< Daily Current Affairs & Important Editorials

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Yoginis

GS- I >> History >> Art & Culture

Context: Recently, Yogini Chamunda and Gomukhi idols were repatriated to India from the United Kingdom under the India Pride Project.

• They were stolen from 8th century temple in Lokhari (Uttar Pradesh).

About Yoginis:

• Yoginis are a group of powerful female’s divinities associated with the Tantrik mode of worship.
• They are worshipped as a group of 64 and are believed to possess infinite powers.
• 64 yoginis are associated with 64 kalas, Ratibandhas, Bhairava, Nayika and emotions of human-being.
• Famous Yogini temples includes Chausath Yogini temple (Odisha), Khajuraho temple complex (M.P) etc.

Source: www.thehindu.com

Gulf of Guinea

GS- I >> Geography >> Mapping

Context: Recently, Indian Navy has successfully conducted an Anti-Piracy patrol in the Gulf of Guinea in Atlantic Ocean.

About Gulf of Guinea:

Political features:

• It lies in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean and off the western Coast of Africa.
• The Coastline comprises 17 countries starting from Senegal to Angola.

Geographical features:

• Major rivers like Niger and Volta drain into the Gulf.
• Its coastline forms part of the western edge of the African tectonic plate.
• The region is also known for its natural resources like oil, natural gas, and minerals.

Source: www.thehindu.com

Pradhan Mantri- Particularly Vulnerable tribal Groups (PM-PVTG) Development Mission

GS- II >> Social Justice>> Government Scheme

Context: Recently, PM will launch the PM-PVTG Development Mission to empower the tribals on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, which has been celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

About PM-PVTG Development Mission:

• Rs 24,000-crore project focusing on PVTG development.
• Aims to bring critical infrastructure (power, water, road connectivity, housing, education, healthcare) to PVTG communities in remote villages.
• Involves coordinated efforts of nine ministries, implementing 11 interventions including PM-Gram Sadak Yojana, PM-Gram Awaas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and others.
• Ensures saturation for schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna, Sickle Cell Disease Elimination, TB Elimination, 100% immunization, PM Surakshit Matritva Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Poshan, and PM Jan Dhan Yojana.

About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):

• More vulnerable among tribal groups in India.
• Characterized by primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth, and backwardness.
• Largely dependent on hunting for food and maintain a pre-agriculture level of technology.
• Originated as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) in 1973 by the Dhebar Commission, with 52 groups identified in 1975 and 23 more added in 1993.
• Renamed as PVTGs in 2006.
• Presently, 2.8 million PVTGs in 75 tribes across 22,544 villages in 220 districts across 18 states and Union Territories in India.
• According to the 2011 Census, Odisha has the largest PVTG population at 866,000, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 609,000, and Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana) at 539,000.
• Odisha’s Saura community is the largest PVTG, numbering 535,000.

Source: pib.gov.in

Mars Solar Conjunction

GS- III >> Science & Technology >> Space

Context: Recently, NASA announced that it will stop sending commands to its fleet of robotic probes on or orbiting the red planet (Mars) due to Mars solar conjunction.

About Mars Solar Conjunction:

• Phenomenon occurs when the Sun is between Earth and Mars.
• Occurs once every two years.
• Sun expels hot, ionized gas during this time.
• May corrupt radio signals from Earth to Mars.
• Could cause unexpected spacecraft behaviour on Mars.
• Occurring between November 11 and November 25 this year.

Key facts about Mars:

• Fourth planet in the solar system.
• Seventh in size and mass.
• Conspicuous reddish object in the night sky.
• Two moons: Phobos and Deimos.
• Very thin atmosphere.
• Rust colour due to iron-rich minerals in regolith.

Source: www.space.com