State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 07 May 2026

Death of Tigress and Cubs in Kanha Tiger Reserve

Why in News? 

The Forest Department has submitted a report to the government regarding the death of a tigress and her four cubs in the Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, raising serious concerns over wildlife protection and forest management. 

Key Points 

• Incident: A tigress along with her four cubs was found dead in the Kanha Tiger Reserve, triggering an official inquiry by forest authorities, suspecting canine distemper virus (CDV). 
  • The deaths have raised the total tiger fatalities in the state to 30 this year. 
  • The Forest Department has prepared and submitted a detailed investigation report to the state government on the possible causes of death. 
• Canine Distemper Virus (CDV): It affects respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems and is often transmitted through contact with infected domestic or stray dogs. 
• Wildlife Protection Issue: The incident highlights concerns regarding tiger conservation, habitat management, and monitoring of vulnerable wildlife populations. 
•  Kanha Tiger Reserve: 
  • It was established in 1955 and was declared the Kanha Tiger Reserve in 1973. 
  • It is the largest national park in Central India. 
  • Other tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh include Sanjay-Dubri, Panna, Satpura, Bandhavgarh, and Pench. 

Read More:  Kanha Tiger Reserve, Canine distemper virus (CDV)

Indore to Host BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting

Why in News? 

India will host the meeting of BRICS Agriculture Ministers in Indore in June 2026 under its BRICS presidency. 

Key Points 

• Event & Venue: The BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting will be held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. 
• Organiser: The event is being hosted by India as part of its BRICS Presidency in 2026. 
• Participants: Agriculture ministers of BRICS member countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) will participate in the meeting. 
• Focus: It will centre around food security, modern agricultural practices, international trade, and the welfare of farmers. . 
  • It will also focus on climate-resilient agriculture, digital agriculture, supply chains, research, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and knowledge exchange. 
• BRICS: The term “BRIC” was introduced by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001. 
  • Originally, BRIC comprised Brazil, Russia, India, and China. 
  • South Africa joined in 2010, leading to the formation of BRICS. 

Read More: BRICS

India’s First Barrier-Less Toll System Launched in Gujarat

Why in News?

India has launched its first barrier-less tolling system based on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology in Gujarat, marking a major shift in highway toll collection. 

Key Points 

• System: India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less toll system has been operationalised on the Surat–Bharuch stretch of NH-48 in Gujarat. 
  • The system removes toll booths and physical barriers, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping at highway speeds. 
• Technology Used: It uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag integration for automatic toll deduction. 
• Objective: The system aims to reduce congestion, cut travel time, improve fuel efficiency, and lower emissions on busy highway corridors. 
  • The barrier-less system will improve “Ease of Living” and promote “Ease of Doing Business” by facilitating quicker movement of passengers and goods. 
• Institutional Role: The initiative is implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 

Read More: Ease of Doing Business, NHAI

Two Indian Journalists Win Prestigious Pulitzer Prize

Why in News?

Indian journalists Anand RK and Suparna Sharma have won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category for their project “trAPPed”, produced with Natalie Obiko Pearson for Bloomberg.

Key Points

• Award-Winning Project: The project “trAPPed” highlights the growing menace of digital surveillance, cyber fraud, and “digital arrest” scams in India.
  • It narrates the story of an Indian neurologist allegedly trapped through her phone by cybercriminals using intimidation and surveillance tactics.
  • The Pulitzer Board described it as a “riveting account” that effectively combines visual storytelling and investigative journalism to expose emerging technology-driven crimes.
• Global Recognition of Indian Journalism: The award underlines the increasing international recognition of Indian investigative and visual journalism.
• Focus on Cybercrime: It highlights the global challenge posed by digital scams, online surveillance, and cyber fraud networks.
• Rise of Visual Storytelling: The project showcases how graphic narratives and illustrated reporting can simplify complex technological and social issues.
• Press Freedom & Investigative Journalism: The award reinforces the importance of independent journalism in exposing emerging threats in the digital age.

Read More: Pulitzer Prize