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Buxa Tiger Reserve

Environment

Context

• A three-year-old tigress, T138, has been released into West Bengal’s Buxa Tiger Reserve, marking the beginning of a phased tiger reintroduction programme to establish a self-sustaining tiger population.

Buxa Tiger Reserve

• • Location: Alipurduar district, northern West Bengal, along the India–Bhutan border.
  • Established: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger.

• Ecological significance:

1. Located in the Eastern Himalayan foothills.
2. Provides ecological linkages with forests of Assam and Bhutan.

• • Important fauna: Asian elephant, gaur, sambar, clouded leopard, Indian leopard and Asian golden cat.
  • Tiger status: Historically faced a prolonged absence of a stable resident tiger population due to habitat degradation, fragmentation and reduced prey availability.

• Rivers:

1. Sankosh River: Forms part of the eastern boundary along the Assam border.
2. Jayanti River: Important seasonal river flowing through the Buxa landscape.

Additional Information – Project Tiger 

• Launched in 1973 with 9 tiger reserves.
• Legal basis: Tiger Reserves are constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, particularly after the 2006 amendment.
• NTCA: Established in 2006 as a statutory body for tiger conservation.
• Core area: Legally designated as Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH); receives the highest protection.
• Buffer area: Peripheral area adjoining the core, aimed at promoting coexistence and reducing pressure on the core.
• Tiger Census: Conducted every 4 years under the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE).
• Latest national tiger estimate: 3,682 tigers (2022).
• Highest tiger population: Madhya Pradesh, followed by Karnataka and Uttarakhand (2022 estimate).
• Largest Tiger Reserve by area: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh–Telangana landscape).
• Smallest Tiger Reserve: Bor Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.
• First Tiger Reserve: Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand.
• Newest tiger reserves: India has continued adding reserves under Project Tiger; the exact total changes with new notifications.
• Tiger reserves are not necessarily National Parks: A tiger reserve can include National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and other forest areas.
• Global significance: India contains the largest share of the world’s wild tiger population.

G7 Nations to Release 100 Million Barrels of Oil

International

Context

• The Group of Seven (G7) nations have agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil over four months to ease soaring fuel prices, with a substantial release of diesel planned in the first 20 days.

Group of Seven (G7)

• G7: Informal grouping of 7 major advanced economies.
• Members: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA and Canada.
• Origin: Emerged from the 1973 oil crisis.
• Initial Group of Five (G5): France, West Germany, USA, UK and Japan.
• Canada joined: 1976 → G7.
• EU: Began participating in 1977; EU is not a G7 member, but participates in meetings.
• G8 phase: Russia joined in 1997, making it G8.
• Back to G7: Russia ceased to be part of the group in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea.
• Nature: Informal grouping, not a treaty-based international organisation.
• Presidency: Rotates annually among member countries.
• Key areas: Global economy, trade, security, climate change, energy, development and geopolitical issues

Additional Information – International Energy Agency (IEA)

• Established: 1974, in response to the 1973–74 oil crisis.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• Parent framework: Operates within the framework of the OECD.
• Members: 32 member countries.
• India: Association country, not a full IEA member.
• Other Association countries: China, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand etc.
• Main objective: Ensure energy security and coordinate responses to major disruptions in oil supply.

GOBARdhan Scheme

Environment  

News

• The Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched the GOBARdhan Scheme for development of the Compressed Biogas (CBG) sector.

The GOBARdhan (National Circular Bioenergy Scheme) 

• It is a 10-year initiative (FY 2026–27 to 2035–36)
• Implementation – Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Key Objectives & Components

• Target: Boost Compressed Biogas (CBG) production tenfold to 5 MMSCMD.
• Unified Framework: Consolidates previous initiatives like SATAT, Market Development Assistance (MDA), and Biomass Aggregation Machinery (BAM).

Additional Information – Biofuels

• • Definition – Biofuels are alternative fuels made from plant and plant-derived resources.

• Example: Bioethanol, Biodiesel, Green diesel, Biogas etc.

National Policy on Biofuels, 2018

• The National Policy on Biofuels 2018 (amended in 2022) provides a framework for increasing the use of biofuels in India to enhance energy security.

Government Efforts for Biofuel Expansion

• Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana (Jaiv Indhan – Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran Yojana): It promotes 2G ethanol production from agricultural waste and residues.
• SATAT Scheme (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation): It promotes Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production as a fuel alternative.

