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Sarnath – 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site

History & Culture

News – 

• Sarnath has been inscribed as India’s 45th (UP’s 4th) UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in South Korea.

Sarnath

• Location – It is in Uttar Pradesh is one of four holy Buddhist sites (with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar) where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana) after enlightenment.
• It faced Huna invasions but was later restored by Harshavardhana. 
• Sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century, it was revived by Mahipala and finally destroyed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1194 CE).
• Alternate Names: Known historically as Rishipatana, Mrigadava, or Saranganatha (Lord of the Deer).
• Excavation: Babu Jagat Singh, diwan of Raja Chait Singh of Benares, rediscovered relics in 1787–88, but colonial accounts credited Jonathan Duncan and Colonel Mackenzie. Alexander Cunningham later led systematic excavations (1834–1836).

Significance of Sarnath

• • Stupas: Dhamek Stupa (500 CE) with Gupta floral carvings marks Buddha’s sermon; Chaukhandi Stupa (5th Century CE) marks where Buddha met his first disciples, with an octagonal tower added by Govardhan (son of Raja Todarmal) in 1588; Dharmarajika Stupa (3rd BCE) enshrined relics under Ashoka.
  • Ashokan Pillar & Lion Capital (250 BCE): Carved from single blocks of polished Chunar sandstone, it features four lions on an abacus with a bull, horse, elephant, and lion, separated by wheels.

• It was adopted as India’s National Emblem in 1950.

• • Viharas: Dharmachakra Jina Vihara (11th century, Kumaradevi) and Mulagandha Kuti Vihara (1930s, Mahabodhi Society) served as monastic centres, with the latter showcasing murals of Buddha’s life.

• The site also preserves Jain temples, including the Digambara Jain Temple.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• • The World Heritage Committee selects and monitors sites, administers the World Heritage Fund, and allocates preservation assistance. 
  • India served on the World Heritage Committee during 2021–2025.
  • India ranks 6th globally with 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 
• Sarnath has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 1998.

Operation Amistad

International

Context

• After devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, India launched Operation Amistad to support relief and rescue efforts.

About

• Amistad, meaning “Friendship” in Spanish, is India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission. 
• India was among the first countries to respond, reflecting its commitment to the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“The World is One Family.” It also marks one of India’s longest-range humanitarian relief missions. 
• As part of the operation, the Indian Air Force deployed two C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying a 41-member rescue team, an Indian Army Field Hospital, over 35 tonnes of relief supplies and medical equipment, including two BHISHM Cube portable hospitals.

NASA Rover Detects Potential Signs of Ancient Life on Mars

Science & Technology

Context

• In a new study in Science Advances, an international team of researchers has reported finding organic matter on Mars. 

Connect with the basics – Mars

• It is the fourth planet from the Sun 
• It is the second-smallest planet in the Solar System.
• Mars is about half the size of Earth.
• Rotation period – Its rotation period is 24.6 hours, which is very similar to that of Earth (23.9 hours).
• Red Planet – The reason Mars looks reddish is due to oxidation or rusting of iron in the rocks, and dust of Mars. Hence it is also called the Red Planet.
• Moon of Mars – Phobos and Deimos

Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or Mangalyaan

• Launched from – Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh 
• Launched by – It was launched by Indian Space Research Organisation in November 2013.
• Rocket used – PSLV C-25 rocket
• Objective – To study Martian surface and mineral composition as well as scan its atmosphere for methane (an indicator of life on Mars).

Major Mars Missions: 

• Mariner 4 (NASA), Viking 1 (NASA), 
• Mars Express (European Space Agency), 
• Hope Probe (Emirates Mars Mission) and current flagship rover Perseverance, which is collecting samples for a future Mars Sample Return mission.

Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

Polity

Context

• The Union Cabinet cleared a proposal to introduce amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means ) Act, 2024

• It was passed in 2024 and is aimed at curbing leaks, malpractices in recruitment examinations like UPSC, SSC etc and entrance tests such as NEET, JEE, and CUET.
• The Act broadly defines “unfair means” to include various malpractices, such as:

1. Leaking question papers or answer keys,
2. Assisting candidates during exams (unauthorized communication, providing solutions),
3. Tampering with computer networks or resources,
4. Impersonating candidates,
5. Conducting fake examinations or issuing fake documents,
6. Tampering with documents for merit lists or ranks.

