Shishtachar Squad
18-03-2025
06:30 AM

Shishtachar Squad Latest News
Delhi Police has formed district-wise dedicated anti-eve-teasing squads (Shistachar squads) across the national capital to check incidents of harassment and ensure the safety of women in public spaces

About Shishtachar Squad
- The Shishtachar Squad is an anti-eve-teasing initiative by Delhi Police aimed at improving women’s safety in public spaces.
- Inspired by Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Romeo Squads, it adopts a multi-faceted approach involving prevention, intervention, and victim assistance.
- Each district will form at least two squads, which will be supervised by the ACP Crime Against Women cell of the concerned district.
- Features:
- Composition: Each squad includes one inspector, one sub-inspector, five male officers, four female officers, and technical support from the Anti-Auto Theft Squad.
- Area Identification: The district DCPs shall identify and compile a list of hotspots and vulnerable areas, that pose risks to women’s safety
- Patrolling: The squad will also routinely move around in vulnerable areas and conduct drives in at least two vulnerable points every day.
- Surprise Checks: Plain-clothed officers perform surprise checks in public transport and interact with DTC staff to encourage reporting of harassment cases.
Shishtachar Squad FAQs
Q1. What is the Shishtachar Squad?
Ans. The Shishtachar Squad is an anti-eve-teasing initiative by Delhi Police to improve women’s safety in public spaces.
Q2. How is the Shishtachar Squad structured?
Ans. Each squad includes one inspector, one sub-inspector, five male officers, four female officers, and technical support from the Anti-Auto Theft Squad.
Q3. How does the Shishtachar Squad operate?
Ans. The squad patrols vulnerable areas daily, conducts surprise checks in public transport, and encourages reporting of harassment cases.
Q4. Who supervises the Shishtachar Squad?
Ans. The squads are supervised by the ACP Crime Against Women cell of the concerned district.
Source: TH
RBI's Sarthi and Pravaah Initiatives
18-03-2025
07:29 AM

Sarthi and Pravaah Initiatives Latest News
The Reserve Bank of India was recently selected for the UK's Digital Transformation Award 2025 for its tech innovations Sarthi and Pravaah systems.

About Sarthi Initiative
- The Sarthi system, named after the Hindi word for ‘charioteer’, was launched in January 2023 to digitise all of RBI’s internal workflows.
- It enables employees to securely store and share documents, improving record management and enhancing data analysis through reports and dashboards.
- The online Sarthi Pathshala ('school') helps users become familiar with the system, and the Pathshala was rolled out alongside extensive in-person training.
- Additionally, Sarthi mitras ('friends')are people in each RBI office who know the system well and can help colleagues with any issues.
About Pravaah Initiative
- Building upon the foundation of Sarthi, the Pravaah system, meaning ‘smooth flow’ in Hindi, was introduced in May 2024.
- This platform allows external users to submit regulatory applications digitally, seamlessly integrating with the Sarthi database for processing within RBI’s offices.
- The transition to a fully digital infrastructure, supported by centralised cybersecurity and tracking mechanisms, has significantly improved transparency and efficiency.
- Pravaah’s seamless integration with Sarthi has not only streamlined the submission process but also provided real-time tracking and analytics for both applicants and RBI managers, cutting down on the lengthy delays caused by paper-based systems.
- The RBI has seen an 80% increase in monthly applications since Pravaah's launch, marking a significant achievement in the central bank’s digital evolution.
Sarthi and Pravaah Initiatives FAQs
Q1. What is the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
Ans. It is the central bank of India, responsible for regulating the country’s monetary policy, financial stability, and banking system.
Q2. Where is the headquarters of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
Ans. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Q3. What is the Daksh initiative by the RBI?
Ans. It is a centralized, web-based, end-to-end workflow automation platform launched by the RBI to improve supervisory processes for banks, NBFCs, and other regulated entities.
Source: LM
Kanger Valley National Park
18-03-2025
06:32 AM

Kanger Valley National Park Latest News
Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), which is located in the once Maoist-infested pocket of Bastar district in Chhattisgarh, has been recently included in the tentative list of Unesco world heritage sites under the ‘Natural’ category.

