Yuva AI for All

Introduction

• Yuva AI for All is a national AI literacy programme led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to expand AI awareness and foundational skills across India.
• Focused especially on youth, it aims to equip citizens with foundational AI capabilities for an emerging AI-driven economy.

Why in news?

• MeitY has launched Kaushal Rath under the National AI Literacy programme titled “Yuva AI for All”.
• The initiative is part of the broader IndiaAI Mission to build a digitally empowered, AI-ready workforce.

Background

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, and industry.

• As India positions itself as a global digital power, ensuring AI literacy among citizens is a strategic priority.
• India’s digital transformation from Aadhaar to UPI demonstrates inclusive technology at scale.
• Widespread AI adoption requires foundational awareness, basic technical understanding, and responsible and ethical AI usage.
• Recognising these needs, MeitY launched Yuva AI for All as a national AI literacy programme focused on youth.

Significance

Supports the creation of a digitally empowered, AI-ready workforce in India.

• Builds foundational literacy to enable responsible and ethical AI adoption.

Facts/General knowledge

• A first-of-its-kind free AI course introducing AI in simple terms.
• Fully online and self-paced; open to students, professionals, and curious learners.
• Simple and practical curriculum: uses real-life examples, focuses on everyday AI applications, avoids heavy technical jargon, and is designed to be engaging and accessible.
• Available free of cost on major learning platforms, including FutureSkills Prime and iGOT Karmayogi, as well as other leading ed-tech portals, ensuring accessibility across diverse learner groups.
• Completion provides an official Government of India certificate, enhancing employability and skill credentials.

Project Gaja-Lok

Introduction

• Project Gaja-Lok seeks to understand and preserve the cultural, historical, ecological, and environmental significance of the Asian elephant.
• It presents the elephant as a cultural icon and a symbol of ecological resilience.

Why in news?

• Recently, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) launched Project Gaja-Lok.

Background

• The project began with an exhibition and roundtable discussions in New Delhi, with participation from experts, researchers, and conservationists.
• It promotes cooperation among Asian countries where elephants have cultural and religious significance.
• Figure 1: Elephant murals in the caves of Ajanta and Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
• Key features: Multi-country initiative enabling a comparative study of the role of elephants across Asian civilisations.

• Documentation of cultural heritage through an exhibition of elephants in temples, sculptures, texts, court art, and folk traditions.
• Integration of history and spirituality by analysing the spiritual role of elephants in Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, and Southeast Asian traditions.
• Research on human–elephant relationships addressing conflict, coexistence, ethics, and modern ecological challenges.
• Climate and environmental focus highlighting elephants’ vital role in forests, ecology, and biodiversity.
• Artefacts display including Indus Valley seals, Bharhut railings, and sculptures from Konark, Gwalior Fort, Thailand, and Cambodia.

Significance

• Preserves the role of elephants within various Asian traditions.
• Assists in formulating better policies and conservation strategies.
• Strengthens environmental conservation by highlighting the ecological importance of elephants.
• Uses exhibitions, books, and discussions to strengthen the spirit of conservation in society.
• Improves policymaking on conservation, cultural documentation, and the “nature-culture link.”

Facts/General knowledge

• Full name: Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
• Established: 1984.
• Form: Non-profit organisation.
• Main objectives: Conservation of India’s natural, cultural, tangible, intangible, and living heritage.

• Conservation of historical buildings, arts, crafts, archaeological sites, folk traditions, and cultural documentation.
• Running heritage clubs to engage the younger generation in heritage conservation.
• International recognition: Expanding conservation work through collaborations with several global organisations, including UNESCO.

PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Kurukshetra, Haryana (25 November 2025)

Introduction

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kurukshetra, Haryana on 25 November 2025.
• He participated in the International Gita Mahotsav 2025 and the state-level commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
• He inaugurated the ‘Panchjanya’ exhibit at the Mahabharata Experience Centre and visited the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra.
• He performed Darshan and Pooja at Brahma Sarovar.

Why in news?

