Which Tree is known as the King of Trees?

Trees are among the greatest gifts of nature. They give us fresh air, shade, fruits, and shelter. Some trees grow small, while others become huge and powerful over time. One special tree is admired for its vast size, long life, and strong presence. It looks grand and majestic, spreading wide like a natural palace. Because of these royal qualities, people honor it with a noble title.

Which Tree is known as the King of Trees?

The Banyan Tree is known as the King of Trees. It earns this title because of its huge size, long life, and special way of growing. Its branches send down roots that become new trunks, allowing one tree to spread like a forest. It gives shade, shelter, and food to many living beings and stands for strength and endurance.

Why is the Banyan Tree known as the King of Trees?

The Banyan tree earns this royal title because of its grand size, long life, and special way of growing. It sends down roots from its branches, which turn into new trunks. In this way, one tree can spread over a large area and look like a small forest. It gives shade, shelter, food, and comfort to many living beings, just like a caring king.

Basic Information About the Banyan Tree

The common name of this tree is the Banyan Tree.

Its scientific name is Ficus benghalensis.
It is known as the King of Trees.
It is the National Tree of India.
It can live for several hundred years.
It is native to the Indian subcontinent.
It is an evergreen fig tree.

Scientific Name of the Banyan Tree

The scientific name of the Banyan tree is Ficus benghalensis. It belongs to the fig family. The most special feature of this tree is its aerial roots, which grow down from branches and become strong trunks over time.

Where is the Banyan Tree Found?

The Banyan tree mainly grows in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It prefers warm, tropical, and subtropical climates. It is often seen near villages, along roads, in open fields, and around temples, where people gather and rest.

Ecological Importance of the Banyan Tree

The Banyan tree plays a major role in nature. Its wide canopy keeps the surroundings cool. It improves air quality and offers shelter to birds, insects, monkeys, and many small animals. Its fruits feed wildlife throughout the year. In this way, it supports a rich natural life around it.

Cultural and National Importance

In Indian culture, the Banyan tree stands for long life, wisdom, and strength. Many stories and traditions are linked with it. People believe it represents stability and protection. Because of these values, it is honoured as the National Tree of India, showing unity and endurance.

Interesting Facts About the Banyan Tree

Huge Spread: A single Banyan tree can cover several acres of land. Its branches grow wide and far, making it look like a forest.
Natural Pillars: The hanging roots grow into thick trunks. These act like natural pillars that support the heavy branches.
Very Long Life: Many Banyan trees live for hundreds of years. Some famous ones in India are believed to be over two centuries old.
Home for Wildlife: Birds, bats, insects, and animals live on and around this tree. Its figs are an important food source.
Symbol of Strength: As India’s National Tree, it shows strength, unity, and endless growth.

Which City is known as the New York of India? Know the Comparison Between Two

India has many famous cities, each with its own charm and purpose. Some are known for history, some for temples, and some for natural beauty. One city stands out for its fast life, tall buildings, busy streets, and endless chances. It attracts dreamers from every corner of the country who come to build careers, chase success, and create a better future.

Which City is known as the New York of India?

Mumbai is known as the New York of India. It is the financial and entertainment capital of the country. The city is famous for its tall buildings, fast life, and big dreams. Important banks, stock exchanges, and companies are located here. Like New York, Mumbai never sleeps and attracts people from all over India who come to build a better future.

Why is Mumbai known as the New York of India?

Mumbai and New York City share many similarities. Their lifestyle, importance, and energy are quite alike. Let us understand the reasons why Mumbai earned the title of New York of India:

Financial Heart of the Country

Mumbai is the money capital of India. It is home to major institutions like:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
National Stock Exchange (NSE)

Big Indian and international companies have their main offices here. Just as Wall Street makes New York powerful, Dalal Street makes Mumbai strong.

City of Big Dreams

Mumbai is called “Mayanagri”, which means City of Dreams. Every year, lakhs of people come here hoping for:

Good jobs
Success in business
A place in Bollywood
A better life

New York is famous for fulfilling dreams in the West, and Mumbai plays the same role in India.

