Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

[pib] Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs)

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs)

Why in the News?

The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided information about the Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) in Lok Sabha.

About Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs):

About	• Set up by the Ministry of Culture to promote and preserve cultural heritage. • Established in 1985, with operations beginning in 1986-87. • Seven ZCCs located in Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur, and Thanjavur.
Aims and Objectives	• Preserving and promoting *regional folk, tribal,* and *traditional arts.* • Enhancing and celebrating India’s cultural diversity. • Encouraging folk & tribal arts and promoting cultural education. • Involving youth in creative cultural programs. • Strengthening linkages between different regions of India to showcase their contribution to Indian culture.
Implementation and Structural Mandate	• Government allocated Rs. 10 crore to each ZCC during the 7th and 10th Plans. • Free land provided by state governments for ZCC headquarters. • Organizes Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM) and regional festivals to promote cultural engagement. • 42 regional festivals organized annually, 14 RSMs since 2015.
Significance	• Strengthens cultural unity across India and preserves regional cultures. • Provides platforms for youth to engage in cultural activities. • Promotes national integration through events bringing together artists from different regions. • Contributes to economic development through tourism and employment.

PYQ:

[2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?

1. National Development Council

2. Planning Commission

3. Zonal Councils

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Gravitational Wave Observations

Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Telescope

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: MACE Telescope

Why in the News?

The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope was inaugurated on October 4th in Hanle, Ladakh.

About MACE Telescope:

	Details
Details and Working	• World’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, located in Hanle, Ladakh, at 4.3 km above sea level. • It has a 21-meter-wide mirror-dish, the largest in Asia. • Developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL), and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). • Cherenkov radiation is captured using mirrors and analyzed with photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). Cherenkov radiation is the blue glow emitted when charged particles travel faster than light in a medium. • Equipped with a high-resolution camera and movable base.
Aims and Objectives of MACE	• Detects high-energy gamma rays (greater than 20 giga-electron volts) emitted by cosmic phenomena. • Detect Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) for dark matter research. • Contribute to multi-messenger astronomy by complementing data from other telescopes.
How Do Gamma Rays Work in DNA Mutation?	• Cause ionization, which can break chemical bonds in DNA, leading to mutations. • Mutations may result in cancers or genetic disorders if not repaired. • DNA damage from gamma rays can lead to chromosomal aberrations and contribute to carcinogenesis.

PYQ:

[2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
It is buried deep in the ice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

On this day over 500 years ago, the Portuguese conquered Goa

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Portuguese rule and liberation of Goa

Why in the News?

On November 25, the Portuguese conquered Goa, establishing first territorial possession in India by any colonists.
- This marked the beginning of Portugal’s 400-year colonial rule in the region, which ended only in 1961, making them the last colonial power to leave India.

On this day over 500 years ago, the Portuguese conquered Goa

Why the Portuguese came to Goa?

Vasco da Gama’s voyage in 1498 revealed the thriving trade networks in the Indian Ocean.
The Portuguese aimed to capitalize on the wealth from the Indian Ocean trade routes.
Rivalry with Muslim-controlled trade routes prompted the Portuguese to establish a military presence in the region.
- In 1505, the Portuguese State of India was formally established, six years after Vasco da Gama’s arrival.
Francisco de Almeida, the first Viceroy, set up the first base in Fort Manuel (now part of Kochi).
- The Portuguese controlled the Island of Bom Bahia (later Bombay) until it was ceded to England in 1661.

How Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa?

Albuquerque (Viceroy, 1509-1515) understood that Goa was essential for controlling the maritime trade routes in the East.
The decision to attack Goa was influenced by Timmayya, a debated figure, either a Malabari pirate or an aristocrat with links to the Vijayanagara Empire.
Albuquerque’s first attack on Goa (February-March 1510) was largely successful due to the unpopularity of Sultan Yusuf Adil Shah’s rule among Goa’s Hindu population.
- Many locals supported the Portuguese against the Sultan’s rule.
After being stranded on the Mandovi River during the monsoon season, Albuquerque received reinforcements from Portugal.
In November 1510, with reinforcements, Albuquerque launched a successful attack and retook Goa.