Penalties and Punishments:

Individuals:

• Imprisonment ranges from 3 to 10 years depending on the offense’s severity.
• Fines up to Rs. 1 crore for organized crimes.
• Service providers:
• Fines up to Rs. 1 crore for involvement in malpractices.
• Barring from conducting public examinations for 4 years.
• Personal liability for directors/management involved.

Organized crimes:

• Harsher penalties, with imprisonment between 5 and 10 years and a minimum fine of Rs. 1 crore
• The institution involved can face property attachment and forfeiture

Investigation: 

• All offences under the Act are cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
• An officer not below the rank Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police will investigate the offences under the Act. 
• The Central Government may transfer the investigation to any Central Investigating Agency.

Radhakrishnan Panel

• Following the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, the Ministry of Education formed a high-level committee headed by former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan.

NATO’s Ankara Summit

International

Context

• The 2026 NATO Summit, held in Ankara, Türkiye, reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to collective defence and strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

• NATO, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
• Background: It was established by 12 countries from Europe and North America with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as Washington Treaty) in 1949 in Washington, D.C to provide collective security against the Soviet Union attack in the aftermath of World War II.
• Collective Defense: According to Article 5, NATO works on the principle of collective defense, where an attack on any NATO member is considered an attack on all NATO members. So far, Article 5 has been invoked once – in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001.
• Members: It comprises 32 member states. Sweden became the 32nd member.

UNESCO Adds West Bank, Lebanon Sites to Danger List

History & Culture

Context

• UNESCO has added Sebastia in the West Bank and five castles in Lebanon’s Mount Amel region, including Beaufort Castle, to both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.

About

• • The World Heritage List recognises cultural, natural and mixed heritage sites of Outstanding Universal Value. 
  • The List of World Heritage in Danger includes sites threatened by armed conflict, natural disasters, uncontrolled urbanisation, pollution, climate change or neglect. Its objective is to mobilise international attention and conservation support. 

• The emergency inscription of these sites reflects concerns over the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on their conservation. 

Sebastia

• Sebastia, located near Nablus in the West Bank, is identified with the ancient city of Samaria, the capital of the biblical Kingdom of Israel. 
• Its archaeological remains span the Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic periods, reflecting its long historical significance. 

Mount Amel Castles

• The inscription covers five historic castles in Lebanon’s Mount Amel (Jabal Amel) region, including Beaufort Castle. 
• These fortifications showcase a blend of Crusader, Ayyubid, Mamluk and local architectural traditions, illustrating nearly nine centuries of military and cultural history.

United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)

International

In News

• The 60th anniversary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)  was observed.

United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) 

• Established in – 1966.

• • Objective –It is a subsidiary body of the UN General Assembly and works to modernise and harmonise international trade law. 
  • It convenes annually in New York and Vienna in turn to promote its work in the field of international trade law.
  • Membership – It has 70 member States

• India is a member of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law(UNCITRAL)

• Functions – It develops legal instruments such as conventions, model laws and legislative guides to ease international trade and business by setting common legal standards. 

• UNCITRAL is not a WTO body. The WTO is an autonomous intergovernmental organization, whereas it is a subsidiary organ of the UN General Assembly.

SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting 2026

International

Context

• India urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt a firm and principled approach against terrorism during the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Cholpan Ata, Kyrgyz Republic.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• Founded in – The SCO is an intergovernmental organization founded in 2001 with six members.
• Objective: To enhance regional cooperation for efforts to curb terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the Central Asian region.
• Members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus and the four Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
• Secretariat: Beijing
• Official languages: Russian and Chinese
• Observer status: Afghanistan, Belarus and Mongolia
• The SCO has been an observer in the UN General Assembly since 2005. 

SOFI Report 2026

Science & Technology

News – 

• The 2026 edition of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report was released.
• 2026 theme “Understanding and addressing the high cost of a healthy diet.”

About – 

Publishing organisations – It is jointly published by

• Food and Agriculture Organization
• International Fund for Agricultural Development
• United Nations Children’s Fund 
• World Food Programme
• World Health Organization

Key Findings of SOFI Report 2026

• Global hunger: Declined for a third consecutive year to 7.8% of the global population (645 million people). Africa surpassed Asia to have the highest absolute number of hungry people, at 309 million.
• Food security: Improved steadily across Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Africa saw its hunger rate decline (from 20.3% to 20%) for the first time in nearly a decade. 
• Dietary affordability: The average cost of a healthy diet rose to 4.28 PPP dollars per person per day in 2025. Approximately 2.69 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.
• Nutritional outcomes: 150 million children under five remain stunted. Adult obesity rose to 16.2% in 2024, and maternal anemia continues to worsen.