• The visit coincided with the International Gita Mahotsav being held in Kurukshetra from 15 November to 5 December.
• A special programme commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur was addressed by the Prime Minister.
• A Rs 350 commemorative coin and a Rs 5 stamp were released to mark the 350th Shaheedi Diwas.
• The ‘Panchjanya’ exhibit, honouring the sacred conch of Lord Krishna, was inaugurated.

Background

• Since 1 November 2025, multiple programmes honouring Guru Tegh Bahadur have been held across Haryana, including four religious yatras from the state’s four corners to disseminate his teachings.
• The Government of India is observing a year-long commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
• The Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra is an immersive experiential centre developed under the Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme, constructed at a cost of Rs 200 crore.

Significance

• The ‘Panchjanya’ exhibit honours the sacred conch of Lord Krishna; it weighs around 5.5 tonnes and stands nearly 5 metres tall.
• The Mahabharata Experience Centre showcases the Mahabharata’s cultural, spiritual, and historical aspects through immersive exhibits, audiovisuals, and interactive installations.
• Brahma Sarovar is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.
• A coffee-table book published by the Haryana government was released during the commemorative programme.

Facts/General knowledge

• Coin (Rs 350): 99.9% pure silver; weight 40 grams; diameter 44 millimetres; edge with 200 serrations.
• Coin obverse: Lion Capital of Ashoka with inscriptions “भारत/ INDIA,” rupee symbol “₹,” and denomination “350.”
• Coin reverse: Image of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib with inscriptions “1675–2025” and commemorative legends in Hindi and English honouring Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Shaheedi Diwas.
• Stamp (Rs 5): Features inscriptions in Hindi and English highlighting the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru and celebrating his teachings and legacy.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur: Born on 1 April 1621 in Amritsar, Punjab; ninth Sikh Guru (1664–75); considered the second Sikh martyr executed by the Mughal rulers; remembered for his fight for religious freedom.

National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, 2015

Introduction

• Introduced to promote and regulate exploration and development of offshore wind energy within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Establishes a comprehensive framework to utilise maritime wind resources, encourage investment, ensure sustainable development, and integrate offshore wind into the national renewable energy mix.

Why in news?

• Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023 introduced to streamline leasing procedures and define agency responsibilities.
• Viability Gap Funding scheme approved to support the first 1 GW of offshore wind capacity by subsidising part of project costs and reducing financial risk.
• Initiatives undertaken to improve data quality, promote international collaborations, and explore floating offshore wind technologies for deeper waters.

Background

• Prior wind energy achievements were largely onshore, concentrated in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• India’s coastline of over 7,500 kilometres offers substantial offshore wind potential.
• Global maturity demonstrated in the North Sea by the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands informed India’s approach, adapted to local environmental, technical, and regulatory contexts.

Significance

• Energy diversification by complementing solar and onshore wind for a balanced renewable mix.
• Industrial growth through new manufacturing hubs for turbines, foundations, and subsea cables.
• Employment generation in design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance, aiding coastal economies.
• Climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• Regional development via upgrades to ports, roads, and industrial facilities in coastal states.

Facts/General knowledge

• Scope and coverage: Applies up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline along India’s coast, covering territorial waters and the EEZ.

• Encompasses resource assessment, site surveys, project installation, grid connectivity, and research.
• Institutional framework: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry, coordinating with defence, environment, shipping, and fisheries.

• National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), Chennai, is the nodal agency for resource assessments, block identification, developer facilitation, and maintaining national offshore wind databases.
• Objectives: Explore and promote deployment of offshore wind farms in the EEZ via public and private participation.

• Enhance energy security by diversifying renewables and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
• Encourage indigenisation, R&D, and skilled manpower development.
• Attract domestic and foreign investment in infrastructure and manufacturing.
• Support coastal development and employment in the renewable sector.
• Key provisions: Resource assessment and surveys through mapping, oceanographic studies, and feasibility analysis.

