Current Context : Maharashtra has launched India’s first artificial intelligence-powered Anganwadi centre in Waddhamna village, Nagpur.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

• Launched Under : Mission Bal Bharari
• Goal: Bridge rural-urban education divide through immersive digital learning

ANGANWADI CENTRES

• Early childhood care centres for children aged 0–6 years
• Focus on nutrition, healthcare, and early education in rural and underprivileged areas

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

• Integration of AI dashboards and Virtual Reality (VR) headsets
• Engaging children with poems, songs, and interactive curriculum
• Enhances traditional learning through joyful digital methods

Current Context : The ‘Matri Van’ initiative was launched by the Union Ministers for Environment and Urban Affairs.

ABOUT MATRI VAN INITIATIVE

• Launched Under: ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Programme
• Location: 750 acres in the Aravalli Hill area (Haryana)

OBJECTIVE & FEATURES

• To create a green, culturally significant urban forest dedicated to motherhood and sustainability
• Remove invasive plants (Kabuli Kikar) and plant native species like Dhak and Amaltash
• Includes nature trails, cycling tracks, yoga spaces, gazebos, parking, and water conservation zones
• Collaborative effort involving NGOs, CSR partners, schools, and local associations

Current Context : UN Women marked 15 years of its founding, reflecting on its global work for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

ABOUT UN WOMEN

• Founded: July 2010, by United Nations General Assembly
• Purpose: Gender equality and women’s empowerment

KEY ROLES & FUNCTIONS

• Supports intergovernmental bodies like the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in policy-making
• Assists countries with technical and financial support to implement gender-related reforms
• Coordinates United Nations’ work on gender equality
• Monitors system-wide progress and promotes accountability

INITIATIVES

• Grant Funds:
  • Fund for Gender Equality
  • UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women
• Data Monitoring:
  • Maintains UN Secretary-General’s database on violence against women

Current Context : The 71st National Film Awards, honouring films released in 2023, were announced recently.

 ABOUT NATIONAL FILM AWARDS

• Established: 1954
• Purpose: To recognise films that contribute meaningfully to Indian cinema and culture
• Presented By: President of India (annually)

 MAJOR AWARDS FOR 2023 FILMS

• Best Feature Film: 12th Fail
• Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
• Best Actress: Rani Mukerji ( Chatterjee Vs Norway)
• Best Short Film: Giddh – The Scavenger
• Best Non-Feature Film: Flowering Man

Current Context: Recently, T. N. Manoharan, Padma Shri awardee and Chairman of IDBI Bank, passed away.

• He was widely respected for his contributions to the banking sector, corporate governance, and financial reforms in India.

ABOUT T. N. MANOHARAN

• Position: Chairman of IDBI Bank
• Other Roles:
  • Former Chairman of Canara Bank
  • Played a leading role in reviving Satyam Computers after the 2009 financial scandal
• Awards: Awarded the Padma Shri in 2010 for his contribution to Trade and Industry

CURRENT CONTEXT : Kangra’s folk dance Jhamakada was recently showcased at the Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025 in Gujarat, as part of the cultural exchange under the ‘Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. A 19-member troupe from Himachal Pradesh brought this vibrant tradition to life.

ABOUT JHAMAKADA

• Origin & Region
  • Traditional folk dance of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh
  • Mainly performed by women during special occasions like weddings and thread ceremonies
• Performance Style
  • Group Dance by Women: Performed and watched only by women in earlier times
  • Playful Rules: Traditionally, if any man was caught watching, he was jokingly punished by the dancers
• Occasions and Duration
  • Held during weddings, festivals, or life events
  • Can last throughout the night, often including songs and acts about daily life and social themes
• Costumes & Music
  • Women often dress up as men (cross-dressing for fun and role play)
  • Accompanied by folk songs and traditional instruments like dhol and dholki
• Cultural Importance
  • A symbol of community bonding, oral storytelling, and celebration of life’s milestones
  • Helps preserve local traditions and build unity among women in the community.

CURRENT CONTEXT : The Kinner Kailash Yatra that began on 15 July 2025 has been suspended due to heavy rainfall and unsafe trail conditions in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.

 ABOUT KINNER KAILASH YATRA

• Religious Significance
  • Considered the winter abode of Lord Shiva.
  • Important pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists.
  • Altitude: 6,050 metres; Route starts from Kalpa.
• Yatra Timeline
  • Normally held between July and August every year.
  • Resumption will depend on weather and trail safety.

CURRENT CONTEXT : Himachal Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu approved reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in municipal elections.

DETAILS OF THE DECISION

• Reservation Plan : OBCs will now get proportional representation in urban local bodies based on their population.
• A Backward Classes Commission will be set up to collect data and prepare the reservation roster.
• Health and Disaster Relief Measures
• 290 new ASHA workers approved to strengthen healthcare in remote areas.
• Monthly rent assistance (via Direct Benefit Transfer):
  • ₹5,000/month for rural families.
  • ₹10,000/month for urban families.
  • Applicable for up to 6 months after monsoon disasters.

CURRENT CONTEXT : On 1 August 2025, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan became the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.

• He replaced Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who is now the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, the most active operational command of the Indian Navy.

ABOUT VICE ADMIRAL SANJAY VATSAYAN

• Personal Background
  • Origin: Hiranagar, Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh).
  • Comes from a military family (second generation in armed forces).
• Career Highlights
  • Joined Indian Navy on 1 January 1988.
  • Specialised in Gunnery and Missile Systems.
  • Served on warships like INS Mysore.
  • Commanded INS Vibhuti, INS Nashak, and INS Sahyadri.
  • Was Eastern Fleet Commander during post-Galwan operations in 2020.

Current Context : The Speaker of Lok Sabha has nominated a Member of Parliament to the Panel of Chairpersons to help conduct House proceedings in the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

ABOUT PANEL OF CHAIRPERSONS

• Provision: As per Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha
• Key Points:
  • The Speaker can nominate up to 10 MPs to the panel at the beginning of each session or as needed
  • These MPs can preside over Lok Sabha proceedings in the absence of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker
  • They serve until a new panel is nominated
• Conditions:
  • A Panel Chairperson can preside only when requested by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker
  • If none of the Panel members are present, the House may decide on any other member to preside
• However, they cannot preside if both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker posts are vacant — in that case, the President of India appoints any MP to act as Speaker