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UPPSC Current Affairs Sankalan 2025 Vision IAS @PDFs - ZoNe

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UPPSC Current Affairs Sankalan 2025 Vision IAS @PDFs - ZoNe

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Pradeep Yadav

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UPPSC 2025

August 2024 - 10th September 2025

One-year comprehensive coverage of key Current updates
in Polity, IR, Economy, Environment, Science & Tech. and beyond.
www.visionias.in 8468022022

UPPSC Current Affairs Sankalan 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Art and Culture ______________________8 1.39. Karma Festival_____________________ 14
1.1. Kumbh Mela ________________________ 8 1.40. Sohrai Painting ____________________ 14
1.2. Sun Temple, Konark __________________ 8 1.41. Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor __________ 15
1.3. Rakhigarhi __________________________ 8 1.42. International Abhidhamma Divas (IAD) 15
1.4. Globally Important Agricultural Heritage 1.43. Buddhist Sites of Kanaganahalli and Sannati
Systems (GIAHS) ________________________ 8 _____________________________________ 15
1.5. 100 years of the discovery of the Harappan 1.44. Kutumb Prabodhan ________________ 15
Civilisation _____________________________ 9 1.45. Haridasa Movement ________________ 15
1.6. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas ________________ 9 1.46. Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum_ 16
1.7. Kalaripayattu _______________________ 9 1.47. Abathsahayeswarar Temple _________ 16
1.8. Santhal Revolt _______________________ 9 1.48. UNESCO Environmental DNA (eDNA)
1.9. Kuka revolt (1872) ___________________ 9 Expeditions ____________________________ 16
1.10. Kokborok Language _________________ 9 1.49. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 ____________ 16
1.11. Ratnagiri __________________________ 9 1.50. Ramappa Temple __________________ 16
1.12. International Day of Yoga ___________ 10 1.51. Integral Humanism _________________ 17
1.13. Gangasagar Mela __________________ 10 1.52. Inscriptions from Pandya Period ______ 17
UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

1.14. 'Maratha Military Landscapes' added to 1.53. Kolhapur Chappals _________________ 17

UNESCO World Heritage List ______________ 10 1.54. Kheer Bhawani Temple _____________ 17
1.15. Piprahwa Relics____________________ 10 1.55. Nonia rebellion ____________________ 17
1.16. Behdeinkhlam festival ______________ 11 1.56. Ambubachi Mela___________________ 17
1.17. Nuakhai Festival ___________________ 11 1.57. UNESCO's Memory of the World Register
1.18. 5,000-year-old Water Management _____________________________________ 18
Techniques unearthed at Harappan site, 1.58. Vaikom Satyagraha _________________ 18
Rakhigarhi ____________________________ 11 1.59. Vijay Durg (Fort William) ____________ 18
1.19. Jhumoir Dance ____________________ 11 2. Polity and Governance _______________ 19
1.20. Dokra Artwork ____________________ 11 2.1. Lokpal ____________________________ 19
1.21. Dashavatar Theatre ________________ 11 2.2. Right to Property ___________________ 19
1.22. International Mother Language Day ___ 11 2.3. New Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) _ 19
1.23. Nagoba Jatara _____________________ 12 2.4. Registrar General of India ____________ 19
1.24. Ramman Festival __________________ 12 2.5. Delimitation Commission _____________ 19
1.25. Thrissur Pooram Festival ____________ 12 2.6. Articles 370 and 35(A) _______________ 20
1.26. Thirukkural _______________________ 12 2.7. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ________ 20
1.27. Pushkar Kumbh and Saraswati Pushkaralu 2.8. Sansad Bhashini Initiative ____________ 20
_____________________________________ 12 2.9. New Districts in Ladakh ______________ 20
1.28. Shirui Lily festival __________________ 12 2.10. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)
1.29. Lakkundi Temples __________________ 12 _____________________________________ 20
1.30. Charaka & Susruta _________________ 13 2.11. Inner Line Permit (ILP) ______________ 21
1.31. Vikramshila University ______________ 13 2.12. Enemy property ___________________ 21
1.32. Shaheed Diwas ____________________ 13 2.13. State Public Service Commission (SPSC) 21
1.33. Navroz ___________________________ 13 2.14. Lady Justice _______________________ 21
1.34. Koch-Rajbongshi Community _________ 13 2.15. Home Voting ______________________ 21
1.35. Sri Vijaya Puram ___________________ 13 2.16. Central Suspect Registry _____________ 22
1.36. Classical Languages_________________ 14 2.17. Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard
1.37. Siddha Medical System _____________ 14 Time) Rules, 2025_______________________ 22
1.38. Hindi Diwas _______________________ 14 2.18. Private Members’ Bill _______________ 22

2.19. Die with dignity ___________________ 22 3.2. Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative
2.20. Sikkim Statehood __________________ 22 (TICI) _________________________________ 30
2.21. Panchayat Advancement Index _______ 22 3.3. 3 by 35 initiative ____________________ 30
2.22. Permanent Lok Adalat ______________ 23 3.4. Silver Notice- INTERPOL ______________ 30
2.23. Cape Town Convention and Protocol __ 23 3.5. International Year of Cooperatives-2025 30
2.24. Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) 3.6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit 30
Number ______________________________ 23 3.7. 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS)
2.25. The Disaster Management (Amendment) _____________________________________ 30
Bill, 2024 ______________________________ 23 3.8. INDUS-X Initiative ___________________ 31
2.26. Privilege Motion ___________________ 23 3.9. BRICS Summit ______________________ 31
2.27. Central Water Commission (CWC) _____ 24 3.10. Sky Shield ________________________ 31
2.28. Inter-State Council (ISC) _____________ 24 3.11. Five Eye Alliance ___________________ 31
2.29. 23rd Law Commission ______________ 24 3.12. Indian Pharmacopoeia commission (IPC) 32
2.30. Contempt of Court _________________ 24 3.13. 'Tsunami Ready' village _____________ 32
2.31. Additional Judges of High Courts ______ 24 3.14. Digital Infrastructure Growth Initiative for
2.32. Fact Checking Units (FCU) ___________ 24 India Framework (DiGi Framework) ________ 32
2.33. National Cadet Corps (NCC) __________ 24 3.15. Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite
2.34. National Commission for Scheduled Castes Users' Conference (AOMSUC-14) __________ 32
_____________________________________ 25 3.16. Phewa Dialogue ___________________ 32
2.35. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) 25 3.17. Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT) ______ 32
2.36. Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) ______ 25 3.18. International Year of the Woman Farmers

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

2.37. National Commission for Backward Classes _____________________________________ 32
(NCBC) _______________________________ 25 3.19. Awaza Programme of Action (2024-2034)
2.38. Co-District Initiative ________________ 25 (APoA)________________________________ 33
2.39. Sixth Schedule of the Constitution ____ 26 4. Economy __________________________ 34
2.40. Samvidhan Diwas 2024 _____________ 26 4.1. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) _________ 34
2.41. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) 26 4.2. New MSME classification criteria ______ 34
2.42. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) 4.3. Rubber Board ______________________ 34
_____________________________________ 26 4.4. Jute crop __________________________ 34
2.43. Protected Area Regime (PAP) ________ 26 4.5. National Turmeric Board _____________ 35
2.44. UMEED Portal _____________________ 26 4.6. 8th edition of National Programme for
2.45. Population Census-2027 to be conducted in Organic Production (NPOP) _______________ 35
India Along with Enumeration of Castes ____ 27 4.7. Indian coffee _______________________ 35
2.46. Index Cards _______________________ 27 4.8. Chhattisgarh First State to Link Forest
2.47. ECINET app _______________________ 27 Ecosystem with Green Gross Domestic Product
2.48. National e-Vidhan Application (NEVA) _ 27 (GDP) ________________________________ 35
2.49. Bihar set to become 1st State to adopt E- 4.9. Etikoppaka Dolls ____________________ 35
Voting for Urban Polls ___________________ 27 4.10. Inland Waterways Authority of India __ 36
2.50. e-Zero FIR ________________________ 28 4.11. Organic Fisheries___________________ 36
2.51. Autonomous District Councils ________ 28 4.12. Tobacco Board ____________________ 36
2.52. Union Home Minister Inaugurated the 4.13. Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) ___ 36
BHARATPOL Portal Developed by the CBI ___ 28 4.14. Anti-Dumping Duty _________________ 36
2.53. Pig-Butchering Scam ________________ 28 4.15. India Reportedly Introduces New
2.54. Cyber Commandos Programme _______ 29 Harmonized System (HS) Codes for GI Tagged
2.55. Adolescent Girls Club _______________ 29 Rice __________________________________ 36
3. International Relations _______________30 4.16. Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAGe)
3.1. Chief Guest at India's 76th Republic Day Smart Village Center (RSVC) ______________ 37
Celebration____________________________ 30 4.17. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Battery ________ 37

4.18. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) _____ 37 4.54. SCOMET List (Special Chemicals,
4.19. Global Capability Centers ____________ 37 Organisms, Materials, Equipment and
4.20. Electronics Manufacturing ___________ 37 Technologies) __________________________ 42
4.21. Makhana _________________________ 37 4.55. Namibia to become first African Country to
4.22. SwaRail Application ________________ 38 roll out Digital Payments System based on UPI
4.23. Agricultural and Processed Food Products _____________________________________ 43
Export Development Authority (APEDA) ____ 38 4.56. University of Southampton Becomes First
4.24. NCISM ___________________________ 38 Global University to open campus under new
4.25. Indian Institute of Creative Technology UGC rules _____________________________ 43
(IICT) _________________________________ 38 4.57. World Bank Places India among World’s
4.26. Vizhinjam Port ____________________ 38 Most Equal Societies ____________________ 43
4.27. Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) 4.58. NSCSTI 2.0 ________________________ 43
_____________________________________ 38 4.59. Coconut Development Board _________ 43
4.28. Northeast's first geothermal production 4.60. 10 Years of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana _ 43
well successfully drilled __________________ 38 4.61. Enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0
4.29. Predatory Pricing __________________ 39 System _______________________________ 44
4.30. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) _____ 39 4.62. Project VISTAAR ___________________ 44
4.31. National Defence Fund (NDF) ________ 39 4.63. 10 years of District Mineral Foundation
4.32. 6th Semiconductor Unit in Uttar Pradesh (DMF) ________________________________ 44
Under India Semiconductor Mission _______ 39 4.64. YuWaah __________________________ 44
UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

4.33. First Overseas Campus of Indian Institute of 4.65. “Jal Hi AMRIT” program _____________ 44
Foreign Trade (IIFT) to be Set Up in Dubai ___ 39 4.66. Metre Convention _________________ 45
4.34. Mizoram becomes the first state in India to 4.67. Sugar Boards ______________________ 45
attain Full Functional Literacy _____________ 39 4.68. Bills of Lading Bill 2025 ______________ 45
4.35. Financial Fraud Risk Indicator ________ 40 4.69. BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-
4.36. Kalanamak rice ____________________ 40 Manufacturing Institute (BRIC-NABI) _______ 45
4.37. Gyan Post ________________________ 40 4.70. Dozer Push Mining Method __________ 45
4.38. Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal 4.71. Manufactured Sand (M-Sand) ________ 46
(GSTAT) _______________________________ 40 5. Science ___________________________ 47
4.39. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) _______ 40 5.1 Third Launch Pad (TLP) project _________ 47
4.40. Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) ________ 40 5.2. India becomes 4th country to achieve space
4.41. Poshan Tracker ____________________ 41 docking _______________________________ 47
4.42. Nano-sulphur _____________________ 41 5.3. CROPS Experiment __________________ 47
4.43. Create in India Challenge (CIC) _______ 41 5.4. Comprehensive Remote Sensing
4.44. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) ________ 41 Observation on Crop Progress (CROP) ______ 47
4.45. India Skills Accelerator ______________ 41 5.5. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
4.46. Volatility Index (India VIX) ___________ 41 (NISAR) _______________________________ 47
4.47. Chapata Chilli _____________________ 41 5.6. GSAT-N2 __________________________ 47
4.48. SAMARTH UDYOG BHARAT 4.0 (SAMARTH 5.7. Aditya L1 Solar Mission ______________ 48
Centres) ______________________________ 42 5.8. Aditya-L1 payload captures first-ever image
4.49. Navratna status granted to Indian Railway of a solar flare ‘kernel’ ___________________ 48
Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and 5.9. Mission SCOT ______________________ 48
Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) __ 42 5.10. Analog Space Mission _______________ 48
4.50. Dalle Chilly _______________________ 42 5.11. Himalayan Outpost for Planetary
4.51. Reinsurance ______________________ 42 Exploration (HOPE) Mission ______________ 48
4.52. Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) ___ 42 5.12. Chandrayaan-4 ____________________ 48
4.53. Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited 5.13. Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) 49
(SMFCL) ______________________________ 42 5.14. Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) ________ 49

5.15. Revised Gaganyaan Programme 49 5.57. BharatGen __________________ 55

5.16. Parker Solar Probe _________________ 49 5.58. AlphaGenome _____________________ 55
5.17. Europa Clipper ____________________ 49 5.59. GenCast AI ________________________ 55
5.18. Lucy Mission ______________________ 49 5.60. Agentic AI ________________________ 56
5.19. GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior 5.61. Agentic AI Kruti ____________________ 56
Laboratory) Mission_____________________ 50 5.62. MuleHunter.AI ____________________ 56
5.20. BepiColombo _____________________ 50 5.63. Center for Generative AI, Shrijan at IIT
5.21. Tianwen-2 probe __________________ 50 Jodhpur _______________________________ 56
5.22. LignoSat __________________________ 50 5.64. APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic
5.23. Quasar ___________________________ 50 Account Registry) ID ____________________ 56
5.24. Euclid telescope ___________________ 50 5.65. Payment Passkey Service ____________ 56
5.25. GAIA ____________________________ 50 5.66. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-
5.26. ESA’s Biomass _____________________ 51 based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) _______ 57
5.27. SPHEREx Space Telescope ___________ 51 5.67. Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack 57
5.28. Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) 5.68. Silicon Carbide ____________________ 57
_____________________________________ 51 5.69. Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based
5.29. Remove Debris In-Orbit Servicing (RISE) semiconductor _________________________ 57
Mission _______________________________ 51 5.70. Titanium _________________________ 57
5.30. Moonlight Programme ______________ 51 5.71. Coking Coal _______________________ 58
5.31. Proba-3 mission ___________________ 51 5.72. Slag _____________________________ 58
5.32. IRIS² _____________________________ 52 5.73. Californium _______________________ 58

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

5.33. First private satellite constellation ‘Firefly’ 5.74. Biopolymer _______________________ 58
_____________________________________ 52 5.75. Bitumen and Bio-bitumen ___________ 58
5.34. Glenn Rocket______________________ 52 5.76. Pink Fire Retardant (Phos-Chek) ______ 58
5.35. Project Kuiper _____________________ 52 5.77. SSI Mantra ________________________ 59
5.36. Fram2 ___________________________ 52 5.78. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) ___ 59
5.37. Mechazilla ________________________ 52 5.79. AnemiaPhone _____________________ 59
5.38. Chamran-1 Satellite ________________ 52 5.80. Sṛjanam __________________________ 59
5.39. FireSat ___________________________ 52 5.81. Diabetes Biobank __________________ 59
5.40. Gravitational Lensing (GL) ___________ 53 5.82. GARBHINI-DRISHTI _________________ 59
5.41. Dark Comets ______________________ 53 5.83. DHARANI _________________________ 59
5.42. Neutrino _________________________ 53 5.84. ICD-11 ___________________________ 60
5.43. Quantum Gravity Gradiometers ______ 53 5.85. Dengue __________________________ 60
5.44. Charon ___________________________ 53 5.86. Multi-Drug Resistant- Tuberculosis (MDR-
5.45. Trojan asteroid ____________________ 53 TB) ___________________________________ 60
5.46. Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment 5.87. Cholera __________________________ 60
(MACE) Observatory ____________________ 54 5.88. ZyVac TCV Vaccine _________________ 60
5.47. Square Kilometer Array _____________ 54 5.89. Hepatitis A vaccine _________________ 60
5.48. MeerKAT telescope ________________ 54 5.90. Marburg Viral Disease (MVD) ________ 61
5.49. Future Circular Collider _____________ 54 5.91. Sudan Virus _______________________ 61
5.50. Majorana 1 _______________________ 54 5.92. Monkeypox _______________________ 61
5.51. Ocelot ___________________________ 55 5.93. Norovirus_________________________ 61
5.52. Willow ___________________________ 55 5.94. Diphtheria ________________________ 61
5.53. QpiAI ____________________________ 55 5.95. Chandipura virus ___________________ 61
5.54. Hybrid Quantum Supercomputer (Reimei) 5.96. Leptospirosis (Rat Fever) ____________ 61
_____________________________________ 55 5.97. Murine Typhus ____________________ 62
5.55. PARAM Rudra supercomputers _______ 55 5.98. Kala-azar _________________________ 62
5.56. NAKSHATRA ______________________ 55 5.99. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) _______ 62

5.100. Presbyopia ______________________ 62 5.136. Three Indian Ocean structures named

5.101. Trachoma _______________________ 62 Ashoka, Chandragupta and Kalpataru ______ 68
5.102. Measles and Rubella ______________ 62 5.137. X-band Radar ____________________ 68
5.103. CAR T-cell Therapy ________________ 63 5.138. Flood Watch India Application_______ 68
5.104. TDP1- DNA repair enzyme __________ 63 5.139. Bioluminescence __________________ 68
5.105. Hydrogel ________________________ 63 5.140. Solar Dehydration Technology _______ 68
5.106. HPV ____________________________ 63 5.141. Stratospheric Airship Platform (SAP) _ 68
5.107. QUAD Countries (India, United States, 5.142. Non-Nuclear Hydrogen Bomb _______ 68
Australia and Japan) Launched Cancer Moonshot 5.143. ATACMS_________________________ 69
Initiative. _____________________________ 63 5.144. US President announced the “Golden
5.108. 1st human gene therapy for Haemophilia Dome” missile defence system ____________ 69
A ____________________________________ 63 5.145. Aravalli engines __________________ 69
5.109. Heritable Human Genome Editing ____ 63 5.146. AGNISHODH, New IIT Madras–Indian
5.110. Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Army Research Centre inaugurated at IIT Madras
(hvKp) ________________________________ 63 _____________________________________ 69
5.111. mRNA Vaccine ___________________ 64 5.147. Aerospace Testing Facility at Lucknow, UP
5.112. Bombay Blood Group ______________ 64 _____________________________________ 69
5.113. Allulose _________________________ 64 5.148. Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG)
5.114. Fentanyl ________________________ 64 technology ____________________________ 69
5.115. Organophosphate _________________ 64 5.149. INSV Kaundinya __________________ 69
UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

5.116. Fluoride _______ 64 5.150. Samudra Pratap 69

5.117. Asbestos ________________________ 65 5.151. Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) __ 70
5.118. India’s first Fast-Breeder Nuclear Reactor 5.152. C-DOT’s TRINETRA ________________ 70
(500 MWe) set for commissioning by 2026 __ 65 5.153. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) _ 70
5.119. North India’s first nuclear power project 5.154. Ransomware _____________________ 70
will be established in Gorakhpur (Haryana)__ 65 5.155. GPS spoofing _____________________ 70
5.120. World’s first thorium molten salt nuclear 5.156. Polygraph tests ___________________ 70
power station __________________________ 65 5.157. TrailGuardAI _____________________ 70
5.121. China’s Experimental Advanced 5.158. Genome-edited rice varieties _______ 71
Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) creates new 5.159. World's First Pink Bollworm-Resistant GM
record in Fusion reaction ________________ 65 Cotton ________________________________ 71
5.122. South Asia's largest Battery Energy 5.160. India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep ______ 71
Storage System (BESS) inaugurated at Delhi _ 66 5.161. Dire Wolf De-extinction ____________ 71
5.123. Zinc Air Batteries _________________ 66 5.162. Unified Genomic Chip ______________ 71
5.124. Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology 5.163. Tribal genome project initiative _____ 71
(SHKT) ________________________________ 66 5.164. One Day One Genome initiative _____ 71
5.125. Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas ______ 66 5.165. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) ___________ 71
5.126. India’s first CO2 to Methanol Pilot Plant 5.166. Equine Disease ___________________ 72
_____________________________________ 66 5.167. Methanotrophs ___________________ 72
5.127. Nano Bubble Technology ___________ 66 5.168. Pheromone ______________________ 72
5.128. AroTrack ________________________ 66 5.169. Gurmar _________________________ 72
5.129. Ballast water _____________________ 66 5.170. Wood Wide Web _________________ 72
5.130. Dark oxygen _____________________ 67 5.171. Nano-MIND ______________________ 72
5.131. Polar Vortex _____________________ 67 5.172. Neuromorphic Computing __________ 72
5.132. Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX) _____ 67 5.173. IRIS Chip ________________________ 73
5.133. Cloud Chamber ___________________ 67 5.174. PyPIM Platform ___________________ 73
5.134. Aurora __________________________ 67 5.175. India Develops World’s Most Powerful
5.135. SAFE Project _____________________ 67 Hydrogen Train Engine __________________ 73

5.176. National Maritime Heritage Complex 6.26. First Green Status Assessment for the Lion
(NMHC) _______________________________ 73 (Panthera leo) _________________________ 78
5.177. 24/7 Grain ATM __________________ 73 6.27. Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle _________ 78
5.178. Green Data Center ________________ 73 6.28. AIM4NatuRe Initiative ______________ 79
5.179. Operation Dronagiri and Integrated 6.29. Labeo uru and Labeo chekida ________ 79
Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI) ____ 73 6.30. Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre
5.180. Women in Space Leadership Programme (VCBC) ________________________________ 79
(WiSLP) _______________________________ 74 6.31. Pink Moon ________________________ 79
5.181. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 _____ 74 6.32. India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing
5.182. Indian National Centre for Ocean Plant _________________________________ 79
Information Services (INCOIS) ____________ 74 6.33. White Hydrogen ___________________ 79
5.183. Trademark for Exterior Design ______ 74 6.34. Six properties added to India’s Tentative
6. Ecology and Environment _____________75 List by UNESCO World Heritage Centre _____ 80
6.1. India added two more wetland into Ramsar 6.35. Saffron ___________________________ 80
List of Wetlands of International Importance 75 6.36. UpLink Initiative ___________________ 80
6.2. List of 31 Wetland Accredited Cities in world 6.37. Blue Flag _________________________ 81
_____________________________________ 75 6.38. Wainganga-Nalganga River Linking Project
6.3. World’s First Cryo-Born Baby Corals _____________________________________ 81
Successfully Settled on the Great Barrier Reef 75 6.39. Gross environment product Index _____ 81
6.4. Bomb cyclone ______________________ 75 6.40. Neelakurinji _______________________ 81
6.5. International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 6.41. World Heritage Committee (WHC) ____ 81

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

_____________________________________ 76 6.42. Ideas4LiFE ________________________ 81
6.6. Keeling Curve ______________________ 76 6.43. Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond
6.7. Melanistic Royal Bengal Tiger _________ 76 National Jurisdiction ____________________ 81
6.8. Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform 6.44. Kasturirangan Committee ___________ 82
_____________________________________ 76 6.45. Cyclone Asna ______________________ 82
6.9. Utricularia (Bladderworts) ____________ 76 6.46. Grey Wolf ________________________ 82
6.10. Miyawaki Technique _______________ 76 6.47. IndOBIS __________________________ 82
6.11. Garudakshi _______________________ 76 6.48. Seaweed _________________________ 82
6.12. Global Energy Alliance for People and 6.49. Typhoon _________________________ 82
Planet (GEAPP) _________________________ 76 6.50. Air Quality Management Exchange
6.13. Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) _____ 77 Platform (AQMx) _______________________ 83
6.14. Fishing Cat ________________________ 77 6.51. Salt Pan Lands _____________________ 83
6.15. Stratovolcano _____________________ 77 6.52. Mission Mausam___________________ 83
6.16. Cali Fund _________________________ 77 6.53. Greater One-Horned Rhino __________ 83
6.17. Black Plastic ______________________ 77 6.54. Asia’s Largest Bio-CNG Plant _________ 83
6.18. Ongole breed _____________________ 77 6.55. Integrated Development of Wildlife
6.19. Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project _____ 77 Habitats ______________________________ 83
6.20. Marsupials _______________________ 77 6.56. United Kingdom (UK) became first country
6.21. Project Waterworth ________________ 78 to stop electricity production from Coal ____ 84
6.22. Petrification ______________________ 78 6.57. Forest Ecosystem Restoration Initiative
6.23. World's first commercial-scale e-methanol (FERI)_________________________________ 84
plant _________________________________ 78 6.58. Carbon border adjustment mechanism
6.24. India's first certified Green Municipal (CBAM) _______________________________ 84
Bonds ________________________________ 78 6.59. Great Indian Bustard _______________ 84
6.25. World’s first particulate Emission Trading 6.60. Atoms4Food ______________________ 84
Market _______________________________ 78 6.61. Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative ________ 84

6.62. Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Fund 7. Sports and Awards __________________ 91
_____________________________________ 84 7.1. Padma Awards 2025 _________________ 91
6.63. Indian Wild Ass ____________________ 85 7.2. National Sports Award _______________ 91
6.64. Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) __________ 85 7.3. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) 92
6.65. Caracal ___________________________ 85 7.4. Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2026 ____ 92
6.66. Snow Leopard _____________________ 85 7.5. Khelo India water games _____________ 92
6.67. Halari Donkeys ____________________ 85 8. Personality ________________________ 93
6.68. Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) ________ 86 8.1. Sri Aurobindo ______________________ 93
6.69. Green Digital Action (GDA) __________ 86 8.2. Madame Bhikaji Cama (1861 - 1936) ____ 93
6.70. Global Matchmaking Platform for Industrial 8.3. Rani Chennamma (1778 -1829) ________ 93
Decarbonisation Launched _______________ 86 8.4. Raja Raja Chola (985 CE – 1014 CE) _____ 93
6.71. Baku Climate Unity Pact _____________ 86 8.5. Ashfaqulla Khan (1900-1927) __________ 94
6.72. New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate 8.6. Raghoji Bhangre ____________________ 94
Finance (NCQG) ________________________ 86 8.7. Siddhu Murmu _____________________ 94
6.73. King Cobra ________________________ 86 8.8. Pingali Venkayya ____________________ 94
6.74. Compressed Biogas ________________ 86 8.9. ‘Lokmanya’Bal Gangadhar Tilak (23rd July
6.75. Global Energy Efficiency Alliance ______ 86 1856 - 1st August 1920) __________________ 95
6.76. Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF- 8.10. Saheed Udham Singh (1899 -1940) ____ 95
NPT) _________________________________ 87 8.11. Shivaram Hari Rajguru (1908 - 1931) ___ 95
6.77. Kodo millet _______________________ 87 8.12. Bhagat Singh ______________________ 95
UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

6.78. Cairo Call to Action _ 87 8.13. Thiruvalluvar ______ 96

6.79. World’s First CO2 to Methanol Plant 8.14. Srimanta Sankardeva _______________ 96
launched by at Vindhyachal ______________ 87 8.15. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (5 September
6.80. Convention on Biological Diversity ____ 87 1888- April 17, 1975) ____________________ 96
6.81. River Cities Alliance ________________ 87 8.16. Sarat Chandra Bose (1889 - 1950) _____ 96
6.82. The ‘peace with nature’ coalition _____ 87 8.17. Govind Ballabh Pant ________________ 97
6.83. First-ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging 88 8.18. Sant Tukaram _____________________ 97
6.84. Santa Ana Winds __________________ 88 8.19. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675) ______ 97
6.85. Air Quality Dashboard ______________ 88 8.20. Tulsi Gowda (1944-2024) ____________ 97
6.86. Cyclone Fengal ____________________ 88 8.21. About Sant Kabirdas (c. fourteenth-
6.87. IMD Colour Coding for Cyclone warning 88 fifteenth centuries) _____________________ 98
6.88. National Plastic Waste Reporting Portal 88 8.22. Saint Narahari Tirtha _______________ 98
6.89. AviList ___________________________ 89 8.23. Adi Shankaracharya ________________ 98
6.90. Doomsday Fish (Oarfish) ____________ 89 8.24. Kartar Singh Sarabha (1896 - 1915) ____ 98
6.91. India marks 50 years of its Crocodile 8.25. Prof. Jayant Narlikar (1938–2025) _____ 99
Conservation Project in 2025 _____________ 89 8.26. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883 - 1966)
6.92. Tardigrades _______________________ 89 _____________________________________ 99
6.93. India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 8.27. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award _ 99
released by Minister for Environment, Forest and 8.28. Goswami Tulsidas __________________ 99
Climate Change (MoEFCC) ________________ 89
6.94. India's Coastline Recalculated ________ 90

1. Art and Culture

1.1. Kumbh Mela
• Maha Kumbh (or Poorna Kumbh) 2025 was held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• It is the world’s largest public gathering.
• It is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years.
• Site keeps rotating between one of the four pilgrimages:
o Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Ganges.
o Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), Shipra River.
o Nashik (Maharashtra), Godavari River.
o Prayagraj at the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical invisible Sarasvati.
• It has been listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage under UNESCO in 2017.
• Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang (visited India in the 7th century during the reign of King Harshavardhana) was
the first to mention Kumbh Mela in his diary.
• Saint Shankaracharya gave Kumbh Mela its final shape in 9th century.