• Block allocation and leasing via transparent competitive bidding.
• Regulatory clearances for environment, maritime safety, defence, and navigation.
• Grid connectivity with emphasis on efficient onshore integration and evacuation systems.
• Indigenisation and R&D to lower costs and reduce import dependence.
• Investment facilitation including up to 100% FDI under the automatic route and PPP promotion.
• Potential and targets: Initial potential estimated at around 70 GW, notably off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

• Targets: 5 GW by 2022 and 30 GW by 2030, with higher capacity utilisation factors than onshore projects.
• Implementation and challenges: Implementation progressed slowly, with no commercial projects operational in the early years.

• Progress achieved in resource mapping and preparation of initial blocks off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu; port modernisation and logistical planning initiated.
• Key challenges include high capital costs; technical and logistical constraints (e.g., heavy-lift vessels, port facilities, maintenance bases); regulatory complexity due to multiple clearances; tariff uncertainty; and an underdeveloped domestic supply chain.
• Additional limitations noted: Lack of a dedicated financial support system in the early years discouraged private participation.

• Grid connectivity gaps continue to hinder readiness for large-scale deployment.

Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP)

Introduction

• A year-long, targeted initiative under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.
• Aims to achieve Lakshya Zero Dumpsites by September 2026.

Why in news?

• Launch of the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP).

Background

• SBM-U 2.0 was launched in 2021 to achieve Garbage Free Status for all cities.
• It also targets remediation of all legacy dumpsites and their conversion into green zones.

Significance

• Prioritises high-impact locations for accelerated remediation.
• Emphasises priority-based project selection to maximise outcomes.
• Tailors eligibility to ensure wider participation, including UTs and North Eastern States.

Facts/General knowledge

• Scope: Approximately 8.8 crore MT of legacy waste is targeted.
• Legacy waste: Aged municipal solid waste in landfills or dumpsites; a mix of partially or completely decomposed biodegradable waste, plastic waste, etc.
• Concentration: About 80% of legacy waste is concentrated in 214 sites across 202 Urban Local Bodies.
• Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• Eligibility: All States/UTs with ongoing legacy waste projects; priority to sites containing over 45,000 MT of legacy wastes; no minimum threshold for UTs and North Eastern States.
• Remediation status: 1,428 sites are undergoing remediation; 1,048 have been fully remediated.
• Major emissions of primary concern:
• Leachate: Polluted water that emerges at the base of dumpsite waste.
• Landfill gas: Mixture of carbon dioxide and methane formed because of anaerobic conditions created in dumpsites during waste decomposition.

Project Cheetah — Botswana Donates Eight Cheetahs to India

Introduction

• India will receive 8 cheetahs from Botswana under Project Cheetah, advancing the species’ reintroduction after its extinction in India in 1952.
• The announcement was made during President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Botswana, highlighting bilateral cooperation and environmental diplomacy.
• Subtopic: Why in news?
• A formal announcement was made in Gaborone following talks between President Murmu and Botswana’s President Duma Boko.
• A symbolic handover ceremony is scheduled in Gaborone, Botswana, in the presence of President Murmu, with the date set for November 2025.

Background

• Project Cheetah is India’s flagship initiative to reintroduce cheetahs sourced from Africa, where viable populations remain in select ecosystems.
• Key objectives: Restoring ecological balance in grasslands

• Promoting eco-tourism and awareness
• Strengthening wildlife conservation frameworks in India
• Creating transcontinental wildlife cooperation
• Earlier, cheetahs were translocated from Namibia in 2022 and released at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Subtopic: Significance

• Botswana, home to one of the largest wild cheetah populations, will bolster genetic diversity in India’s cheetah population.
• The animals are adapted to similar savannah-like climates, aiding acclimatisation.
• The move deepens India–Botswana strategic and conservation ties and reflects Africa’s support for India’s conservation efforts, paving the way for future collaboration.
• President Murmu’s visit marks the first-ever State visit by an Indian Head of State to both Angola and Botswana, reflecting India’s expanding South–South cooperation in:
• Environment and biodiversity
• Cultural exchange and diplomacy
• Bilateral trade and capacity building
• Her participation in the handover underscores environmental diplomacy and people-centric conservation models.

