• 14 Feb 2025

Trash Skimmer Machine

Why in News?  

To realise the dream of a clean India and to keep the Triveni Sangam clean and pure , trash skimmer machines have been installed in Prayagraj , which are removing 10 to 15 tonnes of garbage from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers every day. 

Key Points  

• Trash skimmer machines have been installed in 2021 before the Maha Kumbh to keep the Triveni Sangam clean and pure. 
• Trash Skimmer Machine: 
  • It is a machine that collects floating debris from the surface of water. 
  • This machine picks up all the items like flowers, leaves, floating garbage, plastic, bottles etc. from the river in various ways and brings them to the shore, which are later disposed of in proper ways. 
  • This machine is used to clean rivers, ports and seas . 
  • It also helps in removing aquatic weeds (water hyacinth). 

Water Hyacinth 

 

• Water hyacinth, scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), is an aquatic weed common in waterbodies across South Asia, including India. 
• This is not an indigenous species but was introduced to India during the British colonial rule as an ornamental aquatic plant from South America. 
• The plant produces beautiful purple flowers that have high aesthetic value. 

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 

• The Government of India laid the foundation of the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2 October 2014 (Gandhi Jayanti) . This mission covers all rural and urban areas. 
• The urban component of this mission is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the rural component is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. 

Indian Art History Congress

Why in News? 

The 32^nd Indian Art History Congress was held  from 8 to 10 February 2025 at Indian Institute of Heritage, Noida . 

Key Points  

•  About the Conference: 
  • The theme of the conference was “Rendering Indian Epics in Art and Culture”. 
  • It aimed to highlight the diverse forms of artistic expressions based on the epics. 
    • The Mahabharata and Ramayana, with their teachings on duty, righteousness, and justice, have shaped the way of life for many.  
    • Their ideals resonate across cultures, both in India and beyond. 
  • It was organised by Indian Heritage Institute, Noida under the Ministry of Culture
• Importance: 
  • The conference highlighted the varied forms of artistic expressions based on the epics through oral, textual and visual media . 
  • Discussion on the influence of epics and their various artistic forms from ancient to contemporary times. 
  • To promote interest in Indian art and to work for its preservation and protection. 
  • To make efforts to protect the tangible and intangible cultural heritage . 

 Indian Art History Congress (IAHC) 

• It is an all-India institution that studies Indian art heritage. 
• It aims to encourage in-depth research and discussion on various aspects of Indian art history and culture. 
• This organization works for the preservation of Indian cultural heritage, tangible and intangible art forms. 
• It provides a platform for experienced and young scholars to exchange their art related research and ideas. 
• Its headquarters is located in Guwahati.
  

Exercise Cyclone- III

Why in News? 

Recently, the Joint Special Forces Exercise " Cyclone-III" between India and Egypt began from 10 February 2025 at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.  

Key Points 

• About the Cyclone-III: 
  • It is an annual exercise, held alternately in both countries . 
  • Its last edition was held in Ansas, Egypt in January 2024 . 
  • The Indian team will have 25 soldiers, who will be represented by soldiers of two special forces battalions.  
  • The Egyptian team will also have 25 soldiers, who will be represented by soldiers of Egypt's Special Forces Group and Task Force. 
• Objectives: 
  • To strengthen military ties between the two countries . 
  • Paying special attention to physical fitness, joint planning and tactical exercises. 
  • To rehearse and validate tactical exercises for counter-terrorism operations in desert and semi-desert areas . 
    • It will also include a demonstration of indigenous military equipment by Egypt and an inspection of the defence manufacturing industry . 

Egypt 

 

• About: 
  • Egypt is a transcontinental country in northeastern Africa and the Sinai Peninsula in Western Asia (Middle East). 
  • Cairo is the capital of Egypt. 
  • Boundaries: 
    • North: Borders the Mediterranean Sea. 
    • East: Bordered by the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea. 
    • West: Shares a land border with Libya. 
    • Northeast: Borders the Gaza Strip (Palestinian territory) and Israel. 
    • South: Shares a border with Sudan. 
  • Maritime Borders: 
    • Mediterranean Sea: Shares maritime borders with Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece. 
    • Red Sea: Shares maritime borders with Jordan and Saudi Arabia. 
  • Egypt gained modern independence in 1922. 
  • The official language is Modern Standard Arabic. 
  • The commonly spoken dialect is Egyptian Arabic (Masri). 
  • Islam is the dominant religion, with 85-90% of the population being Sunni Muslim. 
  • Major River: 
    • The River Nile is the only year-round flowing river in Egypt. 
    • Around 98% of the population lives in the Nile River Valley. 

