quizinfopedia.com IAS info Prelims Mantra – (11/12/2025)

Prelims Mantra – (11/12/2025)

December 13, 2025December 13, 2025| Ai generated article, credit to orginal websiteAi generated article, credit to orginal website| 0 Comment| 5:22 am
Categories:

Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment

Vulnerability Of Coastal Region to Flood and Sea Level Rise:

    • CVI Mapping: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has developed a Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) for the Indian coastline, using parameters like shoreline change, sea-level change rate, coastal elevation and geomorphology, tidal range and wave height to assess potential risks from sea-level rise and coastal hazards.
    • Atlas & Hazard Mapping: An atlas with 156 maps at 1:1 lakh scale was released (2012), and further multi-hazard vulnerability maps at finer scale (1:25,000) identify potential inundation zones using data on extreme water levels, high-resolution topography and erosion patterns.
    • Shoreline change assessment: National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) has assessed shoreline changes and coastal erosion since 1990; the National Assessment of Shoreline Changes along Indian Coast report (2018) was shared with agencies for implementing protection measures.
    • Coastal protection & policy framework:
      • MoEFCC, with Survey of India, has delineated a hazard line to indicate shoreline change and sea-level rise risks, integrated into Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) for disaster management planning.
      • The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 aims to conserve coastal stretches and marine areas, ensure livelihood security, and guide allowable activities in coastal zones.
    • Institutional mechanism: The Coastal Protection and Development Advisory Committee (CPDAC), an inter-ministerial body, facilitates coordination between central agencies, coastal engineering experts, and maritime States/UTs to address erosion and vulnerability challenges.

 

(PIB)

Western tragopan:

    • Scientific name: Tragopan melanocephalus
    • IUCN Status:
    • CITES: Appendix I; CMS: Appendix I.
    • Habitat: Temperate and sub-alpine forests of the Western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand.
    • India-specific stronghold: Himachal Pradesh (Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur).
    • State Bird: Himachal Pradesh.
    • Altitude range: 2,400–3,600 m.
    • Threats: Habitat loss, forest fires, grazing pressure, hunting, fragmentation.
    • Conservation efforts:
      • Sarahan Pheasantry (breeding programme).
      • Protected areas: Great Himalayan NP, Kishtwar NP, Askot WLS.
      • Community-based conservation in HP.

 

(TH)

History, Art & Culture

Diwali (Deepavali) Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage:

    • UNESCO recognition: Deepavali (Diwali), the Indian festival of lights, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity in December 2025 during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee held at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
    • India’s heritage count: With this addition, India now has 16 elements on the UNESCO ICH list, joining traditions like Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Yoga, Ramlila and Garba dance.
    • Cultural significance: Diwali’s inscription recognizes its deep cultural roots, community-based practices (lighting lamps, rangoli, rituals, crafts), social cohesion, and role in sustaining traditional livelihoods.
    • Inclusive nomination process: The nomination dossier was prepared with nationwide consultations, involving diverse communities including artisans, diasporas and tradition bearers, highlighting its inclusive and living heritage.
    • UNESCO’S intent: The ICH list archives living cultural traditions that are community-rooted and passed across generations and aims to safeguard such practices and promote global visibility.
    • Significance:
      • Enhances India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power at a global forum.
      • Promotes cultural preservation, tourism, and awareness of India’s intangible heritage.
      • Reinforces social values (unity, renewal, social bonds) through recognition of traditional festivals that connect communities globally.

 

(TH+PIB+IE)

Government Schemes

INSPIRE SCHEME:

    • Purpose: Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to attract meritorious youth to basic and natural sciences and encourage them to pursue research careers in science and technology.
    • Objectives:
      • Promote creative thinking and innovation at a young age.
      • Expand the country’s R&D base and improve participation in science disciplines across all States/UTs.
    • Components:
      • INSPIRE MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge): Targets students (Class VI–XII) with original ideas; schools nominate up to 5 students each year for financial support to develop projects and participate in competitions.
      • INSPIRE Internship: Offers exposure to top students (top 1% at Class X level) through science camps and interaction with scientists, nurturing interest in scientific inquiry.
      • Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE): Provides scholarships (~₹0.80 lakh per year) and mentoring for talented youth pursuing Bachelor/Master programs in natural and basic sciences.
      • INSPIRE Fellowship: Supports PhD research for high-achieving graduates (with competitive stipends, mentorship, and contingency grants).
      • INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship: Offers opportunities to post-doctoral researchers (age 27–32; relaxations for certain categories) with competitive fellowships and research grants.
    • Implementation & Features:
      • Open to schools (Government and private) with classes VI–XII across India.
      • Financial assistance is provided through Direct Benefit Transfer.
      • The scheme encourages mentorship, incubation, prototyping, and industry linkages for promising innovations.

 

(PIB)

Miscellaneous

Nnena Kalu, the first artist with learning disability to win Turner Prize:

    • Nnena Kalu, a 59-year-old Scottish artist with a learning disability (autism and limited verbal communication), has won the 2025 Turner Prize, one of the UK’s most prestigious contemporary art awards.
    • First of Its Kind: She is the first artist with a learning disability to win the prize, marking a milestone for inclusivity in the art world and challenging conventional norms of artistic recognition.
    • Art & Style: Kalu’s work includes bold, abstract sculptures, often suspended cocoon-like forms made by twisting/wrapping recycled materials and large rhythmic drawings, noted for their powerful presence and expressive gesture.
    • Recognition & Ceremony: The prize carries a £25,000 award and was presented at a ceremony in Bradford (UK City of Culture 2025); other nominees included Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami, and Zadie Xa.
    • Significance: Kalu’s victory is widely seen as breaking barriers for neurodiverse and differently abled artists, broadening definitions of creativity and artistic contribution in contemporary art discourse.

 

(IE)

Spread the Word



The post Prelims Mantra – (11/12/2025) appeared first on Lukmaan IAS.

Related Post