1. ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India secured its third Champions Trophy title, ending a 12-year wait, by defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

About ICC Champions Trophy:

The ICC Champions Trophy is a prestigious One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament featuring the world’s top eight teams. Initially introduced as the ICC Knockout in 1998 in Dhaka (Bangladesh), it was rebranded as the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002.

Held biennially until 2009, the tournament later shifted to a four-year cycle.

Tournament Format:

Since 2006, the format has remained consistent, with eight teams divided into two groups of four. Each team plays against every other team in its group, and the top two from each group qualify for the semi-finals, leading to the final match.

Key Change in Team Selection for 2025:

Previously, qualification was based on ODI rankings, but for the 2025 edition, teams secured their spots based on their standings in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The top eight teams from the 10-team points table, including host nation Pakistan, qualified.

Groups for 2025:

• Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand
• Group B: Australia, Afghanistan, England, South Africa

About the International Cricket Council (ICC):

The ICC is the global governing body for cricket, overseeing 108 member nations. It is responsible for organizing ICC events, enforcing regulations such as the ICC Code of Conduct, playing conditions, and the Decision Review System.

2. Kursk Region

Russian forces have launched a large-scale offensive to reclaim significant portions of the western Kursk region from Ukrainian control.

About Kursk Region:

Kursk is both a city and the administrative center of Kursk Oblast, situated along Russia’s southwestern border. Located approximately 450 km (280 miles) south of Moscow along the upper Seym River, it lies in the fertile Black Earth territory, renowned for its rich soil. The region experiences a moderately continental climate with distinct seasonal variations.

Historical Significance:

• First documented in 1032, Kursk is one of Russia’s oldest cities.
• Destroyed by the Tatars in 1240, it remained in ruins until 1586, when it was rebuilt as a military outpost.
• During World War II, it was the site of the Battle of Kursk (July–August 1943), the largest tank battle in history, resulting in a German defeat.

Modern Economy & Industry:

Kursk has a diverse industrial sector, including machine manufacturing, food processing, and the production of electronics and synthetic fibers.

Recent Developments:

Ukrainian forces unexpectedly seized control of the region in mid-2024. However, the situation has deteriorated rapidly, with Russia’s counteroffensive threatening Kyiv’s territorial leverage at a crucial stage of the war.

3. Tejas LCA Mk1A

The first rear fuselage for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, manufactured by Alpha Tocol Engineering Services Private Limited, was delivered to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

About Tejas LCA Mk1A:

Tejas LCA Mk1A is an advanced variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by HAL. It includes over 40 improvements over the Mk1 variant, significantly enhancing combat performance and operational efficiency.

Key advancements include:

• Advanced avionics with AESA radar systems such as the Israeli EL/M-2052 and the indigenous Uttam AESA Radar.
• Upgraded Digital Fly-by-Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for superior maneuverability.
• Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) and an externally mounted Advanced Self Protection Jammer pod for enhanced survivability.
• Nine hardpoints for carrying various armaments, including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, air-to-air and ground attack missiles, and Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAMs).

What is Tejas LCA?

Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL, Tejas is India’s indigenous fighter jet, commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in July 2016. It comprises three production variants:

• Tejas Mark 1
• Tejas Mark 1A
• Trainer variant

The Tejas program aims to replace aging fighter jets like the MiG series in the IAF.

4. Jalantheeswarar Temple

The historic Jalantheeswarar Temple in Thakkolam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu, a rich repository of Tamil history, especially from the Chola era, is in urgent need of restoration.

About Jalantheeswarar Temple:

• Location: Thakkolam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu
• Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Jalantheeswarar, represented by a sand lingam (prithvi lingam) known as Theenda Thirumeni
• Construction: Originally built by the Pallavas, later expanded by the Cholas, with the present masonry structure dating to the 16th-century Nayak period.

Architectural Features:

The temple complex spans 1.5 acres and includes a three-tiered gopuram (gateway tower) and concentric granite walls.

Religious Significance:

It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, temples revered in the Tevaram hymns of Tamil Saivite saints.

About Sambandar:

• Thirugnana Sambandar, a 7th-century Saiva poet-saint, composed 16,000 hymns, of which 383 (or 384) hymns with 4,181 stanzas survive today.

5. Madhav National Park

The Indian government has declared Madhav National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, as the country’s 58th tiger reserve.

About Madhav National Park:

• Location: Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh
• Geography: Situated on the northern fringe of the Central Highlands, part of the Upper Vindhyan Hills, comprising plateaus and valleys.
• Historical Background: Once a hunting ground for Mughal emperors and the Maharaja of Gwalior, it was declared a national park in 1958.

Flora & Fauna:

• Vegetation: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests and dry thorn forests characteristic of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.
• Wildlife: Home to Nilgai, Chinkara, Chowsinga, as well as Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Leopard, Wolf, Jackal, Wild Dog, Porcupine, and Python.
• Aquatic Life: The park features Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar lakes, supporting diverse aquatic biodiversity.

Recent Developments:

With its new designation, Madhav National Park has become India’s 58th tiger reserve and Madhya Pradesh’s 9th, home to five tigers, including two recently born cubs.

