APPSC Current Affairs August 31st 2026

News at a Glance

Odia Inscription of the Gajapati Era Found at Tekkali

Relevance: APPSC: History and cultural heritage of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Important Keywords for Prelims and Mains

Prelims: Tekkali Inscription | Gajapati Dynasty | Kapilendra Deva | Pratapa Kapileswara | Odia Script | Odia Language | Estampage | Palaeography | Kalinga Heritage
Mains: Epigraphical Sources | Odisha–Andhra Cultural Linkages | Regional History | Political Geography | Linguistic Heritage | Historical Continuity | Heritage Documentation | Inscription Conservation

Why in News?

A centuries-old inscription associated with the Gajapati period has been traced inside the Tekkali royal palace in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. Engraved in the Odia script and language, it contains the name “Pratapa Kapileswara,” referring to Gajapati ruler Kapilendra Deva.The discovery provides further evidence of Tekkali’s historical connections with the Odisha kingdom.

Location and Discovery

The stone inscription was found at:

Place: Tekkali royal palace
District: Srikakulam
State: Andhra Pradesh

The inscription was traced by researchers associated with an organisation that studies and documents Kalinga heritage in South India. A member of the Tekkali royal family assisted them in locating the stone.

Earlier Epigraphical Record

The inscription was not entirely unknown to historical records. It had earlier been mentioned in the Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy for 1926–27.
Using this reference, the researchers approached the Tekkali royal family and successfully located the stone within the palace premises.
The discovery therefore represents the physical retracing and renewed documentation of an inscription that had been recorded approximately a century earlier.

Condition of the Inscription

The inscribed stone had been lying beneath a Tulasi Choura inside the palace.

Its condition is poor because:

a considerable portion has been damaged;
some parts have been lost over time;
the first line is completely destroyed; and
the surviving lines do not reveal the inscription’s complete purpose.

Despite the damage, researchers obtained an estampage for further examination.

What Is an Estampage?

An estampage is an impression of an inscription taken on paper. It allows researchers to examine and document engraved letters without repeatedly handling or moving the original stone.

It is especially useful when an inscription is:

weathered;
partly damaged;
difficult to move; or
located in a vulnerable place.

Script and Language

The inscription is engraved in:

Script: Odia
Language: Odia

Its script and surviving words connect it with the Gajapati political and cultural tradition of Odisha.

What Does the Inscription Contain?

The surviving inscription consists of at least four identifiable lines.

Line	Surviving information
First line	Completely damaged
Second line	Contains part of the ruler’s name
Third line	Contains “Pratapa Kapileswara”
Fourth line	Contains the expression “Bijeraije”

The name Pratapa Kapileswara refers to Gajapati Kapilendra Deva.

However, the damaged condition prevents researchers from establishing:

the exact regnal year;
the precise date;
the complete nature of the record; and
the purpose for which it was issued.

Probable Date of the Inscription

Kapilendra Deva ruled Odisha during the 15th century.

Based on:

palaeographic features; and
the historical context,

the inscription is also likely to belong to the 15th century.

However, its exact date has not yet been confirmed and requires further scholarly investigation.

About Gajapati Kapilendra Deva

The inscription refers to Gajapati ruler Kapilendra Deva through the name “Pratapa Kapileswara”.

According to the researchers:

he ruled Odisha during the 15th century; and
during his reign, the Odisha kingdom extended from the Ganga River in the north to the Kaveri River in the south.

The inscription’s presence at Tekkali reflects the historical reach of the Gajapati kingdom into parts of present-day North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Historical Importance of Tekkali

Tekkali was formerly an ancient Odia zamindari of Ganjam.
It later became separated from Odisha during the formation of the separate State of Odisha. Nevertheless, historical and cultural connections have continued.
A significant number of Odia families still reside in Tekkali, indicating the persistence of linguistic and cultural ties.

Conclusion

The Tekkali inscription is an important epigraphical record of the Gajapati era. Its Odia script, Odia language and reference to “Pratapa Kapileswara” connect the region with the 15th-century rule of Kapilendra Deva.Although its exact date and purpose remain uncertain, the inscription provides valuable evidence of the political, linguistic and cultural links between Tekkali and the historical Odisha kingdom

CARE MCQ

Q1. Consider the following statements about the inscription found at Tekkali:

It is engraved in Odia script and language.
It contains a reference to Gajapati Kapilendra Deva.
Its exact regnal year has been clearly established.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The inscription uses Odia script and language.
Statement 2 is correct: “Pratapa Kapileswara” refers to Kapilendra Deva.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Damage to the inscription prevents determination of its regnal year.

FAQs

1. Where was the inscription found?

It was traced inside the Tekkali royal palace in Srikakulam district.

