GS 1 – GEOGRAPHY Recent Development: India’s Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battleground, now has 4G and 5G services, enhancing communication for soldiers in extreme conditions and showcasing India’s focus on technology in strategic areas. About Siachen Glacier: Geographical Location: Located in the Karakoram Range in the Himalayan region, known …
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Konark Sun Temple
GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE Context: The recent visit by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Sun Temple has spotlighted its global significance and Odisha’s exceptional craftsmanship. Location: Situated in the town of Konark, Odisha, close to the Bay of Bengal. Historical Background: Period of Construction: Built during the …
Read More »Kalaripayattu
GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE Context: The 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand has drawn criticism due to the decision to place Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art, in the demonstration category rather than the main events. What is it? Kalaripayattu is among the world’s oldest martial art forms, known …
Read More »Kuka Rebellion
GS 1 – MODERN INDIA Context: On January 17, Punjab Chief Minister paid tribute at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla to honor the martyrs of the Kuka Rebellion, a significant anti-British movement in Punjab’s history. What is the Kuka Rebellion? The Kuka Rebellion was an anti-British uprising initiated by …
Read More »INDIA PHASES OUT HCFCS
GS3 – ENVIRONMENT: Overview: In 2024, India successfully phased out the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in manufacturing, aligning with its commitments under the Montreal Protocol. This action is critical for ozone layer protection and addressing climate change, marking a significant step toward sustainable environmental practices. Montreal Protocol Overview: The Montreal …
Read More »INDO-MYANMAR BORDER REGULATIONS
GS1 GEOGRAPHY Overview: India has recently strengthened its border regulations for foreigners entering Northeastern states bordering Myanmar, reversing a period of relative openness. This move has implications for local communities and cross-border relationships. Protected Area Regime (PAR): The Indian government has reinstated the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Mizoram, …
Read More »MUSI RIVER HERITAGE SITES RECOGNITION
GS1 INDIAN HERITAGE Overview: The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has added the Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad to its World Monuments Watch list, highlighting the need for urgent preservation efforts. This recognition coincides with local government plans to revitalize the river and its heritage structures, aiming to boost tourism …
Read More »SVAMITVA Property Card Distribution
GS2 POLITY Event Summary: On January 18, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the e-Distribution of SVAMITVA Property Cards, marking a significant milestone in rural governance and empowerment. Around 65 lakh property cards were distributed to over 50,000 villages across 10 states and 2 Union Territories, aiming to enhance …
Read More »RAKHIGARHI
GS 1 – ANCIENT INDIA Recent Discovery Archaeologists uncovered a mud-brick stadium and a marketplace from the Mature Harappan Phase at Rakhigarhi. Stadium Features: Precisely engineered seating arena with an inclined design for optimal viewing, indicating a sporting culture during the Harappan era. About Rakhigarhi Significance: Recognized as one of …
Read More »ART IN A BOX
GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE President Droupadi Murmu’s special guests will receive a unique gift box showcasing some of South India’s finest GI-tagged crafts. Here are the notable items featured in the hamper: Pochampally Ikat Pencil Pouch: Hailing from Telangana, the Pochampally Ikat is renowned for its distinct geometric …
Read More »EVOLUTION OF THE TABLA
GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE Why in the News? The recent passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain has reignited discussions on the origins and development of the tabla. Etymology – The term “tabla” is derived from the Arabic word tabl, which means drum. Origins The origin of the tabla is …
Read More »KHOONI BHANDARA
GS 1-ART AND CULTURE Ingenious system consisting of 103 well-like structures called Kundis (aqueducts). Operates based on the law of gravity, ensuring smooth water flow from the first to the last Kundi. Water recharge mechanism: Intercepts subsoil groundwater through underground channels. Stores water in structures known as Bhandaras, partially underground …
Read More »ARTESIAN WELL
GS 1 – GEOGRAPHY Why in News? Recently, significant amounts of water have been gushing out from underground in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, attributed to the presence of an Artesian Well. Experts have rejected the idea that the water is linked to the ancient Saraswati River, suggesting instead that the water may …
Read More »DECLINE IN RURAL-TO-URBAN MIGRATION IN INDIA
GS1- SOCIETY Recent findings from the report ‘400 Million Dreams!’ by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) reveal a significant decline in rural-to-urban migration in India, with 5.4 million fewer migrants in 2023 compared to 2011—a drop of 11.8%. Key Trends in Migration Migration Rate Decline: From …
Read More »Indus Valley Script
GS 1 – ANCIENT INDIA The Indus Valley Script, associated with the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), remains one of the most intriguing and undeciphered scripts in human history. The script is an essential topic for UPSC as it combines aspects of history, culture, and linguistics, highlighting the intellectual and technological …
Read More »Savitribai Phule: A Pioneer in Education and Social Reform
GS 1 – Modern India Born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon, Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule came from the Mali community. As India’s first female teacher and a leading social reformer, she married Jyotirao Phule at the age of 10. Under his mentorship, she received an education at home and later …
Read More »Gomti River and Its Protection Efforts
GS 1 – Geography The Territorial Army has recently set up a dedicated task force to focus on the rejuvenation and protection of the Gomti River, a vital water source in Uttar Pradesh. This initiative highlights the growing need for river conservation and the role of the armed forces in …
Read More »India Meteorological Department (IMD)
GS 1 – Geography Why in News? The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will celebrate 150 years of service on January 15, 2025. Establishment and Historical Background Formation: IMD was established in 1875, with H.F. Blanford as the first Meteorological Reporter. Early Developments: Science and meteorology in India began with the …
Read More »ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE (AIML)
GS 1 – INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT The All-India Muslim League (AIML), established 118 years ago, was founded in 1906 in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh). Its creation was influenced by the British government’s divide-and-rule strategy, which encouraged aristocratic Muslim leaders to form a political body to protect Muslim interests. Prominent leaders …
Read More »Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024
GS1 – SOCIETY Australia’s House of Representatives has passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024, aiming to protect children under 16 from social media. If approved by the Senate, it will create a legal framework to prevent children from accessing social media platforms. Key Provisions The …
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