New Ramsar Sites Latest News

Recently, four more wetlands from India have got an international tag of Ramsar Convention sites.

About New Ramsar Sites Added

Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary

• Location: Tamil Nadu
• It is a unique mosaic wetland ecosystem located close to the Gulf of Mannar on the Central Asian flyway, a regular route for the migratory birds that comes from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• This wetland acts as a breeding ground for several Resident/Resident-Migrant species of waterfowl.

Therthangal Bird Sanctuary

• Location: Tamil Nadu
• It lies along the Central Asian Flyway and are critical breeding and foraging grounds for waterbirds, including the Spot-billed Pelican, Black-headed Ibis, and Oriental Darter.
• It plays a crucial role in climate regulation, recharging of groundwater, and irrigation.
• The sanctuary is home for many important endemic and near threatened species including the Painted stork, Black-headed ibis, Spot-billed pelican, Oriental darter and Pallied harrier among others

Udhwa Lake

• Location: Jharkhand
• Itis named after saint Uddhava of Mahabharat times, a friend of Lord Krishna.
• It falls within the Gangetic Plains bio-geographic zone.
• The Sanctuary has two water bodies i.e. Patauran (155 ha) and Berhale (410 ha), interconnected by a water channel. Patauran is a comparatively clean water body.
• It is the first Ramsar designated wetland from Jharkhand.

Khecheopalri Lake

• Location: Sikkim
• It is a sacred gem revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
• It is known as a wish-fulfilling lake, its tranquil waters are believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and the Goddess Tara.
• It is surrounded by lush forests and the mystical aura of ancient legends, this enchanting lake, part of the revered Demazong valley.

New Ramsar Sites FAQs

Q1: What do you mean by Ramsar sites?

Ans: Ramsar sites refer to sites listed on the List of Wetlands of International Importance, also known as the Ramsar List.

Q2: Which are the first Ramsar sites in India?

Ans: Chilika Lake in Orissa and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were recognised as the first Ramsar

Q3: What is the purpose of Ramsar?

Ans: It provides the only international mechanism for protecting sites of global importance and is thus of key conservation significance.

Source: TOI

Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme Latest News

The Union Budget 2025-26 has announced Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to provide digital-form Indian language books for students.

About Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme

• It is a new initiative aimed at making learning more accessible by offering digital textbooks and study materials in various Indian languages. 
• Under the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, students in schools and universities will be able to access textbooks and learning resources in digital formats. 
• The scheme is designed to benefit students from different linguistic backgrounds by providing study materials in regional languages. 
• The initiative aims to bridge the gap in educational resources for students from diverse linguistic groups.
• This initiative also complements the government’s previous steps to enhance educational infrastructure, such as the ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) initiative.

Key Facts about ASMITA Initiative

• It is an initiative to develop 22,000 books in Indian languages in the next five years.
• It is a collaborative effort of the UGC and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a high-powered committee under the Ministry of Education.
• The primary objective of this initiative is to promote and integrate Indian languages more deeply into the education system, thereby enriching the learning experience and making it more inclusive.
• This project is seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance the accessibility and quality of educational materials across various Indian languages.
• Thirteen nodal universities have been identified to lead the project, along with member universities from various regions.
• TheUGC has also created a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the book-writing process in each assigned language.
• The SOP includes the identification of nodal officers, authors, allocation of title, subject, and programme, writing and editing, submission of the manuscript, review and plagiarism check, finalisation, designing, proofreading and e-publication.

Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme FAQs

Q1. How many languages have been recognized by the Indian Constitution ?

Ans. The Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages under the Eighth Schedule.

Q2. What is the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti

Ans. It is a High Powered Committee for Promotion of Indian Languages constituted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 2021.

Q3. What is the University Grants Commission (UGC)?

Ans. UGCcame into existence on 28th December, 1953 and became a statutory Organization in 1956, for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research in university education.

Source: TH

New Ramsar Sites Latest News

Recently, four more wetlands from India have got an international tag of Ramsar Convention sites.

About New Ramsar Sites Added

Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary

• Location: Tamil Nadu
• It is a unique mosaic wetland ecosystem located close to the Gulf of Mannar on the Central Asian flyway, a regular route for the migratory birds that comes from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• This wetland acts as a breeding ground for several Resident/Resident-Migrant species of waterfowl.

