In a significant archaeological discovery, a set of rare copper plates from the reign of Devaraya I, a prominent ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, has been unveiled. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into the empire's history, administration, and cultural practices during the early 15th century.?

Key Highlights:

Discovery Details: The copper plates, comprising five intricately inscribed sheets bound by a copper ring, were recently unveiled in Bengaluru by Falcon Coins Gallery Pvt Ltd. ?

Inscriptions and Language: The inscriptions are composed in Sanskrit and Kannada, utilizing the Nagari script. They are dated to Saka 1328, which corresponds to November 5, 1406 CE, marking the coronation date of Devaraya I. ?

Content of the Inscriptions: The plates record the grant of the village Gu?ipalli, along with its hamlets, renamed as Devarayapur Agrahara, to several Brahmins of various gotras by King Devaraya I, son of Harihara. ?

Historical Significance: This discovery confirms the exact coronation date of Devaraya I, providing the first epigraphical evidence of this event. Additionally, the plates offer detailed information about the socio-religious and administrative practices of the Vijayanagara Empire. ?

Historical Context:

Devaraya I ruled the Vijayanagara Empire from 1406 to 1422 CE, succeeding his father, Harihara II. His reign is noted for military prowess, administrative reforms, and cultural patronage. He implemented significant irrigation projects, including the construction of a barrage across the Tungabhadra River and a lengthy aqueduct to supply water to the capital, transforming it into one of the largest cities of the 15th century. ?

In the realm of literature and architecture, Devaraya I was a patron of Kannada literature and oversaw the construction of significant architectural works, such as the Hazara Rama temple, exemplifying the architectural advancements during his reign. ?

Significance of the Copper Plates:

The unveiling of these copper plates is a landmark event in the study of Indian history and epigraphy. They provide concrete evidence of Devaraya I's coronation date, enriching our understanding of the Vijayanagara Empire's chronology. The detailed inscriptions offer a glimpse into the administrative decisions, land grants, and socio-religious dynamics of the time.?

Furthermore, the use of Sanskrit and Kannada in the inscriptions highlights the linguistic diversity and cultural synthesis characteristic of the Vijayanagara period. The meticulous documentation of land grants to Brahmins reflects the era's emphasis on supporting religious and scholarly communities.?

Conclusion:

The discovery and unveiling of these rare copper plates from Devaraya I's reign mark a significant contribution to our understanding of the Vijayanagara Empire. They not only confirm historical dates but also provide a window into the administrative, cultural, and socio-religious fabric of early 15th-century South India. Such findings underscore the importance of preserving and studying historical artifacts to gain deeper insights into our collective past.

In a pioneering effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B by 2026, the West Bengal government has initiated a pilot project, marking a first-of-its-kind endeavor in India.

• The 'Triple Elimination' initiative is a collaborative project involving the West Bengal government, the William J. Clinton Foundation, and the World Health Organization.
• This integrated approach aims to enhance maternal and child health by simultaneously addressing the transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B, rather than tackling each disease separately.
• ?The 'Triple Elimination' initiative commenced as a pilot project in April 2024 across four districts: Coochbehar, Rampurhat, South 24 Parganas, and Diamond Harbour.
• The program was extended to encompass all 23 districts by March 2025.
• To ensure effective implementation and oversight, the government established a State Task Force and a Technical Advisory Group dedicated to the project's success.

The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a site of immense significance in Buddhism, has become the center of renewed protests concerning its administrative control. Buddhist monks and organizations are advocating for exclusive management rights over the temple, challenging the current governance structure established by the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 (BGTA).

Key Points:

Historical Context: The Mahabodhi Temple marks the location where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment in 589 BCE. Emperor Ashoka erected the initial shrine in the 3rd century BCE. Over centuries, control of the temple shifted, leading to complex management dynamics. 

Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949: Enacted by the Bihar government, the BGTA established a management committee comprising both Hindus and Buddhists. By law, the committee includes four Buddhist and four Hindu representatives, with the Gaya District Magistrate serving as the ex-officio chairman, a position traditionally held by a Hindu. 

Universal Group Of Institutions

Recent Protests: Since February 2025, the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) has led nationwide demonstrations demanding the repeal of the BGTA. Protesters seek exclusive Buddhist control over the temple and the cessation of Hindu rituals within its premises. 