1.2. Sun Temple, Konark

• Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, has set up the District Mineral
Foundation Exhibition at Sun Temple, Konark in Odisha.
• About the Temple

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

o Built by: Narasimha Deva I (1238–1264) of the Ganga dynasty.
o Architecture: Kalingan temple architecture showcases
o Symbolic Design: Symbolizes Surya's chariot, featuring 24 intricately carved wheels and 7 horses.
o Heritage Status: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

1.3. Rakhigarhi
• Archaeologists have discovered a mud-brick stadium with precise engineering and a marketplace from
‘Mature Harappan’ phase at Rakhigarhi.
• The stadium exhibits a seating arena with an incline suitable for perfect viewing, highlighting the sporting
culture.
• About Rakhigarhi
o It is one of the largest and oldest known Harappan sites.
o It is located in Hisar district, Haryana in the Ghaggar-Hakra river plain.
o It is also well-known as the site which has yielded the only DNA evidence from the Harappan era.

1.4. Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

• Increasing salinity levels is posing a serious threat to ‘puncha’ paddy cultivation in Kuttanad, Kerala.
About Kuttanad Wetland Agriculture System:
• It is a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).
• Paddy is cultivated below sea-level in land created by draining delta swamps in brackish waters.
• About GIAHS:
o These are living heritage systems inhabited by communities that maintain an intricate relationship
with their territory.
o Designated by: Food and Agriculture Organization
o In India: There are 3 GIAHS i.e. Saffron Heritage of Kashmir, Koraput Traditional Agriculture (Odisha),
Kuttanad Wetland Agriculture System.

1.5. 100 years of the discovery of the Harappan Civilisation

• John Marshall, the then-Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), announced the
discovery of “Civilisation of the Indus Valley” on September 20, 1924.
• Two ASI archaeologists were instrumental in the discovery: Daya Ram Sahni (ASI’s first Indian Director-
General) and Rakhal Das Banerji, who excavated Harappa and Mohenjodaro respectively.
• Harappan Civilization spans across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Most of the sites are located between
the Indus and the Saraswati River basins.
• Five major cities: Rakhigarhi, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Dholavira and Ganweriwala.
• Extent of Civilization: Daimabad in Maharashtra (Southernmost), Alamgirpur in UP (Easternmost),
Sutgakendor in Pakistan (Westernmost), and Manda in Jammu (Northernmost).

1.6. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

• The day marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a tribal leader and freedom fighter,
• It is celebrated on November 15th to honor contributions of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle
and their role in preserving India’s heritage.

1.7. Kalaripayattu
• Kalaripayattu has been included in the list of events for demonstration and removed from competition
section in 38th national games to be held in Uttarakhand.
• Developed in Kerala, it is one of the most ancient martial traditions (traced to Sangam Period).

1.8. Santhal Revolt

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

• Jharkhand High Court directs constitution of fact-finding committee on infiltration in ‘Santhal Parganas’
which were created after santhal revolt.
• About Santhal Revolt (1855-56)
o One of the first expressions of revolt against British colonial regime.
o It is attributed to Permanent Settlement in 1793 that led to their displacement from Birbhum and
Manbhum regions (present day Bengal) and subsequent exploitation by Zamindars, and British.
Santhals referred them as Dikus (outsiders).
o Led by four brothers, Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu who used Guerilla Warfare.
o Hul Diwas is celebrated in Jharkhand to remember martyr of santhal revolt.

1.9. Kuka revolt (1872)

• Recently, tribute has been paid to the martyrs of the Kuka Movement.
• About Kuka Movement
o The Kuka Movement was the first major reaction in Punjab against the British political order
established after 1849.
o It was a crucial phase of the Namdhari Movement, founded by Satguru Ram Singh in 1857, at Bhaini
Sahib.

1.10. Kokborok Language

• Tripura conducting language mapping for development of ‘Kokborok’ language’.
• About Kokborok Language
o It is recognised as one of the State language of, Tripura.
o It is part of the Sino-Tibetan language family.

1.11. Ratnagiri
• Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) found ancient Buddhist artefacts in excavations at
Odisha’s Ratnagiri.

• ASI found artefacts like Buddha head and inscribed Buddhist relics etc.
• About Ratnagiri
o This site has been linked to Buddhism since Emperor Ashoka's invasion of Kalinga (ancient Odisha).
o Together with other Buddhist sites – Lalitagiri and Udayagiri, Ratnagiri completes the set of Diamond
Triangle of Buddhist centers in Odisha.

1.12. International Day of Yoga

• 11th International Day of Yoga has been celebrated.
• The theme for yoga day was ‘Yoga For One Earth, One Health’.
• In Dec 2014, UNs proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.
o Yoga day aligns with the Summer Solstice (June 21), the longest day of the year in Northern
Hemisphere.

1.13. Gangasagar Mela

• Lakhs of devotees took a dip at Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
• About Gangasagar Mela
o Location: The mela is held at Sagar Island, located in the Sundarbans delta of West Bengal.
o The island is situated at the point where the Ganges River merges with the Bay of Bengal.
o It is an annual religious fair where the main ritual involves taking a dip in the waters at the confluence,
especially at sunrise on Makar Sankranti.

1.14. 'Maratha Military Landscapes' added to UNESCO World Heritage

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List
• They are added because they show a living cultural tradition, have unique architecture and technology,
and are strongly connected to important historical events and traditions.
• They have become India’s 44th site in UNESCO World Heritage List.
• India ranks 6th globally and 2nd in Asia Pacific Region for the most number of World Heritage Sites.
• Archaeological Survey of India is the nodal agency of all the World Heritage related matters in the country.
• About Maratha Military Landscape
o Geographical Spread: Across the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu,
 The selected sites, include Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad,
Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil
Nadu.
o Diverse and Strategic Locations: Located across a range of diverse terrains, from coastal outposts
to hilltop strongholds.

1.15. Piprahwa Relics

• India witnessed the return of Lord Buddha’s sacred Piprahwa Relics.
About Piprahwa Relics
• Discovery: 1898 by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé in Piprahwa, Siddharthnagar (ancient
Kapilavastu), Uttar Pradesh.
• Significance: Associated with the mortal remains (Body relics) of Buddha.
• Key Features: Include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings
like gold ornaments, etc.
• Enshrined Around: 3rd century BCE.
o A Brahmi script inscription on one of the caskets confirms them as Buddha relics, deposited by the
Sakya clan.
• Current Status: Classified as ‘AA’ antiquities under Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale.

1.16. Behdeinkhlam festival

• The sacred Behdeinkhlam Festival was celebrated in Meghalaya.
• About Behdienkhlam Festival
o The festival, meaning “driving away the plague,” symbolizes spiritual cleansing and community
resilience.
o It is most important dance festival of Pnars (or Jaintias) celebrated annually in July after the sowing
period.

1.17. Nuakhai Festival

• Prime Minister extended wishes to the people of India on the occasion of Nuakhai.
• About Nuakhai Festival
o Also known as Navanna, is an agro-based religious festival celebrated primarily in Western Odisha.
o Origin: According to Oral tradition, it was introduced by Raja Ramai Dev of Patna (1355-1380 CE).

1.18. 5,000-year-old Water Management Techniques unearthed at

Harappan site, Rakhigarhi
• The discovery made during an ongoing excavation identified a water storage area between mounds, with
an estimated depth of 3.5 to 4 feet depicting their advanced water management techniques.
• A dried riverbed of the Chautang (or Drishavati) River, was also discovered.

1.19. Jhumoir Dance

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

• Prime Minister of India to attend Jhumoir Binandini (Mega Jhumoir) 2025 in Guwahati, Assam which
symbolizes 200 years of Assam’s tea industry.
• About Jhumoir (Jhumur) Dance
o Folk dance primarily performed by Assam Tea Tribe and Adivasi Communities of Assam during
harvest season. It embodies spirit of inclusivity, unity and cultural pride.

1.20. Dokra Artwork

• Indian Prime Minister gifted Dokra art pieces to French President.
• About Dokra Artwork
o Origin: It can be traced to the Dhokra Damar tribes (traditional metal smiths of Central India), in the
regions of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
o Technique: It uses the lost-wax technique, or cire perdue, for metal casting.

1.21. Dashavatar Theatre

• Dashavatar performances in Maharashtra started.
• About Dashavatar theatre
o It is a traditional theatre form with a history of eight hundred years.
o Features: The performers use bright make-up and costumes and they are accompanied by three
musical instruments: a paddle harmonium, tabla and zanj (cymbals).
o Popular in: Sindhudurg district of the South Konkan Region of Maharashtra and North Goa district of
Goa.
1.22. International Mother Language Day
• The 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day celebrated on February 21.
• About International Mother Language Day
o It is observed on February 21 each year since 2000.
o The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. It was
approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference.

1.23. Nagoba Jatara

• Nagoba Jatara, a holy pilgrimage event of Mesram clan Adivasi Gonds, started in Adilabad district,
Telangana.
• Tribal people from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh belonging to the Mesram clan
offer prayers at the festival.
• The Gusadi Dance performance by dancers from the Gond tribe is a major special attraction of the event.

1.24. Ramman Festival

• Ramman Festival, inscribed in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity, is being celebrated in Uttarakhand.
• Celebrated annually in late April (after harvest) in the twin villages of Saloor-Dungra in Uttarakhand.

1.25. Thrissur Pooram Festival

• Thrissur Pooram festival began at Vadakkumnathan temple in Kerala.
• Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom (April-May).
• Considered to be the ‘Mother of all Poorams’.
• It is a grand assembly of Gods and Goddesses who make their visit to Vadakumnathan Temple premises
on caparisoned elephants accompanied by grand ensembles of Chenda Melam and Pancha Vadyam
(musical instruments and orchestra).

1.26. Thirukkural

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

• The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) has commissioned translation of Thirukkural into four
medium and minor Dravidian languages i.e. Kurukh, Gondi, Malto and Brahui.
• Written by: Thiruvalluvar.
• Period: Between 2nd century BCE and 5th century CE.
• The text of Tirukkural is divided into three major sections- Aram (Virtue), Porul (government and society),
and Inbam (Love).
• It is a collection of 1,330 couplets (kurals).

1.27. Pushkar Kumbh and Saraswati Pushkaralu

• Once-in-a-twelve-year festivals Pushkar Kumbh and Saraswati Pushkaralu are being celebrated in
Uttarakhand and Telangana, respectively.
• Occurs every 12 years when Jupiter enters the Gemini zodiac sign.
• Held at Keshav Prayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers) in Mana village, Uttarakhand.
• About Saraswati Pushkaralu
o Dedicated to worshipping the subterranean Saraswati River, which converges with Godavari and
Pranahita at confluence point called Triveni Sangamam in Kaleshwaram.
o Held at the temple town Kaleshwaram, the abode of Sri Kaleshwara Sri Mukteshwara Swamy temple,
Telangana.

1.28. Shirui Lily festival

• The Shirui Lily festival returns to Manipur after a two-year pause because of the long-drawn conflict in the
state.
• Organized by Manipur’s Department of Tourism.
• It is named after the Shirui Lily, Manipur’s state flower, and held annually in Ukhrul district, home to the
Tangkhul Naga community.

1.29. Lakkundi Temples

• Lakkundi temples set to be finalised for UNESCO tentative listing as World Heritage Sites.

• Located in the Gadag district of Karnataka, Lakkundi is referred to as ‘Lokki Gundi’ in ancient inscriptions.
• Built during the period of Kalyana Chaluykas or Western Chalukyas.

1.30. Charaka & Susruta

• Vice President of India inaugurated the statues of Caraka & Susruta installed at Raj Bhavan, Goa.
• Charaka
o He was the royal physician in the Kushan Kingdom and is known as the father of medicine.
o He authored the Caraka Samhita.
> It records the proceedings of a conference on Āyurveda, which took place at the Himalayan
foothills.
> Chaired by physician Atreya.
> Focuses on internal medicine and elaborates on the fundamental principles and management of
health and diseases in Āyurveda.
• Susruta
o He is considered the “Father of Plastic surgery”.
o Authored the Susruta Samhita.
o Deals with surgery, anatomy and the topics of contemporary interest such as cataract and
reconstructive surgery

1.31. Vikramshila University

• A decade after Nalanda University came up in the foothills of Rajgir, work is on to revive another ancient
centre of learning in Bihar i.e. Vikramshila.
UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

• Founded: By Pala king Dharmapala (8th-9th Century AD), it thrived alongside Nalanda.
• Known for Vajrayana/Tantrayana Buddhism, occult studies, and theological disciplines.
• Atisha Dipankar (980-1054), a Buddhist in the Pala kingdom was an adhyaksha (head of the university) here.
• Destroyed in late 12th century by Bakhtiyar Khalji, a military commander of Qutubuddin Aibak.

1.32. Shaheed Diwas

• The nation pays tributes to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on Shaheed Diwas.
• March 23 is observed as Shaheed Diwas, or Martyr’s Day.
• The day commemorates the execution of three revolutionaries in 1931 for the murder of British police officer
John Saunders.

1.33. Navroz
• Prime Minister, greeted everyone on the occasion of Navroz.
• Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Persian, is an ancient festival marking spring’s arrival and the triumph of
light over darkness.
• It is inscribed on Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the UN.

1.34. Koch-Rajbongshi Community

• The Assam Cabinet has decided to drop cases against the Koch-Rajbongshi community in various
Foreigners’ Tribunals (FTs).
• Background: Trace their roots to the Kamata kingdom (ruled by Koch Dynasty) comprising parts of present
day Assam, West Bengal, Nepal and Bangladesh.

1.35. Sri Vijaya Puram

• Andaman and Nicobar Island's capital Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram
• Sri Vijaya Puram represents the victory of Indian freedom movement and highlights the unique
contribution of the A&N Islands.

• It is the site where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first unfurled the Tiranga and the Cellular Jail is also
located here.

1.36. Classical Languages

• Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali were accorded Classical Language status.
• Centres for promotion of four classical languages demand autonomy for proper functioning
• India has six classical languages namely Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu
(2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).
• Benefits of classical language status
o Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages
o A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages is set up.
o University Grants Commission is requested to create certain number of Professional Chairs in
Central universities for classical languages.
• Criteria for declaring Classical languages
o High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years;
o A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage;
o Literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community;
o Classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity with
its later forms or its offshoots.

1.37. Siddha Medical System

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

• A recent study showcases that Siddha drugs can reduce Anaemia among Adolescent Girls.
• The treatment used a combination Siddha drugs ABMN (Aṉṉapēticentūram, Bāvaṉa kaṭukkāy, Mātuḷai
maṇappāku, and Nellikkāy lēkiyam).
• About Siddha System
o Founder: Sage Agasthiyar or Agasthya.
o ‘Siddha’ literature is in Tamil and it is practiced largely in Tamil speaking parts of India and by Indian
Diaspora in South East Asia.
o It is one of the oldest medical systems in India and focuses on spiritual, mental and physical well-
being.
o Its principles largely rely upon Panchabootham, taste, and three humours (doshas) - Vali (vatham –
air+ space), azhal (pitham - fire) and iyyam (kapham - water + earth).

1.38. Hindi Diwas

• On 14th September 2024, India celebrates Hindi Diwas.
• About Hindi Diwas
o The first Hindi Diwas was celebrated in 1953.
o It commemorates the designation of Hindi, in the Devanagari script as the official language of India
(also provided under Article 343 of the Constitution).

1.39. Karma Festival

• Karma festival is celebrated in Jharkhand and other states of India.
• About Karma Festival
o It is a harvest festival popular among Munda, Ho, Oraon, Baiga, Kharia, and Santhal people.

1.40. Sohrai Painting

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts Sohrai Painting to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin during BRICS summit
in Kazan, Russia.
• About Sohrai painting
o Practiced mainly in mural art form in Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand.

o During Sohrai, a local festival, local tribal women make these paintings on walls of their mud houses.
o Sohrai-Khovar Paintings have also been awarded GI tag.

1.41. Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

• India and Pakistan have renewed agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for next five years.
• It facilitates the visit of pilgrims from India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal in Pakistan
without a visa.
• Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, spent last 18 years of his life at Kartarpur (located at west bank of river
Ravi).

1.42. International Abhidhamma Divas (IAD)

• Ministry of Culture in association with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) observed IAD.
• It also celebrated recent declaration of Pali as a classical language by Cabinet.
• It commemorates the day when Lord Buddha descended from the celestial realm (Tāvatimsa-devaloka)
to Sankassiya (now Sankisa Basantapur) in Uttar Pradesh.
• Asokan Elephant Pillar at Sankassiya marks this significant event.
• It coincides with end of first Rainy Retreat (Vassa) i.e. period of three months when bhikkhus must reside
in one place and Pavāraņā festival (ceremony for conclusion of rainy retreat).

1.43. Buddhist Sites of Kanaganahalli and Sannati

• Recently, researchers highlighted the untapped tourism potential of the ancient Buddhist sites of
Kanaganahalli and Sannati, located in Kalaburgi, Karnataka along the banks of Bhima river.
UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

• Findings of Kanaganahalli and Sannati

o 2000-year-old Ashokan edict.
o Adholoka Maha Chaitya (the Great Stupa of the Netherworlds)
o Built: From 3rd Century B.C. to 3rd Century A.D.
o Features: Elaborate ornamentation, Ayaka platforms, circumambulatory path, etc.
o Sculptures: Of Buddha, Yakshas, Jataka stories, Ashoka, Shatavahana monarchs etc.
o Sculpture of Asoka etched with ‘Raya Asoka’ in Brahmi script, the only surviving image of the
Mauryan emperor.
o Resembles Amaravati School of Art.

1.44. Kutumb Prabodhan

• Recently, Vice President emphasized the importance of 'Kutumb Prabodhan' in society.
• About Kutumb Prabodhan
o About: It refers to family (kutumb) enlightenment (prabodhan) and is a core principle of India’s
culture.
o Purpose: Instill sanskaras (values) in younger generation through knowledge, sharing experiences,
strengthening familial ties.

1.45. Haridasa Movement

• Mysuru Sangeetha Sugandha festival is celebrating the revered Daasa traditions of Carnatic music of
Haridasa movement.
• Haridasa Movement
o Origin: in Karnataka, and spread to eastern states such as Bengal and Assam.
o This movement was started by the Haridasas (lit "servants of Lord Hari") and took shape in the 13-14th
century.
o Objective: To propagate the Dvaita philosophy of Madhvacharya (Madhva Siddhanta) through Dasa
Sahitya i.e. literature.
o Madhvacharya’s philosophy of shuddha-dvaita, or pure dualism, logically established that God is
eternally a person and is forever distinct from His creation.
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1.46. Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum

• Ministry of Culture has partnered with France Museums Développement (FMD) to develop the Yuga Yugeen
Bharat National Museum into a world-class cultural institution.
• It is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, it spans across New Delhi's North and South Blocks.
• Museum will showcase India’s heritage.

1.47. Abathsahayeswarar Temple

• The 1,300-year-old Abathsahayeshwarar Temple received 2024 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural
Heritage Conservation
• Location: Thukkatchi, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Historical Names: Vikrama Chozheeswaram and Kulothunga Chola Nallur was the name of the Thukkatchi
(Chola period).

1.48. UNESCO Environmental DNA (eDNA) Expeditions

• UNESCO in report titled ‘Engaging Communities to Safeguard Ocean Life’ based on eDNA expeditions,
highlights vulnerability of marine species as oceans warm.
• About UNESCO’s eDNA Expeditions
o Global citizen science initiative that measures marine biodiversity and assess impacts of climate
change on species distribution across UNESCO WHMS.
o eDNA sampling campaigns were organized across 21 of 51 UNESCO’s WHMS between September

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

2022 and July 2023.

1.49. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

• Maha Kumbh mela, the world's largest spiritual gathering, will be celebrated from January 13 to February
26, 2025 at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• About Maha Kumbh Mela
o Kumbh Mela, in Hinduism, is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over 12 years.
o Key locations and rivers:
> Uttar Pradesh: Prayagraj (confluence Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Sarasvati
> Uttarakhand: Haridwar (Ganga river),
> Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain (Shipra river.),
> Maharashtra: Nashik (Godavaririver)
• Key Rituals and Practices: Shahi Snan, Deep Daan, and Kalpavas (emphasizing discipline and austerity).
• Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019 has been placed in the Guinness World Record for having the biggest
sanitation and waste disposal mechanism among others.

1.50. Ramappa Temple

• Centre approves loans for development of Ramappa Circuit under the SASCI scheme.
• About Ramappa Temple
o Also known as Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, it is located in Telangana. It is an UNESCO World
Heritage Sites.
o It is the main Shiva temple in a walled complex built during the Kakatiya period (1123–1323 CE) under
rulers Rudradeva and Recharla Rudra.
o The temple is constructed with sandstone, featuring decorated beams and pillars made of carved
granite and dolerite.
o It has a distinctive, pyramidal Vimana (horizontally stepped tower) made of lightweight, porous
‘floating bricks,’ which reduces the weight of the roof.
o Kakatiyas adopted Chalukyan Style of Vesara Architecture.

1.51. Integral Humanism

• 60th anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Ji's philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism’
• Born on September 25, 1916, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya ji gave the Theory of Integral Humanism to have
uniquely Indian ideas guiding the country post-independence.

1.52. Inscriptions from Pandya Period

• The two inscriptions along with the 800-year-old Shiva temple of the later Pandya period was unearthed in
Melur, Tamil Nadu.
• About the Inscriptions
o Dated: 1217-1218 CE, during the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya I.
> Maravarman Sundar Pandya I ascended the throne in 1216 CE and invaded the Chola kingdom.
> He took the titles of Kaliyugaraman and Adisayapandiyadevan and Sonadugondan (the
conqueror of the Chola country).

1.53. Kolhapur Chappals

• Following controversy, a global fashion brand acknowledged drawing design inspiration from ‘Kolhapur
chappals.
• About Kolhapur Chappals
o It is a traditional handcrafted leather sandal that has been awarded Geographical Indication (GI)
status in 2019.
o Kolhapur chappals trace their origins to the 12th century in Maharashtra.
UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

o They are made entirely by hand using vegetable-tanned leather.

1.54. Kheer Bhawani Temple

• The Kheer Bhawani festival, celebrated annually on the Jyeshta Ashtami, is being held at the Kheer
Bhawani temple in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Location: Near Srinagar
• Prime Goddess: Dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
• Built by Maharaja Pratap Singh around 1912, which was later embellished and renovated by Maharaja Hari
Singh.
• A hexagonal spring is present at the centre of the temple, known for its sacred water.
• The temple and festival are named after the sweet dish ‘kheer’, distributed as prasad to the devotees.

1.55. Nonia rebellion

• Union Minister for Agriculture paid tributes to freedom fighter Buddhu Nonia at his centenary celebrations
and hailed nonia community for Nonia Rebellion in 1770s.
• Responding to Gandhi ji’s call during the Salt Satyagraha, Buddhu Nonia took part in making salt. He was
deceitfully arrested and killed.
• About Nonia rebellion
o Around 1770, two major uprisings took place: the Sanyasi Rebellion and the Nonia Rebellion
(continued for 30 years around 1750).

1.56. Ambubachi Mela

• Thousands of devotees have arrived in Assam for the Kamakhya Temple’s annual Ambubachi Mela.
• It is an annual Hindu fair held during Monsoon at the Kamakhya Temple in Assam.
o Kamakhya Temple is situated on the Nilachal Hills near Guwahati.
o Temple is one of the major centers for Tantric worship and is one of the biggest Shakti shrines.

1.57. UNESCO's Memory of the World Register

• Manuscripts of Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register
• With the inclusion of Gita and Natyashastra, India now has 14 entries in the Register.
• India’s Rig Veda, Gilgit Manuscript, Manuscripts of Abhinavagupta (940-1015 CE),
Maitreyayvarakarana, (a manuscript of the Pala period) etc. have also been included in the Register.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris in
1948, is also among the new entries in the Register.

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme

Launched in 1992 to preserve and provide access to documentary heritage of outstanding universal value.
Recognises documentary heritage that has influenced human civilisation.
Aims to preserve and promote access to historical texts, manuscripts, and archives.

1.58. Vaikom Satyagraha

• 100 years ago, Travancore Government gave full effect to the agreement of Vaikom satyagraha.
• Vaikom Satyagraha took place in Vaikom village, Kottayam district, Kerala in 1924-25.
• Vaikom Satyagraha focused on elimination of untouchability and freedom of movement in public
spaces.
• Prominent leaders: K. Kelappan, T. K. Madhavan, K. P. Kesava Menon.
• Mahatma Gandhi supported the movement and visited Vaikom in 1925.

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• Satyagraha ultimately succeeded in opening the temple roads to everyone.

1.59. Vijay Durg (Fort William)

• Fort William in Kolkata, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, recently has been renamed Vijay
Durg.
• It was named after King William III of England.
o "Renaming to ‘Vijay Durg’ pays homage to the oldest fort on Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg coast, which
served as naval base during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reign"
• It is located on the banks of the river Hoogly.

2. Polity and Governance

2.1. Lokpal
• Lokpal of India celebrates 1st Foundation Day on 16th January.
• Lokpal and Lokayukta
o The concept originated from the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) report (1966).
o The act of 2013 provided Lokpal (ombudsman) at Union level and Lokayukta at state level to ensure
accountability and curb corruption in public offices.
o Composition and Members: Appointed by the President of India.
> Chairperson (Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge, or an eminent person),
> Up to 8 members (50% judicial; 50% from SC/ST/OBC/minorities/women).
o Selection Committee: Includes PM (Chairman), Lok Sabha Speaker, Opposition Leader, CJI/ Judge of
the Supreme Court, and an eminent jurist.
o Tenure: 5 years or until 70 years of age.
o Jurisdiction: Lokpal covers the Prime Minister (with safeguards), Ministers, MPs, Group A/B/C/D
officers, and officials of central government-funded entities.
o Investigates corruption complaints, including those referred by CVC or whistleblowers.
o Prosecution Wing: Lokpal can set up its prosecution wing.
o Timeline for cases: Preliminary inquiry: 90 days; Investigation: 6 months (extendable).

2.2. Right to Property

• The Supreme Court stated that while the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it remains a
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constitutional and recognized human right.

• 44th Constitution Amendment in 1978 removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights,
making it a constitutional right under Article 300A.

2.3. New Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

• President Appoints Gyanesh Kumar as the New Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
• This is the first appointment of the CEC under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election
Commissioner Act, 2023
• About the Election Commission of India (ECI)
o A constitutional body under Articles 324-329 (Part XV).
o Since 1993, it has one CEC and two Election Commissioners (ECs).

2.4. Registrar General of India

• Registrar General of India cautions hospitals over delay in reporting events of birth, death.
• Registrar General of India (RGI) set up in 1949 and comes under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

2.5. Delimitation Commission

• SC in Kishorchandra Chhanganlal Rathod case held that constitutional courts have the power to review
orders of the Delimitation Commission if an order is manifestly arbitrary and irreconcilable to
constitutional values.
• Delimitation is the process of fixing the number of seats and boundaries of territorial constituencies in each
State for the Lok Sabha and Legislative assemblies.
• Responsibility of delimitation is assigned to a high-power body known as Delimitation Commission
(Boundary Commission)
o Under Article 82, Delimitation is done by such authority and in such manner as Parliament may by law
determine.
o In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times – in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.

