About Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Programme:

• It is an initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Aim: It aims to integrate artificial intelligence learning into India’s school education and training ecosystem, preparing both students and teachers for a rapidly evolving digital world.
• It has a vision to position India as a global leader in AI by preparing its youth for AI-driven careers and entrepreneurial ventures
• Features of Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Programme:
  • Target: It focuses on school students from classes 6 to 12 and educators across India.
  • Course: It is offers three targeted 15-hour modules for students and a 45-hour module for teachers.
  • These courses introduce foundational AI and machine learning concepts, along with data literacy and the ethical use of technology.
  • Funding: To this, government provided ₹500 crore to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education.
    • The centre will focus on developing AI-based learning tools, promoting multilingual AI resources for Indian languages, and fostering innovative classroom practices.
    • It will also strengthen AI curriculum development across technical institutions and complement existing efforts by IITs and AICTE-approved colleges that already offer advanced courses in machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics.

About Cellulitis:

• Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused mostly by streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria.
• It usually affects the legs, feet and toes.
• Common Sites: It can affect the tissues beneath the skin and can affect any part of the body such as the face, arms, hands and fingers.
• Risk factor: Anyone can contract cellulitis, but persons with skin wounds, or compromised immune systems, which allows the bacteria to enter easily, are at higher risk.
• Cellulitis is not contagious but in rare cases if you have an open wound and have skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s open wound.
• Symptoms of Cellulitis:
  • Infected skin may appear slightly discoloured, and warm to touch. As the infection spreads, the discolouration darkens and the skin swells and becomes tender.
  • Person could have fever, feel fatigued, experience chills, develop spots on the skin, blisters filled with fluid and dimpling of the skin. 
• Treatment: It usually consists of a course of oral antibiotics. Severe cases may need hospitalisation and IV antibiotics.

About Land Stack:

• It is an integrated, GIS-based digital platform designed to consolidate all land records into a singular, accessible platform.
• It is inspired by successful models in nations such as Singapore, the UK and Finland. 
• It was launched under the Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
• Benefits of Land Stack:
  • The Land Stack portal enables informed decision-making by citizens through integrated access to land-related information.
  • It enhances citizen convenience, transparency and trust.
  • It reduces the risk of inadvertent purchase of unauthorised or non-compliant properties.
  • It improves inter-departmental coordination and supports data-driven governance.
  • It represents a significant e-Governance reform in land administration.

What is Glossary of Revenue Terms?

• It provides meanings of various land-related revenue terms in Vernacular, Hindi, English, and Roman scripts.
• The objective is to harmonize terminology to make land data comparable and interoperable nationally, without replacing State-specific terminology.
• It serves as an authoritative reference for revenue officials, policymakers, judicial authorities, and citizens.

About Galaxy Frog:

• Galaxy frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus) are one of the rarest and most dazzling amphibians in the world.
• Its dorsal region is warty and speckled with bluish-white spots that resemble stars in the night sky, hence the name 'Galaxy frog'.
• The frog belongs to the family Microhylidae and sub-family Melanobatrachinae. 
  • It has been declared the flagship species of Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki , Kerala.
• Distribution: It is endemic to wet evergreen forests of southern Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Characteristics of Galaxy Frog:
  • Unlike other frogs, the Galaxy Frog doesn’t have a vocal sac and hence it can’t be identified through its calls.
  • The bright-coloured spots are being inferred to aid the frog in communication.
  • It is a nocturnal species and extremely sensitive to light.
  • It absorbs water and oxygen through the skin, so moist air is a must for this species. 
  • It keeps the skin moist by secreting mucus.
• Threats: Major threats to these creatures are the conversion of forest areas to farm land, firewood collection and landslides.
• Photo tourism has emerged as a new danger to galaxy frogs.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

About Voice over WiFi:

• It is a technology that allows voice calls over Wi-Fi networks, bypassing traditional cellular networks.
• It enables customers to make and receive voice calls and messages over a Wi-Fi network.
• It is an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-based service using the customer’s existing mobile number and phone dialer, without the need for third-party applications.
• It is also known as Wi-Fi Calling.
• It's built directly into your phone's operating system and works seamlessly with your existing phone number and contacts.
• Working of Voice over Wi-Fi: It works by utilizing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to transmit voice data as digital packets over an internet connection.
• Advantages of Voice over Wi-Fi:
  • It ensures clear and reliable connectivity in areas with weak mobile signal such as homes, offices, basements, and remote locations.
  • It helps reduce network congestion and is offered free of cost, with no additional charges for Wi-Fi calls.
  • It ensures clear and reliable connectivity in areas with weak mobile signal such as homes, offices, basements, and remote locations.

About  District Mineral Foundations (DMFs):

• DMFs are statutory bodies in India established by the state governments by notification.
• They derive their legal status from the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, as amended as the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.
• In any district affected by mining-related operations, the State Government shall, by notification, establish a trust, as a non-profit body, to be called the DMF.
• Purpose: To work in the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations in a manner as may be prescribed by the respective State Government.
• Jurisdiction:
  • The operation of DMFs falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant State Government.
  • Composition and functions of the DMF are prescribed by the State Governments.
• Funding: It is funded through the contributions from the holders of major or minor mineral concessions in the district, as may be prescribed by the Central or State Government.
• The Central Government has notified the rates of contribution payable by miners to the DMFs.
• The Fund available with the Trust shall be used for:
  • The overall development of the area affected by mining-related operations in the District in accordance with the Annual Action Plan prepared by the Trustees of the Foundation for the purpose.
  • Creation of local infrastructure for socio-economic purposes.
  • Providing, maintaining, or upgrading community assets and services for the local population in the area affected by mining-related operations.
  • Organising or conducting training programmes to skill development and capacity building for creating employment and self-employment capabilities.

