NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Fossil bed dating to Holocene period discovered in Tamil Nadu
- A fossil bed dating to middle-to-late Holocene (8,000–12,000 years ago) was discovered at Panaiyur in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. The site was discovered following heavy rains in 2023 and later surveyed by Zoological Survey of India.
- Key Findings: The discovery enriches India’s Quaternary fossil record (last 2.6 million years). It offers insights into climatic and ecological changes.
- Geological features like cross-stratification and bioturbation help reconstruct ancient coastal environments.
- Significance: The site provides a high-resolution view of Holocene epoch sedimentology and past biodiversity.
- Threats: Exposure to natural erosion threatens fossil integrity, prompting urgent conservation efforts for long-term scientific study.
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Prehistoric Rock Paintings Discovered in Tamil Nadu
- Prehistoric rock paintings were discovered at Vellarikkombai village in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu during a field survey by Yaakkai Trust. The discovery enriches understanding of prehistoric culture and tribal heritage in the region.
- The site, locally known as “Oor Pare,” is located near settlements of Kurumba and Irula tribal communities known for their rich ecological traditions.
- Location: Near Kotagiri, at an altitude of 1,100 metres. It is accessible via a steep 450-metre climb and only during summer
- Archaeologically, it adds to Nilgiris’ rock art sites such as Eluthuparai and Tholikkiparai. Art Style is executed using red ochre.
- Dimensions: Paintings spread over ~638 cm length and 540 cm height rock surface
- Figures Identified: Around 30 figures including human forms, anthropomorphic figures with conical headgear, and elongated-limbed depictions.
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Sacred Holy Relics of Tathagata Buddha Arrive in Leh
- The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Leh for Tathagata Holy Relics Exposition marking the 2569th Buddha Purnima.
- Transported from National Museum via an Indian Air Force aircraft, they were received with full state honours and public participation.
- The exposition includes special displays in Kargil and Zanskar. Notably, this is the first domestic exposition outside their original preservation site, via previously exhibited internationally.
- About Tathagata: A title for Gautama Buddha meaning “one who has attained enlightenment.” In Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, the Five Tathagatas symbolise aspects of wisdom and compassion.
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BANKING | ECONOMY CURRENT AFFAIRS
SEBI Operationalises PaRRVA Framework
- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) operationalised Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) framework to enhance transparency, standardisation, and investor protection.
- PaRRVA: It is a verification system to ensure accuracy of past risk-return claims made by financial entities, promoting accountability and uniform disclosures.
- Key Features: It validates and authenticates performance metrics for investor reliability. It enables use of verified data in advertisements as per norms and strengthens informed decision-making.
- Designated Institutions: CARE Ratings Limited – Verification agency and National Stock Exchange of India Limited – PaRRVA Data Centre (PDC)
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INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Iran War Disrupts Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) Supply Chain
- The ongoing West Asia conflict disrupted global supply chain of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
- Supply shocks stem from shutdowns at SABIC, which produces ~70% of global high-purity PPE, causing raw material shortages.
- About PCBs: PCBs connect and support electronic components through copper pathways. Key materials are high-purity PPE & epoxy resins, copper foil (~60% cost), and glass fiber for insulation and strength.
- PCBs: are essential components in smartphones, computers, and AI servers (amid rising demand driven by AI expansion). The global PCB market is projected to grow 12.5% to $95.8 billion by 2026.
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Asia’s First UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion & Skill Development
- Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune established Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development. It was launched during the conference “Women Leading the Future of Work” in collaboration with UNESCO.
- Objective: The Chair aims to bridge gender gaps in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). It promotes women’s participation in emerging sectors, and advance equitable skilling for social and economic transformation.
- Institutional Support: The initiative is backed by Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Education, UNESCO, and SSPU, It reinforces India’s push for inclusive and gender-responsive workforce development.
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DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Indian Army to Host Multilateral Exercise ‘Pragati’ in Meghalaya
- Indian Army will host inaugural multilateral exercise ‘Pragati’ at Umroi, Meghalaya, with participation from 11 countries including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Vietnam, and Bhutan.
- About ‘Pragati’: It stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It reflects collective security and cooperation goals.
- Key Feature: This first-ever edition marks launch of a new multilateral defence platform, reinforcing India’s strategic engagement and commitment to peace in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Objectives: To strengthen defence cooperation, Enhance interoperability among forces and Build mutual trust for regional stability.
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ENVIRONMENT CURRENT AFFAIRS
17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue (2026)
- Ministers from 30+ countries met in Berlin, Germany for 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogu. It is an informal high-level forum ahead of COP31 under UNFCCC. It was co-hosted by Germany with COP31 Presidency partners Türkiye and Australia.
- Nature & Purpose: Launched in 2010 after COP15, it facilitates open discussions outside formal negotiations to sustain climate momentum.
- Core Objectives: To advance implementation of the Paris Agreement, Build consensus on climate finance and energy transition and Prepare groundwork for future climate summits.
- Focus Areas 2026: Climate finance for developing nations, geopolitical risks from fossil dependence, and electrification in mobility and heating sectors.
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STATES CURRENT AFFAIRS
Sikkim’s 50th Statehood Celebrations
- Prime Minister Modi visited Gangtok for closing ceremony of Sikkim’s year-long 50th Statehood celebrations, marking its integration with India in 1975. The celebrations highlight Sikkim’s transformation from a Himalayan kingdom to a model of sustainable development.
- Background: Founded in 1642 under Phuntsong Namgyal, Sikkim became a British protectorate (1861) and later an Indian protectorate via the 1950 Indo-Sikkim Treaty before full statehood in 1975.
- Sikkim’s Key Achievement: It is world’s first 100% organic state in 2016, Sikkim’s model earned the UN FAO Future Policy Gold Award for sustainable agriculture.
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AGRICULTURE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Leaf Spot Disease (LSD) in Arecanut
- Leaf Spot Disease (LSD) is a common plant disease affecting arecanut, disrupting Photosynthesis and weakening plant growth over time.
- Causes & Spread: Mainly caused by fungi (sometimes bacteria). It spreads through wind, rain splash, and irrigation water and thrives in high humidity with prolonged leaf wetness (12–24 hours).
- Key Features: Spots: Angular/round, raised/sunken, yellow to black in colour. It appears first on lower, inner branches (high humidity zones). It has amaller spotsmeans early infection; larger spots means mature stage. Pathogens survive in leaf debris, buds, and twigs
- Significance: If persistent over multiple seasons, LSD can severely impact crop health and yield, making timely management essential.
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