Facts/General knowledge

• Project Name: Project Cheetah
• Announced by: Government of India
• Extinction Year in India: 1952
• Reintroduction Started: 2022 (from Namibia)
• New Cheetahs Donated by: Botswana
• Number of Cheetahs: 8
• Symbolic Handover Date: November 2025
• Location: Gaborone, Botswana

 

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE)

Introduction

• A Union Cabinet–approved scheme designed to boost India’s export ecosystem by enhancing liquidity, enabling easier access to credit and derisking lending to exporters.
• Implemented by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to encourage market diversification and strengthen global export competitiveness.

Why in news?

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE), providing fully guaranteed additional export credit through a structured mechanism.

Background

• Exporters commonly face liquidity constraints, especially during shipment cycles and while entering new markets; a structured guarantee mechanism addresses this challenge.
• Exports account for about 21% of GDP in FY 202425, with MSMEs contributing around 45% of total exports—underscoring the need to strengthen export credit access for a key growth segment.

Significance

• Strengthening export liquidity by enabling easier access to working capital and term credit through a full guarantee framework.
• Boosting market diversification and competitiveness by reducing financial risk, encouraging entry into new and emerging markets, adoption of new technologies and adherence to global standards.
• Supporting India’s export ambition by advancing the US$ 1 trillion export target and contributing to the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision.
• Enabling employment generation and valuechain augmentation through stronger export oriented manufacturing and services linkages.

Facts/General knowledge

• Credit guarantee coverage: Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) receive 100% guarantee from the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) for additional credit extended under CGSE.
• Loan quantum: Up to ₹20,000 crore of additional credit facilities will be made available to eligible exporters.
• Collateralfree access: Exporters can obtain credit without traditional collateral security.
• Coverage: Applicable to eligible exporters across both MSME and nonMSME categories.
• Implementing agency: NCGTC will operationalise the scheme through MLIs under DFS.
• Oversight: A Management Committee chaired by the Secretary (DFS) will monitor and review implementation.
• Eligible beneficiaries and flow: MLIs extend additional credit to eligible exporters; NCGTC provides full guarantee cover, reducing lender risk and unlocking easier credit flow.

 

Export Promotion Mission (EPM) and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE)

Introduction

• The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is a comprehensive, flexible, digitally driven framework to promote exports over a six-year period.
• It is complemented by the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) to enhance liquidity and competitiveness across exporter segments.

Why in news?

• Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.
• The Cabinet approved the introduction of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE).

Background

• Consolidation and modernisation of existing schemes, such as the Interest Equalisation Scheme and the Market Access Initiative.
• Logistics constraints: inadequate infrastructure, transit delays, sharp rise in freight costs, and shipping disruptions (e.g., disturbances in the Red Sea route).
• Market access challenges: limited visibility, weak buyer connections, and difficulty in identifying new markets.
• Regulatory hurdles: recurring documentation requirements including certificate of origin, quality inspection certificate, and packing list.
• International constraints: stronger competition (e.g., Chinese products due to lower costs and higher innovation), rising trade barriers and tariffs (e.g., recent 50% U.S. tariff on Indian goods), quality standards issues, and supply chain disruptions.

Significance

• Offers a unified, digitally enabled approach to export promotion, with priority support to sectors impacted by global tariff escalations (textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, and marine products).
• Expands access to affordable trade finance to facilitate diversification into new markets.
• Enhances market readiness and competitiveness through support on export quality and compliance, international branding, warehousing, and logistics.
• Strengthens liquidity, market diversification, employment, and global competitiveness through credit guarantees applicable to both MSME and non-MSME exporters.
• Proposed complementary steps to further promote exports:
• Finalising Free Trade Agreements to improve market access and secure favourable trading terms (e.g., Europe, Central Asia).
• Harnessing demand for high-value technical services in R&D, manufacturing services, supply chain management, and maintenance and repair.
• Bolstering MSME exports via greater participation in trade shows and targeted training on procedures, documentation, and standards.
• Advancing innovation and value addition (e.g., APEDA’s BHARATI initiative).
• Unlocking e-commerce exports by creating separate customs supervision codes.
• Creating a National Trade Network (NTN) to unify export–import processes across customs, DGFT, banks, and ports, thereby reducing transaction costs and addressing informational asymmetry.

