The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve became India’s second-biggest tiger reserve after the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) approved West Bengal’s proposal to expand its area.
Situated in the coastal districts of West Bengal.
Lies at the southernmost part of the lower Gangetic delta, bordering the Bay of Bengal.
Part of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
Designated as a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve.
Unique as the only mangrove forest (besides Bangladesh’s portion) to sustain a significant population of tigers.
East: International boundary with Bangladesh, formed by rivers Harinbhanga, Raimangal, and Kalindi.
South: Bay of Bengal.
West: River Matla, adjoining the South 24-Parganas Forest Division.
North-West: Rivers Bidya and Gomdi.
Comprises true mangroves (major elements), minor mangroves, and mangrove associates.
Includes a variety of shrubs, non-halophytic (non-salt tolerant) plants, halophytic (salt-tolerant) herbs, shrubs, weeds, epiphytes, and parasitic plants adapted to the saline environment.
Home to iconic species such as:
Tiger (unique mangrove-adapted population)
Fishing cat
Estuarine crocodile
Gangetic dolphin
Irrawaddy dolphin
King cobra
Water monitor lizard
Also supports a wide range of other species adapted to the mangrove ecosystem.
The Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Scheme was launched by the Government of India with the objective of promoting clean energy solutions to combat pollution and reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources such as coal and petroleum. By utilizing rooftops to generate electricity through solar energy, the scheme aims to provide low-cost power, improve environmental quality, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
A Solar Rooftop System involves the installation of solar photovoltaic (SPV) panels on the rooftops of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings to harness solar energy and convert it into usable electricity.
Solar Rooftop System with Battery Storage:
Includes a battery system to store excess energy for use during night or cloudy conditions.
Grid Connected Rooftop Solar System (SPV System):
DC power generated by solar panels is converted into AC power using a power conversion unit.
This power is then fed into the national electricity grid via 33kV/11kV three-phase lines.
During daytime, generated power is used for captive consumption, and excess energy is exported to the grid.
In case of insufficient solar power (due to cloud cover), the grid supplies the required electricity.
The performance of these systems depends on the user type (residential, commercial, institutional) and regulatory infrastructure in the area.
To achieve 40,000 MW of rooftop solar capacity across the country by 2022.
The scheme has been allocated ₹11,814 crore in central financial support.
Phase II of the scheme offers:
40% Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for rooftop systems up to 3 kW.
20% CFA for systems between 3 kW to 10 kW.
Enhanced participation of DISCOMs (Distribution Companies) to facilitate implementation.
Reduces electricity bills for households and businesses.
Utilizes existing rooftop space, eliminating the need for additional land.
Short gestation period for installation and setup.
Reduces transmission and distribution losses by generating power at the point of consumption.
Contributes to carbon emission reduction and promotes environmental sustainability.
Improves voltage levels at the tail-end of grid lines and reduces grid congestion.
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.
Promote research, innovation, intellectual property, and international collaboration in clean energy technologies.
Encourage deployment of solar, wind, biogas, and hydropower systems.
Reduce dependence on oil-based fuels, especially in transport and cooking.
Ensure energy is accessible, safe, cost-effective, and equitably distributed across India.
Intermittent Power Supply:
Solar energy generation depends on sunlight intensity and is ineffective at night or during cloudy weather.
Expensive Energy Storage:
Battery storage systems, although a solution for night-time or backup supply, are still costly and underdeveloped.
Off-Grid Limitations:
Many remote and off-grid areas still lack effective storage or hybrid systems to ensure 24/7 power availability.
The Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Scheme marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward a clean and sustainable energy future. It offers a practical, decentralized, and cost-effective solution for reducing dependency on fossil fuels while empowering citizens and institutions to become energy self-reliant.
India’s External Affairs Minister held the first ministerial-level meeting with China’s Foreign Minister in Delhi since the LAC disengagement in November 2024.
Discussions focused on peace consolidation, economic cooperation, and strategic challenges.
Advancing De-escalation & Stability
Both sides emphasized the importance of peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
India reiterated its 3Ds approach: Disengagement, De-escalation, De-induction.
Also stressed the 3 Mutuals: Respect, Sensitivity, Interest.
Strengthening Economic & Trade Links
Talks on enhancing trade facilitation, connectivity, river data sharing, and technology transfer.
China agreed to ease restrictions on supplying fertilizers, rare earths, and tunnel-boring machines.
Resumption of border trade via Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La.
Visa facilitation for tourists, businesses, and media.
Facilitating Cultural & People-to-People Ties
Reaffirmed resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and tourist visas.
Agreement to hold a High-Level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges in 2026.
Joint celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Regional Security and Global Engagement
India raised concerns about Pakistan-backed terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir.
Both agreed on working toward a multipolar world and regional stability.
Strengthened cooperation via SCO, BRICS, and bilateral mechanisms.
Cultural & Educational Ties: Shared civilizational links (e.g., Xuanzang, Bodhidharma), academic collaborations, growing Chinese interest in Ayurveda, Yoga, Indian arts.
Capital Flows & Technology Sharing: Chinese investments in Indian startups (unicorns) exceeding $3.5 billion by 2020; cooperation in infrastructure and high-speed rail.
Multilateral Cooperation: Collaboration in BRICS, SCO, G20, AIIB, NDB, and climate diplomacy (including support for International Solar Alliance).
Climate Justice & South-South Cooperation: Common stance against Western-imposed carbon tariffs (notably EU’s Carbon Border Tax), promoting equitable global climate governance.
Persistent Border Disputes: Undefined 3,488 km LAC with unresolved friction points; Chinese occupation of Aksai Chin and claims over Arunachal Pradesh.
Economic Asymmetry & Trade Deficit: $127.7 billion bilateral trade in 2024-25; India’s trade deficit rose to $85 billion.
