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INCOIS Wins Disaster Management Award 2025

Why Did INCOIS Win the Disaster Management Award 2025?

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has been honoured with the prestigious Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar (SCBAPP) 2025. This award recognizes its exceptional role in disaster management, especially in providing early warning systems for ocean-related hazards.

Key Highlights at a Glance

  • Award: Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar (SCBAPP) 2025
  • Recipient: INCOIS (Institutional Category)
  • Announced on: January 23, 2025 (Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose)
  • Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
  • Category: Institutional Award for outstanding disaster management

About INCOIS

  • Full Form: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
  • Established under: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
  • Headquarters: Hyderabad
  • Nature: Autonomous organization

Key Functions:

INCOIS provides life-saving early warning services for tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves. It serves fishermen, coastal communities, and disaster management agencies with real-time ocean information. Its ocean state forecast system and potential fishing zone advisories have made it a critical institution for marine safety and disaster risk reduction across the Indian coastline.

About Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar (SCBAPP)

The SCBAPP is a national award instituted by the Government of India to honor individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to disaster management in India.

Key Features:

  • Announced on: January 23 every year
  • Occasion: Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
  • Categories: Individual and Institutional
  • Cash Prize (Institutional): โ‚น51 lakh
  • Cash Prize (Individual): โ‚น15 lakh
  • Administered by: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

Significance of INCOIS Winning SCBAPP 2025

India has one of the longest coastlines in the world โ€” over 7,500 km โ€” making ocean disaster preparedness critical. INCOIS’s early warning systems have directly saved thousands of lives by alerting coastal communities before tsunamis and cyclones strike. Its advanced Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories also help fishermen avoid dangerous sea conditions, reducing accidental deaths at sea. Winning the SCBAPP 2025 underlines the government’s recognition of science-backed disaster management.

Exam Relevance โ€” APPSC, TSPSC & UPSC

This topic is highly relevant for APPSC Group 1, Group 2, TGPSC Group 1, and UPSC Prelims and Mains across the following areas: Science & Technology (Ocean Services), Disaster Management, Awards & Honours (Current Affairs), and Environment & Ecology. Expect questions on the full form of INCOIS, the ministry it falls under, the prize amount of SCBAPP, and the date of announcement.

Practice Questions

  1. Which organization won the Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2025? (Ans: INCOIS)
  2. INCOIS is an autonomous body under which ministry? (Ans: Ministry of Earth Sciences)
  3. On which date is the SCBAPP announced every year? (Ans: January 23)
  4. What is the cash prize for the Institutional category of SCBAPP? (Ans: โ‚น51 lakh)
  5. Where is the headquarters of INCOIS? (Ans: Hyderabad)

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UNESCO & Sikkim Partner to Document Ru-Soam: India’s Ancient Cane Bridge Heritage | UPSC Current Affairs 2026

UNESCO has joined hands with the Sikkim state government to document the traditional Ru-Soam bridges โ€” indigenous cane suspension footbridges built by the Lepcha community โ€” located within the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR). This initiative aims to preserve and recognize this extraordinary example of indigenous engineering knowledge before it is lost to modernization.

๐Ÿ“Œ UPSC Relevance: GS Paper I โ€“ Art & Culture | GS Paper III โ€“ Environment & Ecology | Prelims โ€“ Static GK & Current Affairs

What are Ru-Soam Bridges?

Ru-Soam are traditional bamboo and cane suspension footbridges crafted by the Lepcha community of Sikkim. These structures are a testimony to centuries of accumulated indigenous knowledge in natural material engineering.

  • Built entirely without nails or metal fasteners
  • Materials used: wild cane, bamboo, and wood
  • Represent centuries-old indigenous engineering knowledge
  • Located within the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
  • Recognized as a remarkable example of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)

Why is UNESCO Documenting Ru-Soam?

UNESCO’s documentation effort is part of a broader mission to safeguard intangible cultural heritage worldwide. The specific objectives include:

  1. Preserving intangible cultural heritage and indigenous technical knowledge
  2. Recognizing the Lepcha community’s ecological and engineering contributions
  3. Integrating indigenous knowledge systems into sustainable development frameworks
  4. Safeguarding this knowledge from being lost as modernization advances

About the Lepcha Community

The Lepcha are one of the indigenous communities of Sikkim, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India. They have coexisted with the Khangchendzonga ecosystem for centuries, developing unique knowledge systems for construction, agriculture, and ecological management. Their Ru-Soam bridges are not just infrastructure โ€” they are a living cultural tradition.