2. In which script and language was it written?

It was engraved in the Odia script and Odia language.

3. Which ruler is mentioned?

The surviving text mentions “Pratapa Kapileswara,” referring to Gajapati Kapilendra Deva.

4. When was the inscription probably engraved?

It may belong to the 15th century, but its precise date requires further examination.

5. Why can its exact purpose not be determined?

A substantial portion of the inscription, including the first line, has been damaged or lost.

6. What is an estampage?

It is a paper impression of an inscription used for examination and documentation.

Source : Deccan Chronicle

India–Uzbekistan Relations Elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Relevance: GS Paper II: India’s bilateral relations and engagement with Central Asia

Important Keywords for Prelims and Mains

Why in News?

During the Indian Prime Minister’s State visit to Uzbekistan on August 29–30, 2026, India and Uzbekistan elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.The two countries signed 11 agreements, set a target of $5 billion in annual trade by 2030, and agreed to establish a framework for the long-term supply of uranium from Uzbekistan to India.

Strategic Upgrade

India and Uzbekistan marked the 15th anniversary of their strategic partnership by expanding cooperation into a wider range of strategic and developmental areas.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership covers:

trade, investment and industrial cooperation;
energy, uranium and critical minerals;
defence, counterterrorism and cybersecurity;
transport and logistics connectivity;
digital technology, artificial intelligence and space; and
agriculture, health, education, culture and tourism.

Uzbekistan’s location, resources and regional influence place it at the centre of India’s engagement with Central Asia.

Major Outcomes

Area	Outcome
Strategic relations	Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Trade	$5-billion annual target by 2030
Uranium	Long-term supply framework
Critical minerals	Joint exploration, mining and processing
Defence	Co-development and co-production
Digital payments	Indian UPI applications to scan UZQR
Environment	$1-million grant for the Aral Sea region
Heritage	Restoration of Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa
Coordination	Foreign Ministers-led mechanism

Institutional Mechanisms

Foreign Ministers-led Coordination Mechanism

The two countries will establish a high-level mechanism led by their Foreign Ministers to:

oversee the implementation of agreements;
coordinate different areas of bilateral cooperation; and
ensure timely completion of priority projects.

Joint Commission

The existing joint commission will be elevated from the secretary level to the ministerial level, giving economic and technical cooperation stronger political supervision.

The two sides also agreed to expand parliamentary contacts and review existing bilateral legal instruments to reflect current priorities.

Trade and Investment Cooperation

The current volume of bilateral trade exceeds $1 billion. India and Uzbekistan aim to raise it to $5 billion by 2030.

To achieve this objective, they will:

diversify the range of traded goods;
remove non-tariff and investment barriers;
digitalise trade procedures;
improve mutual market access; and
encourage business-to-business partnerships.

A Joint Working Group will address non-tariff issues and investment barriers. Electrical goods, engineering products, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, jewellery and agriculture have been identified as priority sectors.

A joint feasibility study on an India–Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement has been completed. The concerned ministries will examine the next steps on a time-bound basis.

Invest India and Uzbekistan’s Investment Promotion Agency will promote investment through business forums, roadshows, seminars and stakeholder meetings. India also reaffirmed support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Uranium and Civil Nuclear Cooperation

India and Uzbekistan agreed to establish a framework for the long-term supply of uranium from Uzbekistan to India.

The arrangement is significant because it can:

diversify India’s nuclear-fuel sources;
improve the reliability of uranium supplies;
support peaceful nuclear-energy cooperation; and
contribute to India’s wider energy requirements.

Both countries also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear energy.

Critical Minerals and Mining

Critical-mineral cooperation will cover the complete mineral value chain rather than being limited to the purchase of raw materials.

The two countries will explore joint projects in:

geological exploration and mining;
mineral processing and recycling;
production of value-added goods; and
development of integrated supply chains.

Indian companies may participate in developing mineral deposits in Uzbekistan, while Uzbek enterprises may collaborate on projects in India.

Renewable Energy

The two sides agreed to explore cooperation in renewable energy, modernisation of energy infrastructure and prospective investment projects.
This cooperation brings together Uzbekistan’s resource potential and India’s experience in energy transition and clean-energy development.

Defence Cooperation

India and Uzbekistan will strengthen direct engagement between their defence industries.

Areas of cooperation include:

co-development and co-production of military hardware;
institutional exchanges and capacity-building;
exploration of defence-industrial projects; and
continuation of joint military activities.

Exercise Dustlik

Dustlik is the joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan. Its latest edition was held in Uzbekistan’s Namangan Region in April 2026.

Security and Counterterrorism

The two countries reaffirmed zero tolerance towards terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.

