Neolithic habitation in Assam
Furnace and iron slag found at Daojali Hading point points to early metallurgical practices of the Neolithic Age.
Daojali Hading:
- A neolithic site in Assam’s Dima Hasao district near the Brahmaputra valley.
- First evidence of an Eastern Asiatic Neolithic complex of double-shouldered Celts and cord-marked pottery in India was reported from there.
Neolithic period(About 6000 BC to 1000 BC):
- Last stage of the Stone Age
- Significant for spread of agricultural practices, and the use of polished stone, more refined tools.
Other neolithic sites:
- Kashmir: Burzahom, Gufkral and Kanispur.
- Ganga valley: ChopaniMando, Koldihwa, Lehuradeva and Mahagara.
- Tags :
- Neolithic Settlements
- daojali
Satellite Communication
India’s private telecom operators have raised concerns about the pricing for satellite based communication networks.
About Satellite Communication (SATCOM)
- It refers to any communication link that involves the use of an artificial satellite in its propagation path.
- It is a form of wireless communication where satellites serve as relay stations in space, enabling the transfer of data over vast distances.
- Key Characteristics: Facilitates long-distance communication; operates over radio frequencies; provides global coverage, including remote and inaccessible areas, etc.
- Most common orbits followed by SATCOMs are Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Satellite Orbit (GSO).
- Tags :
- Satellite Communication
- Low Earth Orbit
- Medium Earth Orbit
- Geostationary Satellite Orbit
Asian Development Bank
ADB commits $10 billion to boost India’s urban development and metro expansion.
- ADB will also assist with India’s Urban Challenge Fund, boosting private investment.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific.
- Present Members: From 31 members at its establishment in 1966 to 69 members—of which 50 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.
- Headquarter: Manila, Philippines.
- ADB’s five largest shareholders (As of 31 December 2023): Japan and the USA (each with 15.6% of total shares), China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
- Tags :
- Asian Development Bank
Acquired Immunity
Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization said that there is no reason to fear COVID-19 due to the immunity people have acquired over the last few years.
About Acquired Immunity
- Also known as adaptive immunity, it is a type of immunity that develops after exposure to a specific antigen, such as a pathogen or vaccine.
- As against innate immunity (present from birth), it is learnt when a person’s immune system encounters foreign invaders and antigens.
- Is also called specific immunity because it tailors its attack to a specific antigen.
- The white blood cells responsible for acquired immunity are Lymphocytes (T cells and B cells).
- Tags :
- Acquired Immunity
- Innate Immunity
- Lymphocytes
Personality Rights
The Delhi High Court has passed an order protecting the personality rights, and publicity rights of the founder of Isha Foundation.
About Personality Rights
- In India Personality Rights have not been defined under any statute.
- Generally they are of two types: Right to publicity (U/A 19) and Right to Privacy (U/A 21).
- In its most basic sense, it could be understood to mean the right of an individual to protect and control their image, name and identity.
- Personality Rights are protected under: Trademark Act, 1999, Copyright Act, 1957.
- Tags :
- Personality Rights
Operation Spider Web
Under Operation Spider Web, Ukraine carried out its most devastating drone strike of the war.
Operation Spider Web
- Conducted by Ukraine’s SBU (Security Service/Agency).
- It is a drone attack (using first-person view (FPV) drones) on strategic bomber aircrafts at Russian air bases.
- The attack was planned on four air bases. E.g. Belaya air base in the Irkutsk region of Siberia.
- FPV drones, also known as Remote Person View (RPV) drones, are unmanned aerial vehicles which streams real-time video from the camera on the drone to goggles.
- Tags :
- Operation Spider Web
- FPV Drones
Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
UN officials have alleged that the newly created agency, backed by the U.S. and Israel, is an ‘aid-washing’ initiative is meant to mask the starvation of Palestinians
About Gaza Humanitarian Foundation:
- A charity that was founded in 2025 in legal form "Stiftung" in Switzerland.
- It gives grants in topics such as healthcare, humanitarian & disaster relief, non-profit & charitable and others.
- It is not a UN Body.
Concerns:
- Violation of principles of impartiality, neutrality, humanity, and independence in aid distribution.
- Aid must never be politicised or weaponised.
- Tags :
- Israel-Palestine Conflict
- Aid Washing
Operation Shield
Mock drills were conducted in States and Union territories adjoining the western border under ‘Operation Shield’.
About Operation shield
- Objective: To assess and strengthen the country’s readiness in the face of possible external threats.
- The drill is designed to simulate various emergency scenarios, such as enemy air raids, drone intrusions, missile strikes, and mass evacuations.
- It will include silent and general recall of civil defence volunteers, evacuation drills, and emergency communication exercises.
- Tags :
- Mock Drill
- Operation Shield