Ionian Islands Latest News

A groundbreaking archaeological find in Lefkada, Greece, has unveiled the first-ever ancient Greek theater discovered in the Ionian Islands. 

About Ionian Islands

• The Ionian Islands are a group of islands that are located off the western coast of Greece in the eastern part of the Ionian Sea.
• Collectively, the Ionian islands occupy a total land area of 2,306.94 sq.km. and comprise seven major islands and several smaller islands. 
• These islands are also often referred to as “Heptanese” or “Seven Islands.”
• The major islands in the Ionian Island group include Kerkyra (Corfu), Paxi, Lefkada, Ithaki, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythira.
• Kefalonia/Cephalonia is the largest among all the Ionian islands. 
• Mount Ainos, which rises to an elevation of 1,628 m, is the highest point on Ionian Island.
• History:
  • Controlled by Venice in the 15th and 16th centuries, they were taken by Russian and Turkish forces in 1799. 
  • In 1815 the Treaty of Paris placed them under the control of Britain; the British ceded them to Greece in 1864.

Ionian Islands FAQs

Q1. Where are the Ionian Islands located?

Ans. Western coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea

Q2. What is the alternate name often used to refer to the Ionian Islands?

Ans. Heptanese

Q3. Which is the largest of the Ionian Islands?

Ans. Kefalonia

Source: IDR

Pale-Chinned Flycatcher Latest News

In a remarkable addition to Arunachal Pradesh’s rich avian diversity, the rare Pale-chinned Flycatcher (Cyornis poliogenys) was recently sighted in the Nong Loung (Bor Beel) forest area of Namsai district.

About Pale-Chinned Flycatcher

• It is a small, insectivorous songbird known for its subtle charm, discrete behavior, and preference for shady forest interiors. 
• It belongs to the family Muscicapidae. It is a sparrow-sized bird. 
• Scientific Name: Cyornis poliogenys
• Distribution Range Includes:
  • India (Eastern Ghats, NE states, Eastern Himalayas, and West Bengal).
  • Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.
  • Sundarbans (fringe forests and quiet forest trails) – Rare but possible in suitable undisturbed patches.
• Habitat: It prefers dense, moist forest habitats, especially evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with rich undergrowth.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Pale-Chinned Flycatcher Features

• Size: Small, about 13–14 cm (5.1–5.5 inches) in length.
• Weight: Approximately 10–12 grams.
• Males: Dull blue upperparts with a greyish throat and chin, light olive or brownish wash on flanks.
• Females: Similar but duller, with more brown tones and less distinct bluish hues.
• Pale chin or throat patch separating the dull blue-grey head and breast.
• Fine black bill, ideal for insect foraging.
• Frequently tail-flicking and flitting low among vegetation.

Pale-Chinned Flycatcher FAQs

Q1. What is the scientific name of the Pale-Chinned Flycatcher?

Ans. Cyornis poliogenys

Q2. What is the conservation status of the Pale-Chinned Flycatcher according to the IUCN Red List?

Ans. Least Concern

Q3. What type of habitat does the Pale-Chinned Flycatcher prefer?

Ans. It prefers dense, moist forest habitats, especially evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with rich undergrowth.

Source: NET

Kannadipaya Latest News

Kannadippaya, a unique tribal handicraft from Kerala, recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, ensuring market protection and a global platform for this traditional product.

About Kannadipaya

• It is a traditional craft from Kerala that uses reed bamboo to weave baskets, mats, and other daily use items.
• Kannadipaya, crafted by Urali, Mannan, and Muthuvan tribal communities, is made using Teinostachyum wightii (a species of bamboo), which the tribal people call ‘njoonjiletta.
• The mat has a polished surface, which is smooth and reflects light like a mirror. Hence, the name kannadipaya (kannadi meaning mirror and paya meaning mat).
• The mat — which usually measures 0.75-1.0 m × 2 m — is so flexible that it can be rolled up into a culm of bamboo less than 10 cm in diameter. 
• It takes more than a month for a weaver to complete a kannadipaya.
• It is woven with a specific layer of slivers – the fourth or fifth, which can be made ultra-thin and shiny – split out of a reed bamboo species endemic to the region. 
• The bamboo collection is a full-moon ritual, with each expedition to the forest and back extending to a day and night.

Kannadipaya FAQs

Q1. What is Kannadipaya?

Ans. It is a traditional craft from Kerala that uses reed bamboo to weave baskets, mats, and other daily use items.

Q2. Which tribal communities are traditionally involved in making Kannadipaya?

Ans. Urali, Mannan, and Muthuvan

Q3. How long does it take to weave a single Kannadipaya?

Ans. One month or more

Source: TH

Tariffs Latest News

China imposes 34% reciprocal tariffs on imports of US goods in retaliation for Trump’s trade war

About Tariffs 

A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods or services to raise revenue, protect domestic industries, or influence trade balances.

Types of Tariffs

• Specific Tariff: A fixed amount charged on a particular quantity of an import (e.g., $5 per ton of steel).
• Ad Valorem Tariff: A percentage of the value of the import (e.g., 10% of the value of a car).

