Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

The Punjab government, in its affidavit submitted before the Supreme Court (SC) recently, stated that the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary limit will remain at 100 meters for the Nayagaon municipal committee instead of 1 to 3 km.

About Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is a protected area located in Chandigarh, near the famous Sukhna Lake at the foothills of the Shivalik range.
• The lake was created by the architect Le Corbusier in 1958 by diverting the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that flows down from the Shivalik hills. 
• The sanctuary was developed as a result of afforestation done for soil conservation around Sukhna Lake. 
• Spreading over an area of 2600 hectares, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1998.
• The place is quite unstable geographically and becomes prone to soil erosion by surface runoff during rains.
• It has sandy soil of Shivalik with pockets of clay embedded at places. 
• Apart from the Sukhna Lake, there are around 150 small and large water bodies in the sanctuary that form its catchment area.
• Vegetation: It is characterized by a mix of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, with the Sukhna Lake forming an important part of the ecosystem.
• Flora: The common flora of the sanctuary includes Khair, Phulai, Kikar, Shisham, Moonj, Amaltas, Jhingan, Amla, Rati, Vasaka, and many more.
• Fauna: 
  • Squirrel, Common-Mongoose, Indian Hare, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Wild boar, etc, are the mammals found in the sanctuary.
  • Peacock, Hill myna, Jungle crow, Black drongo, Parrots, Doves, and others are the common birds of this region. Migratory birds also flock around this place.

Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1. In which state is the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. It is located in Chandigarh, which is a Union Territory and serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana

Q2. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near which famous lake?

Ans. Sukhna Lake

Q3. What type of soil is found in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. Sandy soil with clay pockets.

Source: HT

Inner Line Permit (ILP) Latest News

Indian Railways Likely to Shelve Projects in Meghalaya Due to Local Opposition

What is the Inner Line Permit (ILP)?

• The Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, originally an offshoot of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, remains a crucial tool for protecting indigenous tribal communities in India's Northeastern states.
• ILP is an official travel document issued by the state government to regulate the entry of non-residents into restricted areas of certain states.
• It is required for Indian citizens who are not permanent residents of these states.
• The system was introduced to protect indigenous communities from exploitation and preserve traditional cultures.
• ILP States in India: Currently, four states require an ILP for entry: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur (ILP extended in 2019)

Legal Basis of ILP

• Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873: Originally introduced by the British colonial government. It created an "Inner Line" to restrict the movement of outsiders into tribal areas.
  • Aimed at protecting tribal autonomy and preventing land alienation.
• Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958: Defines the Protected Areas between the Inner Line and the International Border.
  • Foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) beyond this point.
• Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963: Declares Andaman & Nicobar Islands and parts of Sikkim as Restricted Areas.

Difference Between ILP and Protected Area Permit (PAP)

Current Status of Rail Connectivity in Meghalaya

• Meghalaya has only one railway station, Mendipathar (North Garo Hills), operational since 2014.
• Daily passenger train service runs between Mendipathar and Guwahati.
• Freight services began recently.
• The Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) had planned three additional projects in Meghalaya.
  • Tetelia-Byrnihat Railway Line
  • Byrnihat-Shillong Railway Line
  • Chandranathpur-Jowai Railway Line

Inner Line Permit (ILP) FAQs

Q1: What is the Inner Line Permit (ILP)?

Ans: The ILP is an official travel document required for non-residents, including Indian citizens from other states, to enter and stay in certain protected areas of Northeast India.

Q2: Which states in India require an ILP?

Ans: As of now, ILP is required in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur.

Q3: What is the purpose of the ILP?

Ans: The ILP is meant to regulate the entry of outsiders into certain states to protect the indigenous cultures, traditions, and resources of the local communities.

Q4: Who issues the ILP, and how can it be obtained?

Ans: The respective state governments issue ILPs, which can be obtained online or offline through designated offices or portals.

Source: IE

Farakka Barrage Latest News

Farakka Barrage was commissioned in 1975, and the 50th anniversary of its operation is being observed in 2025.

About Farakka Barrage

• Location: Situated on the Ganga River in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, approximately 18 km from the Bangladesh border.
• Commissioning: Began operations on April 21, 1975, after 12 years of construction and an expenditure of ₹130 crores.
• Purpose: Diverts 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka Feeder Canal to flush out silt from the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River, ensuring smooth navigation for Kolkata Port.
• India and Bangladesh have had multiple agreements over Ganga water sharing, including the 1977 Farakka Agreement and the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty.

Hooghly River & Its Significance

• Also known as the Bhagirathi-Hooghly or Kati-Ganga River.
• A 260 km-long distributary of the Ganges.
• Formation: The Ganga splits in Murshidabad, with one branch forming the Padma River (flows into Bangladesh).
  • The other becomes the Hooghly River, which flows through West Bengal.