Facts/General knowledge

• EPM financial outlay: Rs. 25,060 crores.
• EPM timeline: Six years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31).
• Mission architecture: two integrated sub-schemes—Niryat Protsahan (financial support) and Niryat Disha (non-financial support).
• Implementing agency for EPM: Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
• CGSE credit support: up to additional ₹20,000 crore, collateral-free, with 100% guarantee coverage by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).
• CGSE beneficiaries: MSME and non-MSME exporters.
• CGSE implementing agency: Department of Financial Services through NCGTC.
• CGSE oversight: Management Committee chaired by Secretary, Department of Financial Services.

Andhra Pradesh: Formation of Three New Districts

Introduction

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh has approved the creation of three additional districts to enhance governance and local access to civic services.
• The reorganisation reshapes the administrative map to align service delivery with local needs.

Why in news?

• The decision was cleared by N. Chandrababu Naidu on behalf of the state government.
• It marks a significant administrative restructuring aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency.

Background

• The restructuring plan introduces new districts, revenue divisions, and a mandal as part of broader administrative reforms.
• Polavaram district will have two revenue divisions—Rampachodavaram and Chinturu—with Rampachodavaram as the district headquarters and a population of 3.49 lakh.
• Specific mandals have been allocated under each division to streamline administration and ensure better delivery of public services.

Significance

• Better administrative accessibility for remote and tribal areas.
• Efficient delivery of public welfare schemes.
• Balanced regional development.
• Streamlined governance tailored to local needs.
• Subtopic: Facts/General knowledge
• New districts: Polavaram, Markapuram, Madanapalle.
• Total districts after implementation: 29.
• New revenue divisions (5): Nakkapalli (Anakapalli district), Addanki (Prakasam), Pileru (Madanapalle), Banaganapalle (Nandyal), Madakasira (Sri Sathya Sai district).
• New mandal: Pedda Harivanam, to be formed by bifurcating Adoni mandal in Kurnool district.
• Next step: The Group of Ministers’ recommendations will be presented to the State Cabinet for final approval, followed by an official notification formally establishing the new districts and revenue divisions.
• Administrative goal: Enhanced governance, accessibility, and regional equity.

Lachit Borphukan

Introduction

• An Assamese military leader who rose to become one of Assam’s greatest.
• Best known for leading the Ahom forces to victory in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat.

Why in news?

• On Lachit Diwas, the Prime Minister paid tribute to him, honouring him as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and inspiring leadership.

Background

• Born on 24th November 1622 at Charaideo, Assam; youngest son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua, a key military administrator under Ahom ruler Pratap Singha.
• Trained in administration, military strategy, and scriptures; grew up amid the Mughal–Ahom wars.
• Recognised for leadership and appointed as Borphukan (Commander-in-Chief) to reclaim Assam from Mughal occupation after the Mir Jumla invasion.

Significance

• Defeated the Mughal army led by Raja Ram Singh I at the Battle of Saraighat (1671) using guerrilla warfare, river-based naval tactics, and strategic fortifications.
• The victory halted Mughal expansion into the Northeast and preserved Assam’s sovereignty.
• His life and campaigns exemplify leadership and military strategy.

Facts/General knowledge

• Died in 1672 from illness; his memorial, Lachit Maidan, stands near Jorhat.
• 24th November is celebrated as Lachit Divas.
• The Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal at the National Defence Academy (NDA) honours excellence in military leadership.

Nitish Kumar’s Historic 10th Term as Bihar Chief Minister

Introduction

• Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) was sworn in as Chief Minister of Bihar for an unprecedented 10th term.
• The oath-taking took place at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan on 20 November 2025.
• The new term follows the BJP-led NDA’s emphatic victory, with promises of development, governance continuity, and renewed alliances.

