900-yr-old Kalyana Chalukya-era inscriptions unearthed
Syllabus :GS 1/History
In News
- Three Kannada inscriptions from the Kalyana Chalukya era were noticed for the first time in Kankal village of Telangana.
| Historical Context – The inscriptions belong to the reign of Emperor Someswara-III Bhulokamalladeva. – The dates of the inscriptions are: Dec 25, 1129 CE, Oct 5, 1130 CE, and Jan 8, 1132 CE. |
Details of the Inscriptions
- First inscription mentions the construction of the Bijjeswara temple, consecration of a Shivalinga, and a donation of 100 martars (a historical land measure) of land by a local chief.
- Second inscription records land and cash donations to the Bijjeswara temple by a local.
- The third inscription also documents donations to the Bijjeswara temple.
| Chalukyas – The Chalukyas of Badami began their rule in North Karnataka. – Pulakesin I (543-66 CE), the founder of the Chalukya dynasty, fortified Badami and began territorial expansion. – Pulakesin II defeated Harsha of Kanauj, securing a major victory and assuming the title “Parameshvara” (Supreme Lord). – The Chalukyan rule in Badami ended around 750 CE when Rashtrakuta feudatory Dantidurga defeated Kirtivarman II, bringing an end to the Chalukya dynasty. Chalukyas of Kalyana (Later Chalukyas): – Known as the Later Chalukyas or Kalyani Chalukyas, descended from the Badami Chalukyas. – Taila II, a key figure, rose to power under the Rashtrakutas around 957 CE. – Defeated Rajaraja Chola (992 CE), Latas, Gurjaras, Chedis, and Paramaras. |
Source: TOI
International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)
Syllabus: GS2/International Organisations
Context
- India is elected to the Vice Presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) in Singapore.
About
- It was the first General Assembly of IALA and also marks its transition from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an inter-governmental organization (IGO).
- This underscores India’s strong leadership and contributions to maritime affairs, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable and secure marine navigation.
International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)
- IALA was established in 1957 as an NGO.
- New IGO Status: Expands IALA’s role in harmonizing global maritime navigation systems, promoting safety, and addressing emerging challenges in safety and environmental protection.
- India’s Hosting Role: India will host the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in September 2027 in Mumbai.
- Significance for India: India’s election highlights its commitment to maritime safety, navigational aids, and international cooperation in the maritime sector.
Source: PIB
India and Argentina Strengthen Cooperation in Lithium Exploration
Syllabus: GS2/IR, GS3/Economy
Context
- India and Argentina discussed expanding mining cooperation, focusing on lithium exploration.
About
- Argentina’s Lithium Reserves: Argentina, part of the ‘Lithium Triangle,’ is key for India’s access to minerals needed for EV batteries and renewable energy storage.
- Ongoing Efforts: Discussions included lithium exploration by Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) & Greenko and increasing Indian company participation in Argentina’s mining projects.
| About Lithium – Lithium is a silvery-white metal and is highly reactive. – Applications: Lithium has various industrial applications, most notably in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. 1. These batteries are widely used in electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. – Global Production: The majority of the world’s lithium production comes from countries like Australia, Chile, and Argentina. 1. These countries have significant lithium reserves and are major players in the global lithium market. |
Lithium Triangle
- The “Lithium Triangle” refers to a region in South America that contains some of the world’s largest lithium reserves.
- This triangular-shaped region encompasses parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile; they possess 58% of the world’s known lithium reserves.
- India has been increasing its diplomatic outreach to the LTCs for accessing the mineral.
Source: PIB
Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT)
Syllabus: GS 3/Economy
In News
- Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated an Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) on Brahmaputra in Assam’s Jogighopa.
About
- The IWT is an important port of call for trade with Bangladesh given the MoU signed between India & Bangladesh for developing the economic corridor under Bharatmala Programme.
- A port of call is a stop made by a ship to load or unload cargo, embark or disembark passengers, or allow crew changes on an offshore vessel.
