• 30 Dec 2025

Ujjain to Get World-Class Hockey Astro Turf

Why in News?

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced plans to develop a world‑class hockey astro turf facility in Ujjain.

Key Points

• Project Site: A world‑class hockey astro turf will be constructed at Nanakheda Stadium in Ujjain.
• Astro Turf: A synthetic grass surface widely used in modern hockey for uniform playing conditions and enhanced performance. 
• Inauguration & Fund Allocation: The event was held along with the inauguration of several development works worth about ₹129 crore.
• Youth & Digital Initiatives: The CM also launched Project Swadhyay (Coding for All) for students and unveiled the UtkarshUjjain.com digital platform to link industries with entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. 
• Simhasth 2028 Preparations: Preparations are underway for the upcoming Simhasth 2028, a major religious congregation held every 12 years in Ujjain.

Jyoti-Bishnu International Art Centre in Assam

Why in News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Jyoti–Bishnu International Art Centre in Guwahati, Assam.

Key Points

• Art Centre: The centre has been established in memory of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha.
• Cultural Significance: Jyoti Prasad Agarwala is regarded as the father of Assamese cinema, while Bishnu Prasad Rabha is remembered as a multifaceted artist, musician, and social reformer.
• Objective: The art centre aims to promote Assamese art, culture, music, theatre, cinema, and folk traditions.
• Nation-Building: The inauguration highlights the government’s emphasis on cultural preservation as a pillar of national identity and social cohesion.

Bronze at 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian chess grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy for winning bronze medals at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship.

Key Points

• Venue: The Championship was held in Doha, Qatar.
• Medal Winners: Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy
• Arjun Erigaisi won the bronze medal in the Men’s section.
• Koneru Humpy secured bronze in the Women’s section

• 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship: The FIDE World Rapid Championship features a 13‑round Swiss system format with rapid time controls, testing players’ skill at high speed.
  • Gold – Men’s section: Magnus Carlsen (Norway)
  • Gold – Women’s section: Ju Wenjun (China)

Supercomputer ‘PARAM Rudra’ Launched at IIT Patna

Why in News?

Bihar’s first supercomputer, PARAM Rudra, was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology Patna (IIT Patna).

Key Points

• Mission: PARAM Rudra was launched under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
• Objective: It aims to expand high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure and support advanced research.
• Applications & Fields: It will enable complex computing in fields such as computational astrobiology, material design, molecular electronics, fluid mechanics, AI, data science and quantum computing.
• Indigenous System: PARAM Rudra uses indigenously developed servers and software, promoting self-reliance in high-performance computing technology.

Parvati‑Arga Bird Sanctuary Declared Eco‑Sensitive Zone

Why in News?

The Government of India has declared Parvati‑Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh as an Eco‑Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to protect biodiversity and promote responsible ecotourism.

Key Points

• Location: Parvati‑Arga Bird Sanctuary is located in  Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh.
• Authority: Declaration announced by MoS Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Objectives: The move aims to strengthen biodiversity, preserve habitats of migratory and resident birds, and develop the sanctuary as a responsible ecotourism destination.
• Area & Habitat: The sanctuary sprawls over around 1,084 hectares and attracts migratory birds from Central Asia and Tibet during the winter season.
• Legal Basis: Declared under Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• Eco‑Sensitive Zone (ESZ): A buffer area around protected zones like sanctuaries and national parks where developmental activities are regulated to protect the environment and biodiversity.

Buddhist Conference in Karnataka

Why in News?

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed a Buddhist Conference at Mundgod Tibetan Settlement, Karnataka.

Key Points

• Core Message: Emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion as solutions to modern global conflicts.
• Indian Philosophy: Reflect ancient Indian spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Vedantic thought.
• Presence of Dalai Lama: 14th Dalai Lama attended the conference.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Event highlights India’s role in promoting peace, tolerance and spiritual soft power globally.
• India–Tibet Relations: Reiterated historical civilisational and cultural ties between India and Tibet.

Mundgod:

• Location: A town in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, India.
• Mini-Tibet: The town is known as “Mini Tibet of India” due to the large Tibetan refugee settlement
• Cultural Significance: Centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture, traditions and monastic education in India.
  • Acts as a hub for Buddhist conferences, teachings and spiritual interactions, often attended by the Dalai Lama.
• Attiveri Bird Sanctuary: Located near Mundgod is home town for a number of species of birds including migratory birds.
  • The Sanctuary houses birds like Little Cormorant, Spoonbill, Indian shag, Cattle Egret pied Kingfisher, White-breasted Kingfisher, White Ibis, Common Grey Hornbill and Common Swallow.