The National Board for Wildlife has recommended reinstating Rhesus Macaques under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Rhesus Macaque(Macaca mulatta)
Habitat: It is a diurnal, omnivorous species that lives both in trees and on the ground. It occupies a wide range of habitats—from coniferous, deciduous, bamboo, and mixed forests to mangroves, scrublands, rainforests, and even areas near human settlements.
Distribution :It is found throughout most of southern Asia, in eastern Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and India.
Ecological Roles : It is vital seed dispersers, aiding forest regeneration and biodiversity, making their protection essential for both ecological balance and sustainable coexistence.
Threats : It is generally unthreatened, though its original habitat is increasingly being lost to development
Protection status : It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
It is listed on CITES Appendix II.
AJEYA WARRIOR-25
Syllabus: GS3/Defence
Context
The 8th edition of the India–United Kingdom (UK) Joint Military Exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-25” commenced in Rajasthan.
AJEYA WARRIOR-25
Objective – The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments.
Additional information –
KONKAN is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (UK).
Indradhanush is a bilateral air exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force of UK.
Sentinel-6B
Syllabus: GS3/Space
Context
Sentinel-6B has been successfully launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.
Sentinel-6B
It is an ocean-tracking satellite with six onboard science instruments that will measure the rising sea levels and its impacts on the planet.
It will orbit Earth at a speed of 7.2 km per second, completing one revolution every 112 minutes.
The mission is a joint collaboration between NASA, NOAA, and the European Space Agency (ESA).
A China Coast Guard ship formation conducted a “rights enforcement patrol” near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, escalating tensions with Japan.
The Senkaku Islands
The Senkaku Islands is the collective term that refers to a group of islands that includes Uotsuri, Kitakojima, Minamikojima, Kuba, Taisho, Okinokitaiwa, Okinominamiiwa, and Tobise
Dispute: The Senkaku Islands have long been a contentious issue in Japan-China relations.
At present it is being controlled by the Japanese.
Siliguri Corridor
Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security
Context
Indian Army sets up three new garrisons near the strategic Siliguri Corridor.
Siliguri Corridor
It is also referred to as the Chicken’s Neck.
It is a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects the Northeastern States to the rest of the country.
It is a very important strategic area of eastern India, located between Mahananda and Teesta river.
Significance of Siliguri Corridor
Strategic Connectivity: If disrupted, it would isolate the north east states, making it difficult for the government to supply essential goods, services, and military support.
Military and Defense Considerations: It lies close to sensitive international borders, particularly with China, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Supreme Court Prohibited Tiger Safaris in Core Tiger Habitats
Syllabus: GS3/Environment, Conservation
Context
The Supreme Court has issued directions to prohibit tiger safaris in the core or critical tiger habitat.
Eco Sensitive Zones
Notified by – These are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
Definition – The land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are notified as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
Activities in ESZs
Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc), establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood.
Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system.
The state government approved the Karnataka Space Technology policy 2025-2030
Karnataka’s Space Technology Policy 2025–2030
It was unveiled in November 2025 at the Bengaluru Tech Summit.
It is a strategic blueprint aimed at establishing the state as a global hub for space innovation and manufacturing.
Key Objectives
The policy sets ambitious targets for the state’s space industry:
Market Share: Capture 50% of the national space market (projected at USD 22 billion by 2033) and 5% of the global market.
Investment: Attract a cumulative investment of USD 3 billion into the state’s space ecosystem.
Talent: Train and upskill 50,000 students and professionals, including 15,000 women, in specialized space domains.
Startups: Support 500 space startups and MSMEs, with a goal to facilitate the design, manufacture, and launch of 50 satellites from Karnataka.
Significance – The policy aligns with the Indian Space Policy 2023 and the national goals of establishing a Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.
Mekedatu reservoir project
News –
The Supreme Court termed Tamil Nadu’s application challenging the proposed construction of a reservoir by Karnataka at Mekedatu across the inter-state river Cauvery as “premature” and refused to entertain it.
Connect with the basics – Cauvery River System
Origin – Talakaveri
Total length of the River – 805 km
Flowing– Eastern
Flows through – Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu & Pondicherry.
Recently, the Government of India launched the Electronics Development Fund (EDF)
Electronics Development Fund (EDF)
Overview: It was launched in 2016 under the MeitY as a key component of the Digital India and Make in India missions.
Objective – It is aimed at catalyzing innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in the electronics and IT sectors.
