• 19 Aug 2025

153rd Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo

Why in News? 

On 15th August 2025, PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to the philosopher and freedom fighter Sri Aurobindo on his 153rd birth anniversary, acknowledging his profound impact on India’s nation-building journey.  

• He highlighted that Aurobindo's philosophy and spirituality guided the nation's growth toward realizing its potential. 

Key Facts About Sri Aurobindo 

• About: Aurobindo Ghose was born in Calcutta on 15th August 1872. He was a yogi, seer, philosopher, poet, and Indian nationalist who propounded a philosophy of divine life on earth through spiritual evolution. 
  • He died on 5^th December 1950 in Pondicherry. 
• Education: 
  • His education began in a Christian convent school in Darjeeling. 
  • He entered the University of Cambridge, where he became proficient in two classical and several modern European languages. 
  • He returned to India in February 1893 at the age of twenty-one and commenced his service in the Baroda State. 
  • He began the study of Yoga and Indian languages, including classical Sanskrit. 
• Indian Revolutionary Movement: From 1902 to 1910, he partook in the struggle to free India from the British. As a result of his political activities, he was imprisoned in 1908 (Alipore Bomb case). 
• Spirituality: In Pondichéry, he founded a community of spiritual seekers (1910), which took shape as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1926. 
  • He believed that the basic principles of matter, life, and mind would be succeeded through terrestrial evolution by the principle of supermind as an intermediate power between the two spheres of the infinite and the finite. 
• Literary Works: 
  • In 1906, he became the editor of Bande Mataram, an English newspaper (founded by Bipin Chandra Pal in 1905). 
  • Bases of Yoga 
  • Bhagavad Gita and Its Message 
  • The Future Evolution of Man 
  • Rebirth and Karma 
  • Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol 
  • Hour of God 
• The Five Dreams of Sri Aurobindo: In 1947, upon India’s independence, Aurobindo shared his five dreams, which included a free and united India, the resurgence of Asia, a global union for a fairer life, India’s spiritual gift to the world, and a transformative step in human evolution towards higher consciousness and societal perfection. 
• Auroville: Auroville, founded by Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1968, is an experimental township in Pondicherry that embodies Aurobindo’s vision of a global, spiritually united community.  
  • Endorsed by UNESCO in 1966, it emphasizes sustainable living and addresses humanity's future cultural, environmental, social, and spiritual needs. 

Karikot Village Wins ICRT Award 2025

Why in News? 

Karikot village, located in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, has been selected for the prestigious Indian Subcontinental Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Award 2025.  

• This award is presented by the ICRT India Foundation and is supported by the Ministry of Tourism. 

Key Points 

• ICRT Award 2025: The award honors leaders in sustainable tourism, emphasizing the reduction of negative impacts and the enhancement of positive ones, and will be presented in New Delhi on 13th September 2025. 
  • Categories: The awards ceremony will recognize institutions under various categories, like One to Watch, Silver, and Gold. 
  • Criteria: The panel evaluated entries based on authenticity, replicability, community involvement, and long-term impact. 
    • Karikot stood out for its innovative and community-driven approach to rural tourism, making it a prime example of sustainability and impact. 
• Karikot Village Model:  Karikot, located near the India-Nepal border and adjacent to the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, sees tourism initiatives driven primarily by the Tharu tribal community, focusing on homestays, eco-tourism, and cultural immersion experiences. 
  • These initiatives have helped revive traditional Tharu crafts, cuisine, and folk arts, turning Karikot into a living museum of Tharu heritage. 
  • Karikot's community-driven and sustainable tourism model has created long-term benefits and new livelihood opportunities, especially for women and youth. 
• Uttar Pradesh’s Rural Tourism Strategy: Karikot's recognition underscores the state's effort to make rural tourism a key development focus, supported by initiatives like the UP Bed & Breakfast and Homestay Policy 2025 and eco-tourism promotion.

Tharu Tribe 

• Meaning of ‘Tharu’: The word tharu is believed to be derived from sthavir, meaning followers of Theravada Buddhism. 
• Habitat: The Tharu community belongs to the Terai lowlands, amid the Shivaliks or lower Himalayas. 
  • Terai is a region of northern India and southern Nepal running parallel to the lower ranges of the Himalayas. 
  • The Tharus live in both India and Nepal. In the Indian terai, they live mostly in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. 
• Scheduled Tribe: Tharu is a scheduled tribe in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. 
• Occupation: Most of them are forest dwellers, and some practice agriculture. 
• Language: They speak various dialects of Tharu, a language of the Indo-Aryan subgroup, and variants of Hindi, Urdu, and Awadhi. 

