Prelims Focus 24th September 2025

National Awards for e-Governance 2025

In News: The National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025 were given to Gram Panchayats.

• A recently created category in digital service delivery is devoted to grassroots-level activities, and NAeG falls under this category.
• Each prize comes with a trophy, a certificate, and monetary rewards of Rs. 10 lakh (Gold) and Rs. 5 lakh (Silver), which will be used to further improve citizen-centered programs.
• Ministry: In conjunction with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions (MoPPGP).
• The Government’s perspective that Digital Governance is the most effective way to achieve Good Governance is emphasized by this unique acknowledgement.
• Rohini Gram Panchayat in Maharashtra is the first gram panchayat in the state to implement a completely paperless e-Office system.

Maitri 2.0

In News: New Delhi saw the introduction of the second iteration of the Brazil-India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech (Maitri 2.0) by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

• It’s a two-way learning platform for Indian and Brazilian innovators to work together to create a more robust, creative, and inclusive agri-food environment that promotes food security worldwide.
• Through Indo-Brazilian innovation, it aims to connect incubators, encourage co-incubation, and promote cooperation in sustainable agriculture, digital technology, and value chains in order to help establish resilient food systems and empower farmers.
• In the areas of agriculture, technology, and food security, Maitri 2.0 is a planned move that supports the goals of both countries.

Phytosaur fossil

In News: There is considerable suspense and scientific excitement over the recent discovery of a suspected Phytosaur fossil in Megha village, near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Experts believe this may be the first well-preserved phytosaur fossil found in India, dating back 200 million years to the Jurassic period, but detailed analysis is still underway to confirm its identity and full significance.

Discovery Details

• The fossil was unearthed by villagers digging near a lake and measures about 1.5–2 meters in length, resembling a large crocodile.
• Early observations point to it being the remains of a phytosaur, a semi-aquatic reptile from the Late Triassic to Jurassic periods, which predated crocodiles.
• The fossil was accompanied by what appears to be an egg nearby, which is rare and could offer insight into the animal’s reproductive biology.

Why the Suspense?

• While initial expert teams led by Dr. Narayandas Inkhiya and Professor VS Parihar believe the remains belong to a phytosaur, full scientific verification is awaited through detailed studies and dating techniques.
• The site has been cordoned off for preservation as researchers believe it may contain more hidden fossils, possibly even those of dinosaurs or other prehistoric creatures.
• The region has a known history of fossil discoveries, including dinosaur eggs and footprints, but this is the first time a large and near-complete phytosaur skeleton has been found.

Scientific and Cultural Significance

• This discovery could redefine India’s paleontological record, pointing to a rich diversity of ancient aquatic and terrestrial life in the Thar desert region millions of years ago.
• Scientists are emphasizing the need for further excavation, preservation, and research, and there is growing interest in developing the area as a hub for fossil tourism.

Volcano in Barren Island 

In News: India’s only active volcano, located on Barren Island in the Andaman Sea, experienced two minor eruptions on September 13 and 20, 2025. Both eruptions were classified as mild and did not pose any immediate threat to human settlements or nearby areas.

Location and Background

• Barren Island lies about 138–140 km northeast of Port Blair and is part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. 
• It is not only India’s but also South Asia’s only active volcano and is situated at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates. 
• The uninhabited island covers approximately 3 sq km, with the volcano rising 354 meters above sea level.

Details of the 2025 Eruptions

• The two recent eruptions were observed by officials and Indian Navy patrols, with smoke and modest lava flows visible.
• The eruption on September 20 followed a magnitude 4.2 earthquake in the region on September 18, which scientists suggest may have triggered the volcanic activity by disturbing the magma chamber beneath the volcano.
• These events are part of intermittent but recurring activity, with previous eruptions recorded in 1991, 2005, 2017, and 2022.
• Geological Context: Barren Island is located in a classic subduction zone, where the Indian plate slips beneath the Burma (Sunda) plate. This tectonic setting makes the region highly earthquake- and volcano-prone, with the movement and interaction of plates often triggering volcanic eruptions.

Download as PDF