Prelims Current Affairs includes historic Somnath Mahadev Temple, 4th edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025, India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre (CIC), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), UK–India Technology Security Initiative, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

IMPORTANT DAY

1. GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY 2025

• Observed every year on 15 October.

• Aim: To promote awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

• Founded by: The Global Handwashing Partnership.

• First Celebrated: In 2008.

• Purpose: To encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times such as before eating and after using the toilet.

2. WORLD STUDENTS’ DAY 2025

• Celebrated on 15 October every year.

• Aim: To commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India and an inspiring teacher who dedicated his life to education, innovation, and youth empowerment.

ABOUT DR. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM

• Born: 15 October 1931, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.

• Family Background: Came from a modest Tamil Muslim family; his father was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque.

• Career Highlights:

  • Began his career at DRDO (1958); later joined ISRO, contributing to India’s first satellite launch vehicle.

  • Played a key role in developing Agni and Prithvi missiles, earning the title “Missile Man of India.”

  • Served as Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister during India’s nuclear test phase.

• Presidency: Served as the 11th President of India (2002–2007); remembered as the “People’s President.”

HISTORY

3. SOMNATH TEMPLE

Current Context: The President of India, during a three-day visit to Gujarat, offered prayers at the historic Somnath Mahadev Temple located in Gir Somnath district.

ABOUT SOMNATH TEMPLE

• Deity: Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Location: Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat.

• Significance:

  • First of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in India.

  • Located at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of rivers Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati.

• Historical Background:

  • Traces back to 649 BC, believed to be even older.

  • Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, starting from Mahmud Ghazni’s attack (11th century).

  • Present temple reconstructed in Chalukya architectural style and completed in May 1951.

  • Reconstruction initiated and supervised by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

DEFENCE

4. EXERCISE AUSTRAHIND 2025

Current Context: An Indian Army contingent of 120 personnel has departed for Perth, Australia, to participate in the 4th edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025.

ABOUT EXERCISE AUSTRAHIND

• Type: Bilateral joint military exercise between India and Australia.

• Hosted at: Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia.

• Participating Units: Indian contingent led by a Battalion of Gorkha Rifles with troops from other arms and services.

• Objective:

  • Enhance interoperability and military cooperation between both nations.

  • Share tactics, techniques, and procedures in sub-conventional warfare under urban and semi-urban terrain.

• Other Bilateral Exercises:

  • AUSINDEX (Naval Exercise)

  • PITCH BLACK (Air Force Exercise)

INTERNATIONAL

5. INDIA–UK CONNECTIVITY AND INNOVATION CENTRE (CIC)

Current Context: India and the United Kingdom launched the India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre (CIC) at the India Mobile Congress 2025 to strengthen digital and technological cooperation.

ABOUT CIC

• Objective: Promote secure, innovative, and resilient communications and advance digital inclusion.

• Implementing Agencies:

  • UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

  • Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India

• Part of: UK–India Technology Security Initiative.

• Key Focus Areas (for the next four years):

  • Transforming telecom with AI – enhancing network efficiency and new digital services.

  • Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) – satellite and airborne connectivity for rural areas.

  • Telecom Cybersecurity – securing networks through open and interoperable systems.

SPACE

6. MAITRI II STATION (ANTARCTICA)

Current Context: The Finance Ministry has approved the construction of Maitri II, India’s newest Antarctic research station, to be completed by January 2029.

ABOUT MAITRI II STATION

• Location: Proposed in Eastern Antarctica.

• Nodal Agency: National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

• Features:

  • Designed as a Green Research Base.

  • Uses solar and wind energy for sustainable operations.

  • Equipped with automated instruments for data collection and transmission to mainland India, even when unmanned.

• Timeline: Construction completion targeted for January 2029.

• Purpose: Strengthen India’s polar research capacity and climate observation systems.

EXISTING INDIAN BASES IN ANTARCTICA

• Dakshin Gangotri: India’s first base (now decommissioned).

• Maitri (1989): Located along the Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica; accommodates 25–40 scientists.

• Bharati (2012): Currently operational.

AWARD / ORGANISATION

7. IUCN’S WORLD COMMISSION ON PROTECTED AREAS (WCPA)

Current Context: The Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve received the Kenton R. Miller Award constituted by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) for innovation in protected area sustainability.

ABOUT IUCN’S WORLD COMMISSION ON PROTECTED AREAS (WCPA)

• Parent Body: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

• Established: 1948.

• Type: One of six technical commissions under IUCN.

• Purpose:

  • Dedicated to conservation of nature and sustainable use of natural resources.

  • Focuses on protected area governance, management, and policy development.

  • Supports creation and management of national parks, reserves, and marine protected areas worldwide.

ABOUT KENTON R. MILLER AWARD

• Established: 2006.

• Conferred by: IUCN–WCPA.

• Frequency: Every two years.

• Purpose: Honour innovation in national parks and protected area sustainability.

• Named After: Kenton R. Miller, former Director General of IUCN.

• Award Criteria: Recognises individuals or teams for innovations in –

  • Planning and management

  • Finance and governance

  • Monitoring, capacity building, and communication

• Reward: US $5,000 cash prize.

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