19 MARCH 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper-1: Indian Culture / Art & Culture

⭐ Petroglyphs

⭐ Why in the News

Researchers have recently identified two ancient petroglyphs carved on a flat rock inside a rock shelter near Beerappa Temple in Manchirevula, Telangana.

⭐ Definition & Nature

• Petroglyphs are rock engravings or carvings created on stone surfaces.

• They are formed by removing portions of the outer rock layer using tools harder than the rock itself.

⭐ Techniques Used

• Petroglyphs are created using methods such as:

• Pecking

• Incising

• Abrading

• Drilling and polishing

• Since material is removed from the rock surface, petroglyphs differ from pictographs (painted rock art).

⭐ Etymology

• The term “petroglyph” is derived from Greek:

• Petros = stone

• Glyphein = to carve

⭐ Forms & Appearance

• They may appear as:

• Surface scratches

• Deep engraved patterns or indentations on rock surfaces

⭐ Distribution

• Petroglyphs are closely linked with prehistoric human cultures.

• They are found on all continents except Antarctica.

• Major concentrations are seen in Africa, South America, North America (especially southwestern USA), Siberia, Australia, and parts of Europe.

⭐ Example in India

• The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad (Kerala) are a well-known site featuring petroglyphs.

GS Paper-2: Governance / Government Schemes

⭐ Sujal Gaon ID

⭐ Why in the News

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti has recently launched the Sujal Gaon ID initiative.

⭐ Nature of Sujal Gaon ID

• It is a scheme-based unique digital identification system designed for the comprehensive digital mapping of rural piped water supply infrastructure.

⭐ Coverage & Integration

• Sujal Gaon IDs have been created across 31 States and Union Territories and are linked with around 67,000 Sujalam Bharat IDs.

• Each Sujalam Bharat ID integrates:

• Infrastructure IDs

• Service Area IDs

• This ensures a complete digital record of rural water supply systems and service delivery.

⭐ Digital Architecture Linkage

• The system is integrated with the Sujalam Bharat National Digital Architecture.

• It enables end-to-end (source-to-tap) mapping of the rural water supply chain using unique village-level IDs.

⭐ Launch & Implementation

• The initiative has been launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

GS Paper-3: Environment / Biodiversity

⭐ Nagoya Protocol

⭐ Why in the News

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has submitted India’s first National Report on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

⭐ Nature of the Protocol

• The Nagoya Protocol deals with access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilisation.

• It is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

⭐ Adoption & Entry into Force

• Adopted on 29 October 2010 at Nagoya, Japan.

• Came into force on 12 October 2014, after the required number of ratifications were completed.

⭐ Objective & Framework

• The protocol provides a transparent legal framework to ensure equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources.

⭐ India’s Participation

• India ratified the Nagoya Protocol in 2012.

⭐ Scope & Coverage

• Applies to genetic resources covered under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

• Also includes benefits arising from their utilisation, such as research and commercial use.

• Covers traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, ensuring fair sharing of benefits with indigenous communities.