Therthangal Bird Sanctuary

• Location: Tamil Nadu
• It lies along the Central Asian Flyway and are critical breeding and foraging grounds for waterbirds, including the Spot-billed Pelican, Black-headed Ibis, and Oriental Darter.
• It plays a crucial role in climate regulation, recharging of groundwater, and irrigation.
• The sanctuary is home for many important endemic and near threatened species including the Painted stork, Black-headed ibis, Spot-billed pelican, Oriental darter and Pallied harrier among others

Udhwa Lake

• Location: Jharkhand
• Itis named after saint Uddhava of Mahabharat times, a friend of Lord Krishna.
• It falls within the Gangetic Plains bio-geographic zone.
• The Sanctuary has two water bodies i.e. Patauran (155 ha) and Berhale (410 ha), interconnected by a water channel. Patauran is a comparatively clean water body.
• It is the first Ramsar designated wetland from Jharkhand.

Khecheopalri Lake

• Location: Sikkim
• It is a sacred gem revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
• It is known as a wish-fulfilling lake, its tranquil waters are believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and the Goddess Tara.
• It is surrounded by lush forests and the mystical aura of ancient legends, this enchanting lake, part of the revered Demazong valley.

New Ramsar Sites FAQs

Q1: What do you mean by Ramsar sites?

Ans: Ramsar sites refer to sites listed on the List of Wetlands of International Importance, also known as the Ramsar List.

Q2: Which are the first Ramsar sites in India?

Ans: Chilika Lake in Orissa and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were recognised as the first Ramsar

Q3: What is the purpose of Ramsar?

Ans: It provides the only international mechanism for protecting sites of global importance and is thus of key conservation significance.

Source: TOI

National Manufacturing Mission Latest News

Recently, the Union Minister for Finance announced the National Manufacturing Mission while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament.

 About National Manufacturing Mission

• It covers small, medium and large industries for furthering “Make in India”.
• It will lay emphasis on five focal areas i.e.
  • o Ease and cost of doing business; future ready workforce for in-demand jobs; a vibrant and dynamic MSME sector; availability of technology; and quality products.
• Under this Mission, the government will provide policy assistance, implementation roadmaps, and governance and monitoring structures for central ministries and states.
• It aims to enhance domestic value addition and build a robust ecosystem for solar PV cells, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, motors and controllers, electrolysis, wind turbines, high-voltage transmission equipment, and grid-scale batteries.
• The Mission will also support Clean Tech manufacturing.
• It will support design capacity, component manufacturing, and machinery required for production of non-leather quality footwear, besides the support for leather footwear and products.
• In addition to the mission,the credit guarantee cover is to be enhanced for MSMEs to Rs 10 crore from Rs 5 crore and investment and turnover limit for classification of all MSMEs will be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times.

National Manufacturing Mission FAQs

Q1: What are the 4 pillars of Make in India?

Ans: The 4 pillars of Make in India initiative are New Mindset, New Sectors, New Infrastructure, and New Processes. 

Q2: What is the slogan of Make in India?

Ans: "Zero Defect Zero Effect" slogan was coined by the Prime Minister of India to guide the Make in India initiative.

Source: PIB

National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Latest News

The Finance Minister recently said the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) will set up a partial credit enhancement facility for corporate bonds in the infrastructure sector.

About National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID)

• It is a specialized Development Finance Institution in India aimed at supporting the country's infrastructure sector, which can significantly gain from an enabling credit flow by means of attractive instruments and channelized investment.
• NaBFID was set up in 2021, by an Act of the Parliament (The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021), 
• Objectives: Addressing the gaps in long-term non-recourse finance for infrastructure development, strengthening the development of bonds and derivatives markets in India, and sustainably boosting the country’s economy.
• Regulated by: It shall be regulated and supervised by RBI as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI).
• The principal idea behind the setup of NaBFID is to provide a dedicated and specialized institution focused on addressing the long-term financing needs of the infrastructure sector in India. 

What are Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)?