Strategic Importance
Reducing India’s dependence on imported electronics
Encouraging domestic innovation in critical technologies like semiconductors, IoT, AI, and robotics
Positioning India as a global hub for electronics design and manufacturing
Saalumarada Thimmakk
Syllabus: GS4/ Ethics; Environmental Ethics
In News
India mourns the passing of Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka.
She is one of the country’s most respected environmentalists and a global symbol of grassroots afforestation.
Saalumarada Thimmakk
Born in Gubbi taluk, Tumakuru district, and later settled in Hulikal
Beginning in the 1950s, she and her husband Bikkala Chikkayya carried water daily for miles, protected the saplings from grazing cattle using thorny branches, and planted mostly in monsoon seasons to ensure the trees’ survival.
Their persistent efforts resulted in a green corridor that provides shade, supports birdlife, and regulates the microclimate, serving as a living example of community-led afforestation.
Her legacy also influenced Karnataka’s afforestation policies and inspired numerous tree-planting movements across India.
The 385 trees she planted were saved from being cut down during a road widening project in 2019 after her appeal to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.
National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025
Syllabus: GS3/Dairy Sector
Context
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has announced the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025.
National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025
It is one of the highest national honours in the livestock and dairy sector.
These awards will be presented on 26th November 2025 as part of the National Milk Day celebrations.
It was instituted in 2014 as a part of Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
It focuses on the scientific conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds.
It s annually conferred to encourage milk-producing farmers, dairy cooperative societies/MPCs/FPOs, and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs).
The awardees will get a certificate of merit and a memento and cash price of ₹5,00,000, ₹3,00,000 and ₹2,00,000 for the first, second and third categories respectively.
For the year 2025, social activist, writer, and former Minister T. Lalitha Nayak has been selected for the award in the Literary field, while Shivarudraiah will be honored in the Cinema field
Baragur Awards
Awarding Organisation – Nadoja Dr. Baragur Pratishtana foundation
Objective -It presents awards annually to various individuals for their contributions to different fields.
The award comprises a plaque and a cash prize of ₹25,000.
Awardees of 2025
T. Lalitha Nayak (Field – Literature)
Shivarudraiah (Field – Cinema)
Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025-2030
News –
Karnataka will be spending ₹967 crore towards varied incentives under the Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025-2030
Karnataka Information Technology Policy 2025-2030
Mandate – It is a strategic blueprint that transitions the state’s focus from traditional IT services to deep technology innovation.
It aims to position Karnataka as a global leader in areas like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
The policy, approved by the state cabinet in November 2025, emphasizes equitable growth through a ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ initiative and has a total outlay of ₹967.12 crore over five years.
Key Vision and Targets
The policy is designed around the “FRAME” architecture (Frontier & Emerging Technologies, Regional Development, Alignment, Market Creation, Enterprise Facilitation)
The United States has launched Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR in Latin America, aimed at “removing narco-terrorists.”
About the Operation
SOUTHCOM stands for the U.S. Southern Command, whose area of responsibility includes 31 countries across South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
According to the U.S., the mission aims to:
Defend the U.S. homeland
Remove narco-terrorist threats from the Western Hemisphere
Prevent drug flows that the U.S. says are harming its population.
Colombo Security Conclave
Syllabus: GS2/ International Relation
In News
The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) officially welcomed Bangladesh as its fifth member state.
Colombo Security Conclave
Established in –
Objective: to expand on maritime cooperation.
Members: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius & Bangladesh
Seychelles is an observer nation.
Pillars of Cooperation: Maritime security, counterterrorism, combating transnational organised crime, cyber security & humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
A team from NITK Surathkal have completed the deployment of 100 internet connections in Agumbe on November 8, under the project ‘Promoting HEALTH in Agumbe’
Promoting HEALTH in Agumbe
It is an initiative led by Dr. Mohit P. Tahiliani from NITK Surathkal
HEALTH stands for- Healthcare, Education, Agriculture, Livelihood, Technology, and Heritage.
Objective – The project’s recent major achievement was providing reliable internet connectivity to 100 locations in Agumbeby enabling digital access for local institutions, businesses, and homes in this remote and ecologically sensitive region.
Initiative pillars
Healthcare: Facilitating access to online health information and services.
Education: Allowing students and educators to utilize online resources and learning platforms.
Agriculture: Enabling better communication and access to information for the agricultural community.
Livelihood: Improving local commerce through online visibility, booking systems, and support for local businesses like homestays.
