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One Liners 03-05-2025
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History, Art and Culture
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Raghuji Bhosale I of Nagpur’s
Recently, Maharashtra government acquired Maratha warrior Raghuji Bhosale I of Nagpur’s iconic sword from London for Rs 47.15 lakh. This historic purchase repatriates a symbol of Maratha valor and heritage. The sword, adorned with Mulheri hilt and gold inlay.
- Background- With Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj's support in 1728, Raghuji Bhonsale I of Nagpur ascended to prominence in the early 18th century.
Nagpur Bhonsles
- They were one of the Maratha Sardhars and a significant part of the Maratha Empire.
- They asserted descent from the Sisodia Rajputs of Udaipur.
- They played a crucial role in the expansion of Maratha territories.
- They had connections to the Hinganikar clan, with origins in the Pune district.
- Raghuji Bhosale, I founded their dynasty.
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Maharashtra Diwas: State Formation Day
Maharashtra Diwas, celebrated annually on May 1st, commemorates the formation of Maharashtra state in 1960.
- Linguistic Division of Bombay State - The state's creation followed the linguistic division of the former Bombay State, honoring Marathi speakers' aspirations.
Historical Context
- Bombay State - Before 1960, Maharashtra was part of the larger, linguistically diverse Bombay State, including Gujarat and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
- States Reorganisation and the 1960 Act -The 1953 States Reorganisation Commission advocated for linguistic state divisions, leading to the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960, and the birth of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Significance of the Day - Maharashtra Diwas celebrates Marathi language, identity, and culture, acknowledging the struggle for statehood and reinforcing linguistic harmony.
- Maharashtra's Achievements - The day also highlights Maharashtra's growth as a cultural, industrial, and financial powerhouse over the past decades.
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Geography
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Uturuncu volcano
Bolivia's dormant Uturuncu volcano shows unrest due to subsurface magma and gas movement, as revealed by Oxford and Cornell University studies analyzing over 1,700 earthquakes. High-resolution imaging suggests a low risk of immediate eruption.
- Stratovolcano Features - Uturuncu is a stratovolcano characterized by dacitic lava domes and flows.
- Impressive Elevation - Rising to approximately 6,008 meters, it stands as the tallest peak in southern Bolivia.
- Long Dormancy, Current Activity - Last erupting 250,000 years ago, Uturuncu remains seismically active within a 70 km uplifted area.
- Underneath: Vast Magma Reservoir -It sits atop the massive and deep Altiplano-Puna Magma Body (APMB).
- The "Zombie" Volcano - Known as a "zombie" volcano for its persistent non-eruptive activity.
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International Relations and Issues
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Fall of Saigon 50th Anniversary
Vietnam solemnly and grandly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon on April 30, 2025.
- "Day of Southern Liberation" - Known as the "Day of Southern Liberation for National Reunification," it signifies the end of the Vietnam War.
- Commemorative Events - The anniversary featured significant military parades, an air show, and diplomatic engagements with China and the U.S.
- Historical Conflict - The Vietnam War (1955-1975) pitted communist North Vietnam (backed by USSR and China) against U.S.-supported South Vietnam.
- Fall of Saigon and Casualties - The fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, led to Vietnam's reunification, but the war caused immense loss: ~3 million Vietnamese and ~60,000 American deaths.
- Significance of Celebrations - The events aimed to commemorate reunification, honor war heroes, and showcase Vietnam's growing military and diplomatic strength.
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Environment
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World Tuna Day (WTD)
WTD sponsored by the UN, is observed annually on May 2.
- Aims- To promote awareness about the importance of sustainable science-based fishing practices and marine conservation.
- Ensure long-term availability of tuna stocks.
- Support efforts aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14 – Life Below Water.
- Importance - Tuna is vital for global food security, drives economic development, and is a key part of marine biodiversity.
- WTD Addresses - The dangers of overfishing and promotes responsible fishing methods.
- About Tuna - Are a genus of saltwater fish (Thunnus) belonging to the mackerel family (Scombridae).
