🐘 Species in the News (Biodiversity & Conservation)
New discoveries and conservation efforts are frequently asked in exams, especially in biology and environment sections.
“Seujia Kaziranga” (Orchid Hybrid): A newly developed hybrid orchid created by expert Mohan Pradhan after eight years of research. It honors Assam’s ecological heritage.
Pethia dibrugarhensis: A new freshwater fish species discovered in the Brahmaputra River near Dibrugarh, Assam.
Great Indian Bustard (GIB): A very important species for exams. It is Critically Endangered according to the IUCN and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. India is working on its reintroduction.
Neelus sikkimensis: A newly discovered high-altitude springtail (wingless arthropod) found in Sikkim. This is the first record of this genus in India.
Dolomedes indicus: India’s first confirmed “fishing spider,” discovered in the streams of the Western Ghats in Kerala.
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📰 Important National & Regional News (March 2026)
Assam-Specific (Very Important for SEBA/ADRE)
Assam’s first Science City has been inaugurated at Tepesia, Sonapur (near Guwahati).
The Assam Cabinet has granted OBC status to 37 tea tribe communities.
A major ₹526 crore investment has been announced to improve inland water transport and connectivity.
Expansion of AI-based elephant detection systems across railway tracks and forest borders to reduce human-elephant conflict.
National Highlights
Nidhi Chhibber (IAS, 1994 batch) has been given additional charge as the CEO of NITI Aayog.
India won its third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in March 2026.
The State of India’s Environment (SOE) 2026 report states that India has crossed seven out of nine planetary boundaries, including issues like ocean acidification and rising human-tiger conflict.
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🏛️ Government Schemes & Initiatives
Here are the important schemes you should remember:
TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Health): A new 100-day mission has been launched along with the TB Mukt Bharat App for real-time monitoring.
Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (Nutrition): Financial assistance has been increased to ₹1000 per month for TB patients.
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 (Water): Now focuses more on sustainability and grey-water management in rural areas.
PM-KISAN (Agriculture): Continues to provide ₹6000 per year to farmers in three installments of ₹2000 each.
SVAMITVA Scheme (Rural Property): Provides property cards to rural households to ensure clear ownership rights.