Course & Hydrology

• Above Kolkata, the Hooghly River is heavily silted.
• The Farakka Feeder Canal supplies water, especially during the dry season.
• Rivers feeding Hooghly: Haldi, Ajay, Damodar, and Rupnarayan contribute to the lower Hooghly.
• Important Cities: Jiaganj, Azimganj, Murshidabad, Baharampur, Kolkata, and Howrah.
• Bridges:
  • Howrah Bridge (Cantilever) between Howrah and Kolkata.
  • Bally Bridge between Bally and Baranagar.

Farakka Barrage FAQs

Q1: What is the Farakka Barrage?

Ans: The Farakka Barrage is a dam constructed across the Ganges River in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India, approximately 18 kilometers upstream from the Bangladesh border. It was built to divert water from the Ganges into the Hooghly River to flush out sediment deposits and maintain the navigability of the Kolkata Port.

Q2: When was the Farakka Barrage constructed?

Ans: Construction of the Farakka Barrage commenced in 1961 and was completed in 1975. It became operational on April 21, 1975.

Q3: What are the main features of the Farakka Barrage?

Ans: The barrage spans approximately 2,240 meters and comprises 109 gates, each 18.3 meters wide. It also includes a feeder canal designed to divert up to 40,000 cusecs (1,135 cubic meters per second) of water from the Ganges to the Hooghly River.

Q4: What is the primary purpose of the Farakka Barrage?

Ans: The primary objective of the Farakka Barrage is to divert water from the Ganges into the Hooghly River to flush out sediment deposits and maintain the navigability of the Kolkata Port. 

Source: TH

Lapis Lazuli Latest News

Lapis Lazuli: The Earth's Best Blue

What is Lapis Lazuli?

• Lapis lazuli is a vivid blue metamorphic rock, known for its striking colour and semi-precious gemstone value.
• It has been highly valued for thousands of years for use in jewellery, ornaments, and pigments.
• Etymology:
  • "Lapis" (Latin) means stone.
  • "Lazuli" (Persian - Lazward) means blue.

Composition of Lapis Lazuli

• The blue colour comes from lazurite (25-40%), a rare mineral.
• The shade of blue depends on the amount and structure of sulphur in lazurite.
• Other minerals present:
  • Pyrite (gives golden streaks and sparkle).
  • Calcite (reduces the blueness).
  • Diopside and Sodalite (found in smaller quantities).

Where is Lapis Lazuli Found?

• Major sources include Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, and the United States.
• The highest-quality lapis lazuli is mined in Badakhshan province, Afghanistan, where it has been extracted for over 6,000 years.

Lapis Lazuli in History

• Ancient Trade and Use in India: Imported to India from Badakhshan as early as 1000 BCE.
  • Ornaments made of lapis lazuli have been discovered at Indus Valley Civilization sites (Mohenjo-daro & Harappa).
• Ancient Egypt: Used in jewellery and ground into powder for eye shadow.
• Renaissance Europe: Ground into ultramarine, a rare and expensive blue pigment used by painters.

Lapis Lazuli FAQs

Q1: What is the Lapis Lazuli Corridor?

Ans: The Lapis Lazuli Corridor is an international transit route inaugurated in 2018, connecting Afghanistan to Turkey via Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. This corridor facilitates trade and transportation between South Asia and Europe, enhancing regional economic integration.

Q2: Why is it called the "Lapis Lazuli" Corridor?

Ans: The name "Lapis Lazuli" is derived from the historic trade route through which lapis lazuli and other semi-precious stones were exported from Afghanistan over the past 2,000 years to regions like the Caucasus, Russia, the Balkans, and North Africa via the Silk Road.

Q3: Which countries does the Lapis Lazuli Corridor traverse?

Ans: The corridor begins in Afghanistan and passes through Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, before reaching Turkey

Source: TH

Anti-Dumping Duty Latest News

India recently has imposed anti-dumping duty on five Chinese goods, including vacuum flasks and aluminium foil.

About Anti-Dumping Duty

• It is a protectionist tariff that a domestic government imposes on foreign imports that it believes are priced below fair market value.
• Dumping is a process wherein a company exports a product at a price that is significantly lower than the price it normally charges in its home (or its domestic) market.
• The duty is priced in an amount that equals the difference between the normal costs of the products in the importing country and the market value of similar goods in the exporting country or other countries that produce similar products. 
• It is imposed to protect local businesses and markets from unfair competition by foreign imports.
• Thus, the purpose of anti-dumping duty is to rectify the trade distortive effect of dumping and re-establish fair trade.
• The use of anti dumping measures as an instrument of fair competition is permitted by the WTO. 
• While the intention of anti-dumping duties is to protect local businesses and markets, these tariffs can also lead to higher prices for domestic consumers.
• In the long-term, anti-dumping duties can reduce the international competition of domestic companies producing similar goods.
• In India Anti-dumping and Anti-subsidies are administered by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which is operated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and headed by the “Designated Authority”.
• The Department of Commerce recommends the Anti-dumping duty, and the Ministry of Finance levies it.