New Policies Approved by Madhya Pradesh

Why in News? 

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved more than 10 policies related to various industrial sectors in the cabinet meeting held in Bhopal.  

Key Points  

• Key Policies:  
  • The state government has approved several policies to bring investment and increase employment opportunities in the state ahead of the hosting of the  new Global Investors Summit (GIS). 
  • The cabinet approved the Industrial Promotion Policy-2025 to make the state developed and prosperous .  
  • Under this, 10 sector specific policies have been approved: 
    • Agriculture, Dairy and Food Processing Policy 
    • Textile Policy 
    • Apparel, Footwear, Toys, and Accessories Policy 
    • Aerospace and Defence Production Promotion Policy 
    • Pharmaceuticals Policy 
    • Biotechnology Policy 
    • Medical Device Policy 
    • EV Manufacturing Policy 
    • Renewable Energy Equipment Manufacturing Policy 
    • High Value-Add Manufacturer Policy 

• Objectives of Industrial Promotion Policy-2025 :  
  • Promote industrial development across the state. 
  • Raise the sector's share in GDP from Rs 2.9 lakh crore (2023-24) to Rs 6 lakh crore by 2030. 
  • Build a strong industrial ecosystem to attract investors. 
  • Promote environmentally sustainable and regionally balanced industrial development. 
  • Generate 20 lakh new jobs in the next five years, focusing on employment-intensive sectors. 
  • Streamline investor facilitation and simplify business processes. 
  • Investment-Based Incentives: 
    • Industries investing Rs 50 to Rs 150 crore will receive up to 40% incentives. 
    • Investments up to Rs 200 crore will receive 32% incentives along with additional concessions. 
  • Electricity Discounts: 
    • Investors will benefit from special discounts on electricity. 
  • Financial Support for Management & Infrastructure: 
    • Rs 10 crore will be provided for management support. 
    • Rs 5 crore will be allocated for infrastructure development.

Dokra Artwork

Why in News? 

Recently, the Indian Prime Minister gifted French President Emmanuel Macron a meticulously crafted Dokra artwork of musicians adorned with studded stonework, showcasing India’s rich tribal artistry.  

• He also presented France’s First Lady with an exquisite silver hand-engraved table mirror featuring floral and peacock motifs. 

 

Key Points 

• About Dokra: 
  • Dokra, a centuries-old metal-casting craft from Chhattisgarh, uses the lost-wax technique to create intricate brass and copper sculptures. 
  • The gifted piece portrays traditional musicians in dynamic poses, highlighting the deep cultural significance of music in tribal life. 
  • Lapis lazuli and coral accents enhance the artwork’s visual appeal, showcasing India’s rich indigenous craftsmanship. 
• Silver Table Mirror:  
  • The silver table mirror features detailed floral and peacock engravings, representing India’s legacy of fine metalwork. 
  • Its intricate design merges artistic elegance with cultural symbolism, making it a treasured keepsake. 

 Dokra 

 

• Dokra is a form of ancient bell metal craft practiced by the Ojha metalsmiths living in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana. 
• However, the style and also the workmanship of this artisan community varies in different states. 
• Dhokra or Dokra, is also known as bell metal craft. 
• The name ‘Dhokra’ comes from the Dhokra Damar tribes, who are the traditional metal smiths of West Bengal. 
  • Their technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe, hence Dhokra metal casting. 
  • The Dokra artifacts are made in brass and are unique in that the pieces do not have any joints.  
    • The method is combining metallurgical skills with wax techniques employing the lost wax technique, a unique form where mould is used only once and broken, making this art the only one-of-its-kind in the world. 
  • The tribe extends from Jharkhand to Orissa to as far ahead to Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and even Kerala. 
• Each figurine takes about a month to make. 
• The dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro (Harrapan Civilization) is one of the earliest dhokra artefacts that is now known. 
• Dokra Art is still used to craft artefacts, accessories, utensils and jewellery. 

