Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)

Latest News

• NISAR satellite mounted on GSLV.
• All systems of the rocket successfully checked by ISRO.

About GSLV

• Developed and operated by ISRO.
• Designed to launch payloads into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTOs).
• Taller and heavier than PSLV:
  • Height: 49.13 meters
  • Lift-off Mass: 420 tonnes
• Three-stage vehicle:
  • First Stage: S139 solid booster + 4 liquid strap-on motors.
  • Second Stage: Liquid engine with 40-tonne propellant.
  • Third Stage: Indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS).

Comparison with PSLV

• Inherits solid and liquid stages from PSLV.
• Upgraded with cryogenic upper stage and liquid strap-on boosters.

Variants

• GSLV Mk I:
  • Used Russian cryogenic stage.
  • Payload: 2–2.5 tons.
  • Last launch in 2010.
• GSLV Mk II:
  • Uses indigenous cryogenic engine.
  • Payload: Around 2.5 tons.
  • First successful launch in 2014.
• GSLV Mk III (LVM-3):
  • Most powerful GSLV.
  • Payload capacity: Up to 4 tons to GTO.

Notable Missions

• INSAT, GSAT, NavIC, IDRSS series.
• South Asia Satellite (2017)
• Military Satellite (2018)
• Chandrayaan-2 (2019)

Baitarani River

Latest News

• River crossed danger mark, flooding Bhadrak district, Odisha.

Geography

• East-flowing river in Odisha and parts of Jharkhand.
• Forms a fertile delta with Mahanadi and Brahmani.

Course

• Origin: Gonasika Hills, Keonjhar, Odisha (900 m elevation).
• Flows underground as Guptaganga at the source.
• Initial flow: Northward, later turns eastward.
• Acts as Odisha–Jharkhand boundary in early course.
• Length: 360 km
• Drains into the Bay of Bengal.

Basin

• Area: 12,790 sq. km
• Bounded by:
  • South/West: Brahmani Basin
  • North: Subarnarekha Basin
  • East: Burhabalang River, Bay of Bengal

Tributaries

• Total: 65 (35 left, 30 right)
• Major ones: Salandi, Kusei, Deo, Kanjhari, Siri

Significance

• Rich in mineral and agricultural resources.
• Supports industrial development.

Gavri Festival

Latest News

• Celebrated annually by the Bhil community of Mewar.

About

• 40-day ritual combining dance and drama.
• Depicts battle between goddess and demon.
• Originates from the 3rd or 4th century.
• Storylines involve:
  • Amba vs Bhiamwal
  • Shiva and Bhasmasur
• Kutkadiya narrates scenes (Khel) before performance.
• Performed in villages of married sisters/daughters for their well-being.
• Entirely male cast.
• Music, mime, and colorful costumes enhance the experience.

Brihadisvara Temple

Latest News

• PM visited Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu.

About the Temple

• Also called Peruvudaiyar Kovil.
• Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva as a massive Lingam.
• Built by Rajaraja Chola I around 1010 AD.
• Part of Great Living Chola Temples (UNESCO site).

Architectural Highlights

• Dravidian style.
• Vimana: 60 meters, represents Mount Meru.
• Octagonal sikhara on 7.8m granite block (80 tons).
• Features massive Nandi statue.
• Inscriptions narrate Chola history and architectural legacy.

Paithani Sarees

Latest News

• Praised by PM in monthly radio programme.

Origin

• From Paithan, Maharashtra.
• Known as “Mahavastra” of the state.

Features

• Handwoven in pure silk and gold zari.
• Unique kath (border) and padar (pallu) designs.
• Common motifs: parrots, lotuses, peacocks.
• Favored in Maharashtrian weddings.

Recognition

• Awarded GI tag in 2010.
• Known for vibrant colors, fine silk, and heritage value.

Legionnaires’ Disease

Latest News

• Outbreak in Central Harlem, NYC; public health alert issued.

About the Disease

• Severe lung infection (pneumonia).
• Caused by Legionella bacteria.

Transmission

• Found in freshwater and soil.
• Spread by inhaling aerosolized water droplets.
• Not contagious (not person-to-person).
• Risk: Elderly, immunocompromised, smokers.

Symptoms

• Fever, chills, headache, myalgia.

Treatment

• Requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
• Can cause complications if untreated.

Majuli Island

Latest News

• Locals planting Kanchan trees to prevent erosion.

Geography

• World’s largest river island, located in Assam.
• Formed by:
  • Brahmaputra River (South)
  • Kherkutia Xuti and Subansiri River (North)

Cultural and Ecological Features

• Home to lush paddy fields, water bodies.
• Key tribes: Mishing, Deori, Sonowal Kachari.
• Cultural hub for Neo-Vaishnavite tradition by Srimanta Sankerdeva.
• Famous for:
  • Satras (monasteries)
  • Sattriya dance
  • Mask-making, pottery

Golden Jackal

Latest News

• Population in Kerala estimated at 20,000–30,000 via citizen science project.

