Polity
Aland voter deletion: How names can be removed from rolls?
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- Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are empowered by Section 22 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to make corrections and deletions to electoral rolls either on their own or on applications, after conducting an inquiry and giving the elector a chance to respond.
- Context: In 2023, Rahul Gandhi alleged that over 6,000 voter names in Karnataka’s Aland constituency were attempted to be deleted without the voters’ knowledge via online deletion forms.
- Election Commission of India (ECI) has a centralized system (ERONet and now ECINet) for processing such forms, requiring inquiries, notices, and field verification before any deletion is finalized.
- Electors can object to names on electoral rolls or apply for deletion via Form 7, which can be submitted online or offline.
- Reasons for deletion include death, underage, permanent shifting, duplicate enrollment, or non-citizenship.
- Online submission of Form 7 requires account creation with linked phone number and EPIC number; only electors registered in the same constituency can apply.
- The form requires a signed declaration about the truthfulness of information but does not require evidence at filing; however, thorough verification is done before any deletion.
- Even after deletion, electors have two levels of appeals: before the District Magistrate and the Chief Electoral Officer.
(IE)
Art and culture
PM Mementos e-Auction:
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- The 7th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction is organized by the Ministry of Culture through the National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi.
- This year, 71 mementos from Jammu & Kashmir and 5 from Ladakh are featured, showcasing the cultural, artistic, and spiritual heritage of these regions.
- Highlights from Jammu & Kashmir:
a). Ivory-Coloured Pashmina Shawl with Multi-coloured Sozni Embroidery
b). Kani Pashmina Shawl with Embroidery: renowned for its intricate handloom weaving using wooden needles called “kanis”.
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- Highlight from Ladakh:
a). Thangka Painting Scroll: depicting Shakyamuni Buddha.
b). Brass Surai with Intricate Floral Designs
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- The total auction features over 1,300 items including crafts, paintings, sculptures, and sports memorabilia.
- Proceeds from the e-auction will directly support the Namami Gange Project, India’s flagship initiative for the rejuvenation of the River Ganga.
(PIB)
Geography & Environment
Kadamb tree:
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- Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a Kadamb sapling at his residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, on September 19, 2025.
- Kadamb sapling was a gift from King Charles III of United Kingdom.
- PM highlighted shared commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness between India and UK
- Kadamb tree’s scientific name is Neolamarckia cadamba, and it belongs to the Rubiaceae (coffee)
- It is a fast-growing, evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia, typically reaching up to 45 meters in height with a broad, umbrella-shaped crown.
- The tree has large, glossy green leaves and produces aromatic, globular heads of yellow to orange flowers, which are used in perfumes.
- Its fruit is a fleshy orange or yellow infructescence, each containing thousands of tiny seeds.
- Cultural and mythological significance: It is considered sacred in Indian culture, with deep ties to Hindu mythology (favoured by Lord Krishna and Goddess Durga) and is often planted near temples.
- Kadamb wood is valued for making timber and paper; its flowers, leaves, bark, and fruit are used in traditional medicine, believed to treat digestive issues, fever, ulcers, and more.
| o Feature | o Details |
|---|---|
| o Scientific Name | o Neolamarckia cadamba |
| o Maximum Height | o Up to 45 meters |
| o Native Range | o South and Southeast Asia |
| o Flower Colour | o Orange/yellow, globe-shaped heads |
| o Main Uses | o Timber, medicine, shade, perfume |
| o Cultural Value | o Sacred in Hinduism; featured in mythology |
(PIB)
Defence news
Indian Coast Guard Ship Adamya:
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- Adamya is a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), the first of eight in the Adamya-class series, commissioned at Paradip Port, Odisha in September 2025.
- The ship is 51 meters long, weighs about 320 tonnes, and is powered by two 3000 KW diesel engines, achieving a top speed of 28 knots and an endurance of 1500 nautical miles.
- Adamya is the first ICG ship fitted with indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers and gearboxes, providing enhanced manoeuvrability and operational flexibility.
- The vessel features advanced systems including an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS) for improved efficiency and automation.
- Adamya’s primary roles are coastal surveillance, EEZ patrol, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, and anti-piracy missions.
- Adamya is designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited with over 60% indigenous content as part of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
- The name “Adamya” means “indomitable,” reflecting the Coast Guard’s commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
(TH)
Places in the News
Gulf of Finland:
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- It is the easternmost arm of the Baltic Sea, about 400 km long and 12 to 130 km wide, bordered by Finland, Estonia, and
- It is relatively shallow with an average depth of 38 meters and a maximum depth of 115 meters.
- The gulf freezes in winter for several months, impacting navigation.
- Important ports along the gulf include Helsinki, Tallinn, Saint Petersburg, and Kotka, making it a key maritime trade route.
- The gulf has low salinity due to large river inflows, especially from the Neva River.
- It supports diverse ecological habitats with many islands and is sensitive to pollution.
(TH)
Miscellaneous
Jore Sahib:
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- In Sikh tradition, “Jore Sahib” refers to a sacred pair of footwear associated with revered Sikh figures such as Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.
- These are often preserved as historical relics and venerated at specific Sikh shrines.
- The term “Jora” means “pair” and “Sahib” is an honorific used for respect.
- These are believed to be 300 years old.
- These serves as an emblem of humility, service, and connection to the Gurus in Sikh memory and ritual.
(TH)
PRACTICE MCQ’S
Q1. Consider the following statements about Gulf of Finland:
1. Gulf of Finland is a major part of the Baltic Sea.
2. It is bordering Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
3. It has more salinity than Atlantic Ocean.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Gulf of Finland is a major part of the Baltic Sea.
Statement 2 is incorrect: It is bordered by Finland, Estonia, and Russia.
Statement 3 is correct: It’s characterized by its low salinity due to river inflows, leading to a unique, vulnerable ecosystem.
Q2. Consider the following statements about the Kadamb tree recently gifted to the PM by King Charles III:
1. It is a temperate deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia.
2. It is known for its tolerance of warm climates and ability to grow to great heights.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: It is an evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia.
Statement 2 is correct: It is known for its tolerance of warm climates and ability to grow to great heights.
Q3. Consider the following statements about Lake Ladoga:
1. It is the largest lake in Europe.
2. The Neva River which flows to the Gulf of Finland originates here.
3. It is a saltwater lake and is usually frozen.
How many of the statements given are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Answer: B
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: It is the largest lake in Europe.
Statement 2 is correct: The Neva River which flows to the Gulf of Finland originates here.
Statement 3 is incorrect: It is a vast freshwater lake with a surface area of about 17,700 km² (6,908 sq mi), known for its diverse ecosystem, including unique species like the Ladoga seal.
Q4. With reference to the PM Mementos e-Auction, consider the following statements:
1. The PM Mementos e-Auction is an online auction of gifts and mementos received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during public events in India and abroad.
2. It is organized by the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), part of the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The PM Mementos e-Auction is an online auction of gifts and mementos received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during public events in India and abroad.
Statement 2 is incorrect: It is organized by the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), part of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Q5. Which of the following statements correctly explain the origin of Pashmina, recently seen in the news in PM’s Mementos e-Auction?
a) It originates from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat.
b) It originates from the undercoat of the Merino sheep.
c) It originates from the undercoat of the Sirohi goat.
d) It originates from the undercoat of the Gaddi goat.
Answer: A
Explanation:
It originates from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat.
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