Who Was Timmayya?

Timmayya, a key figure in the conquest of Goa, is described in various sources as a pirate from Malabar.
- However, other historians argue that he was of noble birth and held a prestigious position in the Vijayanagara Empire.
- According to historians, Timmayya was actually a high-ranking admiral in the Vijayanagara navy.
Though the Portuguese regarded him as a corsair or pirate, he was in fact executing orders from the Vijayanagara Empire, attacking Portuguese and rival merchant ships on his empire’s behalf.
While some historians argue that Timmayya’s counsel was pivotal in the timing of the attack on Goa, others suggest that Albuquerque may have already planned the assault, with Timmayya’s advice simply solidifying the decision.

Why did Timmayya want Goa conquered?

The rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire had long eyed Goa after it was lost to the Sultan of Bijapur.
Timmayya’s personal motivations were likely shaped by the empire’s strategic interest in regaining control of the region, as Goa was seen as a valuable territory in both military and economic terms.

PYQ:

[2021] Consider the following statements:

1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.

2. It was during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.

3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

Guru Tegh Bahadur

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Guru Tegh Bahadur and his Contributions

Guru Tegh Bahadur

Why in the News?

November 24 is commemorated as the Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th guru of the Sikhs, who was executed on the orders of Aurangzeb in 1675.

Guru Tegh Bahadur: Everything you need to know

	Details
Who was Guru Tegh Bahadur?	Born on April 1, 1621 in Amritsar, Punjab to Guru Hargobind (6th Sikh Guru), Mata Nanaki Death: November 11, 1675, executed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Became 9th Guru (1665 to 1675) Promoted the idea of Nirbhau (fearless) and Nirvair (without enmity) and emphasized the oneness of God. Referred to as ‘*Hind Ki Chadar’* (Shield of India).
What was his historical contribution?	Guru stood up for the Hindu Kashmiri Pandits, defending their right to practice their religion against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s oppressive policies. Refused to convert to Islam despite facing torture and persecution, ultimately leading to his execution. Advocated for the principle of one God, rejecting idol worship and preaching about the unity of all religions. Emphasized meditation, self-discipline, moral living, and serving others. He urged Sikhs to remain spiritually committed while defending the rights of the innocent. His hymns are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, with 115 hymns attributed to him. Many Gurdwaras are dedicated to him, including Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, built on the site where he was executed. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, was born to Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1666.

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

Dadu Dayal
Guru Nanak
Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(d) 1 and 2

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Air Pollution

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

Why in the News?

Delhi has been experiencing severe air pollution for 10 days, leading the Supreme Court to criticize the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its poor response.

About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

	Details
About	A statutory body for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas. Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021, replacing the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) (formed in 1998). It came into effect in 2020 through an ordinance. Structure: Chairperson: Senior government official (Secretary or Chief Secretary) 5 ex-officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh; 3 full-time technical members 3 members from NGOs Technical support from CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog
Functions	Monitor and coordinate air quality management efforts in NCR and adjoining areas Research sources of air pollution and propose mitigation strategies Implement air quality policies with state agencies Raise public awareness and engage communities in air quality management
Powers	Jurisdiction: Over air quality issues in NCR, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Powers: Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals Restrict activities impacting air quality Investigate and enforce environmental pollution measures Take strict actions against non-compliance under the CAQM Act, 2021 Initiate complaints and enforce regulations

PYQ:

[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.

2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

[pib] Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex

Why in the News?

