Art and Culture 

Rock-cut footprints, human figure dating back to Megalithic period unearthed at Kerala’s Kanhirapoil - The Hindu 

A remarkable archaeological discovery has come to light at Kanhirapoil in Madikkai grama panchayat of Kerala where 24 pairs of prehistoric footprints and a human figure have been found carved into rock on private property. Experts believe these carvings date back to the Megalithic period, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient culture.

Geography 

India's prime minister meets with Caribbean leaders in Guyana with security in mind - Indian Express 

Indian Prime Minister recently arrived in Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian leader in more than 50 years to the South American country with diaspora ties.

Guyana

• Location: Situated in the northeastern corner of South America.

• Borders:
  • Atlantic Ocean to the north.
  • Suriname (Courantyne River) to the east.
  • Brazil to the south and southwest.
  • Venezuela to the west.
• Maritime border:  Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.
• Cultural linkage:
  • Geographically in South America but culturally linked to the Caribbean.
  • Founding member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
• Historical Background:
  • Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples; the name guiana means “land of water.”
  • Dutch colony in the 17th century; became a British possession by 1815.
  • Gained independence from the UK in 1966.
  • Legacy of colonial rule includes territorial disputes with Suriname and Venezuela.
• Administration: Only English-speaking country in South America.
• Capital and chief port: Georgetown.
• Government: Unitary multiparty republic with a National Assembly & a member of the Commonwealth since 1970.
• Currency: Guyanese Dollar (G$).
• Population: Coastal population primarily descendants of African slaves and Indian indentured workers. Forested interior sparsely populated with Indigenous communities.
• Major rivers: Essequibo (largest), Berbice, Courantyne, and Demerara.
• Natural Resources: Rich in fertile agricultural lands, bauxite, gold, and extensive tropical forests (80% of the country). Recently discovered large offshore oil and gas reserves.

Society

Today’s children are confronting a more unpredictable, hazardous environment than any previous generation: UNICEF report - The Hindu 

The world is facing an unprecedented crisis with nearly half of all children – about 1 billion – living in countries that face a high risk of climate and environmental hazards, the UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 (SOWC-2024) report, said. 

World Affairs 

Russia fires ICBM for first time: Ukraine - The Hindu

Ukraine claimed recently that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) overnight at a city. If confirmed, it would be the first time Moscow has used such a weapon in the war. Ukraine did not provide any evidence that an ICBM was used in the attack on the central city of Dnipro, apparently armed with conventional warheads.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)

What is Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched at Brazil G20? - Indian Express 

The G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was headlined by the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (henceforth “the Alliance”).

Economy 

Telcos can claim CENVAT credit for towers, shelters: SC - The Hindu 

The Supreme Court recently gave a major fillip to telecom companies by allowing them to claim Central Value Added Tax (CENVAT) credit for the installation of mobile towers and peripherals like pre-fabricated buildings (PFBs) for which they pay excise duties.

Environment 

Bandipur Tiger Reserve - The Hindu

• Location: Situated in Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts of Karnataka & located at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

• History:
  • Formerly a hunting ground for the Mysore kingdom rulers.
  • Established in 1931 as Venugopala Wildlife Park by the Maharaja of Mysore.
  • Expanded and renamed Bandipur Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973.
  • Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Surroundings:
  • Northwest: Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (separated by Kabini Reservoir).
  • South: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu).
  • Southwest: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala).
• Rivers: Kabini (north) and Moyar (south).
• Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
• Vegetation: Dry deciduous to tropical mixed deciduous.
• Flora: Rosewood, Indian kino tree, sandalwood, Indian laurel, and clumping bamboo.
• Fauna: Hosts the largest wild Asian elephant population in South Asia.
• Key species: Bengal tiger, gaur, sloth bear, golden jackal, dhole, and four-horned antelope.

IIT Bombay scientists develop water-pollutant detecting device ‘AroTrack’ - The Hindu 

In a significant development for sustainable environmental management, scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have introduced AroTrack, an economical and portable device to accurately detect harmful pollutants such as phenol or benzene in water.  

UAE Launches Global Energy Efficiency Alliance at COP29 - The Hindu 

The UAE has unveiled an ambitious initiative to establish the ‘Global Energy Efficiency Alliance’ during COP29, hosted in Azerbaijan.

HMJS launches “Bhu-Neer” Portal for ground water withdrawal permits - PIB 

The Hon'ble Minister of Jal Shakti recently digitally launched the newly developed “Bhu-Neer” portal during the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024. 

Climate change is biggest disruptor in aquaculture: FAO - The Hindu 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has offered its technical expertise and knowledge to deal with the impact of climate change on the country’s aquaculture and the fishing community engaged with it.

Science and Technology 

New Microbe reverting sesame flowers to vegetative state identified - PIB 

Researchers have identified a new microbe (Candidatus Phytoplasma) responsible for a peculiar disease that has been affecting the sesame fields of Midnapore in West Bengal.

Candidatus Phytoplasma

• About: A microbe classified as Mollicutes bacteria lacking a cell wall which survives in the nutrient-rich phloem and sieve cells of plants.
• Transmission: Spread by phloem feeder insects like leafhoppers, plant-hoppers, psyllids, and dodders.
• Impact: 
  • Affects commercially valuable crops such as Catharanthus, tobacco, maize, and grapevine.
  • Causes disfigurement and virescence of floral parts.
  • Results in a leafy appearance of flowers.