• These are organizations owned by the government or public institutions to provide funds for infrastructure and large-scale projects, where it often becomes unviable for large banks to lend.
• They provide two types of funds- Medium (1-5 years) and Large (< 5 years).
• The prime objective of DFI is the economic development of the country via financing infrastructure activities.
• These institutions provide long-term financial as well as technical support to various sectors.
• DFIs do not accept deposits from people, but they raise funds by borrowing from governments, insurance companies, pension funds, and sovereign funds.
• It also provides a guarantee to banks on behalf of companies and subscriptions to shares, debentures, etc.
• They also provide technical assistance like Project Report, Viability study, and consultancy services.
• DFIs provide credit enhancement for infrastructure and housing projects and also help in improving debt flows towards infrastructure projects.

National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development FAQs

Q1. Is NaBFID regulated by RBI?

Ans. RBI has advised that NaBFID shall be regulated and supervised by RBI as an All India Financial Institution (AIFI).

Q2. Who are the shareholders of NaBFID?

Ans. The entire shareholding of the Institution is currently held by the Government of India.

Q3. What is the purpose of development finance?

Ans. Development finance is the invisible glue that connects public and private financing for projects that have social, economic and environmental outcomes.

Source: BS

Inland Mangrove of Guneri Latest News

Recently, the Gujarat government declared the inland mangrove in Kutch district’s Guneri village as the first Biodiversity Heritage Site of Gujarat.

 About Inland Mangrove of Guneri

• It is a natural inland mangrove site located in Kutch district of Gujarat.
• It is located at a distance of 45 km from the Arabian Sea and four km from the Kori Creek, where seawater never approaches.
• It is also devoid of any sludge, and is spread over a flat piece of land like a forest.
• It is the last remains of inland mangrove in India.
• This inland mangrove is rare and has been reported from only eight locations across the globe till date.
• They are assumed to have originated either after the marine transgression which occurred in the area during the Miocene period or on the bank of the lost river (the Saraswati River) in the Great Rann of Kachchh.
• Studies elsewhere have reported that the inland mangroves survive in areas having limestone deposition which connects with the sea bed.
• The limestone provides a continuous flow of groundwater to the mangrove ecosystem/vegetation. The Western Kutch and areas surrounding the Guneri mangroves have records of limestone depositions.
• The announcement has been done under the provisions of The Biodiversity Act, 2002. The Act empowers the state government to notify an area as a BHS after consulting concerned local bodies.

Inland Mangrove of Guneri FAQs

Q1: What are mangroves?

Ans: Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that live in the coastal intertidal zone.

Q2: Which is the largest mangrove forest in India?

Ans: Sundarbans

Q3: How many Biodiversity Heritage Sites are there in India?

Ans: 47

Q4: Which act is responsible for biodiversity heritage site?

Ans: Section 37 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Source: IE

Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana Latest News

The Finance Minister recently announced the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, or the developing agri-districts programme, in her record 8th Union Budget presentation.

About Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana

• It is a new initiative aimed at supporting farmers in 100 regions facing challenges in agriculture. 
• These areas have low crop yields, and farmers often struggle to access financial assistance.
• The scheme, in collaboration with the state government, aims to cover 100 districts in the country, and around 1.7 crore farmers will benefit from it.
• The scheme aims to generate opportunities in rural areas so that migration is an option and not a necessity.
• The scheme focuses on five key areas including:
  • Enhance agricultural productivity
  • Improve irrigation facilities
  • Improve credit availability
  • To adopt crop diversification and sustainable agriculture practices
  • To augment post-harvest storage at Panchayat and block levels.

Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana FAQs

Q1. What is the PM-KISAN Scheme?

Ans. It aims to supplement the financial needs of the farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income.

Q2. What is PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?

Ans. It is a crop insurance scheme to provide financial protection to farmers against crop loss due to natural disasters (hail, drought, famine), pests, and diseases

Q3. What is the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme?

Ans. The KCC scheme was introduced in 1998 for the issue of KCCs to farmers on the basis of their holdings for uniform adoption by the banks so that farmers may use them to readily purchase agriculture inputs.

Source: TH

National Geospatial Mission Latest News

Recently, the Finance Minister announced the launch of a National Geospatial Mission in the Budget 2025-26.