ICRT India Foundation  

• ICRT India Foundation was founded in 2017 to support and expand Responsible Tourism in India. 
• It backs the Cape Town Declaration of Responsible Tourism (2002) and promotes its principles. 
• The Foundation signed and supports the 2022 Responsible Tourism Charter, signed on Magna Carta Island. 

Operation Kalnemi

Uttarakhand’s "Operation Kalnemi," aimed at cracking down on fake sadhus deceiving the public, has been strengthened with new directives from the state government.  

• Now, those caught impersonating religious figures will face arrests through criminal charges, not just detention. The move comes after several incidents of fraudulent activities disguised as religious acts. 

Key Points 

• Enhanced Legal Action: Under the new guidelines, the police are instructed to file cases against imposters under relevant laws, such as the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, the BNS Act 2023 (for fake identity cards), the Information Technology Act, 2000 (for cyber fraud and fake social media profiles), and the Foreigners Act, 1946 (for foreign nationals residing on fake documents). 
• Awareness Campaign: To prevent people from falling prey to fraudulent religious figures, the government has launched a public awareness campaign, including social media outreach.  
  • The goal is to educate citizens about the dangers of fake sadhus and the associated crimes. 
• Background: Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister launched Operation Kalnemi ahead of the Kanwar Yatra to combat fake sadhus exploiting religious identity.  
  • Inspired by the demon Kalnemi from Hindu mythology, the operation aims to protect Sanatan Dharma and uphold social harmony. 

India's 1st Drone Forensic Lab

Why in News? 

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, a drone forensic lab has been established at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) in Lucknow. 

Key Points 

• About: The lab was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and is conceptualized and established by Milind Raj, an expert in robotics and drone technology, also known as the 'Drone Man of India.' 
• Functions: The lab will enable police to track, decode, and investigate drones in real-time, helping forensic experts determine the drone's flight path, take-off location, payload capacity, and potential hazards like explosives. 
  • It will facilitate forensic postmortems of drones to assess their intent and threat potential, helping law enforcement understand drones used in unlawful activities. 
• Training: The lab will serve as a training center for police personnel and forensic experts, offering hands-on experience with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). 
  • It will help build a dedicated drone force within UP Police, enabling swift responses to incidents involving drones for security surveillance, crowd monitoring, and potential criminal activities. 
• Technological Innovation and Future Impact: The lab is equipped with advanced data acquisition tools, reverse-engineering systems, customized kits, and hi-tech computing systems, making it possible to trace and analyze drones used in unlawful activities. 
• Applications: The lab’s applications include safeguarding sensitive zones like borders, prisons, and airports, as well as aiding in disaster management and search-and-rescue operations. 

World Photography Day

Why in News?  

On the occasion of World Photography Day (19th August), Indore’s significant contributions to the art of photography are being celebrated. The city’s rich photography heritage traces back to the late 19th century with pioneers like Lala Deendayal. 

Indore’s Contribution in Photography 

• 19th Century Roots in India:  
  • William Armstrong (1847): First British photographer to capture images of Ajanta-Ellora caves. 
• Indore’s Photography Journey: Lala Deendayal opened Indore's first photo studio (1888). Deendayal’s work gained recognition from local royals, earning him land and the title 'Raja Deendayal' from the Nizam. 
  • After Deendayal’s departure, several photographers carried on his work. 
• Notable Photographers: 
  • Bhalu Mondhe (Padma Shri Awardee): Introduced color photography in Indore in 1975 and established the first color lab, revolutionizing the field in the city. 

Key Facts About World Photography Day 

• About: World Photography Day (19th August) is celebrated to honor the invention of the daguerreotype process ('Daguerreotype Camera').  
  • On this day in 1839, the French government officially announced the daguerreotype, developed by Louis Daguerre in 1837.  
  • The daguerreotype process was an early photographic process that produced a highly detailed, one-of-a-kind positive image on a silver-coated copper plate and laid the foundation for modern photography. 

• Theme 2025: "MY FAVORITE PHOTO". 
• History of World Photography Day: 
  • Proposed by Indian photographer and teacher O.P. Sharma in 1988. 
  • Became a global online phenomenon in 2005. 
  • Promoted online as "World Photo Day" starting in 2010 by Australian entrepreneur Korske Ara. 
  • North American producer John Morzen played a key role in shaping and expanding the global recognition of World Photography Day.