2.6. Articles 370 and 35(A)

• In 2019, The President of India promulgated- ‘Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order,
2019’, stating that provisions of the Indian Constitution are applicable in the State.
o Article 370: Except for defence, foreign affairs, finance and communications, Parliament needed the
state government’s concurrence for applying all other laws.
o Article 35A: It stemmed from Article 370 and gave powers to the J&K Assembly to define permanent
residents of the state, their special rights, and privileges.
o Last year, the Supreme Court upheld the government's action to abrogate Article 370.

2.7. Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

Election Commission of India to begin Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar
• SIR is legally backed by Article 324 of the Constitution & Section 21 of the Representation of the People
Act 1950.
About SIR
• It is a House-to-House verification to be done to ensure enrolment of all eligible Citizens.
• It is done by Booth Level Officers.
• Aim: To ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the Electoral Roll.

2.8. Sansad Bhashini Initiative

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• Lok Sabha and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) agreed to develop the Sansad
Bhashini initiative for AI-powered multilingual Parliamentary operations.
• About Sansad Bhashini initiative
o Aim: To leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance multilingual support (through Bhashini) and
streamline parliamentary operations.
> Bhashini is an AI-powered language translation platform by MeitY.
o The key AI initiatives under Sansad Bhashini include AI-based translation, AI-Powered Chatbot for the
Parliament website etc.

2.9. New Districts in Ladakh

• Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the creation of five new districts in Union Territory of
Ladakh.
• These districts are Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang. (Currently, Ladakh has only two
districts: Leh and Kargil).

2.10. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

• Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) extended to parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Ministry Of Home Affairs has declared these areas as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces
(Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months.
• Currently, AFSPA is in effect in parts of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• AFSPA is in force in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) through Armed Forces (J&K) Special Powers Act, 1990.
• AFSPA
o Objective: Conferring certain special powers upon members of the armed forces in disturbed areas
in North eastern States.
o Section 3 of Act: Governor of State or Administrator of Union territory or Central Government may
declare whole/such part of such State/UT to be a disturbed area.
o Section 4 of Act: Gives special powers to armed forces although they must be exercised with extreme
caution.

> After giving due warning, it can fire upon/use force against any person acting in contravention of
laws,
> If reasonable suspicion exists, can also arrest a person without a warrant;
o Unless otherwise authorized by the central government, Army soldiers operating under AFSPA are
shielded from all legal actions.

2.11. Inner Line Permit (ILP)

• State government of Nagaland has approved the implementation of ILP in Chumoukedima, Niuland, and
Dimapur districts.
• ILP is an official travel document issued by government that allows Indian citizens to travel into
protected areas for a limited period.
• ILP system aims to regulate movement near India's international borders.
• ILP is officially used to protect tribal cultures in north-eastern India.
• Genesis: Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations of 1873.
• States under ILP: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur.

2.12. Enemy property

• An enemy property in Uttar Pradesh belonging to ancestors of Pakistan’s former President Pervez Musharraf
is directed for sale.
• The Enemy Property Act, 1968 defined an ‘enemy’ as a country (and its citizens) that committed external
aggression against India (i.e., Pakistan and China).
• ‘Enemy property’ is a property that belonged to or was managed on behalf of an enemy.
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2.13. State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

• Vice President addressed the 25th National Conference of Chairpersons of SPSC.
• SPSC
o About: Conducts examinations for appointments to the services of the state.
o Constitutional Body: Article 315-323 (Part-XIV) contains provisions on Public Service Commissions
for the Union and the States.
o Appointment: Governor of the State (Article316).
o Term of office: 6 years or 62 years of age whichever is earlier.
o Removal: Removed by the President in the same manner as the members of the Union Public Service
Commission on the grounds like:

2.14. Lady Justice

• Recently, a redesigned statue of Lady Justice was unveiled by the Supreme Court of India.
• Traditional statue, first constructed in 1872 in Calcutta High Court, had its origin in Green and Roman
iconography.

2.15. Home Voting

• Recently, over 2,900 senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) applied for home voting for
the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly Election.
• Home Voting
o Introduced during 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
o Provides postal ballot facility.
o Eligibility: Senior citizens 85+ years, PwDs with ≥40% disability.
o Enabled through amendment to Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.

2.16. Central Suspect Registry

• The Centre has declined six lakh fraudulent transactions and saved Rs 1,800 crore in just 90 days.
• Central Suspect Registry
o The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has established the suspect registry in
collaboration with banks and financial intermediaries.
o Aim: To enhance fraud risk management in the financial ecosystem.

2.17. Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2025

• Department of Consumer Affairs notifies Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2025
• About Indian Standard
o Central meridian of country (i.e. 82°30’E meridian passing through Mirzapur) is taken as Standard
Meridian or IST.
o It is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) (now Universal Coordinated Time
(UTC)).
> Local time at Prime Meridian (0° longitude) is known as GMT.

2.18. Private Members’ Bill

• The 17th Lok Sabha spent only 9.08 hours on Private Members’ Bills.
• Private Members’ Bill
o It is a legislative proposal initiated by an individual Member of the Parliament, who is not a Minister.

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o Allotment of time: Last two and a half hours of a sitting on Friday in Lok Sabha is allotted for Private
Members Bills.
> In Rajya Sabha last two & a half hours of a sitting on alternate Friday is allotted.
o Period of notice to introduce a Bill is 1 month.
o Till date, only 14 Private Members’ Bills have been passed & received assent.
> No Private Members’ Bill has been passed by Parliament since 1970.

2.19. Die with dignity

• Karnataka allows dignified death for the terminally ill in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling which
held that terminally ill patients have right to die with dignity.
• Karnataka is the second State after Kerala to implement the directive.

2.20. Sikkim Statehood

• Sikkim was made a full-fledged State of the Union of India under the Constitution (36th Amendment)
Act, 1975.
o Earlier, Constitution (35th Amendment) Act, 1974 granted Sikkim the status of an "Associate State" of
the Union of India under Article 2A.
• It became 22nd State of India.
• Article 371F grants certain special provisions to the state of Sikkim.

2.21. Panchayat Advancement Index

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj Introduces Panchayat Advancement Index to Assess Gram Panchayat
Performance
• About Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)
o Concept: PAI is a multi-domain and multi-sectoral index that is intended to be used to assess the overall
holistic development, performance & progress of panchayats.
o Aims: Measure how well these grassroots institutions are achieving localized Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).

2.22. Permanent Lok Adalat

• Kerala becomes first State in India to launch Online Permanent Lok Adalat Services.
• Permanent Lok Adalat
o It is organized under Section 22-B of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
o Power: Same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
o Jurisdiction: Compulsory pre-litigation mechanism for conciliation and settlement of cases relating to
Public Utility Services like transport, postal, telegraph, etc.
o Nature of judgment: Final and binding on all the parties.
o Jurisdiction: Up to Rs.1 Crore.

2.23. Cape Town Convention and Protocol

• Rajya Sabha passed ‘The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025’ aiming to align it as per
Cape Town Convention (Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment) and Protocol on
Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment.
• About Cape Town Convention and Protocol
o Aim: Standardise transactions involving movable property, particularly high-value assets like aircraft,
engines, and helicopters, to ensure creditors can enforce their rights in case of default.
o Adoption: Jointly by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and UNIDROIT (International
Institute for the Unification of Private Law) in 2001.

2.24. Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) Number

• Election Commission has clarified that duplication in EPIC number does not imply duplicate/fake voters.
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• Clarification was in response to issue of presence of identical EPIC numbers in 2 different states due to
manual decentralized process, used before shifting all State/UT electoral roll databases to ERONET
platform.
• 10-digit voter ID card number issued by ECI to electors registered in electoral roll.

2.25. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• The Bill, introduced in Lok Sabha, seeks to amend the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005 and attempts
to integrate disaster management more effectively into development plans.

Key provisions of DM Act, 2005

• Establishes 3 Tier Institutional Structure:
o National Level: NDMA, headed by Prime Minister.
o State Level: SDMAs, headed by respective Chief Ministers.
o District Level: District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), headed by District Collector or
District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner.
• Establishes National Disaster Response Force (for specialist response) and National Disaster
Response Fund (for meeting threatening disaster situation).

2.26. Privilege Motion

• Recently, a breach of Privilege notice was moved in Rajya Sabha against the Union Home Minister.
• If a member believes that its privilege has been breached or misused, a motion or complaint can be raised
to the Chairman or Speaker.
o Parliamentary privileges are certain rights enjoyed by each House collectively and by members of
each House individually, such as freedom of speech, etc.
o Article 105 deals with Powers, privileges, etc., of the Houses of Parliament and of the members and
committees.

2.27. Central Water Commission (CWC)

• CWC has been awarded GEEF (Global Energy and Environment Foundation) Global WaterTech Award
under category ‘Water Department of the Year’ recognising its role in hydro-meteorological data
collection, flood forecasting, etc.
• About CWC (HQ: New Delhi)
o Established in 1945 on advice of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
o Headed by Chairman, an Ex-officio Secretary to Government of India.

2.28. Inter-State Council (ISC)

• The Inter-State Council has been reconstituted.
• About ISC
o It is a forum through which Centre and the state co-ordinate and co-operate with each other.
o Genesis: Established under Article 263 of Constitution through a Presidential Order in 1990 on
recommendation of Sarkaria Commission.
o Chairman: Prime Minister

2.29. 23rd Law Commission

• It is being constituted for a three-year term, that is, from 1st September, 2024 to 31st August, 2027.
• Justice Dinesh Maheshwari has been appointed as the Chairperson.
• Law Commission of India (LCI)

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o It is a non-statutory body constituted by a notification of the Ministry of Law and Justice.
o History: The Law Commission was first constituted in 1834 by the Governor-General (empowered by
the Charter Act,1833) under the Chairmanship of Lord Macaulay.

2.30. Contempt of Court

• The Jharkhand government has filed a Contempt petition against the Centre alleging delay in appointment
of the Chief Justice of the High Court.
• Contempt of Court is Defined under Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
• Article 129 and Article 215 give power to the SC and HCs to punish contempt.

2.31. Additional Judges of High Courts

• Recently, Union Government has notified appointment of 4 Additional Judges for the Bombay High Court
for a period of 2 years.
• About Additional Judges of High Courts
o Appointed by: President of India under Article 224 (1).
o Tenure: Such Period, not exceeding 2 years, as President may specify.
o Shall not hold office after attaining the age of 62 years.
o Reasons for appointment: If it appears to the President that the number of the Judges of that Court
should be for the time being increased due to any temporary increase in the business of a High Court
or by reason of arrears of work therein.

2.32. Fact Checking Units (FCU)

• Bombay HC struck down the 2023 amendment to Rule 3 of the IT Rules mandating establishment of Fact
Checking Units (FCU).
• Verdict has been delivered in the Kunal Kamra vs Union of India case.

2.33. National Cadet Corps (NCC)

Ministry of Defence has approved expansion plan for NCC Cadet Vacancies by 3 Lakh, raising the total strength
from 17 lakhs to 20 lakhs in coming years.

• About NCC (HQ: New Delhi)

o Established under ‘The National Cadet Corps Act 1948’.
o Aims at developing character, comradeship, discipline, secular outlook, the spirit of adventure and
ideals of selfless service amongst young citizens.
o Nature of NCC Programme is voluntary.

2.34. National Commission for Scheduled Castes

• Recently, Delhi High Court said that National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is not
empowered to investigate or issue any directions in the nature of a civil or criminal court.
• About NCSC
o It is a Constitutional body under Article 338 of the Constitution.
o Composition: Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other members, appointed by the
President of India.
o Tenure: Hold office for a term of 3 years and shall not be eligible for appointment for more than 2 terms.

2.35. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)

• Officials from BCAS met with airline representatives following reports of bomb threats affecting multiple
flights.
• BCAS established within Directorate General of Civil Aviation in 1978 based on the Pande Committee's
recommendation.
• It became an independent department under Ministry of Civil Aviation in 1987.
• It lays down standards and measures related to security of civil flights at international and domestic airports
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in India.
• Establishes Aviation Security Standards as per Chicago Convention of International Civil Aviation
Organization

2.36. Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

• Recently, 149th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) concluded.
• Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
o About: Global organization of national parliaments (Began in 1889).
o Objective: Facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empower parliaments and parliamentarians to
promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
o Members: 180 Members (Including India) and 15 Associate Members
o HQ: Geneva, Switzerland

2.37. National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)

• NCBC tendered advice to Union Government for inclusion of certain Castes from Maharashtra, in the
Central List of OBCs.
• About NCBC
o Constitutional Body: Established under Article 338B of Constitution (inserted through 102nd
Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018).
o Composition: A Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and three other Members

2.38. Co-District Initiative

• Assam has launched a first of its kind unique concept of co-district within a district administration in place
of the existing system of civil sub-divisions.
• Co-Districts are Smaller administrative units below districts headed by an officer of rank of Assistant
District Commissioner, having powers and responsibilities similar to those of district commissioners.

2.39. Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

• There is an increased demand for inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution.
• Sixth schedule
o Sixth Schedule, under Article 244(2), provides for administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya,
Tripura, & Mizoram.
o It resulted from Bardoloi Committee’s recommendations.
o It empowers Governor to create Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) & Autonomous Regional
Councils (ARCs) in these four states.

2.40. Samvidhan Diwas 2024

• 75th Samvidhan Diwas is being celebrated on the day of adoption of the Indian Constitution.
• Adopted: 26th November, 1949.
• Came into effect: 26th January, 1950.

2.41. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

• Senior IAS officer, K Sanjay Murthy appointed as next CAG of India.
• CAG (Art 148)
o Appointment: By President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.
o Reappointment: Not eligible for both central and state government.
o Under Comptroller and Auditor General of India (Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service) Act,

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1971.
o Tenure: 6 years or up to age of 65 years whichever is earlier.
o Removal: Removed by President on same grounds and in same manner as a judge of Supreme Court.

2.42. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

• President of India appointed former Supreme Court Judge V. Ramasubramanian as NHRC chairman.
• About NHRC (HQ: New Delhi)
o Genesis: Statutory body established under Protection of Human Rights (PHR) Act, 1993 and later
amended by PHR (Amendment) Act 2006, further amended in 2019.
o Composition: Chairperson (CJI or Judge of SC); 5 full time members and 7 deemed members.

2.43. Protected Area Regime (PAP)

• Union Government re-imposed PAP regime in 3 north-eastern states (Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland).
• PAP
o Legal Framework: Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
o Areas Covered: All areas falling between the ‘Inner line’ and the International Border of the State.
> Also covers whole of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, etc.
o Regulation: Foreign national is to obtain a special permit from a competent authority to visit these
areas.
o Issuing Authority: Union Ministry of Home Affairs
o Validity: 10 days.

2.44. UMEED Portal

• Union Minority Affairs Minister launched UMEED Central Portal for real-time uploading, verification, and
monitoring of Waqf properties.
• About UMEED Portal
o Legislation: Under Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development
(UMEED) Act, 1995.

o Key Features: Creation of a digital inventory with geo-tagging of all Waqf properties, Online grievance
redressal, GIS mapping etc.

2.45. Population Census-2027 to be conducted in India Along with

Enumeration of Castes
• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced that India will conduct its next population census in two
phases, with counting to be completed by March 1, 2027—the first such exercise since 2011.
• After 2011, Census was due in 2020-2021, but was delayed due to Covid pandemic.
• Population Census-2027:
o Notification: Conduct of Population Census-2027 will be published in the official gazette, as per
Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948.
o The Census will be conducted in two phases:
> Phase I – House listing: Details of all buildings, permanent or temporary, are noted with their type,
amenities, and assets.
> Phase II – Population enumeration: Detailed information on each individual residing in the country,
Indian national or otherwise noted along with their caste.

2.46. Index Cards

• Election Commission of India has introduced a streamlined, technology-driven system to generate Index
Cards and statistical reports, replacing the older manual, time-consuming methods.
• Index Cards
o Description: It is a non-statutory, post-election statistical reporting format developed by ECI as a
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suo moto initiative.

o Objective: To make constituency-level election data easily accessible to stakeholders such as
researchers, academia, journalists, policymakers, and the general public.
o It shares detailed election data - like candidates, voters, votes, party and candidate vote shares,
gender voting patterns, and regional differences.

2.47. ECINET app

• Election Commission of India launched ECINET App for timely voter turnout reporting.
• About ECINET app
o It is a one-stop platform that will integrate and reorient over 40 of ECI’s existing mobile and web
applications.
o Under this new initiative, the presiding officer of each polling station will now be directly entering voter
turnout on the ECINET App every two hours on polling day to reduce the time lag in the updation of
the approximate polling trends.
o To ensure that data is as accurate as possible, the data on ECINET will be entered solely by the
authorized EC official.

2.48. National e-Vidhan Application (NEVA)

• Government is to inaugurate the NeVA for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly and Delhi.
• Nagaland was the 1st Legislative Assembly to implement NeVA.
• NeVA
o Ministry: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA).
o Aim: Digitize and streamline legislative processes across all 37 State/UT Legislatures through a
unified platform, embodying the vision of ‘One Nation – One Application’.

2.49. Bihar set to become 1 st State to adopt E-Voting for Urban Polls
• Bihar State Election Commission has decided to roll out an e-voting system using an Android-based
mobile for the upcoming municipal and urban body polls scheduled later this month in the state.

• Electronic voting (e-voting) systems allow people to vote using electronic devices like computers, voting
machines (DREs), and smartcards.
• Bihar’s E-Voting
o Mobile Applications: The e-voting process will use two Android-based mobile apps (namely “e-
Voting SECBHR”) - one by C-DAC and another by the Bihar State Election Commission.
o Security: The system includes Blockchain, liveness detection, and facial verification (face match, live
scan, and comparison) to ensure secure and authentic voting.
o Audit Trail: Like VVPAT with EVMs, an audit trail is included to track and verify each vote, ensuring
transparency and tamper-proof records.

2.50. e-Zero FIR

• MHA's Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has introduced the new e-Zero FIR initiative.
• About e-Zero FIR
o Launched as a pilot project for Delhi.
o It intends to ease reporting and prompt action on complaints related to cyber financial crimes.
o Complaints related to financial losses above the threshold limit of ₹10 lakh made to NCRP and 1930
will automatically lead to registration of a Zero FIR with the e-Crime Police Station of Delhi.
o Complainants can visit the cybercrime Police Station within 3 days and get the Zero FIR converted
into a regular FIR.

2.51. Autonomous District Councils

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• ADCs are administrative bodies, established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, to govern tribal
areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• Objective: ADCs ensure tribal autonomy, preserve their distinct identity, and promote development in
tribal-dominated regions.
• Functions:
o Enact laws on matters like land, forests, social customs, etc.
o Manage local governance, including education, health, etc.
o Establish village or district Council Courts to adjudicate disputes based on customary laws.
• Structure: Not more than thirty members (in general), of which four (maximum) can be nominated by the
Governor.

2.52. Union Home Minister Inaugurated the BHARATPOL Portal

Developed by the CBI
• The launch of BHARATPOL represents a significant advancement in India's law enforcement capabilities,
particularly in international cooperation and crime control.
• The CBI, which serves as the National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi) for INTERPOL in India, will
manage the portal.

2.53. Pig-Butchering Scam

• Union Ministry of Home Affairs in its annual report of 2023-24 highlighted the new cyber fraud known as the
"pig butchering scam" or "investment scam".
About Pig-Butchering scam
• It is a global phenomenon and involves large-scale money laundering and even cyber slavery.
• It is a type of confidence and investment fraud in which the victim is gradually lured into making increasing
monetary contributions to a seemingly sound investment before the scammer disappears with the
contributed monies.
• Scammers target mostly unemployed youths, housewives, students, etc.

2.54. Cyber Commandos Programme

• IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has launched a new training program to create ‘Cyber
Commandos’ among law enforcement officers across India.
About Cyber Commandos Programme
• Nodal Ministry: Union Ministry of Home Affairs
• Aim: To bolster India’s cyber defence capabilities.

2.55. Adolescent Girls Club

• First ‘Adolescent Girls Club’ under Mission Shakti was launched in Nagaland.
• Such adolescents' girls' clubs are formed at both government and private schools for the girls in the age
group of 10-19 years.
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3. International Relations
3.1. Chief Guest at India's 76 th Republic Day Celebration
• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Honored as Chief Guest at India's 76th Republic Day Celebration
• Indonesia was also the chief guest country on India's first Republic Day in 1950.

3.2. Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative (TICI)

• 5 new industrial clusters from India joins Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative (TICI.)
• These include Gopalpur Industrial Park, Kakinada Cluster, Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley, Mundra
Cluster & Mumbai Green Hydrogen Cluster.
• Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative is an World Economic Forum's initiative which was first
launched at UNFCCC’s COP26 (Glasgow, UK, 2021)

3.3. 3 by 35 initiative
• WHO launches "3 by 35" initiative to raise prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks
• Initiative aims to raise prices on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% through health taxes
over next 10 years.

3.4. Silver Notice- INTERPOL

• INTERPOL publishes its first-ever Silver Notice targeting criminal assets

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• New Silver Notice is part of a pilot phase involving 52 countries (including India) and will aid in fighting
transnational organized crime.
• About the Silver Notice
o It is the newest addition to INTERPOL’s suite of colour-coded Notices, targeting criminal assets.
o It will facilitate locating, identifying, and obtaining information about laundered assets including
properties, vehicles, financial accounts and businesses.
o Silver Notice aids members in requesting information on assets linked to a person’s criminal
activities such as fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, environmental crime etc.

3.5. International Year of Cooperatives-2025

• Minister of Cooperation recently addressed the inaugural function of International Year of Cooperatives
2025.
• About International Year of Cooperatives 2025
o The UN General Assembly declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) in 2024.
o Theme: Cooperatives Build a Better World.

3.6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit

• India and France co-chaired Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit held in France.
• The summit ended with the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and
the Planet, which is in line with the Paris Pact for People and the Planet.

3.7. 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS)

• India recently hosted 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS).
• VOGSS aims to bring together countries of Global South to share their perspectives on whole range of
issues aligned with the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
• India hosted 1st and 2nd VOGSS in January and November of 2023.
• Theme: "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”.

3.8. INDUS-X Initiative

• Recently, the third edition of India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit concluded in
USA.
• Key highlights of the Summit: Release of the INDUS-X Impact Report and launch of the official INDUS-X
webpage.
• About INDUS-X Initiative:
o Launched in June, 2023 by the the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Indian Ministry of Defense
(MoD).
o Objective: Expand the strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation
between our governments, businesses, and academic institutions.

3.9. BRICS Summit

• Rio de Janeiro Declaration adopted in 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (16th BRICS Summit
in Russia at Kazan).
• Theme: Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.
• Key highlights of the Summit
o Adopted BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance.
o Adopted BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence
o Launched BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases:
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> Supported India’s candidacy to host COP 33 of UNFCCC in 2028.

Related News
• Board of Governors of New Development Bank (NDB) officially admitted Colombia and Uzbekistan as
borrowing members of NDB.
• About NDB
o Genesis: Established in 2015 as a Multilateral Development Bank by BRICS countries.
o Purpose: Mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in Emerging
Markets Economies and Developing Countries (EMDCs).
o Headquarter: Shanghai, China.
o Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, Algeria.
> Uruguay is a prospective member.

3.10. Sky Shield

• Switzerland joins European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
• ESSI
o Genesis: Founded in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine
o It is a German led European Iron Dome-style defence system.
o Aim: Bolstering Europe’s defence against air strikes as it will strengthen NATO’s integrated air and
missile defence.

3.11. Five Eye Alliance

• United Kingdom, a Five Eye Alliance, recently extended support to Canada in recent diplomatic crisis with
India.

• Five Eye (FVEY) Alliance is a multilateral intelligence-sharing network shared by over 20 different
agencies of five English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and
the United States).

3.12. Indian Pharmacopoeia commission (IPC)

• Drugs Controller General of India announced that 11 countries have recognized Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP)
as their standard.
• IPC is an autonomous institution under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is created to set
standards of drugs in country.

3.13. 'Tsunami Ready' village

• Villages in Odisha recognised by Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-
IOC) as 'Tsunami Ready'.

3.14. Digital Infrastructure Growth Initiative for India Framework (DiGi

Framework)
• Partner Agencies: U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the Japan Bank for International
Cooperation (JBIC), and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank).
• Objective: It aims to further their collaboration with the Indian private sector to support digital

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infrastructure in India.
• Members: a staff representative, a management representative, two external jurists, and a chairperson.

3.15. Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference

(AOMSUC-14)
• AOMSUC-14 is being held in New Delhi.
• It is held annually since its first edition in Beijing in 2010.
• It is a key event for meteorologists, earth scientists, satellite operators, and students.
• It is hosted by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences.

3.16. Phewa Dialogue

• Nepal and China launched the “Phewa Dialogue” series.
• About Phewa Dialogue
o It derives its name from the famous Phewa Lake there.
o It is one of the largest lakes of Nepal situated in Pokhara Valley.
o Perennial spring - Harpan Khola and Seti Khola, provide inflows to the lake.

3.17. Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT)

• India signs the Final Act of Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT)
• By signing this treaty, India reaffirms its commitment to foster inclusive growth and strengthening its
intellectual property (IP) ecosystem.

3.18. International Year of the Woman Farmers

• UN General Assembly (UNGA) has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
• Proposed by the United States of America and adopted by consensus.

• Aim: To highlight the crucial role of women farmers in food security, nutrition, and poverty eradication, and
promote gender equality and empower women.

3.19. Awaza Programme of Action (2024-2034) (APoA)

• Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) opened in Awaza,
Turkmenistan.
• APoA adopted by consensus at the UN General Assembly in December 2024
o Offers a comprehensive framework to tackle persistent development challenges faced by LLDCs.
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4. Economy
4.1. Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
• Ministry of Finance notifies the operationalization of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
• UPS shall be applicable to Central Government employees who are covered under the National Pension
System (NPS) and who choose this option under NPS.
• It will be operational from April 1, 2025 and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
(PFRDA) may issue regulations for its operationalization.
• Salient features of the UPS
o Assured pension: 50% of average basic pay drawn over last 12 months prior to superannuation for a
minimum qualifying service of 25 years.
> Pension will be proportionate for lesser service period upto a minimum 10 years of service.
o Assured family pension: 60% of the employee's pension immediately before their demise.
o Assured minimum pension: ₹10,000/month on superannuation after minimum 10 years of service.
o Inflation indexation: Applicable to assured pension, family pension, and minimum pension.
> Dearness Relief based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) as
in case of service employees.
o Lump sum payment at superannuation in addition to gratuity equivalent to 1/10th of monthly
emoluments (pay + DA) for every completed six months of service.

4.2. New MSME classification criteria

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• Investment and Turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs to be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times
respectively.
• This will help MSMEs to achieve higher efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation, and better
access to capital.
Revision in classification criteria for MSMEs

Types of Enterprises Changes in Investment Limit Changes in Turnover Limit

Micro Enterprises Rs 1 crore to Rs 2.5 crore Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore

Small Enterprises Rs 10 crore to Rs 25 crore Rs 50 crore to Rs 100 crore

Medium Enterprises Rs 50 crore to Rs 125 crore Rs 250 crore to Rs 500 crore

4.3. Rubber Board

• Rubber Board unveiled 2 new initiatives to promote Rubber production.
• The initiatives iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber) and INR Konnect were unveiled on the occasion
of the of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act, 1947.
• Status of India’s Rubber Sector
o Position: India is the third largest producer and fourth largest consumer of natural rubber.
> Thailand is world leading Rubber producer followed by Indonesia.
o Top Producing State: Kerala produces over 90% of India's natural rubber
> It is also produced in the state such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya.

4.4. Jute crop

• Cabinet raises raw jute Minimum Support Price (MSP) by 6% to ₹5,650/per quintal.
• About Jute
o Jute, popularly known as the Golden fibre of India.

o It is a kharif crop.
o Climatic Condition:
> Jute requires a hot and humid climate with temperatures fluctuating between 15 to 34 degree
Celsius.
> Minimum rainfall required for jute cultivation is 1,000 mm.
o Soil: River basins or alluvial or loamy soils are most suitable.
o Major jute growing states: West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Odisha.
(West Bengal accounts for over 50% of raw jute produced in India.)

