Rare Four-Sided Buddha Parinirvana Pillar Discovered in Telangana

What’s the News?

A rare four-sided medieval stone pillar depicting Buddha in Mahaparinirvana has been discovered at Bhimsari village in Adilabad district, Telangana. The monument is archaeologically significant because it combines Buddhist, Vaishnavite, and Shaivite iconography on a single pillar, reflecting the religious coexistence and artistic synthesis of the medieval Deccan. The discovery was identified by members of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam and later examined by noted historians and archaeologists.

Why is the Discovery Significant?

• The pillar is believed to date to the 10th century CE based on its sculptural style.
• It contains four half-relief carvings, each on a different face:
  • Buddha in Mahaparinirvana (reclining Buddha)
  • Vishnu Sayana Murti (reclining Vishnu)
  • Uma-Lingana Murti (Shiva embracing Uma/Parvati)
  • A royal warrior holding a sword.
• It is regarded as the first known pillar in Telangana to combine Buddhist, Shaivite, and Vaishnavite imagery on a single monument.
• The discovery provides evidence of religious harmony and shared artistic traditions in the medieval Deccan.

Buddha Parinirvana

• Parinirvana (Mahaparinirvana) refers to the final liberation of Gautama Buddha after his death, marking complete freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
• In Buddhist art, Buddha is typically depicted:
  • Lying on his right side.
  • Supporting his head with his right hand.
• The Bhimsari sculpture closely follows the description found in the Parinibbana Sutta, an important text of the Pali Canon.

Archaeological Importance

• Mahaparinirvana sculptures are rare in Telangana.
• Similar depictions have previously been reported from:
  • Bhimeswara Temple, Vemulawada
  • Nagarjunakonda Museum
• The discovery strengthens evidence of the continued influence of Buddhist traditions in the Deccan even after the decline of organized Buddhism in the region.

Additional Info

• Parinibbana Sutta
  • Part of the Pali Canon (Tipitaka).
  • Describes the final days and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha.
• Mahaparinirvana
  • Place: Kushinagar
  • One of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• Important Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites
  • Lumbini – Birth
  • Bodh Gaya – Enlightenment
  • Sarnath – First Sermon
  • Kushinagar – Mahaparinirvana

Sources

• The Times of India
• Telangana Today

Gujarat Announces 20% Reservation for Ex-Agniveers in State Government Jobs

What’s the News?

The Gujarat Government has announced 20% reservation for former Agniveers in direct recruitment to Class III posts across selected state government departments. The policy covers recruitment in the State Police Armed Units, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Jail Department, and Forest Department. Along with reservation, the government has also introduced age relaxation and exemption from physical efficiency tests for eligible ex-Agniveers, facilitating their transition to civilian employment.

Reservation for Ex-Agniveers

• 20% reservation in direct recruitment to Class III state government posts.
• Applicable to posts such as:
  • Armed Police Sub-Inspector
  • Armed Police Constable
  • SRPF Platoon Commander
  • Jail Department posts
  • Forest Guard and related cadres
• Physical efficiency test exempted for eligible former Agniveers (where applicable).
• Upper age limit relaxation:
  • First batch of ex-Agniveers: 5 years.
  • Subsequent batches: 3 years.

Agnipath Scheme

• Launched in 2022 to recruit soldiers, sailors and airmen as Agniveers for a 4-year tenure.
• Applicable to the:
  • Indian Army
  • Indian Navy
  • Indian Air Force
• After four years:
  • Up to 25% of Agniveers may be retained in the regular armed forces based on merit and organizational requirements.
  • The remaining personnel receive a Seva Nidhi package, skill certification, and other resettlement support.
• Introduced by the Ministry of Defence.
• Age at recruitment: 17½–21 years (with temporary relaxation during initial recruitment years).
• Agniveers receive:
  • Monthly salary with annual increments.
  • Seva Nidhi corpus at the end of service.
  • Skill certificate and priority in various employment avenues.

Sources

• India Today
• The Times of India

Indori Malwi Potato, Garadu and Balam Kakdi Receive GI Tag

What’s the News?

Three agricultural products from Madhya Pradesh—Indori Malwi Potato, Garadu (tuber), and Balam Kakdi (cucumber)—have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the GI Registry, Chennai. The recognition acknowledges their unique qualities linked to the climate, soil, and traditional cultivation practices of the Malwa region. The GI tags are expected to enhance product branding, improve farmers' incomes, and boost export potential.