๐Ÿ”๏ธ UPSC Connect: Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR)

The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is a critical interconnected topic for UPSC aspirants. Here are the key facts:

FeatureDetails
LocationSikkim, India
UNESCO World Heritage SiteDesignated in 2016
Heritage TypeIndia’s first and only “mixed” heritage site (natural + cultural)
UNESCO Biosphere ReservePart of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2018
Key FeatureHome to Mt. Khangchendzonga โ€” the world’s 3rd highest peak (8,586 m)
Tribal CommunitiesLepcha, Bhutia, Limbu โ€” all with deep cultural ties to the landscape
๐Ÿ’ก Prelims Tip: KBR is India’s FIRST and ONLY “mixed” UNESCO World Heritage Site โ€” recognised for both its outstanding natural values AND cultural heritage. Designated in 2016. Do not confuse this with the Biosphere Reserve status (2018).

Key Facts for Quick Revision

  • Ru-Soam = Traditional cane/bamboo suspension bridges of Sikkim
  • Built by: Lepcha community (indigenous PVTG tribe of Sikkim)
  • Location: Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
  • Initiative: UNESCO + Sikkim Government documentation project
  • No metal used: Built entirely from wild cane, bamboo, and wood
  • KBR UNESCO WHS Year: 2016 (mixed heritage site โ€” first in India)
  • KBR Biosphere Reserve Network Year: 2018
  • Mt. Khangchendzonga: World’s 3rd highest peak (8,586 m)

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Andhra Pradesh natural farming initiative (APCNF) among 4 finalists for Food Planet Prize

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme has achieved global recognition by becoming a finalist for the prestigious Food Planet Prize 2026

apcnf world food prize

What is APCNF?

  • APCNF (Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming) is a flagship programme of the Andhra Pradesh government.
  • Launched in: 2016
  • Implemented by: Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS)
  • Objective:
    • Transition all 60 lakh farmers in the state to chemical-free natural farming
    • Promote agroecology-based sustainable agriculture

Key Features of APCNF

  • Worldโ€™s largest agroecology programme
  • Covers over 18 lakh farmers
  • Spans around 9 lakh hectares (as of 2026)
  • Focuses on:
    • Zero chemical inputs
    • Soil health restoration
    • Climate-resilient agriculture
  • Awards & Recognition:
    • Won Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity (2024)
    • Finalist for Food Planet Prize 2026

About Food Planet Prize

  • Recognized as the worldโ€™s largest environmental award
  • Prize Amount: $1.5 million USD
  • Established in 2019
  • Founded by the Curt Bergfors Foundation

Prelims Focus

  • APCNF launch year: 2016
  • Implementing agency: RySS
  • Largest agroecology programme in the world
  • Food Planet Prize founder: Curt Bergfors Foundation
  • Prize amount: $1.5 million

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Andhra University Gets โ‚น500 Crore Boost

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced a major financial grant of โ‚น500 crore to Andhra University during its centenary celebrations.

andhra university

About Andhra University

Establishment & Background

  • Established in 1926 under the Andhra University Act, 1925 (Madras Act II of 1926).
  • Created to serve the educational needs of the Andhra-speaking regions (Northern Circars & Ceded districts).

Key Personalities

  • Founder Vice-Chancellor:
    • Sir C. R. Reddy
    • Played a crucial role in establishing the university.
  • Second Vice-Chancellor:
    • Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
    • Later became the President of India.
    • Contributed significantly to academic development.

Location & Development

  • Initially started in Vijayawada (1926).
  • Shifted to its permanent campus at Visakhapatnam (Peda Waltair) in 1930.

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Governor Clears MLC Nominations in Telangana

Why in News?

The Governor of Telangana has approved the nomination of two prominent personalities to the State Legislative Council under the Governorโ€™s quota. The nominated members are:

  • M. Kodandaram โ€“ Academic and social activist
  • Mohammad Azharuddin โ€“ Former cricketer
mlc nomination

Governorโ€™s Quota in Legislative Council

Constitutional Basis

  • Governed by Article 171(5) of the Indian Constitution.
  • It empowers the Governor to nominate members to the State Legislative Council (MLC).

Key Features of Governorโ€™s Quota

  • The Governor can nominate 1/6th of the total members of the Legislative Council.
  • These members are:
    • Not elected
    • Directly appointed by the Governor
    • Based on the advice of the State Cabinet

Eligibility Criteria for Nomination

Nominees must have special knowledge or practical experience in the following fields:

  • Literature
  • Science
  • Art
  • Cooperative Movement
  • Social Service

About Legislative Council (Quick Facts)

  • It is the Upper House of the State Legislature.
  • Not all states have a Legislative Council.
  • Members are elected through:
    • Local bodies
    • Graduates
    • Teachers
    • MLAs
  • Plus nominated members (Governorโ€™s quota)

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Googleโ€™s $15 Billion AI Data Centre in Vizag

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh government has launched a major digital infrastructure project with Googleโ€™s $15 billion AI data centre hub in Visakhapatnam (Vizag). This project is expected to strengthen Indiaโ€™s position in artificial intelligence and global data services.

ai data center vizag

Project Location: Tarluvada near Visakhapatnam (Vizag). Additional sites include:

  • Adavivaram
  • Rambilli

Total Investment: $15 billion (approx. โ‚น1.35 lakh crore). Land Area: Around 601.4 acres across three locations.

