25th JULY 2026 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS
Rare Pot Featuring Fish Motif Unearthed at Keeladi Excavation Site
- A complete terracotta pot bearing an engraved fish motif has been unearthed during the ongoing 11th phase of excavations at Keeladi in Sivaganga district.
- Since the 11th phase of excavation began last March, nine excavation trenches have been dug so far.
- Various archaeological finds have been discovered within them, including ring wells, terracotta pots, spiral and barrel-shaped drainage systems, covered and open drainage networks, and brick structures.
- In the first trench excavated, at a depth of approximately 160 cm, a complete two-toned terracotta pot measuring one foot in diameter and one foot in height was recovered. A fish motif is engraved as a line drawing on the upper part of the pot. Previously, a ring well and pottery shards featuring fish motifs had also been discovered at the Keeladi site.
- In a significant decision taken during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee currently underway in Busan, South Korea, the ancient Buddhist site at Sarnath has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, following India's official nomination for the 2025-26 cycle.
- With this inclusion, it becomes the 45th site in India to receive such recognition. This global acknowledgment celebrates India's enduring cultural heritage, which embodies diverse traditions characterized by architectural excellence, regional identity, and historical continuity.
- This serial site, now included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, comprises two key areas located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. These include the Chaukhandi Stupa and the archaeological remains of Sarnath (such as the Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara, and the Ashoka Pillar).
- They preserve the architecture and archaeological remnants of the ancient site of Sarnath known in Buddhist tradition by various names such as Rishipatana, Ishipatana, and Mrigadava.
- Collectively, these sites mark a sacred location. It was here, in the 6th century BCE, that the Buddha arrived and delivered his first sermon, known as the "Dharmachakra Pravartana" (Turning the Wheel of Dharma).
- This event laid the foundation for the emergence of the Buddhist Sangha and the establishment of the principles of the "Arya Ashtanga Marga" (Noble Eightfold Path).
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned amidst intensifying protests led by the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. This announcement follows the CJP's primary demand that Pradhan step down, holding him accountable for the NEET question paper leak.
- The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games a quadrennial event is set to take place in Scotland for the fourth time. Approximately 3,000 athletes from 72 Commonwealth nations are participating in these games.
- Representing India, 125 athletes (77 men and 48 women) are competing across 13 sports disciplines. Meanwhile, at the 2026 Commonwealth Games currently underway in Glasgow, Scotland, Indian para-powerlifter Jandu Kumar has impressed by winning a bronze medal.
- In the men's heavyweight para-powerlifting category, he successfully lifted 181 kg in his first attempt and 190 kg in his second. With this performance, he secured the bronze medal by scoring 130.9 points.
