National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Latest News

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a three-year extension of tenure for the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK).

About National Commission for Safai Karamcharis

• It was first set up in 1994 under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993.
• It was functioning as a statutory body till 2004, when the law lapsed.
• Since then, the commission has been acting as a non-statutory body under the Social Justice Ministry with its tenure being extended from time to time. 
• It was established as an institution to investigate the conditions of Safai Karamcharis (waste collectors) in India and make recommendations to the Government.
• Functions of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
  • The NCSK has been giving its recommendations to the Government regarding specific programmes for welfare of Safai Karamcharis, study and evaluate the existing welfare programmes for Safai Karamcharis, investigate cases of specific grievances etc.
  • The NCSK has been assigned the work to monitor the implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
  • It is the only body keeping track of sewer deaths in the entire country.

National Commission for Safai Karamcharis FAQs

Q1: Which ministry is Safai Karamcharis under?

Ans: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Q2: Why was the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis formed?

Ans: An Act to provide for the prohibition of employment as manual scavengers, rehabilitation of manual scavengers and their families, etc

Q3: Who is the founder of Safai Karmachari Andolan?

Ans: Bezwada Wilson

Source: TH

Donkey Route Latest News

Indian deportees from the US, arriving in Amritsar, recently shared their harrowing experiences using the "donkey route" for illegal immigration.

About Donkey Route

• The donkey route is the route taken by illegal migrants to stealthily cross many unknown countries with the help of agents and human traffickers before entering the country of their choice, like the US or the UK.
• Named after a Punjabi idiom referring to an arduous, unplanned journey, it involves crossing multiple international borders, often through treacherous terrain, under false promises of legal entry. 
• Donkey routes typically involve illegal border crossings via indirect routes with multiple stops in different countries. 
  • For instance, individuals might obtain a tourist visa for the European Union's Schengen Area, allowing free movement across 26 countries, and then illegally enter the UK with the help of "consultants" or "agents." 
  • These agents often charge hefty fees for services ranging from fake documentation to smuggling via shipping containers.

Donkey Route FAQs

Q1. What is donkey root?

Ans. It is the route taken by illegal migrants, aided by traffickers, to cross multiple countries before reaching destinations like the US or UK.

Q2. What is the Schengen Area?

Ans. The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other border controls between them, allowing for free movement of people.

Q3. How many Indian immigrants are there in the world?

Ans. India has over 35 million overseas Indians living across the world.

Source: TOI

Cascade Range Latest News

New research reveals that long-dormant volcanoes in the Cascades region of the Pacific Northwest still have substantial magma reservoirs beneath them.

About Cascade Range

• It is a prominent collection of mountains found in the Pacific Northwest area of the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada. 
• The range was formed by the subduction of the Juan de Fuca Plate beneath the North American Plate, which continues to drive volcanic activity.
• It is known for its snow-capped peaks, massive glaciers, steep scree slopes, and lush forests. 
• The range is home to 4375 named mountains, the biggest and most visible of which is Mount Rainier 4,392 m.
• It includes both non-volcanic mountains, including the rugged spires of the North Cascades, and the notable volcanoes known as the High Cascades.
• The Cascades are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the ring of volcanoes and associated mountains around the Pacific Ocean. 
• All of the known historic eruptions in the contiguous United States have been from Cascade volcanoes. 

Cascade Range FAQs

Q1. What type of volcano would you most expect to find in the Cascade Range?

Ans. In the Cascade Range, you would most commonly find stratovolcanoes (also known as composite volcanoes).

Q2.What formed the Cascade Range? 

Ans. The Cascade Range was formed by the process of subduction, where the Juan de Fuca Plate is being forced beneath the North American Plate along the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Q3. What is the highest peak in the Cascade Range?

Ans. The highest peak in the Cascade Range is Mount Rainier, located in Washington State, USA

Source: LS

Daya River Latest News

The 2025 annual bird count at Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary recorded an unprecedented surge in waterfowl, with a total of 1,53,719 birds of 97 species, according to officials. 

About Daya River

• It is a river in the Indian state of Odisha.
• It originates from the Kusabhadra River and flows through the Khurda and Puri districts before emptying into the Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India.
• Length: Approximately 37 km
• Tributaries: Malaguni River
• Supports wetland biodiversity, providing habitat for fish and migratory birds near Chilika Lake.
• Historical Significance:
  • The Daya River is historically important because of its connection to the Kalinga War (261 BCE), fought between Emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga kingdom.
  • It is believed that after the battle, the river turned red with the blood of slain soldiers.
  • This sight deeply moved Ashoka, leading him to embrace Buddhism and adopt a path of non-violence.