Great Indian Bustards

Environment 

News

• Ten captive-bred Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) are set to be released into their natural habitat in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer as part of an effort to rebuild the species’ wild population.

Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

• Scientific name: Ardeotis nigriceps
• Size: Large ground bird; about 1 m tall and 15–18 kg.
• Ecological significance: Keystone species of arid and semi-arid open ecosystems.
• Population: Critically low; latest estimates indicate about 130 ± 20 in Rajasthan, with only 5–6 individuals across Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• State bird: Rajasthan.

Conservation Status

• IUCN: Critically Endangered

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

• CITES: Appendix I

• CMS: Listed under the Convention on Migratory Species.

Major Threats

• Habitat loss and fragmentation

• Poaching

• Predation of birds and eggs

• Collision with overhead power transmission lines, particularly those associated with renewable-energy projects.

Power Lines & Supreme Court

• Power-line collisions have emerged as a major conservation challenge in GIB habitats.

• The Supreme Court has directed that renewable-energy project power lines in specified GIB areas outside the Desert National Park (DNP) be shifted underground, with implementation targeted by December 2027

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India-specific tool to predict Sickle Cell Anaemia severity

Science and Tech 

News

• Scientists at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have developed an India-specific disease severity score for sickle cell anaemia (SCA).

Sickle cell anaemia

• • Disease – It is an inherited group of blood disorders that is genetic in nature.
  • Cause – It is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin-β gene found on chromosome 11. This mutation results in defective haemoglobin (Hb).
  • Characteristics – After giving up oxygen, these defective Hb molecules cluster together resulting in formation of rod like structures.
  • The red blood cells become stiff and assume sickle shape. (Haemoglobin (Hb) is a protein found in the red blood cells that carries oxygen in your body and gives blood its red colour)
  • Transmission – It is usually transferred from the parents to the child during birth i.e. both parents can be carriers of SCDs.
  • Symptoms – Babies who are born with sickle cell anaemia might not show symptoms for many months.

• Extreme tiredness, fussiness and painfully swollen hands and feet and jaundice.

• Effects – The misshapen cells lack plasticity and can block small blood vessels, impairing blood flow.
• The sickle cells die prematurely, resulting in a chronic lack of red blood cells (anaemia), often called sickle-cell anaemia.
• Treatment – Medication, blood transfusions and rarely a bone-marrow transplant are done.

Southwest Monsoon Ends with 12% Deficit

Geography

Context

• As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) India’s 2026 southwest monsoon ended with 759.4 mm of rain, 12.6% below the 868.6 mm normal.

Southwest Monsoon

• Onset and Retreat: The monsoon season in India generally starts in early June and lasts until September.
• The onset of the monsoon is marked by the arrival of the southwest monsoon winds, which bring moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean.
• The withdrawal or retreat of the monsoon typically begins in October.
• The northeast monsoon, occurring from October to December, brings rainfall to parts of southern India.
• Monsoon Dynamics: Factors such as the El Niño and La Niña phenomena can influence the strength and distribution of the monsoon.
• Agricultural Impact: The success of the monsoon directly influences crop yields and, consequently, the overall economy of the country.

Connect with the basics- Difference between El Niño and La Niña 

Sengol

History

News

• The newly released NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook, Understanding Society and Beyond – Part 2, shows the Sengol as a symbol of righteous governance. 

Sengol (or Chenkol) 

• Sengol/Chenkol: Traditional Tamil royal sceptre, symbolising righteousness (dharma), justice, legitimate authority and accountable governance.
• Origin: Tamil Nadu; associated with the ceremonial traditions of Tamil rulers.
• Historical associations: Linked with the Cholas, Madurai Nayakas (including the Meenakshi tradition) and the Sethupatis of Ramnad, who received ritually sanctified sceptres from Rameswaram temple priests.
• Symbolism: Represents the ruler’s duty, service, ethical conduct and responsibility towards the people.
• 1947 association: According to the NCERT/Union Ministry of Culture account, Shaivite Adheenam saints presented a Sengol to Jawaharlal Nehru around Independence as a symbol of the transfer of authority from British rule to independent India.
• Historical debate: Historians, including Rajmohan Gandhi, have questioned whether the Sengol was formally recognised as the official symbol of the transfer of power, noting the absence of such a record in Nehru’s and C. Rajagopalachari’s papers/writings.
• Significance: Illustrates the idea of ethical and dharmic kingship in Tamil political-cultural traditions.

Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme

Economy

News

• The Ministry of Textiles has extended the RoSCTL Scheme for exports of apparel/garments and made-ups for a further term of three months, from 1st October to 31st December 2026.

Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme

• Launched: 2019, Ministry of Textiles.
• Objective: Rebates embedded/unrefunded State and Central taxes & levies on exported textile products that are not covered under other schemes.
• Principle: Zero-rating of exports → ensures taxes embedded in exported products are remitted/refunded.
• Focus: Supports apparel and made-up exports, particularly MSME exporters.

Importance:

• Enhances global competitiveness of India’s labour-intensive textile sector.
• Supports MSME participation in global markets.
• Promotes a dispersed manufacturing ecosystem across regions.
• Provides policy continuity and predictability to exporters.

ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026)

Defence

News

• The Second Edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines.

ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise 

• AIME: ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise; brings together Indian Navy and ASEAN maritime forces.
• Theme: “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.”
• Objective: Enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability.
• India’s Participation – INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish participated in AIME-2026.

Significance:

• Strengthens India–ASEAN maritime cooperation.
• Supports India’s Act East Policy.
• Advances MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
• Promotes a free, open and cooperative maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific.

Increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops

Economy

News

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2027-28.

Minimum Support Prices (MSPs)

• Definition – It is a form of market intervention by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices.
• Announcement and Recommendation – The Cabinet Committee of Economic 

Affairs announces the MSP at the start of each sowing season, taking into account the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)

• Significance – MSP protects the producer- farmers against distress sale during bumper production years.

Crops Covered

• The Centre announces the MSP (which is not legally guaranteed) for 22 mandated crops and Fair & Remunerative Price for sugarcane.

These include 

• 14 kharif crops – paddy, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, tur/arhar, moong, urad, groundnut, soyabean, sunflower, sesamum, niger seed, cotton, 
• 6 rabi crops – wheat, barley, gram, masur/lentil, rapeseed and mustard, and safflower 
• 2 commercial crops – Jute and Copra

Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane

• Recommended by – Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)
• Objective – to assure margins on account of profit and risk to farmers, irrespective of the fact whether sugar mills generate profit or not.

SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

Polity

Context

• The Calcutta High Court has observed that casteist abuses on social media can attract the provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, saying the “public view” under the Act cannot be confined to physical venues only.

SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

• Enacted: 1989; came into force in 1990.
• Aim: Prevent atrocities against SCs/STs and provide speedy justice, relief and rehabilitation.
• Key features:
  • Defines and penalises specific atrocities.
  • Special/Exclusive Special Courts for speedy trials.
  • Protection and rights for victims and witnesses.
  • Relief and rehabilitation for victims.
• 2015 Amendment: Expanded offences and strengthened victim/witness safeguards.
• 2018 Amendment: No preliminary enquiry for FIR registration and no prior approval for arrest under the Act.
• Significance: Legal safeguard against caste-based violence and discrimination.

‘Beamline for Schools’ Competition

Science and Technology

Context

• A group of Indian school students is among the five winning teams of the 13th edition of the ‘Beamline for Schools’ competition.

Beamline for Schools Competition 

• Organised by: CERN for high-school students worldwide.
• Aim: Allows students to conduct experiments using a particle beamline.
• Beamline: Facility providing high-energy beams of subatomic particles for experiments.
• Example experiment: Study pion charge exchange—conversion of charged pions into neutral pions when interacting with light atoms like lithium and beryllium.
• Pions: Subatomic particles with positive, negative or zero charge.

CERN

• Full form: European Organization for Nuclear Research.
• Location: Near Geneva, Switzerland, Franco-Swiss border.
• Established: 1954 for peaceful cooperation in fundamental research.
• Governance: Managed by Member States through the CERN Council.
• LHC: World’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator.
• Higgs boson: Major role in its 2012 discovery, supporting the Higgs mechanism of particle mass.

Bond Yield

Economy

Context

• The yield on the 30-year US Treasury bond hit the highest level in around 25 years.

About

• Meaning: Return an investor expects from holding a bond.
• Inverse relationship: Bond Price ↑ → Yield ↓; Bond Price ↓ → Yield ↑.
• Rise in yield: Usually indicates investors demand higher returns, often due to inflation concerns, higher interest-rate expectations or increased government borrowing.

