• 05 May 2025

Palamu Tiger Reserve

Why in News? 

Authorities have successfully relocated Jaigir, the first village inside the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), entirely outside its core area. This relocation reduces biotic pressure on the wild habitat and creates a human-free space for wild animals to thrive. 

 Key Points 

• First Fully Relocated Village in PTR: 
  • Jaigir village has been relocated to a 75-acre site near Polpol, just outside the reserve's core area, with improved infrastructure and transport access. 
  • The original site of Jaigir will be developed into a grassland to attract herbivores, which in turn could support tiger conservation by enriching the prey base. 
  • Authorities have identified eight more villages within the core area for future relocation. 
• Compensation Strategy: 
  • As families had multiple claimants, authorities gave land to one member per household and compensated others with Rs 15 lakh.  
  • While permanent homes are being built, the forest department has provided temporary housing. 

 Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR)  

• Palamu Tiger Reserve was established in 1974 under Project Tiger.  
• It is the first such sanctuary in the world, where tiger census was done on the basis of footprint count.  
• 'Betla National Park' is situated in 226.32 sq km within the Palamu Tiger Reserve, spread over a total area of 1130 sq km in Latehar district of Jharkhand. 

Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT)

Why in News? 

Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES). 

 Key Points 

• About IICT:  
  • The newly established IICT will serve as a centre for talent development focused on the intersection of creativity, technology, and innovation. 
  • The institute will house state-of-the-art facilities, including immersive studios, animation and gaming labs, virtual production setups, editing and sound suites, and smart classrooms to support hands-on learning and innovation. 
  • The permanent IICT campus will be built across ten acres at Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City), Goregaon, Mumbai. 
    • Initial operations will commence at a temporary facility in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). 
  • Demonstrating broad industry support, seven leading tech companies—JioStar, Google, Adobe, Meta, Apple, NVIDIA, and Microsoft—have extended formal Letters of Intent to partner with IICT. 
  • This will help strengthen the institute’s foundation by co-developing cutting-edge skills, tools, and platforms relevant to the evolving creative economy. 
• WAVES 2025:  
  • It is the first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, held at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, and hosted by the Government of India.   
  • It aims to position India as a global hub for Media & Entertainment (M&E), intellectual property, and technological innovation.  
  • The summit highlights India’s prowess in content creation and tech innovation across Broadcasting, Films, Animation, Gaming, Digital Media, Artificial Intelligence, and more.  
  • WAVES 2025 features the WAVES Bazaar, a global digital marketplace connecting creators with buyers and investors. 

Leopard Census

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra forest department has released the latest leopard census, revealing at least 54 leopards within the park and its surrounding areas.  

 Key Points 

• Camera-Trap Survey: 
  • The Wildlife Conservation Society India, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department and support from WeWork India Management Limited, led a large-scale camera-trap survey. 
  • The survey covered Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Aarey Milk Colony, and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS). 
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) 
  • About:  
    • SGNP, formerly known as Borivali National Park, is a major protected green space located near Borivali in northern Mumbai. 
    • The park spans both the Thane District and Mumbai Suburban District in Maharashtra. 
    • With a spread of 103 square kilometres, it ranks among the largest national parks located within a metropolitan city. 
  • Natural Richness and Biodiversity: 
    • SGNP is known for its dense forests, rich birdlife, diverse butterfly species, and even a small population of tigers. 
    • The park is home to a variety of trees such as Kadamba, Teak, Karanj, Shisham, and other species including Acacia, Ziziphus, and Euphorbias. 
  • Wildlife in SGNP: 
    • SGNP supports a wide range of mammals, including mongoose, four-horned antelope, sambar, wild boar, langur, monkey, and panthers. 
    • Other notable species include the Atlas moth and Magar (mugger crocodile). 
    • The park records 251 bird species and hosts a large variety of butterflies. 
  • Historical and Cultural Significance: 
    • At the heart of the park lie the Kanheri Caves, carved between the 9th and 1st centuries BCE by Buddhist monks. 
    • These caves served as a major Buddhist learning centre and pilgrimage site, sculpted from a basaltic rock outcrop. 
• Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary: 
  • About: 
    • Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, approximately 75 km from Mumbai. 
    • The sanctuary covers an area of 85 square kilometres, largely consisting of hilly terrain. 
  • Ecological Significance: 
    • It serves as an important wildlife corridor connecting Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, supporting animal movement and genetic diversity. 
    • The landscape includes dense forests, rolling hills, and several streams and small rivers. 
  • Vegetation and Flora: 
    • The sanctuary’s vegetation is a unique mix of Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, and Semi-Evergreen forests. 
    • Prominent tree species include teak, bamboo, and mango. 
  • Wildlife and Birdlife: 
    • Frequently sighted mammals include leopards, wild boars, barking deer, langurs, bonnet macaques, rhesus macaques, and black-naped hares. 
    • The sanctuary is rich in bird diversity, hosting species such as the Crested Serpent-eagle, Jungle Owlet, White-eyed Buzzard, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Emerald Dove, and Heart-spotted Woodpecker. 
  • Cultural and Religious Importance: 
    • Tungareshwar is home to several ancient temples, the most notable being the Tungareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting pilgrims and trekkers alike. 

 Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India 

• WCS-India is a Section 25 (association having objects to promote commerce, art, science, religion, charity or any other useful purpose and not having any profit motive) non-profit organization in India, demonstrates a strong commitment to conservation. 
• It operates in full compliance with Indian regulations, emphasizing its dedication to preserving the country's natural environment and its rich biodiversity. 

 

Haj Pilgrims

Why in News? 

The first batch of Haj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir flew out of Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar. 

 Key Points 

• Pilgrim Statistics:  
  • Around 3,622 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir will perform the Haj pilgrimage this year. 
    • The first batch comprised 178 pilgrims who boarded a direct flight to Saudi Arabia. 
• Hajj Pilgrimage: 
  • The Hajj is a religious pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is mandatory for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered a central part of Muslim religious life. 
  • Five Pillars: 
    • Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith in the oneness of God and the acceptance of Muhammad as God's prophet. 
    • Salah (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca. 
    • Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one's wealth to those in need. 
    • Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan. 
    • Hajj (Pilgrimage): Making a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in a lifetime if one is physically and financially able. 
  • The Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and involves several rituals. 
    • Dhu al-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered one of the most sacred months in the Islamic year and is seen as a time of renewal, spiritual growth, and reflection, and is considered an important time to strive for greater closeness with God. 
  • Participating in the Hajj is seen as a way to demonstrate one's devotion to God and to earn spiritual merit, and it is a source of great pride and inspiration for many Muslims. 

 Haj pilgrimage for the Indian Pilgrims 

• Haj pilgrimage for the Indian Pilgrims is conducted either through Haj Committee of India (HCoI), which is a statutory organization under the administrative control of Ministry of Minority Affairs or through the Haj Group Organisers (HGOs) duly approved by Ministry. 
  • The Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal ministry to conduct Haj pilgrimage in India. 
• The Haj Committee of India (HCI) was established in 2002 under the Haj Committee Act, 2002. 
  • All aspects of the arrangements for the HCI pilgrims in Saudi Arabia are coordinated by the Consulate General of India (CGI), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 
• India signed the Haj 2023 bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia. According to the agreement, a total of 1,75,025 Indian Haj pilgrims will be able to perform Haj, reportedly the highest in history. 

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

Why in News? 

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports honoured Olympians Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for the year 2023 . 

Key Points 

• About Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award: 
  • It is considered India's highest sporting honour. 
  • It is given for the most outstanding performance by a sportsperson in the field of sports during the last four years . 
  • In this, the winners are given a medal, certificate and a prize money of Rs 25 lakh . 
  • The award was instituted in the year 1991–92; it was earlier called the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award , which was renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in the year 2021 .  
  • This award is given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. 

Major Dhyan Chand 

• Major Dhyan Chand was born on 29 August 1905 in Prayagraj. 
• He was a field hockey player who played international hockey from the year 1926 to 1949 . 
  • He was a three-time Olympic gold medalist, winning gold in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympic editions. 
• His exceptional skills in the game earned him the title of ‘Hockey Wizard’. 
  • Dhyan Chand, along with his brother Roop Singh, contributed significantly to India's tally of 35 goals, leading to them being known as the 'Hockey Twins'. 
  • In 1934, Dhyan Chand was honoured with the captaincy of the Indian team. 
• Major Dhyan Chand retired from the Army as a Major in the year 1956 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan. 
• National Sports Day is celebrated every year on 29 August on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand to honour his contribution and promote sports culture. 

Old Age Homes for Transgenders

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to provide old age home facilities to transgender citizens above 60 years of age . 

Key Points 

• Special facilities for transgenders:
  • Under this initiative, they will be provided essential services like pension, Ayushman Bharat card, regular health check-up, nutritious food, medicines, medical care and mental health counselling. 
  • This initiative of the government aims to ensure social, economic and mental empowerment of the transgender community. 
  • Special arrangements have been made in old age homes for elderly transgender citizens, which include community activities, libraries, yoga and meditation sessions. 
• Transgender Welfare Policy 2021: 
  • In 2021, the Transgender Welfare Policy was implemented in Uttar Pradesh, under which the Transgender Welfare Board was constituted. 
  • Home of Dignity: 
    • Under this, a Garima Griha has been established in Gorakhpur, where accommodation, education, health services and skill development training are being provided to transgender persons. 
  • Transgender Protection Cell: 
    • Transgender Protection Cells have been established at both district and state levels. 
    • Services like police protection, legal aid, action in cases of harassment and social rehabilitation are provided through these cells . 

