Art and Culture 

Konark Sun Temple - Indian Express 

The Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’—through which he interacts with citizens on various issues—had recently made references to Odissi dance and Konark temple.

Konark Sun Temple

• Location and Background: Situated in Puri district, Odisha; dedicated to Surya (Sun God), built by Narasimha I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in 1250; UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
• Architectural Features: Exemplifies Odisha or Kalinga architecture; designed as a 100-foot-high solar chariot with 24 stone-carved wheels and six horses; oriented to the east for sunrise alignment.
• Unique Attributes: Wheels function as sundials, providing accurate time measurement; base adorned with carvings of animals, warriors, and mythological scenes; built from Khondalite rock, earning the name "Black Pagoda."
• Cultural Significance: Continues as a site of worship, especially during the annual Chandrabhaga Festival in February.

Society 

The Under-Representation of Women in the Judiciary - The Hindu 

The absence of women in the judicial system, which is glaring and widely discussed, almost always revolves around entry-level measures that are aimed at ensuring that more women enter the profession as lawyers/ judges. 

Polity 

Delimitation, women’s quota  - Indian Express

The Centre has indicated that the much delayed Census could now start as early as next year — and be completed by 2026. 

World Affairs 

What is the UN agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has banned? - Indian Express

Israel’s parliament recently passed two Bills to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Knesset also voted to designate UNRWA a terrorist organisation, cutting all ties with the agency.

Why swing states have outsize importance in US elections - Indian Express

Both US presidential candidates are focused on seven electorally crucial “swing states”, where the race for the White House is widely expected to be won or lost. 

Economy 

Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) - PIB 

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation recently inaugurated a new Passenger Terminal Building and a Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal built by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI).

Sci and Tech 

MHA warns against illegal payment gateways running through mule accounts - The Hindu 

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Home Ministry has issued an alert against illegal payment gateways created using mule bank accounts by transnational organised cyber criminals facilitating money laundering as a service.