About Kanger Valley National Park
- Location: It is located in Jagdalpur in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state.
- The National Park derives its name from the Kanger River, which flows centrally from the Northwest to the Southeast direction.
- Kanger River is a tributary of the Kolab River, which ultimately joins the Godavari River.
- Topography: It features low flatlands, gentle slopes, steep inclines, plateaus, deep gorges, valleys, and winding stream courses.
- Tirathgarh Falls, which originates from the Kanger River, presents an enchanting view falling from a height of 150 feet.
- The national park has more than 15 limestone caves, including the famous Kotumsar, Kailash, and Dandak caves.
- Flora: Blend of mixed moist deciduous type of forests with the predominance of Sal, teak, and bamboo.
- Fauna:
- Major wild animals include tigers, mouse deer, leopards, wildcat, sambar, chital, barking deer, langurs, jackals, rhesus macaque, flying squirrel, etc.
- The aerial fauna at the park consists of common hill myna, red jungle fowl, spotted owlet, racket-tailed drongos, parrots, etc.
Kanger Valley National Park FAQs
Q1. In which state Kanger Valley National Park is located?
Ans. Chhattisgarh
Q2. Which river flows through Kanger Valley National Park?
Ans. Kanger River
Q3. Where is Bastar situated?
Ans. Bastar is a region located in the southern part of Chhattisgarh.
Source: BS
Bar Council of India (BCI)
18-03-2025
06:31 AM

Bar Council of India Latest News
The Bar Council of India (BCI) recently issued a strict warning against 'unethical' legal advertising and misleading social media promotions leading to professional misconduct by advocates.

About Bar Council of India
- It is a statutory body created by Parliament to regulate and represent the Indian bar.
- It was established under the Advocates Act, 1961, based on the recommendations of the All India Bar Committee.
- Its main objective is safeguarding the rights, interests, and privileges of advocates throughout India.
Bar Council of India Functions
- It performs the regulatory function by prescribing standards of professional conduct and etiquette and by exercising disciplinary jurisdiction over the bar.
- It also sets standards for legal education and grants recognition to Universities whose degrees in law will serve as qualification for enrolment as an advocate.
- It conducts the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to grant a 'Certificate of Practice' to advocates practising law in India.
- BCI also funds welfare schemes for economically weaker and physically handicapped advocates.
- It also recognizes on a reciprocal basis foreign qualifications in law obtained outside India for admission as an advocate under this Act.
Bar Council of India Composition
- It comprises members elected from each State Bar Council, the Attorney General of India, and the Solicitor of India, who serve as members automatically.
- The members of the State Bar Councils are elected for five years.
- The Council has the power to choose its own Chairman and Vice-Chairman from among its members, and they serve for two years.
Bar Council of India FAQs
Q1. How many members are in the Bar Council of India?
Ans. The Bar Council of India consists of 18 Members.
Q2. Is Bar Council of India a statutory body?
Ans. Yes, the Bar Council of India (BCI) is a statutory body established under the Advocates Act, 1961
Q3. What is the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)?
Ans. It is a certification exam conducted twice a year by the Bar Council of India for law graduates willing to start practice as Lawyer.
Source: LL
Pi Day
18-03-2025
06:28 AM

Pi Day Latest News
10-year-old Alberto Davila Aragon from Bristol, UK set a new world record by recalling 280 decimal places of Pi in one minute on Pi Day.

