Somnath Temple: History, Reconstruction and Temple Architecture
Exam Relevance:UPSC GS-I: Indian Heritage and Culture | Temple Architecture | Medieval and Modern Indian HistoryUPSC GS-II: Judicial Review | Rights and Religious PracticesHPAS: Indian History | Art and Culture | Heritage ConservationPrelims: Jyotirlingas | Somnath Reconstruction | Nagara, Dravida and Vesara Styles Why is Somnath Temple in the news? On 30 October 2026, a single judge of the Gujarat High Court struck down restrictions on the preparation, storage and sale of non-vegetarian food in specified areas
Hanging Glaciers: Growing Avalanche Risks in the Himalayas
Exam Relevance:UPSC GS-I: Glaciers | Himalayan Geography | Geophysical PhenomenaUPSC GS-III: Climate Change | Disaster Management | Infrastructure ResilienceHPAS GS-I & III: Himalayan Geography | Environmental Risks | Disaster Preparedness Why in News? A DRDO-funded modelling study has assessed the potential consequences of hanging-glacier collapse above Badrinath in Uttarakhand. Under a worst-case scenario, an avalanche from the largest of three studied glaciers could affect approximately 398 buildings, 2.66 km of roads, two bridges, a helipad and a parking
Gegeneophis chandgadi: New Underground Amphibian Discovered in the Western Ghats
Exam Relevance:UPSC GS-I: Physical Geography | Distribution of Flora and FaunaUPSC GS-III: Biodiversity Conservation | Ecosystems | Scientific ResearchHPAS: Environment and Ecology | Biodiversity Hotspots | Species in News Why in News? Researchers have identified a new species of legless, underground-dwelling amphibian, named Gegeneophis chandgadi, in Buzawade village, Chandgad taluka, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. The discovery involved the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and collaborating institutions. Its scientific description was published in the Records of the Zoological Survey of
Gangetic River Dolphin: Features, Conservation Status and Ecological Significance
Exam Relevance:UPSC GS-I: River Systems | Distribution of WildlifeUPSC GS-III: Biodiversity Conservation | Environmental Pollution | Ecosystem RestorationHPAS GS-III: Environmental Conservation | Aquatic Biodiversity Why in News? A recent report titled “Nature’s Comeback: Scaling Ecosystem Restoration for People and Planet” highlighted India’s efforts to recover the Gangetic river dolphin through river ecosystem restoration. The development draws attention to the relationship between species conservation, cleaner rivers and community livelihoods. UNEP has also recognised the broader Namami Gange initiative as
Smit Machchhar Receives UAE’s First Class Order of Zayed II
Exam Relevance:Prelims: Awards and Honours | Personalities in NewsGS-II: India–UAE Relations | Indian DiasporaGS-IV: Courage | Professional Ethics | Responsibility and Leadership Why in News? On 27 October 2026, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow Flydubai crew members. They were recognised for their courage and professionalism in protecting passengers during an alleged cockpit attack aboard a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight on
UAE Oil Spill: Marine Pollution, Cleanup Methods and India’s Preparedness
Exam Relevance: UPSC GS-II: International Institutions and Environmental Agreements UPSC GS-III: Environmental Pollution and Degradation | Conservation | Disaster Management HPAS GS-III: Environmental Conservation | Pollution Control | Disaster Preparedness Prelims: MARPOL | Oil-Spill Dispersants | Bioremediation | Indian Coast Guard | NOSDCP Why in News? On 24 October 2026, authorities in the UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah announced beach closures following an offshore oil leak. Closures had also affected neighbouring Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah. At the time of the report, authorities