What is Countervailing duty (CVD)?

• It is a specific form of duty that the government imposes to protect domestic producers by countering the negative impact of import subsidies.
• CVD is thus an import tax by the importing country on imported products.
• The duty nullifies and eliminates the price advantage enjoyed by an imported product.
• The WTO permits the imposition of CVD by its member countries.

Countervailing duty v/s Anti-dumping duty

• Anti-dumping duty is imposed to prevent low-priced foreign goods from damaging the local market. 
• On the other hand, CVD will apply to foreign products that have enjoyed government subsidies, which eventually leads to very low prices.
• While the anti-dumping duty amount depends on the margin of dumping, the CVD amount will completely depend on the subsidy value of the foreign goods.

Anti-Dumping Duty FAQs

Q1. What is the main purpose of an anti-dumping duty?

Ans. To protect domestic industries from unfairly priced foreign imports

Q2. Who administers anti-dumping duties in India?

Ans. Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR)

Q3. What is a countervailing duty (CVD)?

Ans. It is a duty that the government imposes to protect domestic producers by countering the negative impact of import subsidies.

Source: BS

Strait of Hormuz Latest News

Amid tensions with the US, Iran on Saturday flexed its military muscle by installing its missile systems on the three disputed islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa) near the Strait of Hormuz.

About Key Facts about Strait of Hormuz

• It is a narrow waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the United Arab Emirates, and Musandam (Oman).
• It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. 
• Iran is located on the north coast, while the UAE is on the south coast. 
• The Gulf of Oman is on the Strait’s east, while the Persian Gulf is on the west. 
• The strait is 167 kilometers long, with its width varying from 39 kilometers to 95 kilometers. 
• Its width narrows towards the north but still allows for the passage of large vessels. 
• Some of the islands located in the Strait of Hormuz are Hengam, Hormuz, and Qishm. 
• The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most economically important choke points.
• About 30% of the world’s liquefied gas and 25% of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Strait of Hormuz FAQs

Q1. What connects the Strait of Hormuz?

Ans. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf. 

Q2. Why is the Strait of Hormuz important to India?

Ans. It plays a crucial role in India's energy security and economic stability due to its position as a primary route for oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Q3. Which two countries primarily border the Strait of Hormuz?

Ans. Iran and United Arab Emirates

Source: WEEK

India’s Remittances Latest News

Insights from the Sixth round of India’s Remittances Survey 2023-24 by RBI shows that the US, UK, Singapore, Canada and Australia together accounted for more than half of remittances into India. 

About India’s Remittances

• India has consistently received the highest remittance over the years, with the money doubling from $55.6 billion in 2010-11 to $118.7 billion in 2023-24.
• The highest contribution came from the United States, accounting for 27.7 percent of the total remittances.
• UAE maintained its position as the second largest source of India's remittances, with its share increasing from 18 percent in 2020-21 to 19.2 per cent in 2023-24.
• Share of inward remittances from advanced economies, including the US and the UK, has risen, surpassing that of Gulf economies in 2023-24.
• The US and the UK together contributed to nearly 40 percent of total remittances coming to India through banks in FY24.
• The GCC countries-the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain - contributed 38 percent of the remittances. 
• At the national level, Kerala ranks second in terms of remittance inflows, following Maharashtra, which accounted for 20.5 percent of total remittances in 2023-24. 
• Tamil Nadu stands third with 10.4 per cent, followed by Telangana (8.1 percent) and Karnataka (7.7 per cent). 

India’s Remittances FAQs

Q1. How much remittances does India get?

Ans. India’s remittances doubled from $55.6 billion in 2010-11 to $118.7 billion in 2023-24.

Q2. Which Indian state has the highest remittance?

Ans. Maharashtra emerged as the top recipient state, surpassing Kerala in the remittance landscape.

Q3. Which country contributed the highest share of remittances to India in 2023-24?

Ans. United States (US)

Source: BS

Derivatives Latest News

IndusInd Bank reported derivative losses of ₹2,100 crore on March 10, 2025, leading to a 23% decline in its share price.

About Derivatives

• Financial contracts whose value depends on an underlying asset, index, or rate.
• Used for hedging risks, speculation, and portfolio diversification.
• Common underlying assets: Stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates, and market indexes.

Types of Derivatives

Exchange-Traded Currency Derivatives (ETCDs)

• Standardized contracts allow investors to speculate on future currency exchange rate movements.
• Traded on stock exchanges, unlike Over-the-Counter (OTC) derivatives which are private.