Sword of Raghuji Bhonsle

Why in News? 

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday inaugurated the seven-day exhibition where the newly obtained sword of Maratha commander Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsle will be exhibited. 

Key Points 

• Exhibition Details: The exhibition will run from 18th-25th 2025 at the PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy and will include the sword and displays of 12 heritage forts listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. 
• Acquisition: The Maharashtra government purchased the sword for Rs 45 crore at a London auction as part of a broader initiative to reclaim historical artefacts connected to the Maratha empire. 
  • The government has reclaimed important artifacts like the 'wagh nakh' (used by Shivaji Maharaj) and is working on building memorials for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj outside Maharashtra, with an initial project underway in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. 
• Significance of Sword: Raghuji Bhosale was a prominent Maratha commander and the founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty.  
  • The 18th-century Maratha-style 'firangi' sword combines a European blade with an Indian hilt, showcasing intricate ornamentation, including gold inlay koftgiri work. 
  • The spine of the blade features an inscription in Devanagari script, connecting it to Raghuji Bhosale's title given by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. 
  • The sword was used during military campaigns in the 18th century, including battles against the Nawab of Bengal (1745 and 1755) and in regions like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and southern India.

Raghuji Bhosale I (1695 – 1755) 

• Founder: He was the founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty and a prominent commander in the Maratha army during Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s reign.  
• Title: Impressed by his bravery and military strategy, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj conferred upon him the title ‘Senasahib Subha’.  
• Campaign: He established control over Chanda, Chhattisgarh, and Sambalpur and defeated the Nawabs of Cuddapah and Kurnool, thereby asserting Maratha military and political dominance in southern India.  
  • His kingdom was abundant in iron and copper, which were used for both manufacturing goods and crafting weapons. 
  • In 1817, the Nagpur Bhosales battled the British East India Company at Sitabuldi (3rd Anglo-Maratha War (1817-19)), and after the Company's victory, their treasury, including valuables, jewelry, and weapons, was looted. 
    • After Nagpur was annexed, the British also received tribute and gifts from the Bhosales over time.  
    • Experts believe that Raghuji Bhosale’s sword may have left India either as part of the war loot or as a gift to the British. 

Rajasthan’s Career Guidance Portal

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan School Education Council has introduced a new career guidance portal aimed at empowering students in classes 9 to 12. The portal is designed to provide career support, resources, and a roadmap to success for students.  

Key Features of the Portal 

• Job Listings: Over 600 job options across 23 fields like engineering, law, agriculture, media, IT, and more. 
• CV Creation: Students can create professional CVs to present their skills and experiences effectively to prospective employers. 
• Internships: The portal offers access to a variety of internship programs, allowing students to gain practical experience in their chosen fields. 
• Vocational Training: Access to vocational courses and skill development opportunities to better prepare students for the workforce. 

Career Counselling Calendar 

• In addition to the portal, the Rajasthan Education Department has issued an annual calendar for career counselling sessions in government senior secondary schools.  
• These monthly sessions will include group and parent discussions, CV-making workshops, seminars, interviews, career planning, and skill development activities, ensuring that career guidance is seamlessly integrated into the school system and providing students with valuable insights on their career options. 

Varanasi: India's First City to Install Solar Panels Between Railway Tracks

Why in News? 

Varanasi is the first city in India to install portable solar panels between railway tracks, promoting sustainable energy. 

• This pilot project at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) supports Indian Railways' goal of reducing its carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions. 

Key Points 

• About: The installation features solar panel system spanning 70 meters of railway track, with 28 panels of 15 kWp capacity, generating 880 units per kilometre daily and a power density of 220 kWp per kilometre. 
• Panel Design: The solar panels are removable for easy maintenance and seasonal adaptation, mounted on sleepers with an indigenously designed installation procedure to ensure secure and safe attachment without disrupting train traffic. 
  • Rubber mounting pads reduce vibrations from passing trains, epoxy adhesive secures the panels, and the space between tracks eliminates the need for extra land acquisition. 
• Environmental and Operational Impact: 
  • Energy Generation Potential: The scheme is expected to produce an estimated 3.21 lakh units per kilometre per year. 
  • Indian Railways Network: With a track length of 1.2 lakh km, this technology has the potential to be deployed extensively across the network, especially on yard lines. 
    • The solar panels complement existing rooftop solar power plants installed within BLW premises, further strengthening Indian Railways' renewable energy commitment. 

