6 OCTOBER 2025 (Daily Current Affairs)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Tamil Nadu: State Space Technology Park Inauguration
• National: India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement Review
• Economy: National Medical Devices Policy Launch
• Polity: Supreme Court on Electoral Bonds Data Disclosure
• Environment: India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry
• Person: Indian Origin Astronaut Selected for Mars Mission
• Awards: Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award
• Place: Hampi Inscribed as Living Heritage City

TAMIL NADU STATE NEWS

1. Tamil Nadu Inaugurates State Space Technology Park

News in Brief:

• Chief Minister inaugurates Tamil Nadu Space Technology Park at Mahindra World City, Chennai with Rs 800 crores investment
• Focus: Small satellite manufacturing, launch vehicle components, ground station equipment, space data analytics
• Collaboration: ISRO partnership for technology transfer, 25 private space startups to be incubated
• Infrastructure: Clean rooms (ISO 7 standard), testing facilities, satellite integration center, mission control room
• Employment: 3,000+ direct jobs in aerospace engineering, 10,000+ indirect jobs in supply chain
• Target: Manufacture 50 small satellites annually, contribute 15% to India’s space economy by 2030
• Strategic significance: Position Tamil Nadu as southern hub for commercial space industry

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Indian Space Programme:

• ISRO: Established 1969, headquarters Bengaluru, 9th space agency globally, budget Rs 13,700 crores (2025-26)
• Major achievements: Chandrayaan-3 (lunar landing 2023), Mars Orbiter Mission (2013), record 104 satellites in single launch (2017)
• Launch vehicles: PSLV (workhorse), GSLV (heavy), LVM3 (human-rated), SSLV (small satellites)
• Satellite applications: Communication (INSAT), remote sensing (Resourcesat), navigation (NavIC), weather (INSAT-3D)
• Future: Gaganyaan (human spaceflight 2025-26), Aditya-L1 (solar mission), Shukrayaan (Venus mission)

Space Sector Reforms:

• IN-SPACe: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (2020), regulatory body for private sector
• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): Commercial arm of ISRO for technology transfer, launch services
• Space sector opened: 100% FDI allowed in satellites, launch vehicles (2020 reforms)
• Private players: Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space (50+ startups)
• Market potential: India’s space economy $8 billion (2024), target $40 billion by 2033

Tamil Nadu’s Industrial Ecosystem:

• Aerospace: Bangalore-Chennai aerospace corridor, 40+ aerospace companies in TN
• Auto industry: 30% of India’s auto production, strong engineering base
• Electronics: 30% of India’s electronics exports, skilled workforce
• Education: IIT Madras, Anna University, strong STEM education pipeline
• Infrastructure: 4 international airports, 3 major ports, excellent connectivity

Small Satellites and Commercial Space:

• CubeSats: 10x10x10 cm standardized small satellites, cost-effective ($50,000-$500,000)
• Applications: Earth observation, communications, technology demonstration, research
• Global market: Small satellite market $7 billion (2024), projected $30 billion by 2030
• India’s advantage: Low-cost manufacturing, PSLV reliability, skilled engineering workforce
• Commercial opportunities: Launch services, satellite data, ground stations, space tourism (future)

MODEL MCQ FOR PRACTICE

Question: IN-SPACe, recently in news, is:

1. A regulatory body for private space sector participation
2. India’s first space station project
3. A navigation satellite system

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three

Answer: (a) 1 only

MAINS QUESTIONS

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “The commercialization of India’s space sector opens new economic opportunities. Examine the significance of Tamil Nadu’s Space Technology Park in India’s space economy. Discuss how states can leverage aerospace industry for economic development and employment generation.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the role of private sector in India’s space programme. What reforms have enabled commercial space activities?”

