Arabian wolves, but lacks a thick winter coat due to adaptation to warmer climates.
• Distribution: From Israel in the west to the Indian subcontinent in the east.

Legal Protection and Forest Rules

• The Indian grey wolf is protected under:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern, but considered locally endangered in India due to sharp population decline.
  • CITES: Appendix I, indicating species threatened with extinction.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed in Schedule I, providing the highest degree of protection in India.
• Maharashtra Forest Rules, 2014 allow the removal or elimination of trespassing animals (dogs) from reserve forests if they threaten wildlife.
• However, Forest officials hesitate to cull dogs due to animal rights concerns, considering vaccination as an alternative, though logistically difficult.
• The case highlights the complex human-animal-domestic dog interface, a rising concern in India’s open and agro-ecosystem habitats.
• It is a key example of emerging zoonotic threats (e.g., canine distemper virus) and genetic dilution through hybridisation.

Kadbanwadi Grassland, Maharashtra

• Located in Indapur tehsil, Pune, the Kadbanwadi grassland spans over 2,000 hectares and supports species such as the Bengal fox, striped hyena, Brahminy kite, and Indian grey wolf.
• The shepherd community has traditionally shared a symbiotic relationship with wolves for generations.

Indian Grey Wolf FAQs

Q1: What is the Indian Grey Wolf and where is it found?
Ans: The Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of the grey wolf found in semi-arid and open grassland regions of India, mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra.

Q2: What is the conservation status of the Indian Grey Wolf?
Ans: It is listed as ‘Schedule I’ under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and is classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN, though its Indian population is declining.

Source: TH

Crohn's Disease Latest News

A former employee of Elon Musk’s SpaceX is suing the company for allegedly firing him over frequent bathroom use caused by a chronic medical condition.

About Crohn's Disease

• It is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract. 
• Inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can affect different areas of the digestive tract in different people. 
• It most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. 
• The inflammation often spreads into the deeper layers of the bowel.
• Crohn's disease can be both painful and debilitating. Sometimes, it may lead to serious or life-threatening complications.
• Symptoms of Crohn’s disease vary from person to person and may include diarrhea, cramping, and pain in your abdomen, and weight loss. 
• Treatment: 
  • There's no known cure for Crohn's disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. 
  • With treatment, many people with Crohn's disease can function well.

Crohn's Disease FAQs

Q1: What type of disease is Crohn’s disease?

Ans: Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Q2: Which part of the digestive tract is most commonly affected by Crohn’s disease?

Ans: End of the small intestine and beginning of the large intestine

Q3: Can Crohn’s disease be cured completely?

Ans: There's no known cure for Crohn's disease, but therapies can greatly reduce its symptoms.

Source: TOI

Magnetic Flip-Flop Latest News

In 2022, scientists converted magnetic signals from 32 global locations into a soundtrack to depict the fluctuations in the magnetic field over the past 100,000 years, unveiled in Copenhagen.

What is Earth's Magnetic Field?

• The Earth’s magnetic field acts as an invisible shield that protects the planet from harmful cosmic and solar radiation.
• It is generated 2,900 km below the surface in the liquid outer core through electric currents arising from the movement of molten iron, powered by heat from the inner core and Earth’s rotation.
• This field forms a protective bubble that extends into space, shielding the atmosphere and biosphere.

Magnetic Reversals vs. Excursions

• A magnetic reversal occurs when the magnetic north and south poles swap places and retain that position for over 100,000 years (e.g., Brunhes-Matuyama reversal 780,000 years ago).
• A geomagnetic excursion is a temporary flip in polarity lasting a shorter time and is 10 times more frequent than reversals (e.g., Laschamps excursion 41,000 years ago, where strength dropped to 5%).
• Over the last 83 million years, Earth has witnessed 183 magnetic reversals.
• Causes of Magnetic Fluctuations: Driven by turbulent fluid dynamics in the outer core, influenced by Earth’s rotation and heat from the inner core. Clockwise flow maintains normal polarity; anticlockwise shifts trigger reversals.
• Current Trends and Observations: 10% Weakening of magnetic field strength over the past 200 years; at current rates, it could vanish in 1,500–1,600 years. The North Magnetic Pole drifts 35 km/year toward Siberia, while the South Pole shifts 5 km/year, reflecting core turbulence.

