tidbits times

#environment27 The golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) has one of the most restricted primate ranges in the world, found only in a narrow geographic corridor comprising western Assam and the foothills of southern Bhutan. Their 30,000 sq. km domain is bounded by rivers, including the Brahmaputra, on three sides and mountains in Bhutan on the fourth. The Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park forms part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve and provides habitat for several rare and endangered species, including the golden langur. Source: The Hindu

#global27 The 17th BRICS Summit was held on 6–7 July 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”Brazil’s Chairship prioritized global health cooperation, trade and finance, climate change (as a bridge to COP-30), AI governance, and institutional streamlining. Source: BRICS

#global27 BRICS. BRICS cooperation continues to broaden its scope across a wide range of global issues, including fight against terrorism, climate change, food and energy security, the international economic and financial situation, telecommunications, agriculture, labour and employment, international financial architecture, trade, and the WTO. Source: BRICS

#initiatives27 BHARATI seeks to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem aligned with India's target of achieving exports worth USD 50 billion in APEDA-scheduled products by 2030. Source: PiB

#global27 Venezuela sits on the boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in northern South America. Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5 magnitude) within 39 seconds on June 25, 2026. The quakes, described as a "seismic doublet," intensified damage by prolonging strong shaking. The country declared a state of emergency as rescuers searched for survivors amid collapsed buildings. The doublet occurred due to tectonic activity between the Caribbean and South American plates, and their rapid succession likely worsened destruction. Source: The Indian Express

#history27 Located in Haryana’s Hisar district, Rakhigarhi is widely recognised as one of the largest Harappan sites in India, spread across approximately 550 hectares. The site was occupied from the Early Harappan phase (circa 3300-2600 BCE) to the Mature Harappan phase (circa 2600-1900 BCE). The site also boasts a well-developed craft tradition with the discovery of pottery, terracotta figurines, and uninscribed seals. A lapidary workshop was identified, providing evidence of beadmaking. There is also evidence of bone and ivory working.  Rakhigarhi is also significant as one of the Harappan sites where cemeteries and human burials have been discovered.  Source: The Indian Express

#initiatives27 Addressing the Valedictory Session of the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting in Bengaluru, Dr. Jitendra Singh said BRICS countries possess the scale, scientific capabilities, technological strengths and industrial capacity required to emerge as a major force in the rapidly expanding global space economy. Source: PiB

#environment27 Libex is a newly developed climate-resilient coffee hybrid created from Liberica and Excelsa coffee species. It can withstand higher temperatures and a wider range of rainfall conditions than traditional Arabica and Robusta varieties. Liberica coffee is native to West and Central Africa, particularly Liberia. Excelsa is native to Central Africa. Source: The Hindu

#initiatives27 ISP is proposed to be compiled using a fixed-weight Laspeyres volume index. Source: PiB

#initiatives27 Will ISP cover the informal services sector? No. ISP will primarily reflect the formal sector as it is compiled using outward supply of enterprises registered under GST. Source: PiB

#initiatives27 The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is preparing to launch Index of Services Production (ISP) in July, 2026, which shall be a new macro indicator to measure the short-term changes in the growth of the services sector. As counterpart of the IIP which measures the economic growth of the industrial sector, ISP will cover the formal services sector and will be released on a monthly basis. Source: PiB

#initiatives27 Addressing the programme, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that NAFED has today launched four major initiatives, namely NAFEX.in, DRISHTI, ERP and NAFED Kalyan. Source: PiB

#initiatives27 Delhi Union Minister of State (I/C) for Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal has approved the continuation of the Central Sector Scheme ‘Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA)’ restructured as DISHA 2.0 for a period of five years from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2031 co-terminus with the XVI Finance Commission cycle. Source: PiB

#science27 Grid India proposes repurposing nine underutilised thermal power plants across five states into synchronous condensers (SYNCONs) to enhance grid stability as renewable energy penetration grows. These condensers provide inertia and voltage support, which are vital as more inverter-based solar and wind power reduces grid system strength. This move follows recent grid disturbances and recommendations from technical experts. The initiative aims to address local reactive power and inertial response deficiencies, especially near renewable energy hubs and weak transmission areas. Source: The Indian Express

#initiatives27 The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, successfully hosted the First BRICS MSME Forum and the Third SME Working Group Meeting on 19 June 2026 at Agra, Uttar Pradesh, under the overarching theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’. Source: PiB

#initiatives27 three ships were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed in Kolkata by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), with extensive participation by Indian industry, including more than 200 MSMEs. With an indigenous content of over 75 percent, these ships are also a testament to India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta. Source: PiB

#environment27 Sikkim, India’s second-smallest State, is home to 532 orchid species, making it one of the country’s richest orchid regions. However, rapid developmental activities threaten the State’s biodiversity. Source: The Hindu

#initiatives27 Hong Kong Convention Compliance: The Government of India enacted the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, to develop a ship recycling ecosystem aligned with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), which India ratified in 2019. Source: PiB

#science27 Project Nimbus is a technology contract between the Israeli government and Google and Amazon. It is worth over $1 billion. In May 2021, Google said the agreement would deliver cloud services to Israeli government entities, including ministries, authorities, and government-owned companies. Source: The Hindu

#global26 BCON is a national observational initiative conceptualized and implemented by IITM under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, to develop a long-term, high-precision climate monitoring framework across the country. BCON will develop a robust national database that supports the detection of long term trends, advances climate change research, and strengthens India’s capacity for climate assessment and evidence based policy development. Source: MB