Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage
Syllabus :GS 1/Culture
In News
- India and China are in advanced talks to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, suspended since 2019 due to COVID-19 and border tensions.
About Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage
- It is organized by the Ministries of External and Home Affairs, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and the governments of Delhi, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand, along with state agencies like Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam.
- It was conducted until 2020 via two official routes: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand, since 1981) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim, since 2015).
- It holds deep religious and cultural significance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, attracting hundreds of pilgrims each year.
- It is open to eligible Indian citizens with valid passports for religious purposes.
- The Government does not provide any financial assistance or subsidy for the Yatra.
Source :TH
Cotton Yarn
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
Context
- Bangladesh has restricted import of yarn from India through its land ports.
About
- Cotton yarn is a natural fiber yarn made entirely from cotton fibers, harvested from the cotton plant.
- It is soft, breathable, and absorbent, making it a popular choice for various applications like clothing, knitting, crocheting, and crafting.
- Cotton yarn can be categorized into carded, combed, and compact yarns, depending on the spinning process and quality.
India’s Cotton Yarn Exports
- India is one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton yarn globally.
- India exported cotton yarn worth $1.6 billion in 2024 and manmade fibre (MMF) yarn worth nearly $85 million.
- Major export destinations include Bangladesh, China, United States and UAE.
| Confederation of Indian Textile Industry – Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), evolved from the Indian Cotton Mills’ Federation (ICMF) in 2005. 1. ICMF was set up in 1958 and was incorporated as a company in 1967. – It is the only National Association that covers the entire spectrum of the Textile and Clothing Industry spanning domestic and exporting units, including regional and sectoral associations from farms to garments and even textile machinery. – CITI works as an interface between the Government of India and Industry. |
Source: TH
India’s Retail Inflation Hits Six-Year Low
Syllabus :GS3/Economy
In News
- India’s retail inflation dropped to 4.6% in the fiscal year 2024-25, the lowest since 2018-19.
CPI-based Inflation or Retail Inflation
- Inflation reflects the rise in prices of commodities in an economy.
- Retail inflation is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which calculates a weighted average of prices for a basket of consumer goods and services.
- Hence, retail inflation is also referred to as CPI-based inflation.
- CPI tracks the cost of a fixed basket of goods and services, and its movements signal inflation trends, affecting purchasing power and economic policy.
- In India, it is calculated by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) using 2012 as the base year.
- In India, along with the general CPI (CPI–Combined), segment-specific indices are also published to cater to different population groups:
- CPI (IW) – Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers
- CPI (AL) – Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers
- CPI (RL) – Consumer Price Index for Rural Labourers
Source: TH
New species of frog Named after Assam College
Syllabus: GS3/Species in News
Context
- A new frog species named Leptobrachium aryatium has been discovered in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest on the edge of Guwahati, Assam.
About
- The species is named after Arya Vidyapeeth College, a reputed institution in Guwahati.
- It was initially misidentified as Leptobrachium smithi in 2004.
- Leptobrachium genus: It includes 38 known species.
- These frogs are stocky with broad heads, and distinctively coloured eyes and short limbs.
- Found across Southern China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines.
- Unique Features of the Frog:
- Fiery orange-and-black eyes.
- Reticulated throat pattern.
- Smooth, rhythmic call at dusk.
Garbhanga Reserve Forest
- It is situated in the southwestern part of Guwahati, Assam, bordering the state of Meghalaya.
- Ecological Significance: Acts as a green lung for Guwahati by helping regulate the city’s climate and water systems.
- Plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge and maintaining urban ecological balance.
- Threats: Urban expansion and habitat destruction are major threats.
- Illegal encroachments and infrastructure projects have put pressure on its delicate ecosystem.
Source: TH
MacGregor Memorial Medal Award
Syllabus: Miscellaneous
Context
- Chief of Defence Staff felicitated five individuals from the Armed Forces of MacGregor Memorial Medal Award.
About
- It was instituted in 1888, and commemorates Major Gen Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, founder of the United Service Institution of India established in 1870.
- USI was established to advance military knowledge and professional development among British Indian Army officers.
- It was originally intended to recognise the acts of military reconnaissance and exploratory journeys.
- The medal’s scope was expanded in 1986, post-independence, to include military expeditions and adventure activities.
- The medal is open to all ranks (serving and retired) of the Armed Forces, Territorial Army, Reserve Forces, Rashtriya Rifles and Assam Rifles.
- To date, 127 medals have been awarded, including 103 prior to independence.
Source: PIB
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