Research Methodologies

• Satellites and Observatories: Provide real-time data (e.g., ESA’s soundtracks converting magnetic signals into audio).
• Historical data: Ship logs (since 1590) and archaeological artifacts (e.g., ancient pottery) preserve geomagnetic signatures.
• Geological samples: Lava rocks, lake/ocean sediments (e.g., Bagwalipokar excursions in Uttarakhand) reveal past field behavior.
• Cosmogenic isotopes: Beryllium-10 and carbon-14 in ice cores spike during weak fields (e.g., doubled during Laschamps).

Magnetic Flip-Flop FAQs

Q1: What is a Magnetic Flip-Flop?
Ans: A magnetic flip-flop refers to the reversal of Earth's magnetic poles, where the north and south magnetic poles switch places.

Q2: How often does Earth’s magnetic field flip?
Ans: Pole reversals occur irregularly every 200,000 to 300,000 years, with the last full reversal happening about 780,000 years ago.

Q3: What causes a magnetic flip?
Ans: It is caused by turbulent motion in the Earth’s outer core, which affects the geomagnetic dynamo responsible for generating the magnetic field.

Source: DTE

PL-15 Missile Latest News

Amid the ongoing escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a fully intact Chinese-made PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile has been recovered in Punjab's Hoshiarpur.

About PL-15 Missile

• The PL-15, known as “Thunderbolt-15,” is a long-range, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). 
• It was developed by China’s 607 Institute and manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).
• It can engage enemy aircraft at distances well beyond visual range.

PL-15 Missile Features

• It features a dual-pulse solid-propellant rocket motor, allowing it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 5.
• The domestic Chinese version boasts a range of 200–300 km, while the export variant, the PL-15E, has a declared maximum range of 145 km, though operational factors may reduce this to 100–120 km depending on the launch platform.
• The missile is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 20–25 kg, optimized to destroy maneuvering aerial targets.
• The PL-15 employs a sophisticated guidance system, combining inertial navigation, Beidou satellite updates, a two-way datalink for mid-course corrections, and a terminal active radar seeker using advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology.
• This suite provides high accuracy, resistance to electronic jamming, and the ability to engage targets in contested environments.

PL-15 Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the range of the PL-15 missile?

Ans: The domestic Chinese version boasts a range of 200–300 km, while the export variant, the PL-15E, has a declared maximum range of 145 km.

Q2: What is the top speed of PL-15?

Ans: The PL-15 features a dual-pulse solid-propellant rocket motor, allowing it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 5

Q3: What type of missile is the PL-15?

Ans: Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM

Source: INDIATV

Anamalai Tiger Reserve Latest News

The pre-monsoon (summer) estimation of tigers and other animals started in the Pollachi and Tiruppur divisions of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) recently.

About Anamalai Tiger Reserve

• It is located at an altitude of 1400 m in the Anamalai Hills of Pollachi and Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu.
• It is located on the southern side of the South Western Ghat landscape. 
• It covers 1,479.87 sq. km., including 958.59 sq.km. of core area.
• It is surrounded by Parambikulum Tiger Reserve on the East, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulum National Park on the South Western side. 
• The reserve is also surrounded by Nenmara, Vazhachal, Malayattur and Marayur reserved forests of Kerala. 
• The Kariyan shola, Grass hills and Manjampatti of Anamalai Tiger Reserve has been identified as a world heritage site by UNESCO. 
• It is home to several indigenous tribal communities such as the Kadars, Muduvars, Malasars, Malai malasars, Eravalars and Pulayars.
• Vegetation:
  • It ranges from wild wet evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests to moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests.
  • Some part of the reserve boundary also includes the shola forests in the Anamalai Hills and rarer Montane Grasslands, Savannahs and Marshy Grasslands. 
• Flora:
  • Around 2500 species of angiosperms are found in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, with several species of Balsam, Crotalaria, Orchids, and Kurinchi.
  • The reserve is rich in wild relatives of cultivated species like mango, jackfruit, wild plantain, ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric, pepper (Piper longum), cardamom, etc.
• Fauna: The important wild animals of the reserve include: Tiger, Asiatic elephant, Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Jackal, Leopard, Jungle cat, etc.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: In which state is Anamalai Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Tamil Nadu

Q2: Which tribal communities are found in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve?

