Western Tragopan (Jujurana) — The State Bird of Himachal Pradesh: Status, Habitat, Threats & Protection
The Western Tragopan, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the world’s rarest pheasants. While captive breeding efforts offer temporary relief, the species continues to face severe threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human disturbance. Long-term survival depends on stronger in-situ conservation and habitat restoration.
Deepavali Added to UNESCO Heritage List: Significance and Key Highlights
Deepavali, India’s iconic festival of lights, has been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025, highlighting its cultural significance and vibrant traditions. UNESCO’s list recognises living practices such as rituals, festive events, crafts, and oral traditions that strengthen community identity and preserve global cultural diversity. With Deepavali’s inclusion, India adds another rich tradition to its heritage entries like Durga Puja, Kumbh Mela, and Vedic chanting.
India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025: Theme, Significance, and Key Highlights
The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 began in Panchkula, Haryana, showcasing India’s scientific achievements. Organized by MoES and IITM Pune, the festival’s theme “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat” highlights science-led growth through 150+ sessions focused on innovation, biotechnology, traditional knowledge, and societal impact.
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25%: Meaning, Importance, Latest Updates & Economic Impact Explained
The RBI has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%, marking its first rate reduction in six months. This move aims to boost liquidity, reduce borrowing costs, and support India’s “rare Goldilocks period” of stable growth and moderate inflation. Learn what repo rate and reverse repo rate mean, why basis points matter, and how the latest rate cut impacts loans, savings, real estate, inflation, and overall economic activity.
What Is the Alaknanda Galaxy? India’s Major Astronomical Discovery
The discovery of the Alaknanda Galaxy by Indian researchers marks a major breakthrough in understanding early cosmic evolution. Found using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, this 12-billion-year-old spiral galaxy displays a well-defined structure similar to the Milky Way—challenging existing theories that early galaxies were chaotic and irregular. Its mature spiral arms, intense star formation, and early emergence offer new insights into galaxy formation timelines, making it highly relevant for UPSC Geography and Science & Technology
Basic Structure Doctrine: Meaning, Evolution, Landmark Cases & Significance Explained
The Basic Structure Doctrine, evolved through landmark Supreme Court judgments from Shankari Prasad (1951) to I.R. Coelho (2007), restricts Parliament from altering the Constitution’s core features. Introduced in the Kesavananda Bharati case, it safeguards principles like judicial review, federalism, secularism, democracy, and the rule of law, ensuring India’s constitutional identity remains intact.