Daya River FAQs

Q1. Which river turned red in the Kalinga War?

Ans. The Daya River is said to have turned red with blood during the Kalinga War (circa 261 BCE). 

Q2. Is Daya River a tributary of Mahanadi?

Ans. Yes, the Daya River is a tributary of the Mahanadi River. 

Q3. Which river flows near Jagannath Puri?

Ans. The Bhargavi River, a distributary of the Mahanadi River, flows near Jagannath Puri in Odisha, India.

Source: NIE

Swavalambini Programme Latest News

Recently, the union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched the Swavalambini programme.

About Swavalambini Programme

• It was launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog in Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
• This initiative is aimed at empowering female students in select Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the northeast by equipping them with the essential entrepreneurial mind-set, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed in their entrepreneurial journey.
• MSDE through Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) in collation with NITI Aayog, a structured stage-wise entrepreneurial process—from awareness to development, mentorship, and funding support, has been introduced.
• Those who successfully build their ventures will be recognized and awarded, ensuring that their success stories inspire others.
• The initiative aims to provide structured training through the Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) which introduces 600 female students to entrepreneurship as a viable career option.
• For 300 selected students, the Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) offers an intensive 40-hour training covering crucial business aspects such as training and skilling, access to finance, market linkages, compliance and legal support, business services, and networking opportunities.
• This will be followed by six months of mentorship and handholding support to help participants translate their ideas into sustainable prospects.

Swavalambini Programme FAQs

Q1: What does NITI Aayog stand for?

Ans: National Institution for Transforming India

Q2: Where is Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship situated?

Ans: Guwahati, Assam.

Q3: What is entrepreneurship?

Ans: It is the process of discovering new ways of combining resources.

Source: PIB

M23 Rebels Latest News

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels recently captured the regional capital Goma in an anarchic and mineral-rich part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

About M23 Rebels

• M23, or the March 23 Movement, is one of more than 100 armed groups fighting Congolese forces in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 
• M23’s leadership is dominated by ethnic Tutsis, a minority group in eastern DR Congo.
• It is present in North Kivu province in areas bordering Rwanda and Uganda and has more than 8,000 fighters, according to the UN.
• It is named after the date in 2009 of the signing of an accord between the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), a Tutsi-led rebel group, and the Congolese government to end a revolt led by the Tutsi people in eastern DRC.
  • The agreement promised better political representation and integration of former rebels into the Congolese army.
• It is alleged that Rwanda is backing the M23 rebels.

Why is M23 fighting Congolese forces?

• M23 was created in 2012 after former CNDP troops rebelled against the Congolese government, accusing it of failing to implement the 2009 agreement by integrating Tutsi fighters into the army, protecting minorities, and distributing resources evenly.
• It says its objective is to safeguard the interests of the Congolese Tutsi and other minorities, including protecting them against Hutu rebel groups who escaped to the DRC after taking part in the 1994 Rwandan genocide that targeted Tutsis.

M23 Rebels FAQs

Q1. What was the motive of the M23 rebels?

Ans. M23 rebels objective is to safeguard the interests of the Congolese Tutsi and other minorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Q2. Which countries border Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

Ans. DRC is bordered by Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

Q3. Who are Tutsis? 

Ans. Tutsi is an ethnic group of probable Nilotic origin, whose members live within Rwanda and Burundi.

Source: HT

Shatavari Plant Latest News

In a bid to raise awareness about the health benefits of medicinal plants, a species-specific campaign titled “Shatavari –For Better Health" was launched by the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush.

About Shatavari Plant

• Asparagus racemosus (family Asparagaceae) also known by the name Shatavari is one of the well-known drugs in Ayurveda.
• Shatavari means “acceptable to many”.
• It belongs to the family Liliaceae and is commonly known as Satawar or Satamuli.
• Appearance of Shatavari Plant: It is a woody climber growing to 1-2 m in height. The leaves are like pine needles, small and uniform and the flowers are white and have small spikes.
• Habitat and Distribution of Shatavari Plant: Its habitat is common at low altitudes in shade and in tropical climates throughout Asia, Australia and Africa. 
• In Ayurveda, this amazing herb is known as the “Queen of herbs”, because it promotes love and devotion.
• Charak Samhita written by Charak and Ashtang Hridyam written by Vagbhata, the two main texts on Ayurvedic medicines, list Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) as part of the formulas to treat women's health disorder.
• Uses of Shatavari Plant:
  • The dried roots of the plant are used as drug. The roots are said to be tonic and diuretic and galactgogue, the drug has ulcer healing effect probably via strenthening the mucosal resistance or cytoprotection.
  • This herb is highly effective in problems related with female reproductive system.

