West Bengal's Aranya Saptaha & Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Initiatives: Summary Notes

Objectives & Targets:

• West Bengal Chief Minister announced a target to plant 7.2 crore saplings by 2026 as part of the Aranya Saptaha and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiatives.
• This initiative is a competitive response to Uttar Pradesh’s pledge of 26 crore saplings, highlighting inter-State camarader

Exam-Focused Notes on "YUVIKA 2026"

Program Overview:

• YUVIKA (Young Scientist Program): Aimed at promoting space science and technology among students.
• Duration: 11 to 22 May 2026.
• Locations: Conducted at nine ISRO centers:
  1. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
  2. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR)
  3. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)
  4. U.R. Rao Satell

Summary Notes: Bab el-Mandeb Strait Maritime Blockade

Geopolitical Context:

• Yemen’s Houthi movement declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, targeting Saudi-linked vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• This escalation follows ongoing conflicts, including a recent attack on Sanaa International Airport on July 13, attributed to Saudi Arabia by the Houthis, leading to

Summary of India's Proposed Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) III Norms

Key Facts and Figures:

• Target Emissions Reduction: Current average emissions target of 113 gCO2/km proposed to reduce to 77 gCO2/km by FY2031-32.
• International Comparisons:
  • China: 55% of new vehicle sales were electric in 2025; introduced Dual Credit System in 2018.
  • European Union: Approxi

Export Performance of India FY 2025-26

Key Statistics:

• India’s total exports reached a record $863.1 billion in FY 2025-26.
  • Goods Export: $441.8 billion
  • Services Export: $421.3 billion

Trade Agreements and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs):

• India’s exports have benefited significantly from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries, enhancing access to glo

Summary of Tiger Conservation Efforts in India

Current Status of Tigers in India:

• India is home to approximately 70% of the world's wild tiger population, with an estimated 3,682 tigers as per the 2022 All India Tiger Estimation.
• The global tiger population has increased from about 3,200 in 2010 to approximately 5,711 in 2022, marking a 78% growth.

**Constitutional and Legal Framewor

Summary Notes on Public Sector Banks and Economic Indicators

1. Performance of Public Sector Banks (PSBs)

• Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA):
  • Reduced to a historic low of 1.9% by FY 2025-26.
• Net Profit:
  • Reached an all-time high of ₹1.98 lakh crore.
• Total Business:
  • Surpassed ₹283 lakh crore.

2. **Financial Progress O

• Research Publication: The Concordance of the Indus script will be published by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bombay, utilizing a novel technique that incorporates additional study material.

• Indus Script Seals: Over 9,000 seals featuring signs and symbols of the Indus script have been discovered at archaeological sites such as Mohenjo Daro and Harappa in Pakistan, as well

Supreme Court Observations on Right to Protest: Key Points

1. Constitutional Protections:

   • The right to peaceful protest is guaranteed under the Indian Constitution, highlighting Articles related to fundamental rights.
   • Police conduct during protests may be subject to uniform guidelines ensuring the protection of both protesters and police personnel.

2. **Judicial Bench Compositi

Summary of Key Points from the Article

Cultural Initiatives and Eco-Awareness

• Kattaikoothu Theatre: A centuries-old Tamil folk theatre traditionally derived from epic stories, now addressing contemporary social issues like climate change.
• Thilagavathi Palani: Pioneer female artist in Kattaikoothu, breaking gender barriers in the art form to discuss current societal challenges

• Constitutional Reference: The Preamble of the Constitution serves as an introduction and outlines the core principles and values of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

• Youth Involvement: Mohammad Irfan, a youth from a slum settlement in Delhi, became notable for his engagement in a student protest at Jantar Mantar, highlighting the signific

Summary of Key Points on Recent Attacks on Indian Seafarers in Ukraine

1. Incident Overview:

   • Attack reported on the merchant vessel MV AGN Ragnar at Odesa port, Ukraine, on July 25, 2026.
   • Four Indian nationals aboard; two confirmed safe, status of two others unknown.