PM recently highlighted Lothal’s importance in India’s maritime history as the site of the world’s first dockyard, now home to the National Maritime Heritage Complex under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

About Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex:

Facts about Lothal	Dockyard Evidence: Recent IITGn study confirms existence of a dockyard (222 x 37 meters). River Shift: Sabarmati River’s old course closer to Lothal during Harappan period, now 20 km away. Trade Route: Linked Ahmedabad, Lothal, Nal Sarovar, Little Rann, and Dholavira. Satellite Imagery: Revealed ancient channels of Sabarmati River, confirming Lothal’s strategic location. Trade Connections: Traders might have used the Gulf of Khambhat, collecting materials from Ratanpura and transporting them to Mesopotamia.
Historical Significance	Built around: 2200 BC as a major trade center for beads, gems, and ornaments. Lothal means “mound of the dead” in Gujarati similar to Mohenjodaro. Discovered by S.R. Rao, excavated from 1955 to 1960. World’s earliest known dock; connected to the ancient Sabarmati River. Nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014; only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Features of the Present Complex	Location: Bhal region, Gujarat, India. Objective: Showcase India’s 5,000-year-old maritime history, focusing on the first dockyard at Lothal. Developed by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Components: Exhibition halls, maritime park, amphitheater, and educational spaces.

PYQ:

[2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs?

(a) Dholavira

(b) Kalibangan

(d) Ropar

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Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

[pib] India’s first modern Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Compressed Biogas (CBG)

Why in the News?

PM Modi inaugurated the 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior.

About the CBG Plant

The plant is located in Laltipara, Gwalior, within the largest cowshed in the region, Adarsh Gaushala, which houses over 10,000 cattle.
- It spans over 5 acres.
- It is India’s first self-sufficient gaushala with a modern CBG plant, where cow dung and organic waste (such as vegetable and fruit waste from mandis and households) are processed into valuable biogas.
The project, developed at a cost of ₹31 crores, is a collaboration between Gwalior Municipal Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation.

Working features:

Bio CNG: The plant produces 2 tons of compressed Bio CNG daily from 100 tons of cattle dung, providing a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Organic Manure: The plant also generates 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure daily, which is a valuable by-product for organic farming.
Windrow composting: The plant incorporates windrow composting, located adjacent to the main facility, which enhances organic waste processing.

What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)?

	Details
About	CBG is a renewable natural gas produced from the biochemical conversion of organic waste into methane. It is chemically similar to CNG (compressed natural gas) and can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, cooking, and power generation.
Process of Making CBG	Collection of Organic Waste: Organic waste such as agricultural residue, animal dung, food waste, and municipal solid waste is collected from farms, industries, and households. Anaerobic Digestion: Waste is placed in an airtight chamber, where microorganisms break it down without oxygen, producing biogas (methane, carbon dioxide, trace gases). Purification: The raw biogas undergoes purification through methods like pressure swing adsorption, water scrubbing, or membrane separation to remove impurities like CO₂, H₂S, and water, leaving pure methane. Compression: The purified methane is compressed to 200-250 bar pressure to form CBG, reducing volume for storage and transportation. Storage and Distribution: It is stored in high-pressure cylinders or tanks and transported to fuel stations or industries for various applications.
Significance of CBG	Reduces fossil fuel dependence. Mitigates landfill methane emissions. CBG can replace CNG, reducing pollution. Utilizes local organic waste. Creates jobs, promotes organic farming, and provides eco-friendly fertilizers.

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Poverty Eradication – Definition, Debates, etc.

What is Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched at Brazil G20?

Explained Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Poverty and Hunger;

Why in the News?

The recent G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featured the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (referred to as “the Alliance”).

What are the primary objectives of the Global Alliance?

Eradication of Hunger and Poverty: The Alliance aims to eliminate hunger and poverty by 2030, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Support for Vulnerable Populations: It focuses on providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups through various initiatives, including cash transfers and school meal programs.
Resource Mobilization: The initiative emphasizes large-scale resource mobilisation to support its objectives, aiming to reach 500 million people through income distribution programs by 2030.

Who are the key stakeholders involved in this initiative?

The Alliance has 148 founding members, including 82 countries such as India, Brazil, and Bangladesh.
It includes participation from 26 international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNICEF.
Nine financial institutions and 31 philanthropic foundations and non-governmental organizations are also involved in supporting the Alliance’s goals.

How will Alliance function?