Transgender 

• According to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, Act, 2019 , transgender means a person whose gender does not match the sex assigned to that person at birth. 
  • This includes trans-men and trans-women, intersex variations and gender queer. 
• India's 2011 Census was the first in its history to include the country's 'trans' population. The report estimated that 4.8 million Indians identified as transgender. 
• The top 3 states with the largest transgender population are Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. 

  Ayushman Bharat Scheme  

• About: 
  • Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, which provides insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care. 
  • There is no limit on family size, age or gender under AB PM-JAY, ensuring inclusiveness for all beneficiaries.  
    • Apart from this, pre-existing diseases are also covered from day one. 
  • PM-JAY covers 1,949 medical procedures across 27 specialties including free medicines, diagnosis, food, accommodation and 15 days of medicine after hospital discharge . 
• Eligibility & Beneficiary Identification:  
  • The families included in it are based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC 2011) for rural and urban areas respectively 

Elites Smart Government Excellence Award

Why in News? 

Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) has been awarded the Elites Smart Government Excellence Award, 2025 . 

Key Points 

• About the Award: 
  • The award was presented in a function organized jointly by Elites Technomedia , Editor in Chief of e-Government Magazine , Department of Information Technology and Communication and Department of Personnel of Rajasthan. 
  • RMSCL has been awarded this award for technological innovations in healthcare such as e-medicine and e-device software . 
  • E-medicine software: 
    • It enables transparent monitoring of the supply, distribution and availability of medicines across all hospitals in the state . 
    • This software provides real time data on availability and shortage of medicines. 
  • E-Tools Software: 
    • This system connects all the medical institutions of the state on an online platform . 
    • This provides prompt information on equipment shortages or defects, making timely supply and repairs possible. 
• Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited ( RMSCL ):  
  • It is a state government public sector undertaking, established in 2011 to  strengthen the medical and health services in Rajasthan . 
  • Its main function is to ensure the supply of essential medicines, medical equipment and other health facilities in the state. 

Birth Anniversary of Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar

Why in News? 

On 4 May 2025, Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar’s birth anniversary was celebrated by remembering his contributions in a lecture series organised in Ujjain. 

Key Points 

• About Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar: 
  • He was a great archaeologist, painter, historian and cultural researcher of India. 
  • He was born on 4 May 1919 in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. 
  • Contribution:  
    • In 1957, Dr. Wakankar discovered the ancient rock paintings of Bhimbetka caves located near Bhopal , which are evidence of the ancient human civilization. 
    • By exploring the direction of flow of the extinct Saraswati river in Gujarat region, he proved that it flowed in India only, thus providing new evidence to the Indus Saraswati civilization. 
    • His research challenged the Aryan-Dravidian invasion theory and showed that the continuity of Indian civilization developed on Indian soil itself. 
    • He discovered thousands of rock shelters in different parts of India and photographed, analysed and exhibited them at home and abroad. 
    • He excavated in the areas of Maheshwar, Nawada Toli , Manoti, Awara, Indragarh, Kayitha, Mandsaur, Azadnagar, Dangwara etc. 
    • He proved the historicity of Vikram Samvat by obtaining the seal from the reign of Emperor Vikramaditya . 
    • He also founded the Wakankar Indological Cultural Research Trust in Ujjain. 
  • Honors
    • Recognizing his contribution, the Government of India honored him with Padma Shri in 1975 . 
    • The Madhya Pradesh government has named its eighth tiger reserve (Ratapani Tiger Reserve) as Dr. Wakankar Tiger Reserve in his honour. 
    • Dr. Wakankar Research Institute located in Ujjain is active in the preservation and propagation of his work. 

 Bhimbetka 

• Location: It is situated south of Bhopal in the Vindhya mountain range of Madhya Pradesh, where there are rock shelters with more than 500 rock paintings. 
  • Bhimbetka caves were discovered by V.S. Wakankar in the year 1957-58. 
  • It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2003. 
• Time period: The oldest paintings are estimated to be 30,000 years old and are still preserved due to their location inside caves. 
  • The paintings of Bhimbetka date back to the Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Chalcolithic , Early Historic and Medieval periods. 
  • However most of the paintings are from the Mesolithic era. 
• Painting Technique: It uses various colours obtained from natural resources like red ochre, purple, brown, white, yellow and green etc. 
• Themes of the paintings: Everyday life of prehistoric men often depicted in stick-like human figures. 
  • Various animals such as elephants, bison, deer, peacocks and snakes are depicted. 
  • Hunting scenes and battle scenes with men at arms. 
  • Simple geometric designs and symbols.