04 June 2025 - Daily Current Affairs UPdates

GS 1 – History, Art & Culture, and Geography

1. Neolithic Grooves Discovered in Tamil Nadu Topic: Ancient History – Early Agriculture & Tool Use

   ASI unearthed Neolithic rock grooves in Kanniyakumari, adding to sites in Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram.

   These polished stone grooves likely served agricultural or ritualistic purposes.

   Significance: Strengthens archaeological mapping of southern Neolithic culture, traditionally centered around ash mounds, stone celts, and cattle economy.

   Use Case: Great example to link regional Neolithic variations (ash mounds in South, pit dwellings in North, cord pottery in Belan Valley).
   

2. Birch Glacier Collapse – Switzerland Topic: Geography & Climate Change

   A rare advancing glacier collapsed into the Lötschental valley, blocking the Lonza River and burying villages.

   Unlike others, its forward movement was caused by rockfall accumulation, not snowfall.

   In 2023, Switzerland lost 4% of its glacier volume—second only to 6% loss in 2022.

   Use Case: Evidence for glacier instability even in “advancing” systems—adds nuance to climate change discourse.
   

3. Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th Birth Anniversary Topic: Modern Indian History – Women Leaders

   Philosopher Queen of the Holkar dynasty (ruled Indore 1767–1795), known for architectural patronage and social reforms.

   Key Contributions: Reconstructed temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath; promoted Maheshwar’s textile economy; established a women's army.

   Use Case: A role model for early women empowerment, spiritual secularism, and inclusive statecraft.
   

🧭 GS 2 – Governance, Philosophy & International Relations

4. Integral Humanism – 60 Years of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Doctrine Topic: Political Philosophy & Ethical Governance

   Promotes development that integrates material (Artha, Kama) and moral-spiritual (Dharma, Moksha) pursuits.

   Concepts like Chiti (national soul), Virat (collective expression), and Dharma (ethical order) offer an alternative to both capitalism and communism.

   Use Case: Link with Gandhian trusteeship, Gram Swaraj, Sarvodaya; relevant for GS4 ethics and India’s soft power framework.

   
   

5. Samoa – Independence Day Celebrated Topic: World Geography & India-Pacific Relations

   First Pacific island to gain independence (1962); volcanic archipelago with rich Polynesian culture.

   Key Islands: Savai’i & Upolu; capital – Apia.

   India–Samoa relations are part of India’s Act East + Indo-Pacific outreach.

   Use Case: Good map question; integrate in IR essays on “India’s growing strategic focus on Pacific Island nations.”
   

6. Krishi Nivesh Portal – Agritech Convergence Topic: Agricultural Investment & Digital Governance

   One-stop portal consolidating 17 major agri-sector schemes from 7 Ministries, including PM-KUSUM, AIF, and Sampada Yojana.

   Features real-time chatbot, dashboards, and data tracking—enables private investment and ease of application.

   Use Case: Digital convergence for Agri reforms; link to JAM trinity & India Stack 2.0.

🧭 GS 3 – Science, Environment, Disaster Management, Economy

7. Operation Shield – Civil Defence Drill in Kashmir Topic: Disaster Preparedness & Civil Security

   Large-scale drill simulating blackouts, rescue operations, and inter-agency coordination across Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

   Conducted by SDRF and Civil Defence units.

   Use Case: Model for grassroots disaster response and simulation-based resilience building.