- They are ocean-dwelling, ray-finned bony fish known for their streamlined bodies and powerful swimming abilities.
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Security
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National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).
Following the recently Pahalgam terror attack and escalating tensions with Pakistan, India has revamped its National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)
- New Appointment – PM Modi has appointed Alok Joshi, the former head of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), as the new NSAB Chairman.
- About NSAB - NSAB offers independent, non-partisan perspectives and policy options to the National Security Council (NSC), which is headed by the PM.
- Focuses - On long-term analysis of national security issues and provides strategic guidance on evolving threats and national interests.
- Functions - Provides policy perspectives and recommendations to the NSC.
- Offers strategic guidance on evolving threats and national interests.
- Focuses on research, foresight, and independent analysis to support government decision-making.
- Aids in formulating comprehensive security doctrines.
- Recommends defense, cyber, diplomatic, and internal security measures.
- Helps prepare key strategic documents such as the Nuclear Doctrine and National Security Reviews.
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Science
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Phthalates
2025, recent New York University studies have increasingly highlighted the risks associated with phthalates, common chemicals in household plastics.
- Global Impact on Cardiovascular Health - Study linked phthalate exposure to over 356,000 cardiovascular-related deaths globally in 2018, with the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific being most affected.
- About Phthalates - Phthalates are chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastics, earning them the moniker "everywhere chemicals" due to their presence in food containers, medical devices, and personal care items.
- Mounting Health Concerns - Beyond cardiovascular issues, concerns are growing about phthalates' potential links to obesity and ADHD.
- Phthalates as Endocrine Disruptors - Phthalates are identified as endocrine disruptors, capable of interfering with the body's hormonal systems, potentially causing reproductive problems and pregnancy complications.
- Cardiovascular Risks and Inflammation - Research suggests that daily phthalate exposure is associated with inflammation in heart arteries, thereby elevating the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)
ISRO is preparing for the June 2025 launch of the NISAR satellite.
- Earth Observation Mission - NISAR will employ advanced radar to monitor crucial Earth changes like deforestation and natural disasters.
- First-of-its-Kind Collaboration - This mission represents the inaugural joint effort between India and the US for radar-based Earth monitoring from space.
- Global Mapping Frequency -NISAR will map the entire Earth's surface every 12 days, providing frequent and precise data.
- Diverse Monitoring Objectives - It will track ecosystem changes, ice dynamics, vegetation, sea-level rise, groundwater, and natural hazards.
- Hazard Tracking Capabilities - NISAR will monitor earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and landslides.
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ISRO's Microgravity Push
ISRO is actively involved in microgravity research, with the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
- Axiom-4 Mission Details - Launching in May 2025, the mission will feature Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla conducting seven microgravity experiments.
- Understanding Microgravity - Microgravity describes an environment with extremely low gravitational forces, often perceived as weightlessness in space. The "micro" signifies accelerations of one-millionth of Earth's gravity.
- Unique Research Environment - This near-zero gravity setting allows scientists to investigate phenomena impossible to study under Earth's normal gravitational pull.
- Importance for Diverse Fields - Microgravity research is vital for human health studies, physical and life sciences, and materials science.
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Miscellaneous
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Kartarpur Corridor
Following the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Kartarpur Sahib pilgrimage has seen a significant decline in participation, with pilgrim numbers falling by almost 50%.
- Kartarpur Located in - Narowal district of Pakistan.
About Kartarpur Corridor
- A Religious Link - Connects Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India, fostering religious and cultural exchange.
- Inauguration - On November 9, 2019, for Guru Nanak Dev's 550th birth anniversary, it facilitates pilgrimage despite Indo-Pak tensions.
- Historical Significance - Guru Nanak Dev, born in Nankana Sahib (Pakistan) in 1469, the first Sikh Guru, is revered at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, his final resting place.
- Visa-Free Access - The corridor permits visa-free entry for up to 5,000 Indian pilgrims daily, operating year-round.
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