Sarnath
Why in news? Archaeological excavations and conservation efforts at Sarnath, near Varanasi, were recently in the news. It is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.
- Historical significance: Sarnath, or Isipatana, is home to the Dhamek Stupa and ruins of monasteries. It marks the site of the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.”
- Ashokan legacy: Emperor Ashoka built a pillar here with his edict. The lion capital from this pillar is the national emblem of India.
- Museum: The Archaeological Museum at Sarnath houses a rich collection of Buddhist art, including the famous “Dharma Chakra Pravartan” panel.
National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025
Why in news? The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released a draft National Policy on Geothermal Energy to harness India’s untapped geothermal resources.
- Goals: Identify and develop geothermal fields for power generation and direct heat use; encourage private sector participation through incentives.
- Key features: Zoning of geothermal sites (e.g., Puga in Ladakh, Cambay in Gujarat), single‑window clearances, fiscal concessions and research grants. The policy proposes pilot projects and aims for 500 MW capacity by 2030.
- Benefits: Geothermal energy provides baseload power with minimal carbon emissions. It can support district heating, agriculture and tourism in cold regions.
Denotified Tribes (DNTs)
Why in news? The government announced welfare schemes for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi‑Nomadic Tribes.
- Background: During British rule, certain tribes were notified under the Criminal Tribes Act 1871, branding them as criminals by birth. After independence, these tribes were “denotified” and the act was repealed in 1952, but stigma and marginalisation persist.
- Challenges: DNTs often lack permanent homes, access to education, healthcare and social security. Many are not included in Scheduled Tribe or Scheduled Caste lists, limiting their access to reservation benefits.
- Recent initiatives: The Development and Welfare Board for DNTs implements schemes such as education scholarships, housing and livelihood support. States are encouraged to include DNTs in state-specific reservation categories.
Colour Photos on EVM Ballot Units
Why in news? The Election Commission of India announced that Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot units will display colour photographs of candidates from 2026 onwards.
- Purpose: Colour photos help voters easily identify candidates, reducing confusion, especially for illiterate voters or those with visual impairments.
- Implementation: Photographs of candidates will appear alongside party symbols and names on the ballot unit. Political parties must submit high-resolution pictures during nomination.
- Significance: Enhances transparency and voter confidence in the EVM process. Follows recommendations from voter education initiatives.
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Why in news? Reports highlighted conservation successes and challenges in Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala.
- Location: Situated in the Western Ghats across Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, it comprises the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Periyar National Park.
- Landscape: Known for its dense evergreen forests, lakes and the Periyar River, the reserve supports tigers, elephants, gaur, sambar and the endangered lion-tailed macaque.
- Conservation efforts: Community-based eco‑tourism initiatives involve local tribes in protection. The reserve has successfully relocated villages to create inviolate core areas.
- Challenges: Human–wildlife conflict at the fringes, invasive species and illegal tourism infrastructure threaten the ecosystem.
Meta Display Smart Glasses
Why in news? A tech company showcased lightweight smart glasses with a high-resolution near-eye display.
- Features: The glasses use micro‑LED displays and waveguides to project images directly onto the wearer’s field of view. Built-in sensors support augmented reality applications.
- Applications: Navigation, language translation, hands‑free video calls and immersive learning. Potential uses in healthcare and industrial training.
- Challenges: Battery life, cost and privacy concerns remain barriers to widespread adoption.
