Thousands of Kuki-Zo people in Manipur protested, demanding the unconditional release of hostages and justice for three church leaders killed in an ambush. They submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling for the reimposition of President's Rule in the State. The protests coincided with an extended shutdown. Demands include an NIA probe into the killings, permanent security guarantees, special security zones, and expedited political engagement with Kuki-Zomi extremist groups. Civil society groups also expressed concern over continued violence, displacement, and insecurity, linking it to "proxy attacks."
Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur are protesting against ongoing violence and the killing of church leaders.
A key demand is the reimposition of President's Rule in Manipur to address the deteriorating law and order situation.
Protesters also seek the unconditional release of hostages and the establishment of special security zones for civilians.
Exam Points
Protests occurred in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts of Manipur.
A memorandum was submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur extended a 48-hour total shutdown.
Chola-era Anaimangalam plates, previously held by Leiden University in the Netherlands, have been returned to India. The plates were presented during a ceremony in The Hague, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch PM Rob Jetten. This repatriation highlights efforts to bring back historical artifacts and cultural heritage to their country of origin, emphasizing the importance of preserving and acknowledging India's rich past. The return of these plates contributes to India's cultural heritage collection and strengthens international cooperation in cultural exchanges.
Chola-era Anaimangalam plates have been repatriated to India from Leiden University in the Netherlands.
The return ceremony was attended by the Prime Ministers of India and the Netherlands.
This event underscores the ongoing global efforts to restore cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.
Exam Points
The plates are from the Chola-era.
They were returned from Leiden University in the Netherlands.
The ceremony was attended by PM Narendra Modi and Dutch PM Rob Jetten.
India has rejected an award issued by the Court of Arbitration (CoA) at The Hague concerning maximum pondage at Indian hydroelectric projects on the Indus river system, reiterating that it does not recognize the tribunal as legitimately constituted. The External Affairs Ministry stated that any decision by the "illegally constituted CoA" is "null and void." India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in force. The CoA, constituted in January 2023 at Pakistan's request, challenged India's Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. India refused to participate, arguing technical questions fall under a Neutral Expert.
India has rejected the Court of Arbitration's (CoA) award regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, citing the tribunal's illegitimate constitution.
The award pertained to maximum pondage at Indian hydroelectric projects on the Indus river system.
India maintains its stance that any decision by this CoA is "null and void" and its decision to hold the IWT in abeyance remains.
Exam Points
The Court of Arbitration (CoA) was constituted in January 2023.
The award concerned maximum pondage at India's Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.
Hindu groups performed worship at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, a day after the High Court declared it a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) acknowledged the verdict, granting Hindu communities "unrestricted access" for worship and learning. Meanwhile, Muslim bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Kamal Maula Mosque Committee, rejected the High Court's decision, terming it "one-sided." They announced plans to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court, emphasizing the importance of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, in preventing the reopening of historical religious disputes.
Hindu groups conducted puja at the Bhojshala complex following a High Court verdict declaring it a Hindu temple.
The ASI has granted unrestricted access to the Hindu community for worship and learning at the site.
Muslim organizations, including AIMPLB, have rejected the High Court's decision and plan to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Exam Points
The Bhojshala complex is located in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
The High Court declared it a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, is central to the Muslim argument.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the study of three languages for Class 9 students starting July 1, with at least two being native Indian languages. This move aligns the CBSE's Scheme of Studies with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023. Students opting for a foreign language can do so as a third or additional fourth language. The CBSE clarified that no Board examination will be conducted for the third language at the Class-10 level, with assessments being school-based and internal, and performance reflected in the CBSE certificate.
CBSE has made the study of three languages compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1.
At least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages.
This policy change aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023.
Exam Points
The new rule applies to Class 9 students starting July 1.
It aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020.
It also aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023.
The United Doctors Front has moved the Supreme Court, seeking to transition the National Testing Agency (NTA) from a registered society to a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament. This demand aims to ensure constitutional and parliamentary accountability, following "recurring, systemic, and catastrophic failures" by the NTA, particularly in conducting the NEET-UG exam. The petition argues that NTA's current status as an autonomous society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, creates an "accountability vacuum," shielding it from direct CAG audits and mandatory Parliamentary probes. A statutory shift would ensure direct oversight, financial transparency, and a robust grievance redressal mechanism.
The United Doctors Front has petitioned the Supreme Court to convert the NTA into a statutory body.
The move aims to ensure parliamentary and constitutional accountability for the NTA.
The petition highlights "systemic failures" of the NTA, specifically regarding the NEET-UG exam.
Exam Points
The petition was filed by the United Doctors Front.
It concerns the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The NTA is currently registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
A new study published in the Journal of Wildlife Science suggests that descendants of migratory barn swallows in Manipur's Imphal Valley may have stopped their long journeys and settled permanently. This finding indicates a possible mixed population resulting from ancient movements and inter-breeding. The study, based on field surveys in 2022-2023, found thriving colonies in the Imphal Valley, with adult barn swallows seen nesting year-round. Scientists propose two explanations: ideal local conditions (mild climate, insects, structures for nests) leading to a loss of migratory trait, or interbreeding over millennia. Local culture, where Meitei community regards barn swallows as a symbol of prosperity, also contributes to their protection.
A study suggests barn swallows in Manipur's Imphal Valley have become resident, shedding their migratory trait.
The birds may represent a mixed population due to ancient inter-breeding.
Ideal local environmental conditions and cultural protection by the Meitei community are cited as reasons for this change.
Exam Points
The study was published in the Journal of Wildlife Science.
The study was conducted by Amarjeet Kaur and R. Suresh Kumar of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
The barn swallow is scientifically known as Hirundo rustica.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indian citizens to adopt austerity measures, including reducing fuel consumption, avoiding gold purchases, and buying Indian-made products, to help the economy and government finances. This push comes amidst a global energy crisis and rising Current Account Deficit (CAD), projected to grow to 2.5% of GDP. The war in West Asia has driven up oil and gold prices, increasing India's import bill and contributing to rupee depreciation. The government has also implemented measures like doubling import tax on gold and silver and restricting silver imports. Critics question the timing of these appeals, coming after state elections.
PM Modi has called for public austerity measures to address economic challenges, including reducing fuel and gold imports.
The initiatives aim to mitigate the impact of the global energy crisis and a rising Current Account Deficit (CAD).
The CAD is projected to increase to 2.5% of GDP this financial year, up from 1.4% in late 2025.
Exam Points
PM Narendra Modi made suggestions during a speech in Secunderabad on May 10.
India imports 85-90% of its oil requirement.
The Current Account Deficit (CAD) is projected to grow to about 2.5% of GDP.
Raghu Rai, a renowned photojournalist (1942-2026), is celebrated for his profound photographic documentation of India, capturing its essence from the mid-1960s until his passing. His work, characterized by patience, poetry, and an instinctive sense of order, revealed India through its leaders, labourers, musicians, monuments, and markets. Rai's black-and-white photographs were not mere records but powerful statements, bringing a unique symmetry to unfolding situations. He captured iconic moments and figures, from Pt. S. Balachander and Mother Teresa to Indira Gandhi and the Bhopal gas leak, leaving behind a luminous legacy that continues to inspire.
Raghu Rai was a celebrated Indian photojournalist active from the mid-1960s.
His work is known for its unique symmetry, patience, and ability to reveal the soul of India.
He captured a wide range of subjects, from political figures to common people and historical events.
Exam Points
Raghu Rai lived from 1942 to 2026.
He was a Padma Shri awardee.
Notable subjects included Pt. S. Balachander, Mother Teresa, and Indira Gandhi.
Read more
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.