Internet Shutdowns in India

Polity

News – 

• The Union government suspended mobile internet across parts of Central Delhi during the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest.

Extent of Internet Shutdowns in India

• • India ranked 2nd globally with 65 shutdowns in 2025, mainly during protests, conflicts, communal violence, and religious holidays.

• Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur historically recorded frequent, prolonged shutdowns.

Legal and Statutory Framework

• Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, govern internet shutdowns.
• The 2024 Rules require that every suspension order must specify the reasons, set a precise duration, and define the affected geographic area.
• Grounds: Emergencies, sovereignty threats, security concerns, risks to foreign relations, public disorder, or incitement to offences.
• Competent Authority: Union or State Home Secretaries can issue shutdown orders, with Joint Secretaries authorised only in urgent emergencies.
• Duration Limit: The 2024 Rules limit shutdowns to 15 days and require a Review Committee to assess each order within five days. 

Judicial Safeguards

• Anuradha Bhasin v. UoI (2020): SC protected online speech under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g), declaring indefinite shutdowns impermissible. Shutdowns must be necessary, proportional, and used as a last resort.
• Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala (2019): Kerala High Court declared the Right to the Internet a fundamental right under Article 21.

GREAT Scheme

Government Schemes

News- 

• The Ministry of Textiles is implementing the GREAT scheme under the National Technical Textiles Mission.

About

• Fullform – Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles.
• Objective: To support India’s technical textiles start-up ecosystem by helping innovators, scientists, and technologists turn novel ideas and prototypes into commercial products.
• Funding Support: Grant-in-aid up to ₹50 lakh per start-up over 18 months to commercialise prototypes. 
• Priority Areas: High-performance fibres, smart textiles, artificial intelligence/IoT integration, and biodegradable or sustainable materials.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be incubated at a recognised incubator to qualify. They must invest at least 10% of the funding amount in the project.

India’s First eVTOL Aircraft 

Science & Technology

Context – 

• The ePlane Company, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Madras, unveiled India’s first full-scale electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prototype, e200X (PT-01).

eVTOL 

• It uses electric propulsion, reducing noise, costs, and energy use, enabling Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) for fast, sustainable urban air transport.
• It carries one pilot with two passengers or up to 200 kg cargo and has a 110 km range for urban and regional mobility.
• It is designed to take off and land on standard rooftops or helipads without requiring long runways.

Moldova

International

News – 

• President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Chișinău, marking the first-ever state visit by an Indian Head of State to Moldova.

Moldova 

• Capital – Chișinău
• It is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe
• Bordered by –  Romania to the west and to the north, east, and south by Ukraine. 
• Rivers: Dniester (Nistru) is the longest river in Moldova; the Prut River forms its western border.

North Macedonia

International

News – 

• President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Skopje, marking the first visit by an Indian President to North Macedonia.

North Macedonia 

• • Capital: Skopje
  • It is a landlocked, mountainous country in the south-central Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe. 
  • It borders Kosovo and Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west.
  • The country declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and officially adopted the name ‘North Macedonia’ in 2019.
  • North Macedonia is an official candidate for European Union membership and joined NATO in 2020.
• Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe.

Gor Boli

Polity

News – 

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently informed Parliament about continuing demands to include Gor Boli in the Eighth Schedule.

Gor Boli

• It is also called Lambadi

• It is an Indo-Aryan language spoken mainly by the Banjara community across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
• It lacks a standardised native script and is generally written in Devanagari, Telugu or Kannada scripts.

Eight Schedule

• The Eighth Schedule of the IC, as provided for in Articles 344(1) and 351, lists India’s scheduled languages.
• It originally listed 14 languages; three constitutional amendments increased the number to 22.
• The 21st Amendment Act, 1967 added Sindhi, the 71st Amendment Act, 1992 added Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali, and the 92nd Amendment Act, 2003 added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali.
• There is no fixed criterion for including a language in the Eighth Schedule as per the Ashok Pahwa Committee (1996) and Sitakant Mohapatra Committee (2003).
• Inclusion in the schedule ensures state support for the language’s literary development, permits its use in parliament, and allows all-India exams to be conducted in that language.