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One Liners 25-06-2025
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History, Art and Culture
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Murshidabad Falls Again
On June 24, 1763, the East India Company, led by Major John Adams, recaptured Murshidabad, re-installing Mir Jafar as the puppet Nawab of Bengal.
- Critical Development - This capture was pivotal in the Company's struggle for Bengal, following Mir Jafar's initial installation post-Plassey (1757) and subsequent deposition in 1760.
- Mir Qasim's Resistance - Mir Qasim, Mir Jafar's successor, challenged British supremacy by curbing trade abuses and strengthening his administration, leading to conflict.
- Decisive Victory - Major Adams' campaigns against Mir Qasim culminated in the June 24, 1763, recapture of Murshidabad, effectively crushing Mir Qasim's resistance.
- Mir Jafar's Second Reign - Mir Jafar's return solidified the Company's control; he was a mere figurehead, with real power held by the British.
- Cementing British Power - This event deeply entrenched the East India Company's authority in Bengal, setting the stage for direct British rule and significant exploitation of the region.
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Gandhi and Cabinet Mission
On June 24, 1946, Mahatma Gandhi was deeply involved with the Cabinet Mission Plan, a period of intense negotiations for India's independence.
- Mission's Arrival - The Cabinet Mission arrived in March 1946.
- Proposing a - Three-tier federal structure and rejecting Pakistan, but suggesting provincial "groupings" for Muslim-majority regions.
- Congress's Stance - On June 24, 1946, the Congress formally accepted the Mission's long-term plan and the Constituent Assembly, crucially rejecting compulsory provincial grouping.
- Gandhi's Influence - Gandhi, a moral advisor to Congress, strongly influenced this stance. His belief in a united India and concerns about compulsory grouping leading to partition were paramount.
- Role in Negotiations - While not a direct negotiator, Gandhi's emphasis on non-violence and distrust of communal strife significantly impacted Congress's decisions.
- Path to Partition - The Congress's qualified acceptance on June 24th eventually led to disagreements, contributing to the Mission's failure to preserve a united India and setting the stage for partition.
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Geography
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Flash Flood in Balasore
Over 50,000 people in Balasore, Odisha, were affected by a flash flood from the Subarnarekha River, caused by heavy rain and water release from Chandil Dam.
- Subarnarekha River Origin - The Subarnarekha River, meaning "Streak of Gold," originates near Ranchi, Jharkhand, and flows through Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
- Key Tributaries & Mouth - Notable tributaries include the Kharkai. It's an independent river system, emptying into the Bay of Bengal near Talsari, Odisha.
- River Features - The river is 395 km long with an 18,951 sq. km drainage area. The famous Hundru Falls (98 meters) is on its course in Jharkhand.
- Cultural Significance - Culturally, the Subarnarekha is known for traces of gold in its riverbed sands.
- Chandil Dam Details - The Chandil Dam, a multi-purpose dam for tourism and irrigation, is built on the Subarnarekha River in Seraikela Kharsawan district, Jharkhand.
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Polity & Governance
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Swarna Andhra @2047: A Vision for Prosperity
Andhra Pradesh launched its "Swarna Andhra @2047" vision, aiming to transform the state's economy and governance.
- Initial Reforms - Chief Minister Naidu's early actions included repealing the AP Land Titling Act, increasing NTR Bharosa pensions, hiring 16,000+ teachers, and reviving Anna Canteens
- Amaravati: A Global Hub - An ambitious plan aims to develop Amaravati into a global knowledge hub, projected to support 3.5 million people and create 1.5 million jobs by 2050.
- P4 Model for Poverty - The Public-Private-People Partnership (P4) model seeks to eradicate poverty by 2029, with over 87,000 adoptions already registered.
- Economic Outlook - Andhra Pradesh has attracted ₹9.34 lakh crore in investments, expecting 8.5 lakh jobs. The state targets 12.02% GSDP growth for 2024–25, emphasizing digital governance.
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Estimates Committee Conference
The Lok Sabha Speaker recently inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees in Mumbai, celebrating 75 years of the Parliamentary Estimates Committee.
- Established in - 1950, this key financial oversight committee of the Indian Parliament ensures economy, efficiency, and accountability in government spending.
