UPSC GS 1
Prehistoric Rock-cut Footprints
- News: A remarkable archaeological discovery has come to light at Kanhirapoil in Madikkai panchayat where 24 pairs of prehistoric footprints and a human figure have been found carved into rock on private property.
- Location and Findings: A set of ancient rock carvings was discovered on private property in Kanhirapoil, Kerala. These carvings include 24 pairs of footprints etched into the rock and a detailed human figure surrounded by four circular pits.
- Key Features of the Carvings:
- Historical Period: The carvings are estimated to date back to the Megalithic period, approximately 2,000 years ago, and were created using iron tools.
- Footprint Details: The footprints range in size from 6 to 10 inches, suggesting representations of both adults and children. All the footprints are oriented westward.
- Symbolic Interpretation: Experts believe the footprints symbolize the souls of the deceased, created to honor them. Local traditions, however, associate the footprints with a goddess.
- Artistic Style and Connections: The carvings exhibit similarities to prehistoric rock art found in Avalakki Pera in Udupi district, Karnataka, and other sites in northern Kerala.
- Historical Context: These carvings provide valuable insights into the cultural and artistic practices of the prehistoric inhabitants of the region.
- Similar Discoveries in the Region:
- Similar artefacts and carvings have been unearthed in locations such as Erikulam Valiyapara, Cheemeni Ariyittapara, Ettukudukka, and the famous Edakkal Caves in Wayanad.
- These findings suggest a shared cultural and artistic heritage among prehistoric communities in northern Kerala.
Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
- News: The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism will present the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2022 and 2023 to 82 talented young artists at a special ceremony held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi.
- About Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar:
- Institution:
- Established in 2006 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in honor of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan.
- Aimed at recognizing young performing artists below 40 years of age.
- Purpose: Encourages and inspires young talent in music, dance, drama, folk and tribal arts, puppetry, and other performing art forms across India.
- Award Details:
- Conferred annually at a special ceremony, both in Delhi and other locations.
- Includes a cash prize of Rs. 25,000, a plaque, and an angavastram.
- Who Was Ustad Bismillah Khan?
- A legendary Shehnai maestro and one of India’s most celebrated musicians.
- Played the Shehnai during India’s first Republic Day celebrations in 1950.
- Became the first Indian to perform at the prestigious Lincoln Center Hall in the USA.
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UPSC GS 2
VISION Portal
- News: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the “Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network” (VISION) portal, aimed at promoting education, skill development, and entrepreneurship among underprivileged students.
- Key Features of the VISION Initiative:
- Online Training Modules: Accessible courses designed to equip students with entrepreneurial and innovation skills.
- Mentorship Programs: Provides guidance from industry experts to support aspiring innovators in achieving their goals.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Financial assistance is available for students from underserved and underprivileged communities.
- Incubation Support: Resources and facilities are offered to help transform innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures.
- Democratizing Startup Opportunities: Focuses on bridging the gap for rural and underserved students by providing mentorship, training, and exposure to emerging fields such as biotechnology, space technology, and agricultural innovation.
- Creating an Inclusive Ecosystem: Ensures students from remote and marginalized areas gain access to the startup ecosystem, fostering innovation at the grassroots level.
- Knowledge Revolution: Leverages technology to close the urban-rural educational divide, empowering students from all backgrounds.
- Future Goals: Alignment with Vision India 2047:
The initiative contributes to the long-term goal of establishing India as a global leader in technology, education, and economic development by 2047.
Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
- News: The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marked the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (the Alliance).
- Launch Date and Event: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was officially launched on November 18, 2024, during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Aim: The Alliance seeks to accelerate global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Objectives:
- Provides a collaborative platform for countries to share and implement evidence-based public policies targeting the eradication of hunger and poverty.
- Facilitates technical and financial support to countries in need, connecting them with willing partners.
- Participants:
- Includes 81 member countries, including India.
- Supported by 26 international organizations, 9 financial institutions, 31 philanthropic foundations, and NGOs.
- Funding: The operational cost ranges between $2-3 million annually, financed by contributions from member countries and institutions such as FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
- Main Pillars of the Initiative:
- National Pillar: Encourages national governments to implement and scale up effective policies and programs addressing hunger and poverty.