4.5. National Turmeric Board

• Union Minister for Commerce and Industry launches National Turmeric Board.
• About National Turmeric Board (NTB)
o Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana (a major turmeric-producing region).
o Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
o Type: NTB is an executive body (not a Statutory Body).
• India’s Dominance in the Global Turmeric Industry
o India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric.
o The largest producing states of Turmeric: Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
o More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India.
o Major varieties with GI (Geographical Indication) Tags: Erode Turmeric (Tamil Nadu), Lakadong
Turmeric (Meghalaya), Kandhamal Haldi (Odisha).

4.6. 8th edition of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

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• Ministry of Commerce & Industry launched 8th edition of National Programme for Organic Production
(NPOP).
• NPOP strengthens India's organic certification system
• APEDA, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, is implementing Agency.

4.7. Indian coffee

• Indian coffee exports surpass $1bn for the first time: Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE).
• India is eighth largest coffee producer globally in 2022-23.
o Brazil is world’s largest coffee producer, contributing about 40% of global production.
• Traditionally grown in rainforests of Western Ghats in South India mainly produced in Karnataka
(highest), Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
• Arabica and Robusta Coffee are of major economic importance.
o Arabica is superior in quality to Robusta and trades at higher price than that of Robusta.
o India is fifth largest producer for robusta coffee which accounts for 72% of country's total coffee
production.

4.8. Chhattisgarh First State to Link Forest Ecosystem with Green Gross
Domestic Product (GDP)
Chhattisgarh has introduced an innovative plan that connects ecosystem services of its forests with the
Green GDP.

4.9. Etikoppaka Dolls

• Etikoppaka dolls showcased at President’s reception for Republic Day.
• About Etikoppaka Dolls
o Origin: 400-year-old craft in Etikoppaka, Andhra Pradesh.
o Officially recognized with Geographical Indication tag in 2017.

4.10. Inland Waterways Authority of India

• Recently, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), set up its 6th new regional office in Varanasi.
• Earlier, IWAI had five regional offices in Guwahati, Patna, Kochi, Bhubaneswar & Kolkata.
• About IWAI
o Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
o Origin: Statutory body established under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act (IWAI), 1985.

4.11. Organic Fisheries

• Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched India’s first Organic Fisheries
Cluster in Soreng District of Sikkim.
• It aims at development of organic fisheries and aquaculture in Sikkim under Pradhan Mantri Matsya
Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

4.12. Tobacco Board

• On its formation day, Tobacco Board highlights that earnings of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers
have more than doubled between 2019-20 and 2023-24.
• FCV tobacco is a high-quality, aromatic tobacco variety widely used in production of cigarettes.
• Currently, India is 2nd largest producer of tobacco in world after China (4th in FCV).
• About Tobacco Board (HQ: Andhra Pradesh)
o Genesis: Established on 1st January 1976 by an Act of Parliament ‘Tobacco Board Act, 1975’.

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o Ministry: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

4.13. Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER)

• According to RBI data, REER Index of Rupee touched a record 108.14 in November 2024, strengthening by
4.5% during 2024.
• Effective Exchange Rate (EER) measures the value of a currency against a basket of other currencies.
o These grasp a country’s international competitiveness in terms of its foreign exchange rates.
• Nominal EER (NEER) adjusts nominal bilateral exchange rates by applying weighted trade data of its trading
partners.
o Increase in NEER indicates appreciation of Rupee.
• Real EER (REER) takes into account price level differences between trading partners.
o Increase in REER implies indicates a loss in trade competitiveness.

4.14. Anti-Dumping Duty

• Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on
import of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Paste Resin from China and five other countries.
• Anti-Dumping Duty
o Anti-dumping duty is a tax measure to rectify the situation arising out of dumping of goods (export of
goods at price lower than its normal value) and its trade distortive effect.
o Anti-Dumping Duties are enabled by Article VI of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994.

4.15. India Reportedly Introduces New Harmonized System (HS) Codes

for GI Tagged Rice
• About HS
o Definition: HS is a global product classification system developed by the World Customs
Organization (WCO).
o Classification Structure:
> HS assigns specific six-digit codes for varying classifications and commodities.
> Countries are allowed to add longer codes to the first six digits for further classification.

4.16. Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAGe) Smart Village Center

(RSVC)
• Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAGe) Smart Village Center (RSVC) launched in Mandaura, Haryana.
• RSVC was developed under aegis of Office of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA).
o It aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies with rural needs, enhancing quality of life and
empowering communities through sustainable solutions.
o PSA conceptualized RuTAGe in 2003-04.

4.17. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Battery

• NTPC rolls out state-of-the-art CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Battery at Kudgi, Karnataka
• The 160MWh (megawatt hours) plant, installed in collaboration with Triveni Turbine Ltd and Energy Dome,
Italy marks a landmark development in the domain of Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES).
• LDES store energy for extended periods of time ranging from 8 hours, to days, weeks, or seasons.

4.18. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) organized 1st international conference on Carbon Markets – PRAKRITI
(Promoting Resilience, Awareness, Knowledge, and Resources for Integrating Transformational Initiatives)
2025.
• It aims to provide an understanding of Indian Carbon Market, insights into the global carbon market’s
dynamics etc.

4.19. Global Capability Centers

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• Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to bring a dedicated Global Capability Centre
(GCC) policy.
• About GCCs
o GCCs are designed to leverage global talent pools and technological advancements to enhance
organizational capabilities and drive business transformation.
o Present Scenario: Number of GCCs in India has grown from ~1430 (FY 2019) to >1700(FY 2024) in FY24.

4.20. Electronics Manufacturing

• After China, India has become the World's 2nd largest mobile manufacturing country and is followed by
Vietnam.
• Presently, 99.2% of all mobile phones sold in India are made in India.
• Mobile phones constitute 43% of India’s total electronics production.

4.21. Makhana
• Union Budget 2025-26 announced establishment of dedicated Makhana Board to boost production,
streamline processing, and enhance value addition.
• About Makhana (Euryale ferox)
o It is a flowering plant classified in the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae) and only extant species in
the genus Euryale.
o Climatic condition: Requires a temperature range of 20-35°C, relative humidity of 50-90%, and
annual rainfall between 100-250 cm.
o It is a fully organic non-cereal food found principally in India but also in Korea, Japan, as well as parts
of eastern Russia.
o Bihar accounts for ~90% of India’s makhana production.
o GI Tag: In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ was conferred a GI tag.

4.22. SwaRail Application

• The Ministry of Railways has introduced the ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp, a one-stop solution to streamline various
railway services.
• About SwaRail
o Offers services like Reserved Ticket Bookings, Unreserved Ticket & Platform Ticket Bookings, etc.
> A key focus of the App is enhancing user experience with a seamless and clean user interface (UI).
o Developed by Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS).

4.23. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development

Authority (APEDA)
• APEDA organized participation of Indian exporters at BIOFACH 2025 held in Germany.
• BIOFACH is world's leading trade fair for organic food.

4.24. NCISM
• NCISM has concluded the first phase of the ‘desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’ with Historic Five
Guinness World Records.
• NCISM is a statutory body constituted under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine
Act, 2020.

4.25. Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT)

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• Centre launches Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) to revolutionize AVGC-XR sector
• IICT has been launched by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with FICCI and CII.
• It will serve as a National Centre of Excellence (NcoE) dedicated exclusively to Animation, Visual Effects,
Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector.
o Extended Reality (XR) technologies blend physical and digital worlds e.g. Virtual Reality (VR),
Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR).
• It will follow same template as IITs and IIMs in India to transform itself into a massive world-class
education and training hub for students who aspire to be professionals in AVGC-XR sector.

4.26. Vizhinjam Port

• Prime Minister inaugurated Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala.
• Vizhinjam Port, worth Rs 8,800 crore, is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port.
• Vizhinjam Port
o Vizhinjam port has been developed in Landlord Model with a Public Private Partnership (PPP)
component on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (“DBFOT”) basis.
o This is the first Greenfield port project in India, initiated by a state Government under PPP mode.

4.27. Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP)

• National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) reported significant damage to the KLIP barrages post-2023
flooding incident.
• KLIP is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Telangana.

4.28. Northeast's first geothermal production well successfully drilled

• It is drilled by the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) at Dirang in Arunachal
Pradesh.
• The project is the result of international scientific collaboration between CESHS, the Norwegian
Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo, Norway, the Icelandic geothermal firm Geotropy and the drilling team
from Guwahati Boring Service (GBS).

4.29. Predatory Pricing

• Recently, Competition Commission of India has notified the Cost Regulations, 2025 providing new
definitions to curb predatory pricing.
• Predatory Pricing
o Definition: The sale of goods or provision of services at a price below the cost with a view to reduce
competition or eliminate competitors.
o Section 4(2) of the Competition Act, 2002 identifies predatory pricing by a dominant enterprise as an
abusive practice.

4.30. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

• Office of the Registrar General (Ministry of Home Affairs) released Special Bulletin on MMR in India 2019-
21
• MMR is the number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births in a given time.
• India’s MMR dropped to 93 (from 103 in 2017–19).
• Best-Performing States: Kerala (MMR 20), Telangana (45), Tamil Nadu (49), etc.
• Poor Performance by Empowered Action Group (EAG) States: Madhya Pradesh (175), Assam (167) and
UP (151) still report high MMR.

4.31. National Defence Fund (NDF)

• Telangana Chief Minister, along with several others, has donated to the NDF as a gesture of solidarity with
the armed forces.
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• National Defence Fund (NDF)

o Established in 1962.
o Objective: To take charge of voluntary donations in cash and kind received for promotion of the
national defence effort, and to decide on their utilisation.
o Utilization: For the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces (including Para Military Forces) and
their dependents.
o Administered by: An Executive Committee, with PM as Chairperson, and Defence, Finance and
Home Ministers as Members.
> Finance Minister is the Treasurer of the Fund.

4.32. 6 th Semiconductor Unit in Uttar Pradesh Under India

Semiconductor Mission
• Cabinet Approves India’s 6th Semiconductor Unit in Uttar Pradesh Under India Semiconductor Mission.
• The new plant will be set up near Jewar Airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development
Authority (YEIDA) region.
• It’s a Joint venture between HCL and Foxconn
• Focus: Manufacturing display driver chips for Mobile phones, Laptops, Automobiles, etc.

4.33. First Overseas Campus of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

to be Set Up in Dubai
• IIFT, a deemed to be university, was established in 1963 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of
Commerce & Industry to contribute in the skill building for the external trade sector of India.

4.34. Mizoram becomes the first state in India to attain Full Functional
Literacy
• Mizoram crossed above 95% literacy rate (98.20% as per PLFS Survey 2023-24) to be considered equivalent
to Full literacy as defined by Ministry of Education.

• Earlier, Ladakh became the first administrative unit to declare full functional literacy under ULLAS.

4.35. Financial Fraud Risk Indicator

• Department of Telecommunications introduced Financial Fraud Risk Indicator
• The indicator allows for swift, targeted, and collaborative action against suspected frauds in both telecom
and financial domains.

4.36. Kalanamak rice

• The Uttar Pradesh government plans to export Kalanamak rice; also known as ‘Buddha rice’ to countries
with majority Buddhist populations.
• About Kalanamak rice (GI Tag, 2013)
o Traditional non-basmati aromatic variety: It is known for its nutritional richness.
o Grown in eastern Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Siddharthnagar, as an ODOP (one district one product)
item.
o Featured in specialty rice of the world by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United
Nations.
o Kalanamak Rice has been in cultivation since the Buddhist period (600 BC) and grains were found from
excavation of Aligarhwa.

4.37. Gyan Post

• India Post unveils 'Gyan Post' to boost education access across the country.

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• Gyan Post is a postal service that enables affordable delivery of books and study material through post
offices across the country bridging the educational gap.

4.38. Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)

• Union Government notified GST Appellate Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2025.
• These rules detail the procedures for filing, managing, and adjudicating appeals before this quasi-judicial
body.
• About GSTAT
o It is the second Appellate Authority established under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
(CGST Act).
o Function: It hears various appeals under the CGST Act and the respective State/UT GST Acts.
o Benches: It has one Principal Bench located at Delhi and 31 State benches located at various
locations across States.

4.39. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)

• The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) marks three years since its introduction as Reserve Bank of India’s
liquidity management framework.
• SDF It is a monetary tool that absorbs liquidity from commercial banks without collateral. The government
does not need to give securities to banks for deposits.

4.40. Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR)

• The Reserve Bank of India has come up with new guidelines regarding LCR.
• LCR is the amount of High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLAs) that financial institutions must have on hand
to ensure they can meet their short-term obligations in the event of market turmoil.
• High LCR decreases money supply by requiring banks to hold a larger proportion of highly liquid assets.

4.41. Poshan Tracker

• PoshanTracker Application receives the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration
2024.
• It is a mobile-based application for dynamic identification of stunting, wasting, and under-weight
prevalence among children and last-mile tracking of nutrition service delivery.

4.42. Nano-sulphur
• The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) scientists claim that its nano sulphur gives yield
enhancement similar to DMH-11 (genetically-modified mustard) using conventional mustard varieties.
• TERI’s Nano-sulphur
o It is a completely green product that uses biological agents like plant promoting bacteria that
secrete enzymes and metabolites.
o Nano-sulfur has antibacterial and insecticidal properties.

4.43. Create in India Challenge (CIC)

• Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, launched as a flagship initiative under World Audio Visual and
Entertainment Summit (WAVES) evolves into a global movement.
• About CIC
o Launch: August 2024, initiated by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
o Aim: Empower India’s creators, enabling them to showcase their talents, monetize their skills, and
contribute to the growth of the media and entertainment industry.
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4.44. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)

• The year 2025 marks the 150 years of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
• BSE established as ‘The Native Share & Stock Brokers' Association’ in 1875, it is Asia's first & world’s
fastest Stock Exchange.
o In 2017, BSE became 1st listed stock exchange of India.

4.45. India Skills Accelerator

• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has collaborated with the World Economic Forum to
launch the "India Skills Accelerator" initiative.
• The India Skills Accelerator is a national public-private collaboration platform aimed at facilitating
cross-sectoral innovation and solutions in skill development.

4.46. Volatility Index (India VIX)

• Recently, Volatility Index (India VIX) registered its highest single-day spike ever.
• It is a measure of market volatility derived by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) using data from NIFTY
options.
• A higher VIX value indicates increased predicted volatility and uncertainty, while a lower VIX value reflects a
calmer market

4.47. Chapata Chilli

• The Warangal Chapata Chilli, or Tomato Chilli, from Telangana has been granted the GI (Geographical
Indication) tag.
• Unique Characteristics
o Bright red colour and round shape resembling a tomato.
o It is less spicy but has extensive flavour due to its capsicum oleoresin properties.

4.48. SAMARTH UDYOG BHARAT 4.0 (SAMARTH Centres)

• Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel updated Parliament on 4 Smart Advanced Manufacturing
and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Centres.
• These were set up under the Scheme for “Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods
Sector”.
• SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 is an Industry 4.0 initiative of Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public Enterprises.

4.49. Navratna status granted to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism

Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC)
• Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are given ratna status based on their performance and specific
eligibility criteria.

4.50. Dalle Chilly

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) successfully exported
first consignment of GI-Tagged Dalle Chilly from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands.
• Dalle Chilly, also known as Fire Ball Chilly or Dalle Khursani, is renowned for its intense pungency, bright
red color, and high nutritional value.
• It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with potassium.
• Its Scoville Heat Units (SHU) range from 100,000 to 350,000, making it one of the hottest chillies.

4.51. Reinsurance

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• Valueattics Re has become the first private firm to receive IRDAI’s nod to commence reinsurance
business in India.
• Reinsurance is a risk management practice where insurance companies transfer a portion of their risk
to another insurance company (reinsurer) to protect themselves from large financial losses.

4.52. Amended BharatNet Program (ABP)

• Gujarat became the first state to implement the ABP under a state-led model.
• Background: Bharat Net was launched to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs)
across the country.
• Genesis: ABP was approved in 2023 as a design improvement

4.53. Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL)

• Union Minister Of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (Mopsw) Inaugurates Sagarmala Finance Corporation
Limited (SMFCL)
• SMFCL is India’s first Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the maritime sector.

4.54. SCOMET List (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials,

Equipment and Technologies)
• DGFT (Ministry of Commerce & Industry) authorized the Department of Defence Production (MoD), to be
the licensing authority for export of all items falling under Category 6 of SCOMET for military end use.
• National Export Control List of dual use items munitions and nuclear related items, including software and
technology
• Notified by DGFT under Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Items.
• Regulated under of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992.

4.55. Namibia to become first African Country to roll out Digital

Payments System based on UPI
• On the recent visit of the Prime Minister of India, Namibia decided to sign a licensing agreement to adopt
the UPI system for real-time digital payments.

4.56. University of Southampton Becomes First Global University to

open campus under new UGC rules
• It has opened the campus in Gurugram under the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) (Setting up and
Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations 2023.
• Earlier, Australia's Deakin and Wollongong university had opened campuses in GIFT city.

4.57. World Bank Places India among World’s Most Equal Societies
• According to the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, India is the fourth most equal country
in the world after the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Belarus on the basis of Gini Index score.
• Achieved greater income equality with Gini score of 25.5 (2022-23), improvement from 28.8 (2011-12).

4.58. NSCSTI 2.0

• Union Minister unveiled National Standards for Civil Service Training Institutes 2.0 Framework.
• About the framework
o Developed by: Capacity Building Commission (CBC)
o Objective: To build future-ready civil services Training Institutes.
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o Key Features: Streamlined evaluation metrics, Inclusive design, Digitally aligned with hybrid learning
models, etc.

4.59. Coconut Development Board

• Coconut Development Board Launches Revised Schemes
• About Coconut Development Board
o Overview: It is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
o Genesis: 1981
o Aim: Integrated development of coconut cultivation and industry with focus on productivity increase
and product diversification.
o Offices: Headquarters at Kochi and Regional Offices at Bangalore, Chennai, Guwahati and Patna.

4.60. 10 Years of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

• Launched in January 2015 as part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Campaign, over 4.1 crore Sukanya
Samriddhi accounts have been opened as of November 2024, envisaging financial security and social
empowerment of girls across India.
• About Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
o It is a small deposit scheme of the Government of India meant exclusively for a girl child to meet
their education and marriage expenses.
o Ministry: Union Ministry of Finance.
o Criteria: Account can be opened in the name of a girl child till she attains the age of 10 years in post
office or commercial bank.
o Only one account can be opened in the name of a girl child.
o Parents can open a maximum of two accounts for each of their two children.
o Deposit: Minimum deposit ₹ 250/- Maximum deposit ₹ 1.5 Lakh in a financial year.
o Managing the account: The account is managed by the guardian until the girl child reaches the age
of eighteen.
o Interest: Interest rate of 8.2%.
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o Withdrawal: Allows 50% withdrawal at the age of 18 for higher education purposes.
> The account can be prematurely closed in case of marriage of a girl child after her attaining age of
18 years.
o Maturity: The account shall mature on completion of a period of 21 years from the date of opening of
account.

4.61. Enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 System

• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has launched the enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO)
2.0 System.
• About eCoO 2.0
o It is a significant upgrade to simplify the certification process for exporters and enhance trade
efficiency.
o Supports Aadhaar-based e-signing alongside digital signature tokens, providing greater flexibility.
o Certificate of Origin is a document used in international trade to certify that the goods being exported
originated in a specific country.

4.62. Project VISTAAR

• IIT Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Project VISTAAR (Virtually
Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources).
• About VISTAAR
o It is a "Network" of Networks (Al-augmented) and every State can build their own Agri-Advisory network.

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o It is a comprehensive network that connects decentralized databases to provide seamless access to
vital agricultural resources.
o Objective: enhance decision-making and resource utilization

4.63. 10 years of District Mineral Foundation (DMF)

• Ministry of Mines, through amendment in Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act, in
2015, has made a provision for establishment of DMF in all districts affected by mining.
• DMFs are established as a non-profit Trust in 645 districts across 23 states.
• Objective: To work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining related operations.
• Composition and functions of DMF shall be such as may be prescribed by State Government.
• DMF also given responsibility to implement Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY).
o Under PMKKKY, 70% of the fund should go for high priority and 30% for other priority sectors
• Fund collected: DMFs have accumulated over Rs 1,03,000 crores

4.64. YuWaah
• The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) YuWaah have
signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to empower rural women and youth across India.
• About (UNICEF) YuWaah, 2019
o It is a platform where youth-centric action is co-created, especially facilitated by young Indians from
diverse backgrounds.

4.65. “Jal Hi AMRIT” program

• Program launched under AMRUT 2.0 seeks to improve quality of treated effluent discharge and promote
recycling of treated water in urban areas.
• About Jal Hi Amrit Program:
o Key Purpose: To incentivize States & UTs to manage used water (sewage) treatment plants (STPs) for
ensuring recyclable good quality treated water.
o About AMRUT 2.0
o Ministry: MoHUA

o Tenure: Launched in 2021 for 05 years.

o Purpose: To provide universal coverage of water supply through functional taps to all households in
all statutory towns.

4.66. Metre Convention

• Department of Consumer Affairs commemorated World Metrology Day 2025, marking the 150th
anniversary of the Metre Convention.
• About Metre Convention
o Genesis: Signed on 20 May 1875, and amended in 1921.
o Purpose: Includes convention and its annexed regulation (commonly known as the “Metre
Convention”) to assure the international unification and improvement of the metric system.
o Created an International Organization, International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) to
develop and maintain a universal measurement system.

4.67. Sugar Boards

• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to establish 'Sugar Boards'
on their campuses.
• This step follows a recommendation from National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR),
which has raised concerns over rising cases of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, etc.
o Type 2 is caused when body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough insulin.
o Type 1 is autoimmune disorder in which insulin producing cells are destroyed by the immune system.

4.68. Bills of Lading Bill 2025

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• Parliament has passed the Bills of Lading Bill 2025.

• About Bills of Lading Bill 2025
o It aims to update and simplify the legal framework for shipping documents.
o It will replace the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856.
o A bill of lading refers to a document issued by a freight carrier to a shipper.

4.69. BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute (BRIC-NABI)

• Recently, a new complex of India's first Biomanufacturing Institute, named BRIC-NABI, was inaugurated at
Mohali (Punjab).
• About BRIC-NABI
o Formed through the strategic merger of National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and the
Centre of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB).
o Funded by: Department of Biotechnology
o Aim: Promote cutting-edge research in genetic manipulation, metabolic pathways, etc. & address
India’s biomanufacturing gap by creating large-scale production facilities and nurturing startups.

4.70. Dozer Push Mining Method

• CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) has successfully conducted the first
trial blast for the Dozer Push Mining Method.
• About Dozer Push Mining Method
o It utilizes unmanned, automated machinery to optimize the mining process while ensuring that
vibrations and flyrock are controlled within safe limits.
o Significance over conventional mining: Faster coal recovery, reducing delays due to adverse weather
conditions, highly cost effective, lesser risks associated with manual labours, etc.

4.71. Manufactured Sand (M-Sand)

• Recently, Rajasthan government introduced the M-Sand, 2024 policy for sustainable construction and
infrastructure.
• About M - Sand
o About: It is produced by crushing rocks or quarry stones, serving as a substitute for river sand in
concrete construction.

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5. Science
5.1 Third Launch Pad (TLP) project
• Union cabinet approved the establishment of ‘Third Launch Pad’ (TLP) project.
• It will be established at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

5.2. India becomes 4th country to achieve space docking

• The US, Russia, and China are the other three countries to perform space docking.
• Space docking (joining of two fast-moving satellites in space) was performed by using two small spacecraft
i.e. SDX01 (Chaser), and SDX02 (Target) of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission.
• SpaDex mission
o Background: SpaDeX and 24 PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4) payloads were launched by ISRO
via PSLV-C60 from Sriharikota space centre in December 2024.
o Mission Goal: Develop and demonstrate technology for rendezvous and Autonomous docking using two
small spacecraft (SDX01 and SDX02).
o Mission Life: Up to two years post-docking operations.

5.3. CROPS Experiment

• ISRO achieved a milestone as cowpea seeds aboard PSLV-C60's CROPS experiment sprouted leaves in
space within four days.
• It was ISRO’s first biological experiment in space and part of CROPS (Compact Research Module for
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Orbital Plant Studies).

• CROPS Experiment (developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre) is an automated platform designed
to cultivate and sustain plant life in microgravity environment of space.

5.4. Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress

(CROP)
• ISRO satellite CROP estimated wheat Crop Area and production in India.
• CROP is a semi-automated, scalable framework, developed by National Remote Sensing Centre
(NRSC)/ISRO.

5.5. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

• NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Satellite launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
Sriharikota.
• This is the first dual frequency Radar Imaging mission marking a major milestone in Indo-US space
collaboration.
• About NISAR
o Earth Observation Satellite (EOS): Images global land and ice-covered surfaces including islands and
selected oceans every 12 days (orbits Earth every 97 minutes).
o Weight: 2,392 kg.
o Launch Vehicle: ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-F16.

5.6. GSAT-N2
• Recently SpaceX’s Falcon-9 deployed India’s GSAT-N2 satellite into orbit.
• GSAT-N2 (Geostationary Satellite-20) is a communication satellite of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
• Significance: It will enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across the Indian region. It offers
pan-India coverage, including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.

5.7. Aditya L1 Solar Mission

• The mission was launched last year by PLSV-C57 to observe the Sun from a halo orbit.
• It was inserted in its targeted halo orbit in January 2024.
• Features:
o Coronal Heating and Solar Wind Acceleration; Initiation of Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), flares and
near-earth space weather; Solar wind distribution and temperature anisotropy etc.
o Placed at Lagrangian point L1: Continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/eclipses,
reduced fuel consumption etc. are the key advantages of L1.
o Lagrange Points are positions where gravitational pull of two large masses precisely equals centripetal
force required for a small object to move with them.
o 7 payloads: Four payloads directly view the Sun and three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles
and fields at L1, thus providing insights into the propagatory effect of solar dynamics in interplanetary
medium.
o Lifespan: 5 years.

5.8. Aditya-L1 payload captures first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’

• Solar Ultra-violet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) payload onboard Aditya-L1 observed an X6.3-class solar flare,
which is one of most intense categories of solar eruptions.
• What are Solar Flares?
o Sudden and intense bursts of solar energy in form of light/radiation and high energy charged particles
from Solar atmosphere.

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5.9. Mission SCOT
• The Prime Minister congratulated the Digantara team for the success of Mission SCOT.
• Mission SCOT stands for Space Camera for Object Tracking.
o Aim: Creating maps for space by tracking object.

5.10. Analog Space Mission

• ISRO has launched India’s first analog space mission in Leh (Ladakh) to plan lunar mission experiments.
• It has been developed by joint collaboration of ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Center, AAKA space studio,
university of Ladakh and IIT Bombay.

5.11. Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) Mission

• Led by: ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), with industry partners and top Indian institutions.
• Objectives
o Simulates extraterrestrial environments like the Moon and Mars.
o Enables testing of human survival, health protocols, and equipment in space-like environments.

5.12. Chandrayaan-4
• Union Cabinet gave approval for Chandrayaan-4 Mission, a successor to Chandrayaan-3 which
demonstrated soft landing on Moon.
• Chandrayaan 4 aims to develop and demonstrate key technologies for landing on the Moon, collecting lunar
samples, and returning to Earth safely.
o It will achieve the foundational technologies capabilities eventually for an Indian landing on the moon
(planned by year 2040) and return safely back to Earth.
o ISRO will be responsible for the development of spacecraft and launch.
o Timeline: Expected to be completed within 36 months.
o Budget: ₹2104.06 crore.

5.13. Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX)

• National Space Panel Clears India’s 5th Lunar Mission ‘Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX)’.
• LUPEX will be a precursor to the country’s lunar sample return mission and for sending the first Indian to the
moon by 2040.
• Purpose: It will investigate the quantity and quality of water on the Moon and is envisaged to explore the
dark side of the moon.
• International collaboration project: ISRO is in charge of the lunar rover and Japan’s JAXA is responsible for
the lander.
• Observation instruments from NASA and the ESA will also be mounted on the rover.
o Landing Location: Landing point will be the south pole of the moon as this area is believed to have a
high-water potential.