Why in news?

• Bihar witnessed a historic political milestone with Nitish Kumar beginning his 10th term as Chief Minister.
• The swearing-in ceremony drew some of the country’s most influential political leaders and a large public gathering.

Background

• The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance secured a dominant mandate in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
• NDA total seats: 202; Mahagathbandhan: 35.
• BJP seats: 89; JD(U) seats: 85.
• Both BJP and JD(U) contested 101 constituencies each.
• This clear mandate paved the way for Nitish Kumar’s return as Chief Minister, further solidifying his longstanding influence in Bihar politics.

Significance

• The robust mandate ushers in a new era in Bihar’s political landscape.
• Emphasis areas include development, governance continuity, and renewed alliances.
• The BJP strengthened its role in the government with the appointment of two Deputy Chief Ministers.

Facts/General knowledge

• The ceremony began around 11:30 AM at Gandhi Maidan, Patna.
• High-profile attendees included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Bhupendra Patel.
• Heavy security arrangements were implemented due to the high-profile attendees and large public gathering.
• Deputy Chief Ministers: Vinay Kumar Sinha (second term) and Samrat Choudhary.
• JD(U) ministers sworn in: Leshi Singh, Madan Sahni, Nitin Nabin, Ram Kripal Yadav, Santosh Kumar Suman, and Sunil Kumar.
• Nitish Kumar greeted the crowd as he prepared for another term as Chief Minister.

 

Saranda Forest, Jharkhand — Supreme Court Directive

Introduction

• Saranda is Asia’s largest Sal forest, located near Jamshedpur in Jharkhand.
• The name “Saranda” means “land of seven hundred hills”.
• The forest spans around 900 sq. km.

Why in news?

• The Supreme Court of India directed the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468.25 hectares of the Saranda forest area as a wildlife sanctuary.
• The Court reaffirmed that mining is prohibited inside national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as within a one-kilometre buffer from their boundaries.
• It upheld the erstwhile unified State of Bihar’s 1968 notification declaring the area the “Saranda Game Sanctuary”.

Background

• Declared as the “Saranda Game Sanctuary” by the erstwhile unified State of Bihar; the area came under Jharkhand’s jurisdiction after the State’s bifurcation in 2000.
• Historically served as the private hunting ground of the royal family of Seraikela.

Significance

• Ecological: A pristine deciduous forest ecosystem that sustains water cycles and contributes to carbon sequestration, providing habitat for critically endangered and endemic wildlife, including large elephant populations.
• Economic: The Saranda forest division accounts for 26% of India’s iron ore reserves.
• Socio-cultural: Inhabited by Ho, Munda, Uraon, and allied Adivasi communities whose livelihoods, culture, and subsistence practices are closely tied to forest resources.

Facts/General knowledge

• Dominant flora: Sal (Shorea robusta), with other major species including Mahua and Kusum.
• Fauna: Habitat for the sal forest tortoise, four-horned antelope, Asian palm civet, endangered species of flying lizards, and hundreds of elephants.

 

Maharashtra Agriculture: New Logo and Slogan

Introduction

• The Maharashtra Agriculture Department unveiled a new logo and slogan in Mumbai, signalling a refreshed identity and commitment to modern, sustainable agriculture.
• The move is both symbolic and strategic, aiming to redefine the department’s role in a changing agricultural landscape.

Why in news?

• The department has officially introduced a new visual identity and motto, marking a notable update in its public branding and policy direction.
• The unveiling reflects a push towards technology-driven, sustainable farming approaches that are farmer-centric.

Background

• The department had operated with the same emblem for 38 years before this change.
• The new slogan was selected through a state-wide public competition that received over 1,700 entries.
• While design specifics were not detailed, the new logo is said to represent innovation in agriculture, farmer empowerment, sustainability, and prosperity.