They agreed to strengthen cooperation against:

terrorism financing and safe havens;
violent extremism and separatism;
organised crime and illicit drug trafficking; and
cyber threats.

Cooperation will continue through intelligence sharing, law-enforcement coordination and the Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism.

Transport and Logistics Connectivity

India and Uzbekistan agreed to strengthen multimodal transport routes and logistics corridors to facilitate the movement of goods and reduce freight costs.

Cooperation will also cover:

restoration of freight transportation;
modernisation of road infrastructure;
exchange of road-construction technology; and
development of energy-efficient public transport.

Improved connectivity is essential for expanding India’s economic engagement with landlocked Central Asia.

UPI–UZQR Payment Linkage

NPCI International Payments Limited and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre concluded a commercial agreement on digital payments.

Under the arrangement, Indian UPI applications will be able to scan Uzbekistan’s national UZQR for merchant payments.

This can:

simplify payments for Indian visitors;
support tourism and business travel;
encourage cross-border digital-payment interoperability; and
expand the global reach of India’s digital public infrastructure.

Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence

The first IT Park in Tashkent was established in 2019 on the Indian model with support from the Software Technology Parks of India.

The two countries will now strengthen cooperation among:

technology parks;
companies and start-ups;
research and educational institutions; and
digital-innovation ecosystems.

They also agreed to exchange experience in developing safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems. Cybersecurity cooperation will form part of the wider digital partnership.

Space Cooperation

India and Uzbekistan will expand cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space through:

space applications;
exchange of scientific data;
joint workshops and training; and
capacity-building.

Agriculture and Food Security

Agricultural cooperation will focus on:

value-chain development and agricultural exports;
livestock and food security;
resource-efficient technologies;
agricultural science; and
conservation of plant genetic resources.

Research institutions and enterprises from both countries will work together to improve productivity and promote trade in agricultural products.

Health and Pharmaceuticals

India and Uzbekistan will strengthen cooperation in biomedical research, medical innovation and public-health systems.

The Tashkent Pharma Park will provide a platform for:

joint pharmaceutical projects;
localised production;
technology transfer;
investment; and
skilled workforce development.

The two sides also supported the establishment of medical centres, laboratories, research institutions and joint pharmaceutical enterprises in Uzbekistan. An MoU on traditional medicine was also concluded.

Education and Capacity-Building

Educational cooperation will include joint research, academic exchanges, India studies in Uzbekistan and Uzbek studies in India.

Cooperation will focus particularly on medicine, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, nanotechnology and biotechnology.

India’s capacity-building contribution includes:

over 2,700 Uzbek nationals trained under the ITEC programme;
more than 400 Uzbek students selected for ICCR scholarships, including AYUSH scholarships; and
announcement of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Scholarship for Hindi Language in Uzbekistan.

Indian students studying in Uzbekistan also contribute to people-to-people relations.

Cultural Exchange Programme

A Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026–2030 was signed. It covers:

cultural festivals and exhibitions;
artistic tours;
institutional exchanges; and
cooperation in archives.

Buddhist Heritage Cooperation

A Letter of Intent was concluded for conserving and restoring:

Fayaz Tepa; and
Kara Tepa.

These ancient Buddhist monasteries in southern Uzbekistan reflect the spread of Buddhism through the Silk Road and its historical presence in Central Asia.

Heritage cooperation will also include digital documentation, three-dimensional modelling of archaeological artefacts and advanced conservation technologies.

Sports, Yoga and Tourism

Sports cooperation will include athlete preparation and coach training in badminton, archery and chess.
India’s Ministry of AYUSH and Uzbekistan’s Yoga Federation will cooperate in yoga-instructor training, international Yogasana competitions and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Tourism can benefit from improved payments, cultural programmes, heritage conservation and stronger connectivity.

Environmental Cooperation

India announced a $1-million grant for afforestation and ecological rehabilitation in the Aral Sea region.

The initiative connects:

Uzbekistan’s Yashil Makon programme; and
India’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.

India will also provide technical support under its Grant-in-Aid framework.

Regional and International Cooperation

Central Asia–India Format

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deeper engagement through the Central Asia–India mechanism at the level of Heads of State and other institutions.

United Nations Reform

India and Uzbekistan called for reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Multilateral Platforms

The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation through:

the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation;
the United Nations;
forums representing the Global South; and
other international and regional bodies.

Uzbekistan congratulated India on its BRICS chairship in 2026. India supported Uzbekistan’s NAM chairship for 2027–2030. Uzbekistan also expressed interest in joining the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance.

Significance for India

Strategic Presence in Central Asia

A stronger partnership with Uzbekistan expands India’s political and strategic engagement in Central Asia.