- Membership and Selection - It comprises 30 Lok Sabha MPs, excluding Ministers, elected annually by proportional representation. The Chairperson is appointed by the Lok Sabha Speaker for a renewable one-year term.
- Key Functions -The Committee reviews government estimates, recommends policy improvements, evaluates spending efficacy, and suggests better budget presentation, but excludes Public Undertakings.
- Working Process - It scrutinizes ministries, gathers information, conducts study visits, holds evidence sessions, and publishes reports. The government must respond with Action Taken Reports within six months.
- Significant Achievements - Since 1950, the Committee has presented 1184 reports (656 original, 528 action taken), significantly strengthening financial oversight and promoting fiscal accountability across major Ministries.
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International Relations and Issues
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International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWD)
Observed annually on June 24, IDWD honors women's crucial role in diplomacy, a historically male-dominated field now seeing more female leaders.
- 2025 Theme - "Eliminating Structural Barriers to Women’s Leadership in Diplomacy" highlights persistent inequalities and calls for institutional reforms like gender-balanced ministries and anti-harassment programs.
- History - First proclaimed on June 20, 2022, and first observed on June 24, 2023, the day recognizes the evolving landscape of diplomacy.
- Why It Matters - IDWD raises awareness of systemic exclusion, promotes gender equality (SDG 5), fosters inclusive diplomacy, and challenges restrictive cultural norms.
- Key Data - As of January 2025, women hold only 25 heads of state/government positions and 22.9% of global cabinet roles, with even lower representation in peace negotiations.
- Get Involved - Raise awareness, educate others, support aspiring female diplomats, and advocate for gender-sensitive foreign policies.
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UN Public Service Day
Observed annually on June 23, United Nations Public Service Day honors public servants' vital contributions to development and quality of life globally.
- Purpose of the Day - It recognizes public servants' national development contributions, celebrates innovation, encourages youth in public service, and highlights public institutions' role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Genesis and Awards - Established by UN General Assembly Resolution 57/277 in 2002, the first observance and UN Public Service Awards (UNPSA) ceremony were in 2003, recognizing excellence and promoting transparent governance.
- Global Recognition - The UNPSA are prestigious awards honoring public institutions for creative, impactful, and inclusive approaches in governance, promoting professionalism, best practices, and knowledge exchange.
- 2025 Forum - The 2025 UN Public Service Forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (June 23-25), themed "Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future," will focus on accelerating innovation for SDGs.
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Science
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Kounis Syndrome: Allergic Heart Attack
A recent industrialist's death from a bee sting highlights Kounis Syndrome, a rare condition where an allergic reaction triggers acute coronary syndrome.
- Mechanism - Triggers (like stings, drugs, food) activate mast cells, releasing chemicals that cause coronary artery spasms, reducing blood flow, and potentially leading to heart attacks.
- Symptoms - Symptoms include chest pain, rash, hives, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and ECG changes.
- Types - Type I involves normal arteries and spasm; Type II affects existing coronary disease, destabilizing plaques; Type III involves stent thrombosis.
- Triggers - Common triggers are insect stings, medications (antibiotics, NSAIDs), certain foods (shellfish, nuts), environmental allergens, and underlying conditions like mastocytosis.
- Treatment - Treatment involves antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine for the allergy, plus standard cardiac care like oxygen, nitrates, and blood thinners for the heart.
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Miscellaneous
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India Unveils Para Athletics Logo & Mascot
With 100 days to go, India launched the official logo and mascot for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi on June 20, 2025.
- Historic Hosting - This marks the first time India will host this prestigious global para-athletics event, showcasing its commitment to inclusive sports.
- Event Details - The 12th edition will run from September 27 to October 5, 2025, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, featuring 186 medal events and over 100 participating countries.
- "Viraaj" the Mascot - The mascot, Viraaj, is a young elephant with a blade prosthesis, symbolizing the strength, resilience, and inclusive spirit of para-athletes.
- Venue Preparations - The athletics track at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is undergoing relaying, expected to be completed one month before the event, with preparations on schedule.
- Global Significance - Hosting this event elevates India’s global sporting profile, promotes para-athletes, and could inspire significant infrastructural and social improvements for persons with disabilities.
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