Prelims Focus 28th June 2025

Sugamya Bharat App

In News: The Sugamya Bharat App has recently been revamped to better serve persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) and senior citizens by integrating advanced AI features and an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface. This upgrade aims to significantly improve accessibility support and empower users to access services and information more efficiently.

Key Features of the Revamped Sugamya Bharat App

• AI-Powered Accessibility Tools
• • Voice recognition and commands: Enables users to interact with the app using natural speech, reducing reliance on manual inputs.

• • Text-to-Speech (TTS): Converts on-screen text into audio, assisting visually impaired users.

• • Image Recognition: Helps identify objects or read text from images to aid users with visual disabilities.

• • Smart Navigation: AI-driven suggestions and shortcuts tailored to individual user needs.
• Intuitive User Interface

Simplified layout with large icons and clear labels for easy navigation.

High-contrast themes and customizable font sizes to accommodate visual impairments.

Multilingual support to cater to diverse linguistic backgrounds.

• Enhanced Accessibility Features
  • Integration with assistive devices and screen readers.

• • Easy reporting and feedback system for accessibility issues.

• Information on accessible public places, transport, and government services.
• Support for Senior Citizens
  • Simplified access to health, social welfare, and emergency services.

• • Reminders and alerts for medication, appointments, and important updates.

Operation Deep Manifest

In News:  The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully seized goods originating from Pakistan valued at approximately ₹9 crore under the ongoing enforcement initiative called ‘Operation Deep Manifest’. This operation targets the illegal import and smuggling of contraband and restricted goods to safeguard the country’s economic and security interests.

Key Details

• Operation Name: Operation Deep Manifest
• Seized Goods: Pakistani-origin products worth ₹9 crore
• Objective: To curb smuggling, prevent illegal trade, and enforce customs regulations
• Enforcing Agency: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), India’s premier anti-smuggling agency

Significance of the Seizure

• Protecting Domestic Industry: Prevents the influx of counterfeit or substandard products that could harm local manufacturers.
• Revenue Protection: Stops loss of customs duty and taxes due to illegal imports.
• National Security: Controls cross-border smuggling which may be linked to illegal activities or funding of unlawful groups.
• Upholding Trade Laws: Enforces compliance with import-export regulations and trade agreements.

Kolhapuri Chappals

In News: Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has come under fire in India after proposing leather-based flat sandals, priced at about Rs 1.2 lakh, that closely resemble conventional Kolhapuri chappals.

• Kolhapuri chappals, acknowledged for their hand made leather-based layout, are traditionally made by artisan communities in Maharashtra and had been in use since at least the 12th century.
• Kolhapuri chappals obtained Geographical Indication (GI) popularity in 2019, recognising their cultural and local significance.
• Kala mitti utility: A traditional black dust sticky paste (kala mitti) is implemented quickly to keep the layers in area.
• Chaprega (decorating the surface): Artisans create back and front designs using punches and hammers.
• Small metallic gear are used to stamp traditional patterns like elephants, birds, and geometric borders.
• The chappals are polished in herbal or dyed colours which include brown, tan, mustard, and etc.

Bonalu Festival

In News: The Bonalu festival’s first main puja for the Ashada month commenced at the Goddess Jagadambika Ammavaru temple in the Golconda Fort.

• Bonalu is an annual Hindu Festival in which Goddess Mahakali is worshiped. 
• It is celebrated in the twin Cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad and other parts of Telangana country, India.
• History: Bonalu commenced in the 19th century after a virus outbreak in Hyderabad.
  • As a mark of gratitude for divine protection, humans started imparting Bonam (from Telugu Bhojanalu, that means food) to Goddess Mahakali yearly.
• The festival is celebrated during the Ashada month (June–July), marking the onset of the monsoon season.
• In 2014, Bonalu was declared the state pageant of Telangana after its formation as a separate state.

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