Ans: It is home to several indigenous tribal communities such as the Kadars, Muduvars, Malasars, Malai malasars, Eravalars and Pulayars.

Q3: What kind of vegetation is found in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Evergreen, deciduous, shola and montane grasslands

Source: TH

Great Nicobar Island Latest News

The Andaman and Nicobar Administration recently invited financial bids to conduct a social impact assessment for land acquisition needed to build a new arterial road under the much-debated Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project.

About Great Nicobar Island

• It is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands archipelago. 
• It is separated from the Andaman Islands by the Ten Degree Channel. 
• It covers an area of 1044 sq.km.
• It remains sparsely populated, with dense tropical rainforests covering more than 85% of its area.
• Its coastline features over 100 kilometers of untouched beaches, renowned for their stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
• It is also home to Indira Point, India's southernmost point, located less than 150 km from Indonesia.
• Mount Thullier, which is about 2,105 ft high, is the highest peak.
• Galathea, Alexandra, and Dagmar are the major rivers.
• The major tribes in Great Nicobar Island are the Shompens and the Nicobarese.
• It is home to the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated site.
• Biodiversity: 
  • It houses 650 species of angiosperms, ferns, gymnosperms, bryophytes, and lichens, among others. 
  • The tract is rich in plant diversity and fosters a number of rare and endemic species, including Cyathea albosetacea (tree fern) and Phalaenopsis speciosa (orchid).
  • The region also harbours a large number of endemic and endangered species of fauna. 
  • To date, 11 species of mammals, 32 species of birds, 7 species of reptiles and 4 species of amphibians have been found to be endemic. 
  • Of these, the well-known Crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Tree Shrew, Dugong, Nicobar Megapode, Serpent Eagle, saltwater crocodile, marine turtles and Reticulated Python are endemic and/or endangered.

Great Nicobar Island FAQs

Q1: What is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands archipelago?

Ans: Great Nicobar

Q2: Which channel separates Great Nicobar from the Andaman Islands?

Ans: Ten Degree Channel

Q3: What is the southernmost point of India, located in Great Nicobar?

Ans: Indira Point

Source: HT

Right to Know Latest News

Recently, the Supreme Court of India quashed a Delhi High Court order that had directed the Wikimedia Foundation (which hosts Wikipedia) to remove a user-created page and associated discussion.

Supreme Court’s Observations

• The ruling reaffirmed that the “Right to Know” is a basic right under Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech and Expression) and Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).

Significance of the “Right to Know”

• The Right to Know is essential to enable citizens to:
  • Participate in public discourse and democratic processes,
  • Access justice effectively, and
  • Hold public authorities accountable.
• The judgment reinforced that public discussion and criticism of courts is a legitimate aspect of democracy and must not be equated with contempt without careful consideration.

Constitutional Significance of the Right to Know

• Under Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of Speech and Expression: This article ensures the right to express opinions through speech, writing, and other media. As per the Supreme Court, this includes the Right to Know about:
  • Government activities
  • Public decision-making
  • Court proceedings
• The Court reiterated that freedom of expression covers the right to receive information, which is vital for democracy.
• Under Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty: The Right to Know is also implicit in Article 21, as it enables citizens to:
  • Access justice
  • Participate in governance
  • Live with dignity through informed decision-making
• The Supreme Court in the Menaka Gandhi Case (1978) expanded Article 21 to include a broad range of rights, now including access to truthful public information:
  • Right to live with dignity,
  • Right to livelihood,
  • Right to privacy,
  • Right to shelter,
  • Right to a clean environment,
  • Right to information (including Right to Know).

Right to Know FAQs

Q1: What is the ‘Right to Know’ in India?
Ans: The Right to Know is an implicit part of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, empowering citizens to access public information.

Q2: Which Act operationalised the Right to Know in India?
Ans: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 formalised this right, allowing citizens to demand transparency and accountability from public authorities.

Source: TH

Raika Tribe Latest News

The Raika’s knowledge of pasture cycles, animal health and biodiversity has long supported the health of Rajasthan’s arid ecology.