About Pi Day
- Pi Day, or International Day of Mathematics, celebrated on March 14 every year, honours the mathematical constant Pi, recognising its significance in mathematics.
- Pi Day is celebrated by lovers of mathematics every year through Pi recital competitions and Pi Day workouts to stimulate interest in learning and practising mathematics.
- The me for Pi Day 2025 is ‘Mathematics, Art, and Creativity’.
Why March 14?
- The approximate value of Pi is 3.14.
- The date, when written in the format of month/day (3/14), matches the first three digits of the mathematical constant.
History of Pi Day
- The first Pi Day was celebrated in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw at the San Francisco Exploratorium.
- In 2009, the United States House of Representatives officially designated March 14 as Pi Day.
- Later, in 2019, UNESCO declared Pi Day as the "International Day of Mathematics" during its general conference.
- Albert Einstein, the renowned physicist behind the "General Theory of Relativity," was born on Pi Day in 1879.
What is Pi (π)?
- Pi is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.
- It is an infinitely long, irrational number, and its exact value cannot be known.
- Pi has been calculated to over 50 trillion digits beyond its decimal point.
- As an irrational and transcendental number, it will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern.
- It is roughly equal to 3.14, or 22/7.
- It is represented by the Greek letter ‘π.’
- Why that letter? It’s the first Greek letter in the words “periphery” and “perimeter,” and pi is the ratio of a circle’s periphery — or circumference — to its diameter.
- History:
- Pi has been known for nearly 4,000 years and was discovered by the ancient Babylonians.
- One of the first calculations of pi was carried out by Greek mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse (287 B.C. to 212 B.C.).
- The symbol π was devised by British mathematician William Jones in 1706.
- Applications: It is used in a wide variety of mathematical and scientific calculations, including geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and more.
Pi Day FAQs
Q1. What is Pi Day?
Ans. Pi Day, or International Day of Mathematics, celebrated on March 14 every year, honours the mathematical constant Pi.
Q2. Why is March 14 observed as Pi Day?
Ans. The date, when written in the format of month/day (3/14), matches the first three digits of the mathematical constant, Pi.
Q3. What is the theme of Pi Day 2025?
Ans. The theme for Pi Day 2025 is ‘Mathematics, Art, and Creativity’.
Source: TOI
Mount Fuji
18-03-2025
06:32 AM

Mount Fuji Latest News
Japan will introduce climbing fees of US$27 on Mount Fuji’s four main trails this summer to address overcrowding and enhance safety for tourists.

About Mount Fuji
- Mount Fuji, also called Fuji-san, is Japan's tallest mountain, with a height of 3,776 meters.
- It is situated close to the Pacific coast in the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in the heart of the large island of Honshu, about 100km to the southwest of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area.
- It is part of the Fuji Volcanic Zone, a volcanic chain that extends northward from the Mariana Islands and the Izu Islands through the Izu Peninsula to northern Honshu.
- It is a stratovolcano that has been dormant since its last eruption, in 1707, but is still generally classified as active by geologists.
- Mount Fuji is one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains" along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku.
- The mountain is the major feature of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (1936), and it is at the centre of a UNESCO World Heritage site designated in 2013.
Mount Fuji Origin
- According to tradition, the volcano was formed in 286 BCE by an earthquake. The truth is somewhat more complex.
- The age of Fuji is disputed, but it seems to have formed during the past 2.6 million years on a base dating from up to 65 million years ago; the first eruptions and the first peaks probably occurred sometime after 700,000 years ago.
- The earliest precursors to Mount Fuji were Komitake (which forms the mountain’s north slope) and Ashitaka-yama (which sits southeast of the mountain).
- Mount Fuji is a stratovolcano that rose sometime after 400,000 years ago between the peaks of Komitake and Ashitaka-yama.
- The present-day mountain is a composite of three successive volcanoes: at the bottom is Komitake, which was surmounted by Ko Fuji (“Old Fuji”) about 100,000 years ago and, finally, by the most recent, Shin Fuji (“New Fuji”).
Mount Fuji FAQs
Q1. Why is Mount Fuji so famous?
Ans. Mount Fuji is famous as Japan's tallest peak, a spiritual site, cultural icon, UNESCO World Heritage site, and inspiration for art and pilgrimage.
Q2. Where is Mount Fuji located?
Ans. Mount Fuji is located on Honshu Island in Japan, approximately 100 km southwest of Tokyo.
Q3. Can we visit Mount Fuji?
Ans. Yes, visitors can climb Mount Fuji during the official climbing season (July to September) or enjoy sightseeing from nearby areas year-round.
Q4. Is Mount Fuji in Japan still active?
An. Yes, Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano, although its last eruption occurred in 1707–1708.
Source: NDTV
River Betwa
18-03-2025
06:30 AM

