Prelims Current Affairs includes Nagasaki Day, Indgenius People, World Sanskrit Day, Legal Insanity, Biochar, District Flood Severity Index and Pardhan Mantri  Matru Vandana Yojana.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. NAGASAKI DAY

• Observed every year on 9 August

• On 9 August 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb named “Fat Man” on Nagasaki, Japan.

• This day is observed to promote peace and awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons.

Significance:

• Second nuclear bomb in history (after Hiroshima)

• Led to Japan’s surrender and end of World War II

• Promotes nuclear disarmament and peace

2. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

• Observed every year on 9 August.

• Focus: Rights, culture, and development of indigenous communities around the world. Cultural programs and campaigns are held globally.

• Established By: United Nations General Assembly

• First Observed: 1995

• Significance: Commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations (1982)

3. WORLD SANSKRIT DAY

• Celebrated on 9 August (falls on Shravan Purnima).

• Aim: To promote awareness about the ancient and scientific Indian language Sanskrit through cultural programs and education campaigns.

• Also Known As: Vishva Samskrita Dinam

• Observed On: Shravan Purnima (full moon day in the Hindu month of Shravan)

GOVERNANCE

4. LEGAL INSANITY

Current Context: The Chhattisgarh High Court acquitted an individual accused of double murder on the grounds of legal insanity, highlighting mental state as a valid legal defence.

ABOUT LEGAL INSANITY

• Definition: A mental condition that disables a person from understanding the nature or consequences of a criminal act.

• Basis: If the person cannot distinguish right from wrong at the time of the crime, they may not be held criminally liable.

Key Features:

• It is a legal concept, not a medical one.

• Requires evidence like psychiatric evaluations, medical records, and behavioural patterns.

• Burden of proof lies on the accused.

Types:

• • Emotional Insanity: Caused by extreme emotions deranging intellect.

  • Temporary Insanity: Exists only at the time of the offence.

ENVIRONMENT

5. BIOCHAR

Current Context: Biochar, a carbon-rich substance made from agricultural waste, is expected to play a vital role in India’s upcoming carbon market in 2026.

ABOUT BIOCHAR

• Definition: A stable, carbon-rich product made by heating biomass in low oxygen (pyrolysis).

• Temperature: 400 to 600 degrees Celsius.

• Material Used: Crop residue, municipal solid waste.

Advantages:

• Locks carbon in soil for 100 to 1,000 years.

• Reduces nitrous oxide emissions by 30–50 percent.

• Improves soil health and water retention.

Applications:

• Agriculture: Restores degraded soils.

• Industry: Can absorb CO₂ from emissions.

• Construction: Used as low-carbon building material.

• Wastewater Treatment: Reduces water pollution.

REPORT/INDEX

6. DISTRICT FLOOD SEVERITY INDEX (DFSI)

Current Context: Researchers from Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Delhi and Gandhinagar have developed a District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to measure flood impact across Indian districts.

ABOUT DFSI

• Data Source: India Flood Inventory with Impacts (IFI-Impacts).

• Measured Factors:

  • Average flood duration

  • Percentage of district area affected

  • Total deaths and injuries

  • Population exposed

Purpose: To help in district-level flood management and disaster planning.

Key Findings:

• Patna: Most flood-prone in terms of impact.

• Thiruvananthapuram: Highest flood events but not among top 30 in severity.

• Assam: Dhemaji, Kamrup, and Nagaon faced over 178 flood events.

• Urban floods are worsened by poor planning and urbanisation.

SCHEME

7. PRADHAN MANTRI MATRU VANDANA YOJANA (PMMVY)

Current Context: Ministry of Women and Child Development has extended the special registration drive for the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) till 15 August 2025.

ABOUT PMMVY

• Category: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Mission Shakti – Samarthya.

• Target: Pregnant and lactating women from disadvantaged sections.

Benefits:

• ₹5,000 cash incentive in two instalments for the first child.

• Additional ₹1,000 under Janani Suraksha Yojana, making total ₹6,000.

• ₹6,000 benefit for second child only if the second child is a girl.

• In case of stillbirth or miscarriage, the woman can reapply for future pregnancies.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Women belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes

• Women with E-shram Card, BPL Ration Card, MGNREGA Job Card

• Divyangjan (Partially/Fully Disabled Women)

• Income below ₹8 Lakh per annum

• Women employed under PM Jan Aarogya Yojana or Kishan Samman Nidhi

Implementation:

• Done through PMMVYSoft, launched in March 2023.

• Ensures Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer with NPCI verification.

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