The Shiveluch volcano

Source:  PHY Subject:  Mapping Context: The Shiveluch volcano, one of the most explosive in Russia, erupted twice sending massive ash columns nearly 9,000 meters (29,500 feet) into the sky. About The Shiveluch volcano: What is it? Shiveluch (also spelled Sheveluch) is a massive stratovolcano—a cone-shaped volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, …

UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Alliance

Source:  UNESCO Subject:  International Organisation Context: The UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Alliance has announced the election of its first-ever Global Board, marking a major milestone in its institutional governance. About UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Alliance: What it is? The MIL Alliance is a global collaborative network coordinated by UNESCO, bringing together organisations …

UNESCO Makes A Strong Case for Mother-Tongue Instruction

Context: UNESCO released its flagship report “Bhasha Matters: The State of the Education Report for India 2025”, strongly advocating mother-tongue based instruction in India. The report calls for a national mission on Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) to improve equity, learning outcomes and linguistic inclusion. About UNESCO Makes A Strong Case for Mother-Tongue Instruction: Key …

Saudi UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC)

Source:  TOI Subject:  International Organisation Context: UNESCO has added three more Saudi cities — Riyadh, AlUla, and Riyadh Al-Khabra — to the Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in its 2025 update. About Saudi UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC): What is GNLC? The GNLC is a UNESCO-led international network that recognises cities promoting …

Oman

Source:  TOI Subject: Mapping Context: Oman has been elected as a member of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Council for the 2025–2029 term during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand. About Oman: What it is? Oman is a monarchy located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, known for its balance …

UNESCO Adopts Global Standards on Neurotechnology

Context: UNESCO has adopted the world’s first global ethical standards on neurotechnology, addressing privacy, human rights, and data protection amid the rapid rise of AI-driven brain–computer interfaces. About UNESCO Adopts Global Standards on Neurotechnology: What it is? An international framework issued by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to guide the ethical development, …

International Convention against Doping in Sport

Source:  DD News Context: India has been re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific (Group IV) at the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, held in Paris marking the 20th anniversary of the Convention. About International Convention against Doping in Sport: What …

The past is not only preserved in museums but re-imagined through them. Discuss how digital and virtual platforms are reshaping the preservation of cultural heritage. Evaluate whether this transformation strengthens or dilutes authenticity.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times Q1. The past is not only preserved in museums but re-imagined through them. Discuss how digital and virtual platforms are reshaping the preservation of cultural heritage. Evaluate whether this transformation strengthens or dilutes authenticity. (10 M) …

The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO

Source:  TH Context: The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO by December 2026, citing anti-Israel bias and UNESCO’s recognition of Palestine—just two years after rejoining the organization. About The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO: What is UNESCO? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) …

UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024–25

Syllabus: Education Source:  NDTV Context: The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024–25 highlights that India continues to struggle with poor learning outcomes despite near-universal school enrolment. Key Findings of UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024–25: Near-Universal Enrolment but Poor Learning Outcomes (India): Despite >95% primary school enrolment, India struggles with foundational literacy and …

UNESCO’s BIOCOM programme

Source:  UNESCO Context: UNESCO’s BIOCOM programme in Madagascar is empowering local youth with vocational skills, offering sustainable livelihoods and reducing pressure on forest ecosystems such as the Montagne des Français Reserve. About UNESCO’s BIOCOM Programme: What it is: The Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management for Integrated Community Development (BIOCOM) is a flagship UNESCO …

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Source:  DD News Context: The recognition of Bosnia’s Sevdalinka, also known as “Balkan Blues,” as part of UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights global efforts to preserve and celebrate diverse cultural traditions. About UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Established in: Adopted in 2003, came into force in 2006 under the Convention …

UNESCO Adds 11 New Biosphere Reserves Globally

Syllabus: Environment Conservation Source: UN Context: UNESCO recently added 11 new biosphere reserves worldwide, spanning countries like Colombia, Italy, Mongolia, and the Republic of Korea. These reserves, including two transboundary sites, aim to conserve biodiversity and cultural heritage amid global biodiversity and climate challenges.   What are Biosphere reserves?  Biosphere reserves are areas designated by UNESCO to promote the conservation …

UNESCO endorses banning smartphones from schools

Content for Mains Enrichment   Source: TH  Context: UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report 2023 warns against the uncritical adoption of digital technology in educational settings, as there is little robust evidence of its added value in education.   Negative impact of mobile devices on children’s learning:   Recommendations: The report endorses banning smartphones in schools …

[Mission 2023] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 6 February 2023

InstaLinks :  help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their …