• 25 Dec 2025

Bamboo Huts Promote Sustainable Tourism at Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Why in News? 

Eco-friendly bamboo huts established at the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in Bihar have emerged as a model of sustainable tourism. 

Key Points 

• Location: Valmiki Tiger Reserve is located in West Champaran district, Bihar, near the India–Nepal border. 
• Environmental Benefits: Bamboo huts reduce ecological damage, blend with natural surroundings, and support green construction practices. 
• Economic Significance: Promotes local employment, boosts rural income, and encourages community participation in tourism. 
• Government Vision: Aligns with Bihar government’s focus on eco-tourism development and sustainable use of forest resources. 
• Valmiki Tiger Reserve: VTR is Bihar’s only tiger reserve and part of the Valmiki Nagar forest landscape. 
  • Established: Notified as a Tiger Reserve in 1994 under Project Tiger 
  • Landscape: Part of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) 
  • Rivers: Gandak River and its tributaries drain the reserve 
  • International Boundary: Shares boundary with Chitwan National Park (Nepal)

Sirsi to Host Karnataka’s Second Monkey Fever Testing Laboratory

Why in News? 

Karnataka is establishing its second Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) testing laboratory in Sirsi to enhance disease detection and control efforts in the state. 

Key Points 

• Location: The testing laboratory will be set up in Sirsi, in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. 
• Purpose: It is being established to handle increased testing demand, improve diagnostic capacity, and enable earlier detection of KFD cases. 
• Disease Background: Kyasanur Forest Disease, also called Monkey Fever, is a tick‑borne viral disease endemic to parts of Karnataka and other regions. 
  • Symptoms : Fever, headache, body pain, chills, fatigue, vomiting etc. 
  • Treatment: No specific antiviral treatment available but needs supportive care, antipyretics, pain relief, hydration and preventive measures. 
  • Spread: through tick bites and handling infected animals. 
  • Types: It is a zoonotic disease and has no human-to-human transmission. 
• First Lab: The first KFD testing lab is in Shivamogga district of Karnataka.

3rd Sansad Khel Mahotsav

Why in News? 

The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the 3rd Sansad Khel Mahotsav in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, urging the youth to say “No to drugs and Yes to sports” 

Key Points 

• Sansad Khel Mahotsav: A national-level sports festival organised by the Parliament of India to promote youth participation, discipline, teamwork, and holistic development. 
• Sports Awareness: Vice-President emphasized sports as a tool to build discipline, teamwork, character, and physical fitness. 
• Drug Awareness: Encouraged youth to avoid drugs and adopt healthy lifestyle choices by adopting “No to drugs and Yes to sports” spirit. 
• Government Initiatives: Highlighted programs like Khelo India, Fit India Movement, and support for indigenous sports. 
• Women in Sports: Underlined importance of women’s participation, referencing initiatives like ASMITA Women’s League. 
• Holistic Development: Urged parents and teachers to encourage sports alongside academics for balanced growth. 

Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary

Why in News? 

Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Anu Garg has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of Odisha, making her the first woman to hold the state’s top bureaucratic post.

Key Facts 

• Batch & Cadre: She is a 1991‑batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre. 
• Succession: She will succeed Manoj Ahuja, who is set to retire on December 31, 2025.  
• Experience: She has over three decades of administrative experience across key state and central government roles. 
• Current Role: She was Development Commissioner‑cum‑Additional Chief Secretary and also held charges in the Planning & Convergence and Water Resources departments. 
• Record Achievements: She was also the first woman Development Commissioner of Odisha. 

Vinod Kumar Shukla passes away at 88

Why in News?

Eminent Hindi author Vinod Kumar Shukla, recipient of the Jnanpith Award, passed away at the age of 88 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. 

Key Points 

• Literary Stature: A renowned Hindi writer, poet, novelist, and short‑story author.  
• Death: He died on 23 December 2025 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur.  
• Jnanpith Award: He was conferred the 59th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, in 2025. 
• Achievement: Chhattisgarh’s First Jnanpith award winner. 
  • Birth: 1 January 1937, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh 
  • Major Works: Naukar Ki Kameez, Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rehti Thi. 
  • Award: Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999 for his novel Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rahati Thi.

Mega Drone Show at Navi Mumbai International Airport

Why in News?

A Mega Drone Show was held on the eve of the operational launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) in Maharashtra. 

Key Points 

• Drone Display: A mega drone show formed 3D lotus patterns, the airport logo, green airport motifs, and symbols of India’s growth and aviation vision. 
• Purpose: The drone display celebrated the operational readiness and launch of the airport. 
• Theme: The formations symbolised innovation, sustainability, and national progress, underscoring NMIA’s identity and future aspirations.  
• Airport Status: NMIA serves the second international airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.