Prelims Current Affairs includes World Day of the Handicapped / International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Khiamniungan Tribe, Darjeeling Mandarin Orange (GI Tag), Sariska Tiger Reserve, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Ananth Centre of Excellence for Navigation (ACEN), Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative, Ramban Sulai Honey (GI Tag) & Honey Mission, 36th Konark & 15th International Sand Art Festivals.

IMPORTANT DAYS

1. WORLD DAY OF THE HANDICAPPED / INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Observed every year on 3 December
Objective: To raise awareness about the rights, participation and dignity of persons with disabilities.

GEOGRAPHY

2. KHIAMNIUNGAN TRIBE

Current Context: The Prime Minister recently mentioned the Khiamniungan tribe in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, highlighting their culture and traditions.

ABOUT KHIAMNIUNGAN TRIBE

Location: Found in eastern Nagaland (India) and north-western Myanmar.
Meaning: “Khiamniungan” means source of great water or river.
Language: Khiamniungan — a Naga language of the Sino-Tibetan family.
Social System: Traditionally organised by clans.
Economy: Farming is main livelihood; jhum (shifting) cultivation common.
Cultural Practices: Known for cliff-honey hunting & festivals such as Tsokum Sumai (Sept–Oct) and Khaotzao Sey Hok-ah Sumai (harvest end).

ENVIRONMENT

3. SARISKA TIGER RESERVE

Current Context: Sariska Tiger Reserve administration is using drones & new technologies to monitor its growing tiger population.

ABOUT SARISKA TIGER RESERVE

Location: Alwar district, Rajasthan (Aravalli belt).
Area: ~881 sq km
History: Former royal hunting ground; declared National Park (1979) & Project Tiger reserve; famous for tiger re-introduction after local extinction.
Topography: Rocky terrain; dry deciduous & thorn forests dominated by dhok.
Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, sambar, chital, nilgai, barking deer, four-horned antelope etc.
Tourism: Contains Bhangarh Fort, Siliserh Lake, temples.

ORGANISATION

4. INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU)

Current Context: WTDC-25 (World Telecommunication Development Conference) of ITU concluded in Baku, focusing on global digital development.

ABOUT ITU

Nature: UN specialised agency for information & communication technologies.
Members: 194 member states + 1,000+ sector members (companies, universities etc.).
Origin: Established 1865 as International Telegraph Union; now sets global telecom rules.
Roles: Allocates radio frequencies & satellite slots; sets global technical standards.
HQ: Geneva.

5. ANANTH CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR NAVIGATION (ACEN)

Current Context: ISRO inaugurated ACEN in Thiruvananthapuram — India’s first private navigation innovation hub.

ABOUT ACEN & ANANTH TECHNOLOGIES

Purpose: Build indigenous high-precision navigation systems; reduce dependence on foreign GPS for critical missions.
Strategic Role: Supports missiles, aircraft, ships, satellites & precision systems.
Ananth Technologies: Founded 1992; supports ISRO & DRDO with sensors, integration & airworthiness.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

6. TRADE ENABLEMENT AND MARKETING (TEAM) INITIATIVE

Current Context: Government launched TEAM Initiative under RAMP to expand MSME access to e-commerce & digital markets (2024–27).

ABOUT TEAM INITIATIVE

Central Sector sub-scheme under RAMP; outlay ₹277.35 crore.
Aim: Help MSMEs join digital commerce ecosystem.
ONDC Linkage: Integrates MSMEs for storefronts, payments & logistics.
Features:
1. TEAM portal for registration
2. Product cataloguing
3. Order management
4. Seller onboarding support

CULTURE

7. 36TH KONARK & 15TH INTERNATIONAL SAND ART FESTIVALS (ODISHA)

Current Context: Odisha inaugurated these annual festivals celebrating classical arts & sand sculpture.

ABOUT THE FESTIVALS

Organisers: State Tourism Dept., Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, OTDC.
Konark Festival: Showcases Odissi & other classical forms near Sun Temple.
Sand Art Festival: Held at Chandrabhaga Beach; features international sculptors.
Opening: Included thematic Odissi recitals celebrating Indian culture.

MISC

8. DARJEELING MANDARIN ORANGE (GI TAG)

Current Context: Darjeeling Mandarin Orange has been granted a GI Tag, recognising its unique quality and origin.

ABOUT DARJEELING MANDARIN ORANGE

Region: Grown in Darjeeling hills, West Bengal.
Local Name: “Suntala” — prized for aroma & flavour.
Cultivation Zone: 600–1500 m elevation; frost-free, subtropical climate.
Climate & Soil:
1. Rainfall: 100–120 cm
2. Temperature: 10–35°C
3. Soil: Medium/light loamy  
GI Tag: Valid for 10 years; boosts product identity & geographical reputation.

9. RAMBAN SULAI HONEY (GI TAG) & HONEY MISSION

Current Context: Ramban Sulai Honey from Jammu & Kashmir received GI Tag amidst rising honey production.

ABOUT HONEY SECTOR & RAMBAN SULAI

Production Growth: 76,000 MT → 150,000 MT in 11 years.
Ramban Sulai Honey: Wild-basil honey; GI granted for unique origin.
Support: KVIC’s Honey Mission — 2.25+ lakh bee boxes supplied.
Impact: Boosts rural incomes & strengthens apiculture chains.

Download Pdf | Study Material | Downloads | Daily Quiz  | FREE Youtube Videos