 About National Geospatial Mission

• It will be aimed at modernising land records and enhancing urban planning across India.
• This initiative will leverage the existing PM Gati Shakti framework to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data, facilitating improved design and execution of infrastructure projects.
• The initiative also aims to address challenges related to land disputes and inefficient land use, which have long hindered growth in various regions.
  • o Geospatial refers to data or information that is associated with a specific location on the Earth’s surface.
• By creating a robust geospatial database, the government aims to streamline processes involved in land reforms, making them more efficient and transparent.
• This move is anticipated to benefit not only government agencies but also private stakeholders, including geospatial and drone companies, which will likely see increased demand for their services.
• Significance: The National Geospatial Mission is expected to significantly impact various sectors, particularly in urban development and land management.
• The focus on geospatial technology is seen as a critical component in achieving the government's broader goals of improving efficiency and accountability in public services.

National Geospatial Mission FAQs

Q1: What is Geographic Information Systems (GIS)in geography?

Ans: It is a system designed to collect, organize, visualize, and interpret geographic data for specific Earth locations.

Q2: What is meant by geospatial data?

Ans: Geospatial data, or geodata, is data that includes information related to locations on the Earth's surface.

Q3: What is the difference between GPS and GIS?

Ans: Global Positioning Systems or GPS are used to find the exact location of things. Geographic Information Systems or GIS are used to record information on to maps.

Source: IT

Composite Material Latest News

DRDO Chairman recently said that developments in composite materials will play a key role in indigenous development of the strategically significant fifth-generation aircraft, hypersonic missiles and bulletproof jackets, among other things.

About Composite Material

• A composite material is made up of two or more materials with different chemical and physical properties. 
• A composite material is used to enhance the properties of its base materials.
• The materials which form the composite are also called constituents or constituent materials.
• The material properties achieved by purposeful material combinations can give composites advantages that cannot be achieved by conventional single engineering materials. 
• Composite materials offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, durability, design flexibility, thermal and electrical insulation, chemical resistance, and customizable properties, making them ideal for various industries.
• Examples of Composites: Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Concrete, Plywood, etc.
• They are used in a wide range of applications, from aerospace structures, to boat hulls to sporting goods. 
• For example, composite materials enable us to fly further and develop more fuel-efficient automobiles (vehicle weight reduction), harvest energy more efficiently (lighter and larger wind turbine blades), prevent injury (safety equipment like motorcycle helmets), and enjoy recreational activities (sporting equipment).

Composite Material FAQs

Q1. What are the 4 types of composites?

Ans. The four pri- mary categories of composites are polymer matrix composites (PMCs), metal matrix composites (MMCs), ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), and carbon matrix composites (CAMCs).

Q2. What is the strongest type of composite?

Ans. The strongest composite material is Carbon-Carbon (C/C) Composite, particularly in high-temperature environments.

Q3. What are 5 examples of composite materials?

Ans. Five examples of composite materials are fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), reinforced concrete, plywood, and Kevlar/epoxy composites.

Source: IE

South Georgia Island Latest News

The world's largest iceberg, A23a, is drifting toward South Georgia Island, a remote and ecologically vital wildlife haven, after having been freed from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica.

About South Georgia Island

• It is a mountainous, barren island in the South Atlantic Ocean.
• It is part of the British overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
• It has an area of 3,756 sq.km. 
• Over 160 glaciers and high peaks like Mount Paget (2,935 m / 9,629 ft) dominate the landscape.
• Climate: Sub Antarctic climate with cold, wet, and windy conditions year-round, though it is slightly milder than Antarctica.
• It has no native or permanent human residents, only temporary researchers, government officials, and visitors.
• Biodiversity:
  • The island’s bleak Antarctic climate, with perpetual snow covering three-fourths of the island, supports only hardy grasses and other tundra plants.
  • It is home to millions of seabirds, including king penguins, albatrosses, and petrels, as well as large populations of seals (fur seals, elephant seals) and whales.

South Georgia Island FAQs

Q1. What country owns South Georgia Island?

Ans. South Georgia Island is a British Overseas Territory, specifically part of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, which is under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.

Q2. What is special about South Georgia Island?

Ans. South Georgia is often called an Antarctic oasis, or “the Galapagos of the Poles,” because of the huge numbers of penguins and seals that breed there.

Q3. Where is the largest penguin colony in the world?

Ans. Zavodovski Island in Antarctica is home for one and a half million Chinstrap Penguins, the largest penguin colony on earth.

Source: ET