Parliamentary Attention: The dispute has reached the Indian Parliament, with discussions highlighting the composition of the temple's management committee and the longstanding grievances of the Buddhist community. 

The Warangal,Telangana, Chapata Chilli has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• This marks the 18th GI registration for Telangana and is the first horticultural product to receive this designation.
• Following this development, 6,738 acres are now under cultivation in the Warangal, Hanumakonda, Mulugu, and Bhupalapalli districts producing approximately 10,951 metric tons annually. 
• According to Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, Vice Chancellor, Dr Danda Raji Reddy, around 20,574 farmers will benefit from this GI tag. 
• The fruits of the Warangal Chapata Chilli are characterised by their bright red color and bold, thick-walled structure. 
• Locally known as “tomato chili,” they resemble a blocky, tomato-like shape.

The 37th Kathak Mahotsav 2025, organized by Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, a constituent unit of Sangeet Natak Akademi, recently concluded its six-day celebration of Kathak dance and literature. 

Key Highlights 

Inauguration of the Kathak Literary Festival: This edition marked the introduction of the world's first-ever Kathak Literary Festival, emphasizing the dance form's intellectual and literary dimensions. 

Comprehensive Exhibition: A walk-through exhibition was organized, showcasing manuscripts, historical influences, and the artistic evolution of Kathak, providing attendees with a visual journey through the dance's rich history. 

Engaging Seminars and Discussions: The festival hosted seminars and discussions featuring renowned scholars who delved into topics such as royal patronage, the evolution of Kathak bols, and the significance of literary documentation in preserving the art form. 

Diverse Dance Performances: Daily Kathak dance concerts were held, showcasing solo, duet, and group recitals from all major Kathak gharanas—Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras, and Raigarh—performed by distinguished artists. 

Notable Attendees: The event was graced by esteemed personalities including Dr. Vinay Sahashrabuddhe, former Member of Parliament and ex-President of ICCR; Maharaj Pushparaj Singh of Rewa; Dr. Amarendra Khatua, former Director General of ICCR; and Dr. Sarita Pathak, a renowned vocalist and author. 

Under the visionary leadership of Smt. Pranaame Bhagawati, Director of Kathak Kendra, the festival achieved aesthetic excellence and inclusivity, celebrating the rich heritage and evolving narrative of Kathak dance.

Val Kilmer, the versatile and charismatic actor renowned for his roles in "Top Gun" and "Batman Forever," passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia.

Kilmer started his career in 1984 with the film 'Top Secret!' He is particularly known for his role as Lieutenant Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky in 'Top Gun', where he worked with Tom Cruise.

In addition, he played important roles such as Bruce Wayne/Batman in 'Batman Forever', Jim Morrison in 'The Doors', Chris Shiherlis in 'Heat', and Doc Holliday in 'Tombstone'. 

Early Life

Val Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He entered the drama division of the Juilliard School, making him one of the youngest students to be admitted to this prestigious institution. He was married to actress Joanne Whalley, with whom he has two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer. 

Nikhil Singhal, a distinguished media strategist, Founder of Vigor Media Worldwide, and President of the Noida High Rise Federation, was honored with the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award. 

• Shri Akhilesh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, presented the award in recognition of Nikhil Singhal's groundbreaking efforts in revolutionizing the PR landscape and crafting impactful communication strategies.
• The award ceremony, hosted by the Tapasya Foundation Trust, took place at the iconic Taj Lucknow. 
• This recognition highlights his remarkable contributions to the public relations industry and his exemplary leadership in strategic communication.
• The event brought together distinguished personalities from diverse sectors, including media, public relations, corporate communications, and governance. 

Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama was awarded the prestigious Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability at a special ceremony held at his residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on Monday ( 31 March).

• The award was presented by Gold Mercury International, a globally recognised think tank and international non-governmental organisation (INGO) dedicated to promoting peace, governance and sustainable development.
• A delegation led by Nicolas De Santis Cuadra, the President of the organisation presented the award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to promoting world peace, non-violence, compassion, and environmental stewardship.

Gold Mercury Award

The Gold Mercury International Award is presented by Gold Mercury International, an International nongovernmental organization (INGO) and think tank. The award was established in 1961. The award is a prestigious recognition in global governance and diplomacy. It honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to humanitarian efforts, international relations, economic development, culture, and sustainability.