Martyrs’ Memorial of the First War of Independence of 1857
Syllabus: GS1/ Modern History
Context
- The Union Home Minister inaugurated the Martyrs’ Memorial of the First War of Independence of 1857, featuring 22 galleries, in Haryana’s Ambala.
Historical Significance of the Revolt of 1857
- Beginning: The uprising began at Meerut on 10 May 1857 and spread to several regions of northern and central India.
- Spread of the Revolt: The uprising spread to Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Bareilly, Allahabad, Bihar and other regions.
- Suppression: The British gradually recaptured major centres and suppressed the revolt by 1858.
- V.D. Savarkar described it as the First War of Indian Independence in his 1909 book.
Major Leaders of the Revolt of 1857
| Leader | Centre/Region of Revolt |
| Bahadur Shah Zafar | Delhi |
| Nana Saheb | Kanpur |
| Rani Lakshmibai | Jhansi |
| Tatya Tope | Kanpur, Gwalior and Central India |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal | Lucknow |
| Kunwar Singh | Jagdishpur (Bihar) |
| Bakht Khan | Delhi |
| Khan Bahadur Khan | Bareilly |
| Azimullah Khan | Kanpur |
Source: DD News
The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP)
Syllabus: GS2/IR
Context
- The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) adopted the Seoul Declaration.
About
- The declaration was unanimously adopted at the 13th General Assembly of ICAPP, held in Seoul.
- It had representatives of 83 political parties from across Asia.
- Seoul Declaration:
- The declaration sought to place the principles of the UN Charter at the centre of efforts to rebuild trust among nations.
- Non-interference in the internal affairs of states, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the equal status of all nations.
- It rejected the use of force as instruments of diplomacy, and called on all countries to respect international law consistently.
- The 14th ICAPP General Assembly will be held in 2028 in Vietnam.
The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP)
- It is a regional forum that brings together political parties from across Asia to promote dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding.
- It was established in 2000 in Manila, Philippines.
- It is a forum for political parties rather than an intergovernmental organisation.
- General Assembly: The principal decision-making and deliberative forum, generally held once every two years.
- Standing Committee: Oversees organisational activities and takes decisions regarding meetings and programmes.
- Permanent Secretariat: Established in Seoul, South Korea, in 2009.
Source: TH
India Science and Technology (S&T) Scoreboard
Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology
Context
- NITI Aayog launched the India Science and Technology (S&T) Scoreboard to assess the scientific and technological performance of States and Union Territories across the country.
About
- Aim: To provide a comprehensive picture of India’s science and technology ecosystem through key indicators, including research and development expenditure, scientific publications, citations, patent applications and technological innovation.
- It will cover 11 priority research areas of national importance, including clean energy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals and agriculture.
- The platform covers 36 States and Union Territories and provides data and insights to support evidence-based policymaking.
- The initiative is expected to promote collaboration between state universities and centrally funded research institutions, encourage healthy competition and strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
- Significance: It is a platform to help states understand their strengths and gaps and align their developmental priorities with science, technology and innovation.
Source: AIR
PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award
Syllabus: GS3/Environment
In News
- The Vice President presented the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Award to the Ministry of Railways for securing the top position among Central ministries and departments in equipping buildings with rooftop solar systems.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
- It was launched in 2024 with an outlay of ₹75,021 crore.
- It has become the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar programme.
- It offers a subsidy of up to 40 percent to households, making renewable energy more affordable and accessible.
- Its easy financing options, including collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh at a 6.75% subsidized interest rate through 12 Public Sector Banks, have further accelerated adoption.
Key Features
- Free Electricity for Households: The scheme provides households with free electricity through the installation of subsidized rooftop solar panels, significantly reducing their energy costs.
- Reduced Electricity Costs for the Government: By promoting the widespread use of solar power, the scheme is expected to save the government an estimated ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity costs.
- Increased Use of Renewable Energy: The scheme encourages the adoption of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy mix in India.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: The transition to solar energy under this scheme will help lower carbon emissions, supporting India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Importance
- The scheme contributes to India’s progress towards its 500 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2030, with total solar capacity crossing 150 GW as of March 2026.
- It will enhance energy access and reduce subsidy burden on DISCOMs.
Source: DD
KOCHON PRIZE 2026
Syllabus: Miscellaneous
Context
- Indian NGO REACH has won the Kochon Prize 2026 for its contribution to combating tuberculosis (TB), becoming the first Indian civil society organisation to receive this global recognition.
About
- Resource Group for Education and Advocacy for Community Health (REACH) is an India-based non-profit organisation established in Chennai in 1999.
- The recognition is significant because India accounted for approximately 25% of the global TB burden in 2024, making it the country with the highest number of TB cases.
Kochon Prize
- Established in 2006 in honour of Chong-Kun Lee, founder of the Kochon Foundation, the prize recognises individuals and organisations for their significant contributions to combating TB.
- Presented annually by the Stop TB Partnership, it carries a prize money of US$65,000.
- The 2026 Kochon Prize is shared by REACH, the Centre for Health Solutions, Kenya, and the Marshall Islands TB Control Program.
- Previous winners from India include L.S. Chauhan (2006), head of the Revised National TB Control Programme, the Indian Council of Medical Research (2017) and Molbio Diagnostics (2024).
What is Tuberculosis?
- Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
- Symptoms: prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats.
- While TB usually affects the lungs, it also affects the kidneys, brain, spine and skin.
- Treatment: It is preventable and curable with antibiotics.
- TB Vaccine: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine remains the only licensed vaccine against TB; it provides moderate protection against severe forms of TB (TB meningitis) in infants and young children.
Source: TH
‘Mahabharata’, ‘Arthashastra’, ‘Rajatarangini’ Added To UNESCO Memory Register
Syllabus: GS1/Culture
Context
- Manuscripts of the Mahabharata, Arthashastra and Rajatarangini have been inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, taking India’s total number of inscriptions in the regional register to six.
About UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register
- It is a regional register under UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme, launched in 1992 to preserve the world’s documentary heritage and ensure its accessibility to present and future generations.
- It is administered by the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP).
About the Three Inscribed Works
- Rajatarangini:
- Composed by the 12th-century Kashmiri historian Kalhana, it is a Sanskrit historical chronicle tracing Kashmir’s history through successive dynasties, rulers and political developments.
- Its chronological narration and examination of historical sources make it an important account of Kashmir’s political and cultural past.
- Mahabharata:
- One of the world’s longest epic narratives, it explores themes of duty, justice, morality, power, kinship, and the responsibilities of individuals and rulers.
- Its philosophical dimensions, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, have influenced generations of thinkers and shaped discussions on ethics and human conduct.
- Arthashastra:
- Traditionally attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya), it is a foundational text on governance, administration, economics, diplomacy and military strategy.
- It discusses statecraft, taxation, law enforcement, intelligence networks and public administration, offering insights into ancient Indian political organisation.
Other Indian Entries in the Regional Register
- Illustrated manuscripts of the Ramcharitamanas, featuring intricate miniature paintings, preserving Tulsidas’ work; a rare 15th-century manuscript containing animal fables and moral stories from the Panchatantra; and the manuscript of the Sahrdayaloka-Locana, a text of Indian poetics, were inscribed in the regional register in 2024.
Source: TH
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