About

• Medium-sized, wolf-like canid.
• Mostly nocturnal near human settlements.
• Live in monogamous pairs.

Habitat & Distribution

• Found in valleys, near water bodies and seashores.
• Distribution: India, SE Europe, North and East Africa, Burma.

Diet

• Omnivorous, highly opportunistic.

Conservation Status

• IUCN: Least Concern
• CITES: Appendix III
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

e-SHRAM Portal

Latest News

• Over 30.95 crore unorganised workers registered as of 22 July 2025.

Launched By

• Ministry of Labour and Employment on 26 August 2021.

Objectives

• Create National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
• Improve access to social security, financial inclusion, and job opportunities.

Eligibility

• Age: 16–59 years.
• Must be from unorganised sector.
• Aadhaar, mobile number, bank account mandatory.
• Should not be member of EPFO or ESIC.

Features

• Universal Account Number (UAN) linked with Aadhaar.
• Single Registration process with minimal documents.
• Multilingual access (22 languages with Bhashini integration).
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism.
• Link to:
  • Employment
  • Skilling
  • Digital payments
  • Apprenticeship
  • State-specific schemes
• Integration with BOCW Welfare Boards for construction workers.
• Launch of Data Sharing Portal (DSP) for secure data sharing with states.

CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQs

1. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
Q1. Which of the following correctly differentiates GSLV Mk II from GSLV Mk I?
निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा GSLV Mk II को GSLV Mk I से सही रूप से अलग करता है?

a) GSLV Mk II has lower payload capacity and uses Russian cryogenic engine.
GSLV Mk II में कम पेलोड क्षमता होती है और यह रूसी क्रायोजेनिक इंजन का उपयोग करता है।

b) GSLV Mk II uses Russian cryogenic stage whereas Mk I uses indigenous one.
GSLV Mk II रूसी क्रायोजेनिक स्टेज का उपयोग करता है जबकि Mk I स्वदेशी का।

c) GSLV Mk I uses Russian cryogenic stage, while Mk II uses indigenous cryogenic engine.
GSLV Mk I रूसी क्रायोजेनिक स्टेज का उपयोग करता है, जबकि Mk II स्वदेशी इंजन का।

d) GSLV Mk I is more powerful than GSLV Mk II.
GSLV Mk I, GSLV Mk II से अधिक शक्तिशाली है।

2. Baitarani River
Q2. Which of the following statements about Baitarani River is/are correct?
बैतरणी नदी के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है?

1. It originates from the Gonasika Hills in Jharkhand.
   यह झारखंड के गोनासिका पहाड़ियों से निकलती है।
2. It flows into the Arabian Sea.
   यह अरब सागर में मिलती है।
3. It acts as a boundary between Odisha and Jharkhand in its early course.
   अपने प्रारंभिक मार्ग में यह ओडिशा और झारखंड के बीच सीमा के रूप में कार्य करती है।

a) 1 and 2 only / केवल 1 और 2
b) 3 only / केवल 3
c) 2 and 3 only / केवल 2 और 3
d) 1, 2 and 3 / 1, 2 और 3

3. Gavri Festival
Q3. Consider the following about the Gavri Festival:
गवरी महोत्सव के बारे में निम्नलिखित पर विचार करें:

1. It is performed exclusively by female artists.
   यह केवल महिला कलाकारों द्वारा किया जाता है।
2. It is dedicated to the fight between Goddess Amba and Demon Bhiamwal.
   यह देवी अम्बा और राक्षस भीमवाल के बीच युद्ध को समर्पित है।
3. The performances are called ‘Khel’ and narrated by a character called Kutkadiya.
   प्रदर्शन को ‘खेल’ कहा जाता है और ‘कुटकड़िया’ नामक पात्र द्वारा वर्णन किया जाता है।

a) 1 and 3 only / केवल 1 और 3
b) 2 and 3 only / केवल 2 और 3
c) 1 and 2 only / केवल 1 और 2
d) 1, 2 and 3 / 1, 2 और 3

4. Brihadisvara Temple
Q4. What is the architectural significance of the vimana of Brihadisvara Temple?
बृहदीश्वर मंदिर के विमाना की वास्तुकला में क्या विशेषता है?

a) It is built entirely of white marble from Rajasthan.
यह पूरी तरह से राजस्थान के सफेद संगमरमर से बना है।

b) It stands more than 200 feet high and represents Mount Meru.
यह 200 फीट से अधिक ऊँचा है और माउंट मेरु का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है।

c) It has a spiral structure symbolizing the cosmic serpent.
इसमें ब्रह्मांडीय नाग का प्रतीकात्मक सर्पाकार ढांचा है।

d) It is designed as a replica of the Konark Sun Temple shikhara.
यह कोणार्क सूर्य मंदिर के शिखर की प्रतिकृति के रूप में डिजाइन किया गया है।