Technology: Delivering reliable internet to a region with frequent power outages and challenging terrain.
Heritage: Supporting research and preservation efforts, such as those related to the King Cobras.
KSRTC launches Flybus service between KIA and Davangere
News –
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) launched a new direct Flybus (Volvo multi-axle) service between Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru and Davangere.
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
Ownership: Wholly owned by the Government of Karnataka.
Services: KSRTC operates various types of services, from non-AC “Karnataka Sarige” and “Gramantara Sarige” buses to luxury AC classes like “Airavat Club Class,” “Ambaari Dream Class,” and electric “EV- Power Plus+” buses.
Coverage: It serves 17 districts in southern Karnataka and connects them to other states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Goa.
Bifurcation: Over the years, KSRTC has been bifurcated to create other regional transport corporations to better manage services in different parts of the state, including:
Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) for the Bangalore metropolitan region.
North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) for the north-western districts.
Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) for the north-eastern districts.
Ekya Vana is India’s first nature-inspired K-12 school, based in Bangalore.
Ekya Vana
It is a new, purpose-driven K-12 school in Bengaluru, India,
It is dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and environmental innovation.
It is designed as a “living, breathing ecosystem” where students learn from and with nature.
Key Features
Nature-Based Learning: The curriculum goes beyond traditional classroom education, using outdoor classrooms, butterfly and herb gardens, composting units, and eco-labs as core learning environments.
Curriculum Pathways: The academic framework is built around four key pathways connecting global sustainability themes to real-world learning:
People & Planet
Earth Care
Living Systems
Energy & Innovation
Mission: The school’s vision is to empower learners as innovators, advocates, and leaders in sustainability, preparing them to address modern challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
Location: Ekya Vana is located in the Bannerghatta area of Bangalore.
Advisory Panel: The initiative is guided by a distinguished advisory panel including notable environmentalists and industry leaders
Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, 2007
News –
The Karnataka government has amended the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, 2007,
Amendments –
Objective – to strengthen legal provisions ensuring timely and lifesaving treatment for dog, animal, and snake bite victims.
The amendment follows the Supreme Court’s November 7, 2025, directions in a suo motu writ petition seeking uniform access to Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV), immunoglobulin and emergency care across all hospitals.
The newly inserted clause mandates that every private medical establishment must administer necessary first aid to all snake-bite or dog/animal bite victims without insisting on advance payment.
15 November is observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, commemorating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The Government designated this day as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021.
Birsa Munda
He was born in 1874 in Ulihatu village, Jharkhand and was a spiritual reformer and freedom fighter.
He is Known as Dharti Aaba (“Father of the Earth”).
He led the Ulgulan or “Great Tumult” (1899–1900) (also called Munda Rebellion (1895–1900)) which was a fierce movement for tribal self-rule and the restoration of Khuntkatti (community land rights).
He united the Munda tribes against British land laws and feudal exploitation.
He envisioned a moral, self-governed society free from colonial influence.
He was captured and martyred in Ranchi Jail at the age of 25.
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is dedicated to remembering the contributions of tribal freedom fighters for the country.
This day will now be celebrated every year.
It would recognize the efforts of the tribals for the preservation of cultural heritage and would help the coming generations know about the sacrifices made by the tribals for the country.
November 15th chosen for Janjatiya Gaurav Divas – The date is the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country.
PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan
Objective – To ensure last-mile welfare scheme delivery and protection for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra – It is a nationwide programme to reach out to all villages and include those eligible for various central schemes.
STEM Cell Therapy
Syllabus: GS3/ Science & Technology
In News
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new technique to heal spinal fractures using adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).
Stem Cells
Definition – A stem cell is a cell with the potential to form many of the different cell types found in the body.
When stem cells divide, they can form more stem cells or other cells that perform specialised functions.
Somatic Stem Cells: These are the Adult Somatic Cells (ASCs) found in bone marrow.
Embryonic Stem Cells: These are derived in about six-to eight-day embryos, and these are cells with even more potential than the adult cells, because an embryonic stem cell derived in the proper way can give rise to neural cells, muscle cells and liver cells.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy utilises the unique properties of stem cells to regenerate damaged cells and tissues in the human body.
Stem cells replace these cells with new, healthy and fully functional cells.
It is also known as regenerative medicine.
It is the next step in organ transplantation and uses cells instead of donor organs, which are limited in supply.
Stem cells are grown in the labs, these stem cells are manipulated to specialise into specific types of cells, such as heart muscle cells, blood cells or nerve cells.