Significance

• The rebranding signifies a policy and mindset shift in a state with a large agrarian population facing drought, crop failure, and farmer distress.
• It aligns with focus areas including irrigation, market access, organic farming, and technology adoption.
• The initiative aims to rebrand agriculture as tech-savvy and future-ready, inspire confidence among farmers, and connect with young agri-entrepreneurs.
• Leaders underscored the intent:
• CM Devendra Fadnavis emphasised dedication to technology-driven, sustainable farming models.
• Deputy CM Eknath Shinde praised the farmer-centric approach aligned with modern trends.
• Deputy CM Ajit Pawar highlighted blending traditional farming wisdom with modern tools.
• Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne called it a “people-powered campaign,” acknowledging the public’s role in shaping the slogan.

Facts/General knowledge

• Event: Launch of new logo and slogan by the Maharashtra Agriculture Department
• Date: November 2025
• Slogan: “Sashwat Sheti, Samruddha Shetkari” (Meaning: “Sustainable Farming, Prosperous Farmer”)
• Selected through: Open state-wide competition (1,700+ entries)
• Launched by: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Khelo India University Games 2025 in Rajasthan

Introduction

• The 5th Khelo India University Games opened with a celebration of India’s youth sporting talent alongside Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.
• Rajasthan is hosting the edition across multiple cities, creating a statewide celebration of sports.

Why in news?

• The Games have begun in Jaipur with the ceremonial lamp lit by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya.
• A captivating drone show and cultural performances reflecting Rajasthan’s traditions set an enthusiastic tone for the competitions ahead.

Background

• Launched in 2020, the Khelo India University Games aim to strengthen the sports ecosystem at the university level and encourage wider participation.
• The platform provides national exposure for student-athletes, promoting excellence, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.

Significance

• Rajasthan is hosting the Games for the first time, marking a step in decentralising sports infrastructure and opportunities across India.
• Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised the vision of promoting India as a global sporting powerhouse, noting Khelo India’s role in scouting and nurturing emerging talent.
• Athletes from previous editions have progressed to represent India in major international competitions, underlining the initiative’s impact.
• Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma praised India’s youth and encouraged consistent dedication and hard work to achieve success.

Facts/General knowledge

• Event: 5th Khelo India University Games.
• Dates: 24 November – 5 December 2025.
• Host state: Rajasthan.
• Primary venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
• Host cities: Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, Bharatpur.
• Participants: Around 7,000 total, including 5,000+ athletes from 230+ universities.
• Sports: 23 competitive disciplines; Kho-Kho showcased as a demonstration event.
• Jaipur’s high-profile events include athletics, shooting, archery, badminton, and hockey.

GI Tag for Lepcha Musical Instruments

Introduction

• The Government of India has accorded Geographical Indication (GI) tags to two traditional Lepcha musical instruments of Sikkim: Tungbuk and Pumtong Pulit.
• This recognition supports the preservation and promotion of Lepcha cultural heritage at national and international levels.

Why in news?

• Date of announcement: 5 November 2025.
• Category: Musical Instruments; registration authority: Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai (Government of India).
• Award ceremony: First Tribal Trade Conference held in New Delhi.
• Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and Ministry of Commerce & Industry; chief guests: Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Jual Oram.

Background

• Applicants: Ugen Palzor Lepcha (for Tungbuk) and Namgyal Lepcha (for Pumtong Pulit).
• Supporting organisation: NABARD, Gangtok, which provided technical and financial assistance during the GI registration process.
• Duration: Approximately two years to obtain the GI tag.
• Lepcha community: Indigenous people of Sikkim, primarily located in Sikkim, Darjeeling (West Bengal), and parts of Bhutan.
• Cultural context: Nature-centric spiritual beliefs, rich folk music traditions, and craftsmanship in traditional instruments.

Significance

• Provides national recognition and legal protection to the Tungbuk and Pumtong Pulit.
• Promotes cultural revival of Lepcha musical traditions.
• Enhances awareness among youth about indigenous art forms.
• Creates new livelihood opportunities for traditional artisans.

Facts/General knowledge

• Tungbuk: A handmade, three-stringed instrument used in traditional folk music and religious rituals.
• Pumtong Pulit: A bamboo flute made from locally sourced bamboo, played during folk songs and social gatherings.