State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 05 May 2025

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.