GS-1 HUNAR HAAT Recently, the Governor of Maharashtra inaugurated a HunarHaat in Mumbai. HunarHaat is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from the minority communities. These are organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme. The USTTAD scheme aims to promote …

GS-3 NATHU LA PASS Recently, the Indian Army rescued several tourists caught in a snowstorm at Nathu La on the India-China border in Sikkim. Important points: Nathu La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks situated on the Indo-Tibetan border 14450 ft. above sea level. …

GS-3 HELINA AND DHRUVASTRA Recently, India has successfully test-fired indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’ in the Pokhran range, Thar desert (Rajasthan). Important points : The Helina (the Army version) and Dhruvastra (Indian Airforce version) are helicopter-launched versions of third-generation anti-tank guided missiles (the Nag missile system). The missile system has all-weather day-and-night capability and can defeat …

GS-3 SAMBHAR LAKE The State Government of Rajasthan will identify new tourist points at Sambhar Salt Lake. The Lake forms part of the desert circuit in the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014 -15 for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country. Important points: Situated about 80 km …

GS-2  Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. QUAD MEETING Recently, India joined Australia, Japan and the United States for a ministerial meeting under the Quadrilateral grouping (Quad) and discussed issues across Indo-Pacific and the military takeover in Myanmar. Meeting Highlights: Discussed contemporary challenges, especially the impact of Covid-19and agreed to enhance access to …

GS-2 ARUNACHAL PRADESH, MIZORAM STATEHOOD DAYS PM Modi greets people of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram on Statehood Days. Important points: Both states attained statehood on 20 February 1987. The Mizo hills area became the Lushai Hills district within Assam at the time of independence. Further, in 1954 it was renamed the …

GS-2 GOVERNING COUNCIL OF NITI AAYOG 6th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog. Important  points: The Agenda for the Sixth Council Meeting comprised the following items: Making India a Manufacturing Powerhouse Reimagining Agriculture Improving Physical Infrastructure Accelerating Human Resources Development Improving Service Delivery at Grassroots Level Health and Nutrition The …

Scientists have developed a new technique to measure DNA modifications that can have applications in early diagnosis of multiple diseases like Cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. Alteration in DNA affects their expression and functions. DNA controls cell survival through the genetic code as well as via modifications to its structure. …

Context: Way to predicting solar cycles– Kodaikanal Solar Observatory Digitized Data probes Sun’s rotation over the Century Scientists have estimated how the Sun has rotated over a century from data extracted from old films and photographs that have been digitized. This estimation would help study magnetic field generated in the …

GS-1 PM PAYS TRIBUTES TO CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ ON HIS JAYANTI ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj, great Maratha ruler was born on 19 February 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune in the present-day state of Maharashtra. ShivajiMaharaj Biography Some records claim Shivaji’s date of birth as 6 April 1627 but 19 February 1630 …