Strategic & Security Concerns: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China’s opposition to India’s NSG/UNSC aspirations, cyber threats, and heavy dependence on Chinese technology.
Hydrological & Environmental Issues: China’s control over Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers, dam projects posing risks to India’s water security.
Regional Leadership Competition: China’s expanding maritime presence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean challenges India’s influence.
Deepen Strategic Dialogue
Continue Special Representatives (SR) and Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) talks.
Expand Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to economic and cultural fields.
Consider demilitarized buffer zones and clear disengagement protocols.
Enhance India’s border infrastructure and intelligence capabilities.
Economic & Trade Rebalancing
Pursue selective engagement, emphasizing capital goods and technology imports.
Reduce overdependence in critical sectors (telecom, pharmaceuticals).
Structured dialogue on market access, investment screening, and supply chains.
Manage Water & Environmental Concerns
Resume Brahmaputra hydrological data sharing.
Establish institutionalized water-sharing frameworks.
Promote joint sustainable dam management and climate-resilient practices.
Leverage Multilateral Platforms
Collaborate in BRICS, SCO, G20 for reforms, South-South cooperation, and sustainable financing.
Use issue-based coalitions to overcome bilateral irritants.
Long-Term Trust Building through Incrementalism
Adopt small, verifiable steps rather than “grand resets.”
Foster cooperation in pandemic preparedness, disaster relief, student exchanges.
India-China relations are cautiously improving through enhanced dialogue, trade, and regional cooperation. Despite deep-rooted challenges in border disputes, economic imbalance, and security concerns, sustained confidence-building, strategic autonomy, and multilateral cooperation offer pathways to a more stable and constructive bilateral relationship.
The Axiom-4 Mission, carrying Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla along with three others, successfully returned to Earth on July 15, 2025.
Mission Type: 4th private astronaut mission to the ISS by US private company Axiom Space, in partnership with NASA and SpaceX.
Duration: 14 days aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched by Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Astronauts:
Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
Peggy Whitson (USA)
Sławosz Uznański (Poland)
Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
Significance:
First mission to ISS for India, Poland, and Hungary.
First government-sponsored spaceflight for these countries in over 40 years.
Conducted 60+ scientific experiments from 31 countries (microgravity, human physiology, Earth observation, etc.).
Crop growth: Studying microgravity effects on 6 crop seed varieties for space farming.
Cyanobacteria: Observing growth for use in life support systems; cyanobacteria can photosynthesize.
Space Microalgae: Comparing genetic and metabolic activity in space vs Earth; potential as food, fuel, life support.
Myogenesis: Studying muscle loss and pathways responsible for skeletal muscle dysfunction in microgravity.
Tardigrades: Investigating survival and reproduction to understand resilience mechanisms.
Others: Studying effects of computer screen use in microgravity and STEM outreach for Indian students.
Gaganyaan Preparation: Provides medical, psychological, and crew-ground coordination insights.
Space Diplomacy: Strengthens ISRO’s collaborations with NASA, ESA, and private space companies.
Space Industry Development: Boosts India's space ecosystem, aligns with Bharatiya Antariksh Station plans.
Inspiration: Motivates Indian youth towards STEM careers through astronaut representation.
Technological:
Life support systems (air, temperature, waste, food).
Radiation protection beyond Low Earth Orbit.
Thermal protection during atmospheric re-entry (up to 7,000°F).
Reliable human-rated launch vehicles with safety and abort systems.
Logistical:
High costs for infrastructure (launchpads, testing, tracking).
Rigorous astronaut training (physical, psychological, technical).
Addressing psychological issues from long-term space missions.
Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (370–460 km altitude).
Partners: NASA (USA), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), CSA (Canada), Roscosmos (Russia).
Speed: ~28,000 km/h, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes.
Function: Largest artificial space laboratory orbiting since 1998, operational until at least 2030.
India’s first human spaceflight mission (approved in 2018).
Goal: Send 3 crew members to 400 km orbit for 3 days and return safely.
Launch Vehicle: LVM-3 (GSLV Mk-III) with 3 stages: solid boosters, liquid-fuelled second stage, indigenous cryogenic third stage.
Orbital Module: Crew Module and Service Module.
Extended Scope: Includes building the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
India’s planned space station for scientific research in 400–450 km orbit.
Will consist of 5 modules.
First module (Base Module) targeted for launch in 2028; operational by 2035.
The Axiom-4 Mission strengthens India’s technological capabilities and human capital ahead of the Gaganyaan mission and supports the long-term vision of establishing a national space station (BAS), thus positioning India prominently in human spaceflight.
The Delhi Legislative Assembly recently held a two-day conference titled ‘Vithalbhai Patel: His Role in Shaping India's Constitution and Legislative Institutions’ in New Delhi.
The conference highlighted Vithalbhai Patel’s contributions to India’s constitutional and legislative framework.
Born: 27 September 1873
Relation: Elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Political Career:
Early political leader and co-founder of the Swaraj Party along with Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru.
Entered politics before his younger brother Vallabhbhai Patel.
Initially part of the Indian National Congress, though he wasn’t always aligned with Gandhi’s methods.
Won a seat in the Bombay Legislative Council with support from followers.
After the Chauri Chaura incident and the end of the Non-cooperation Movement in 1922, he left Congress to form the Swaraj Party.
The Swaraj Party aimed to enter legislative councils and disrupt British governance from within.
Known for his oratory skills and sharp wit, gaining popularity among the masses.
Elected to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1923 and became its President (Speaker) in 1925 — the first Indian to hold this position.
Legacy:
He drew international attention to India’s independence movement, lighting the flame of freedom both domestically and abroad.
Death: Died on 22 October 1933 in Geneva, Switzerland.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Offline/Online Class