Shatavari Plant FAQs

Q1: What is the main use of Shatavari?

Ans: Shatavari powder treats gastric ulcers and might prevent future ulcers from forming. Supports lactation. 

Q2: What is the English name for the Shatavari plant?

Ans: Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) belongs to family Liliaceae and commonly known as Satawar, Satamuli,

Q3: Where is Shatavari found in India?

Ans: In India it is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala and Punjab.

Source: PIB

TROPEX-25 Latest News

The 2025 edition of Indian Navy's capstone Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX), is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region.

About TROPEX-25

• It is an operational level exercise that is conducted biennially with participation by all operational Indian Naval units along with substantial participation of Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard assets.
• TROPEX 25 is aimed at validating Indian Navy's core warfighting skills, and ensuring a synchronised, integrated response to preserve and protect national maritime security interests in a contested maritime environment against conventional, asymmetric as well as hybrid threats.
• The exercise is being conducted in various phases - both in Harbour and at Sea, integrating various facets of combat operations, cyber and electronic warfare operations, live weapon firings during Joint Work Up Phase and Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX).
• During the exercise, the combined fleets comprising approximately 65 Indian Naval Ships, 09 Submarines and over 80 Aircrafts of different types, are put through complex maritime operational scenarios..
• It is witnessing participation of platforms like indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, state-of-the-art Visakhapatnam and Kolkata Class destroyers, Kalvari Class submarines and aircraft fleet comprising MiG 29K, P8I, HALE Sea Guardian and MH-60R helicopters.
• Towards enhancing synergy and jointness amongst the Services, IA, IAF and Indian Coast Guard have also been integrated into the exercise, with participation of Sukhoi-30, Jaguar, C-130, Flight Refueller, AWACS aircraft.
• TROPEX 25 Is a step forward in coordinated planning, precise targeting, combat effectiveness and credible joint operations in a dynamic environment, towards safeguarding India's national maritime interests

TROPEX-25 FAQs

Q1: What does the Tropex stand for?

Ans: Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise

Q2: Which are the 6 submarines under Project-75?

Ans: The six submarines under Project-75 are INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela, INS Vagir and INS Vagsheer.

Source: PIB

Marsupials Latest News

Recently, a team of scientists has successfully produced the first kangaroo embryos using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) which could be a crucial step towards the conservation of endangered marsupial species.

About Marsupials

• Marsupials are the group of mammals commonly thought of as pouched mammals.
• They give birth to relatively undeveloped young that often reside in a pouch located on their mothers' abdomen for a certain amount of time. 
• A distinctive characteristic common to most of these species is that the young are carried in a pouch.
  • Examples: Marsupials include opossums, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, koalas, wombats, wallabies, bandicoots, and the extinct thylacine.
• They represent the clade originating from the last common ancestor of extant metatherians, the group containing all mammals more closely related to marsupials than to placentals. Not all marsupials have pouches.
• Marsupials have an extra pubic bone, the epipubic bone, to support their pouch.
• Distribution of Marsupials: There are over 330 species of marsupials. Around two-thirds of them live in Australia. The other third live mostly in South America.

What is In Vitro Fertilization?

• It is a medical procedure used to assist individuals or couples who are facing fertility challenges in achieving pregnancy.
• It is the most common and effective type of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
• Process of In Vitro Fertilization:
  • It is a complex process that involves retrieving eggs from ovaries and manually combining them with sperm in a lab for fertilization.
  • Several days after fertilization, the fertilized egg (now called an embryo) is placed inside a uterus. 
  • Pregnancy occurs when this embryo implants itself into the uterine wall.
  • The procedure can be done using a couple's own eggs and sperm. Or IVF may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or anonymous donor.

Marsupials FAQs

Q1: Which continent is famous for its marsupials?

Ans: Presently, close to 70% of the 334 extant species of marsupials are concentrated on the Australian continent, 

Q2: What are 4 examples of marsupials?

Ans: kangaroos, koalas, opossums, possums, Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, and bandicoots,

Q3: Are marsupials found in India?

Ans: The Marsupials are native to Australia. They are not naturally found in India. 

Source: DTH