Energy and Mineral Security

Long-term uranium supplies and critical-mineral projects can reduce India’s dependence on concentrated external sources.

Regional Security

Defence cooperation, Exercise Dustlik and intelligence sharing can help address terrorism, extremism and other regional threats.

Economic Opportunities

The trade target and proposed preferential trade arrangement can expand markets for Indian pharmaceuticals, engineering products, automobiles and digital services.

Digital Diplomacy

UPI–UZQR, artificial intelligence and IT-park cooperation demonstrate the growing role of Indian digital platforms in bilateral diplomacy.

Civilisational Linkages

Restoration of Buddhist sites strengthens India’s historical and cultural relationship with the Silk Road region.

Way Forward

Prepare a time-bound roadmap for achieving the 2030 trade target.
Advance the next steps towards a Preferential Trade Agreement.
Operationalise the uranium-supply framework.
Identify commercially viable critical-mineral projects.
Improve multimodal freight and logistics connectivity.
Implement UPI–UZQR interoperability.
Promote direct defence-industry partnerships.
Regularly review progress through the Foreign Ministers-led mechanism.

Conclusion

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership brings trade, uranium, critical minerals, defence, connectivity, digital technology and cultural cooperation within a single framework.

Its success will depend on converting political commitments into functioning projects. Effective implementation can strengthen India’s resource security, regional influence and long-term engagement with Central Asia.

UPSC PYQ

Q. The Aral Sea is situated between:

(a) Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
(b) Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
(c) Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
(d) Uzbekistan and Tajikistan

Answer: (a) Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Explanation: The Aral Sea is an inland water body located between Kazakhstan to the north and Uzbekistan to the south in Central Asia. It has drastically shrunk because the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, which fed it, were diverted mainly for irrigation.

CARE MCQ

Q. Consider the following pairs:

Term	Description
Dustlik	India–Uzbekistan military exercise
UZQR	Uzbekistan’s national QR payment system
Fayaz Tepa	Ancient Buddhist site in Uzbekistan

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (c) All three

Explanation: Dustlik is the bilateral military exercise, UZQR is Uzbekistan’s national QR system, and Fayaz Tepa is an ancient Buddhist site.

FAQs

1. What new status has been given to India–Uzbekistan relations?

The relationship has been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

2. What is the bilateral trade target?

The two countries aim to raise annual trade to $5 billion by 2030.

3. What was agreed regarding uranium?

They agreed to create a framework for the long-term supply of uranium from Uzbekistan to India.

4. How will UPI operate in Uzbekistan?

Indian UPI applications will be able to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR for merchant payments.

5. Which Buddhist sites will receive conservation support?

Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa in southern Uzbekistan.

6. What is Exercise Dustlik?

It is the joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan.

Source : PIB

Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race

Relevance: GS Paper I – Indian Culture, Art & Heritage

Important Keywords for Prelims and Mains

Why in News?

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Aranmula Uthrattathi boat race at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, describing it as a timeless symbol of Keralam’s rich cultural heritage, deep devotion and enduring traditions.

About Aranmula Boat Race

The Aranmula Uthrattathi boat race is a traditional boat race held on the Pampa River in Kerala.
It is associated with the cultural and religious traditions of Aranmula, a town closely linked with the ancient Parthasarathy Temple.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The race reflects Kerala’s traditional community celebrations.
It is linked with devotion, temple culture and collective participation.
It attracts visitors from India and abroad.
It has helped place Aranmula on the cultural and tourism map.

Palliyodams

Palliyodams are the traditional snake boats of Kerala used in the Aranmula boat race.

Key Features

They are long, decorated traditional boats.
Each boat is powered by over 100 oarsmen.
Oarsmen row in complete unison.
They represent physical endurance, teamwork and craftsmanship.

Link with Aranmula

Aranmula is located in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala.
The town is named after the ancient Parthasarathy Temple.
The temple is said to have a heritage of nearly 1,800 years.

Aranmula Kannadi

Aranmula is also famous as the birthplace of Aranmula Kannadi.
It is a traditional metal mirror.
It has received the Geographical Indication tag.
It represents Kerala’s traditional craftsmanship.

CARE MCQ

Q. With reference to the Aranmula Uthrattathi boat race, consider the following statements:

It is associated with the Pampa River in Kerala.
Palliyodams are traditional snake boats used in the event.
Aranmula Kannadi is a GI-tagged traditional metal mirror.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: The Aranmula boat race is held on the Pampa River. It features Palliyodams, the traditional snake boats of Kerala. Aranmula is also known for the GI-tagged Aranmula Kannadi, a traditional metal mirror.