Context: A new international study has reported that rhino dehorning has reduced poaching in African reserves by nearly 75–78%, positioning it as a highly cost-effective anti-poaching strategy. Dehorning removes most of the rhino horn — which is made of keratin — thereby reducing the economic incentive for poachers. When combined with patrols and monitoring, it significantly raises survival rates. About Rhinoceros (Rhino) Rhinos are large, herbivorous mammals belonging to the family Rhinocerotidae. They are among the planet’s oldest megafauna, surviving since prehistoric times. Habitat Rhinos live in a range of ecosystems, depending on the species, including: Five Rhino Species Species Region Status White rhino (Ceratotherium simum) Africa Near Threatened Black rhino (Diceros bicornis) Africa Critically Endangered Greater one-horned / Indian rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) India, Nepal Vulnerable Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) Indonesia Critically Endangered Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) Indonesia Critically Endangered Conservation Status Summary

Source: TH Context: Brazil has officially transferred the 18th BRICS presidency to India for the year 2026, a transition taking place amid intensifying global trade frictions and geopolitical uncertainty. About India’s BRICS Presidency 2026 India will serve as the rotating Chair of BRICS in 2026, responsible for: BRICS – Formation & Evolution Current Membership Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia Rotational System of BRICS Presidency Institutional Setup

Context: An Indian Army contingent has departed for the second edition of the bilateral joint military exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II (2025) to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. About Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II (2025) A bilateral joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces, focused on improving interoperability, coordination and tactical cooperation. Host Nation: Participants:

Source: TH Context: Tamil Nadu forest authorities are planning an extensive survey to determine hornbill populations across forest landscapes, beginning late December 2025 and continuing till March/April 2026. Hornbill A hornbill is a large, striking bird found mainly in tropical and subtropical forests of Asia and Africa, known for its long curved bill and the distinctive casque (helmet-like structure) on top. Ecological Importance Hornbills are called “farmers of the forest” because they disperse seeds over large areas, helping forests regenerate. IUCN Status of Hornbills (Major Species) Hornbills as a group fall under different IUCN categories depending on the species. Below are the important hornbill species (India & Asia focused) with their current IUCN Red List status: Hornbill Species IUCN Status Great Hornbill Vulnerable (VU) Indian Grey Hornbill Least Concern (LC) Malabar Pied Hornbill Near Threatened (NT) Rhinoceros Hornbill Vulnerable (VU) Oriental Pied Hornbill Least Concern (LC) Narcondam Hornbill Endangered (EN) Why Some Hornbills Are Threatened

Source: ET Context: India and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in maritime heritage, particularly supporting the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. Objectives of the MoU About NMHC, Lothal

Context: India has emerged as the world’s top doping offender for the third consecutive year, according to the latest World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report — a troubling sign for a nation with rising sporting ambitions. The Indian Express editorial argues that the problem is no longer about individual athletes but a deep cultural and structural failure in Indian sport. What the numbers show About World Anti-Doping Agency The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an independent international organization established in 1999 to promote, coordinate, and monitor the global fight against doping in sports.Headquarters: Montreal, CanadaMandate: Ensure fair play, athlete health, and integrity of sports worldwide.

Source: Business Standard Context: The recent introduction of several Private Member Bills (PMBs) — on issues such as digital harms, workplace rights, and voting freedom — has renewed focus on their role in India’s legislative system. What is a Private Member Bill? A Private Member Bill is a bill introduced in Parliament by any MP who is not a Minister. Relevant Constitutional Articles Article 107 – Ordinary Bills Article 109 – Money Bills Article 110 – Definition of Money Bill Article 117 – Financial Bills Article 118 – Rules of Procedure Private Member Bill vs Government Bill (Constitutional Angle) Aspect Private Member Bill Government Bill Article applicable Art. 107 Art. 107 Introduced by Non-Minister MP Minister Money Bill (Art. 109, 110) Financial Bill (Art. 117) Rules governed by Art. 118 Art. 118