Relics of Ratnagiri: Buddhist Heritage

Archaeologists have unearthed a 1.4-meter Buddha head and 1,500-year-old relics in Ratnagiri, Odisha, reaffirming its importance as a Vajrayana Buddhist center. Ratnagiri, part of Odisha’s ‘Diamond Triangle’ alongside Lalitgiri and Udayagiri, thrived between the 6th and 12th centuries CE. The site contains sacred stupas, relic caskets, monasteries, and inscriptions indicating connections with Nalanda and Vikramashila. Artistic depictions of Tara, Avalokiteshvara, and Manjushri highlight its role in Vajrayana Buddhism. These findings shed light on its monastic university status and its influence on Buddhist dissemination in Southeast Asia.

Three-Language Policy Under NEP 2020

The Centre has withheld Tamil Nadu’s Samagra Shiksha funding due to its non-compliance with the NEP 2020 three-language policy. The policy, initially introduced in NEP 1968, requires states to teach three languages, including one Indian language apart from English and the regional language. Tamil Nadu follows a two-language policy, opposing Hindi imposition. Supporters argue that multilingual proficiency fosters cognitive skills and national integration, while critics highlight practical challenges, linguistic identity concerns, and increased student burden.

India-Japan Economy and Investment Forum

The India-Japan Economy and Investment Forum emphasized addressing India’s trade imbalance with Japan. While Japanese exports to India have surged, India’s exports to Japan have remained stagnant. Japan has invested over $43 billion in India, ranking as its fifth-largest FDI source. Both nations collaborate on high-speed rail, metro projects, space technology, and defense through initiatives like the Quad, the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, and joint military exercises. Strengthening reciprocal trade and deepening technology partnerships remain key priorities.

India’s Dilemma Over Fighter Jets

India faces strategic decisions regarding its fighter jet acquisitions, balancing U.S., Russian, and indigenous options. The F-35 and SU-57 showcased at Aero India 2025 reflect India’s interest in fifth-generation jets. While Russia’s SU-57 offers technological familiarity, the U.S. F-35 presents advanced stealth capabilities. India’s indigenous plans focus on the LCA Tejas, LCA-Mk2, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), expected by 2034. Diversifying suppliers while ensuring self-reliance remains a critical challenge.

Glacier Ice Algae Accelerate Greenland Ice Sheet Melting

A study reveals that pigmented ice algae contribute to Greenland’s accelerated ice sheet melting by darkening the surface and reducing reflectivity. These algae efficiently absorb heat, increasing glacier retreat. Their impact extends to the Himalayas, Alps, and Alaska, affecting global sea levels and ocean circulation. Addressing climate change through improved predictive models and mitigation strategies is essential to slowing ice sheet loss.

Ali Ai Ligang Festival

The Mising tribe in Assam recently celebrated Ali Ai Ligang, a spring festival marking the sowing season. Dedicated to agricultural prosperity, it features traditional rituals, prayers to the Donyi Polo gods, and the Gumrag dance.

Forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

A Maharashtra delegation is seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for 12 forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj, including Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, and Sindhudurg. These forts symbolize Maratha military ingenuity and governance.

Lepakshi Temple

Historians advocate for the Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple in Andhra Pradesh to gain UNESCO heritage status. Known for its Dravidian architecture, mural paintings, and the largest monolithic Nandi statue, the temple represents Vijayanagara artistry.

Honduras

India has sent 26 tons of humanitarian aid to Honduras following Tropical Storm Sara. Located in Central America, Honduras shares borders with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

BOBP-IGO

India has assumed chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), which supports sustainable coastal fisheries development across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

Shaktikanta Das Appointed New Principal Secretary

Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, overseeing administrative coordination and policy implementation.

Traumatic Asphyxia

Recent stampede victims in New Delhi suffered from traumatic asphyxia, a condition caused by intense chest compression, leading to respiratory failure. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases.

Stagflation

Global concerns over stagflation—high inflation combined with slow economic growth—are rising due to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability, and fluctuating oil prices. Policy measures balancing inflation control and economic stimulus are necessary.

V.O. Chidambaranar Port

Located in Tamil Nadu, V.O. Chidambaranar Port, formerly Tuticorin Port, is a key hub for maritime trade, handling coal, salt, and containers. It is exploring shipbuilding expansion plans.

Perovskite-Based LEDs (PeLEDs)

Scientists at CeNS, Bengaluru, have developed stable perovskite-based LEDs (PeLEDs) with enhanced brightness and durability. These LEDs combine advantages of OLEDs and QLEDs, with potential applications in display technologies.

Reclassification of Barytes, Feldspar, Mica, and Quartz

The Ministry of Mines has reclassified these minerals from ‘minor’ to ‘major,’ extending mining lease terms to 50 years, ensuring long-term operational stability.

False Killer Whales

Australia is euthanizing stranded false killer whales in Tasmania to prevent prolonged suffering. These deep-water marine mammals face threats from habitat degradation and bycatch.

Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration

The awards recognize outstanding contributions by government officials in categories such as Holistic District Development, Aspirational Blocks Programme, and Innovation.