Purpose of Tariffs

• Revenue Generation: Governments can generate revenue by imposing tariffs on imported goods.
• Protectionism: Tariffs protect domestic industries by making foreign products more expensive, thus encouraging consumers to buy domestic goods.
• Retaliation: Tariffs are often used as retaliatory measures in trade disputes between countries.
• Strategic Influence: Used to influence trade negotiations, compel trading partners to comply with certain conditions.

Other Tariffs

• Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Beyond tariffs, countries may impose other barriers to trade such as quotas, licensing requirements, and anti-dumping measures.
• Sanctions: Tariffs can be part of broader sanctions regimes aimed at pressuring countries for political or security reasons (e.g., sanctions on Iran or North Korea).

Role of WTO (World Trade Organization)

• Regulation of Tariffs: The WTO regulates the imposition of tariffs under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). WTO members are committed to maintaining a tariff ceiling or bound rates.
• Dispute Resolution: The WTO provides a mechanism for resolving trade disputes, which includes reviewing whether tariffs are applied in compliance with international agreements.

Reciprocal Tarrifs FAQs

Q1. What is a reciprocal tariff? 

Ans. A reciprocal tariff is a trade policy where countries impose tariffs on each other's goods to counteract trade barriers, aiming for fair trade.

Q2. What are the four types of tariffs? 

Ans. The four main types of tariffs are: Specific Tariffs, Ad Valorem Tariffs, Compound Tariffs, Most Favored Nation (MFN) Tariffs. 

Q3. What is MFN in tariffs? 

Ans. Most Favored Nation (MFN) status ensures that a country applies the same tariff rates to all WTO member nations, promoting non-discriminatory trade practices.

Source: CNN

Hansa-3 Trainer Aircraft Latest News

The indigenously developed Hansa-3 trainer aircraft has been cleared for use to train aircrew for obtaining pilot licences, and the aircraft will now be manufactured in India by the private industry.

About Hansa-3 Trainer Aircraft

• It is India’s first indigenous flying trainer aircraft.
• It was designed and developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore, under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• It is designed to meet the Indian flying club’s needs and it is an ideal aircraft for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) due to its low cost and low fuel consumption. 

Hansa-3 Trainer Aircraft Features

• It is a two-seater, low-wing aircraft.
• It is powered by a Rotax Digital Control Engine with unique features like Just-In-Time Prepreg (JIPREG) Composite lightweight Airframe, Glass Cockpit, Bubble Canopy with wide panoramic view, electrically operated flaps etc. 
• It has an advanced electronic fuel injection system, which controls the fuel and air mixtures electronically and provides optimum fuel air mixture at every altitude. 

Hansa-3 Trainer Aircraft FAQs

Q1. Who designed and developed the Hansa-3 Trainer Aircraft?

Ans. CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)

Q2. What type of aircraft is the Hansa-3?

Ans. Two-seater, low-wing aircraft

Q3. What kind of engine powers the Hansa-3 aircraft?

Ans. Rotax Digital Control Engine

Source: TRIBUNE

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an international team of astronomers recently detected a new warm Jupiter exoplanet located more than 1,000 light years away.

About Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is situated in the Chamarajanagar and Ramanagara districts of Karnataka, and it was established in 1987. 
• The Cauvery River passes through its midst. 
• It was established in 1987.
• The Sanctuary spans an area of 1027.535 square kilometers.
•  On its east, it adjoins Dharmapuri forest division of Tamil Nadu state. 
• The central and eastern parts of the sanctuary are well forested, Hogenakkal falls (Smoking rock in Kannada), Mekedatu (Goats leap), Sangam (The point where the Arkavathi river joins the Cauvery) and Muthathi (The religious place where lord Anjaneya temple is situated) are of cultural, historical and tourist interest. 
• Flora: The Major portion of the forests are of South Indian dry deciduous type.
• Fauna: 
  • It is home to mammals like elephant, wild boar, leopard, dhole, spotted deer, barking deer, four-horned antelope, chevrotain, common langur, bonnet macaque, honey badger (ratel), malabar giant squirrel, smooth-coated otter and Grizzled giant squirrel. 
  • The river cauvery also houses various species of reptiles like the Mugger crocodile, Indian mud turtles, and various species of snakes. 
  • This is also one of the few places to find mahseer fish. 

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1. The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which Indian state?

Ans. Karnataka

Q2. What type of forest is predominant in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. South Indian Dry Deciduous Forest

Q3. What is the total area of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. 1027.535 sq.km.

Source: DH

Khelo India Games Latest News

• Bihar is set to host the Khelo India Youth Games and the Khelo India Para Games in May 2025. 
• The Khelo India initiative, launched in 2018, aims to revive India's sports culture by encouraging youth participation and identifying potential Olympians.