Source: The Hindu, Tamil Nadu Government, ISRO, PIB | Date: October 05, 2025

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

2. India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement Comprehensive Review

🤝🌏

News in Brief:

• Commerce Ministry announces comprehensive review of India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) after 15 years
• Current trade: $131 billion (2024-25), target $300 billion by 2030 through upgraded agreement
• Review focus: Expand goods coverage (current 90%), include services liberalization, investment protection
• New sectors: Digital trade, e-commerce, data flow, intellectual property, government procurement
• Addressing concerns: Trade deficit with ASEAN ($27 billion), rules of origin misuse, market access barriers
• Strategic dimension: Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific engagement, counter China’s RCEP influence
• Timeline: Negotiations to conclude by December 2026, implementation from April 2027

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

ASEAN and India Relations:

• ASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (1967), 10 members (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia)
• India-ASEAN dialogue: Partner since 1992, Summit-level since 2002, Strategic Partnership (2012)
• Geographic significance: Maritime neighbor via Andaman Sea, strategic waterways (Malacca Strait)
• Economic bloc: ASEAN GDP $3.6 trillion, 680 million population, 5th largest economy globally
• India’s engagement: 3rd largest trading partner after China and EU

India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA):

• Goods agreement: Effective January 2010, 90%+ tariff lines covered, preferential tariffs
• Services & Investment: Agreement signed 2014, implementation ongoing
• Trade growth: $70 billion (2010) to $131 billion (2025) – 87% growth in 15 years
• India’s exports: Petroleum products, machinery, pharmaceutical, chemicals, rice
• India’s imports: Palm oil, electronics, machinery, coal, organic chemicals

India’s FTAs and Trade Agreements:

Act East Policy:

• Evolution: From Look East (1991) to Act East Policy (2014), proactive engagement
• Pillars: Economic integration, security cooperation, cultural exchanges, connectivity
• Connectivity: India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, Kaladan Multi-Modal Project, BIMSTEC initiatives
• Security: Naval exercises (SIMBEX with Singapore, INDRA with Russia), information sharing
• Strategic importance: Counter China’s Belt and Road, Indo-Pacific strategy, maritime security

MODEL MCQ FOR PRACTICE

Question: Which of the following are members of ASEAN?

1. Indonesia
2. India
3. Singapore
4. Thailand

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) All four

Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

MAINS QUESTIONS

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “ASEAN is central to India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. Analyze the significance of reviewing the India-ASEAN FTA. Discuss the opportunities and challenges in deepening economic integration with Southeast Asia.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Examine India’s Act East Policy. How does ASEAN engagement serve India’s strategic and economic interests?”

Source: Ministry of Commerce, MEA, Economic Times, Indian Express | Date: October 05, 2025

ECONOMY AND SCHEMES

3. Government Unveils National Medical Devices Policy 2025

News in Brief:

• Cabinet approves National Medical Devices Policy 2025 with Rs 3,000 crores incentive package
• Objective: Reduce import dependence from 85% to 40% by 2030, create domestic manufacturing ecosystem
• Market size: Current $11 billion, projected $50 billion by 2030 (18% CAGR)
• Incentives: 10% PLI for Class B&C devices, tax holidays for 5 years, capital subsidy 25% for R&D
• Infrastructure: 4 Medical Device Parks (Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka) with plug-and-play facilities
• Regulatory reform: Single-window clearance, faster approvals (90 days), harmonization with global standards
• Skill development: Train 50,000 biomedical engineers, collaboration with IITs, AIIMS for research
• Employment: Create 3 lakh direct jobs in medical device manufacturing by 2030

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Medical Devices in India – Current Status:

• Market size: $11 billion (2025), 4th largest in Asia after Japan, China, South Korea
• Import dependence: 85% medical devices imported (imaging equipment, implants, high-end diagnostics)
• Major suppliers: USA (31%), Germany (17%), China (15%), Singapore (8%)
• Domestic industry: 750+ manufacturers, mostly MSMEs, producing consumables and low-end devices
• Growth drivers: Aging population, rising chronic diseases, health insurance expansion, medical tourism

Medical Device Classification:

• Class A (Low risk): Bandages, thermometers, tongue depressors, wheelchairs
• Class B (Low-moderate risk): Syringes, blood pressure monitors, surgical gloves, oxygen cylinders
• Class C (Moderate-high risk): Ventilators, dialysis machines, bone implants, surgical instruments
• Class D (High risk): Pacemakers, heart valves, stents, defibrillators, cochlear implants
• Regulatory: Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approves medical devices

Government Healthcare Initiatives:

• Ayushman Bharat: 50+ crore beneficiaries, Rs 5 lakh health cover, driving medical device demand
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI): Rs 3,420 crores for medical devices manufacturing
• Make in India: Medical device sector priority, aiming self-reliance in healthcare
• Jan Aushadhi Kendras: 10,000+ generic medicine stores, expanding to medical devices
• Health infrastructure: 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres, AIIMS expansion (22 new)

Global Medical Device Industry:

• Market size: $600 billion globally (2025), projected $800 billion by 2030
• Leaders: USA (40% market share), Europe (28%), Japan (8%), China (6%)
• India’s position: 4% global market, 20th largest exporter
• Opportunities: Cost-effective manufacturing, skilled workforce, large domestic market
• Challenges: R&D investment (only 2% sales), technology gap, regulatory complexity

MODEL MCQ FOR PRACTICE

Question: Which government body regulates medical devices in India?

(a) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
(b) Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
(c) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
(d) Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)

Answer: (b) Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)

MAINS QUESTIONS

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “India’s heavy import dependence in medical devices poses challenges to healthcare accessibility and affordability. Evaluate the National Medical Devices Policy 2025 as a strategy for building domestic manufacturing capacity. Discuss the role of government support, R&D investment, and skill development in achieving self-reliance.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the importance of medical device manufacturing for India’s healthcare sector. What are the key challenges in building a competitive medical device industry?”

Source: Ministry of Health, PIB, Business Standard, CDSCO | Date: October 05, 2025

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

4. Supreme Court Mandates Full Electoral Bonds Data Public Disclosure

⚖️💰

News in Brief:

• Supreme Court orders Election Commission to disclose granular electoral bonds data including donor-recipient matching within 30 days
• Enhanced disclosure: Bank-wise, date-wise, amount-wise transaction details, corporate donor information, shell company identification
• Contempt warning: Court issues notice to SBI for incomplete data disclosure despite February 2024 judgment
• Data reveals: Top 50 donors contributed 65% (Rs 10,730 crores), 30 companies received government contracts post-donation
• Political impact: Major parties’ funding sources exposed, quid pro quo allegations under investigation
• Transparency mandate: ECI to maintain permanent public portal with searchable database updated quarterly
• Reform demand: Civil society calls for state funding of elections, donation caps, real-time disclosure

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Electoral Bonds Controversy – Timeline:

• 2017: Electoral Bonds Scheme introduced via Finance Act (money bill route)
• 2018-2024: Rs 16,518 crores political funding through 22,217 bonds
• February 15, 2024: SC declares scheme unconstitutional (5-judge bench unanimous)
• Grounds: Violates Article 19(1)(a) – voter’s right to information, Article 14 – equality in electoral process
• October 2025: SC orders complete transparency in historical data disclosure

Political Funding Regulations in India:

• Representation of People Act 1951: Limits on election expenditure (Rs 95 lakhs Lok Sabha, Rs 40 lakhs Assembly per candidate)
• Income Tax Act: Section 13A (party exemption), 80GGB/80GGC (donor deduction), donations above Rs 20,000 must disclose donor
• Companies Act 2013: Section 182 – corporate donations allowed (removed caps in 2017), board approval needed
• Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010: Prohibits foreign funding to political parties
• Electoral trusts: Tax-exempt entities channeling corporate funds to parties

Global Best Practices – Political Funding:

Electoral Reforms – Pending Issues:

• State funding: Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990), Law Commission reports recommend public funding
• Expenditure limits: Current limits unrealistic (elections cost 10-100x official limits)
• Real-time disclosure: Technology enables immediate transparency (currently post-election)
• Corporate donations: Whether to ban (as in 38 countries) or regulate strictly
• Anonymous donations: Rs 20,000 threshold allows significant undisclosed funding

MODEL MCQ FOR PRACTICE

Question: The Supreme Court declared Electoral Bonds unconstitutional on which grounds?

