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One Liners 31-05-2025
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History, Art and Culture
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Hindi Journalism Day 2025
On May 30, 2025, India observes Hindi Journalism Day, commemorating nearly two centuries of vernacular media's democratic, awareness, and cultural contributions.
- Historical Roots - The day marks the 1826 launch of 'Udant Martand' by Pt. Jugal Kishor Shukla from Kolkata. As India’s first Hindi newspaper, it faced challenges but inspired a mass awakening despite ceasing publication after 79 editions.
- Significance - Hindi journalism has disseminated information, preserved Indian languages, empowered non-English speakers, and held authorities accountable, playing a pivotal role in informing and mobilizing public opinion.
- Thriving Today - Hindi journalism thrives across print and digital platforms, with major newspapers like Dainik Jagran and Amar Ujala commanding massive readerships, especially in the Hindi heartland.
- Commemorative - Events on May 30, 2025, include seminars, awards, workshops, and tributes, reflecting on sector challenges and achievements while highlighting issues like press freedom and digital disruption.
- Role in Strengthening Democracy - Hindi journalism remains indispensable to India’s democracy, empowering citizens by providing news in a familiar language, fostering civic participation, and serving as a vital source of information in regions with limited English literacy.
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Goa Celebrates 39th Statehood Day on May 30
Goa, known for its beaches and vibrant culture, celebrates its 39th Statehood Day on May 30, marking nearly four decades as a full-fledged Indian state.
- Journey - From Colony to Union Territory After over 450 years of Portuguese rule, Goa was liberated in December 1961 by Indian armed forces (Operation Vijay) and became a Union Territory with Daman and Diu.
- Achieving Full Statehood - On May 30, 1987, Goa achieved full statehood, becoming India's 25th state, recognizing its unique linguistic, cultural, and historical identity.
- Significance of the Day - Goa Statehood Day commemorates its integration into the Indian Union, honoring resistance against colonial rule and promoting awareness of Goan history, culture, and national contributions.
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Polity & Governance
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Savarkar Petition Dismissed
The SC recently dismissed a petition seeking protection for V.D. Savarkar’s name under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
- Act's Purpose - This regulatory legislation, enforced since September 1, 1950, prevents commercial or improper use of national emblems, names, and symbols of public significance or national institutions.
- Nodal Authority - The Central Government is the nodal authority, empowered to amend the Schedule and issue rules.
- Key Objectives - It aims to prohibit misuse of names/emblems associated with national institutions, protect the dignity of symbols and historic personalities, and maintain decorum in commercial branding.
- Prohibition & Scope - Section 3 prohibits using specified names/emblems for business, trade, patents, or advertising without Central Government permission. It applies across India and to Indian citizens abroad.
- Registration Ban & Penalty - Section 4 bans registration of companies, trademarks, or patents with protected names/emblems. Misuse carries a fine up to ₹500 (Section 5).
- Dynamic Schedule - The Act’s dynamic Schedule includes protected items like the Indian National Flag, Mahatma Gandhi’s name, and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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Battery Aadhaar Unveiled
At the Battery Summit 2025, Tata Elxsi, in collaboration with Tata Motors, Tata AutoComp, and IIT Kharagpur, launched the Battery Aadhaar initiative to key government stakeholders.
- Battery Aadhaar - is a digital identification system for batteries, leveraging secure, blockchain-backed technologies to ensure full traceability throughout their lifecycle.
- Developmented - Spearheaded by Tata Elxsi's MOBIUS+ platform.
- Objective - is to assign unique digital IDs to batteries, enabling safe use, regulated reuse, and efficient disposal, aligning with national and global compliance like the EU Battery Regulation.
- Features - MOBIUS+ integrates blockchain for tamper-proof data, tracking manufacturer details, usage history, and material content. It automates regulatory reporting and supports circular economy models.
- Significant Impact - The initiative prevents unsafe battery reuse, enhances India's battery supply chain visibility, and promotes eco-conscious innovation within the EV ecosystem.
- Green Tech Leadership - Battery Aadhaar strengthens India's commitment to sustainability, supporting the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and fostering green tech leadership.
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AA Scheme Rules Eased
The government has eased Advance Authorisation (AA) Scheme rules, allowing duty-free benefits for exporters even if goods shipped before licence issuance, provided the Bill of Entry is filed post-licence date.
- AA Scheme - It's a foreign trade policy initiative by DGFT, enabling duty-free import of inputs for manufacturing export products.
- Scheme's Aim - To reduce input costs for exporters, boosting the global competitiveness of Indian goods.
- Key Features - It permits duty-free import of raw materials, packaging, and fuel. Exports must adhere to Standard Input-Output Norms (SION), and eligibility extends to manufacturer and merchant exporters.
- Recent Relaxation - Previously denied, duty exemption is now permitted if the Bill of Entry is filed after licence issuance, regardless of shipment date.
- Impact & Restriction - This removes ambiguity, streamlines Customs clearance, and boosts exporter confidence. However, it excludes restricted or canalised goods without special DGFT approval.