River Betwa Latest News
River Betwa that once gave life to the Vindhyas, nourished kingdoms, and witnessed the footsteps of sages and warriors alike, lies in silence - gasping, groaning, almost gone.

About River Betwa
- The Betwa River, historically known as Vetravati, is significant in central and northern India, serving as a tributary of the Yamuna River.
- It originates from Jhiri village in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, in the Vindhya Range, just north of Hoshangabad (now Narmadapuram).
- It flows generally northeast through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh states and empties into the Yamuna River just east of Hamirpur after a 380-mile (610-km) course.
- Nearly half of its course, which is not navigable, runs over the Malwa Plateau before it breaks into the upland of Bundelkhand.
- Tributaries: The Jamni and Dhasan rivers are its major tributaries.
- Dams: The Betwa is dammed at Dukwan and Deogarh for irrigation and water management.
- Significance:
- The Betwa River has been flowing since Vedic times and is mentioned in the Vedas through hymns and verses. In the Mahabharata, it is revered as Vetravati, symbolizing penance, purity, and perseverance.
- It is part of the Ken-Betwa Link Project, a major interlinking initiative designed to transfer surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River for irrigation and drinking purposes.
- The Indian navy named one of its frigates INS Betwa in honour of the river.
Ken-Betwa Link Project
- The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is a river interlinking initiative aimed at transferring surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
- It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers, which was prepared in 1980.
- The Ken-Betwa Link Project has two phases.
- Phase I will involve building the Daudhan Dam complex and its subsidiary units such as the Low-Level Tunnel, High-Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and powerhouses.
- Phase II will involve three components — Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.
River Betwa FAQs
Q1. In which state is the Betwa River?
Ans. The Betwa River flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Q2. Why is Betwa River famous?
Ans. The Betwa River is famous for its cultural, religious, and economic significance, as well as major projects like the Ken-Betwa Link.
Q3. Why is Betwa called Ganga of MP?
Ans. Betwa is called the "Ganga of Madhya Pradesh" due to its historical, religious, and cultural importance in the region.
Q4. On which river is Orchha?
Ans. Orchha is located on the banks of the Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh.
Source: NDTV
PM Internship Scheme
18-03-2025
06:32 AM

PM Internship Scheme Latest News
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently launched a dedicated mobile application for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme and urged more companies to join the programme.

About PM Internship Scheme
- PM Internship Scheme is a remarkable initiative launched by the Indian government, designed to provide valuable internship opportunities for the youth of India.
- It aims to provide young individuals aged 21-24 years from low-income households with 12-month internship opportunities in the country’s top 500 companies.
- The pilot phase targets 1.25 lakh youth, with a five-year goal to facilitate internships for one crore young individuals.
- These internships span 24 sectors, including oil, gas, energy, travel, hospitality, automotive, banking, and financial services.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Passed 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, or Diploma courses.
- Fresh graduates from non-premier institutions.
- Anyone from a household that includes a person who earned an income of Rs.8 lakh or less in 2023-24.
- No family member has a government job.
- Note: Students from IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, and individuals with professional degrees like CA, MBA, MBBS, etc., are excluded to promote inclusivity for underrepresented groups.
- The program, part of the larger vision for skill development and employment, aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience.
PM Internship Scheme FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for the PM internship scheme?
Ans. Indian citizens aged 21-24, who have completed at least class 10, class 12, ITI certificate, diploma, or graduation, and are not engaged in full-time employment or full-time education (online/distance learners eligible).
Q2. Is PM internship free or paid?
Ans. The PM internship is paid, offering a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 plus a one-time financial assistance of ₹6,000.
Q3. Is the PM internship scheme real or fake?
Ans. The PM internship scheme is a legitimate government initiative backed by credible institutions and official government websites.
Source: DD News
Caracal
18-03-2025
06:32 AM

Caracal Latest News
A rare caracal has been recently spotted in Rajasthan's Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, sending waves of excitement among wildlife enthusiasts.

