An International Award of Grassroots Conservation.

Parveen Shaikh is a winner of the Whitley Award 2026. This is sometimes referred to as the Green Oscars.

It acknowledges excellent efforts in the conservation of wildlife. Shaikh was awarded this honour because he was protecting the endangered Indian skimmer using a community based model.

Her writing brings out the strength of local involvement in biodiversity conservation.

Introduction: A Step towards Inclusive Banking.

India Post Payments Bank has launched a zero balance savings account of Self Help Groups (SHGs). This project targets women-organizations in the rural regions.

It has been initiated under the Ministry of communications. The aim is simple. Make banking accessible to individuals who tend to be excluded in the formal system easily and cheaply.

The move helps in supporting financial inclusion and empowering economic growth of the grassroots.

Introduction: A Spiritual Journey Returns

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2016 has been announced by the Government of India. The yatra will be held between June and August 2026.

This will be the revival of one of the holiest border pilgrimages in Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs has initiated this yatra in consultation with China.

It will provide an opportunity for devotees to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

One of the big strides in Coastal Surveillance.

The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has plans to deploy a high-frequency (HF) radar in the Karaikal area of Puducherry.

The purpose of the project is to enhance ocean real-time monitoring. It will also enhance weather prediction and early warning of cyclone and extreme weather events.

Introduction: A Day of Unity and Pride.

The Foundation Day of Maharashtra is held on May 1. It is celebrated as Maharashtra Day or Maharashtra Divas. It is the genesis of the state in 1960 following its division with the previous Bombay State.

The day indicates the unity, identity, and cultural pride of Marathi speaking people. It also commemorates the protracted fight that resulted in the establishment of an independent state.