Tall Buildings and Modern Skyline

Because land is limited, Mumbai grows upward instead of outward.

It has the highest number of skyscrapers in India.
Luxury apartments and business towers shape its skyline.

This vertical growth is very similar to New York’s tall buildings.

A City of Many Cultures

Mumbai is one of the most diverse cities in India. People from:

North India
South India
East and West India
Different religions and languages

all live together here. This mix of cultures is just like New York, which welcomes people from all over the world.

The City that Never Sleeps

Mumbai is always awake.

Trains run from early morning till midnight
Markets stay open late
Hospitals, hotels, media offices, and police work 24/7

The Mumbai local trains carry millions of people every day and are called the lifeline of the city, just like the subway in New York.

Home of Bollywood

Mumbai is the centre of the Indian film industry.

Thousands of movies are made here
Actors, writers, and musicians work in this city

Just as New York is famous for Broadway and media houses, Mumbai shines with Bollywood.

From Islands to a Mega City

Long ago, Mumbai was made of seven small islands. Over time, land was filled in from the sea, roads were built, and the city grew into a huge modern metropolis. Today, it is one of the largest urban areas in the world.

Comparison of Mumbai and New York

Feature	Mumbai	New York
Main Role	Financial & Film capital of India	Financial & cultural capital of USA
Famous for	Bollywood, stock market, business	Wall Street, Broadway, media
Lifestyle	Fast and busy	Fast and busy
Transport	Local trains	Subway
Culture	Mix of all Indian cultures	Mix of world cultures

Tropical Storm Nokaen Raises Lahar Threat Near Philippines’ Mayon Volcano

The Philippines is facing a fresh natural hazard as tropical storm Nokaen threatens to trigger lahars near Mayon Volcano. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to southern Luzon, raising concerns of muddy volcanic flows in areas already impacted by volcanic unrest. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and follow safety advisories closely.

Why in News?

Tropical storm Nokaen is moving near Luzon in the Philippines. Authorities have warned that heavy rainfall could trigger lahars around Mayon Volcano.

What Is Tropical Storm Nokaen?

Tropical storm Nokaen, locally named Ada, is the first tropical cyclone of 2026 to affect the Philippines.
According to the PAGASA, the storm has sustained winds of about 65 kmph, with gusts reaching 80 kmph.
It is moving slowly northward over the Philippine Sea and is expected to affect the eastern coast of southern Luzon, bringing widespread rainfall over the weekend.

Why Mayon Volcano Is at Risk

Mayon Volcano, located in Albay province, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines.
It has been restive since January 1, with recent eruptions depositing loose volcanic materials on its slopes.
Heavy rainfall from tropical storm Nokaen can mobilise these materials, forming lahars, which are fast-moving volcanic mudflows that travel along river channels and drainage systems, posing serious risks to nearby communities.

Warnings from Volcanic Authorities

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued warnings that intense rainfall of 100-200 mm could generate syn eruption lahars.
These lahars may form by mixing rainwater with fresh pyroclastic deposits from ongoing volcanic activity. Phivolcs also cautioned that some lahars may remain hot, causing severe burns and life-threatening injuries upon contact.

Threats to Communities and Infrastructure

Authorities warned that lahars could threaten downstream communities through inundation, burial, boulder impacts and washouts, potentially reaching coastal areas east of the volcano.
Older volcanic deposits on the southwestern slopes may also be remobilised as non-eruption lahars.
Thousands of residents around Mayon have already been displaced due to volcanic activity, and heavy rains could further worsen conditions in evacuation centres and complicate emergency response operations.

What Are Lahars?