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International Relations and Issues
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International Day of Potato 2025: "Shaping History, Feeding the Future"
On May 30, 2025, the world observes the second International Day of Potato, highlighting its global impact on food security, culture, and sustainable agriculture.
- A Crop with Andean Roots - Originating over 7,000 years ago in the Andes, the potato was domesticated by Indigenous communities, who cultivated diverse heirloom varieties.
- Global Journey and Impact - Introduced to Europe during the Columbian Exchange, the potato became a cornerstone of modern agriculture and food security, despite tragedies like the Irish Potato Famine.
- FAO's 80th Anniversary - This year's observance coincides with FAO's 80th anniversary, reaffirming its mission to fight hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.
- Global Staple for Food Security - Grown in over 150 countries, the nutrient-rich, climate-resilient potato feeds billions, significantly contributing to food security, employment, and income.
- Challenges - Challenges include production constraints, biodiversity loss, and value chain strengthening.
- Opportunities - lie in empowering women and family farmers to secure the potato's future in sustainable development.
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Environment
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Nurdles
On May 27, Thiruvananthapuram's coast was inundated with nurdles following the May 25 sinking of the MSC ELSA 3, carrying hazardous materials.
- Nurdles - Are 1-5mm plastic pellets (polyethene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC) used as raw material, classified as primary microplastics.
- Environmental Threat - Ingested by marine life, nurdles cause blockages. An estimated 230,000 tonnes pollute oceans annually, harming ecosystems and coastal communities.
- Past Incidents - Notable spills include Hong Kong (2012) and Durban (2017), causing severe ecological damage and highlighting transport risks.
- Composition & Recycling - Kerala's nurdles are primarily Low-Density Polyethene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethene (HDPE). LDPE's recycling difficulty complicates waste management.
- Cleanup and Prevention - Strategies involve manual cleanups, floating booms, improved packaging, rapid response, and strict regulatory enforcement to prevent future spills.
- Ongoing Concerns - The Kerala incident underscores the persistent threat of plastic waste, raising concerns for biodiversity-rich regions as plastic production increases.
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Security
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Red teaming
Launched in May 2025, Operation Sindoor marked a significant shift in India's military strategy, notably through its innovative use of "red teaming" in planning.
- Red teaming - Is a military strategy where a dedicated group simulates adversary tactics to critically evaluate operational plans and anticipate enemy reactions. In India, it's called ‘Vidur Vakta’.
- Red Teaming in Action - For the first time, a five-officer red team was embedded in Operation Sindoor's planning, challenging strategies and evaluating potential enemy responses.
- Background and Objective - The operation responded to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, targeting nine Pakistan-based terror camps of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
- Precision Strikes Utilized - Operation Sindoor deployed advanced assets, including Rafale jets with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs, along with BrahMos cruise missiles, for precision strikes.
- Future of Red Teaming - Following its success, the Indian Army plans to formalize and expand the ‘Vidur Vakta’ program over the next two years, enhancing in-house strategic expertise.
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Science
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India's First Gene-Edited Sheep
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) has successfully produced India’s first gene-edited sheep, boasting a 30% increase in muscle mass.
- What It Is - This genetically modified lamb has an edited myostatin gene, which naturally regulates muscle growth, developed by SKUAST-Kashmir.
- Technology Used - The project utilized the Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique, adhering to international biosafety protocols, ensuring no foreign DNA insertion.
- Features - The sheep exhibits 30% higher muscle mass, similar to European breeds. It is non-transgenic, increasing regulatory acceptance, and the technology can be extended for disease resistance and improved reproduction.
- Significance for Livestock - This achievement offers a blueprint for enhancing meat yield and quality in Indian sheep, boosting the livestock sector and positioning India in advanced genome editing research.
- Future Implications - It aligns with India's evolving biotech policy and supports sustainable livestock farming by increasing productivity per animal, building on SKUAST's past success with cloned Pashmina goat, 'Noori'.
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Miscellaneous
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Kami Rita Sherpa: Everest Record Breaker
Recently, a 55-year-old Kami Rita Sherpa summited Mount Everest for the 31st time, extending his own record. Leading an Indian Army team, his achievement highlights Sherpa mountaineering expertise.
- Sherpas - are a Tibetan ethnic group from the Himalayas, renowned for their mountaineering skills. The term "Sherpa" is also used for delegates facilitating discussions at summits.
- Kami Rita's Legacy - Nicknamed the "Everest Man," Kami Rita first climbed Everest in 1994 and has scaled it annually since, showcasing remarkable professionalism and skill.
- Everest Climbing Eligibility - Climbers must be over 18, complete recognized mountaineering courses, demonstrate fitness, and have high-altitude experience. The Nepal Tourism Board regulates applications.
- Sherpas' Vital Role - Sherpas are crucial to expeditions, providing terrain and weather knowledge, enhancing climber safety, and contributing significantly to mountaineering success.
- Challenges and Sustainability - Everest climbing presents challenges like extreme weather and altitude sickness. Kami Rita advocates for sustainable practices amidst environmental concerns from increased mountain traffic.
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