NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Tripura Launches Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav 2025 to Celebrate Indigenous Culture: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav 2025, a two-day cultural celebration held at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala.Organised by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with local bodies, the festival celebrates the rich cultural traditions of Tripura—particularly the Garia Puja observed by the Tripuri and Reang communities.Garia Puja is a sacred ritual dedicated to Lord Mahadev (Shiva) and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to the people.
2. Action Plan 2025 for the River Cities Alliance: Reently, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved a national plan for the River Cities Alliance (RCA). This plan lays out clear steps to be taken throughout the year. It includes training programs, sharing of ideas, creating technical tools, expert advice, and case studies — all aimed at helping India’s cities grow while efficiently managing their rivers. The River Cities Alliance (RCA) is initiative aimed at promoting sustainable urban river management in India. Established in 2021, it is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The RCA currently comprises 145 cities, focusing on integrating river-sensitive urban planning into urban development.
3. Krishna River Faces Severe Drought Issues: The river has started drying up earlier than usual, impacting agriculture and drinking water supply in the region. The situation has prompted urgent appeals for water releases from neighbouring Maharashtra. The Krishna River is one of India’s longest rivers, spanning approximately 1,400 kilometres. It plays important role in supporting agriculture and ecosystems across western and southern India. The river’s basin is predominantly agricultural, with 75.86% of the area cultivated. Drought has become a pressing issue, particularly in Kalyan Karnataka. The river’s drying up in April has devastated crops. Although drinking water is supplied by the government, the agricultural crisis remains dire.
4. Similipal National Park: Similipal was initially proposed for national park status in 1980. The area has a rich biodiversity, including numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The region was previously designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. The long-awaited national park status is seen as a very important moment in Odisha’s conservation history. Similipal is home to 55 species of mammals, 361 species of birds, 62 species of reptiles, and 21 species of amphibians. The park encompasses portion of the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which covers 2,750 square kilometres. The core critical tiger habitat was notified in 2007, covering 1,194.75 square kilometres.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NIFTEM-Kundli hosts the 2nd edition of SUFALAM 2025: The National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM), hosted the second edition of SUFALAM (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors) 2025 on its campus in Kundli, Sonipat, Haryana.The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, inaugurated the 2nd edition of SUFALAM 2025 on 25th April 2025.The SUFALAM conclave aims to strengthen India’s food processing sector through innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
2. South Asian Tree Shrews: Recent research by the Zoological Survey of India has transformed the understanding of South Asian tree shrews. This study, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, challenges previous classifications and marks the need for targeted conservation efforts. It uncovered morphological distinctions among these small mammals, which have often been misidentified due to their resemblance to other species. Tree shrews belong to the order Scandentia. They are not true shrews or squirrels. These mammals possess unique features such as elongated snouts and moist nasal pads. Their diet primarily consists of insects and fruits. Tree shrews play a vital role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers and insect predators.
3. Cholistan Canal Project: The Cholistan Canal Project is part of Pakistan’s Green Pakistan Initiative, aimed at transforming the Cholistan Desert into arable land. The project includes the construction of six canals to irrigate over 1.2 million acres in southern Punjab. It is expected to enhance food security, create jobs, and develop agricultural hubs. The project is backed by the Pakistan Army and aims to increase agricultural productivity. The project has faced backlash, particularly from the Sindh province. Sindh leaders argue that the canals violate the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord, which allocates water rights among provinces. The Sindh Assembly has passed resolutions opposing the project, denoting the growing inter-provincial tensions.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. INS Surat Tests MRSAM: The MRSAM is a high-response missile system with a range of approximately 70 km. It employs dual guidance systems, which include command and active radar seeker technologies. The missile is capable of intercepting missiles, aircraft, guided bombs, and helicopters. Its features include a dual pulse solid motor and a proximity fuse for the warhead, ensuring effective engagement of targets. The successful test of the MRSAM by INS Surat marks a milestone in India’s naval capabilities. It marks the country’s progress in indigenous warship design and development. This achievement puts stress on India’s growing prowess in military technology.
2. India’s 5-Point Action Plan Post Pahalgam Terror Attack: In response to a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has initiated retaliatory actions against Pakistan. The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including a foreign national, and has been linked to militant groups operating from Pakistan. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened to address the situation and announced a five-point action plan targeting Pakistan’s diplomatic and military presence. CCS meetings have been convened during critical events in India’s history, including wars and terrorist incidents. For instance, meetings were held during the Kargil conflict and the hijacking of IC 814. Such meetings are typically confidential, with details emerging later through memoirs and writings.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Lunar Nuclear Power Plant: China and Russia are collaborating on an ambitious project to establish a nuclear power plant on the Moon. This initiative aims to support the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a joint lunar research base. The ILRS is designed to enhance lunar exploration and facilitate long-term human presence on the Moon. Power supply is crucial for the ILRS. China and Russia are exploring various energy sources. Solar energy, radioisotope generators, and nuclear power are all potential options. Russia’s expertise in nuclear technology gives it a competitive edge. Plans include building a nuclear reactor on the Moon’s surface by 2035. This reactor will ensure a reliable energy source for the research station.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Sunil Mittal included in World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab: Chairperson of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal, has been included in the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab initiative.The inclusion of Sunil Bharti Mittal and three other private sector chief executive officers (CEO) was announced by the World Bank at its meeting of the Private Sector Investment Lab in Washington, D.C.Bharti Enterprises becomes the second Indian company to be included in the Private Sector Initiative after Tata Sons.
2. World Bank lowers India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.3%: The World Bank has lowered India’s growth forecast for the current fiscal by 4 percentage points to 6.3% amid global economic weakness and policy uncertainty.In its previous estimate, the World Bank had projected India’s growth at 6.7% for the fiscal year 2025-26.In India, growth in FY24/25 disappointed because of slower growth in private investment and public capital expenditures that did not meet government targets, the World Bank said in its twice-yearly regional outlook.
3. Finance Ministry Brings I4C Under PMLA: The Revenue Department, under the Ministry of Finance, has brought I4C under Section 66 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. This move will enable I4C to exchange information with the Enforcement Directorate and other law enforcement agencies, helping to trace and identify the masterminds behind cyber frauds. This partnership is vital for tracking money trails linked to cyber fraud. The ED can now initiate actions against offenders under the anti-money laundering law. This step is crucial as cyber frauds often involve complex financial networks.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Dr K Kasturirangan: Born on October 24, 1940, in Ernakulam, Kerala, Dr Kasturirangan completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Physics from Bombay University. He earned his Doctorate in Experimental High Energy Astronomy in 1971 from the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad. His academic pursuits laid the foundation for his illustrious career in astrophysics. Dr Kasturirangan received numerous accolades for his contributions to science and education. He was awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, India’s prestigious civilian honours.
No comments:
Post a Comment