Prelims Current Affairs covering Punjab’s heritage sports revival, key national appointments, PM Kisan Sampada Yojana updates, defence news, Himachal events, and cultural highlights.

STATE IN NEWS

1. Punjab Government Lifts Ban on Heritage Sports

• Context: Punjab Assembly passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to lift the ban on traditional rural sports.

• Heritage Sports Reintroduced: Bullock cart races, dog races, horse races, pigeon flying, Kila Raipur Rural Olympics events.

• Animal Welfare Rules: Vet health checks, proper food, no beating, bulls guided only by clapping or gentle voice.

• Cultural Significance: Linked to Punjab’s rural heritage; Kila Raipur Rural Olympics to return in 2026 (150–200 bull pairs, diaspora participation).

2. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

• Context: Dr. A. Rajarajan became Director, replacing Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair (1 Aug 2025).

• 40 years ISRO experience, expert in composite materials.

• Key role in Vikram-S (first private rocket), contributed to Gaganyaan & SSLV.

3. Vice Chief of Army Staff

• Context: Lt. Gen. Pushpendra Singh took over on 1 Aug 2025, replacing Lt. Gen. N. S. Raja Subramani.

• Commissioned in Parachute Regiment (1987).

• Operations: Pawan, Meghdoot, Orchid, Rakshak.

• Former DG of Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement.

• Awards: AVSM, Sena Medal Bar.

4. Appointment of Additional Judges in High Courts

• Context: President appointed more judges under Article 224 to handle workload spikes.

• Tenure: Max 2 years, retirement age 62.

• Process: President + CJI consultation.

• Distribution: 75% permanent, 25% additional.

SCHEME

5. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)

• Context: ₹6,520 crore approved for 2021–22 to 2025–26 cycle.

• Type: Central Sector Scheme, started 2017–18, MoFPI.

• Objective: Food processing infrastructure, supply chain improvement, reduce waste, increase farmer income.

POLITY

6. Nomination of Panel of Chairpersons in Lok Sabha

• Context: Speaker nominated MPs as per Rule 9.

• Key Points: Max 10 MPs; preside when Speaker/Deputy absent; term till new panel nominated; cannot preside if both posts vacant (President appoints MP).

HIMACHAL NEWS

7. Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS)

• Context: Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan became 47th VCNS on 1 Aug 2025.

• Replaced Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan (now Western Naval Command head).

• From Hiranagar, Hamirpur (HP); 2nd-gen armed forces.

• Joined Navy 1988, Gunnery & Missile specialist, commanded INS Vibhuti, Nashak, Sahyadri; Eastern Fleet Commander in 2020.

8. OBC Quota in Urban Local Body Elections

• Context: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu approved proportional OBC reservation based on population.

• Backward Classes Commission to prepare roster.

• Disaster Relief: 290 new ASHA workers; rent aid ₹5k rural / ₹10k urban (max 6 months post-monsoon disasters).

9. Kinner Kailash Yatra Postponed

• Context: Suspended due to rain & unsafe trails in Kinnaur.

• Significance: Lord Shiva’s winter abode, Hindu & Buddhist pilgrimage. Altitude 6,050m, route from Kalpa.

• Normally July–Aug.

10. ‘Jhamakada’ Folk Dance

• Context: Performed at Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025 (Gujarat) under Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat.

• Origin: Kangra district, HP.

• Performed mainly by women during weddings & ceremonies.

• Traditionally only women could watch; men caught watching faced playful punishment.

• Features: Cross-dressing for fun, folk music with dhol & dholki, community bonding.

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