Prelims Current Affairs includes National Youth Day, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Magh Bihu, India’s Fish Production Doubles (Fy 2013–14 To Fy 2024–25), Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, Sanjha Shakti Exercise, Shaksgam Valley, Bhadrakali Inscription, Yemen, Hatti Tribe

IMPORTANT DAY

1. NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

Observed every year on 12 January

• Aim : to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
• Objective: To inspire youth to follow ideals of self-confidence, discipline and service to the nation.

ABOUT SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

• Birth: Born on 12 January 1863.
• Jayanti Name: Swami Vivekananda Jayanti.
• Government Decision: Declared as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas.
• Philosophy: Youth empowerment, character building and national service.
• Global Recognition: Delivered historic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Chicago.

IMPORTANT DAY

2. MAKAR SANKRANTI, PONGAL AND MAGH BIHU

Current Context: 14 January marks the sun’s transition into Makar Rashi and is celebrated across India as harvest festivals.

ABOUT THE FESTIVALS

• Astronomical Significance: Marks the sun’s northward movement (Uttarayan).
• Makar Sankranti: Celebrated across India; symbolises new beginnings and harvest.
• Pongal: Celebrated in Tamil Nadu to honour farmers and agricultural prosperity.
• Magh Bihu: Harvest festival celebrated in Assam.

REPORT

3. INDIA’S FISH PRODUCTION DOUBLES (FY 2013–14 TO FY 2024–25)

Current Context: Recently, India’s fish production has doubled, strengthening its position as the world’s second-largest fish producer.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Global Rank: Second-largest fish producer globally.
• Global Share: Contributes about 8% of world fish production.
• Production Growth: Increased from 95.79 lakh tonnes to 197.75 lakh tonnes.
• Economic Contribution: Fisheries contribute 7.43% to Agriculture GVA.
• Productivity: Average aquaculture productivity reached 4.77 tonnes per hectare.
• Exports:98 lakh tonnes of seafood exported in 2023–24.
• Livelihood: Supports around 3 crore fishers and fish farmers.

KEY GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Flagship Blue Revolution scheme.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Launched in 2018–19.
• Integrated Aquaparks: 11 aquaparks approved at ₹682.60 crore.
• PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY): Central Sector sub-scheme launched in 2024.
• Technology Use: Vessel Communication System, Ocean sat and satellite integration.

ENVIRONMENT

4. ARALAM BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY

Current Context: Recently, Kerala government has renamed Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary.

ABOUT ARALAM BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY

• Location: Western slopes of the Western Ghats, Kerala.
• Boundaries: Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (north) and Wayanad forests (south).
• River System: Drained by Cheenkannipuzha, a tributary of Valapattanam River.

BIODIVERSITY

• Butterflies: Habitat for more than 250 species.
• Endemic Species: Malabar Rose and Southern Birdwing (India’s largest butterfly).
• Fauna: Elephant, gaur, panther, tiger, sambar and wild boar.

DEFENCE

5.  SANJHA SHAKTI EXERCISE

Current Context: The joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise Sanjha Shakti was conducted in Pune.

ABOUT SANJHA SHAKTI

• Nature: Military–Civil Fusion exercise.
• Objective: Enhance coordination during security challenges and emergencies.
• Participants: Indian Army and 16 civilian agencies.
• Key Agencies: Maharashtra Police, Force One and Fire Fighting Departments.

PLACE IN NEWS

6. SHAKSGAM VALLEY

Current Context: China has rejected India’s territorial claim over the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir.

ABOUT SHAKSGAM VALLEY

• Also Known As: Trans-Karakoram Tract.
• Political Status: Disputed territory claimed by India and controlled by Pakistan.
• Location: Part of Hunza-Gilgit region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
• Borders: Xinjiang (China), Northern Areas of POK and Siachen Glacier.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• 1963 Agreement: Ceded to China by Pakistan.
• Article 6: Boundary to be renegotiated after Kashmir issue settlement.
• Strategic Importance: Foundation for Karakoram Highway.

HISTORY

7. BHADRAKALI INSCRIPTION

Current Context: The Bhadrakali inscription confirms the historical development of the Somnath Temple.

ABOUT BHADRAKALI INSCRIPTION

• Location: Bhadrakali Temple wall, Prabhas Patan, Gujarat.
• Period: Carved in 1169 CE.
• Protection: State Department of Archaeology, Gujarat.
• Nature: Eulogistic inscription of Acharya Bhavabrihaspati.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Temple History: Records Somnath Temple across four yugas.
• Satya Yuga: Built by Chandra (Soma) in gold.
• Treta Yuga: Built by Ravana in silver.
• Dvapara Yuga: Built by Shri Krishna in wood.
• Kali Yuga: Stone temple by King Bhimdev Solanki.

INTERNATIONAL

8. YEMEN

Current Context: Southern Transitional Council announced a new Constitution for the “State of South Arabia”.

ABOUT YEMEN

• Location: South-western corner of the Arabian Peninsula.
• Borders: Saudi Arabia (north) and Oman (east).
• Capital:

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

• Coastline: Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea.
• Bab-el-Mandeb Strait: Key global maritime choke point.
• GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
• Highest Peak: Jabal an Nabi Shu’ayb (3,760 m).
• Desert: Rub’ al Khali.
• Water Bodies: No perennial rivers or lakes.

HIMACHAL NEWS

9. HATTI TRIBE

Current Context: Boda Tyohar, the biggest annual festival of the Hatti tribe, recently commenced in Himachal Pradesh.

ABOUT HATTI TRIBE

• Etymology: Name derived from traditional markets called Haat.
• Region: Himachal–Uttarakhand border along Giri and Tons rivers.
• Clans: Trans-Giri (Himachal Pradesh) and Jaunsar-Bawar (Uttarakhand).

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

• Marriage System: Jodidara (polyandry).
• Legal Status: Polyandry recognised under Himachal revenue laws.
• Council: Governed by traditional council called Khumbli.

ECONOMY AND STATUS

• Livelihood: Agriculture and cash crops.
• Population: Around 3 lakh.
• ST Status: Granted in Himachal Pradesh in 2023.
• Major Festival: Boda Tyohar (Magho ka Tyohar).

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