UPSC Daily Current Affairs| One Liners 31-05-2025

One Liners 31-05-2025

History, Art and Culture

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.

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.

Polity & Governance

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.

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.

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.

International Relations and Issues

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.

Environment

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.

Security

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.

Science

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

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.