5.14. Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)

• VOM, recently approved by cabinet, to be accomplished by Department of Space, is envisaged to orbit a
scientific spacecraft in the orbit of planet Venus.
• ISRO will be responsible for development of spacecraft and its launch, which is scheduled in March, 2028.
• Budget: Rs. 1,236 Crore, out of which Rs 824 Crore will be spent on the spacecraft.

5.15. Revised Gaganyaan Programme

• Gaganyaan Programme approved in 2018 envisages undertaking the human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit
(LEO).
• It targets development and demonstration of critical technologies for long duration human space missions.
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• Under Revised Programme, ISRO will undertake four missions under ongoing Gaganyaan Programme by
2026 and development of BAS-1 & four missions for demonstration & validation of various technologies for
BAS by December, 2028.
• By 2035, ISRO plans to construct additional modules to achieve full operational status for space station.

5.16. Parker Solar Probe

• Parker Solar Probe becomes the first human-made object to fly close to the Sun.
• NASA’s Parker Solar Probe performed solar fly at perihelion point.
• Perihelion refers to the point in the orbit of a planet or other astronomical body, at which it is closest to the
sun. The opposite of Perihelion is Aphelion.
• About Parker Solar Probe (2018)
o Objective: Launched to fly into the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere, the corona, to improve the
understanding of solar wind.
o Solar wind is a continual stream of protons and electrons from the corona.
o Key Scientific Instruments: Fields Experiment (FIELDS), Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun.

5.17. Europa Clipper

• NASA’s Europa Clipper embarked on long voyage to Jupiter to investigate its moon Europa.
• About Europa Clipper
o Objective: Determine whether Europa has conditions that could support life.
o Evidence suggests presence of enormous, salty ocean with more water than Earth beneath Europa’s
ice.
o It will begin orbiting Jupiter in 2030 and conduct flybys of Europa from 2031.

5.18. Lucy Mission

• NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is set to fly by asteroid Donaldjohanson.
• About Lucy Mission

o Launched in 2021, the name Lucy was chosen in honor of the fossilized human ancestor, named "Lucy,"
that was found in Ethiopia in 1974.
o Objective: First space mission to explore Jupiter Trojan asteroids (remnants from the early solar
system).
o Trojan asteroids orbit in two “swarms” that lead and follow Jupiter in its orbit around the Sun.

5.19. GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) Mission

• NASA’s GRAIL Mission created the most detailed map of the Moon’s gravity.
• GRAIL Mission was launched in 2011 as a part of NASA Discovery Program.

5.20. BepiColombo
• BepiColombo has completed its latest flyby of Mercury. It will begin to orbit in 2026.
• About BepiColombo
o BepiColombo, a joint European-Japanese mission, consisting of two spacecraft riding together to
Mercury to orbit and to study the planet.
o The European Space Agency's Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) will study the planet's surface and
interior.
o The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MIO) will study the planet's
magnetic field.
o Only two other spacecraft have visited Mercury: NASA's Mariner 10 and MESSENGER.

5.21. Tianwen-2 probe

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• China launched Tianwen-2 probe to return samples from an asteroid near Mars.
• Earlier, Tianwen-1 probe consisting of an orbiter, a lander and a rover (Zhurong) landed on mars’ surface in
2021.
• Tianwen-3, scheduled for (launch) around 2028, aims to collect and bring samples back to Earth from Mars
while Tianwen-4 aims to explore Jupiter around 2030.

5.22. LignoSat
• The world's first wooden satellite, developed by Japan, has been launched.
• The satellite will study how wood withstands space's extreme conditions.
• About LignoSat
o It is a small, palm-sized satellite made from honoki wood, a type of magnolia tree native to Japan.
o It also incorporates traditional aluminium structures and electronic components.

5.23. Quasar
• Astronomers have discovered the brightest quasar ever observed, named J0529-4351, using European
Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT).
• Quasars are the active galactic nuclei (bright cores of distant galaxies) and they are powered by
supermassive black holes.

5.24. Euclid telescope

• Euclid telescope has captured high-resolution images of 26 million galaxies.
• About Euclid Telescope (2023)
o Space Agency: Euclid is a fully European mission, built and operated by the European Space Agency
(ESA), with contributions from NASA.

5.25. GAIA
• European Space Agency (ESA) shut down its space observatory mission, GAIA.
• About Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics (GAIA)

o It is a mission to chart a three-dimensional map of our Galaxy, the Milky Way.

o Objective: Designed for astrometry (the science of mapping the cosmos) through precise
measurement of the location and movement of stars and other celestial bodies.

5.26. ESA’s Biomass

• European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch its Biomass mission.
• About Biomass Mission
o Biomass is the first satellite to carry a P-band SAR – an innovative instrument capable of penetrating
forest canopies to measure the woody trunks, branches and stems where carbon is primarily stored.
o The mission will map the world’s forests to provide the very first comprehensive measurements of forest
biomass and stored carbon at a global scale.

5.27. SPHEREx Space Telescope

• NASA is set to launch SPHEREx Space Telescope using the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
• About SPHEREx Space Telescope (Observatory)
o It stands for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices
Explorer.
o Objective: Survey the sky in optical & near-infrared light.

5.28. Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA)

• The mission is led by ESA (European Space Agency) in partnership with NASA.
• It will be the first space-based observatory dedicated to studying gravitational waves.
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• Launch: Mid 2030s.

• It will consist of three identical spacecraft that will trail Earth in its orbit around the Sun.

5.29. Remove Debris In-Orbit Servicing (RISE) Mission

• RISE is first in-orbit servicing mission of European Space Agency which is a significant step towards
refuelling, refurbishment, and assembling in orbit - all essential elements for creating a circular economy in
space.
• RISE will rise up to the so-called geostationary graveyard, about 100 km higher, where satellites are ‘parked’
after they have reached the end of their mission.

5.30. Moonlight Programme

• Recently, European Space Agency has launched the Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation
Services (LCNS) programme.
• About Moonlight Programme
o Objective: To provide services for >400 moon missions planned by space agencies and private
companies over the next two decades.
o It will be a constellation of five lunar satellites.
o Initial services are expected to begin by the end of 2028, and the system is to be fully operational by
2030.

5.31. Proba-3 mission

• ISRO will launch European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission, marking a significant step in
international space collaboration.
• It is ESA’s first launch from India since Proba-1 mission in 2001.
• About Proba-3 Mission
o Aim: To observe the Sun’s corona through an innovative satellite formation flight.

5.32. IRIS²
• European Union recently launched Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by
Satellite (IRIS²), its third major space infrastructure project, following Galileo navigation system and
Copernicus.
• About IRIS²
o Developed with the support of the European Space Agency and other partners.
o Objective: To provide secure connectivity and high-speed broadband in zones where network
connectivity is low or unavailable.
o Comprises 290 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits.

5.33. First private satellite constellation ‘Firefly’

• Indian private space-tech company Pixxel launched India’s first private satellite constellation ‘Firefly’.
• First three satellites of the Firefly constellation were successfully launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-
12 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
• Firefly is Pixxel’s flagship Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) satellite constellation, featuring six of the
highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellites to date.

5.34. Glenn Rocket

• Blue Origin’s giant New Glenn rocket blasted off from Florida on its first mission (NG-1) to space.
• Blue origin is a private company founded by Jeff Benzos in 2000.
• About NG-1 Mission:

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o Mission aimed to place the Blue Ring Pathfinder test satellite into orbit and land rocket's booster onto a
drone ship in Atlantic Ocean.

5.35. Project Kuiper

• Amazon launched the first 27 satellites under its Project Kuiper for deployment of an internet-from-space
network.
• About Project Kuiper
o It is Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband network.

5.36. Fram2
• SpaceX launched the first human spaceflight to cruise directly over Earth's polar orbit.
• This Mission titled "Fram2" has been launched by Dragon spacecraft of SpaceX.
• It will carry out a series of experiments, including the first X-ray in space and the cultivation of mushrooms
in microgravity.

5.37. Mechazilla
• SpaceX has achieved a significant milestone in space exploration by landing its Starship rocket using an
innovative structure called "Mechazilla.".
• About Mechazilla
o It is the nickname for the large 400-ft rocket-catching structure.
o It is a tall structure, equipped with massive mechanical arms, to catch Super Heavy booster (booster
rockets are designed to launch the Starship spacecraft) in mid-air as it returns to Earth.

5.38. Chamran-1 Satellite

• Iran launched a research satellite, Chamran-1, into orbit.

5.39. FireSat
• The FireSat project’s first satellite successfully placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

• About FireSat
o It is being developed by Google Research, Earth Fire Alliance, the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation and
Muon Space.
o It will have an LEO constellation comprising 50 satellites.
o It will provide high-resolution imagery to detect wildfires that are roughly the size of a classroom, and
provide updates every 20 minutes, using AI, including the fire intensity.

5.40. Gravitational Lensing (GL)

• Physicists at Durham University, UK, have discovered over 44 previously unknown stars located behind a
cluster of galaxies using GL.
• GL occurs when massive objects distort and magnify light from objects behind them (such as a galaxy
or a quasar), acting as cosmic telescopes and making distant galaxies appear brighter.

5.41. Dark Comets

• NASA researchers have discovered more dark Comets, Oumuamua-like (a messenger from afar arriving
first) objects.
• Dark Comets
o These celestial objects look like asteroids but act like comets and have less surface area for material to
form tails.
o They deviate from expected orbit. That deviation couldn’t be explained by the Yarkovsky effect. It is a
phenomenon which changes the path of celestial objects due to asymmetric radiation of heat energy.

5.42. Neutrino
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• Scientists are deploying two underwater telescopes under Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT)
to detect high-energy neutrinos (ghost particles).
• KM3NeT houses the next generation neutrino telescopes under Mediterranean Sea.
• About Neutrino
o Tiny particles without any electric charge.
o They are one of the fundamental subatomic particles in the universe, and quite numerous.

5.43. Quantum Gravity Gradiometers

• NASA is developing first-ever space-based quantum sensor for measuring gravity.
• Subtle changes in Gravity are measured using Gravity Gradiometers.
• Gravity gradiometers track how fast an object in one location falls compared to an object falling just a short
distance away.
• The difference in acceleration between these two free-falling objects corresponds to differences in
gravitational strength.

5.44. Charon
• Scientists have detected carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Charon (Pluto's moon) using NASA's
James Webb Telescope.
• About Charon
o It is largest among five moons of Plato.
o It is so big that Pluto and Charon orbit each other like a double planet.
o Pluto is a dwarf planet located in a distant region of our solar system beyond Neptune known as the
Kuiper Belt.

5.45. Trojan asteroid

• Discovery of a Trojan asteroid (2019 UO14) for Saturn establishes the presence of celestial bodies
alongside all giant planets (Jupiter, Neptune & Uranus).

• About Trojan asteroids

o They occupy a stable Lagrange Point (Usually L4 and L5) in a planet’s orbit around the sun.
o Lagrange Point is a position in space where objects stay in a relatively stable position without drifting
away.
o Mission Lucy (launched in 2021): The first mission to explore the Jupiter Trojan asteroids.

5.46. Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory

• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) inaugurated the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE)
Observatory at Hanle, Ladakh.
• It is largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia and 2nd largest in the world.
• Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) will be the largest Cherenkov telescope in the world (currently under
construction). It consists of two array located at Spain and Chile, respectively.
• Objective: Observe high-energy gamma rays to understand the most energetic phenomena in the
universe (such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts).
• It is named after scientist Pavel Alekseyevich Cherenkov, who discovered that charged particles glow when
they pass through a non-conducting medium under certain conditions (referred as Cherenkov radiation).
• Indigenously built by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from Electronics Corporation of
India (ECIL) and other partners.

5.47. Square Kilometer Array

• Square Kilometer Array (SKA), world’s largest radio telescope in making, has carried out its first

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observations and became partially functional.
• SKA project aims at building world’s largest radio telescope, with eventually over a square kilometre
of collecting area.
• SKA will consist of one global observatory, operating two large telescopes (South Africa and Australia).
• India joined SKA Organization in 2012 as an Associate Member and has actively participated in the pre-
construction phase of the SKA telescopes.

5.48. MeerKAT telescope

• Astronomers have used the MeerKAT radio telescope to investigate giant radio galaxies in the field of
Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS).
• Location: Northern Cape province of South Africa.
• Features:
o It consists of a connected array of radio telescopes.
o It consists of 64 interlinked receptors, including the main reflector, sub-reflector, receivers, and other
electronics.
• It is a precursor instrument to mid-frequency component of Square Kilometer Array (SKA) telescope.

5.49. Future Circular Collider

• It is an ambitious proposed successor to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.
• European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is one of the world's leading scientific institutions,
dedicated to understanding fundamental nature of the universe.

5.50. Majorana 1
• It is a first quantum chip which has been powered by new topological core architecture. (launched by
Microsoft).
• It uses the first-ever topoconductor (topological superconductor).
• A topoconductor is a special category of material that can create an entirely new state of matter – not a solid,
liquid or gas but a topological state.
• Material is made from indium arsenide (a semiconductor) and aluminum (a superconductor).

5.51. Ocelot
• Amazon launched a quantum computing chip named Ocelot.

5.52. Willow
• Google's quantum computing chip.

5.53. QpiAI
• Startup selected under NQM launches one of India’s most powerful quantum computers.
• QpiAI (startup selected under National Quantum Mission (NQM)) launched 25 qubit superconducting
quantum computer (QpiAI-Indus) on occasion of World Quantum Day (April 14th).

5.54. Hybrid Quantum Supercomputer (Reimei)

• Engineers in Japan have switched on the the world's first hybrid quantum supercomputer, called Reimei.
• 20-qubit quantum computer Reimei has been integrated into Fugaku, the world's sixth-fastest
supercomputer.

5.55. PARAM Rudra supercomputers

• Prime Minister launches 3 PARAM Rudra supercomputers & High-Performance Computing (HPC)
system.
• Worth Rs 130 crore, these Super computers are developed indigenously under National
Supercomputing Mission (NSM) and have been deployed in Pune, Delhi and Kolkata.
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5.56. NAKSHATRA
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched its first high performance computing facility
named NAKSHATRA at National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune.

5.57. BharatGen
• BharatGen has been launched by the Ministry of Science & Technology.
• It is aligned with the goal of Making AI in India and Making AI for India.
• About BharatGen
o Aim: Creation of Generative AI systems that can generate high-quality text (including speech) and
multimodal content in various Indian languages.
o Implementing Agency: IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical
Systems (NM-ICPS).

5.58. AlphaGenome
• Google DeepMind has launched a new AI model called AlphaGenome.

5.59. GenCast AI
• Google DeepMind Unveils GenCast AI Model for Advanced Weather Forecasting.
• About GenCast AI
o It is a weather forecasting model that claims better accuracy and extended forecasting range compared
to existing tools.
o It uses ensemble forecasting, similar to traditional numerical weather prediction (NWP), but is powered
by AI rather than simulations.

5.60. Agentic AI
• UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is to apply highly autonomous Agentic Artificial Intelligence in the
energy industry for the first time.
• About Agentic AI
o It allows systems to operate autonomously and perform tasks on behalf of users.
o It is action-oriented and is capable of independent decision making beyond content creation.

5.61. Agentic AI Kruti

• India's first agentic AI, Kruti, launched by Krutrim, can book cabs, pay bills, and perform other tasks.

5.62. MuleHunter.AI
• RBI launched AI tool MuleHunter.AI to help financial institutions identify mule bank accounts and curb
digital frauds.
• Mule accounts are used by criminals for illicit laundering of funds.
• They are often opened by unsuspecting individuals who offer their bank accounts for a fees making detection
difficult.
• About MuleHunter.AI
o Developed by Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a wholly owned subsidiary of RBI.
o Uses AI/ Machine Learning based solutions to identify suspected mule accounts efficiently on a
near-real-time monitoring.

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5.63. Center for Generative AI, Shrijan at IIT Jodhpur
• Meta, in collaboration with MeitY and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), also launched
the “YuvaAI initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building".
• About Center for Generative AI, Shrijan
o Aim: It will Identify & empower the next generation of AI innovators and entrepreneurs using open-
source AI & exploring possibilities in the Large Language Model (LLMs).
o It will nurture 1 lakh youth developers & entrepreneurs in AI skills over the next 3 years.

5.64. APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID

• The APAAR ID system has drawn scrutiny on data privacy.
• About APAAR ID
o It is a specialized identification system designed for all students in India.
o It is a unique 12-digit code will help students to digitally store, manage, and access all their academic
credits, including Score card, marksheets, gradesheet, degrees etc.
o It is a part of the 'One Nation, One Student ID' program launched by the government, aligning with the
new National Education Policy of 2020.
o Benefits: Facilitate student mobility, Enhance academic flexibility, Empower students to choose
their learning paths of their choice etc..

5.65. Payment Passkey Service

• Mastercard chooses India for launch of its Payment Passkey Service.
• About Payment Passkey Service
o It provides customers with a non-OTP-based solution for transactions.
o Working:
> It uses passkeys and tokenization to secure a consumer's online checkout interaction.
> To confirm payment, biometric authentication such as fingerprint, face scan or PIN is used as per
availability on device.

o Benefits
> Eliminates inconvenience of forgetting or inadvertently sharing one’s passwords or OTPs
thereby simplifies online shopping.
> Faster and secure Transactions (Since Financial account data is not shared with third parties).

5.66. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based Electronic Toll

Collection (ETC)
• National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Amendment Rules, 2024 have been
notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in accordance with the National Highways Act,
1956.
• About GNSS-based ETC
o Working: Uses satellite-based imaging to track the position of the vehicle and collect tolls based on the
distance travelled.
o Main components:
> OBU: GNSS-enabled device installed in a vehicle to determine vehicle route and calculate toll.
> ANPR cameras: Installed on the highways to recognize vehicle’s number plate and deduct toll
money.
> Benefits: Decrease the need for roadside tolling infrastructure; reduce congestion; etc.

5.67. Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launches Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology
Stack.
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• Blockchain is a Distributed Ledger Technology i.e., a shared irreversible ledger that facilitates the process
of recording transactions and tracking assets across a business network.

5.68. Silicon Carbide

• India's 1st silicon Carbide manufacturing facility to be set up in Odisha.
• Also known as carborundum, it is an exceedingly hard, synthetically produced crystalline compound of
silicon and carbon.
• Properties: Excellent thermomechanical characteristics, including high thermal conductivity,
excellent mechanical properties, excellent resistance to wear and oxidation.

5.69. Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor

• Chhattisgarh laid foundation stone for India's first GaN-based semiconductor plant in Raipur.
• India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (IGEIC)
o Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched IGEIC under the Graphene Aurora
program (GAP).
o GAP was launched in 2023 to nurture the deep/emerging Graphene technology & innovation ecosystem.
o It is implemented by Digital University Kerala.
o About IGEIC
> Incorporated as not for profit, section 8 company in Trivandrum, Kerala.
> Aims to create a hub of excellence in graphene technology commercialization.
> It shall fill the gap between R&D and commercialization by providing a complete facility to startup
and industry.
> Earlier MeitY had launched India's first graphene centre-the India Innovation Centre for Graphene
(IICG) in Kerala.

5.70. Titanium
• Recently, an Indian firm became India’s first private company to commission a Vacuum Arc Remelting
(VAR) furnace for producing aerospace-grade titanium alloy.

• Appearance: Hard, shiny and strong metal.

• Ilmenite and rutile are two chief minerals of titanium.
• Properties: Lightweight, low density, corrosion resistance, high melting point, etc..

5.71. Coking Coal

• A NITI Aayog research report suggests that India must include Coking Coal in the list of critical minerals
for enhancing competitiveness of India’s steel sector.
• While India is a net steel exporter, it is also the second largest importer of metallurgical coal in the World.
• Coking coal is high-grade bituminous coal with a quality that allows production of metallurgical coal.
• High-temperature heating of coking coal in the absence of oxygen produces Coke.
• Coke is used in iron & steel industry as energy source and chemical agent (carbon source) in blast
furnaces.

5.72. Slag
• Researchers documented a new kind of sedimentary rock made from coastal slag deposits in the U.K.
• Slag is a composite material containing metal oxides and silicon dioxide, and is a by-product of the
steelmaking process in the iron and steel industries.
• It is chemically stable and has the ability to neutralise acidity.
• It is a major component of artificial ground.

5.73. Californium

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• A package suspected to contain Californium was seized in Patna.
• Californium is a Silvery white Synthetic radioactive element with Atomic Number 98.
• A synthetic element is an element of the Periodic Table that has been created in a lab.
• Applications: Portable metal detectors, gold and silver ore identification, help start up nuclear reactors etc.

5.74. Biopolymer
• The Union Minister inaugurated India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in at Jejuri in Pune
(Maharashtra).
• It is a pioneering effort in developing indigenously integrated technology for the production of Polylactic
Acid (PLA) bioplastic.
• Biopolymers are materials that have been manufactured from biological sources like fats, vegetable
oils, sugars, etc.

5.75. Bitumen and Bio-bitumen

• Government is set to allow up to 35% bio-bitumen mixing, to save ₹10,000 crore of foreign exchange
outflows.
• Bitumen is a black substance produced through distillation of crude oil.
• It is known for its adhesive properties.
• Applications: Paving roads, water proofing etc.
• Bio-bitumen is a form of bitumen manufactured from organic elements. E.g. Bio-char, bio-oil, etc.

5.76. Pink Fire Retardant (Phos-Chek)

• Recently, Los Angeles authorities used pink fire retardant to combat wildfires.
• Pink Fire Retardant (Phos-Chek): Fire retardant is a mix of chemicals used to extinguish or slow down
spread of fires.
• Phos-Chek mostly contains ammonium phosphate-based slurry.
• Typically, it is made of salts such as ammonium polyphosphate, which does not evaporate easily like water
and stays for longer.
• It is pink because it most visible by firefighters against the landscape.

5.77. SSI Mantra

• India’s indigenous Surgical robotic system, SSI Mantra, performed two world-first robotic cardiac
telesurgeries with latency of only 40 milliseconds.
• SSI Mantra is the only robotic system worldwide to receive regulatory approval for telesurgery and tele-
proctoring.
• Recently, it was approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), central regulatory
body under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• It performed the robotic beating heart Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB) which is
considered one of the most complex cardiac surgical procedures.
• Telesurgery uses robotics and cameras to allow surgeons to perform operations from any location with
a high-speed data connection.

5.78. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• India has developed its first indigenous 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine.
• It will be installed in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
• It is developed through a partnership of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity),
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), etc.
• Implementing agency: Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER),
Mumbai.
• About MRI
o It is a non-invasive medical imaging test used to visualize soft tissues.
o They use large magnets and radio waves. No ionizing radiation is produced during an MRI exam,
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unlike X-rays.
o Images produced by an MRI scan can show organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels.

5.79. AnemiaPhone
• Cornell University's AnemiaPhone technology, now transferred to ICMR, offers quick, accurate, and
cost-effective iron deficiency assessment.
• ICMR will integrate it into its programs for anemia, women’s health and maternal and child health
throughout the country.

5.80. Sṛjanam
• India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, Sṛjanam, was launched at AIIMS
Delhi.
5.81. Diabetes Biobank
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in has set up the country’s first diabetes biobank in Chennai.
• Diabetes Biobank is a repository of population-based biological samples.
• It will gather, process, store and distribute biospecimens to assist scientific studies with the permission of
the ICMR.

5.82. GARBHINI-DRISHTI
• Department of Biotechnology has launched GARBH-INi-DRISHTI at the Translational Health Science and
Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad (Haryana).
• GARBH-INi-DRISHTI is a data dashboard that provides a comprehensive overview of one of South Asia's
largest maternal and child health databases.

• DHARANI is the largest open-access digital dataset of the human fetal brain.
• Created with custom-made Indian technology.
• Developed with one-tenth of the funds used for the US-based Allen Brain Atlas.

5.84. ICD-11
• WHO announced 2025 update to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
• ICD-11 is a standardized global system by WHO for classifying diseases and health conditions, now
expanded to include traditional medicine.

5.85. Dengue
• Indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine, DengiAll has proceeded toward its phase-3 clinical trials.
• Trial would be conducted with collaboration of Indian Council of Medical Research and Panacea Biotec.
• Dengue (Break-Bone Fever)
o Viral infection that transmits with bite of an infected female Aedes mosquitoes (also responsible for
chikungunya, Zika).
o Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

5.86. Multi-Drug Resistant- Tuberculosis (MDR- TB)

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare approves new treatment regimen for Multi-Drug Resistant-
Tuberculosis (MDR- TB).
• Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that most often affects lungs and is caused by bacillus
Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.

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• Bacillle Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine provides immunity against TB.
• As per India TB Report 2024, there were 25.52 lakh notified TB patients in 2023.

5.87. Cholera
• Bharat Biotech launched its Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV), Hillchol.
• Hillchol vaccine is an inactivated, single-strain oral vaccine suitable for children older than one year.
• Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection of the intestine caused by bacteria Vibrio Cholerae.
o Sources: Faecal contamination of water and food (poverty-related disease).
o It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.

5.88. ZyVac TCV Vaccine

• ZyVac TCV received WHO prequalification status, making it eligible for United Nations procurement
programs.
• ZyVac TCV is a Typhoid Vi conjugate vaccine that provides active immunization against bacterium
Salmonella typhi infection.
• It is indigenously developed and manufactured by Zydus Lifesciences Ltd.

5.89. Hepatitis A vaccine

• Indian Immunologicals Limited launched pediatric (for children) dose of India’s first indigenous Hepatitis A
vaccine, Havisure.
• About Hepatitis
o An inflammation of liver.
o Caused infectious viruses as well as non-infectious agents.
o Five main strains: Types A, B, C, D and E.
o Types B and C together are most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related
deaths.
o Vaccine not available for type C.
o National Viral Hepatitis Control Program 2019 seeks to eliminate Hepatitis C in India by 2030.
o Mission Indradhanush provides vaccination against Hepatitis B along with 7 other infections.

5.90. Marburg Viral Disease (MVD)

• An outbreak of Marburg Viral Disease in Rwanda has claimed multiple lives.
• MVD is a rare but highly infectious viral hemorrhagic fever which affects both humans and primates
(apes, monkeys) with high mortality rate.
• Marburg and Ebola viruses are both members of Filoviridae family (filovirus). Though caused by different
viruses, the two diseases are clinically similar.
• Spreads through human-to-human transmission and also from bats to people.

5.91. Sudan Virus

• Recently, the Ugandan Government and the WHO confirmed an outbreak of Sudan virus disease.
• Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) is a viral hemorrhagic fever disease, belonging to the same family as Ebola virus
disease.
• It spreads through contact with blood, body fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces.
• As of now, there is no licensed vaccine for SVD.

5.92. Monkeypox
• WHO declared Monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
• Following an Mpox outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and outside Africa, it was declared as
global PHEIC for second time in two years.
• About Mpox
o Viral illness caused by monkeypox virus, a species of genus Orthopoxvirus.
o First detected in humans in 1970 in DRC.
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o Spreads via close contact and tends to cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled skin lesion.
o Occurs mostly in central and western Africa, and affected primarily (but not only) gay, bisexual etc.

5.93. Norovirus
• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported significant surge in Norovirus cases.
• About Norovirus
o It is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, commonly known as "stomach flu."
o Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
o Transmitted primarily through faecal-oral route, either by consumption of contaminated food or water,
or by spreading directly from person to person.
o There's no specific medication for norovirus.

5.94. Diphtheria
• WHO team arrived in Deeg, Rajasthan amidst rising cases of Diphtheria.
• About Diphtheria
o Contagious disease that is caused by toxin producing bacteria (Corynebacterium diphtheria).
o Infects respiratory system mainly affecting children from newborns to 16 years of age.

5.95. Chandipura virus

• The WHO has warned that the current Chandipura virus infection in India is the largest in 20 years.
• Chandipura virus (CHPV)
o CHPV is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes rabies.
o It is transmitted by vectors such as sandflies, mosquitoes and ticks.
o As of now, there is no antiretroviral treatment or vaccine accessible for treatment.
o It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura (Maharashtra).

5.96. Leptospirosis (Rat Fever)

• A surge in Leptospirosis cases has affected almost all districts in Kerala.