Capacity & Scale

  • Initial Capacity: 1 Gigawatt (GW).
  • Future Expansion: Up to 5 GW.
  • This makes it one of the largest data centre hubs in India

Companies Involved

  • Developed by Google.
  • Project handled through its subsidiary Raiden Infotech.
  • Partnership with Adani Infra

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AP Space City Project 2026

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh government is developing Indiaโ€™s first dedicated Space City in Tirupati district. Spread across 2,600 acres, this project aims to transform the state into a major hub for space technology and innovation.

ap space city

Location & Overview

  • The Space City is being developed in Routhusuramala village
  • Located in Thottambedu Mandal, Andhra Pradesh
  • Covers an area of 2,600 acres industrial cluster
  • Positioned near Tirupati, a growing industrial and educational hub

Objectives of AP Space City

  • Attract global and domestic investments in the space sector
  • Promote private sector participation in space technology
  • Develop a self-reliant space ecosystem in line with India’s space reforms
  • Encourage deep-tech innovation, including AI and data analytics

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Census 2027: Worldโ€™s First Fully Digital Census Explained

Why in News?

India has launched Census 2027, marking a historic shift as the worldโ€™s first fully digital national census. The exercise began on April 1, 2026, and plays a crucial role in policy-making, planning, and governance.

census 2027

Key Highlights of Census 2027

  • First-ever fully digital census in the world
  • Started on April 1, 2026
  • It is the 16th Census of India
  • It is the 8th census after independence
  • Conducted under the authority of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India

Two Phases of Census 2027

Phase I: Houselisting & Housing Census (HLO)

  • Timeline: April 1, 2026 โ€“ September 30, 2026
  • Purpose:
    • Listing all buildings and households
    • Collecting data on:
      • Housing conditions
      • Basic amenities (water, electricity, sanitation)
      • Household assets

Phase II: Population Enumeration (PE)

  • Timeline: February 2027
  • Reference Date: March 1, 2027
  • Purpose:
    • Collecting individual-level data, such as:
      • Age
      • Gender
      • Education
      • Occupation
      • Socio-economic details

Background: Census in India

  • Conducted every 10 years (Decennial Census)
  • First census in India: 1872 (non-synchronous)
  • First complete census: 1881 (under British rule)
  • Last census: 2011 (2021 census delayed due to COVID-19)

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3rd India-Nordic Summit 2026 to be held in Norway

Why in News?

The 3rd India-Nordic Summit will be held in Oslo, Norway, on 15โ€“16 May 2026. It aims to strengthen cooperation between India and Nordic nations in emerging global sectors such as sustainability, climate change, and Arctic governance

3rd india nordic summit

What is the India-Nordic Summit?

  • A high-level diplomatic platform between India and Nordic countries
  • Focuses on economic, technological, and environmental cooperation
  • Previous summits:
    • 1st Summit โ€“ 2018 (Stockholm)
    • 2nd Summit โ€“ 2022 (Virtual)

Nordic Countries

  • Nordic countries refer toย a region in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, comprising five sovereign statesโ€”Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Swedenโ€”along with the autonomous territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and ร…land.
  • They share common history, cultural values, close political cooperation, and a strong, tax-funded welfare model.

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2 Key Biodiversity Repositories Notified under Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Why in News?

In a significant step to strengthen biodiversity conservation and research, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has notified two institutions as designated repositories under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. These repositories will ensure safe storage and proper documentation of biological resources in India

government notified two key institutions as repositories under the biological diversity act, 2002

What are Designated Repositories?

  • Declared under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
  • Serve as official centers for storing biological materials
  • Include:
    • Voucher specimens (reference samples)
    • Microbial cultures
    • Marine organisms
  • Support:
    • Scientific research
    • Commercial use of biological resources
    • Identification of new species

The two notified institutes are:

  1. Referral Centre Bhavasagaraย at the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi:ย Specializing in deep-sea biodiversity, maintaining marine voucher specimens.
  2. Agharkar Research Institute (ARI)ย in Pune:ย Specifically for its MACS Collection of Microorganisms and National Fungal Culture Collection

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