1. Sangama Dynasty

A set of rare copper plates from the early 15th century, dating back to the reign of Devaraya I of the Sangama Dynasty, has been discovered in Bengaluru. This unveiling was made by Falcon Coins Gallery in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

About the Copper Plates

• Inscribed in Sanskrit and Kannada using Nāgarī script, these plates were issued during the coronation of King Devaraya I.

• A unique aspect of the seal is the depiction of Vamana instead of the usual Varaha, the traditional insignia of the Vijayanagara Empire.

• The plates are dated to Saka 1328 (1406 CE), confirming Devaraya I’s coronation.

• They document the genealogy of the Sangama Dynasty, tracing its lineage from Chandra, Yadu, and Sangama to rulers such as Harihara, Kampa, Bukka, Mãrapa, and Muddapa.

About the Sangama Dynasty

• The Sangama Dynasty was the founding dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, ruling from 1336 to 1485 AD.

• Established by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, it laid the foundation for one of South India's most powerful empires.

• Its rulers strengthened governance, military power, and territorial expansion, turning Vijayanagara into a dominant political and cultural hub.

2. Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)

The Supreme Court of India has directed Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra to approach the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regarding transparency concerns in Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).

About Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)

• FPI refers to foreign investments in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and other securities without acquiring control over a business.

• It differs from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which involves ownership or control.

Key Characteristics of FPI

• Passive investment: Investors do not engage in management.

• Short-term focus: Primarily seeks capital appreciation.

• Boosts market liquidity: Contributes to efficient financial markets.

• Highly volatile: Sensitive to economic and political conditions.

FPI Regulations in India

• A foreign investor can hold up to 10% of an Indian company’s paid-up capital under FPI.

• Holdings exceeding 10% are reclassified as FDI.

• SEBI regulates FPIs to ensure compliance with financial laws.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) vs. FPIs

• FIIs are a subset of FPIs, including large investment entities such as:

  • Mutual Funds

  • Pension Funds

  • Insurance Companies

  • Hedge Funds

• While all FIIs are FPIs, not all FPIs qualify as FIIs.

About Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

• AIFs are privately pooled investment funds that include domestic and foreign investors.

• They are regulated under SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.

Categories of AIFs

1. Category I AIFs – Invest in priority sectors (venture capital, social venture, SME, and infrastructure funds).

2. Category II AIFs – Include real estate, private equity, debt, and distressed asset funds.

3. Category III AIFs – Engage in high-risk investments like hedge funds and Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE) funds.

3. Chile

India and Chile have begun discussions on a comprehensive trade agreement aimed at strengthening economic cooperation.

Key Facts about Chile

• A narrow South American nation with an average width of 110 miles (~178 km).

• Borders:

  • North – Peru

  • Northeast – Bolivia

  • East – Argentina

  • West – Pacific Ocean

• Additional territories: Includes Easter Island, the Juan Fernández Archipelago, and other Pacific islands.

Physical Features

• Dominated by the Andes Mountains, the world's longest mountain range.

• Home to the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert.

• Highest peak: Ojos del Salado (6,893 m), an active stratovolcano.

• Prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Economic Importance

• Copper mining: The world’s largest producer, crucial for electronics, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.

• Lithium reserves: Part of the “Lithium Triangle” with Argentina and Bolivia, essential for battery production.

Political and Cultural Aspects

• Capital: Santiago

• Language: Spanish

• Government: Unitary Presidential Republic

• Cultural Influence: A blend of European and Indigenous traditions, with Spanish colonial roots.

• Chile is regarded as the "Gateway to Antarctica" due to its proximity to the continent.

• India and Chile have signed a Letter of Intent for Antarctic research collaboration, aligning with India’s polar research initiatives.

4. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

The CAG report on "Prevention and Mitigation of Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi" highlights concerns regarding air quality monitoring, vehicular emissions, and government accountability.

About the CAG

• Head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA-AD).

• Audits government expenditures to ensure financial accountability.

• Established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.

• A key pillar of Indian democracy, alongside the Supreme Court, Election Commission, and UPSC.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 148: Defines CAG’s appointment and tenure.

• Article 149: Outlines auditing duties.

• Article 150: Specifies government accounting standards.

• Article 151: Mandates CAG audit reports be submitted to Parliament.

Independence and Powers

• Appointment: By the President of India.

• Term: Six years or until 65 years of age.

• Removal: Requires a special parliamentary resolution.

• Responsibilities: Audits government expenditures, certifies tax revenues, and ensures financial compliance.

• Unlike the UK CAG, India’s CAG does not control fund disbursement but serves solely as an auditor.

International Audit Roles

• IAEA (2022-2027): Audits nuclear safety.

• FAO (2020-2025): Oversees global food security audits.

5. INSV Tarini

The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, marking the final international stop of its global circumnavigation expedition, Navika Sagar Parikrama II.

About INSV Tarini

• Commissioned: February 2017.

• Built by: Aquarius Shipyard Ltd., Goa, under the Make in India initiative.