Lahars are volcanic mudflows made of water, ash, rock and debris.
They usually occur when heavy rainfall mixes with loose volcanic material on a volcano’s slopes.
Lahars can flow rapidly and over long distances, destroying everything in their path.
They are among the deadliest volcanic hazards and can occur even when a volcano is not actively erupting.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Tropical storm Nokaen raising lahar risk
Storm Name	Nokaen (Ada)
Affected Area	Southern Luzon, Philippines
Volcano at Risk	Mayon Volcano
Main Threat	Lahars and muddy streamflows
Rainfall Expected	100-200 mm

Question

Q. Lahars are best described as,

A. Lava fountains
B. Volcanic ash clouds
C. Volcanic mudflows
D. Earthquake-triggered landslides

Maharashtra Cabinet Approves ₹4,775 Crore Bembla River Irrigation Project

The Maharashtra Cabinet has taken two major policy decisions aimed at boosting rural development and youth employment. It has approved the ₹4,775 crore Bembla River Irrigation Project in Yavatmal district to expand irrigation coverage, and cleared the formation of a new state agency to support overseas employment for skilled youth from Maharashtra.

Why in News?

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved a large irrigation project on the Bembla River worth ₹4,775 crore. It also cleared the establishment of a new overseas employment facilitation agency named MAHIMA.

Bembla River Irrigation Project

Key Features

The approved Bembla River Irrigation Project will be implemented in Yavatmal district and is expected to significantly strengthen agricultural infrastructure in the region.
The project will bring 52,423 hectares of land under assured irrigation across five talukas, reducing dependence on rainfall.
With a total cost of ₹4,775 crore, the project aims to improve crop productivity, enhance farmer incomes, and reduce agrarian distress in drought prone areas.
Improved irrigation will also support crop diversification and long-term water security in eastern Maharashtra.

Agricultural and Regional Importance

Irrigation remains a critical challenge in several parts of Maharashtra, especially in Vidarbha.
The Bembla River project is expected to stabilise farm output by ensuring reliable water supply throughout the year.
Better irrigation will help farmers shift from low value rain fed crops to higher-value crops, boosting rural incomes.
The project is also expected to generate employment during construction and related activities.
In the long run, it will strengthen regional food security and support sustainable agricultural growth in Yavatmal and surrounding areas.

MAHIMA: New Agency for Overseas Employment

Alongside irrigation reforms, the Cabinet approved the creation of the Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancements (MAHIMA).
The agency will focus on providing overseas employment opportunities for trained and skilled youth from the state. MAHIMA will work on coordination, skill mapping, and implementation mechanisms to connect Maharashtra’s workforce with global labor markets.
This move aims to reduce unemployment, improve remittance inflows, and enhance international exposure for the state’s youth.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Cabinet approved irrigation project and MAHIMA
Project Name	Bembla River Irrigation Project
Project Cost	₹4,775 crore
Area Covered	52,423 hectares
District	Yavatmal, Maharashtra
New Agency	MAHIMA
Purpose of MAHIMA	Overseas employment for youth

Question

Q. In which district will the Bembla River Irrigation Project be implemented?

A. Nagpur
B. Yavatmal
C. Pune
D. Nashik

Maruti Suzuki to Set Up Mega Car Plant in Gujarat

The Gujarat Government and Maruti Suzuki India Limited have exchanged an investment letter for a major new car manufacturing facility in Gujarat. The plant will be set up at Khoraj with an investment of ₹35,000 crore. The project marks a significant boost to India’s automobile sector and reinforces Gujarat’s position as a leading industrial hub.

Why in News?

Maruti Suzuki and the Gujarat Government have formally exchanged an investment letter. The agreement is for setting up a large vehicle manufacturing plant at Khoraj, Gujarat.

About the Khoraj Manufacturing Project

The new Maruti Suzuki manufacturing plant will come up at Khoraj in Gujarat, spread across around 1,750 acres of land.
The facility will be developed in phases and will eventually consist of four manufacturing units.
Each unit will have a production capacity of 2.5 lakh vehicles, taking the total annual output to 10 lakh cars.
Production from the first unit is expected to begin by the financial year 2029, making it one of the largest automobile projects in India.

