Current Context: Uttar Pradesh government plans to export Kalanamak rice (Buddha rice) to countries with significant Buddhist populations.

ABOUT KALANAMAK RICE

• Agricultural and Cultural Background:
  • Non-basmati, aromatic traditional rice variety.
  • Cultivated mainly in eastern UP, especially Siddharthnagar.
  • Known as ‘Buddha rice’; dates back to the 6th century BCE (Buddha period).
  • Listed under ODOP (One District One Product)
• Recognition & Export:
  • Received GI tag in 2013.
  • Listed among specialty rice varieties by the FAO of the UN.
  • Export plans target nations with Buddhist cultural ties.

Current Context: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the Battery Aadhaar Initiative at the Battery Summit 2025.

ABOUT BATTERY AADHAAR INITIATIVE

• Objective: Assigns a unique digital identity to each battery pack.
• Features & Benefits:
  • Real-time tracking of origin, chemistry, safety certifications, and lifecycle.
  • Enables predictive maintenance, efficient recycling, and circular economy
  • Aims to curb counterfeit battery circulation and improve regulatory compliance.
  • Built on Tata Elxsi’s MOBIUS+ platform – a Digital Product Passport technology.

Current Context: India observed the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar on 31st May 2025, honoring her legacy as a progressive ruler and patron of temple architecture.

ABOUT Ahilyabai Holkar

• Born on 31 May 1725 in Chondi, Maharashtra.
• Ruled the Malwa region (1767–1795) after her husband and son’s demise.
• Known for administrative efficiency, welfare initiatives, and temple restorations (e.g., Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Gaya).
• Remembered as one of India’s most just and enlightened female rulers.

Telangana celebrated its Formation Day on 2^nd June marking the 11th anniversary of its creation as a separate state.

ABOUT

• Formed on 2nd June 2014 as the 29th state of India.
• Created through the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 after decades-long movement for statehood.

Current Context:  Observed on 1st June.

• Aim: To acknowledge the critical role parents play in the development of children and society.
• Declared by the UN General Assembly in 2012 through Resolution A/RES/66/292.
• Objective : Recognizes the selfless commitment of parents and their role in nurturing and protecting children.

Observed globally on 1st June.

• Aim : to highlight the contribution of the dairy sector to nutrition, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
• Theme 2025 : “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy”
• Initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2001.

Current Context: The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department recently paused its order imposing a user charge on visitors to the Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary in Sirmaur district.

ABOUT CHURDHAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

• Location & Geography:
  • Located in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
  • Lies in the Shivalik range of the Outer Himalayas.
  • Spread over 56 sq.km., established in 1985.
• Ecological and Cultural Significance:
  • Encompasses the Churdhar Peak (Choordhar) – the highest peak in the outer Himalayas (~3,647 meters).
  • Offers panoramic views of the Gangetic plains, Satluj River, and Badrinath.
  • Houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the summit, adding spiritual relevance.

On May 29, 2025, during the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, two Indian peacekeepers were posthumously honored with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Key Facts:

• Honorees:
  • Brigadier General Amitabh Jha: Served with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) overseeing ceasefire arrangements in the Golan Heights.
  • Havildar Sanjay Singh: Deployed with the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
• India’s Contribution: India is the fourth-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping forces, with over 5,300 military and police personnel deployed in various missions.
• Significance: The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal is awarded posthumously to UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of peace.

Current Context: Indian para-athlete Mahendra Gurjar set a new world record in the men’s F42 javelin category at the Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland.

Key Facts:

• Record Details: Achieved a throw of 61.17 meters, surpassing the previous record of 59.19 meters set in 2022.
• Event: Nottwil World Para Athletics Grand Prix, Switzerland.
• Athlete Profile: 27-year-old Mahendra Gurjar represents India in para-athletics.
• F42 Classification: Category for athletes with moderate movement impairment in one leg, competing in field events like javelin and long jump.

About World Para Athletics Grand Prix

• It is an annual series of international track and field competitions for athletes with physical disabilities.
• Organized by World Para Athletics.

Current Context: Spiritual leader Sadhguru, founder of the Isha Foundation, was conferred the ‘Global Indian of the Year’ award by the Canada India Foundation (CIF) in Toronto.

• Reason for Award: Recognized for his significant contributions to raising human consciousness and promoting ecological sustainability through initiatives like the Conscious Planet movement.
• Utilization of Prize Money: Sadhguru dedicated the award’s cash prize of CAD 50,000 to the ‘Cauvery Calling’ project, aiming to rejuvenate the Cauvery River by supporting tree planting and sustainable agriculture.

About Global Indian of the Year Award (Canada India Foundation)

• The Global Indian of the Year award is presented annually by the Canada India Foundation (CIF) to individuals of Indian origin who have made significant global contributions across various fields.
• The award recognizes excellence in leadership, innovation, and service to humanity.