6. What is Preventive Detention?

The Supreme Court recently overturned a preventive detention order issued by Nagaland’s home department, stressing that authorities must exercise independent judgment in such cases.

Understanding Preventive Detention:

• Preventive detention refers to the confinement of an individual without a trial or conviction.
• Its primary purpose is not to punish past offenses but to prevent potential future offenses.
• Governments implement preventive detention laws to ensure public safety and maintain social order.

Constitutional Provisions and Safeguards:

• Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides protections for individuals who are arrested or detained.
• It consists of two parts:
  • The first part pertains to ordinary law, covering detentions related to criminal investigations.
  • The second part deals with preventive detention, where individuals can be held without trial.
• Article 22(4) stipulates that no preventive detention law can authorize detention beyond three months unless an Advisory Board finds sufficient cause for extension.
• The detainee has the right to be informed of the grounds for detention, though the state may withhold details in the public interest.
• Authorities must provide detainees with the earliest opportunity to challenge their detention.

Authority to Enact Preventive Detention Laws:

• Parliament holds exclusive power to legislate preventive detention laws related to defense, foreign affairs, or national security.
• Both Parliament and State Legislatures can pass laws on preventive detention concerning public order or essential supplies and services.

Key Preventive Detention Laws in India:

• National Security Act (NSA) of 1980
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967
• State-specific laws, including the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and Public Safety Acts (PSA)
• These laws allow detention for up to 12 months without formal charges or a trial.
• Detention orders are issued by designated authorities and periodically reviewed by an Advisory Board.

7. What is Shingles Disease?

A global survey found that 56.6% of Indian respondents aged 50 and above have little to no knowledge of shingles, despite over 90% of adults in this age group carrying the virus and being at risk of developing the disease.

Understanding Shingles:

• Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash or blisters on the skin.
• The rash typically appears as a band or cluster of blisters in a localized area but can occur anywhere on the body.
• The risk of shingles increases with age, particularly in individuals over 50.

Causes:

• Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
• After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reactivate later in life, leading to shingles.

Is Shingles Contagious?

• Shingles itself is not contagious, but the virus can spread to individuals who have never had chickenpox, causing them to develop chickenpox rather than shingles.

Symptoms:

• Pain, itching, tingling, and numbness
• Fever, headache, chills, and fatigue
• The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition that causes persistent pain even after the blisters heal.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Vaccine: Shingrix is available to help prevent shingles and its complications.
• Treatment: While there is no cure for shingles, antiviral medications can reduce its severity and duration, especially when taken early.

8. Key Facts About Vanuatu

Fugitive former IPL chief Lalit Modi recently surrendered his Indian passport in London after acquiring Vanuatu’s citizenship.

About Vanuatu:

• Location: An island nation in the South Pacific Ocean.
• Composition: An archipelago of 83 islands, of which 65 are inhabited.
• Geography: Spanning 650 km in a Y-shaped formation, located east of Australia and north of New Zealand.
• Capital: Port Vila, situated on Efate Island.
• Currency: Vatu.

Demographics:

• Population: 94% indigenous Melanesian.
• Languages: The national language is Bislama (a Creole language), while English and French are official languages.

Government:

• System: Parliamentary democracy.
• Independence: Achieved on July 30, 1980.

Economy:

• Key sectors: Agriculture, tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services.
• Special features: No income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or exchange control.
• Citizenship-by-investment: Vanuatu offers citizenship in exchange for financial contributions (~$150,000 USD).
• Visa-free travel: Vanuatu passport holders can enter 56 countries without a visa.

9. Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

India’s Union Minister for Women and Child Development is set to lead the country’s delegation at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

About CSW:

• CSW is a global intergovernmental body dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
• It is part of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and was established on June 21, 1946.
• The Commission documents women's rights issues worldwide and helps shape global gender equality policies.
• It also addresses urgent concerns, such as the impact of conflicts on women and girls.

Role in Gender Equality:

• In 1996, ECOSOC expanded CSW’s mandate, making it responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—the most comprehensive global framework for women’s rights.

Annual Sessions:

• Held for two weeks each year at the UN headquarters.
• Representatives from member states, civil society organizations, and UN bodies discuss progress, challenges, and emerging gender-related issues.
• Outcomes and recommendations are submitted to ECOSOC for further action.

10. Who are the Koch-Rajbongshis?

Ahead of the Home Minister’s visit to Assam, the Koch-Rajbongshis have renewed their demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

About the Koch-Rajbongshis:

• The Koch Rajbongshis are an ancient community linked to the Koch Kingdom.
• The term "Rajbongshi" means "royal community."
• They are indigenous to South Asia, with populations in Assam, Northern Bengal, Bihar, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
• Historically, they were part of the Kamata Kingdom, ruled by the Koch dynasty for centuries.

Classification:

• Designated as OBC in Assam, SC in Bengal, and ST in Meghalaya.

Language:

• The Rajbongshi/Rajbanshi language has a well-developed grammar and is spoken by over 10 million people (2001 Census).

Religious & Cultural Aspects:

• Primarily Hindu, with their own deities and rituals.
• Some sections converted to Islam, Christianity, or Buddhism over time.
• Their livelihood is primarily based on agriculture and farming, maintaining a deep connection with nature.