Investment and Production Capacity

The total investment in the Khoraj project is estimated at ₹35,000 crore, making it one of the biggest single investments in India’s automobile manufacturing sector.
Once fully operational, the plant will significantly enhance Maruti Suzuki’s production capacity.
This expansion will help the company meet rising domestic demand and strengthen India’s role as a global automobile manufacturing base.

Role of the Gujarat Government

The investment letter exchange ceremony was held in Gandhinagar in the presence of Bhupendra Patel and Harsh Sanghavi.
The Gujarat Government welcomed the project, highlighting its commitment to creating an industry friendly environment.
The state has positioned itself as home to the country’s most competitive automobile manufacturing corridor, supported by strong infrastructure and policy support.

Employment and Economic Impact

The Khoraj plant is expected to create direct employment for over 12,000 people.
In addition, it will generate indirect livelihood opportunities for nearly 7.5 lakh individuals through the growth of ancillary industries, supplier networks and MSME clusters around the facility.
This large employment potential makes the project crucial for regional development and inclusive economic growth.

Boost to MSMEs and Industrial Ecosystem

The establishment of the plant will encourage the development of auto component suppliers and MSMEs in nearby areas.
These ancillary units will play a key role in supporting vehicle production and logistics.
The project is expected to deepen Gujarat’s industrial ecosystem, attract further private investment and enhance skill development in manufacturing-related trades.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Investment letter exchanged for Maruti Suzuki plant
Company	Maruti Suzuki India Limited
Location	Khoraj, Gujarat
Investment Size	₹35,000 crore
Annual Capacity	10 lakh vehicles
Employment Impact	12,000 direct, 7.5 lakh indirect

Question

Q. The new Maruti Suzuki manufacturing plant will be set up at which location?

A. Sanand
B. Khoraj
C. Halol
D. Dahej

India’s Electronics Exports Cross $47 Billion in 2025

India’s electronics manufacturing push has delivered a major export milestone. Electronics exports crossed $47 billion in 2025, supported by strong smartphone shipments and policy-backed manufacturing incentives. The achievement highlights India’s growing role in global supply chains and signals the success of production-linked incentive schemes.

Why in News?

India’s electronics exports crossed $47 billion for the first time in 2025. Smartphone exports driven by the PLI scheme accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total value.

Export Performance in 2025

According to data released by the Department of Commerce, India’s electronics exports reached $47 billion (₹4.15 trillion) in 2025.
This represents a 37% increase over $34.93 billion recorded in 2024.
Exports crossed the $4 billion mark in seven out of twelve months, showing sustained momentum.
December 2025 alone recorded exports of $4.17 billion, up 16.8% from the previous year.
This steady growth reflects rising global demand and expanding manufacturing capacity in India’s electronics sector.

Role of Smartphones and iPhone Manufacturing

Nearly $30 billion, or about two-thirds of total electronics exports, came from PLI-driven smartphone exports in 2025.
A large share of this growth was led by iPhone manufacturing in India by suppliers linked to Apple.
The smartphone segment reached an all-time high, reflecting India’s integration into global electronics value chains.
Large-scale assembly, improved component sourcing, and export-oriented production helped smartphones become India’s single biggest electronics export category during the year.

Other Key Electronics Export Segments

Beyond smartphones, India’s electronics exports were supported by a diversified product base.
Major items included photovoltaic cells, routers and networking equipment, charger adapters, electronic components, sub-assemblies and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
These products indicate a gradual move beyond pure assembly towards higher-value electronics manufacturing.
The expansion of renewable energy equipment and networking hardware exports also reflects India’s growing capabilities in emerging technology segments.

