Current Context: In the 27 July 2025 edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Paithani sarees for their exquisite traditional craftsmanship.

• He highlighted the contribution of artisans from Paithan, Maharashtra, especially Kavita Dhawale, who has enabled employment for 350+ women weavers through her centre.

 ABOUT PAITHANI SAREES

• Origin & History:
  • Originated in Paithan, on the banks of the Godavari River, in Maharashtra.
  • Traces back to the 2nd century BC, during the Satavahana Dynasty.
• Material & Craftsmanship:
  • Handwoven in pure silk, combined with gold or silver zari work.
  • Known for vibrant hues and tapestry-style weaving, with reversible borders (selvedges).
• Design Elements:
  • Traditional motifs include peacock, lotus, parrot, creepers, and geometric padar (border)
  • Influences drawn from Ajanta and Ellora cave art.
• Cultural Significance:
  • Called the “Mahavastra of Maharashtra”, considered a symbol of cultural pride.
  • Often passed down as heirloom sarees, worn during festivals, weddings, and religious occasions.
  • Awarded Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2010.

Current Context: The 14th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra began on 27 July 2025 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and will continue till 4 August 2025.

ABOUT EXERCISE BOLD KURUKSHETRA

• A joint military drill between India and Singapore, aimed at improving interoperability under a UN peacekeeping framework.
• Participants:
• Indian Army: Mechanised Infantry Regiment
• Singapore Army: 42 Armoured Regiment, 4th Armoured Brigade

Current Context: The Prime Minister of India recently visited the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, and offered prayers during an official tour.

 ABOUT BRIHADISVARA TEMPLE (Peruvudaiyar Kovil)

• Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu – on the south bank of River Cauvery.
• Built By: Rajaraja Chola I (c. 1003–1010 CE) over 7 years.
• Architecture:
  • Dravidian style, built entirely in granite with zero tilt design.
  • Vimana (Tower): 216 ft tall — among the tallest stone towers globally.
  • Capstone (Shikhara): ~80-ton granite block, placed using ancient lifting techniques.
  • Shrine: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, features a 13-ft high Nandi carved from a single stone.
  • Inscriptions: Grantha & Tamil scripts detailing Chola administration and artistic legacy.
  • UNESCO Status: Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987 as part of the Great Living Chola Temples.

Current Context: E3 nations (UK, France, Germany) met Iran in Istanbul, warning of activating the “snapback mechanism” to reimpose UN sanctions if Iran doesn’t resume nuclear talks or cooperate with the IAEA.

• Iran warned that this could prompt withdrawal from the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) and trigger harsh retaliatory steps.

ABOUT E3 COUNTRIES & SNAPBACK MECHANISM

• E3 Group: Informal diplomatic trio — UK, France, Germany — formed during 2003 Iraq war and Iran nuclear negotiations.
• Snapback Mechanism:
  • A clause under UNSCR 2231 (JCPOA, 2015) allowing automatic reimposition of sanctions if Iran violates commitments.
  • Mechanism expires on 18 October 2025.

Current Context: President’s Rule in Manipur has been extended for another six months starting 13 August 2025, through a Rajya Sabha resolution introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah.

ABOUT PRESIDENT’S RULE (Part XVIII: Emergency Provisions)

• Constitutional Basis:
• Article 356 – Invoked when state constitutional machinery breaks down, often based on Governor’s report.
• Article 365 – Applicable if the state defies Union directions.
• Duration: Initially up to 6 months; can be extended up to 3 years with Parliament’s approval every 6 months.
• Manipur Context:
  • Imposed from 13 February 2025 after CM Biren Singh resigned amid ethnic violence.
  • Extended again effective 13 August 2025 due to continued unrest.

Current Context: Indian security forces (Army, CRPF, and J&K Police) launched Operation Mahadev in Harwan–Lidwas region near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar.

ABOUT OPERATION MAHADEV

• Objective: To neutralize terrorists behind the 22 April Pahalgam attack.
• Location: Harwan / Lidwas near Dachigam National Park, Srinagar (J&K).

Current Context: Divya Deshmukh clinched the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup title in Batumi, Georgia, defeating Koneru Humpy in a rapid tiebreak.

• She became India’s fourth female Grandmaster and the 88th overall GM from India.

ABOUT DIVYA DESHMUKH’S ACHIEVEMENT

• Title Earned: First Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
• Grandmaster Status:
• Became India’s 88th Grandmaster
• Only the fourth Indian woman GM, after Koneru Humpy, Vaishali, and Harika Dronavalli

INDIA’S WOMEN GRANDMASTERS:

• Koneru Humpy
• Vaishali
• Harika Dronavalli
• Divya Deshmukh

Current Context: Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, was conferred the GP Birla Memorial Award – 2025 for his contributions in advancing India’s space program and innovation in space technologies.

ABOUT GP BIRLA MEMORIAL AWARD

• Named After: Ghanshyamdas (G.P.) Birla – noted industrialist and philanthropist.
• Conferred By: GP Birla Archaeological Astronomical and Scientific Institute, chaired by Nirmala Birla.
• Purpose: To honor outstanding contributions in science, astronomy, education, and public service.
• Significance: One of India’s prestigious scientific honors, given to globally eminent individuals.

 NOTABLE PAST AWARDEES:

• Venkataraman Ramakrishnan – Nobel Laureate (Chemistry)
• Jogesh Pati – Theoretical Physicist
• A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – Former President of India
• K. Kasturirangan – Former ISRO Chairman

Celebrated globally on 29 July to raise awareness about tiger conservation.

 ABOUT INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY:

• Instituted in 2010at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit to support global efforts for the protection of tigers.
• Highlights major threats such as habitat destruction, poaching, and illegal trade.
• Promotes the need to preserve tiger habitats and strengthen anti-poaching strategies.
• India is home to nearly 70% of the world’s wild tiger population, making it central to global conservation efforts.

Current Context: India signed its first full Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with a Western developed nation — the UK.

 ABOUT CETA AGREEMENT

• Signed On: 24 July 2025; concluded after 3+ years of negotiations.
• Coverage: Trade in goods, services, investment, IP, digital trade, labour mobility, and more.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS & BENEFITS

• Market Access:
  • Zero tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK.
  • UK duties on cars & whisky reduced from 15% to ~3%.
  • Trade expected to reach $100–120 billion by 2030.
• Sectoral Benefits:
  • Indian exports boosted: textiles, footwear, leather, gems, toys, engineering goods.
  • UK gains: automobiles, whisky, medical devices, chocolates, salmon.
• Services & Mobility:
  • Easier movement for Indian IT experts, architects, chefs, musicians, and educators.
  • Double Contribution Convention (DCC): Avoids dual social security payments for up to 3 years.