The specialised cells can then be implanted into a person.
For over 90 years now, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been used to treat people with conditions such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
Recently, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister, at the ‘Co-op Kumbh 2025’, called on Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) to play a transformative role in empowering India’s youth and underprivileged communities.
Key Highlights of Co-op Kumbh 2025
‘Delhi Declaration 2025’: It was adopted by the National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies (NAFCUB), focusing on enhancing financial stability, governance, and digitization within the cooperative banking network.
Connect with the basics – Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)
These are financial institutions primarily serving urban and semi-urban populations.
Principles of cooperation – mutual help, democratic decision making and open membership, unlike commercial banks.
Significance – They cater to small businesses, salaried individuals, and lower-income groups, offering banking services such as deposits, loans, and credit facilities.
They play a vital role in promoting inclusive economic growth, supporting small traders, entrepreneurs, and the weaker sections of society.
Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP)
Syllabus:GS2/Governance
In News
The Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) has been launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Basic terms – Remediation vs Bioremediation
Remediation is the broad process of removing or containing environmental contaminants.
Bioremediation is a sub-category of remediation that employs microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to degrade or transform pollutants
Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP)
It aims to fast-track the remediation of remaining dumpsites and reclaim valuable urban land for community and infrastructure development
It helps in achieving India’s vision of achieving “Lakshya Zero Dumpsites” by September 2026.
Lucifer Bee
Syllabus: GS3/Species in News
Context
Australian scientists have discovered a new native bee species named Lucifer.
About
The new species – dubbed Megachile (Hackeriapis) Lucifer – was first discovered in 2019 in the state of Western Australia.
Australia has around 2,000 native bee species, more than 300 of which are yet to be scientifically named and described.
The highly distinctive, upward-pointing horns on the female bee’s face inspired its name.
Interestingly, the species’ male bees lack the horns.
Gaganyaan Mission
Syllabus: GS3/Space
In News
ISRO successfully conducted a critical parachute test for its upcoming human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.
ISRO will next conduct three uncrewed flights with Vyomitra, a half-humanoid robot, aiming for a crewed mission by early 2027.
Gaganyaan Mission
Approved in – December 2018.
Financial outlay -₹20,193 crore.
Uniqueness – It is India’s first indigenous human spaceflight initiative.
Objective – It aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability by sending a crew to 400 km low-Earth orbit for three days, with a safe return and sea landing in Indian waters.
Launch vehicle –LVM3 rocket, is identified as the launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission.
International Cryosphere Climate Initiative
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
In News
The “2025 State of the Cryosphere Report” underscores that Earth’s glaciers and ice sheets are rapidly melting.
Connect with the basics – Cryosphere
The cryosphere is the part of the Earth’s climate system that includes solid precipitation, snow, sea ice, lake and river ice, icebergs, glaciers and ice caps, ice sheets, ice shelves, permafrost, and seasonally frozen ground.
The term “cryosphere” traces its origins to the Greek word ‘kryos’ for frost or ice cold.
The cryosphere extends globally not just in the Arctic, Antarctic, and mountain regions, and in approximately one hundred countries.
The largest continental ice sheets are found in Antarctica.
Approximately 70% of the Earth’s freshwater exists as snow or ice.
National Water Awards 2024
Syllabus: Miscellaneous
Context
Maharashtra has secured the first position in the Best State category of the 6th National Water Awards for 2024.
Gujarat and Haryana have been placed second and third
National Water Awards 2024
National Water Awards
The National Water Awards were first launched in 2018.
Objective – The awards aim to recognize efforts in water management and conservation.
Significance – The initiative supports the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ (Water Prosperous India).
3rd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025)
Syllabus: GS3/Environment
In News
At the 3rd International Conference on Green Hydrogen,the Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy highlighted the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) as a catalyst for India’s clean energy transition in green hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen
Green Hydrogen: It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
Benefit: It is a clean burning element that can decarbonise a range of sectors including iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation.
Hydrogen can be stored for long periods of time which can be used to produce electricity using fuel cells.
National Green Hydrogen Mission
Aim: To make India a global hub for the production of green hydrogen.
Implementing Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE)
Additional Information – Hydrogen
Symbol and Atomic number – Hydrogen is the chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1.
Hydrogen is the lightest element and the most abundant chemical substance in the universe, constituting roughly 75% of all normal matter.
It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and highly combustible gas.