About Caracal
- It is a medium-sizednocturnal wildcat.
- In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’.
- Scientific Name: Caracal caracal
- Distribution:
- Caracals live on rocky hills or grasslands in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
- Their numbers in India have dwindled to an estimated 50, primarily in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- Habitat: Caracals are adaptable animals that can live in a variety of environments, including grasslands, savannas, scrublands, and forests.
Caracal Features
- They have slender bodies and long legs; they are the largest of the African small cats.
- They can weigh between 8-18 kg and can reach up to one meter in length. Males usually weigh more and are bigger than females.
- The fur is short and dense and is tawny-brown to reddish-tan in colour with whitish underparts.
- Their face is marked with dark lines and white spots around their eyes.
- It has large, black pointed ears.
- It is distinguished by its ability to capture birds by leaping at least two meters into the air from a standstill.
- The caracal can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph) when in full flight.
- They live in small herds. and their shy and elusive nature makes them difficult to spot in the wild.
- Caracal Conservation status:
- IUCN Red List: Least concern
- The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Caracal FAQs
Q1. What is the IUCN status of caracal?
Ans. Least concern
Q2. What is the Indian name for caracal?
Ans. In India, it is called siya gosh, a Persian name that translates as ‘black Ear’.
Q3. Where can I see caracal in India?
Ans. In India, only two populations of the caracal remain in Kutch, Gujarat and in Ranthambhore, Rajasthan.
Source: NDTV
Human Coronavirus HKU1
18-03-2025
05:25 AM

Human Coronavirus HKU1 Latest News
A 45-year-old woman from Garia, Kolkata, has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1).

About Human Coronavirus HKU1
- Human coronavirus HKU1 is also known as Betacoronavirus hongkonense. It is a species of coronavirus that can affect both humans and animals.
- Origin: It was first identified in 2004 by researchers at Hong Kong University, which is how it got its name.
- Symptoms: According to the CDC and NIH, symptoms of HKU1 include a runny nose, fever, coughing, wheezing, headache, and sore throat. While symptoms are usually mild, untreated cases can sometimes lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
- Transmission: It is transmitted during direct contact with the infected person via respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing), touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, mouth, or nose.
- Vulnerability: The disease is self-limiting and resolves on its own. But vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with immuno-compromised conditions or with co-morbidities need to be vigilant for severe manifestation of the disease.
- Treatment: There is no vaccine or specific treatment for human coronaviruses. Most infected individuals get better on their own.
Difference Between HKU1 and COVID-19
- HKU1 and COVID-19 are both caused by coronaviruses, but it is not same as Covid-19 and is less severe than Covid-19.
- HKU1 is one of the four endemic human coronaviruses that cause common cold and croup, while COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus that can cause severe respiratory illness and has caused a global pandemic.
Human Coronavirus HKU1 FAQs
Q1. Is HKU1 the same as COVID-19?
Ans. No, HKU1 is different from COVID-19; HKU1 is a common cold-causing coronavirus, whereas COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Q2. What is human corona?
Ans. Human coronaviruses are a group of RNA viruses causing respiratory tract infections in humans, ranging from mild colds to severe diseases like SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.
Q3. What are the seven human coronaviruses?
Ans. The seven human coronaviruses are 229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1, SARS-CoV (SARS), MERS-CoV (MERS), and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Q4. What is the origin of HKU1?
Ans. HKU1 likely originated from rodents and was first identified in 2004 in Hong Kong.
Source: IE