1. Violation of Right to Information (Article 19(1)(a))
2. Violation of Right to Equality (Article 14)
3. Violation of Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All three

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

MAINS QUESTIONS

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “Transparency in political funding is essential for electoral integrity and democratic accountability. Analyze the Supreme Court’s stand on electoral bonds disclosure. Discuss alternative models for political funding that balance transparency with party autonomy and practical fundraising needs.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Examine the arguments for and against state funding of elections in India. What are the preconditions for such a system?”

Source: Supreme Court Orders, The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Law | Date: October 05, 2025

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

5. India Launches First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry in Kerala

 ⛴️💧

News in Brief:

• India’s first hydrogen fuel cell ferry “Vasudhaiva” inaugurated on Alappuzha-Kochi route, Kerala backwaters
• Technology: 50 kW hydrogen fuel cell system, 80-passenger capacity, 4-hour operation per refueling
• Zero emissions: Only byproduct is water vapor, eliminates diesel pollution in ecologically sensitive backwaters
• Project cost: Rs 25 crores, Ministry of Ports & Shipping and Kerala government co-funded (60:40)
• Hydrogen infrastructure: Green hydrogen production unit using solar power at Kochi port (2 tonnes/day capacity)
• Expansion plan: 50 hydrogen ferries across Kerala, Goa, Andamans by 2027
• Tourism boost: Eco-tourism promotion, Kerala’s backwater tourism gets green certification
• Climate impact: Each ferry reduces 40 tonnes CO2 annually compared to diesel equivalent

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Hydrogen as Clean Fuel:

• Hydrogen fuel cell: Converts hydrogen + oxygen into electricity, water is only byproduct
• Advantages: Zero emissions at point of use, 3x energy density of diesel, quiet operation
• Challenges: Production cost (currently Rs 300-500/kg), storage (requires -253°C or high pressure), infrastructure limited
• Colors of hydrogen: Green (renewable energy electrolysis), Blue (natural gas + carbon capture), Grey (fossil fuels)
• Applications: Transport (vehicles, ships, trains), industrial (steel, chemicals), power generation

National Green Hydrogen Mission:

• Launch: January 2023, Rs 19,744 crores budget till 2030
• Target: 5 million tonnes annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030
• Export potential: India can become major green hydrogen exporter (abundant renewable energy + land)
• Strategic partnerships: Memoranda with Australia, UAE, EU, Japan for technology and markets
• Industrial applications: Replacing grey hydrogen in refineries, fertilizers (currently 6 MMT grey hydrogen used)

Kerala’s Inland Waterways:

• Length: 1,900 km navigable waterways (rivers, canals, backwaters, lakes)
• Tourism: 1.5 crore annual domestic tourists, backwater tourism Rs 5,000+ crores industry
• Transport: State Water Transport Department operates 370 ferries, 1.5 lakh daily passengers
• Ecology: Vembanad Lake (largest wetland in Kerala), Ramsar site, pollution concerns
• Economic: Fisheries, coconut husk transport, tourism, essential connectivity for islands

Maritime Decarbonization:

• Global shipping: 3% of global CO2 emissions (1 billion tonnes annually)
• IMO targets: 50% emission reduction by 2050 (2008 baseline), net-zero by 2100
• Alternative fuels: Hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, LNG, battery-electric (each with pros/cons)
• India’s initiatives: Green ports (solar-powered cranes, shore power), LNG bunkering, now hydrogen ferries
• Challenges: High capital costs, technology readiness, fuel availability, safety regulations

MODEL MCQ FOR PRACTICE

Question: Green hydrogen is produced through:

(a) Electrolysis using renewable energy
(b) Natural gas reforming with carbon capture
(c) Coal gasification
(d) Nuclear energy-based electrolysis

Answer: (a) Electrolysis using renewable energy

MAINS QUESTIONS

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “Green hydrogen is being positioned as fuel of the future for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. Examine India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and its potential to achieve energy security and climate goals. Discuss the technological and economic challenges in scaling up hydrogen economy.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the applications of hydrogen fuel cells in transportation sector. How can India leverage its renewable energy capacity for green hydrogen production?”