2. Casualty Data:

   • Total of five Indian seafarers killed since July 18, 2026, due to maritime conflicts

Summary of Incident Involving Cargo Ship in the South China Sea

Context:

• Location: Incident occurred near Fiery Cross Reef, a Chinese-occupied area in the Spratly Islands, which is subject to competing territorial claims by multiple nations.
• Event: A Vietnamese cargo vessel, Khoi Nguyen 18, sank during severe weather conditions, carrying a total of 62 individuals.

Summary of Southwest Monsoon Updates:

1. Monsoon Revival: The Southwest Monsoon has resumed vigor after a period of inactivity, affecting over 10 states in India, including Odisha and West Bengal.

2. Heavy Rainfall Forecast:

   • A warning for "intense rain" has been issued for several states including:
     • Gangetic West Bengal
     • Jharkhand
     • Bihar
     • Chhattisgarh

Summary of INS Sudarshini's Voyage under Lokayan 26

Event Overview:

• Vessel: INS Sudarshini, an Indian Navy training ship.
• Departure Date: July 25, 2026.
• Departure Location: Boston, USA.

Activities and Representations:

• The ship participated in the Sail 250 celebrations and the International Naval Review 250, showcasing India's rich maritime heritage.
• Enga

Summary of Key Facts and Data Regarding the Ken-Betwa Link Project Protests

Project Overview

• Ken-Betwa Link Project: India’s first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP).
• Budget: ₹44,000 crores.
• Objective: Transfer surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, addressing water scarcity in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, and providin

Summary of Key Points from the News Article

UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

• Site Inscribed: Sarnath, the location where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
• Significance: This brings India’s total to 45 World Heritage Sites, and Uttar Pradesh's count to four, alongside the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.

His

Developed Vibrant Village Program (DVVP) Highlights

Overview:

• The DVVP aims to connect youth with border villages in India, fostering a sense of patriotism and understanding of local cultures.
• Approximately 250 districts involved, with 3 lakh youth participating and 400 selected for immersive experiences in remote villages.

Objectives:

• Encourage youth to engage di

Key Highlights on India's Economic Landscape and Gender Employment Issues

National Goals & Challenges

• Vision 2047: India aspires to become a developed country (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
• Youth Unemployment: Youth unemployment is currently double compared to 2012 levels.

Economic Indicators

• GDP Growth Rate: Official figures suggest a growth of 6.2% per annum; however

Key Points from Recent Events in Jammu and Kashmir:

1. Mass Arrests and Demolitions:
   • Over 2,500 young men have reportedly been detained in Kashmir on allegations of being "over-ground workers" (OGWs) following the Anantnag attack that resulted in the death of a policeman.
   • Reports indicate mass demolitions of homes belonging to families of suspected militants, raising concerns ab

Delhi High Court Rulings on Student Protests and Surveillance: Key Points

1. Background:
   • Series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) arose from student protests at Jantar Mantar concerning alleged NEET examination irregularities and a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20, 2026.
   • Protests included claims of police surveillance and excessive force agains

• Bhagavad Gita Reference: Lord Krishna states “Vedanam Samavedosmi” indicating the significance of the Sama Veda among the Vedas.

• Sama Veda and Upanishads: The Chandogya Upanishad, part of the Sama Veda, features Chapter 7 (Bhuma Vidya) which discusses the cosmic relationship between deities Lord Muruga and Lord Krishna.

• Rishi Sanatkumara: Described as a cosmic form of Lord Mu

Key Findings from the Study on Migratory Birds

1. Study Overview:

   • Conducted by Georgetown University in collaboration with ornithologists globally, including the State of India’s Birds (SoIB) partnership.
   • Published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity.

2. Global Bird Population Decline:

   • Approximately 51% of migratory bird species are experiencing population declines

Key Points on Qdenga Dengue Vaccine Approval and Implications

1. Vaccine Approval and Licensing:

• Qdenga: The first dengue vaccine approved in India by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), following licensing in over 40 countries and World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification.
• Addresses significant dengue burden in India, particularly during r