- Financial Pillar: Involves international organizations, multilateral development banks, and philanthropic entities to mobilize financial resources for the cause.
- Knowledge Pillar: Facilitates the exchange of best practices and research through collaboration with knowledge centers and institutions globally.
- Headquarters: Likely based in Brasília, Brazil, or another Global South nation, with an additional office at the FAO headquarters in Rome.
UPSC GS 3
Raorchestes Asakgrensis
- News: A new species of frog, Raorchestes asakgrensis, has been discovered in Meghalaya.
- About Raorchestes asakgrensis:
- New Species: The frog is a newly identified species.
- Name Origin: It is named after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, acknowledging the local community’s contributions to conservation.
- Distinctive Features:
- Habitat: Found at an elevation of 174 meters in Eman Asakgre, this arboreal species primarily inhabits shrubs.
- Characteristics:
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- Possesses a pointed snout and a visible tympanum.
- Male frogs measure around 20.49 mm in snout-vent length, while females are slightly larger, measuring approximately 22.8 mm.
- Male frogs call from shrubs at dusk, often perched at heights of 1.5 meters or more. Their calling activity intensifies with the onset of the first monsoon rains.
Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
- News: Authorities have informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that reports suggesting wild animals are vanishing from Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra due to encroachments are “inaccurate” and “sensationalised.”
- About Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Location:
- Situated in Palghar district, Maharashtra, approximately 75 km from Mumbai.
- The sanctuary covers an area of 85 sq. km., predominantly comprising hilly terrain.
- Acts as a critical wildlife corridor connecting Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali National Park) and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Landscape:
- Known for its hilly terrain, dense forests, and presence of small rivers and streams.
- Vegetation:
- Features a distinctive combination of Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, and Semi-Evergreen forests.
- Flora:
- Hosts a variety of trees, including teak, bamboo, and mango.
- Fauna:
- Inhabited by species such as Leopard, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, and Black-naped Hare.
- A rich avian population, including Crested Serpent-eagle, Jungle Owlet, White-eyed Buzzard, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Emerald Dove, and Heart-spotted Woodpecker.
- Cultural Significance:
- The sanctuary encompasses several ancient temples, with the Tungareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, being the most prominent.
Artificial Intelligence Data Bank
- News: India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data bank was recently introduced by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
- Objective:
- Aims to drive innovation and strengthen the nation’s security infrastructure.
- Provides researchers, startups, and developers with access to diverse and high-quality datasets required for building scalable and inclusive AI solutions.
- Launch Details:
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- Introduced by the Minister of Science and Technology during the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024.
- Key Features:
- Enhances national security through real-time analytics of data from satellites, drones, and IoT devices.
- Supports predictive analytics applications in areas such as disaster management and cyber security.
- What is Artificial Intelligence?
- AI is a scientific discipline focused on creating machines and systems capable of reasoning, learning, and performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.
- It spans multiple fields, including computer science, data analytics, statistics, hardware and software engineering, linguistics, neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy.
India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC): New Global Trade Route | UPSC
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)
- News: The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 report was recently unveiled during the annual UN climate conference held in Baku.
- About the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI):
- Purpose and Publication:
- The CCPI is a global index that evaluates the climate performance of major emitters across emissions, renewable energy, and climate policy parameters.
- It is collaboratively published by Germanwatch, the New Climate Institute, and the Climate Action Network International.
- First introduced in 2005, it has become a critical tool for tracking progress in combating climate change.
- Highlights of the Report:
- India’s Performance:
- India ranked 10th among more than 60 countries evaluated for their climate action efforts.
- India’s advancements in renewable energy policies, such as large-scale solar power projects and the Rooftop Solar Scheme, have been commended.
- The report also highlights progress in energy efficiency standards and electric vehicle adoption, particularly in two-wheeler segments.
- Challenges for India:
- Despite positive developments, India continues to rely heavily on coal.
- The country holds one of the world’s largest coal reserves and plans to expand its coal production.
- Global Insights:
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- The 63 assessed countries, along with the European Union, account for 90% of global emissions.
- Denmark leads the index (technically ranked fourth), followed by the Netherlands and the U.K.
- The U.K. made significant progress due to its coal phase-out and the government’s commitment to halt new fossil fuel project licenses.
- India and the U.K. are the only G20 nations categorized as high performers in the CCPI.