- Also, it will enhance logistics and connectivity in Eastern India, boosting trilateral trade with India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
| Growth of Inland Waterways Sector – The IWT sector has seen a 767% increase in operational national waterways, a 727% increase in cargo handled, and a 62% rise in multi-modal terminals. – Cargo traffic has grown from 18 million tonnes a decade ago to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24. |
Source: TH
Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM)
Syllabus :GS 3/Economy
In News
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched DBIM and held the first Chief Information Officer (CIO) Conference 2025 in New Delhi.
Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM)
- It creates a consistent digital brand for the Government of India through standardized design elements.
- It is aimed at “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and “Uniform Governance.”
- It ensures a standardized, cohesive digital presence across all ministries and platforms.
Key Features of DBIM
- DBIM Toolkit ensures uniformity in digital identity.
- Gov.In CMS Platform streamlined website management.
- Central Content Publishing System (CCPS) for centralized content governance.
- Social Media Campaign Guidelines standardizes digital communication.
- MeitY Website: First DBIM-compliant website unveiled.
Importance
- It strengthens the integrity of government data and improves the user experience across websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
- It supports the “Reform, Perform, and Transform” vision, focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and a citizen-centric approach to digital governance.
Source: PIB
Coronal Holes
Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology
Context
- A recent study by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics has accurately estimated the physical parameters of thermal and magnetic field structures of solar coronal holes.
Coronal Holes
- Coronal holes were first discovered in the 1970s by X-ray satellites.
- They appear as dark patches in the solar corona in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft x-ray solar images due to their lower density and temperature compared to surrounding regions.
- These solar activity phenomena are intense sources of fast (450-800 km/sec) solar wind—streams of charged particles that escape from the sun, more easily into space.
Role of Coronal Holes in Space Weather and Climate
- Coronal holes shape space weather and cause geomagnetic disturbances on Earth.
- High-speed solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field, leading to:
- Disruptions in satellite operations, GPS signals, and power grids.
- Effects on the Earth’s ionosphere, impacting radio wave propagation and communication systems.
- Recent studies show coronal holes contribute to climate variability. Their radiative effects are linked to fluctuations in the Indian monsoon rainfall.
Source: PIB
Nocturnal Bull Ant Species
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
Context
- Scientists have found that two nocturnal bull ant species (Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas) make their way at night with the help of polarised moonlight.
- This makes them only the second known instance of an animal using this mechanism for orientation, following the dung beetle.
Polarised Moonlight for Navigation
- Polarised light is light waves that oscillate in a single plane.
- While many animals use the sun’s polarised light for orientation, the ability to use polarised moonlight is extremely rare.
Nocturnal Bull Ant Species
- Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas are both species of bull ants that are native to Australia.
- They are nocturnal and use celestial cues to navigate.
| Features | Myrmecia pyriformis | Myrmecia midas |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 14–23 mm long, with females growing up to 26 mm | 13–15 mm long, with queens growing up to 18–19 mm |
| Color | Dark red mandibles, and sometimes blackish-brown thorax | Red head and thorax, black gaster, brownish red mandibles, antennae, and legs |
Source: TH
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
Syllabus: GS3/ Disaster Management
Context
- The High-Level Committee, headed by the Union Home Minister approved ₹1,554.99 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for five states affected by natural disasters in 2024.
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
- The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is a dedicated fund managed by the Government of India for immediate relief and response during natural calamities.
- It is meant for situations that require financial assistance beyond the resources of individual states.
Key Features of NDRF
- Legal Framework: Established under Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- Funding Source: Funded through the levy of cess on certain items under the GST Compensation Cess.
- Additional allocations can be made from the Union Budget when required.
- Any unused funds in the financial year do not lapse and are carried forward.
- Usage: Provides immediate relief for disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and droughts.
- Used only for relief measures (not for disaster preparedness, reconstruction, or mitigation).
- Administration: Managed by the Central Government under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Difference Between NDRF and SDRF
| Feature | NDRF | SDRF |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Central Government | Centre & State (75:25 for general states, 90:10 for NE & Himalayan states) |
| Purpose | Immediate relief after severe disasters | First-line relief and rescue within states |
| Control | Central Government | State Government |
| Usage | Only for notified disasters | Can be used for local disasters |
Source: AIR
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