UPSC Daily Current Affairs| One Liners 08-04-2025

One Liners 08-04-2025

History, Art and Culture

Remnants of the Megalithic Era

Recently, a rock-cut chamber and artefacts were unearthed at Manimoola village in Bandadukka, Kerala.

• Time period – Nearly 2,000 years old under megalithic period.
• Discovered items – Black ware pots, five 4-legged jars, clay utensils resembling lids of large vessels, an iron stove stand with 3 support stones, and iron tools resembling penknives.
• Several bone fragments were also found.
• A nearby stone structure ‘Pathaya Kallu’ is also believed to be a megalithic-era monument.

Wat Pho

Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Wat Pho.

• It is an ancient Buddhist temple complex, located in Rattanakosin Island, south of Bangkok, Thailand.
• Official name – Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, popularly known as Wat Pho.
• Constructed in – 16^th century as a monastery and was restored in 1788 by King Rama-I.
• Significance – It is home to the Thailand’s oldest center for public education, home to a school for Thai medicine and known as the birthplace of Thai massage.
• It houses both the largest collection of Buddha images and the largest Reclining Buddha statue in Thailand

Geography

Kuirektykol Reserves

Recently, 10,00,000 tonnes of largest rare Earth metals deposit discovered in Kuirektykol site.

• Located in – To southeast of Astana in Kazakhstan.
• Deposits – Elements like Cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium with an average concentration of 700 grams per ton.
• Rare earth metals are vital for technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense systems.

Kannadippaya – GI Tag

Recently, Kannadippaya has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• It is a unique tribal bamboo mat which is mainly woven by 5 ethnic groups:
  • Oorali, Mannan, Muthuva, Malayan, and Kadar tribes.
• Unique properties – It is woven with a ‘kannadi’ pattern, made from the soft inner layers of reed bamboo.
• It provides warmth during winter and cooling effect in summer.
• GI Tag – Boundary covers central & southern Kerala and along the western boundary of Tamil Nadu.
• It is the 1^st tribal handicraft product from Kerala to receive the GI tag.

Polity & Governance

Entrepreneurship Planning Digital Tool (EPDT)
& Helpline Number

Recently, the EPDT and a toll-free number was launched.

• Launched by – Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
• Developed by – LoKOS, a Mobile App that empowers users to efficiently manage Self Help Groups (SHGs).
• Objective – To support aspiring Lakhpati Didis (SHGs members) in crafting effective business plans.
• Features – Simplifies data entry for SHG members, tracks entrepreneurial progress, and offers necessary guidance for fostering entrepreneurship.
• Helpline number – To assist women with queries related to becoming Lakhpati Didis, with timely and effective support.

GP-DRASTI Program

Recently, Phase I of GP-DRASTI Program was introduced.

• GP-DRASTI – Gujarat Police – Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions.
• Gujarat police have employed quadcopter drones in several districts for policing activities.

The quadcopter drones will be flown at an operational flight ceiling of 120 metres above ground level.

• Objective – To track fugitives and find missing children.
• Usage – Especially for crimes related to bodily harm and violence on the streets of major cities.

Economy

Tamil Nadu’s Economic Growth

According to recent data by Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Tamil Nadu sets a real economic growth rate of 9.69% for 2024-25.

• Real Growth Rate – It measures the percentage change in output (goods and services) after adjusting for inflation.

• Tamil Nadu’s Sector’s contribution to Gross State Value Added (GSVA):
  • Primary sector – 10%.
  • Secondary sector –37%.
  • Tertiary sector – 53%.

Security

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayna

Recently, INS Sunayna was deployed as a part of Mission IOS SAGAR and set to sail from Karwar, Karnataka.

• It is an Indian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV)
• It comes under Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).
• Developed by – Goa Shipyard Limited.
• Mission – It is carrying 44 naval personnel from 9 Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs).
• It would be undertaking port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria and Male and Joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Southwest IOR.

Mission IOS SAGAR

• IOS SAGAR – Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region).
• It is an initiative towards continued cooperation with Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations.
• Objectives – To bring together the navies and maritime agencies of the Southwest IOR on an Indian Naval platform.
• To provide comprehensive training to sea-riders from the Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs) and marks an unprecedented collaboration in maritime security.

INS TRIKAND Medical Mission

Recently, INS TRIKAND was deployed to render critical medical assistance to a Pakistani crew of a Fishing Vessel (FV) to the east of the Oman coast

• It is a stealth frigate operating in the Central Arabian Sea.
• Mission – The Medical Officer of INS Trikand, along with a team comprising MARCOS (Marine Commandos) and the Ship's Boarding Team, boarded the FV to administer aid.
• Additionally, medical supplies, including antibiotics, were provided to the FV to ensure the crew's well-being until they reached their destination.