Central Mosque Closed on Shab-e-Baraat

Why in News? 

Authorities closed Srinagar’s central mosque, Jama Masjid, to prevent nightlong prayers on Shab-e-Baraat. 

 Key Points 

• Chief Cleric Under House Arrest: 
  • It is alleged that the authorities placed Kashmir’s chief cleric under house arrest, preventing him from carrying out his religious duties. 
• Criticism of the Decision: 
  • The decision was criticized, stating that repeated restrictions on religious gatherings hurt public sentiments and infringe upon fundamental religious rights. 
    • It lamented that worshippers frequently find the grand mosque forcibly closed during significant religious occasions. 
  • Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister termed the sealing of Jama Masjid on Shab-e-Baraat as unfortunate.  
    • He argued that the decision reflected a lack of confidence in both the people and law enforcement, asserting that Srinagar’s residents deserved better. 

 Shab-e-Barat 

• It is also known as the ‘Night of Emancipation’ and is observed on the night falling between the 14^th and 15^th day of the month of Shaban.  
• The destiny of every person is determined on this night.  
• Imam Muhammad Al-Mahdi, the twelfth imam is credited with ridding the world from oppression and injustice. 

Homage to Heroes of Pulwama Attack

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister paid homage to the courageous heroes of Pulwama terror attack of 2019. 

 Key Points 

• Pulwama Terror Attack: 
  • A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy of 78 vehicles, carrying over 2,500 jawans, was targeted in a deadly attack. 
  • The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack. 
    • A lone JeM suicide bomber carried out the attack by ramming a car loaded with approximately 350 kg of explosives into a CRPF bus. 
  • JeM’s Involvement in Past Attacks: 
    • JeM has been linked to several major attacks, including: 
      • The 2001 Indian Parliament attack. 
      • The 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, which killed seven security personnel. 
      • The 2016 Uri attack, which resulted in the deaths of 20 soldiers. 

 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 

• About: 
  • The CRPF was initially established as the Crown Representatives Police in 1939 in response to political turmoil and unrest within the princely states. 
  • The force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force in 1949. 
  • Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the then Home Minister, envisioned a multifaceted role for the CRPF, aligning its functions with the evolving needs of a newly independent nation. 
• Achievements and Contributions: 
  • The force has thwarted attacks on important national landmarks, controlled militancy in Punjab and insurgency in Tripura, and made significant contributions to eradicating Naxalism. 
• Honouring the Bravehearts: 
  • The CRPF has paid a heavy price, with 2,255 of its soldiers making the supreme sacrifice and being honoured with decorations, including the George Cross, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, etc. 

Waste Crisis in Gurugram

Why in News? 

A 2024 survey by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) identified around 100 illegal dumping spots in the city, with the Aravallis along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road among the worst affected.  

• Despite declaring a waste crisis in 2024, authorities have failed to appoint a dedicated waste collection agency since 2021.  

 Key Points 

• About the Issue: 
  • Despite being discussed during Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, the issue of illegal dumping failed to gain significant attention. 
  • With conditions worsening, residents are now demanding clear solutions from leaders. 
  • Environmentalists criticized the lack of action, stating that Gurugram has turned into a massive concrete dumpyard. 
  • Unchecked debris dumping is clogging green belts, empty spaces, and roads, leading to severe waterlogging. 

 Aravali Mountain Range 

 

• The Aravallis, is the oldest fold mountains on Earth. Geological studies indicate that it is three billion years old. 
• It spans over 800 km from Gujarat to Delhi (through Rajasthan and Haryana). 
• The highest peak in the Aravalli Range is Guru Peak on Mount Abu. 
• Influences Climate: 
  • The Aravallis have an impact upon the climate of northwest India and beyond. 
  • During monsoons, the mountain range gently guides the monsoon clouds eastwards towards Shimla and Nainital, thus helping nurture the sub-Himalayan rivers and feeding the north Indian plains. 
  • During the winter months, it shields the fertile alluvial river valleys of the Indus and Ganga from the harsh cold westerly winds blowing in from Central Asia.