Source: Ministry of Ports, PIB, The Hindu, Down to Earth | Date: October 05, 2025

PERSON IN NEWS

6. Indian-Origin Astronaut Selected for NASA’s Mars Mission

  pride balance.

News in Brief:

• Priya Anand (IIT Delhi, MIT PhD) selected as mission specialist for NASA’s Artemis Mars program 2030
• Selection: Chosen from 18,000 applicants, rigorous 2-year evaluation, expertise in astrobiology and life support systems
• Mission role: Lead scientist for Mars soil analysis, search for biosignatures, habitat life support engineer
• Background: Indian-born, US citizen, 15 years NASA experience (ISS missions, Mars rover programming)
• Academic credentials: IIT Delhi (B.Tech Aerospace), MIT (PhD Astrobiology), 40+ research papers
• Historic significance: First person of Indian origin on Mars mission crew (4-member team)
• Mission timeline: Launch 2030, 7-month journey, 500-day Mars surface stay, return 2032
• India connection: Inspiring STEM education, collaboration opportunities with ISRO

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

NASA’s Mars Exploration:

• Mars missions history: 45+ missions since 1960s, success rate 50% (extreme difficulty)
• Current assets: Perseverance rover (2021), Curiosity rover (2012), Ingenuity helicopter, orbiters
• Artemis program: Moon-to-Mars architecture, lunar gateway as staging point
• Human mission challenges: 7-month journey, radiation exposure, psychological isolation, life support for 2+ years
• Scientific goals: Search for past/present life, understand Mars geology, prepare for human settlement

Mars – Planet Profile:

• Distance from Sun: 228 million km (1.5 AU), 4th planet
• Size: Diameter 6,779 km (half of Earth), gravity 38% of Earth
• Atmosphere: 95% CO2, thin (1% Earth pressure), no breathable oxygen
• Temperature: Average -63°C, ranges -140°C to +20°C
• Day length: 24.6 hours (similar to Earth), year 687 Earth days
• Water: Evidence of ancient rivers/lakes, current ice caps, potential subsurface water

Indian-Origin Space Achievements:

ISRO’s Mars Mission:

• Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): Launched 2013, successfully entered Mars orbit 2014
• Achievement: First Asian nation to reach Mars, first to succeed in maiden attempt, most cost-effective ($74 million)
• Scientific data: Methane detection, surface mapping, atmospheric studies
• Future: Mangalyaan-2 planned with lander/rover, collaboration opportunities with NASA
• Inspiration: Boosted India’s space capabilities, international collaborations

MODEL MCQ FOR PRACTICE

Question: India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) achieved which distinction?

1. First Asian nation to reach Mars orbit
2. First nation to succeed in maiden Mars attempt
3. Most cost-effective Mars mission globally

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three

Answer: (d) All three

MAINS QUESTIONS

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “Indian diaspora’s achievements in space exploration inspire national pride and scientific aspirations. Discuss the significance of Indian-origin astronauts in global space programs. How can India leverage its space capabilities and human resources for international space collaboration?”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Examine ISRO’s achievements in Mars exploration. What are the scientific and strategic benefits of Mars missions?”

Source: NASA, Indian Express, The Hindu, ISRO | Date: October 05, 2025

AWARDS AND HONOURS

7. Veteran Director Receives Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award

.