Key Components of Khelo India

• Sports Competitions and Talent Development: Organizes annual events like the Khelo India Youth Games, University Games, and Winter Games to identify and nurture young talent.
• Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure: Develops and enhances sports facilities nationwide to provide world-class training environments.
• Khelo India Centres and Sports Academies: Establishes centers and academies offering specialized coaching across various sports disciplines.
• Fit India Movement: Promotes physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle among citizens through various initiatives.
• Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports: Focuses on gender equality, disability inclusion, and the promotion of indigenous sports to ensure widespread participation.

Khelo India Games FAQs

Q1. Which state hosted Khelo India 2025? 

Ans. Bihar will host the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in May 2025.

Q2. Who started Khelo India? 

Ans. Launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khelo India aims to promote sports and engage youth nationwide.

Q3. How many games are in Khelo India? 

Ans. Khelo India encompasses multiple competitions, including Youth, University, Para, and Winter Games, covering various sports disciplines.

Source: PIB

About Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)

• Launched in 2023, the VVP is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at the comprehensive development of villages along India’s northern border. 
• The goal is to improve the quality of life for residents and enhance border security. 
• The programme covers the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Objectives of the Vibrant Villages Programme

• Improve living conditions and create livelihood opportunities in border villages.
• Strengthen border security by involving local populations as support for border forces.
• Control trans-border crime and promote the integration of border communities with the rest of the nation.

VVP-II

• The VVP-II will be a 100% Centre-funded programme with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore. 
• It will be implemented in select strategic villages in the following states and UTs: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, through FY 2028-29.
• Both VVP-I and VVP-II are transformative initiatives designed to make border villages self-reliant and vibrant.

Vibrant Villages Programme FAQs

Q1. What is the Vibrant Villages Programme related to? 

Ans. Launched in 2023, the Vibrant Villages Programme aims to develop border villages along India's northern borders by enhancing infrastructure and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Q2. Which ministry launched the Vibrant Villages Programme? 

Ans. The Ministry of Home Affairs initiated the Vibrant Villages Programme to improve the quality of life in border areas and strengthen border security.

Source: PIB

Koch-Rajbongshi Latest News

Assam To Withdraw Foreigner Tribunal Cases Against Indigenous Koch-Rajbongshi Community

About Koch-Rajbongshi

• The Koch-Rajbongshi community is an ethnic group primarily found in the northeastern region of India, particularly in the states of Assam, West Bengal, and parts of Meghalaya. 
• They are a blend of two historically distinct communities: the Koch and Rajbongshi. 
• While these groups share cultural similarities and have had a long history of coexistence, they also retain some distinct identities.
• Demand for ST: The community is seeking recognition as a Scheduled Tribe in Assam and other states to access government welfare and legal protections.

Koches (or Kocch)

• Historically, the Koches were a group of people who once ruled parts of what is now Assam, Bengal, and Bihar. 
• They are thought to have descended from the ancient Kachari Kingdom, which ruled the region for centuries before being absorbed by the Ahoms in Assam. 
• The Koches were originally a Mongoloid ethnic group, and they are believed to have gradually merged with the local communities over time.

Rajbongshis

• The Rajbongshi people were originally a part of the Koch dynasty, but later developed a distinct identity. 
• Over time, they spread into regions of Bengal and Assam. 
• They were part of the Bengali-speaking people in the past and often associated with the agricultural and peasant classes.

Koch Rajbongshis FAQs

Q1. Which caste is Koch Rajbongshi? 

Ans. The Koch Rajbongshi community is recognized as Other Backward Class (OBC) in Assam.

Q2. Are Koch Rajbongshi Assamese? 

Ans. Yes, Koch Rajbongshi people predominantly reside in Assam, where they are recognized as an Other Backward Class.

Source: NDTV

Anti NEET Bill Latest News

President has withheld assent to Tamil Nadu’s Bill seeking exemption from the mandate of NEET-based admissions for undergraduate medical courses in government medical colleges. 

About Anti NEET Bill 

• In September 2021, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, 2021, commonly referred to as the Anti-NEET Bill. 
• This legislation seeks to exempt the state from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions, advocating for the selection process to be based on Class 12 examination marks. 
• It was introduced following concerns that NEET disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Since its passage, the bill has been awaiting the President's approval, however, it has been withheld assent based on the recommendations of the Union government.

Veto Power of President over State Legislation

• Article 200 & 201: State bills require the President’s assent to become law.
• Governor’s Role: The state Governor reviews the bill and sends it to the President.
• Presidential Assent: The President can:
  • Grant assent (bill becomes law).
  • Withhold assent (bill may be reconsidered).
  • Reserve the bill for further consideration.
• Bills Needing Presidential Assent:
  • Bills affecting national policies or conflicting with Union laws.
  • Bills on Concurrent List topics, like medical education (e.g., Anti-NEET Bill in Tamil Nadu).
• Money Bills: Do not need presidential assent.

Anti-NEET Bill FAQs

Q1. What is the NEET bill controversy? 

Ans. The NEET bill controversy centers on states opposing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, advocating for state-level medical entrance exams to preserve regional autonomy.

Q2. Which states oppose NEET? 

Ans. States like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Karnataka oppose NEET, favoring state-specific medical entrance exams to protect local educational interests.

Source: TH