1) Science & Technology Clusters (STCs): The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India Chaired the first joint meeting of STC.
- Launched in 2020, it is a flagship initiative of the Office of the PSA.
- These are established as formal umbrella structures for S&T organizations in various cities for better synergy while retaining autonomy.
- It will create strong linkages between academic institutions, research laboratories, and other stakeholders.
- The Office of the PSA was placed under the Cabinet Secretariat in August 2018.
2) Panamalai Paintings (Tamil Nadu): 1,300-year-old paintings at Talagirishwara temple are fading, as per reports.
- The painting shows Lord Shiva with eight hands dancing, known as Latathilagabhani, being watched by Goddess Parvathi.
- These mural paintings were created after covering stonewalls with a paste made of limestone and sand.
- The paintings bear a close resemblance to paintings in Ajantha and Chithannavasal.
- The temple was constructed by Pallava king Narasimhavarman II, popularly known as Rajasimha.
- Rajasimha’s Sanskrit epigraphs are found here.
3) Seismic/ Earthquake Swarms: Iceland has been hit by more than 5500 small earthquakes.
- These are sequences of many earthquakes that occur in a relatively short period without a specific main shock.
- It can last weeks and produce many thousands of earthquakes within a relatively small volume.
- These are observed in volcanic environments, hydrothermal systems, and other active geothermal areas.
- Iceland is Europe’s largest and most active volcanic region due to its presence on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
4) Norman Pritchard (First Olympic medalist for India): India took part in its first-ever modern Olympic Games during the second edition of the Summer Olympic Games held in Paris in 1900.
- Norman Pritchard was the only athlete representing India at the Olympic Games in 1900 who competed in the Men’s 200-meter and 200-meter hurdles.
- He finished second in both the events and won India its first medals ever in Olympic Games history.
- However, he is considered a “controversial” Olympian as he is claimed by both Britain and India.
Places in News:
1) Venezuela (Capital: Caracas):
- US agreed to ease sanctions against Venezuela’s oil, gas and mining industries.
- Political boundaries:
- Bounded by Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean (North), Guyana (East), Brazil (South), and Colombia (Southwest & West).
- Administers a number of Caribbean islands and archipelagos, like Margarita Island, La Blanquilla, La Tortuga, Los Roques, and Los Monjes.
- Geographical features
- Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast.
- Home to one of the world’s largest oil reserves.
- Highest point: Pico Bolivar 4,978m
- Major Rivers: Rio Negro; Orinoco River
- Major Lake: Lake Maracaibo.