• About Leptospirosis
o Infectious disease caused by pathogenic bacteria called leptospires that are transmitted directly
or indirectly from animals to humans. Thus, it is a zoonotic disease.
o Bacteria enter body through cuts or abrasions on skin.
o Human-to-human transmission occurs very rarely.
5.97. Murine Typhus
• Recently, a Kerala man was diagnosed with the bacterial disease murine typhus.
• About Murine Typhus
o Also known as endemic typhus, flea-borne typhus or flea-borne spotted fever.
o Disease Distribution: Occurs worldwide, primarily in tropical and subtropical climates where rats
and rat fleas are present.
o Caused by: Flea-borne bacteria Rickettsia typhi.
o Transmission to Humans: When infected flea feces come into contact with cuts or scrapes in skin.
5.98. Kala-azar
• India is on track to eliminate Kala-azar (or Visceral leishmaniasis) as a public health problem.
• About Kala-azar
o Pathogen: Protozoa parasite from over 20 Leishmania species.
o Transmission: Bites of infected female phlebotomine sandflies, which feed on blood to produce
eggs.
5.99. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

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• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak has been reported in Pune, Maharashtra.
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a very rare but potentially paralysing nerve disorder caused by the
immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own nerves. It is often triggered by gastrointestinal or
respiratory infection.
5.100. Presbyopia
• It is a refractive error in which the eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects.
• It happens as the lens stops focusing light correctly on the retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back
of the eye).
• With the age, the lens in eye gets harder and less flexible.
• It is an age-related condition and people usually develop it at around the age of 40.
5.101. Trachoma
• India is the third country in the South-East Asia Region after Nepal and Myanmar that eliminated
Trachoma, a Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD).
• Previously WHO declared India free from two other NTDs (Guinea Worm disease (2000) and Yaws (2016)
• About Trachoma
o It is eye infecting disease caused by infection with bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
o It is contagious (spreading through contact with eyes, nose etc.) disease and If left untreated can cause
irreversible blindness.
5.102. Measles and Rubella
• South East Asia Region countries set a new target to eliminate measles and rubella from the region by 2026.
• About Measles
o It is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus.
o It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
• About Rubella
o It is a contagious viral infection transmitted by airborne droplets.
o It occurs most often in children and young adults.

5.103. CAR T-cell Therapy

• Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved 2nd Living drugs, Qartemi, a Chimeric
Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for treating blood cancer.
• CAR T-cell therapy is an innovative form of immunotherapy where a patient’s T-cells are genetically
engineered to target and attack cancer cells.

5.104. TDP1- DNA repair enzyme

• Scientists at Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, have identified a promising new
target for cancer treatment by activating a DNA repair enzyme called TDP1.
• TDP1 (Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1) is an important enzyme in humans that plays a crucial role in
DNA repair by removing damaged DNA bases.
• This breakthrough points to a promising avenue for precision medicine in treating cancers, especially those
resistant to current therapies.

5.105. Hydrogel
• Recently, researchers from IIT Guwahati developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for targeted Breast
Cancer Therapy.
• Hydrogels are water-based, three-dimensional polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining
fluids.
• Their unique structure mimics living tissues, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

5.106. HPV
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• India’s first indigenously developed HPV test kits for cervical cancer screening validated by Department
of Biotechnology (DBT).
• HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection which can affect the skin, genital area and throat.
• In most cases the immune system clears HPV from the body.
• Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.
• Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer caused by HPV.

5.107. QUAD Countries (India, United States, Australia and Japan)

Launched Cancer Moonshot Initiative.
• Cancer moonshot Initiative aims to strengthen overall cancer care ecosystem in Indo-Pacific by improving
health infrastructure, research collaborations, etc.
• Promoting HPV vaccination to treat cervical cancer, increasing access to screenings, and expanding
treatment options.

5.108. 1st human gene therapy for Haemophilia A

• Department of Biotechnology (DBT), along with the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) develops 1st
human gene therapy for Haemophilia A.

5.109. Heritable Human Genome Editing

• South Africa becomes first country to allow Heritable Human Genome Editing (HHGE).
• Unlike somatic cell editing, which affects only individuals, HHGE introduces changes in germline cells
(sperm, eggs, or embryos), enabling these alterations to be inherited by offspring.

5.110. Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp)

5.111. mRNA Vaccine

• WHO launches new initiative to advance mRNA vaccine development against human avian influenza
(H5N1).
• mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of mRNA that corresponds to a viral protein, usually a small
piece of a protein found on the virus’s outer membrane.
• mRNA is a genetic molecule that contains instructions or recipe that directs cells to make a protein using its
natural machinery.
• This mRNA prompts cells to create viral proteins, triggering the immune system to produce antibodies and
boost immune system.

5.112. Bombay Blood Group

• Doctors recently conducted a cross-blood transplant in a patient with a rare Bombay blood group.
• Bombay Blood Group (HH blood group) is a rare blood group.
• Discovery: 1st discovered in Mumbai in 1952 by Y.M. Bhende.
• Characteristics: presence of serum antibodies anti-A, anti-B, and anti-H, which can cause agglutination in
all blood groups within the ABO system.
• Clinical Feature: People with Bombay blood group cannot receive blood transfusions from any ABO group,
including type O, which has the H antigen.
• Note: They can only receive blood from another Bombay blood group donor.

5.113. Allulose

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• The market for Allulose, a natural sugar alternative, is gaining ground in South Korea as a healthier option.
• Also known as D-allulose & d-psicose, Allulose is a naturally occurring sugar found at low levels in figs, kiwis
& other fruits.
• It is also commercially produced from beet sugar or corn using specific enzymes.

5.114. Fentanyl
• U.S. is considering a 10% tariff on Chinese imports because fentanyl is being smuggled from China into U.S.
through Mexico and Canada.
• Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, approved by Food and Drug Administration for analgesic (pain relief)
and anesthesia.
• It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an
analgesic.

5.115. Organophosphate
• Doctors in Jammu & Kashmir expressed the likelihood of Organophosphates, used in pesticides, behind
the death of 17 villagers.
• Formation: Chemical compounds formed through the esterification process involving phosphoric acid and
alcohol.
• Esterification is a chemical reaction where two reactants like alcohol and acid combine to create an ester
as the reaction product.
• Applications: Herbicides, Pesticides, Insecticides, Nerve agents in chemical warfare (disrupts the
transmission of nerve signals or neuromuscular transmission in exposed organisms), etc.
5.116. Fluoride
• The US Secretary of Health nominee has suggested an end to adding fluoride to public water supplies.
• Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in water, soil, and air that has been demonstrated to prevent dental
cavities and tooth decay.
• Side effects: Excessive Fluoride in drinking and cooking water lead to fluorosis (fluoride-induced tooth
discoloration).

• Prescribed standard: As per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the desirable limit of Fluoride in water is 1ppm
(parts per million) or 1 mg/L, the lesser the better.

5.117. Asbestos
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposes new testing rules to ensure cosmetics are asbestos-free.
• Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres.
• Key Property: Resistant to heat and corrosion.
• Application: Used as building materials, automobile industry etc.
• Health Concern: Exposure to asbestos, causes cancer of the lung, larynx and ovaries, and
mesothelioma (a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal linings).

5.118. India’s first Fast-Breeder Nuclear Reactor (500 MWe) set for
commissioning by 2026
• Located at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, this will mark the beginning of the second stage of India’s three-stage
nuclear power programme.
• Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)
o The 500 MWe sodium-cooled Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is located at Kalpakkam, Tamil
Nadu.
o It is India’s first indigenous PFBR.
o It is commissioned by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a Government
Company under administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• About First approach to Criticality
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o Criticality refers to the initial process of bringing a reactor to a self-sustaining chain reaction for the first
time.
• What is a Fast Breeder Reactor?
o FBR is a nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to generate more nuclear fuel than they consume while
generating power.
o FBR will use Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel.
o It uses indigenously produced Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel and utilizes liquid sodium as
a coolant.

5.119. North India’s first nuclear power project will be established in

Gorakhpur (Haryana)
• Gorakhpur project consists of two twin units, each with a Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), for a
total capacity of 2800 MW.
• A PHWR uses Heavy Water as both coolant and moderator, with natural uranium as fuel.
• Heavy water is water that contains heavy hydrogen (also known as deuterium) in place of regular hydrogen.
• Heavy water is used because it slows down neutrons effectively and also has a low probability of absorption
of neutrons.

5.120. World’s first thorium molten salt nuclear power station

• World’s first thorium molten salt nuclear power station to be launched in Gobi Desert by China in 2025.
• Its reactor does not need water for cooling because it utilizes liquid salt or carbon dioxide to transfer heat
and make electricity.

5.121. China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

(EAST) creates new record in Fusion reaction
• EAST, also known as China’s Artificial Sun, maintained a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation
for 1000+ seconds reaching a temperature of 100 million °C.

• A tokamak is a machine that confines a plasma using magnetic fields in a donut shape to harness the
energy of fusion.

5.122. South Asia's largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

inaugurated at Delhi
• The 20-MW (40 MWh) BESS installed at the BRPL (BSES Rajdhani Power Limited) substation is also India’s
“first commercially approved” utility-scale energy storage system.
• It leverages advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology known for superior safety, thermal stability
and durability.
• In Lithium–iron phosphate batteries, cathode is made of lithium metal phosphate instead of lithium metal
oxide.

5.123. Zinc Air Batteries

• CSIR develops durable batteries for energy solutions in remote sub-zero conditions.
• It is a type of metal-air battery that consists of a zinc negative electrode and an air (oxygen) positive
electrode.

5.124. Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology (SHKT)

• Central Electricity Authority has recognized SHKT technology under Hydro Category to drive
innovations in alternate technologies.
• Unlike conventional hydroelectric systems that rely on potential energy of water, SHKT harnesses kinetic

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energy of flowing water with minimal potential.
• This enables generation of electricity without the need of large dams.

5.125. Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas

• Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has unveiled Integrated Ocean Energy
Atlas.

5.126. India’s first CO2 to Methanol Pilot Plant

• Plant with capacity of 1.4 tons per day is being implemented under Public-Private Partnership with support
from Department of Science and Technology.
• It is proposed in Pune, Maharashtra.

5.127. Nano Bubble Technology

• Union Minister of State for Environment launched 'Nano Bubble Technology' for cleaning and purifying
water of National Zoological Park, Delhi.
• Nanobubbles: They are 70-120 nanometers in size, 2500 times smaller than a single grain of salt.
• Nanobubbles have a strong negative surface charge that prevents them from coalescing.

5.128. AroTrack
• Scientists at IIT Bombay have developed portable water-pollutant detecting device called ‘AroTrack’.
• The device uses a protein-based biosensor to detect harmful ‘aromatic xenobiotic’ pollutants like phenol,
benzene and xylenols from water samples.

5.129. Ballast water

• According to Scientists, ballast water carried by ships is providing a vehicle to bring in exotic and
invasive species in coastal areas.
• Ballast Water is fresh or saltwater held in the ballast tanks and cargo holds of ships to provide stability and
maneuverability.

• Untreated ballast water released at the ship’s destination could potentially introduce a new invasive marine
species.

5.130. Dark oxygen

• Metallic nodules on the seafloor, rich in manganese and iron, were found to generate oxygen by splitting
seawater without sunlight.
• This challenges the belief that photosynthesis is the sole source of oxygen and suggests oxygen-rich
environments could exist on other planets, potentially supporting life.

5.131. Polar Vortex

• USA and Canada experienced extreme cold events due to polar vortex.
• Polar Vortex is a large area of low-pressure and cold air that swirls like a wheel (counter-clockwise) around
both of the Earth’s poles.
• Types:
o Tropospheric Polar Vortex: It forms in the lowest atmospheric layer, extending from surface to 10-15
km.
o Stratospheric Polar Vortex: It forms at around 15 km to 50 km high.
o Unlike tropospheric polar vortex, the stratospheric polar vortex disappears during summer & is strongest
during the autumn.

5.132. Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX)

• Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX) completes 10 years of dedicated research into North India’s dense winter
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fog and its impact.

• It is one of the world’s few long-term open-field experiments focused solely on fog.
• Institutions: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Objective: To develop better now-casting (next 6 hours) and forecasting of winter fog.

5.133. Cloud Chamber

• India is set to build its first convective cloud chamber at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM),
Pune under ‘Mission Mausam.
• A cloud chamber is a closed cylinder where water vapor and aerosols are injected, allowing clouds to form
under controlled humidity and temperature conditions.

5.134. Aurora
• Auroras were captured at India’s highest observatory in Hanle, Ladakh.
• They are multicoloured lights that appear in the upper atmosphere (ionosphere).
• They are common occurrences at high northern and southern latitudes, less frequent at mid-latitudes, and
seldom seen near the equator.
• Aurora in Northern Hemisphere is called aurora borealis and in Southern Hemisphere it is called aurora
australis.

5.135. SAFE Project

• ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) appreciates ISRO & other space agencies for successful
implementation of the SAFE Agromet Project.
• Space Applications for Environment (SAFE) Project has been established by Asia-Pacific Regional Space
Agency in 2008.
• Aim: Use of space technology (specifically Earth observation satellites) observation in understanding
environmental changes and climate change related issues.

5.136. Three Indian Ocean structures named Ashoka, Chandragupta

and Kalpataru
• Names of Ashoka Seamount, Chandragupta Ridge and Kalpataru Ridge in the Indian Ocean have been
approved by International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and UNESCO's Intergovernmental
Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
• These structures are located along Southwest Indian Ridge.
• They were discovered by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research.

5.137. X-band Radar

• Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved installation of an X-band radar in Kerala's Wayanad district
following devastating floods and landslides.
• An X-band radar emits radiation in X-band (8-12 GHz) of electromagnetic spectrum corresponding to
smaller wavelengths of around 2-4 cm.
• Small wavelengths allow it to produce images of higher resolution but have a relatively shorter range.
• Benefits: Monitor movement of particles, such as soil, to inform landslide warnings.

5.138. Flood Watch India Application

• Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the version 2.0 of the ‘Flood Watch India’ mobile application.
• Developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC).
• CWC is a premier Technical Organisation in the country in the field of water resources.

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5.139. Bioluminescence
• Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism.
• Light emitted by a bioluminescent organism is produced by energy released from chemical reactions
occurring inside (or ejected by) the organism.
• Bioluminescence is very common in the ocean and most common among fish, squid, and gelatinous
zooplankton – jellyfish, comb jellies, and other animals.
5.140. Solar Dehydration Technology
• IIT Kanpur develops an innovative Solar Dehydration Technology aimed at preserving agricultural produce
using sustainable energy.
• It is a process that uses sunlight to remove moisture from the food.
• It allows farmers to preserve fruits & vegetables for longer periods through solar energy.
5.141. Stratospheric Airship Platform (SAP)
• DRDO conducts maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform (SAP).
• It is a high-altitude, unmanned airship designed to operate in the stratosphere, typically between 17
to 22 kilometres above Earth.
• It functions as a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) that can remain airborne for extended durations.
• HAPS can be classified as aerodynamic (or heavier-than-air, e.g. fixed wing/airplanes) and aerostatic (or
lighter-than-air, e.g. balloons and airships).
5.142. Non-Nuclear Hydrogen Bomb
• China detonated a Non-Nuclear Hydrogen Bomb.
• Different from the traditional atomic and hydrogen bombs, the 2-kg device reached temperatures exceeding
1,000 degrees Celsius marking a major step in the development and use of future weapons.
• Key Features of the Non-Nuclear Hydrogen Bomb
o Chemical Reaction: It deploys chemical reaction with Magnesium Hydride to create a powerful
explosion without nuclear materials.
o Hydrogen bomb, on the other hand, is primarily based on the nuclear fusion process.

5.143. ATACMS
• Russia's Defence Ministry reported that Ukraine attacked a military airfield in Taganrog, southern Russia,
using US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles.
• It is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a 300 km range, manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
• Ballistic Missile is a type of missile that utilizes projectile motion (utilizing gravity) to deliver warheads
to a designated target.

5.144. US President announced the “Golden Dome” missile defence

system
• The system is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, but it will include both surveillance satellites and interceptor
satellites to target enemy missiles.
• The project will be headed by a Space Force general.

5.145. Aravalli engines

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into an agreement with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines
Private Limited to develop and produce the Aravalli engine.
• It is being developed for powering next-gen helicopters of HAL -Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and
Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
• SAFHAL is a joint venture between France-based Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL.

5.146. AGNISHODH, New IIT Madras–Indian Army Research Centre

inaugurated at IIT Madras
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• Focussing on self-reliance “Swadeshikaran Se Sashaktikaran”, the new research centre aims to convert
lab-scale innovations into deployable technologies.

5.147. Aerospace Testing Facility at Lucknow, UP

• This facility is a key part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.

5.148. Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology

• IIT Indore has developed footwear for military personnel based on TENG technology.
• TENG Technology converts the mechanical energy generated from walking and converts it into electrical
energy using the triboelectric effect, which is then stored in a device embedded in the system.

5.149. INSV Kaundinya

• Indian Navy inducted traditionally-built stitched Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya at Naval
Base, Karwar (Karnataka).
• Traditional stitched shipbuilding method in India is known as Tankai Method.
• INSV Kaundinya is based on a 5th century CE ship depicted in the paintings of Ajanta Caves.
• It is named after Kaundinya (legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast
Asia).
• Wooden planks on the ship’s hull are stitched using coir rope, coconut fibre and natural resin.

5.150. Samudra Pratap

• First indigenously developed Pollution Control Vessel of ICG, ‘Samudra Pratap’ have been launched.
• The Ship has been built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the ICG.
• The vessel will help to check the oil spillage in the country’s sea coast.

5.151. Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT)

• Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) develops an advanced version of
SARAT.
• Developed under Make in India in 2016, it aims to facilitate search and rescue operations at sea, locating
individuals or vessels in distress quickly.
• This tool is also available as a mobile application for the users.

5.152. C-DOT’s TRINETRA

• Advanced Cybersecurity Operations Centre (SOC) has been launched for Kerala Police to strengthen digital
security.
• It is based on the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)’s TRINETRA platform.
• C-DOT is an autonomous Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of
Communications.
• About C-DOT’s TRINETRA
o An AI-powered, indigenous, integrated cybersecurity platform, tailored to meet the cyber security
defence of enterprises and critical sectors.
o It helps in monitoring endpoints, network traffic, and user behaviour, while proactively identifying
vulnerabilities, detecting anomalies, and mitigating cyber risk.

5.153. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)

• Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) has attacked Karnataka’s Kaveri 2.0 portal.

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• Recently, a massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack resulted in glitches in interview of a
former US President over Social Media platform X.
• DDoS Attacks is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service or network by
overwhelming the target or its surrounding infrastructure with a flood of Internet traffic.

5.154. Ransomware
• National Payments Corporation of India temporarily suspends payments in banks possibly affected by
ransomware attack.
• It is a type of malware that holds a victim’s sensitive data or device hostage, threatening to keep it locked
unless the victim pays a ransom to the attacker.
• Examples: WannaCry, NotPetya, etc.

5.155. GPS spoofing

• It is a malicious technique that manipulates the signals transmitted by GPS.
• Spoofing provides false location or time information to GPS receivers, potentially causing undesirable
effects on navigational systems, devices, and satellite-based applications.

5.156. Polygraph tests

• CBI has recently conducted polygraph tests, in connection with the rape of a resident doctor at the R.G. Kar
Medical College in Kolkata.
• It is one of the deception detection tests, which also includes Narco-analysis and brain-mapping.
• Polygraph tests operate on the presumption that specific physiological responses are triggered when a
person is lying.
• Tests measure physiological responses like blood pressure, sweat, breathing, and pulse rate, to determine
truthfulness or deception.

5.157. TrailGuardAI
• TrailGuard AI has aided in reducing poaching in Simlipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha.

• TrailGuard AI is an end-to-end, camera-based alert system designed for enhancing wildlife conservation and
promoting human-wildlife coexistence in remote areas.

5.158. Genome-edited rice varieties

• India becomes the first country in world to develop Genome-edited rice varieties.
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India’s first genome-edited rice varieties
named as DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice.

5.159. World's First Pink Bollworm-Resistant GM Cotton

• CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) has developed the world's First Pink Bollworm-
Resistant GM Cotton.
• Genetically Modified (GM) cotton, also known as Bt cotton, is developed by incorporating a gene from the
bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
• Bt. cotton is the only GM crop approved in 2002 by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for commercial cultivation.

5.160. India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep

• India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep Produced by Researchers from Kashmir University in Collaboration
with ICAR.
• Following the release of India’s first gene-edited rice variety recently, India’s first gene-edited sheep was
developed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

5.161. Dire Wolf De-extinction

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• Colossal Biosciences used both cloning and gene-editing based on 2 ancient samples of dire wolf DNA to
birth three pups.
• Instead of traditional cloning, scientists used a less invasive method involving endothelial progenitor cells
(EPCs) from gray wolves, the dire wolf's closest living relatives.
• These cells were gene-edited to match dire wolf DNA, leading to the first successful de-extinction of Dire
wolf, extinct for over 10,000-13,000 years.

5.162. Unified Genomic Chip

• Prime Minister launched the ‘Unified Genomic Chip’ and indigenous sex-sorted technology.
• Indigenous sex-sorted technology will increase the availability of sex-sorted semen for farmers at a
reduced cost for producing only female calves.
• Developed by: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Two versions: ‘Gau Chip’ for cattle and the ‘Mahish Chip’ for buffalo.

5.163. Tribal genome project initiative

• Gujarat launches India’s first tribal genome project to tackle inherited diseases.

5.164. One Day One Genome initiative

• Initiative aims to publicly release a fully annotated bacteriological genome, enhancing scientific knowledge,
driving innovation, and making microbial genomics data accessible to researchers and the community.

5.165. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

• Biolumpivaxin, an LSD vaccine recently developed by Bharat Biotech and ICAR got license from Central
Drug Standards Control Organization.
• Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease that affects primarily cows and lesser buffalos.

5.166. Equine Disease

• India establishes 1st Internationally Recognised by WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health
(WOAH), Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
• Equine disease encompasses a wide range of illnesses that can affect horses like influenza, herpesvirus,
and West Nile virus etc.
• Causal agents: Variety of infectious agents, such as Virus, bacteria, fungi, parasites, as well as non-
infectious factors like allergies, toxins, and genetics.
• Examples: Equine Infectious Anemia, Equine Influenza, Equine Piroplasmosis, Glanders, and Surra.

5.167. Methanotrophs
• Agharkar Research Institute has described India’s first cultures of indigenous methanotrophs named
Methylocucumis oryzae.
• Methanotrophs (Methane-utilizing bacteria) oxidize methane and build up their biomass.
• Biofiltering: These bacteria can oxidize methane produced in anaerobic environments.

5.168. Pheromone
• Pheromones are chemical signals which trigger a response or elicit specific behavioural expressions from
the opposite sex, same sex or both sexes of the same species.
• Pheromones can be found in body fluids like urine, sweat, specialized exocrine glands, and genital mucous
secretions.
• Used by Insects: To help attract mates, warn about predators, and find food.

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5.169. Gurmar
• Researchers have discovered anti-diabetic medicinal herb Gurmar on Gaya’s Brahmayoni Hill.
• It is a slow-growing, perennial, woody climber found in central and southern India and tropical Africa.
• Pharmacological Properties:
o Gymnemic acid an active component isolated from leaves of G. sylvestre has antiobesity and
antidiabetic properties;
o It causes decrease in body weight and inhibits glucose absorption.

5.170. Wood Wide Web

• Just like we use the internet to communicate with each other and order supplies, trees and other plants have
their own network: fungi.
• Scientists refer to this network as “the Wood Wide Web.”
• These are underground fungal threads known as mycelium which connect the roots of plants, allowing them
to share nutrients and communicate through chemical signals.

5.171. Nano-MIND
• Researchers from South Korea have successfully demonstrated the ability to control specific brain regions
in mice using magnetic fields, known as Nano - Magnetogenetic Interface for Neuro Dynamics (Nano-
MIND) technology.
• It uses magnetic fields and magnetized nanoparticles to selectively activate targeted brain circuits, allowing
for its wireless, remote, and precise modulation.

5.172. Neuromorphic Computing

• Indian Institute of Science scientist reported breakthrough in neuromorphic computing.
• They developed Memristor semiconductor devices using metal-organic films instead of silicon-based
technology.
• This material enables the Memristor to mimic the way the biological brain processes information using
networks of neurons and synapses.

• What is Neuromorphic computing?

o Neuromorphic computing, or neuromorphic engineering, mimics the human brain's structure and
function.
o It involves designing hardware and software that simulate neural networks and synapses to process
information.

5.173. IRIS Chip

• IIT-Madras and ISRO jointly developed and successfully booted aerospace quality SHAKTI-based
Semiconductor Chip – IRIS (Indigenous RISCV Controller for Space Applications).
• SHAKTI class of systems are based on RISC-V (Reduced Instruction Set Computer Five), an open-source
Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), for designing custom processors.
• ‘SHAKTI’ is backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under its Digital India RISC-
V initiative (DIRV).
• It aims to promote indigenous development of microprocessor-based products that offer best-in-class
security and visibility for users adopting RISC-V technology.

5.174. PyPIM Platform

• Israel have developed PyPIM that enables computers to process data directly in memory, bypassing the
need for the central processing unit (CPU).
• PyPIM platform uses Processing in Memory (PIM) technology.

5.175. India Develops World’s Most Powerful Hydrogen Train Engine

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• It will undergo its first trial run on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
• The engine has been made by Indian Railways using Indigenous technology having a capacity of 1,200
horsepower.
• Only 4 countries (Germany, France, Sweden, and China) in the world have hydrogen-powered trains,
producing between 500 to 600 horsepower.

5.176. National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)

• Cabinet Approves Development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) At Lothal, Gujarat.
• Significance of Lothal: It is located between Bhogavo and Sabarmati rivers near Gulf of Khambat.
• It is a prominent city of Indus-Valley Civilization (IVC) and had the oldest man-made dry-dock (2400 BC ago).

5.177. 24/7 Grain ATM

• India's first 24/7 'Grain ATM,' called 'Annapurti,' will be set up across Odisha to provide food grains to
beneficiaries with 24/7 access under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

5.178. Green Data Center

• Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Union Minister for Science & Technology laid the foundation of state-of-
the-art Green Data Centre at Central Electronics Limited (CEL), Ghaziabad.

5.179. Operation Dronagiri and Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing

Interface (GDI)
• These initiatives have been launched in efforts to liberalise geospatial data, and developing geospatial
infrastructure, geospatial skill and knowledge.
• Operation Dronagiri is a pilot project under National Geospatial Policy 2022, and will be implemented by
Geospatial Innovation Cell, Department of Science and Technology.

5.180. Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP)

• WiSLP has been launched as part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative.
• Launched by: Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with British Council.

5.181. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024

• The central government announced the full list of the first-ever Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024 awardees.
• It is a new set of awards introduced by the Government of India in the field of Science, Technology, and
Innovation.
• In the first edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, 33 awards were presented to distinguished scientists in
four categories - Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team.

5.182. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

• Recently, INCOIS, Hyderabad was selected for Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-
2025.
• Annual award announced on the birth anniversary (23rd January) of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
honouring individuals and organizations for their contributions to disaster management in India.
• Genesis: Established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is a unit of the Earth
System Science Organisation (ESSO).
o Permanent member of UNESCO's Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

5.183. Trademark for Exterior Design

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• The Arts College building of Osmania University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, has become the third
structure in India to receive a trademark for its exterior design.
• The first two were the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Bombay Stock Exchange.

6. Ecology and Environment

6.1. India added two more wetland into Ramsar List of Wetlands of
International Importance
• Two wetlands in Rajasthan, Khichan and Menar were declared Ramsar Sites on world environment day
2025, raising India's total count to 91.
• With the addition of these wetlands, Rajasthan now has four Ramsar sites, including Sambhar Salt Lake
and Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur.
• Khichan Wetland
o Location: Northern Thar Desert, Phalodi District (Rajasthan)
o It comprises two water bodies, Ratri nadi (river) and Vijaysagar talab (pond), riparian habitat and scrub
land.
• Menar Wetland Complex
o Location: Menar and Kheroda village,Udaipur District(Rajasthan).
o It is a freshwater monsoon wetland complex formed by three ponds (Braham talab, Dhand talab and
Kheroda talab).
• About Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
o Genesis: The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in
1975.
o It is intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of
wetlands and their resources.
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o India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982.