Shramashree Scheme for Migrant Workers

Why in News? 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the introduction of the Shramashree scheme to provide monthly cash incentives to migrant workers who return to the State after facing harassment in other States. 

Key Features of Shramashree Scheme 

• About: The scheme is designed to support around 22 lakh Bengali-speaking migrant workers who are registered with Bengal’s migrant workers’ portal. 
• Financial Assistance: Migrants returning to Bengal will receive a one-time grant of ₹5,000 to help cover their travel expenses. 
  • A ₹5,000 monthly financial assistance will be provided for up to one year or until the migrant secures employment. 
• Additional Support: 
  • Free Ration: Beneficiaries will be granted Khadya Sathi ration cards for food security. 
  • Healthcare: Migrants will be provided with Swasthya Sathi health insurance cards for free healthcare. 
  • Education: Migrants’ children will be enrolled in state schools to ensure their education continues without interruption. 
  • Accommodation: For those without housing, community kitchens and accommodation will be provided. 
  • Skill Development: Under the Utkarsha Bangla scheme, returning migrants will receive skills training to enhance employability.  
    • They will also be given job cards under the Karmashree scheme. 
• Registration: Migrants will be able to register through the Shramashree portal. Each registered worker will receive a Shramashree card, granting them access to the benefits. 
  • The process will be monitored by Bengal’s Chief Secretary and officials from the Labour Department. 
• Other Measures: A Migrant Workers’ Welfare Board has been set up for migrant workers to reach out for help and assistance. 
  • The Amader Para Amader Samadhan camps will provide relevant information and guidance to returning workers. 

Surge in Saltwater Crocodile Population in the Sundarbans

Why in News?

The 2024-25 population assessment and habitat ecology report on saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the Sundarbans, released by the State Forest Department at the Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, highlights a modest increase in their population, signaling positive trends in the region's wildlife conservation efforts. 

Key Points

• Population Assessment: The population of saltwater crocodiles in the Sundarbans has increased, with the latest report indicating a range between 220 to 242 crocodiles, up from 204 to 234 in 2023-24. 
  • A total of 213 crocodiles were sighted during the exercise, a rise from the 168 seen in 2023-24. 
• Environmental and Habitat Insights: Crocodiles in the Sundarbans are typically found in creeks with widths ranging from 10-130 metres, preferring a salinity range of 10-23 parts per thousand (ppt) and temperatures between 20°C-30°C during the winter months. 
• Positive Trends in Hatchlings: The report notes an increase in hatchling sightings, a rare and encouraging sign for crocodile conservation in the region, suggesting a healthy reproductive trend. 

Key Facts Related to Salt-water Crocodiles 

• About: It is the largest of all crocodilians, and the largest reptile in the world. 
  • Female saltwater crocodiles are smaller in size than their male counterparts, normally reaching a maximum length of 2.5 to 3 m. 
  • They tolerate salinity and are found mostly in coastal waters or near rivers. They are also found in freshwater near rivers and swamps. 
• Distribution: Tropical to warm temperate latitudes in the eastern Indian and western Pacific oceans. 
• Habitat: Mangrove forests and other coastal habitats 
  • The Sundarbans (the largest mangrove forest), Bhitarkanika (India's second-largest mangrove forest), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the three major strongholds of saltwater crocodiles. 
• Prey: Juvenile saltwater crocodiles eat small insects, amphibians, and fish, while adults prey on crabs, turtles, birds, and mammals.  
  • They ambush prey by hiding in water, killing it with a snap of their jaws, and dragging it underwater to consume. 
• Conservation Status: 
  • IUCN Red list : Least Concern 
  • WPA, 1972: Schedule I 
  • CITES : Appendix I/II

Sundarbans 

• Location: The largest mangrove forest in the world, located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, on the Bay of Bengal. 
  • It is located 40% in India, with the rest in Bangladesh. 
• Ecosystem: Ecotone between land and sea (tropical and subtropical regions). 
  • Rich mix of habitats: freshwater swamps, intertidal mangroves, saline forests, and open water. 
• Global Recognition: 
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1987 (India), 1997 (Bangladesh). 
  • Sundarban Wetland (India) recognized as a Ramsar site (Jan 2019). 
  • Project Tiger: Royal Bengal tigers are top predators, maintaining ecosystem balance.