Challenges and the Road to $55 Billion

While the $47 billion milestone is significant, the next target of $55 billion depends on policy clarity and external risks.
Industry experts point to concerns around global tariff uncertainties, trade restrictions, and evolving supply chain geopolitics.
Continued support through stable PLI policies, ease of doing business, and predictable trade rules will be crucial.
Addressing these factors will determine whether India can sustain growth and scale up electronics exports further.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Electronics exports crossed $47 billion
Electronics exports crossed	$47 billion
Year	2025
Growth Rate	37% over 2024
Major Driver	PLI-based smartphone exports
Next Target	$55 billion
Smartphone Share	$30 billion

Question

Q. India’s electronics exports crossed which value in 2025?

A. $35 billion
B. $40 billion
C. $47 billion
D. $55 billion

TBIL Full Form, Know Its Meaning, Objective and Research Areas

TSBIL stands for Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory. This special lab works to create new imaging techniques to better understand how the human and animal body works. The main aim is to use these new scientific methods in hospitals and clinics, so diseases can be found and treated more easily.

Full Form of TBIL

TBIL means Translational Biomedical Imaging Laboratory. It is a research center that works on creating modern imaging techniques to study the human and animal body. The goal is to turn these methods into practical tools for hospitals. These advanced images help doctors detect diseases early, understand them better, and treat patients in a safer and more effective way.

Main Goals of TBIL

The key goal of TBIL is to develop advanced imaging tools that help doctors diagnose and treat many different diseases. TBIL also wants to partner with other research centres to understand the human body better and discover new ways to treat illness. Another important aim is to teach students and researchers about biomedical imaging.

Research Areas in TBIL

TBIL does research in many areas of biomedical imaging. Some of them include:

MBI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI helps take detailed pictures of the inside of the body. TBIL is working on making MRI scans faster and clearer, so patients don’t have to stay in the machine for a long time.
Optical Imaging: This technique is used to look at small things inside the body like cells and molecules. TBIL is developing new optical imaging tools to detect diseases like cancer early.
PET (Positron Emission Tomography): PET scans show how the body uses energy. TBIL researchers are making special PET tracers that can help find and treat many types of diseases.
CT (Computed Tomography): CT scans also give detailed images of body parts. TBIL is trying to make CT scans safer by reducing the amount of radiation used.

Modern Equipment in TBIL

TBIL has many high-tech machines for research, including:

MRI Scanner: A 3 Tesla MRI Scanner that gives very clear pictures of organs and tissues.
Optical Imaging Tools: These include multiphoton and confocal microscopes to study cells and molecules.
PET Scanner: Used to study how energy is used in the body.
CT Scanner: Gives sharp and detailed images of the body’s internal structures.

Which Country is known as the Pearl of Antilles?

There is a beautiful island in the Caribbean that is famous for its natural beauty, warm weather and rich culture. It has clear blue waters, sandy beaches, green mountains and friendly people. Many travelers and historians admire this island for its history, music and colorful cities. Because of all these wonderful features, it is known by a special nickname that shows its great value and charm.

Pearl of the Antilles

Cuba is lovingly known as the “Pearl of the Antilles.” This title reflects its stunning natural beauty, warm beaches, green landscapes, and vibrant culture. Situated in the Caribbean Sea, Cuba is the largest island in the region. Its strategic location and rich history have made it important for centuries, attracting traders, travelers, and settlers from many parts of the world.

Why is Cuba Known as the Pearl of Antilles?

Cuba is called the “Pearl of the Antilles” because of its beauty, rich culture, important history and valuable location in the Caribbean. Here are some of the reasons why Cuba earned the title of “Pearl of Antilles”:

Strategic Location

Cuba is a found at a very important spot in the Caribbean Sea. It is close to other islands, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. This made it a perfect place for trade and defense during colonial times, especially for the Spanish Empire.

Natural Beauty

Cuba has beautiful beaches, green valleys, mountains and old colonial towns. These natural and man-made features make it look like a “pearl” in the sea, shining with charm.

Cultural Significance

Cuba is full of rich culture. Its music, dance (like salsa), colorful art and tasty food make it a lively and interesting country. This vibrant culture adds to its special nickname.

Historical Importance

Cuba was a Spanish colony for many years and was known for producing large amounts of sugar. Its struggle for independence and later role in world politics made it important in history.