• Features: Raymarine navigation suite, satellite communication, and emergency steering mechanisms.

• Name Origin: Inspired by the Tara-Tarini hill shrine in Odisha, associated with maritime safety.

About Navika Sagar Parikrama II

• Flagged off: October 2, 2024, from Goa by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.

• Distance: 23,400 nautical miles (~43,300 km) over eight months.

• Route:

  • Fremantle, Australia

  • Lyttelton, New Zealand

  • Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (UK)

  • Cape Town, South Africa (Final Stop)

• Expected completion: May 2025, with return to Goa.

6. Naini Lake

Naini Lake, a major tourist attraction in Nainital, has recently recorded a water level of 4.7 feet, marking its lowest level in five years.

About Naini Lake:

• It is a natural freshwater lake of tectonic origin, situated in the heart of Nainital, Uttarakhand.

• The lake was discovered by the British in the early 1800s and is also referenced in the Skanda Purana as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar.

• Shaped like a crescent (or kidney), it has an outlet at its southeastern end.

• The lake spans approximately 2 miles in perimeter, with depths ranging from 6m to 28m.

• It is one of the four prominent lakes in the Kumaon region, alongside Sattal, Bhimtal, and Naukuchiatal.

• The main water source is the Balia Nala stream, supplemented by 26 major drains, including three perennial ones.

• The lake's northern end is called Mallital, while the southern end, Tallital, features a bridge housing a post office and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

• Notably, this is the only post office in the world situated on a lake bridge.

7. Vibe Coding

The term "Vibe Coding" has recently gained traction in Silicon Valley after being introduced by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy.

About Vibe Coding:

• It refers to the practice of using generative AI to not just assist in coding but to generate entire applications from natural language prompts.

• The concept enables users to communicate with AI models, like ChatGPT, to develop apps without manually writing code.

• The term was coined by Andrej Karpathy, a leading AI expert and former head of AI at Tesla.

• Vibe coding allows individuals with ideas for applications and services to create them without needing extensive programming knowledge.

• However, it raises security concerns, as AI-generated code may lack efficiency, security robustness, or optimization for real-world applications.

• Unlike human coders who structure and refine code with a strategic approach, AI-generated code might be inefficient, costly to maintain, or vulnerable to security risks.

8. 9K33 Osa-AK Missile System

The Indian Army’s Air Defence personnel from the White Tiger Division recently showcased their combat readiness and technical expertise during a live-fire exercise using the 9K33 Osa-AK missile system.

About 9K33 Osa-AK Missile System:

• A highly mobile, short-range, low-altitude surface-to-air defense system developed by Russia.

• Originally designed in the 1960s and deployed by the Soviet Union in 1972, it remains operational in multiple military forces, including the Indian Army.

• Known as "SA-8 Gecko" in NATO terminology.

Key Features:

• Measures approximately 9.1m in length, 2.78m in width, and weighs around 18 tonnes.

• The system integrates a transporter-erector-launcher and radar (TELAR) for autonomous target detection, tracking, and engagement.

• It carries six ready-to-launch missiles and can engage targets within a 12km range.

• Designed for high mobility, amphibious capability, and adaptability to various terrains.

• Operates with a five-member crew and includes protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) threats.

• The vehicle has a range of approximately 500 km on-road, allowing rapid deployment across different regions.

9. Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025

The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, aimed at aligning India’s aviation leasing regulations with international standards.

About the Bill:

• Seeks to implement the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (2001) and its Protocol on Aircraft Equipment.

• India became a signatory to these agreements in 2008.

• Ensures legal protection for aviation-related high-value assets, such as aircraft, helicopters, and engines.

• Establishes clear guidelines for aviation creditors and leasing stakeholders.

• Grants the central government the authority to create rules for the implementation of the convention and protocol.

• Designates the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the registry authority for aircraft registration and de-registration.

• Requires creditors to notify the DGCA before taking remedial actions in case of default.

• Allows creditors to reclaim leased aviation assets within two months of default or within a mutually agreed timeframe.

• Expected to enhance legal clarity and security in India’s aircraft leasing industry.

10. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

JIPMER has recently introduced a support group for individuals affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

About IBD:

• A collective term for conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

• The two primary types of IBD are:

  1. Ulcerative Colitis – Causes inflammation and ulcers along the lining of the colon and rectum.

  2. Crohn’s Disease – Leads to deeper inflammation of the digestive tract, most commonly affecting the small intestine, though it can also impact the large intestine and, in rare cases, the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

• Rectal bleeding

• Fatigue

• Unintentional weight loss

Causes:

• While the exact cause remains unknown, IBD is associated with an abnormal immune response to environmental triggers (e.g., bacteria or viruses).

• Genetic factors also play a role, as individuals with a family history of IBD are more susceptible.

Treatment:

• Though IBD is a chronic condition, treatments are available to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

• Treatment options include medications and, in severe cases, surgical interventions.