State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 22 Jan 2026

2nd Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi

Why in News? 

The 2nd Global Buddhist Summit is being organised in New Delhi in January 2026 to promote Buddhist philosophy. 

Key Points 

• Summit Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 
• Organiser: Summit organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. 
• Theme: “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, Mutual Coexistence”.  
• Objective: To highlight timeless Buddhist values such as compassion, wisdom, harmony and explore their relevance to social peace, ethical leadership, environment and well-being. 
  • Focus: Deliberations to cover social harmony, entrepreneurship & right livelihood, healthcare & sustainable living, Buddhist education, and Sangha practices. 
• Exhibitions: Sacred Relics & Cultural Engagement and Virasat se Vishwa detailing India’s Buddha Dhamma outreach. 
• AI Initiative: Introduction of NORBU, an AI-based Buddhist language model adopted as “Kalyan Mitra” to assist in promotion and learning of Buddhist knowledge. 
• Significance: Reinforces India’s role in international Buddhist dialogue, cultural diplomacy, and promotion of peaceful coexistence rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. 

Read More:  Global Buddhist Summit,  International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Buddhism in India 

Striped Tiger Declared State Butterfly of Chandigarh

Why in News? 

The State Board of Wildlife (SBWL) of Chandigarh has officially declared the Striped Tiger Butterfly as the State Butterfly of the Union Territory, marking a significant step in biodiversity recognition and wildlife conservation awareness. 

Key Points: 

• Selection Process and Criteria:The selection was a year-long initiative by the Department of Forest and Wildlife to choose an emblem for the city's natural heritage.  
• Public Participation: The Striped Tiger was chosen through an online public voting process, where it secured about 54% of the total votes. 
  • Final Contenders: It outcompeted three other shortlisted species: the Blue Tiger, the Plain Tiger, and the Jezebel. 
• Reason for Selection: Chosen for its striking appearance and resilience, it is found abundantly across the Union Territory, including the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and Sector 26 Butterfly Park. 
• Key Facts Striped Tiger Butterfly:The butterfly features brilliant tawny-orange wings with bold black stripes, resembling a tiger. 
  • Defense Mechanism: It is known to be unpalatable (distasteful) to predators, a characteristic similar to the American Monarch butterfly. 
  • Status: It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 
• Conservation Awareness: The declaration aims to promote biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness among residents and students. 
• New Wildlife Learning Centre: Along with the declaration, the Administrator directed the establishment of a new Wildlife Learning Centre (such as a Biological Park or enclosure) to boost local wildlife protection efforts. 

Union Environment Minister Chairs 88th Meeting of NBWL Standing Committee

Why in News? 

On January 19, 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the 88th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (SC-NBWL) in New Delhi. 

Key Points: 

• Proposals Cleared: The committee addressed 70 proposals concerning areas in and around Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves, and Eco-Sensitive Zones.  
• Strategic Infrastructure: 17 defence-related proposals were approved, primarily in Ladakh and Sikkim, for strategic roads and infrastructure vital for national security. 
• Public Utilities: Projects discussed included those for drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, health centres, and improved connectivity via 4G towers, road upgrades, and transmission lines. 
• Water Security: A medium irrigation project in Madhya Pradesh was considered, intended to benefit the Bundelkhand region by providing water for drinking and irrigation while also improving water conditions for wildlife, including gharials.  
• Administrative & Process Reforms:The committee reviewed actions taken on past decisions, aiming to enhance transparency through the PARIVESH portal. 
• Mitigation Measures: Clearances included requirements for strict adherence to wildlife mitigation strategies and environmental safeguards. 
• Ongoing Monitoring: Future meetings will include discussions on compliance and monitoring to ensure effective wildlife conservation. 

What is the SC-NBWL? 

• Legal Basis: It is established under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• Leadership: While the full National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) is chaired by the Prime Minister, its Standing Committee is led by the Union Environment Minister. 
• Function: It serves as an advisory body to the central government on conservation matters and reviews development projects in or near protected areas.  
• Read More:Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Jal Jeevan Mission 

Tamil Nadu Establishes ‘Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu’ Award

Why in News? 

The Tamil Nadu government has announced the establishment of the ‘Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu’, amid an ongoing dispute with the Sahitya Akademi over issues related to representation, recognition of Tamil literature, and institutional autonomy.

Key Points: 

• Award:The award aims to honour outstanding literary contributions, particularly those aligned with the idea of ‘Semmozhi’ (classical language). 
  • It seeks to promote Tamil language, literature, and classical heritage at the national level. 
  • The initiative reinforces Tamil Nadu’s long-standing emphasis on linguistic pride and cultural preservation. 
  • Frequency: It is intended to be an annual recognition conferred by the Tamil Nadu government. 
• Classical Language Status: Tamil was the first language in India to be accorded 'Classical Language' status (Semmozhi) in 2004.  
  • This award reinforces the state's efforts to promote the language globally. 
• Context of the Dispute:The announcement comes against the backdrop of disagreements between the state government and the Sahitya Akademi, India’s apex literary institution, regarding: 
  • Perceived neglect of Tamil literary voice 
  • Concerns over centralisation and fairness in awards and recognition 
• Federalism and Cultural Identity: The incident highlights the growing trend of states asserting their cultural and linguistic identity as a subset of cooperative (or competitive) federalism.  

Read More: Classical Language, Sahitya Akademi, Cooperative federalism.