News in Brief:

• Adoor Gopalakrishnan receives Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa
• Recognition: 50+ years in parallel cinema, 12 feature films exploring social realism, human condition
• Acclaimed works: “Elippathayam” (1981 – British Film Institute Award), “Mukhamukham” (1984), “Mathilukal” (1990)
• Awards history: Padma Shri (1984), Padma Vibhushan (2006), 16 National Film Awards, 7 Kerala State Awards
• International recognition: Films screened at Cannes, Venice, Berlin festivals; retrospectives at major archives
• Pioneer role: Established Kerala’s parallel cinema movement, influenced generation of filmmakers
• Prize: ₹10 lakhs, trophy, citation recognizing contribution to world cinema

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Satyajit Ray – Legacy:

• Career: 37 films (1955-1992), founder of Indian parallel cinema, Bengal school of filmmaking
• Apu Trilogy: Pather Panchali (1955), Aparajito (1956), Apur Sansar (1959) – humanist masterpieces
• International acclaim: Honorary Oscar (1992), Bharat Ratna (1992), Legion d’honneur (France)
• Awards in his name: Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award (IFFI), Ray Award (London Film Festival)
• Influence: Inspired Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Shyam Benegal, Girish Kasaravalli, Mani Kaul

Indian Parallel Cinema Movement:

• Definition: Alternative to mainstream commercial cinema, focus on realism, social issues, artistic expression
• Origins: 1950s-60s, influenced by Italian Neorealism, French New Wave
• Key filmmakers: Satyajit Ray (Bengal), Mrinal Sen (Bengal), Ritwik Ghatak (Bengal), Shyam Benegal (Hindi)
• Regional movements: Kerala (Adoor, G. Aravindan), Kannada (Girish Karnad), Marathi (Jabbar Patel)
• Themes: Rural poverty, caste, gender, political corruption, existential questions
• Support: Film Finance Corporation (1960), National Film Development Corporation, Film & Television Institute

International Film Festival of India (IFFI):

• Established: 1952, one of Asia’s oldest film festivals
• Venue: Goa (since 2004), earlier Trivandrum, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore
• Organizers: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals
• Categories: International Competition, Indian Panorama, retrospectives, country focus
• Golden Peacock: Top award, $40,000 prize, recognizes best international film

Major Indian Film Awards:

MODEL MCQ FOR PRACTICE

Question: Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy includes which films?

1. Pather Panchali
2. Charulata
3. Aparajito
4. Apur Sansar

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) All four

Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

MAINS QUESTIONS

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “Parallel cinema has been instrumental in portraying social realities and challenging mainstream narratives. Examine the contribution of parallel cinema movement to Indian film industry. How can government policies balance commercial and artistic cinema?”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss Satyajit Ray’s legacy in Indian cinema. What role do film festivals play in promoting artistic cinema?”

Source: IFFI, Ministry of I&B, The Hindu, Film Heritage Foundation | Date: October 05, 2025

PLACE IN NEWS

8. Hampi Inscribed as UNESCO Living Heritage City

News in Brief:

• UNESCO inscribes Hampi as “Living Heritage City” for exemplary integration of heritage conservation with community living
• Recognition upgrade: From World Heritage Site (1986) to Living Heritage City (2025), acknowledging inhabited heritage
• Inhabited heritage: 20,000+ residents living within monument zone, continuing traditional occupations (agriculture, crafts)
• Conservation model: Community participation in heritage preservation, eco-tourism, sustainable development
• Investment: ₹500 crores heritage management plan, infrastructure without altering character
• Tourism impact: 5 lakh annual visitors (domestic and international), expected 50% growth with new status
• Cultural continuity: Active Virupaksha Temple (continuous worship since 7th century), annual festivals, living traditions

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Hampi – Historical Significance:

• Location: Tungabhadra River banks, Ballari district, Karnataka (350 km from Bangalore)
• History: Capital of Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565), one of richest cities in medieval world
• Fall: Battle of Talikota (1565), empire defeated by Deccan Sultanates, city plundered
• Architecture: 1,600+ surviving monuments – temples, palaces, markets, fortifications, water structures
• Iconic structures: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple (stone chariot), Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath

Vijayanagara Empire:

• Founded: 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I (Sangama dynasty)
• Peak: Krishnadevaraya reign (1509-1529), extended from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal
• Economy: Diamond trade, spice trade, cotton textiles, horse imports from Arabia
• Cultural achievements: Telugu and Kannada literature flourished, temple architecture zenith
• Foreign accounts: Documented by Persian (Abdur Razzaq), Portuguese (Domingo Paes), Italian (Nicolo Conti) travelers

UNESCO Living Heritage Concept:

• Definition: Historic cities where communities maintain traditional lifestyles while preserving monuments
• Criteria: Active habitation, cultural continuity, community participation in conservation, sustainable development
• Challenges: Balancing modern needs with heritage protection, preventing commercialization, community rights
• Global examples: Jerusalem (Israel), Fez (Morocco), Bhaktapur (Nepal), Hampi (India)
• Benefits: Enhanced protection, international funding, tourism development, community empowerment

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka:

Heritage Conservation in India:

• ASI: Archaeological Survey of India, manages 3,693 centrally protected monuments
• Ancient Monuments Act 1958: Legal framework for heritage protection, prohibited/regulated zones
• Heritage Cities: HRIDAY scheme (₹500 crores), preserving character of heritage cities
• Challenges: Encroachment, vandalism, pollution, urbanization pressure, fund constraints
• Community role: Adopt a Heritage scheme, volunteer conservation, awareness programs

MODEL MCQ FOR PRACTICE

Question: Hampi was the capital of which empire?

(a) Chola Empire
(b) Vijayanagara Empire
(c) Hoysala Empire
(d) Chalukya Empire

Answer: (b) Vijayanagara Empire

MAINS QUESTIONS

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “Living heritage sites face unique challenges in balancing conservation with community needs and modern development. Examine Hampi’s recognition as Living Heritage City. Discuss sustainable approaches to heritage conservation that empower local communities while preserving historical significance.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the architectural and historical significance of Hampi. What measures are needed for effective heritage site management in India?”

Source: UNESCO, ASI, Ministry of Culture, The Hindu | Date: October 05, 2025

DAILY SUMMARY TABLE

QUICK REVISION CHECKLIST

PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT FOR TODAY

Prelims Focus:

1. Solve 20 MCQs on ASEAN member countries and India’s partnerships
2. Revise all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka
3. List India’s space missions chronologically with achievements
4. Map work: Vijayanagara Empire extent at peak
5. Timeline: Indian parallel cinema movement and key filmmakers

Mains Focus:

1. Write 250 words: “Green Hydrogen as Future Fuel – Potential and Challenges”
2. Prepare notes: “India’s Act East Policy – Evolution and Outcomes”
3. Answer writing: “Heritage Conservation and Community Participation” (150 words)
4. Revision: All Constitutional judgments on electoral reforms
5. Case study: Medical device manufacturing policy comparison (India vs China)

Current Affairs Integration:

• Read TNPSC previous year questions on Space Technology (2018-2024)
• Note patterns in International Relations questions (ASEAN, FTA)
• Practice linking: Clean Energy → SDGs → Climate Commitments
• Create mind maps: Heritage sites (UNESCO India), Medical devices sector
• Identify policy connections across different news items

MENTOR’S DAILY REVISION TIP

Today’s Theme: Innovation, Heritage & Governance

Quick Revision Strategy:

• Commercial space: IN-SPACe (regulatory) + NSIL (commercial arm) + Private players
• ASEAN: 10 members (remember BIMSTEC overlap – 3 countries: Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh)
• Green hydrogen: Electrolysis + Renewable energy = Zero emission production
• Hampi significance: Vijayanagara capital + UNESCO 1986 + Living Heritage 2025
• Electoral transparency: SC Feb 2024 verdict + Oct 2025 granular data order
• Parallel cinema: Satyajit Ray (pioneer) → Regional movements → Contemporary relevance