_{Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY):}

• The Ministry of Mines launched PMKKKY in 2015 for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining-related operations, using the funds generated by DMFs.
• Objectives:
  • To implement various developmental and welfare projects in mining-affected areas, complementing the existing ongoing schemes of the State and Central Government.
  • To minimize/mitigate the adverse impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health, and socio-economics of people in mining districts.
  • To ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas.
• Utilisation of Funds:
  • At least 60% of PMKKKY funds to be utilized for high-priority areas such as Drinking water supply, Health care, Education, Environment preservation, etc.
  • Up to 40% of the PMKKKY to be utilized for other priority areas such as Physical infrastructure, Irrigation, Energy, and Watershed Development, etc.

About Car Nicobar Island:

• It is part of the Nicobar district in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory.
• It is the northernmost island of the Nicobar group.
• It lies south of Little Andaman and north of Nancowry Island.
• The ten-degree channel lies on the northern side of the island and separates the Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands.
• Despite being a small island – under 127 sq.km. – it holds nearly half of Nicobar’s population (over 17,800 in 2011) and serves as the district headquarters.
• It is remarkably flat except for some cliffs in the north and small hilly areas in the interior.
• It is bordered by a silvery beach and areas of flat ground consisting of coraline diluvium.
• It is inhabited primarily by the Nicobarese tribal community (Scheduled Tribe).
• The climate of Car Nicobar Island is a tropical monsoon climate, as it is just 9 degrees from the equator, with an annual rainfall of 400 mm.
• The Car Nicobar islands do not have any evergreen forests, which dominate the central and southern islands of the Nicobars.
• Most of the island is covered with coconut plantations, and natural flora is present only in the interior areas.
• The island has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
• The island was severely affected by the tsunami that was caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which led to many deaths and damaged infrastructure.
  • Car Nicobar lies 750 km (470 mi) from the epicenter of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, and the ensuing tsunamis struck it with great force.

About Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP):

• It is a run-of-river hydropower scheme being developed on the Alaknanda River (a major tributary of the Ganga River) in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
• It is designed to provide peaking power to India’s Northern Grid.
• The project, when completed, will generate an estimated 1,665 gigawatt-hours (or million kilowatt-hours) of electricity in a typical year.
• All water diverted from the river will be returned to the river.
• It is being developed by THDC India Ltd (formerly Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited) and financed by the World Bank.
  • THDC is a joint venture between the government of India and the government of Uttar Pradesh.

About Mount Bur Ni Telong:

• It is an active stratovolcano.
• It is located in Indonesia’s westernmost province of Aceh.
• It is one of the best climbing spots in Aceh.
• The conical Bur ni Telong volcano was constructed at the southern base of the massive Bur ni Geureudong volcanic complex, one of the largest in northern Sumatra.
• It is formed by multiple layers of lava and eruptive materials, making it prone to explosive eruptions and highly hazardous.

What is a Stratovolcano?

• It is a tall, steep, and cone-shaped type of volcano.
• Unlike flat shield volcanoes, they have higher peaks.
• They are typically found above subduction zones, and they are often part of large volcanically active regions, such as the Ring of Fire that frames much of the Pacific Ocean.
• Strato Volcanoes comprise the largest percentage (~60%) of the Earth’s individual volcanoes, and most are characterized by eruptions of andesite and dacite, lavas that are cooler and more viscous than basalt.
• These more viscous lavas allow gas pressures to build up to high levels. Therefore, these volcanoes often suffer explosive eruptions.
• They are usually about half-half lava and pyroclastic material, and the layering of these products gives them their other common name of composite volcanoes.
• At the peak, stratovolcanoes usually have a small crater. The crater may be filled with water or ice, or it may contain a volcanic dome during a period of relative inactivity.

About Eastern Imperial Eagle:

• It is a large bird of prey.
• Scientific Name: Aquila heliaca
• Distribution:
  • It breeds in southeastern Europe and extensively through West and Central Asia.
  • Most populations are migratory and winter in northeastern Africa, the Middle East and South and East Asia.
• Like all eagles, the eastern imperial eagle is a member of the family Accipitridae. Furthermore, its well feathered legs mark it as a member of the subfamily Aquilinae.
• Features:
  • The species displays reverse sexual dimorphism, as do most birds of prey, in which males are usually smaller than the females.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR):

• It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, at the tri-junction of three states, viz., Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• It lies on the northeastern and northwestern slopes of the Nilgiri hills, which is a part of the Western Ghats.
• It is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the first biosphere reserve in India.
• The name Mudumalai means ”the ancient hill range”.
• Habitat: A variety of habitats ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands, and swamps are found here.
• River: The Moyar River runs through the reserve.
• The Oscar-winning ‘Elephant Whisperers’ was filmed at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp, located inside the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
• Flora:
  • It has tall grasses, commonly referred to as “Elephant Grass”, bamboo of the giant variety, and valuable timber species like teak, rosewood, etc.
  • It has wild relatives of cultivated plants,, wild rice, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, etc.
  • The habitat also has swampy areas (Vayals) and grasslands.
• Fauna:
  • The faunal assemblage includes: elephant, gaur, sambar, four-horned antelope, spotted deer, barking deer, blackbuck, wild pig, mouse deer, and predators like tigers, leopards, and wild dogs.