Prelims Focus 2nd March 2026

02/03/2026

76 3 minutes read

12th-Century Temple Pillar Unearthed in Maharashtra

In News: Archaeological remains of a medieval stone pillar have been found near the Vena River in Hinganghat town of Wardha district, Maharashtra. The structure is estimated to date back to the 12th century CE.

Historical Background: The pillar is associated with the Seuna (Yadava) rulers, who governed large parts of the Deccan between the 9th and 14th centuries. With their capital at Devagiri, the dynasty significantly contributed to temple construction and the growth of regional culture in Maharashtra.
Architectural Significance: The structure reflects characteristics of temple architecture of the period. Such stone pillars were typically part of mandapas (pillared halls) and were often decorated with carvings and ornamental designs, indicating advanced craftsmanship.
Importance of the Find: The discovery suggests the possible existence of a temple complex in the area during the medieval period. It enhances understanding of the religious and architectural developments under the Yadavas and highlights the cultural importance of the Vidarbha region in that era.

25th Foundation Day of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Celebrated

In News: Recently, the 25th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power was observed in New Delhi, marking 25 years of efforts toward promoting energy conservation and efficiency in India.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Establishment and Legal Basis

BEE was established in 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
It functions under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
The agency was created to institutionalize energy efficiency services and promote sustainable energy use across sectors.

Objectives

Reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
Promote efficient use of energy and its conservation.
Develop policies and strategies aligned with climate change mitigation goals.

Key Functions

Formulating norms and standards for energy consumption.
Accrediting energy auditors and managers.
Promoting awareness and capacity building.
Coordinating with designated consumers such as industries and large establishments.

Durand Line

In News: Pakistan recently initiated an attack across the border in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq comprising a series of cross-border attacks on Afghan Taliban targets across the controversial Durand Line.

Defining Pakistan and Afghanistan: The Durand Line separating Pakistan and Afghanistan was a 2,640 km boundary line that was established in 1893 by the British diplomat, Sir Mortimer Durand and Afghan Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, but cuts Pashtun tribes.
Afghanistan has never seen it as a real boundary, they have considered it a colonialist concept. The line has been the source of conflicts and decades of tensions, which have involved fencing as well as armed crossovers.

Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine (EBV)

In News: Scientists are working on monoclonal antibodies that would prevent infection by EBV.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a standard virus that is associated with infectious mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, cancers and other severe diseases, following the success of the test that they successfully implemented in mice.
Infection is mostly asymptomatic or mild in childhood.
EBV infection may result in fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen or liver, and rash. The duration of symptoms is usually 2-4 weeks, where the fatigue may be prolonged and the virus remains inside of the body with possible reactivation in people with particularly weakened immunity.
The primary ways of transmission are saliva (kissing, sharing drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, toys).
Almost ninety-five percent of the world population is infected with Epstein-Barr virus although there are populations that are at a greater risk should the virus be activated.
EBV does not have any type of vaccine; the prevention is making sure not to be in contact with infected individuals. Diagnosis involves blood tests and treatment involves rest, fluids and relief of symptoms.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

In News: Digital Food Currency is a pilot based on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) of the Government of India Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Puducherry.

PMGKAY is the Government of India’s flagship food security program, which was launched in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was also implemented to offer more free food grains to those beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act. It has about 81.35 crore beneficiaries in India.
This scheme has been conducted in 7 phases to make sure that food security of the beneficiaries of NFSA in the country is achieved.
It has a 5-year extension of the scheme until 2024.