The Alliance serves as a platform for countries to share best practices and access technical expertise or financial support from other member nations.
It offers more than 50 evidence-based policy instruments that member countries can utilize to develop their national strategies against hunger and poverty.
Unlike traditional funding bodies, the Alliance does not have an exclusive fund but acts as a matchmaking entity connecting countries in need with donors and technical support providers. Its operational costs are estimated at $2-3 million annually, funded by member contributions.

What challenges does the Global Alliance aim to address in combating hunger and poverty?

Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has exacerbated issues of hunger and poverty, reversing progress made toward the SDGs. The Alliance aims to counteract these setbacks by fostering international cooperation.
Global Inequalities: It addresses deepening social, racial, and gender inequalities that have been intensified by recent global crises.
Food Insecurity Projections: Current trends suggest that without intervention, millions will continue to live in extreme poverty and hunger by 2030—double the target levels set in the SDGs. The Alliance seeks to reverse these projections through coordinated action.

Conclusion: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aligns with SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and implementing targeted interventions to combat hunger, poverty, and inequalities, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future.

Mains PYQ:

Q Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (UPSC IAS/2024)

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Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

Kaziranga National Park

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park

Why in the News?

A sub-adult female tiger from Kamakhya Reserve Forest in Assam strayed near Kaziranga National Park and was attacked by locals.

All facts about Kaziranga National Park:

	Details
About	• Located in the Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon districts of Assam, India. • Spans 430 sq. km. (166 square miles). • Established as a reserve forest in 1905, declared as a National park in 1974, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. • Declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
Geographical Features	• The park is crisscrossed by the Brahmaputra River along with numerous small bodies of water. • Dominated by tall elephant grass, marshland, and tropical moist broadleaf forests. • Terrain includes sandbars, *beels* (flood-formed lakes), and *chapories* (elevated areas).
Flora and Fauna	Flora: Includes 4 main vegetation types: alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests. Fauna: Home to 35 mammalian species(15 threatened), it also includes the world’s largest populations of Indian rhinoceros (2,613), wild water buffalo (1,666), swamp deer (468), elephants (1,940), gaur (1,300), and sambar (58). • Important bird area with 57 species of birds, including migratory species. • Rich biodiversity, including significant populations of chital, Indian muntjac, wild boar, and hog deer.

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following pairs:

National Park River flowing through the Park

1. Corbett National Park : Ganga

2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas

3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 only

(d) None

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Wetland Conservation

In news: Ashtamudi Lake

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake

Why in the News?

Several dead fish are floating on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala due to illegal use of ‘thotta’ (explosives) and ‘nanchu’ (poisons) for fishing.

About Ashtamudi Lake:

	Details
About	• Brackish-water estuarine lake, located in Kerala, covering 5,700 hectares. • Designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.
Geographical Features	• Encompasses 8 channels (arms) connecting to the lake, giving it the name “Ashtamudi.” (gateway to the backwaters of Kerala) • Second largest lake in Kerala (first being the Vembanad Lake), drains into the sea via Neendakara estuary. • Kallada River is the main water source for the lake. • Historical significance as a major port city of *Quilon, as recorded by Ibn Battuta*.
Flora and Fauna	• Mangrove species: Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris. • Endangered species: Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang. • 57 species of avifauna, including 6 migratory species and 51 resident species. • In 2014, the Clam Governing Council became the first Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery in India for their sustainable clam fishing.

PYQ:

[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

(a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

(b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

(d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About MACE Telescope:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Why the Portuguese came to Goa?

How Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa?

Who Was Timmayya?

Why did Timmayya want Goa conquered?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Guru Tegh Bahadur: Everything you need to know

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the CBG Plant

Working features:

What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)?

Why in the News?

What are the primary objectives of the Global Alliance?

Who are the key stakeholders involved in this initiative?

How will Alliance function?

What challenges does the Global Alliance aim to address in combating hunger and poverty?

Mains PYQ:

Why in the News?

All facts about Kaziranga National Park:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Ashtamudi Lake:

PYQ: