Guru Tegh Bahadur

Context: Indian Railways is to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, to spread awareness about his teachings and sacrifices, especially among the younger generation.

About Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

• Ninth Sikh Guru: Served as Guru from 1664–1675, remembered for his spiritual depth and defense of justice.
• Birth: Born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, Punjab; youngest son of Guru Hargobind (6th Guru) and Mata Nanaki.
• Early Name & Training: Born as Tyag Mal; trained in martial arts, archery, horsemanship, and spiritual learning under Guru Hargobind.
• ‘Tegh Bahadur’: Earned after his valor in battle against Mughal forces (Tegh = sword).
• Son: Gobind Rai, who later became Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.
• Teachings & Contributions
  • Advocated truthful living, humility, high moral conduct, and human rights.
  • Urged detachment from materialism and devotion to One God.
  • Composed 115 hymns, enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Emphasized values of Nirbhau (fearlessness) and Nirvair (without enmity).
• Martyrdom (Shaheedi Diwas)
  • Cause: He opposed Aurangzeb’s policy of forced conversion of Kashmiri Pandits to Islam.
  • Execution: He was publicly executed in Delhi in November, 1675 (at Chandni Chowk, present site of Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib).
  • Commemoration: His martyrdom is observed annually as Shaheedi Diwas (in 2024, on December 6).
• Legacy:
  • He is revered as a champion of justice, equality, and religious tolerance.
  • His life and sacrifice remain central to Sikh philosophy of Sant-Sipahi (Saint-Soldier).

List of Sikh Gurus

1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539): Founder of Sikhism.
2. Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504–1552): Introduced the Gurmukhi script.
3. Guru Amar Das Ji (1479–1574): Established the Manji system for spreading Sikhism.
4. Guru Ram Das Ji (1534–1581): Founded the city of Amritsar.
5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606): Compiled the Adi Granth, the holy scripture.
6. Guru Hargobind Ji (1595–1644): Introduced the concept of Miri and Piri (temporal and spiritual authority).
7. Guru Har Rai Ji (1630–1661): Emphasized environmental conservation.
8. Guru Har Krishan Ji (1656–1664): Known for his compassion and healing the sick.
9. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675): Martyred for defending religious freedom.
10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708): Founded the Khalsa in 1699, solidifying Sikh identity.

INS Tamal and INS Surat

Context: Indian Naval Ships Tamal and Surat arrived at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to enhance bilateral naval engagement and strengthen Indo-Saudi defence ties.

About INS Tamal

• Class & Origin: 
  • Eighth ship of the Krivak-class frigates, built at Yantar Shipyard, Russia.
  • Second vessel of the Tushil-class, an upgraded variant of Talwar and Teg classes.
• Indigenous Component: Features 26% Indian systems, including BrahMos supersonic missile, HUMSA-NG sonar, radars, and communication systems.
• Weapons & Systems
  • Vertical Launch Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs).
  • Improved 100 mm gun, heavyweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets.
  • Advanced EO/IR systems, surveillance and fire-control radars.
  • Operates multi-role helicopters for Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and ASW operations.
  • Equipped with advanced Electronic Warfare and Network Centric Warfare systems.
• Design & Capability: 125 m long, 3900 tonnes, enhanced stealth, high endurance, and speed above 30 knots.
• Operational capabilities: Multi-dimensional attack capabilities in all four dimensions- air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic. 
• Symbolism & Identity: Tamal refers to Indra’s mythical sword; mascot inspired by Jambavant and Eurasian Brown Bear.

About INS Surat

• Type: Guided missile destroyer
• Class: Fourth and final stealth guided missile destroyer under Project 15B, following INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal.
• Design: Displacement: 7,400 tonnes; Length: 164 metres.
• Speed: 30 knots
• Built by:  Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
• Propulsion: Powered by Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system with four gas turbines.
• Weapons & Armaments:
• • Armed with SAMs, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and advanced sensors.
  • Equipped with modern communication systems for network-centric warfare.
• Significance: First Indian Navy warship to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced operational efficiency.

Daruma Doll

Context: During his visit to Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a Daruma Doll, a cultural symbol of perseverance and good luck, by Rev Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, Takasaki.

About Daruma Doll

• Origin: Traditional Japanese papier-mâché wish doll, modelled after Bodhidharma, 5th-century founder of Zen Buddhism.
• Symbolism: Symbolises perseverance, resilience, and goal-setting.
• Cultural Practice:
  • Eye Ritual: One eye painted when setting a goal; the other when the goal is achieved.
  • Shape & Meaning: Rounded base allows it to return upright when tipped → reflects proverb “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”
• Indian Connection:
  • Inspired by Bodhidharma (Daruma Daishi in Japan), a monk from Kanchipuram, India.
  • Bodhidharma meditated for nine years facing a wall,this explains doll’s armless, legless shape.
  • Word Daruma derived from Sanskrit Dharma.

About Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple (Takasaki, Gunma)

• Established: Built in 1697; regarded as origin place of Daruma dolls.
• Known for blessings of success and victory; visited historically by emperors and shoguns.
• Presently a major site of pilgrimage for students, businesspersons, and locals.
• Takasaki city is one of Japan’s largest producers of Daruma dolls.
• Chief Priest Rev Seishi Hirose (since 1981): trained in Zen Buddhism, visited India 40 years ago.

State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI)

Context: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, has released the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024 to evaluate state-level performance in energy efficiency.

About the State Energy Efficiency Index 2024

• Overview: Developed by BEE in association with Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) to monitor progress, share best practices, and encourage competition among states.
• Edition: Sixth edition covering 36 states and union territories for FY 2023-24.
• Coverage: New implementation-focused framework with 66 indicators spanning Buildings, Industry, Municipal Services, Transport, Agriculture, DISCOMs, and cross-sector initiatives.
• Performance Categories based on scores:
  • Front Runners: above 60%
  • Achievers: 50–60%
  • Contenders: 30–50%
  • Aspirants: below 30%
• Grouping by Energy Consumption (TFEC):
  • Group 1: >15 MTOE (million tonnes of oil equivalent)
  • Group 2: 5 – 15 MTOE
  • Group 3: 1 – 5 MTOE
  • Group 4: <1 MTOE

Key Findings from the SEEI 2024

Top Performers

• Group 1: Maharashtra
• Group 2: Andhra Pradesh
• Group 3: Assam
• Group 4: Tripura

Key Sectoral Progress

• 24 states have notified Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017.
• 10 states formulated MSME energy efficiency policies.
• 31 states adopted electric mobility policies.
• 13 states promoting solar-powered agricultural pumps; Kerala achieved 74% adoption.
• All 36 states/UTs prepared State Energy Efficiency Action Plans (SEEAPs).
• 31 states set up State-Level Steering Committees on Energy Transition.

About Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

• Establishment: Statutory body set up in 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Power.
• Objective: To reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
• Functions: Performs both regulatory and promotional roles as specified in the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• Regulatory Functions:
• • Frame minimum energy performance standards for appliances, equipment, and commercial buildings.
  • Certify energy managers and energy auditors.

Strength of the Supreme Court

Context: Two new judges were sworn into the Supreme Court, restoring it to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

Composition of the Supreme Court

• Present Strength: 34 judges (1 Chief Justice + 33 other judges).
• Constitutional Provision: Article 124(1) states that “there shall be a Supreme Court of India consisting of a Chief Justice of India and, until Parliament by law prescribes a larger number, not more than seven other judges.”
• 2019 Amendment: The sanctioned strength was increased from 31 to 34 under the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2019.
• Original strength (1950): 8 judges (1 Chief Justice + 7 others).
• Progressive increase in number of other judges:
• • 1956 – 10 judges
  • 1960 – 13 judges
  • 1977 – 17 judges
  • 1986 – 25 judges
  • 2008 – 30 judges
  • 2019 – 33 judges.

Appointment of Judges

• Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India.
• The appointment of judges to the Supreme Court is carried out through the Collegium system.
• The Collegium is a system that recommends appointments of judges to the Supreme Court (SC) and High Courts (HC).