Economic Value

During the time of the Spanish Empire, Cuba was one of the top sugar producers. Sugar was a very valuable product, and Cuba’s role made it a “precious” land for the Spanish.

An Overview of Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, located where the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico meet. It lies south of Florida and the Bahamas, north of Jamaica, and northwest of Haiti. Cuba is a communist country known for its rich history, colorful culture and mixed ethnic background. The island is about 750 miles long and around 60 miles wide in most parts.

Which Fort is Known as the Kunwara Fort? Know About It

India is a land of many ancient forts, each with its own story and unique name. Some forts were built for defense, some for royal residence, and some for planning great battles. Among them, one fort has a very unusual name that means “Kunwara Fort.” This name has a special reason behind it, which is connected to an interesting event from history and the dreams of a powerful king.

Kunwara Fort in India

Asirgarh Fort, in Madhya Pradesh, is known as “Kunwara Fort,” meaning the Virgin or Unconquered Fort. It received this name because no enemy was able to capture it in history. The fort is built on a high hill in the Satpura range. Its strong and strategic position made attacks extremely difficult, protecting it from defeat for centuries.

Why is Asirgarh Fort Known as the Kunwara Fort?

The name ”Kunwara Fort” means ”Bachelor Fort” or ”Unconquered Fort.” This name was given because the fort was never conquered by enemies.

Even though many powerful rulers tried to capture it over the years, no one could take full control of it. That is why people started calling it “Kunawar Fort,” showing that it remained unbroken and unbeaten in history.

Location of the Asirgarh Fort

The fort known as ‘‘Kunwara Fort” is actually Asirgarh Fort. It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, around 20 kilometers north of Burhanpur, in the Satpura mountain range. The fort is built on a hill, which gave it a strong and safe position.

Significance of the Fort

Asirgarh Fort is very important because of its strategic location. It controls the main route to the southern part of India. For this reason, it was known as the ”Key of the Deccan.” Whoever had control over this fort could also control movement between northern and southern India.

Architectural Style of Asirgarh Fort

The design of Asirgarh Fort shows a mix of different styles.

Most of the fort has Indian architectural features, but there are also signs of Faroqi and Mughal influence. You can also see touches of Islamic, Persian and Turkish styles. This combination makes the fort both strong and beautiful.

Which City of China is Known as The Forbidden City?

The Forbidden City is one of the most famous historical places in the world. It is a large and beautiful palace that was once home to kings and rulers of ancient China. For many years, normal people were not allowed to enter it. This made the place very special and secret. In this article, we will learn about this amazing and important place.

An Overview of China

China is a large country in East Asia with a long history and the world’s biggest population. It shares borders with many countries and touches the Pacific Ocean. China covers a huge area, almost the same size as the United States. It is also known for its fast-growing economy, now the second biggest in the world. China plays an important role in world politics and trade.

The Forbidden City in China

The Forbidden City stands in Beijing, the capital of China. It served as the royal palace for Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is called “Forbidden” because common people were not allowed to enter without special permission. Only the emperor, his family, and important officials could go inside. The palace was considered sacred and highly protected from the public.

Why is Beijing Known as the Forbidden City?

Beijing is called the Forbidden City because it was once the home of Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This large palace complex was known as the imperial palace, and ordinary people were not allowed to enter. Only the emperor, his family and top officials could go inside. The emperor was seen as the “Son of Heaven,” so the palace was considered sacred. In Chinese, it is called Zijin Cheng, meaning “Purple Forbidden City.” Today, it is known as the Former Palace (Gugong) and houses the Palace Museum.

An Overview of Beijing

Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital city of China. It has over 22 million people, making it the world’s second most populated capital. It is China’s second largest city after Shanghai and is in Northern China. Beijing has 16 districts and is directly governed by China’s central government. It is mostly surrounded by Hebei Province and close to Tianjin, forming the Jing-Jin-Ji region.