Prelims Current Affairs includes Veer Savarkar Death Anniversary, Sujvika Portal, Ligo India Project, Exercise Dharma Guardian, Kenya, Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) & Article 3 Of The Constitution

HISTORY

1.VEER SAVARKAR DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Current Context: Veer Savarkar’s death anniversary is observed every year on 26 February to remember his contributions to India’s freedom movement and nationalist thought.

ABOUT VEER SAVARKAR

• Full Name: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
• Death Date: 26 February 1966
• Role: Freedom fighter, revolutionary, writer, political thinker
• Historical Note: In February 1966, he voluntarily renounced food, water, and medicines, describing it as ‘Atmaarpan’
• Contributions: Associated with revolutionary activities, social reforms, and political writings

E-GOVERNANCE

2. SUJVIKA PORTAL

Current Context: The Union Minister of Science and Technology launched the SUJVIKA Portal during the Foundation Day celebrations of the Department of Biotechnology.

ABOUT SUJVIKA PORTAL

• Nature: Artificial Intelligence-driven Biotech Product Data Portal
• Developed By: Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with industry partners
• Purpose: Provides authenticated data on biotechnology product imports
• Platform Role: Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence System

KEY FEATURES

• Data Coverage: Offers structured information on biotechnology imports such as biochemical products and industrial enzymes
• Utility: Helps researchers, startups, and industries identify high-value and high-volume imports
• Policy Support: Assists in assessing import dependency and promoting domestic research and manufacturing

ABOUT DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY (DBT)

• Established: 1986
• Ministry: Ministry of Science and Technology
• Role: Nodal agency for promoting biotechnology research and applications in India
• Core Functions: Supports research, innovation, and industrial applications in life sciences
• Focus Areas: Advanced biofuels, waste-to-energy technologies, and biotechnology development.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

3. LIGO INDIA PROJECT

Current Context: Larsen and Toubro secured a contract from the Department of Atomic Energy to construct the LIGO India Observatory in Maharashtra.

ABOUT LIGO

• Full Form: Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
• Objective: Detect gravitational waves generated by cosmic events
• Scientific Basis: Predicted by Albert Einstein in the General Theory of Relativity
• Working Principle: Laser interferometry to measure minute distortions in space-time

LIGO INDIA

• Approved By: Government of India in 2016
• Implementing Agencies: Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Science and Technology
• Location: Aundha, Hingoli district, Maharashtra
• Global Linkage: Part of international gravitational wave detection network
• Significance: Enhances India’s capability in astrophysics, precision engineering, and advanced scientific research.

DEFENCE

4. EXERCISE DHARMA GUARDIAN

Current Context: The India–Japan joint military exercise Dharma Guardian commenced at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand.

ABOUT EXERCISE DHARMA GUARDIAN

• Participants: Indian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
• Nature: Annual joint military exercise
• Edition: Seventh edition
• Objective: Strengthen military cooperation and interoperability

PLACE IN NEWS

5. KENYA

Current Context: India and Kenya held a Joint Working Group meeting to enhance cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.

ABOUT KENYA

• Location: Eastern Africa
• Capital: Nairobi
• Ocean Boundary: Indian Ocean
• Geographical Feature: Almost bisected by the Equator
• Major Landmarks: Lake Victoria, Mount Kenya
• Global Significance: Nairobi hosts headquarters of United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Human Settlements Programme.

HEALTH & DISEASE

6. HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV)

Current Context: The Government plans to strengthen Human Papillomavirus vaccination efforts to reduce cervical cancer incidence.

ABOUT HPV

• Nature: Viral infection; one of the most common sexually transmitted infections
• Health Impact: Responsible for majority of cervical cancer cases
• Transmission: Spread through skin-to-skin contact
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic; some strains cause warts or cancer

HPV VACCINATION

• Purpose: Prevent HPV-related cancers
• Recommended Age Group: Most effective when administered during adolescence
• Special Note: Not recommended during pregnancy
• Significance: Major public health tool for cancer prevention

POLITY

7. ARTICLE 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION

Current Context: The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam under constitutional provisions.

ABOUT ARTICLE 3

• Power: Empowers Parliament to form new States and alter boundaries or names
• President’s Role: Prior recommendation required before introduction of Bill
• State Legislature Role: Opinion sought but not binding
• Voting Requirement: Simple Majority in Parliament
• Significance: Key provision for reorganisation of States in India

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