Evolution of the Collegium System in India

• First Judges Case (1981): The Court ruled that the CJI’s opinion was only consultative, not binding. This gave primacy to the executive.
• Second Judges Case (1993): The Court interpreted “consultation” to mean “concurrence,” marking the birth of the Collegium system. Initially, it included the CJI and two senior-most judges.
• Third Judges Case (1998): The Collegium was expanded to the CJI and the four senior-most judges.
• Fourth Judges Case (2015): The Court struck down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and the 99th Constitutional Amendment as unconstitutional, thereby restoring the Collegium system.

National Cyber Forensic Laborator

Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated key development and security-related projects in Assam, including the second National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL).

• First National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL) was established in Delhi under the I4C initiative in 2019

What is Forensics?

• Forensics is the application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes and provide evidence for legal proceedings.
• It focuses on collecting, preserving, and analyzing physical or digital evidence to support or challenge claims in a court of law.

About National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL)

• The National Cyber Forensic Lab (NCFL) functions under the Union Home Ministry’s Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
• NCFL is equipped with specialized units, including:
  • Memory Forensics Lab
  • Image Enhancement Lab
  • Network Forensics Lab
  • Malware Forensics Lab
  • Cryptocurrency Forensics Lab
  • Damaged Hard Disk Recovery Lab
  • Advanced Mobile Forensics Lab

Significance of NCFL

• Regional Focus: Dedicated to serving all 8 northeastern states.
• Law Enforcement Support: Will aid police forces in tackling cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, illegal smuggling, and border-related challenges.
• Forensic-Based Policing: Designed for 24×7 forensic-driven policing to protect national security and citizens’ digital assets.
• Policy Alignment: Complements the government’s emphasis on forensic-based investigation under the new criminal laws.

About Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

• Establishment: Set up under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as the national nodal agency to combat cybercrime.
• Purpose: Provides a framework and ecosystem for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to handle cybercrime in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.

Syria’s Druze Heartland

Context: Recently, a sectarian violence broke out in Syria’s Sweida province (Druze-majority region) in July 2025, escalating into large-scale clashes with heavy civilian casualties.

• Sweida Province is the southernmost region of Syria, covering about 5,550 km², and shares its southern and southeastern borders with Jordan.

About Syria

• Location: Syria is a Western Asian country located in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Borders: It shares boundaries with Turkey (north), Iraq (east and southeast), Jordan (south), Israel and Lebanon (southwest).
• Geographical Features:
• • Mountains: Anti-Lebanon Mountains (border with Lebanon), Bishri Mountains (west-central and northern Syria)
  • Highest Peak: Mount Hermon (2,814 m)
  • Rivers: Euphrates River (with tributary Khabur)
  • Climate: Syria has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The eastern desert areas are arid.

National Deep Water Exploration Mission

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the National Deep Water Exploration Mission to discover oil and gas reserves beneath India’s seabed, aiming to reduce dependence on energy imports.

About National Deep Water Exploration Mission

• Overview: A flagship initiative to strengthen India’s energy security by exploring untapped oil and gas reserves beneath the seabed.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
  • Supported by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) and partner research institutions.

Objectives

• Import Reduction: reduce India’s high import dependency on crude oil (88%) and natural gas (50%).
• Domestic Production: Boost India’s hydrocarbon production capacity.
• Energy Security: Ensure long-term stability in meeting India’s energy needs.
• Self-Reliance: Promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the energy sector.

Significance of the Mission

• Economic Benefits: Lowers import bills, freeing resources for welfare and infrastructure.
• Strategic Security: Strengthens control over domestic resources amidst global energy volatility.
• Supports India’s net-zero 2070 vision by balancing domestic energy production with cleaner energy transitions.
• Enhances India’s position in global energy geopolitics.

Strategic Significance of Andaman Basin

• Considered India’s next oil and gas hotspot due to tectonic proximity to proven reserves in Myanmar and North Sumatra.
• 25 exploration blocks offered under current Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bid round, spanning ~2 lakh sq km.
• Ministry of Petroleum projects the basin as “India’s next oil and gas hotspot.”

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