Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Hockey coach Baldev Singh is being conferred the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to hockey, particularly in developing talent from Shahabad Markanda.
Key points
- Baldev Singh to receive Padma Shri.
- He transformed Shahabad Markanda into a hockey talent hub.
- Mentored over 80 international players and eight Indian captains.
- Held coaching and selection roles for junior and senior national teams, including winning Asia Cup gold in 2004.
Background & context
The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours in India, awarded by the Government of India annually. They are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Baldev Singh is a coach who developed talent from Shahabad Markanda, Haryana.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Art & Culture (Sports); GS Paper 4: Ethics (Contribution to society).
Why in news?
A new species of worm-eating snake, Trachischium lalremsangai, has been discovered in Mizoram and named after a prominent herpetologist.
Key points
- New snake species, Trachischium lalremsangai, found in Mizoram and Myanmar.
- It is a worm-eating and fossorial (underground dwelling) snake.
- Named after Professor Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga for his contributions to herpetology.
- Discovered in Murlen National Park, Mizoram.
- Distinct features include two scales behind the eye and a light-brown belly.
Background & context
The Indo-Burma region is a global biodiversity hotspot, known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The new snake species was discovered in Murlen National Park, Mizoram.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Biodiversity, Conservation.
Why in news?
The Bihar cabinet has approved Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to launch a direct flight between Gaya Ji and Bangkok to boost religious tourism and international air connectivity.
Key points
- Bihar cabinet approved ₹10.40 crore VGF for Gaya-Bangkok direct flights.
- Aim is to strengthen international air connectivity and boost religious tourism.
- Indigo Airlines selected to operate the flights, initially two per week.
- Expected to increase tourist arrivals, especially Buddhist pilgrims from Thailand.
- VGF sanctioned for up to 12 months, with ₹5 lakh per trip.
Background & context
Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is a grant provided by the government to make infrastructure projects more viable for private investors. Gaya is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The VGF approved is ₹10.40 crore for the Gaya-Bangkok air route.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance (Government policies, Infrastructure); GS Paper 1: Geography (Tourism infrastructure).