> India has the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia.
o To be designated a "wetland of international importance," a wetland must meet at least one of nine
criteria established by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

6.2. List of 31 Wetland Accredited Cities in world

• Indore and Udaipur join the list of 31 Wetland Accredited Cities in world.
• Indore and Udaipur have become the first two Indian cities to make it to the global list of accredited
wetland cities under Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
• About Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)
o It is a voluntary Accreditation system that provides an opportunity for cities that value their natural or
human-made wetlands to gain international recognition and positive publicity for their efforts.
o It is valid for 6 years, after which it must be renewed, providing that it continues to fill each of the 6
criteria

6.3. World’s First Cryo-Born Baby Corals Successfully Settled on the

Great Barrier Reef
• Cryo-born corals: They are created using cryopreservation techniques, which involve freezing coral cells
and tissues at very low temperatures.
• Corals are invertebrates from the class Anthozoa, phylum Cnidaria.
• They form reefs through colonies of polyps that secrete limestone skeletons and rely on symbiotic
algae (zooxanthellae) for nutrition.
• Distribution: Mainly found in shallow, sunlit waters between 30°N and 30°S latitude, with a preferred
temperature range of 16-32°C.

6.4. Bomb cyclone

• Storm Éowyn formed over Ireland and Scotland has been termed a bomb cyclone because its pressure
dropped by 50 millibars in 24 hours.

• A storm can be called a "bomb cyclone" when its central air pressure drops by at least 24 millibars in 24
hours.
• This is often caused by cold and warm air masses colliding, an event that leads to pressure to drop.
• Majority of these occur over the ocean throughout the year and can be tropical or non-tropical in nature.

6.5. International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation

• Recently, UN has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation.
• It was also announced that March 21 of each year will be celebrated as World Day for Glaciers, starting in
2025.

6.6. Keeling Curve

• Atmospheric CO2 levels reached a record high in 2024, driven by wildfires and human activities, as reported
by the Keeling Curve.
• Keeling Curve is a graph that represents the concentration of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere over time,
measured in parts per million (ppm).

6.7. Melanistic Royal Bengal Tiger

• A Melanistic Royal Bengal Tiger was poached in the Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha.
• STR harbours the only population of melanistic tigers in the world.

6.8. Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform

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• Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry launched the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing
Platform at the Bharat Climate Forum 2025.
• It is designed to enhance India's cleantech value chains in the solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage
sectors.

6.9. Utricularia (Bladderworts)

• Recently, Plant 'Utricularia' has been found in Rajasthan's Keoladeo National Park in large numbers.

6.10. Miyawaki Technique

• Around 56,000 sq. meters of Dense Forests were created in Prayagraj in the last two years using Miyawaki
Technique in the preparation of Mahakumbh 2025.
• About Miyawaki Technique
o A reforestation technique developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.
o Designed to create dense and native mini forests in urban areas.

6.11. Garudakshi
• Karnataka launched the ‘Garudakshi’ online FIR system to curb wildlife crimes.
• It is software to enable an online FIR system similar to that of the Police Department.
• It will allow the public to register complaints on forest offences using mobile phones or email addresses
• Developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India.

6.12. Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)

• The GEAPP and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) signed an agreement to establish a $100 million fund
to support high-impact solar energy projects.
• GEAPP is a global, public-private initiative focused on accelerating the clean energy transition in
developing countries.

6.13. Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)

• Wall Street’s biggest banks including Goldman Sachs Group Inc., etc. have announced their exit from NZBA.
• Bank-led and UN-convened, NZBA is a group of leading global banks committed to aligning their lending,
investment, and capital markets activities with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
• No Indian bank is a member of NZBA.

6.14. Fishing Cat

• Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, is launching India's first Fishing Cat Collaring Project at Coringa
Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Coringa Sanctuary is located in Godavari estuary (Andhra Pradesh), where the Coringa River confluences
into Bay of Bengal.

6.15. Stratovolcano
• In a rare event, massive methane plumes emitted from volcano Mount Fentale (Ethiopia).
• Mount Fentale is a stratovolcano which last erupted in 1820.
• A stratovolcano is a large, steep-sided volcano built up by alternating layers of lava flows and volcanic ash,
often associated with explosive eruptions.
• E.g., Mount Fuji (Japan), Mount Vesuvius (Italy), Mount Etna (Italy), Mount Rainier (USA), Krakatoa
(Indonesia), etc.

6.16. Cali Fund

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• Cali Fund was launched at the COP16 to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Aim: To boost biodiversity finance for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from the use of Digital
Sequence Information on Genetic Resources (DSI).
o DSI is the data from DNA or RNA that can be stored digitally.

6.17. Black Plastic

• A study highlighted that black plastic products contain a flame-retardant chemical called
decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) that had been linked to potential human health risks.
• Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste such as computers, TVs, and appliances.

6.18. Ongole breed

• A cow of the Ongole breed (named viatina-19), has set a record in Brazil by fetching 41 crores at an auction.
• It is also called the Nellore breed, belongs to Andhra Pradesh.

6.19. Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has warned against the construction of the Morand-
Ganjal Irrigation Project in Madhya Pradesh.
• About Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project: Involves building two dams on the Morand and Ganjal rivers to
improve irrigation in Hoshangabad, Betul, Harda, and Khandwa districts of Madhya Pradesh.

6.20. Marsupials
• Scientists (Australia) have successfully produced 1st kangaroo embryos using in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
technology which is expected to help protect marsupial species
• Marsupials are a group of mammals with over 330 species.
• They are considered a crucial evidence of Continental Drift Theory.
o Earlier they lived in North America and then migrated to South America, Antarctica, and Australia due
to continental drift.

6.21. Project Waterworth

• Meta has introduced its world’s longest undersea cable system - Project Waterworth.
• Length: 50,000 km subsea cable will connect five continents, enhancing connectivity between U.S., India,
Brazil, South Africa, and other regions.

6.22. Petrification
• A first-of-its-kind discovery of a petrified wood fossil has been made at Rajmahal hills in Pakur, Jharkhand.
• It is a process of permineralization when the organic matter is completely replaced by minerals and the
fossil is turned to stone.
• Permineralization is a type of fossil where pores of the plant materials, bones, and shells are
impregnated by mineral matter from the ground, lakes, or ocean.

6.23. World's first commercial-scale e-methanol plant

• World's first commercial-scale e-methanol plant began operations in Denmark
• E-methanol offers a viable path for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping and
chemical manufacturing.
• It is a low-carbon energy produced by combining green hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide.

6.24. India's first certified Green Municipal Bonds

• Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam pioneers India's first certified Green Municipal Bonds

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• It was issued under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, raising ₹150 crore for the development of a cutting-
edge Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP).
• The TSTP was developed under the Public-Private Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM), with 40% municipal
funding.

6.25. World’s first particulate Emission Trading Market

• World’s first particulate Emission Trading Market in Gujarat cut pollutants by 20-30 %
• A new study has revealed that the Surat Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) launched in 2019 has been
successful in controlling particulate matter emissions.
• Pollution abatement costs also dropped by over 10 %, and compliance with environmental laws rose
among participating plants.
• Surat ETS is the world’s first-ever market for trading in particulate matter emissions.

6.26. First Green Status Assessment for the Lion (Panthera leo)
• IUCN Releases First Green Status Assessment for the Lion (Panthera leo)
• The Green Status complements the IUCN Red List by providing a tool for assessing the recovery of
species and measuring their conservation success.
• Lion’s Green Status: Largely depleted, while the species remains Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

6.27. Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

• At least 20 red-crowned roofed turtles were re-introduced in the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.
• About Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Bengal roof turtle)
o Distribution: It is native to India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
o Currently in India, the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is the only area with a substantial
population of the species.
o Key Characteristic: It is a freshwater turtle species, and found in deep flowing rivers with terrestrial
nesting sites.
o Conservation Status:
> IUCN: Critically Endangered

> CITES: Appendix I

6.28. AIM4NatuRe Initiative

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Earth Day (22nd April) launched Accelerating Innovative
Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe).
• AIM4NatuRe is an acronym of Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration.
• Aim: To improve monitoring and reporting of global ecosystem restoration efforts.

6.29. Labeo uru and Labeo chekida

• ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) discovered two new species of fish.
• Labeo uru, named after the traditional wooden dhow for its sail-like elongated fins, was found in the
Chandragiri river.
o Chandragiri river is a west flowing interstate river originating from Pattimala hills in Kodagu in
Karnataka.
• Labeo chekida, a small, dark-bodied fish known locally as ‘kaka chekida’, inhabits the Chalakkudy river.
o Chalakkudi River is formed by the confluence of five streams originating in the Anamalai Hills of the
Western Ghats.
o Both are freshwater fish and endemic to river systems, highlighting the role of the Western Ghats as
a biodiversity hotspot.

6.30. Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC)

• 34 critically endangered vultures were transferred from the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre
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(VCBC) in Pinjore (Haryana), to Maharashtra.

• About VCBC, Pinjore
o Genesis: Established in 2001 with the UK Government’s ‘Darwin Initiative for the Survival of Species’
fund.
o Partners: Haryana Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
o Aim: To save three species of vultures, the White-backed, Long-billed and Slender-billed.

6.31. Pink Moon

• On April 12, “Pink moon" also known as April's first ‘full moon’, was observed in the night sky.
• About Pink Moon
o The name actually comes from a springtime wildflower “Phlox subulata”, which bursts into bloom
around this time of year in North America leading to the naming of natural phenomenon.

6.32. India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant

• India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant to launch in Indore.
• The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model plant is established under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.

6.33. White Hydrogen

• Occurrence: Like oil and gas, white hydrogen is naturally occurring, generated by continuous
geochemical reactions in hard rock.
• Characteristics: Differs from hydrocarbon molecules as it is small and light and more likely to escape cap
rocks.
• Status: Currently, the white hydrogen industry is in nascent stage with only a handful of innovators.

Different Types of Hydrogen

Type Production
Green Hydrogen Made using clean electricity from surplus renewable energy, such as solar or
wind power.
Blue Hydrogen Produced from natural gas, using steam reforming process
Grey Hydrogen Produced from natural gas, or methane, using steam methane reformation.
Black and brown Made from fossil fuels through ‘gasification’ process.
hydrogen
Pink Hydrogen Generated through electrolysis powered by nuclear energy.

6.34. Six properties added to India’s Tentative List by UNESCO World

Heritage Centre
• Before a site can be inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, it must first be included in a country's
Tentative List.

Six Sites in India’s Tentative List

Kanger Valley National Park • Location: Bastar District, Chhattisgarh.

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Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs • located near the banks of Krishna River, Telangana.

Ashokan Edict Sites along the

Mauryan Routes

Chausath Yogini Temples • Locations: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

Gupta Temples in North India • Combines elements of Nagara and Dravida architectural styles and
of Buddhist and Hindu styles.

The Palace-Fortresses of the • Six forts including Garhkundar Fort, Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Datia
Bundelas Palace, Jhansi Fort and Dhubela Palace.
• Blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.

6.35. Saffron
• Foundation stone laid for campus of North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR)
in Shillong (Meghalaya), which will promote Saffron cultivation in the North East.
• NECTAR is an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology.
• About Saffron
o It is a spice that comes from the stigmas of purple flowers of the plant Crocus sativus.
o It is known as Red Gold as its stigmas are typically of orange-red colour due to content of crocetin.
o Cultivation: Primarily in Jammu and Kashmir (GI tagged saffron), Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.
o Mission Saffron initiative has expanded saffron cultivation across Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and
Meghalaya

6.36. UpLink Initiative

• UpLink initiative under World Economic Forum’s (WEF) cut carbon emissions by 142,400 tonnes in 2023-
2024.

• It is an initiative focused on impactful early-stage innovation.

• It was founded in 2020 by WEF in collaboration with Deloitte and Salesforce.

6.37. Blue Flag

• Kerala’s famed Kappad beach (Kozhikode) and Chal beach in (Kannur) have been bestowed with the
coveted Blue Flag certification by Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
• Also, Rushikonda Beach wins back the Blue Flag tag which was earlier withdrawn due to poor maintenance.
• Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam is the only Blue Flag beach in Andhra Pradesh and is among the 13
Blue Flag beaches in India.
• Conferred upon: For beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats. (has different criteria for each)
• Conferred by: Denmark-based Foundation for Environment Education (FEE).

6.38. Wainganga-Nalganga River Linking Project

• The Wainganga-Nalganga (Purna Tapi) River linking project, approved by Maharashtra, will irrigate 3.7
lakh hectare of agricultural land in six districts in Vidarbha region.

6.39. Gross environment product Index

• Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to launch a Gross environment product Index (GEPI).
• GEPI is a novel method to evaluate ecological development caused by human interventions.
• Four pillars of GEPI: Air, soil, tree and water.

6.40. Neelakurinji
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• It has been included on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) official Red List of
threatened species under the Vulnerable category.
• Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana)
o About: Shrub known for massive blooming every 12 years. Semelparous, i.e., single reproductive
episode before death.
o Location: Shola grasslands of Western Ghats - the Nilgiri hills, Palani hills and the Eravikulam hills of
Munnar, also Shevaroy hills in the Eastern Ghats.

6.41. World Heritage Committee (WHC)

• 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) concluded successfully in New Delhi.
• WHC is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention of UNESCO.
• Major Outcomes/Developments of 46th WHC
• Addition of Moidams (from Assam) raises India’s total number of World Heritage sites to 43.
• India pledged $1 million to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

6.42. Ideas4LiFE
• Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched Ideas4LiFE portal.
• About Ideas4LiFE portal
o Aims to encourage and motivate students, faculty and research scholars to contribute their innovative
ideas to global initiative of Mission LiFE.
o Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was launched in 2022, focuses on bringing about behaviour
changes in individuals for combatting climate change.

6.43. Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction

• India Signs Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction at United Nations
General Assembly

• Formally known as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, was adopted in 2023 by
Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.
• Ministry of Earth Sciences is implementing agreement in India.
• About Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (High Seas Treaty)
• It is an international treaty under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

6.44. Kasturirangan Committee

• Karnataka government rejected report of the High Level Working Group on Western Ghats [2013] headed
by Dr. K. Kasturirangan.
o Apart from this, earlier Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) [2011] headed by Prof. Madhav
Gadgil recommended 75% Western Ghats be declared environmentally sensitive.

6.45. Cyclone Asna

• Unlike typical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters, Asna originated as a deep depression over land
in Gujrat and poised to intensify into a tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea.

6.46. Grey Wolf

• Recently, man-eating wolf attack in Bahraich (UP) has put around 35 villages on high alert. And ‘Operation
Bhediya’ has been launched by the forest officials to capture wolves.
• About Grey Wolf
o Distribution in India: India has two species of wolves -

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> Indian Wolf (Canis Lupus Pallipes): In peninsular India including Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc.
> Himalayan wolf or Tibetan wolf (Canis Lupus Chanco): In Upper trans-Himalayan ranges.
o Conservation Status
> IUCN: Least Concern (Grey Wolf), Vulnerable (Himalayan Wolf).
> WPA, 1972: Schedule I

6.47. IndOBIS
• Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), an attached office of the Union Ministry of Earth
Sciences, has developed Ocean Eyes mobile application.
• It is a community-engagement approach to data collection in marine biodiversity monitoring.
• It is aligned with the objective of IndOBIS (Indian Ocean Biodiversity Information System).
• IndOBIS is the Indian regional node of the global Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS).
• It is being run by CMLRE, Kochi.
• OBIS emanated from the Census of Marine Life (2000-2010).

6.48. Seaweed
• ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute have been designated as a center of excellence for
seaweed cultivation.
• Seaweed is a common name for various species of marine plants and algae which grow in oceans as well
as in rivers, lakes etc.
• Multicellular and macroscopic autotrophs broadly classified into three groups such as green
(Chlorophyta), brown (Phaeophyta), and red (Rhodophyta) seaweeds.
• Applications: Nutritional: also called sea vegetables, it provides minerals and vitamins.

6.49. Typhoon
• Typhoon Yagi triggers landslides, floods in Vietnam. It was Asia’s most powerful storm this year.
• Typhoon is a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or
subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation.

• Once a tropical cyclone reaches maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher, it is then
classified as hurricane, typhoon, or tropical cyclone, depending upon where the storm originates in
world.

6.50. Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx)

• It was launched by Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) in the backdrop of International Day of Clean
Air for Blue Skies (7 September).
• Led by UN Environment Programme (UNEP), this year’s theme focuses on ‘Invest in Clean Air Now’.

6.51. Salt Pan Lands

• Centre approved transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt
Ltd.
• Salt Pan Lands comprise parcels of low-lying lands where seawater flows in at certain times, and leaves
behind salt and other minerals.
• This ecosystem is instrumental in protecting the city from flooding.

6.52. Mission Mausam

• Union Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam' with an outlay of Rs.2,000 crore over two years.
• Mission Mausam is envisaged to be a multi-faceted initiative to tremendously boost India's weather and
climate-related science, research, and services.
• Implementing Agency: Three institutes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)- the India Meteorological
Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range
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Weather Forecasting will primarily implement it.

6.53. Greater One-Horned Rhino

• The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) published the ‘State of the Rhino’ report.
• Habitat: Indo-Nepal Terai, northern parts of West Bengal, and Assam.
• IUCN status: Vulnerable
• Sociability: Usually solitary except for females with young. Males maintain loosely-defended territories.
• Population in India: 3,262 (2021). Assam has the largest population of greater one-horned rhinos.

6.54. Asia’s Largest Bio-CNG Plant

• The Indore Municipal Corporation produces 17,000 kilograms of Bio-CNG every day from Asia’s largest
municipal solid waste-based facility.
• It is part of Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) initiative to turn waste into
wealth.
• The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation of Ministry of Jal Shakti is the coordinating
department.

6.55. Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats

• Recently, Union Cabinet approved continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated
Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.
• While strengthening existing fundamental & core components of scheme, the scheme envisages boosting
technological interventions in different thematic areas in tiger and wildlife-bearing forests.
• Objective: It is a centrally sponsored umbrella scheme launched by Ministry of Environment for
development of wildlife habitat in India.

6.56. United Kingdom (UK) became first country to stop electricity

production from Coal
• The closure of its last coal-based power plant marked the end of 142 years of coal-generated electricity,
which formed 40% of its electricity needs in 2012.
• The world’s first coal plant opened in London (UK) in 1882 whereas India installed its first major thermal
power plant, the Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station in Hyderabad in 1920.

6.57. Forest Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (FERI)

• Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) marks the 10th anniversary of the Forest
Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (FERI).
• FERI has been launched as a partnership between the Korea Forest Service (KFS) and the CBD
Secretariat.

6.58. Carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM)

• Kazan Declaration adopted by BRICS rejected CBAM, calling it discriminatory.
• CBAM is European Union’s (EU) policy to impose a carbon tax on imports of certain products from countries
with less stringent climate policies. E.g. Steel.
• Carbon Border Tax aims to prevent companies shifting production to less-regulated countries.

6.59. Great Indian Bustard

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

• Artificial insemination of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) was achieved at the National Breeding Centre in
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) under the Bustard Recovery Program.
• About Great Indian Bustard (also called Godawan locally in Rajasthan)
o Habitat: Confined mostly to Rajasthan and Gujarat; Small populations occur in Maharashtra,
Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
o Conservation Status
> IUCN status: Critically Endangered
> Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I and Appendix I of the Schedule IV (related to CITES).
> CITES: Appendix 1.

6.60. Atoms4Food
• Genesis: Jointly launched by IAEA and FAO at the 2023 World Food Forum in Rome (Italy).
• Purpose:
o To provide countries with tailored solutions by harnessing the advantages of nuclear techniques
along with other advanced technologies to enhance agricultural and livestock productivity, reduce
food losses, etc.
o To help countries boost food security and to tackle growing hunger.

6.61. Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) opened the 2024 Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum.
• Launched in 2019 by FAO
• It supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems
transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing
inequalities (SDG10).
• Members:72 countries (India is not a member)

6.62. Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Fund

• GFC Fund has launched its first project call for targeting safe and sustainable management of chemicals
and waste.

• Setup during fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in 2023 in Bonn,
Germany.
• It complements existing financial mechanisms, like Global Environment Facility etc. and funds that
support biodiversity and climate action.
• About GFC (Bonn Declaration adopted at ICCM5)
o Multi-sectoral agreement that outlines set of 28 targets to address chemicals and waste management
including prevention of illegal trade, elimination of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by
2035 etc.

6.63. Indian Wild Ass

• 10th Wild Ass Population Survey conducted by Gujarat Forest Department has found a 26.14% (6,082 in
2020 to 7,672 in 2024) increase in the population of Indian Wild Ass.
• Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur)
o About: One of the five subspecies of the Asiatic wild ass, referred to as ‘Ghudkhur’.
o Habitat: Arid zone of northwestern Indian subcontinent; presently only restricted to the Little Rann of
Kutch (LRK) in Gujarat.
o Conservation Status:
o IUCN Red List of Threatened: Near Threatened
o Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
o CITES: Appendix I

6.64. Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

• Red Panda Program of Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo's has been selected as finalist for 2024
WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Conservation Award.
• About Red Panda (Sikkim’s State Animal)
o Distribution: India (Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar,
China.
o Status: Endangered (IUCN Red list), Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972).

6.65. Caracal
• Gujarat will establish a Caracal Breeding and Conservation Center in Kutch's Chadva Rakhal region.
• Characteristics: Secretive, nocturnal animal known for its quickness and ability to catch flying birds;
Territorial, and lives mainly alone or in pairs.
• Distribution: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, arid areas of Pakistan and India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya
Pradesh).
• Conservation Status: Least concern (IUCN); Schedule I (WPA, 1972)

6.66. Snow Leopard

• International Snow Leopard Day was celebrated on October 23.
• Habitat: Mountains of Central and South Asia with 12 snow leopard range countries including India.
• It is the state animal of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
• Conservation Status
o IUCN: Vulnerable.
o CITES: Appendix I.
o Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.

6.67. Halari Donkeys

• Halari Donkeys are considered to be intelligent animals and form close bonds with people, supporting them
for transport needs.

• Native Region: Indigenous to Halar region (Gujarat). Important livestock in semi-arid landscape of
Saurashtra’s Jamnagar and Dwarka district, Gujarat.

6.68. Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania)

• Nine captive-bred pygmy hogs released in Assam’s Manas national park.
• Habitat: Lives in tall, dense grasslands with shrubs and trees, constructing dome-shaped nests from
vegetation.
• Found in Manas and Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuaries (Assam).
• Characteristics: Smallest and rarest wild suid in world.
• Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List); Schedule I (Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972).

6.69. Green Digital Action (GDA)

• Declaration on Green Digital Action (GDA) adopted in CoP-29 of UNFCCC
• GDA was launched in CoP28 (Dubai, 2023) by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) along with
other governmental and civil society organizations.
• It aims to unite global digital community in developing practical solutions, boosting industry-wide climate
support, and strengthening frameworks for monitoring and reporting.

6.70. Global Matchmaking Platform for Industrial Decarbonisation

Launched

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• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) & Climate Club launched ‘Global
Matchmaking Platform’ (GMP) for industrial decarbonization at COP29.
• Aim: To boost international climate cooperation & partnerships to enable developing & emerging economies
to leap-frog into climate-friendly industrial development.

6.71. Baku Climate Unity Pact

• COP29 of the UNFCCC concludes with the Baku Climate Unity Pact. It includes New Collective Quantified
Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance, the Global Goal on Adaptation, and Sharm el-Sheikh mitigation
ambition etc.

6.72. New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG)

• COP29 adopted new collective quantified goal on climate finance. The NCQG set a new finance goal to help
countries to protect their people and economies against climate disasters, and share in the vast benefits of
the clean energy boom.

6.73. King Cobra

• The Karnataka king cobra locally known as 'Kaalinga Sarpa' will officially be named Ophiophagus Kaalinga.

6.74. Compressed Biogas

• India's first modern, self-sufficient gaushala with a state-of-the-art Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant
launched in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
• Here, biogas will be prepared from cattle dung and garbage.
• Composition: Methane (CH4) (>90%)
• Source: Derived from organic waste materials through anaerobic decomposition.

6.75. Global Energy Efficiency Alliance

• UAE launched “Global Energy Efficiency Alliance” at COP29, hosted in Azerbaijan.
• Aim: To double global energy efficiency rates by 2030 and contribute to significant emission reductions.

• It also aims to encourage strategic public-private partnerships & bolster investments in energy
efficiency initiatives.

6.76. Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT)

• At UNFCCC COP 29, Baku (Azerbaijan), it was announced that 10 more countries had joined discussions
on the FF-NPT.
• About FF-NPT
o It was conceptualised in 2016 and officially launched in 2019.
o It is a group of civil society, research organizations, Nobel Laureates, government, etc.

6.77. Kodo millet

• Consumption of kodo millet is considered to be the reason behind the death of wild elephants in Madhya
Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
• About kodo millet(Paspalum scrobiculatum)
o It is also known as Kodra and Varagu in India and is a staple food for many tribal sections
o Feature:-
o rich in dietary fiber and minerals like iron, antioxidant
o Climate: warm and dry climate (grown mainly in Deccan Region)

6.78. Cairo Call to Action

• World Urban Forum (WUF) concluded its twelfth edition, held in Cairo (Egypt), with the adoption of 10-point
Cairo Call to Action.
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• WUF, established in 2001 by UN, is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization.
• Cairo Call to Action calls for urgent action to address the global housing crisis, Sharing urban spaces
inclusively, and Urban planning to deliver better local outcomes.

6.79. World’s First CO2 to Methanol Plant launched by at Vindhyachal

• NTPC announced successful synthesis of CO2 captured from flue gas with hydrogen produced from a Proton
Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, which was then converted into methanol.

6.80. Convention on Biological Diversity

• 16th Conference of Parties (CoP-16) to Convention on Biological Diversity concluded in Colombia
• It is first COP since adoption of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), serving as
critical platform to assess progress and address ongoing challenges to framework.

6.81. River Cities Alliance

• Ganga Utsav 2024 organized recently by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) witnessed
participation from several river cities under the River City Alliance.
• River Cities Alliance
o About: It is an organization which includes 145 river cities nationwide and is open to all river cities of
India.
o Objective: Promote healthy urban rivers through river-sensitive urban planning, contributing to
water-secure cities and fostering inclusive, sustainable urban development.

6.82. The ‘peace with nature’ coalition

• Colombia at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) launched ‘peace with nature’ coalition.
• About The ‘peace with nature’ coalition’
o The coalition includes countries from four continents including Mexico, Sweden, Uganda and Chile.

o None of the countries are from the Asia-Pacific region.

o The coalition is open to countries that agree to a set of principles aimed at changing humanity’s
relationship with nature.

6.83. First-ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging

• The tagging exercise has been conducted under Project Dolphin in Assam.
• Tagging involves attaching a device, marker, or tag to an animal for identification or tracking.
• About the Tagging initiative
o Objective: It will help in understanding their migratory patterns, range, distribution, and habitat
utilization, particularly in fragmented river systems.
o It was conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and
implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department.
o It was funded by the National CAMPA Authority.

6.84. Santa Ana Winds

• Recent wildfires from Malibu, California have been attributed to “Santa Ana” winds and climate change.
• About Santa Ana Winds
o These winds blow due to the pressure difference between Great Basin — the area between the Rocky
Mountains and Sierra Nevada in USA (high pressure) and California’s coast (low pressure).

6.85. Air Quality Dashboard

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

• International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has unveiled an Air Quality
Dashboard.
• About Air Quality Dashboard:
o It combines ground sensor data with satellite imagery to provide a comprehensive view of air pollution
across local, sub-regional and regional scales.

6.86. Cyclone Fengal

• IMD has issued red and orange alerts for multiple districts in Kerala and Tamilnadu due to Cyclone Fengal’s
residual impact.
• About Cyclone Fengal
o It is a tropical storm. Cyclone is a large-scale system of air that rotates around centre of a low-pressure
area.
o NDMA classifies cyclones broadly into two categories:
> Extratropical cyclones: Occur outside of tropic.
> Tropical cyclones: Develop in regions between Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. They are most
devastating storms on Earth.