Indori Malwi Potato

• One of 12 agricultural products from Madhya Pradesh that received GI recognition.
• Key characteristics:
  • Low sugar and low starch content.
  • Retains a white colour after frying, making it ideal for chips and French fries.
• Widely used in Indore's famous street foods:
  • Poha
  • Aloo Chaat
  • Aloo Bada
  • Khopra Petis
• Cultivation:
  • Around 45,000 hectares in Indore district.
  • Grown by approximately 30,000–35,000 farmers.
• Major buyers include ITC, PepsiCo, McCain, Balaji, Hyfun Foods, and Mahindra.

Garadu and Balam Kakdi

Garadu

• A starchy edible tuber popular across the Malwa region.
• Traditionally consumed during winter after deep-frying and seasoning with spices and lemon.
• Cultivated on nearly 120 hectares.

Balam Kakdi

• A distinctive large-sized cucumber grown mainly in Sailana (Ratlam district).
• Known for:
  • Large size
  • Juicy pulp
  • Unique colour
• Cultivated on around 100 hectares and consumed as a summer fruit/snack.

What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

• A Geographical Indication (GI) is an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) granted to products whose:
  • Quality,
  • Reputation, or
  • Other characteristics are essentially attributable to their geographical origin.
• GI protection prevents unauthorized use of the product name by producers outside the designated geographical area.
• Benefits include:
  • Premium market value
  • Brand protection
  • Rural livelihood promotion
  • Export opportunities
  • Preservation of traditional knowledge and farming practices.

Additional Info

• GI Registration in India
  • Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
  • Came into force in 2003.
  • Administered by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, under the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks.
• Validity
  • GI registration is valid for 10 years.
  • Can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods.
• Other GI-tagged Products of Madhya Pradesh
  • Ratlami Sev
  • Kadaknath Chicken
  • Chinnor Rice
  • Sundarja Mango
  • Riwan (Raiwan) Garlic

Sources

• Deccan Herald
• The Times of India

United Nations Public Service Day 2026

What’s the News?

United Nations Public Service Day is observed every year on 23 June to recognize the value of public service, honour the contribution of public servants, and promote effective, accountable, and inclusive public institutions. In 2026, the observance coincides with the United Nations Public Service Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia, focusing on innovation and inclusive governance.

Theme for 2026

"Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Participation, and Inclusion."

The theme emphasizes:

• Modernizing public institutions through innovation.
• Encouraging citizen participation in governance.
• Building inclusive, transparent, and accountable public administration.
• Strengthening institutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

United Nations Public Service Awards (UNPSA)

• Established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2003.
• Recognizes excellence and innovation in public administration worldwide.
• Rewards initiatives that improve:
  • Public service delivery.
  • Digital governance.
  • Institutional effectiveness.
  • Inclusive and citizen-centric governance.
• Presented annually during the UN Public Service Forum.

Additional Info

• History
  • Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/57/277 on 20 December 2002.
  • First observed in 2003.
  • Observed annually on 23 June.
• Organising Agency
  • United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).
  • Specifically coordinated through the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG).
• 2026 UN Public Service Forum
  • Venue: Tbilisi, Georgia.
  • Organised by: UN DESA and the Government of Georgia.
  • Key focus areas:
    • Digital transformation.
    • Capacity building.
    • Good governance.
    • Innovation in public institutions.
    • Public Service Awards ceremony.

Sources

• United Nations

Olympic Day 2026

What’s the News?

Olympic Day is observed every year on 23 June to commemorate the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894 and to promote the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect. The day encourages people of all ages and abilities to participate in sports and physical activity while fostering unity, inclusion, and healthy lifestyles.

Theme for 2026

"You can do this. Let's Move"

History of Olympic Day

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne, Paris, on the initiative of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, regarded as the father of the modern Olympic Games.
• The first Olympic Day was celebrated in 1948 following a decision taken at the 42nd IOC Session held in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
• Initially observed by a few National Olympic Committees (NOCs), it is now celebrated globally.

Additional Info

• International Olympic Committee (IOC)
  • Founded: 23 June 1894
  • Founder: Baron Pierre de Coubertin
  • Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Current President: Kirsty Coventry
• Olympic Motto
  • Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter
  • Meaning: Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together
• Olympic Symbol
  • Five interlocking rings represent the five inhabited continents:
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Oceania
  • Symbolize unity through sport.

Sources

• Olympics.com