AWBI will honour Champions of Animal Protection Award under two major categories Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award. 

• This initiative aims to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their remarkable contributions to animal welfare and protection. 

About AWBI

• Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act (PCAA) 1960 established the AWBI in 1962 as a statutory advisory body on Animal Welfare Laws and promotes animal welfare.
• It was started under the stewardship of Rukmini Devi Arundale, well known humanitarian. 
• It consists of 28 Members including 6 Members of Parliament (2 from Rajya Sabha and 4 from Lok Sabha).

Income tax authorities can issue reassessment notices under General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR) under the proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025.

About GAAR

• It is an anti-tax avoidance law to curb tax evasion and avoid tax leaks. 
• It acts as a tool for checking aggressive tax planning especially that transaction or business arrangement which is/are entered into with the objective of avoiding tax. 
• Currently, since April 01, 2017, it has been established under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• GAAR was reviewed by an expert committee led by Parthasarathy Shome.

Migratory birds leave BNP due to rise in temperature. 

About BNP 

• Ecosystem: India’s 2nd largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sunderbans.
  • Formed by creeks & canals fed by Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Patasala rivers.
• Fauna: Consists of largest population of endangered Saltwater Crocodiles in India.
  • Olive Ridley turtles’ nest on Gahirmatha and other nearby beaches. 
  • Other key species include Migratory birds, 8 Kingfisher varieties, deer, hyenas, wild boars, etc. 
• Unique Phenomenon: Bagagahana or the heronry near Surajpore creek wherein thousands of birds colonise the creek for nesting and the aerial acrobatics performed before the mating.

Environmental activists raised concerns over the rapidly declining water levels in the Caspian Sea. 

• It has already lost nearly 31,000 square km since 2005. 

About Caspian Sea

• It is the largest enclosed water body in the world. 
• The sea is bordered by five countries: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Iran.
  • Kazakhstan has the longest coastline along the Caspian Sea.
• Its oil reserves are estimated at 48 billion barrels.
• Reasons for declining water level: The climate crisis, excessive water use for agriculture, and pollution from nuclear waste, industry and poor urban planning, etc.

A study published in Nature Communications challenges the long-held belief about Mars' red color.

Findings of the New study about Red Color of Mars (The Red Planet)

• Previous studies attributed Mars’ red color to Anhydrous Hematite formed through recent weathering.
• New study finds poorly crystalline Ferrihydrite (Fe₅O₈H · nH₂O) is the main iron oxide in Martian dust.
• It is formed during a cold, wet period on early Mars under oxidative conditions. It suggests Mars underwent aqueous alteration before becoming the dry desert seen today

WHO marks 20 years of its first global treaty, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

About WHO FCTC

• Genesis: Adopted in 2003, enforced in 2005.
• Purpose: Provides a legal framework for tobacco control which includes large pictorial health warnings, smoke-free laws, and higher taxes.
• India’s Role: Ratified in 2004, served as South-East Asia’s regional coordinator.
• Impact: 5.6 billion people covered by at least one policy, contributing to declining global smoking rates.

A 1.4m Buddha head and stupas (1,500+ years old) found in Ratnagiri, Odisha, confirm its role as a Tantric Buddhism hub.

• Buddhism has three main schools: Theravāda (orthodox), Mahāyāna (includes Zen & Pure Land), and Vajrayāna (includes Tibetan Buddhism).

Evolution of Tantric Buddhism

• Tantric Buddhism was a shift from abstract philosophy to sadhana (practical methods) for enlightenment.
• Mahayana Buddhism introduced mantras & rituals, leading to two branches: Mantrayana (early Tantra) & Paramita-yana.
  • The mantra-yana may be regarded as the ‘initial’ stage of Tantric Buddhism when yogic practices got added to it, it was full-fledged Tantric Buddhism’.

Battle of Karnal fought on February 24, 1739 shaped the political landscape of the subcontinent.

About the Battle of Karnal

• Fought between Nadir Shah, ruler of Afsharid Persia and the Mughal Empire led by Emperor Muhammad Shah.
• Outcome: Mughal forces were defeated and Emperor Muhammad Shah was taken captive by Nadir Shah, marking a significant blow to the Mughal Empire’s authority and prestige.
  • Nadir Shah sacked Agra and Delhi and carried the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor to Persia.
• Significance: Highlighted the growing influence of external powers and the weakening grip of the Mughals over their dominions. 
  • It also laid the groundwork for further invasions and foreign interventions in India.