Impact of higher yields:

• Increases government borrowing costs.
• Can attract capital towards bonds, affecting capital flows and exchange rates.
• Higher benchmark yields can raise borrowing costs globally.

• May put pressure on equity markets as bonds become relatively more attractive.

Global Cities Index 2026

International

News – 

• Oxford Economics released its 2026 Global Cities Index, 

Global Cities Index 2026 

• Released by: Oxford Economics.

• Coverage: 1,000 largest cities across 163 countries.

• Significance: These cities represent 60% of global GDP and 30% of global population.

• Assessment: 27 indicators under 5 categories:

  • Economics – 30%

  • Human Capital – 25%

  • Quality of Life – 25%

  • Environment – 10%

  • Governance – 10%

• Purpose: Measures cities’ economic performance, human capital, living conditions, environmental sustainability and governance.

Key Findings

• Top 3: New York, London and Paris retained the top three positions.

• Western dominance: 78 of the top 100 cities are in Europe and North America.

• Asia rising: Asian cities are driving global urban growth, particularly Chinese and Indian cities, supported by population scale, productivity and income gains.

• India: Delhi is currently outside the top 100 but is projected to record one of the largest GDP increases by 2050.

• Bengaluru: Identified as a “City to Watch”, with rapid growth linked to its IT sector and emerging opportunities in AI.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

International

News –  

• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its Interim Economic Outlook, upgrading its growth projection for India.

OECD 

• Established: 1961; headquarters Paris, France.
• Nature: Intergovernmental organisation promoting economic growth, trade and international standards.
• Members: 38 countries, largely high-income market democracies.
• India: Not a member; one of 5 Key Partners — Brazil, China, Indonesia, South Africa.
• India–OECD: Participates in committees, policy surveys and global tax initiatives.

PB-SHABD

Polity

Context (PIB): 

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) highlighted PB-SHABD’s adoption by over 3,600 media organisations and extended free access until March 2027.

PB-SHABD 

• Launched: 2024 by Prasar Bharati as a centralised news-feed service, evolving from PBNS.
• Full form: Prasar Bharati Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination.
• Content: Ready-to-use text, video, audio, photographs and infographics.
• Reach: Content in 15 Indian languages across nearly 50 news categories.
• Adoption: Used by 3,600+ media organisations; free access extended till March 2027.

Prasar Bharati

• Established: Under Prasar Bharati Act, 1990; came into existence in 1997.
• Nature: Statutory autonomous public service broadcaster under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
• Wings: Akashvani (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD).
• HQ: New Delhi.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya

History & culture

Context (AIR): 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916–1968) on his birth anniversary.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916–1968)

• He was  a political thinker, economist, and leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
• He  was an exceptional scholar and dedicated nationalist. 
• Ideology – He was a visionary thinker, known for his doctrine of Integral Humanism (Ekatma Manav Darshan) which emphasized a balance between spiritual and material development and promoted decentralization and self-reliant village-based economy. 
• Contributions- He contributed to ideological journalism by starting ‘Rashtra Dharma’ (monthly), ‘Panchajanya’ (weekly), and ‘Swadesh’ (daily).

Hurricane Polo (DDN)

Geography & Environment

News – 

• Hurricane Polo, a powerful Category 4 storm, rapidly intensified over the eastern Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico. 

About

• Hurricane Polo: A Category 4 tropical cyclone that rapidly intensified over the eastern Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico.
• Hurricane: Tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds ≥119 km/h (74 mph).
• Associated weather: Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.
• Category 4: Indicates extremely powerful winds and potentially severe damage.

DURGA Scheme

Government Schemes

News

• Delhi Cabinet approved the Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto (DURGA) scheme

DURGA Scheme

• Full form: Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto (DURGA).
• Launched by: Delhi Government.
• Key provision: Distribution of 1,300 “Pink” electric auto-rickshaws across Delhi’s revenue districts.
• Beneficiaries: Women and transgender individuals.
• Objectives:
  • Promote dignified self-employment and income generation.
  • Encourage asset ownership among marginalised genders.
  • Promote clean and sustainable urban transport through e-autos.
• Significance: Combines gender empowerment + livelihood generation + green mobility.

Article 22(1) Safeguards Against Unconstitutional Arrest

Polity