5. Paithani Sarees
Q5. Which of the following motifs are traditionally used in Paithani sarees?
पैठणी साड़ियों में पारंपरिक रूप से कौन से डिज़ाइन प्रयुक्त होते हैं?

a) Elephants, Chariots, Fish
हाथी, रथ, मछली

b) Parrots, Peacocks, Lotuses
तोते, मोर, कमल

c) Lions, Tigers, Sunflower
शेर, बाघ, सूरजमुखी

d) Kalash, Mandala, Deer
कलश, मंडला, हिरण

6. Legionnaires’ Disease
Q6. Which of the following statements about Legionnaires’ disease is/are correct?
लीजियोनेयर्स बीमारी के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है?

1. It is a viral disease that spreads through drinking contaminated water.
   यह एक वायरल बीमारी है जो दूषित पानी पीने से फैलती है।
2. It is treated effectively with antibiotics.
   इसका इलाज एंटीबायोटिक से प्रभावी रूप से किया जा सकता है।
3. It spreads from person to person through air.
   यह व्यक्ति से व्यक्ति में हवा के माध्यम से फैलती है।

a) 2 only / केवल 2
b) 1 and 2 only / केवल 1 और 2
c) 2 and 3 only / केवल 2 और 3
d) 1, 2 and 3 / 1, 2 और 3

7. Majuli Island
Q7. Consider the following about Majuli Island:
माजुली द्वीप के बारे में निम्नलिखित पर विचार करें:

1. It is formed between Brahmaputra and Subansiri rivers.
   यह ब्रह्मपुत्र और सुबनसिरी नदियों के बीच बना है।
2. It is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
   यह यूनेस्को की विश्व धरोहर सूची का हिस्सा है।
3. The island is the cradle of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavite culture.
   यह द्वीप असमिया नव-वैष्णव संस्कृति का पालना है।

a) 1 and 2 only / केवल 1 और 2
b) 1 and 3 only / केवल 1 और 3
c) 2 and 3 only / केवल 2 और 3
d) 1, 2 and 3 / 1, 2 और 3

8. Golden Jackal
Q8. Which of the following conservation statuses are applicable to the Golden Jackal?
गोल्डन जैकाल पर कौन-कौन से संरक्षण दर्जे लागू होते हैं?

a) IUCN – Endangered, WPA – Schedule III
IUCN – संकटग्रस्त, वन्यजीव संरक्षण अधिनियम – अनुसूची III

b) IUCN – Least Concern, CITES – Appendix III, WPA – Schedule I
IUCN – कम चिंता, साइट्स – परिशिष्ट III, वन्यजीव संरक्षण अधिनियम – अनुसूची I

c) IUCN – Vulnerable, CITES – Appendix I, WPA – Schedule II
IUCN – असुरक्षित, साइट्स – परिशिष्ट I, वन्यजीव संरक्षण अधिनियम – अनुसूची II

d) IUCN – Near Threatened, WPA – Not Listed
IUCN – निकट संकटग्रस्त, वन्यजीव संरक्षण अधिनियम – सूचीबद्ध नहीं

9. e-SHRAM Portal
Q9. Which of the following are correct regarding eligibility for e-SHRAM registration?
e-SHRAM पंजीकरण के लिए पात्रता के संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा सही है?

1. Must be between 16 and 59 years of age.
   आयु 16 से 59 वर्ष के बीच होनी चाहिए।
2. Must be a member of EPFO or ESIC.
   EPFO या ESIC का सदस्य होना चाहिए।
3. Must possess Aadhaar and bank account.
   आधार और बैंक खाता होना चाहिए।

a) 1 and 3 only / केवल 1 और 3
b) 2 and 3 only / केवल 2 और 3
c) 1 and 2 only / केवल 1 और 2
d) 1, 2 and 3 / 1, 2 और 3

Topic: PM Vishwakarma Scheme
Q10. Which of the following features is NOT a part of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
निम्नलिखित में से कौन सी विशेषता प्रधानमंत्री विश्वकर्मा योजना का हिस्सा नहीं है?

a) Provision of toolkit incentive and training to traditional artisans.
पारंपरिक कारीगरों को टूलकिट प्रोत्साहन और प्रशिक्षण प्रदान करना।

b) Granting of collateral-free loans in two tranches with concessional interest.
रियायती ब्याज दर पर दो किश्तों में बिना जमानत के ऋण प्रदान करना।

c) Direct employment to artisans in government-run workshops.
सरकारी कार्यशालाओं में कारीगरों को सीधे रोजगार देना।

d) Certificate of Recognition to artisans and Vishwakarma ID for identification.
कारीगरों को मान्यता प्रमाणपत्र और पहचान के लिए विश्वकर्मा आईडी देना।