About Raika Tribe

• The Raika tribe is an indigenous pastoralist community primarily inhabiting the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, notably around Kumbhalgarh in Rajsamand district.
• Also known as Rabaris, they have a distinct socio-cultural relationship with camels.
• The Raikas have historically been the principal breeders of Rajasthan’s indigenous camel breeds, especially the Marwari camel, known for its strength, endurance, and desert adaptability.
• For the Raikas, camel herding is not just a livelihood but a cultural identity, woven into rituals, oral traditions, and seasonal migrations.
• The Raikas possess traditional knowledge of pasture cycles, animal health, and biodiversity, which has historically sustained the fragile ecology of Rajasthan’s arid landscapes.
• Their age-old migratory grazing routes allowed camels to feed on medicinal desert shrubs, enhancing both animal health and ecosystem balance.

Raika Tribe FAQs

Q1: Who are the Raika tribe?
Ans: The Raika (or Rabari) are a traditional pastoralist community mainly found in Rajasthan, known for camel rearing and livestock herding.

Q2: What is unique about the Raikas’ relationship with camels?
Ans: They consider camel rearing a sacred duty, with many viewing it as a divine command from Lord Shiva, making them cultural stewards of the Thar Desert.

Source: DTE

Asteroid YR4 Latest News

On April 2, 2025, NASA announced that asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 3.8% probability of colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032.

What is Asteroid YR4?

• YR4 is a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) discovered in December 2024 using the ATLAS telescope in Chile.
• Its orbit brings it within 1.3 times the Earth-Sun distance, making it a Near-Earth Object (NEO).
• Initially, YR4 triggered the highest-ever NASA asteroid impact alert in February 2025.
• New infrared data from the James Webb Space Telescope estimates its size at ~65 metres, comparable to a 10-storey building, which is below the 140-meter threshold for classification as a "Potentially Hazardous Asteroid".
• Earlier, YR4 had a 3.1% chance of hitting Earth, but the latest trajectory analysis shows a negligible risk to Earth.

What are Asteroids?

• Asteroids, also known as minor planets, are rocky remnants from the early solar system, dating back 4.6 billion years.
• They exhibit irregular shapes, though a few are nearly spherical, and some host small companion moons or even exist as binary or triple systems.

Classification of Asteroids

• Main Asteroid Belt: Located between Mars and Jupiter, this is where the majority of known asteroids are found.
• Trojans: These share an orbit with a planet and remain stable due to the Lagrange Points (L4 and L5), where gravitational forces from the Sun and the planet balance.
• Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs): These are asteroids whose orbits pass close to Earth’s orbit. Those that cross Earth’s orbital path are known as Earth-crossers.

Asteroid YR4 FAQs

Q1: What is Asteroid YR4 and when was it discovered?
Ans: YR4 is a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) discovered in December 2024 using the ATLAS telescope in Chile.

Q2: Why is Asteroid YR4 significant?
Ans: It is classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) due to its close approach trajectory, raising interest in planetary defence mechanisms.

Q3: What are Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)?
Ans: NEOs are asteroids or comets whose orbits bring them close to Earth’s orbit and are monitored for impact risks.

Source: TH

Chenab River Latest News

India reportedly opened multiple gates at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam, built on the Chenab River in Ramban.

About Chenab River

• The Chenab River literally means "Moon" (Chan) and "River" (aab) is a river of the Indian subcontinent in northwestern India and northeastern and eastern Pakistan.
• It is a tributary of the Indus River.
• Course:
  • Origin: It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga,at Tandi in the upper Himalayas in the Lahaul and Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh.
  • In its upper reaches, it is also known as the Chandrabhaga.
  • It flows west through Jammu and Kashmir union territory, between the steep cliffs of the Siwalik Range (south) and the Lesser Himalayas (north).
  • Turning southwest, it continues into Pakistan, descending from the uplands into the broad alluvial lowlands of Punjab province. 
  • After receiving the Jhelum River near Trimmu, the Chenab empties into the Sutlej River, a tributary of the Indus River.
• Its total length is about 605 miles (974 km), and it feeds several irrigation canals.
• It is the largest river of Himachal Pradesh in terms of volume of waters. 
• Tributaries: The tributaries of the Chenab River include Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar, and Lidrari.
• The waters of the Chenab are shared by India and Pakistan as per the terms of the Indus Water Treaty. 

Chenab River FAQs

Q1: Which two rivers form Chenab?

Ans: It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga.

Q2: Chenab River is a tributary of which major river?

Ans: Indus

Q3: Where does the Chenab River originate?

Ans: Tandi in Himachal Pradesh

Source: ET