6.87. IMD Colour Coding for Cyclone warning

• Pre-cyclone watch (Yellow); Cyclone Alert (Orange); Cyclone warning (Red)

6.88. National Plastic Waste Reporting Portal

• Environment Ministry launched the National Plastic Waste Reporting Portal on the eve of World
Environment Day 2025.
• About National Plastic Waste Reporting Portal
o Comprehensive Waste Tracking: The portal captures the complete plastic waste management
ecosystem from waste pickers to waste processing to disposal.
o Nationwide Data Access: The data on plastic waste management for all Urban Local Bodies and
District Panchayats from across the country will become available for better planning and waste
management.

6.89. AviList
• AviList, the first-ever unified global checklist of bird species to aid effective bird conservation becomes
live.
• It will replace the International Ornithological Committee (IOC) and Clements lists and will be updated
annually.

6.90. Doomsday Fish (Oarfish)

• An Oarfish, also known as the "Doomsday Fish", was recently caught off the Tamil Nadu coast by
fishermen.
• About Doomsday fish
o It is strikingly large, odd-looking fish known for its distinctively long, ribbon-shaped body that enables
the species to float inconspicuously throughout the water column.

6.91. India marks 50 years of its Crocodile Conservation Project in 2025

• On the eve of World Crocodile Day (June 17) India is celebrating 50 years of its Crocodile Conservation
Project
• About Crocodile Conservation Project:
o Project Launch (1st April, 1975): Based on H.R. Bustard’s recommendations, the Crocodile
Conservation Project was formally launched across various States.
o Objective: Protect Crocodile’s natural habitats and rebuild the population quickly through captive
breeding.
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o Technical and financial support: from UNDP/FAO through the Government of India.

6.92. Tardigrades
• Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will take Tardigrades to the International Space Station (ISS) for an
experiment.
• About Tardigrades (water bear or moss piglet)
o Specification: Half a millimetre long eight-legged segmented micro-animal.
o Extremely hardy: Can endure extreme hot and cold temperature levels by means of cryptobiosis,
crushing pressures and radiation and found worldwide.
> Cryptobiosis is a state of extreme inactivity in response to adverse environmental conditions. In the
cryptobiotic state, all metabolic procedures stop, preventing reproduction, development, and
repair.
o Two classes are recognised: the Eutardigrada and the Heterotardigrada; the latter includes some
marine species.

6.93. India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 released by Minister for
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
• ISFR is a biennial publication of Forest Survey of India (FSI), MoEFCC. It was 1st published in 1987 (ISFR
2023 is 18th report).
Key Findings of Report:
• Total forest and tree cover: Increased to 25.17% of geographical area compared to 2021 assessment
(24.62%).
o It includes 21.76% Forest cover and 3.41% Tree cover.
• Forest Cover:
o Top 3 States by Area: Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
o Top 3 States by Percentage: Lakshadweep (91.33%), Mizoram(85.34%), Andaman & Nicobar Islands
(81.62%)

• Maximum increase: Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan.

• 19 states/UTs have forest cover above 33% of area. Out of these eight states/UTs namely Mizoram,
Lakshadweep, A & N Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur have forest
cover above 75 percent.
• National Forest Policy, 1988 provides for having a minimum of 1/3rd of total land area of country under
forest or tree cover as a national goal.
• Mangrove cover: Total mangrove cover is 4,992 km2 in country (Decrease of 7.43 km2 compared to 2021).
• Gujarat saw a decrease whereas Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra saw an increase.
• Target under Nationally Determined Contributions: Carbon stock has reached 30.43 Bt of CO2
equivalent, indicating that India has reached 2.29 Bt of additional carbon sink (compared to 2005) as
against target of 2.5 to 3.0 Bt by 2030.
• Extent of bamboo bearing area: Estimated at 1, 54,670 km2 (Increase of 5,227 km2 as compared to 2021).

6.94. India's Coastline Recalculated

• India's coastline has been recalculated from 7,516 km in 1970 to 11,098 km in 2023-24, reflecting a 48%
increase over the past 53 years.
• Upward revision is attributed to a new methodology to measure India's maritime established by National
Maritime Security Coordinator.
o It measures complex coastal formations like bays, estuaries, and inlets, unlike older methods that
used straight-line distances.
o Gujarat retains its position as the state with the longest coastline followed by Tamil Nadu which

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overtaken Andhra Pradesh (now 3rd).

7. Sports and Awards

7.1. Padma Awards 2025
• Ministry of Home Affairs has announced Padma Awards 2025 on Republic day.
• Padma Vibhushan- 7 persons
o Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy (Medicine)
o Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar (Public Affairs)
o Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia (Art)
o Shri LakshminarayanaSubramaniam (Art)
o Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous) (Literature and Education)
o Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous) (Trade and Industry)
o Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) (Art)
• Padma Bhushan – 19 persons
• Padma Shri – 113 persons
• They are announced on occasion of Republic Day every year.

7.2. National Sports Award

• Recently, President of India presented National Sports Award 2024.
• 6 Categories of National Sports Awards
o Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (1991-92): Awarded for outstanding performances in sports
spanning over a period of 4 years.
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o Arjuna Award (1961): Awarded for consistent good performance over a period of 4 years.
o Dronacharya Award (1985): It is highest sports honour for coaches.
o Major Dhyan Chand Award (2002): India’s highest honour for lifetime achievements in sports.
o Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar (2009): Awarded to organisations /corporates (private & public)
& individuals for playing a role in area of sports promotion & development over last 3 years.
o Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (1956-57): Given to an institution/university for top performance in
inter-university tournaments over last 1 year.
• National Sports Awards 2024:
• Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced National Sports Awards 2024, to be awarded by the
President of India.
o Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024:
> Shri Gukesh D (Chess)
> Shri Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
> Shri Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
> Ms. Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
Dronacharya Award 2024:
• Regular Category:
o Shri Subhash Rana (Para-Shooting)
o Ms. Deepali Deshpande (Shooting)
o Shri Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey)
• Lifetime Category:
o Shri S Muralidharan (Badminton)
o Shri Armando Agnelo Colaco (Football)
Arjuna Award 2024 in Lifetime Category:
• Shri Sucha Singh (Athletics)
• Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Para-Swimming)

7.3. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)

• NADA India Hosts a National Conference on Building Together a Clean Sport Ecosystem.
• About NADA
o Ministry: It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
o Aim: Creating a dope-free environment and promoting fair play in sports in India.
o NADA India implements the anti-doping programme in India, in line with the World Anti-doping Code
2021.
o The key areas of functioning include Sample Collection (SC), Results Management (RM), Anti-Doping
Education & Awareness, Research and Intelligence & Investigations (I&I).

7.4. Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2026

• Recently, CWG 2026 (will be held in Glasgow) edition was unveiled which features only 10 sports.
• About CWG 2026
o Six of 12 disciplines in which India won a medal at 2022 CWG (contributing 30 out of total 61 medals)
have been dropped from 2026 edition.
o These include badminton, cricket, hockey, squash, table tennis and wrestling.

7.5. Khelo India water games

• Dal Lake is hosting first-ever Khelo India water games.
• About Dal Lake

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o Location: Eastern part of the Srinagar city in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, on the right bank of
Jhelum.

8. Personality
8.1. Sri Aurobindo
• Prime Minister paid homage to Sri Aurobindo on his Birth Anniversary.
• About Aurobindo Ghose (15 August 1872 – 5 December 1950)
• Born in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• He was an Indian nationalist, poet, philosopher, and yogi.
His Contributions:
• He was one of the founders of youth club Anushilan Samiti.
• Was arrested in connection with the Alipore Bomb Case (1908).
• Associated himself with journals like Jugantar, Bande Mataram, and Karmayogi.
• Established Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry in 1926.
• Emphasized on the concept of spiritual nationalism & conceptualized Integral Yoga system.
• Books: The Life Divine, Savitri, Essay on the Gita, The Synthesis of Yoga, Defense of Indian Culture, etc.

8.2. Madame Bhikaji Cama (1861 - 1936)

• Eminent revolutionary leader and freedom fighter Madame Bhikaji Cama was remembered on her death
anniversary. (Aug 13)
About Madame Bhikaji Cama
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• She was a revolutionary icon hailing from Navsari district of the present-day state of Gujarat.
• Known as the “Mother of the Indian Revolution”, she was an ardent advocate of Indian freedom abroad.
• Key Contributions
o Started Paris edition of Bande Mataram to circulate information about the freedom movement and
garnered support nationally and internationally.
o In 1905, she co-founded Paris Indian Society, also known as Bharat Mandal.
o On August 22, 1907, she became the first person to hoist Indian flag on foreign soil in Stuttgart
(Germany).
o Flag she unfurled was co-designed by Cama and Shyamji Krishna Varma.
o Values: Conviction, Courage, Integrity, Nationalism, etc.

8.3. Rani Chennamma (1778 -1829)

• On the 200th anniversary, a commemorative postage stamp was released to celebrate Rani
Channamma’s glorious victory on 23rd October, 1824 against the British rule.
• She was born in in present-day Belagavi district in Karnataka.
• About Kittur Revolt (1824)
o It is regarded as the first Indian armed rebellion against British EIC. Also, one of the earliest woman-
led anti-colonial struggles.
o Though British lost 1st battle in 1824, Rani Chennamma was later captured & imprisoned, till her
death in 1829.

8.4. Raja Raja Chola (985 CE – 1014 CE)

• The birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola celebrated during Sadhaya Vizha in
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• Sadhaya Vizha festival is observed in Tamil month of Aippasi, which runs from mid-October to mid-
November at Brihadeshwara Temple.
• About Raja Raja Chola ((985 CE – 1014 CE)
o Chola power reached its peak during reign of Arumolivarman, who assumed title Rajaraja I.

o Rajaraja defeated Chera ruler Bhaskararavivarman in naval battle of Kandalursalai.

o He also invaded Sri Lanka (annexing its northern part) and led a conquest to Maldives.
o He completed construction of famous Rajarajeswara/Brihadeeswara temple at Tanjore in 1010 A.D

8.5. Ashfaqulla Khan (1900-1927)

• Recently, tribute was paid to freedom fighter Ashfaqulla Khan on his birth anniversary.
• He was born in 1900 at Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
• Key Contributions
o He along with Ram Prasad Bismil, Sachindra Nath Bakshi and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, founded the
Hindustan Republican Association in 1924.
o He participated in Kakori Train Action 1925 and was awarded death sentence along with Ram Prasad
Bismil, Rajendra Lahiri and Roshan Singh.

8.6. Raghoji Bhangre

• Ministry of tribal affairs recently paid homage to Raghoji Bhangre.
• About Raghoji Bhangre (1805-1848)
o Tribal revolutionary leader, born in Devgaon of Ahmednagar District (Maharashtra) in Koli
Community.
o His father Ramji Rao Bhangre is famous for Koli rising (1822 - 29) against money lenders and British
rule.
o Ramji Rao Bhangre was subsequently hanged in Cellular Jail.

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o Key Contributions:
o Bhangre led the Koli community against exploitative moneylenders and colonial rule.
o He was eventually captured in 1847 by Lt. Gell at Pandharpur.
> and later hanged.

8.7. Siddhu Murmu

• Recently, Sidhu Murmu and his brother Kanhu Murmu were remembered on their death anniversary.
• Sidhu Murmu along with Kanhu Murmu were Santhal (A tribe) leaders.
• Contribution
o Santhal Revolt (1855-56): Considered as first peasant movement, was led by Sidhu and Kanhu along
with Chand and Bairab
o Revolt was aimed to get rid of oppressive ‘Dikus’(Outsiders viz. Britishers, Money lenders)
o Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act: Passed after the revolt made transfer of land from Santhals to
outsiders illegal.
o Hul Diwas (30th June) is celebrated in Jharkhand to remember the sacrifice of Sidhu-Kanhu.

8.8. Pingali Venkayya

• PM recently paid tributes to Pingali Venkayya on his birth anniversary (2nd August 1876).
• About Pingali Venkayya (1876 - 1963)
• Born in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
• Key Contribution:
o Designed Indian National Flag on request of Mahatma Gandhi.
o Served as a soldier in the British Army in South Africa during the Anglo Boer war in Africa.
o Participated in different movements including Swadeshi Andolan under the leadership of Mahatma
Gandhi.
o Literary works: 'Bharatha Deshaniki Oka Jatiya Patakam' (National flag of India).
o Earned several titles, including Patthi (Cotton) Venkayya & Jhanda (flag) Venkayya.

8.9. ‘Lokmanya’Bal Gangadhar Tilak (23rd July 1856 - 1st August 1920)
About Lokmanya’Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Born at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.
• He was a scholar, philosopher, nationalist etc.
• Key Contributions/Work
o Advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) and was one of the first leaders to demand complete independence
from British rule.
o Bal Gangadhar Tilak had established the Home Rule League in April 1916 at Belagavi.
o Annie Beasant had also launched a Home Rule League, the two Leagues never merged.
o Founded two newspapers: "Kesari" (in Marathi) and "The Mahratta" (in English).
o He composed the 'Gita Rahasya'

8.10. Saheed Udham Singh (1899 -1940)

• Martyrdom Day (31st July) of Shaheed Udham Singh has been observed.
• About Saheed Udham Singh
o He was born in Sangrur district (Punjab).
o He was deeply influenced by Bhagat Singh.
o He witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) and vowed to avenge the same.
o Key Contributions/Work
o He formed Azad Party in Chicago as a part of Ghadar Party.
o On 13th March 1940, he shot Michael O'Dwyer who was the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab when
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the Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place.

8.11. Shivaram Hari Rajguru (1908 - 1931)

• Great Indian Freedom Fighter Shivaram Rajguru was remembered on his 116th birth anniversary (August
24).
• About Shivaram Hari Rajguru
o Born in Khed village (renamed as Rajgurunagar) near Pune (Maharashtra).
o He was a key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
o Key Contributions
o He along with Sukhdev and Bhagat Singh participated in the assassination of British officer John
Saunders in 1928 to avenge death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
o March 23 is observed as ‘Shaheed Diwas’ to pay tribute to their martyrdom.

8.12. Bhagat Singh

• Shaheed Bhagat Singh was remembered on his Birth anniversary.
• About Shaheed Bhagat Singh (1907-1931)
• Born in Lyallpur, western Punjab, India (now in Pakistan).
• He influenced by revolutionary socialism, Marxism and communism ideals.
• Contributions
o Founded Naujawan Bharat Sabha in 1926
o In 1928, he changed name of Hindustan Republican Association to Hindustan Socialist Republican
Association.
o In 1929 he and Batukeshwar Dutt, bombed Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi to oppose Public
Safety Bill and Trade Dispute Bill while raising the slogan Inquilab Zindabad.
o Works: Why I Am an Atheist: An Autobiographical Discourse, The Jail Notebook, etc.

8.13. Thiruvalluvar
• Recently, the Tiruvalluvar Chair for Tamil Studies has been established at the University of Houston in
the USA.
• About Tiruvalluvar
o Also known as Valluvar, he was a great Tamil poet and philosopher.
o Birthplace: Madurai (Capital of Pandyas).
o Thirukurals (Sacred Verses) is a collection of his couplets on ethics, politics, economy, and love.
o It consists of 1330 couplets divided into 133 chapters
o Chapters of Tirukkural are categorized into Aaram (Righteousness), Porul, (Wealth) and Kamam (Love).
o Recognition: Tiruvalluvar Day is celebrated on January 15 or 16 by Tamil Nadu.

8.14. Srimanta Sankardeva

• Assam govt has signed MoUs with Visva Bharati University to set up Srimanta Sankardeva chair
• Born in Aali-pukhuri situated in Nagaon district of Assam.
• He was a saint-scholar, polymath, social-religious reformer.
• Key contributions
o Propagated a form of Vaisnavism, called Ek-Sarana-Hari-NaamDharma (considered Lord Krishna to be
one, eternal and absolute)
> His religious system was strictly monotheistic.
o Also founded unique Vaishnavite monasteries called Sattras.
o He is known for creating:

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> New forms of music (Borgeet)
> Theatrical performance (Ankia Naat, Bhaona),
> Dance (Sattriya)
> Literary language (Brajavali)
o Literary works: Bhakti Pradipa, Bhakti Ratnakara, Kirtanna Ghosh etc.

8.15. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (5 September 1888 - April 17, 1975)

• He was a renowned Indian philosopher born in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu.
• Became India’s first Vice-President (1952 to 1962) and second President (1962- 1967). Since 1962, his
birth anniversary has been celebrated as National Teachers’ Day.
• Books Authored by him: The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, The Philosophy of the Upanishads, etc.
• Awards: Bharat Ratna (1954), Peace Prize in German Book Trade in 1961.

8.16. Sarat Chandra Bose (1889 - 1950)

• Eminent freedom fighter Sarat Chandra Bose was remembered on his 135th birth anniversary (September
06).
• About Sarat Chandra Bose
o Born in Cuttak (Odisha)
o He was a member of the Bengal Legislative Council and a part of the Indian National Congress.
o He was also elected as an Alderman multiple times in the Calcutta Corporation.
o Key Contributions
o Left his professional practice to join Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in 1930; he was arrested in
1932 for 3-years due to his involvement in the CDM.
o Involved with parties having socialist alignment such as the Forward Bloc.
o Forward Bloc was founded by his brother Netaji Subash Chandra Bose.
o Vehemently opposed the partition of Bengal and Punjab over religious lines and resigned from the
Congress Working Committee in 1947.
o Published newspapers such as The Socialist Republican, Mahajati, and The Nation.

8.17. Govind Ballabh Pant

• Eminent Indian Freedom fighter and first CM of Uttar Pradesh was remembered on his birth anniversary.
• About Govind Ballabh Pant (10 September 1887- 7 March 1961)
o Born in Almora, Uttarakhand.
o He started Kumaon Parishad in 1916 and was soon elected to All-India Congress Committee.
o Got elected to United Provinces Legislative Council on a Swaraj Party ticket in 1923.
o Key Contributions
o Took part in Salt March, Quit India Movement and arrested in 1930 for planning Civil Disobedience
Movement.
o Responsible for establishment of Hindi as an official language of the central government and a few
states.
o Linguistic Reorganization of States: during tenure as India’s home minister from 1955 to 1961.
o Contribution as CM: Protesting zamindari system, passing the Hindu Code Bill (in Uttar Pradesh),
which made monogamy compulsory for Hindu men.
o Achievements: Received Bharat Ratna in 1957

8.18. Sant Tukaram

• Maharashtra government approved a proposal to rename Pune Airport as Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj
Pune International Airport.
• 17th-century saint poet (Contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj) and philosopher related to Bhakti movement
of Maharashtra.
• Belonged to ‘Warkari’ sect (along with Saint Dnyaneshwar, Eknath & Namdev) which flourished in
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medieval Maharashtra.
• Known for Abhanga devotional poetry and community-oriented worship through spiritual songs known as
Kirtans.
• Abhanga is in praise of Lord Panduranga or Vitthal (Chief deity of Warkari, an incarnation of Vishnu)
• Famous work: Tukaram Gatha (1632-1650) in Marathi, includes about 4500 Abhangas.
• His works contributed to the Bhakti movement, which emphasized equality, devotion to God, and social
reform.

8.19. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675)

• Recently, the 'Martyrdom Day' of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was observed on November 24.
• About Guru Tegh Bahadur ji
o He was born in Amritsar (Punjab).
o He was the 9th Sikh Guru and was a great warrior, spiritual personality and lover of the motherland.
o Key Contributions
o He propagated the message of universal brotherhood and religious freedom.
o He fought against superstitions, caste-based discrimination, and untouchability.

8.20. Tulsi Gowda (1944-2024)

• She was born in Halakki tribal family of Karnataka’s Honnali village.
• Key Contribution
o She is known as the "Encyclopedia of the Forest" and by her tribe as the "tree goddess" because of her
knowledge of the forest.
o She has been credited with planting and nurturing over 1 lakh trees across Karnataka.
o In 2021, she was conferred the Padma Shri for her exceptional contributions to environmental
conservation.

8.21. About Sant Kabirdas (c. fourteenth-fifteenth centuries)

• Place of Birth: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Key Contributions
o Core Belief: Rejected rituals, casteism, and idol worship; emphasized One God (Nirguna Bhakti).
o Verses scribed to Kabir have been compiled in three distinct but overlapping traditions.
o The Kabir Bijak is preserved by the Kabirpanth (the path or sect of Kabir) in Varanasi and elsewhere in
Uttar Pradesh;
o The Kabir Granthavali is associated with the Dadupanth in Rajasthan.
o Many of his compositions are found in the Adi Granth Sahib, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev.
o Kabir’s poems have survived in several languages and dialects:
o Some are composed in the special language of nirguna poets, the sant bhasha.
o Others, known as ulatbansi (upside-down sayings), are written in a form in which everyday meanings
are inverted.

8.22. Saint Narahari Tirtha

• Idol of Saint Narahari Tirtha has been discovered in Simhachalam Temple, Vishakhapatnam.
• Narahari Tirtha was a prominent Dvaita Vedanta philosopher, scholar, and saint of the 13th century.
• Believed to be born in Chikakolu town (present Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh).
• He was a disciple of Madhvacharya, the proponent of Dvaita Vedanta philosophy.
• He introduced Yaksha Gana and Bayalu Aata (open theatre drama) as a part of Vaishnava Bhakti
Movement.

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8.23. Adi Shankaracharya
• Four panchaloha idols of Adi Shankarcharya are set to be installed at Kedarnath, Badrinath, and
Uttaramanya Jyotirmath in Uttarakhand.
• About Adi Shankaracharya (8th Century CE)
o Born: In Kalady, Kerala.
o Gave the concept of Advaita (non-dualism).
> It emphasizes the non-dual nature of Brahman - the ultimate, formless reality - and teaches that the
individual soul (Atman) is not separate from Brahman.
> According to Shankaracharya, the perceived duality in the world is an illusion (Maya), and liberation
(Moksha) comes from realizing the oneness of the individual.
o He acknowledged the role of Bhakti (devotion) in spiritual practice.
o He established four mathas in the four cardinal directions of India - Sringeri (South), Dwarka (West),
Puri (East), and Badrinath (North).
o Literary works: Bhaja Govindam, Atma Shatakam, Saundarya Lahari, Brahma Sutra Bhashya, etc.

8.24. Kartar Singh Sarabha (1896 - 1915)

• Eminent freedom fighter Kartar Singh Sarabha was remembered on his birth anniversary on May 24.
• He was an Indian revolutionary born in the village of Sarabha, Ludhiana (Punjab).
• Key Contributions
o He became a member of Ghadar Party (founded in Oregon in 1913 to overthrow British rule) at the age
of 15 and was one of its most active members.
> He put together the Punjabi issue of the Ghadar newspaper.
o On returning to India, he focused on mobilising Indian soldiers to revolt and set up a small scale arms
manufacturing unit in Ludhiana.
o He was charged with sedition in Lahore Conspiracy Case and was executed in 1915, along with his
compatriot Vishnu Ganesh Pingle.

8.25. Prof. Jayant Narlikar (1938–2025)

• Prof Jayant Narlikar, astrophysicist who proposed an alternative to Big Bang theory, passes away at 86.
• About Jayant Narlikar
o Born in 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
o Completed B.Sc. at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1957.
o Scientific contribution
o Pioneering work in cosmology, especially:
> Hoyle–Narlikar Theory, an alternative to the Big Bang model.
o Instrumental in expanding the Theoretical Astrophysics Group at Tata Institute of Fundamental
Research (TIFR).
o Founder-Director, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA).

8.26. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883 - 1966)

• Recently, Prime Minister paid homage to Shri Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on his birth anniversary.
• Born at Bhagur village near Nasik (Maharashtra).
• Key Contributions
o Revolutionary Nationalism: Founded the Abhinav Bharat Society in 1904, advocating armed struggle
for India’s independence.
o Diaspora Mobilisation: In 1906, established the Free India Society in London to mobilize Indian
students abroad.
o Literary work: Authored "The First War of Independence" about the 1857 revolution.
o Imprisonment and Sacrifice: Was tried for sedition in 1910 at Bombay and was sentenced to double
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transportation for life totaling about 50 years of rigorous imprisonment.

8.27. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

• Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.
• The badminton pair reached the No. 1 rank in Badminton World Federation rankings in 2023 & clinched
Asian Games gold medal in Hangzhou.
• About Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
o Genesis: Established in 1991–92 as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, it was renamed the Major Dhyan
Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
> It is considered India’s highest sporting honour.
o Objective: To recognize the most outstanding performance by a sportsperson over the preceding 4
years.
o Eligibility: Only performances in recognized international events are considered.

8.28. Goswami Tulsidas

• Vaishnav saint Tulsidas was remembered on his 500th birth anniversary.
o Born in Banda district of UP.
o His real name was Rambola Dubey.
o He was a contemporary of Akbar.
o Key Contributions
o He wrote Ramcharit Manas in Awadhi.
o He popularised the story of Lord Ram because he wrote in the regional dialect that most people
understood.
o Other Literary Contributions: Dohavali, Sahitya ratna or Ratna Ramayan, Gitavali, Krishna Gitavali or
Krishnavali, Vinaya Patrika, etc.

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UPPSC Current Affairs Sankalan 2025 Vision IAS @PDFs - ZoNe

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UPPSC Current Affairs Sankalan 2025 Vision IAS @PDFs - ZoNe

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UPPSC 2025

August 2024 - 10th September 2025

UPPSC Current Affairs Sankalan 2025

1.14. 'Maratha Military Landscapes' added to 1.53. Kolhapur Chappals _________________ 17

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

5.15. Revised Gaganyaan Programme ______ 49 5.57. BharatGen ________________________ 55

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

5.100. Presbyopia ______________________ 62 5.136. Three Indian Ocean structures named

5.116. Fluoride _________________________ 64 5.150. Samudra Pratap __________________ 69

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

6.78. Cairo Call to Action _________________ 87 8.13. Thiruvalluvar ______________________ 96

1. Art and Culture

1.2. Sun Temple, Konark

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

1.4. Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

1.5. 100 years of the discovery of the Harappan Civilisation

1.6. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

1.8. Santhal Revolt

1.9. Kuka revolt (1872)

1.10. Kokborok Language

1.12. International Day of Yoga

1.13. Gangasagar Mela

1.14. 'Maratha Military Landscapes' added to UNESCO World Heritage

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

1.15. Piprahwa Relics

1.16. Behdeinkhlam festival

1.17. Nuakhai Festival

1.18. 5,000-year-old Water Management Techniques unearthed at

1.19. Jhumoir Dance

1.20. Dokra Artwork

1.21. Dashavatar Theatre

1.23. Nagoba Jatara

1.24. Ramman Festival

1.25. Thrissur Pooram Festival

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

1.27. Pushkar Kumbh and Saraswati Pushkaralu

1.28. Shirui Lily festival

1.29. Lakkundi Temples

1.30. Charaka & Susruta

1.31. Vikramshila University

1.32. Shaheed Diwas

1.34. Koch-Rajbongshi Community

1.35. Sri Vijaya Puram

1.36. Classical Languages

1.37. Siddha Medical System

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

1.38. Hindi Diwas

1.39. Karma Festival

1.40. Sohrai Painting

1.41. Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

1.42. International Abhidhamma Divas (IAD)

1.43. Buddhist Sites of Kanaganahalli and Sannati

• Findings of Kanaganahalli and Sannati

1.44. Kutumb Prabodhan

1.45. Haridasa Movement

1.46. Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum

1.47. Abathsahayeswarar Temple

1.48. UNESCO Environmental DNA (eDNA) Expeditions

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

1.49. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

1.50. Ramappa Temple

1.51. Integral Humanism

1.52. Inscriptions from Pandya Period

1.53. Kolhapur Chappals

o They are made entirely by hand using vegetable-tanned leather.

1.54. Kheer Bhawani Temple

1.55. Nonia rebellion

1.56. Ambubachi Mela

1.57. UNESCO's Memory of the World Register

UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme

1.58. Vaikom Satyagraha

UPPSC 2025 Sankalan

1.59. Vijay Durg (Fort William)

2. Polity and Governance

2.2. Right to Property

constitutional and recognized human right.

5.15. Revised Gaganyaan Programme 49 5.57. BharatGen __________________ 55

5.116. Fluoride _______ 64 5.150. Samudra Pratap 69

6.78. Cairo Call to Action _ 87 8.13. Thiruvalluvar ______ 96