Derivatives FAQs

Q1: What are derivatives in the financial market?

Ans: Derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from an underlying asset such as stocks, commodities, currencies, or interest rates.

Q2: Why are derivatives important?

Ans: Derivatives help in risk management (hedging), price discovery, and improving market efficiency.

Q3: What are the risks associated with derivatives?

Ans: Derivatives carry risks such as market volatility, counterparty default, and speculative losses.

Q4: What is the role of SEBI in regulating derivatives in India?

Ans: SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) regulates derivatives trading in stock and commodity exchanges to ensure transparency and reduce market manipulation.

Source: IE

Urban Heat Island Latest News

The Telangana Socio-Economic Outlook 2025 report reveals that Hyderabad is experiencing increased nighttime heat stress due to the urban heat island effect.

About Urban Heat Island

• The UHI effect is a climatic phenomenon observed in urban areas, where temperatures are significantly higher than in surrounding rural areas. 
• This discrepancy in temperature is attributed to human activities and urban development, which alter land surfaces and environments. 
• It is the result of an accumulation of factors, the main ones being: 
  • Reduced green spaces and natural soils: Urbanization contributes to shrinking vegetation in cities (trees, lawns, etc.), resulting in insufficient shading and evapotranspiration, a process that naturally cools the air. 
  • Density of buildings and infrastructure: Concrete or asphalt buildings and roads store more heat than vegetated areas, thus exacerbating urban warming. 
  • Urban layout: narrow streets and tall buildings create urban canyons where warm air is less able to circulate, amplifying the effect of UHIs. 
  • Heat released by human activities: Road traffic, air conditioning systems, and industrial activities generate heat, which is then trapped by greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide) that act as a barrier.
  • The combined effect of all these factors, together with global warming and increasingly high temperatures, leads to the development of this urban microclimate.
• The term “Urban Heat Island” originates from the visual representation of temperature distribution maps, where urban areas are depicted as “islands” of higher temperatures amidst cooler rural “seas.” 
• The heat of the sun is absorbed during the day, only to be released very slowly at night, which limits the cooling of the air, thus contrasting with the cooling in the outlying rural areas. 
• Temperature differences at night can be as much as 12°C. 

Urban Heat Island FAQs

Q1. What is the concept of urban heat island?

Ans. An urban heat island, or UHI, is a metropolitan area that's a lot warmer than the rural areas surrounding it.

Q2. How does vegetation help in reducing the UHI effect?

Ans. By providing shade and promoting evapotranspiration.

Q3. What role does urban layout play in intensifying the UHI effect?

Ans. Tall buildings and narrow streets trap heat, creating urban canyons.

Source: TOI

Tuberculosis Latest News

March 24 is observed as World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to raise awareness about TB and efforts to eliminate it.

Why in the News?

• The 2025 theme is “Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver.”
• The President of India commended the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) for its public awareness initiatives and significant reduction in TB cases over the past decade.
• India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global target of 2030 set by the WHO End TB Strategy.

About Tuberculosis (TB)

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other body parts such as the abdomen, glands, bones, and nervous system.
• It spreads through airborne transmission, mainly inhaling tiny droplets released from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.

Types of Tuberculosis

Symptoms of TB

• Persistent cough for more than 3 weeks, often with blood.
• Weight loss, night sweats, high fever, fatigue.
• Loss of appetite, chest pain, swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment & Prevention

• Curable with Antibiotics: Requires 6-18 months of medication.
• BCG Vaccine: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides moderate protection, mainly for severe TB in infants and children.

Key Highlights of TB in India

• Declining TB Incidence: Tuberculosis incidence in India has dropped to below 200 per lakh (2022) from 237 per lakh (2015), marking a 16% decline.
• Reduction in TB Mortality: TB-related deaths have decreased by 18% since 2015, now at 23 per lakh population.
• Improved Treatment Success Rates:
  • Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) Treatment Success Rate: 74%.
  • Pre-Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (Pre-XDR-TB) Success Rate: 68%.
  • Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB) Success Rate:45%.
• State-Wise TB Performance Index:
  • Best Performing States: Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat.
  • Lowest Performing States: Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka.

Tuberculosis FAQs

Q1: What is tuberculosis (TB)?

Ans: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, though it can impact other parts of the body.

Q2: How is TB transmitted?

Ans: TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, releasing bacteria into the air. People nearby can inhale these bacteria and become infected.

Q3: What is the difference between latent TB infection and active TB disease?

Ans: In latent TB infection, individuals carry the TB bacteria without symptoms and cannot transmit the disease. However, they have a 5–15% lifetime risk of developing active TB disease, where symptoms are present, and the disease can be contagious.

Source: TH