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One Liners 26-06-2025
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History, Art and Culture
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Sree Narayana Guru's Centenary Commemoration
The PM will inaugurate the centenary celebration of the historic 1925 conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.
- Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928) - Was a revered saint, philosopher, poet, and social reformer from Kerala.
- Born into - The discriminated Ezhava community, he became a pivotal figure against India's caste system and untouchability.
- Freedom Struggle Influence - His reformist ideals deeply influenced national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. He significantly contributed to the Vaikom Satyagraha and advocated non-violence and equality, aligning with India's independence movement.
- Core Philosophies - Guru propagated universal brotherhood ("One Caste, One Religion, One God for humanity") and emphasized education, spiritual growth, and moral upliftment. Major Social Reforms - He consecrated a Shiva Lingam at Aruvippuram (1888), challenging Brahminical dominance. He founded over 40 temples accessible to all castes.
- Established - Sivagiri Mutt and Aluva Ashram, and initiated SNDP Yogam (1903) for lower-caste upliftment.
- Literary Contributions - Sree Narayana Guru authored significant works, including Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam.
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Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) Launched
The Government of India has launched the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA), the largest tribal empowerment campaign in independent India's history.
- Running from - June 15 to July 15, 2025.
- Aims to - Reach over 5.5 crore tribal citizens across 31 States and Union Territories.
- Honoring Birsa Munda - Named after Bhagwan Birsa Munda, revered as "Dharti Aaba" (Father of the Earth), DAJA is part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, celebrating tribal heritage and identity.
- Massive Ground-Level Impact - In its first nine days, DAJA reached 53+ lakh tribal citizens, held 22,000+ empowerment camps, and facilitated 1.38 lakh Aadhaar enrolments and 1.68 lakh Ayushman Bharat card issuances.
- Key Registrations - Over 46,000 tribal farmers were registered under PM-Kisan, 22,000+ women under PM Ujjwala Yojana, and 32,000+ new PM Jan Dhan accounts were opened.
- Five Pillars of DAJA - DAJA operates on five pillars: Janbhagidari (People’s Participation), Saturation, Cultural Inclusion, Convergence, and Last-Mile Delivery, promoting a new governance model.
- Vision for Inclusive Governance - This campaign embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for truly inclusive governance.
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Social Issues
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Shaktipeeth Expressway
Maharashtra's Cabinet approved the Shaktipeeth Expressway on June 24, 2025.
- Connecting points - This 802-km infrastructure project, with an initial budget of Rs20,787 crore (totaling Rs84,000 crore), will connect 12 districts from Wardha to the Maharashtra-Goa border.
- Project aims to - Cut Nagpur-Goa travel time from 18 to 8 hours.
- Project Scope - The expressway is designed to link 18 key religious shrines, significantly boosting pilgrimage tourism across the region.
- Funding - The Maharashtra Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is overseeing the project. A substantial Rs12,000 crore loan from HUDCO is earmarked specifically for land acquisition.
- Farmer Opposition - Farmers, led by Raju Shetti, vehemently oppose the land acquisition process, alleging corruption and neglect of their rights.
- Environmental Status - The project faced delays due to environmental concerns, but fresh clearances have been granted for certain stretches. Land measurement is anticipated by August 2025.
- Socio-Economic Impact - While expected to invigorate the local economy and tourism, the project faces criticism regarding the contentious issues of farmer displacement and compensation.
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Polity & Governance
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NAVYA Initiative Launched
On June 24, 2025, the NAVYA initiative was launched in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.
- Collaboration between – The Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
- Aims to - Empower adolescent girls.
- Core Objective - NAVYA, or "Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls," will provide vocational training, particularly in non-traditional job roles, to girls aged 16-18 with at least a Class 10 qualification.
- Pilot Scope - The pilot phase will cover 27 districts, including aspirational districts and those in the Northeast, focusing on underserved populations.
- Inter-Ministerial Partnership - This initiative formalizes a crucial inter-ministerial collaboration, streamlining skill development efforts for young women.
- Leveraging Existing Schemes - NAVYA integrates with existing programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), building on established frameworks.
- Empowering Future - By challenging gender stereotypes and fostering independence, NAVYA aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, aiming to transform young women into catalysts for change.
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India's 1975 Emergency
- On June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed declared Emergency Rule in India, implemented by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi the next day, significantly impacting India's democratic landscape.
- Constitutional Foundation - Article 352 of the Constitution allows for a National Emergency during threats from war, external aggression, or armed rebellion ("internal disturbance" before the 44th Amendment).
- Presidential Role - The President proclaims Emergency only upon a written recommendation from the Union Cabinet, ensuring a collective decision, as mandated by the 44th Amendment.
- Parliamentary Approval - Parliamentary approval from both Houses, by a special majority, is required within one month for the Emergency to continue.
- Duration & Revocation - An approved Emergency lasts six months, extendable indefinitely with repeated parliamentary consent. The President can revoke it, or the Lok Sabha can disapprove it by simple majority.
- Emergency's Impact - During this period, most fundamental rights can be suspended (excluding Articles 20 and 21), the Union can direct states, Parliament can legislate on state matters, and the Lok Sabha's term can be extended.
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International Relations and Issues
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Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
India recently rejected comments made by the OIC during its Istanbul meeting, urging the body to refrain from interfering in India’s internal affairs.
- OIC - Is an intergovernmental organization established on September 25, 1969, in Rabat, Morocco.
- Headquartered in - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
- Membership - Comprising 57 member states across four continents.
- Aims to - Promote Islamic solidarity, safeguard Muslim interests, foster peace, and eliminate discrimination against Muslims globally.
- Status of India - Nonmember.
- Background - Founded after the 1969 Al-Aqsa incident, its first charter was adopted in 1972, with the current one adopted in 2008 to modernize its role.
- Functions - The OIC acts as a collective platform, holds consultative status with the United Nations, and addresses issues like Palestine, counter-terrorism, and human rights.
- Strategic Plan - It implements the OIC-2025 Ten-Year Action Plan, focusing on 18 priority areas with 107 specific goals.
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Day of the Seafarer
June 25, marks the Day of the Seafarer, a vital occasion to acknowledge the immense contributions of seafarers to international trade and the global economy. These individuals, often called sailors, work tirelessly to deliver essential goods worldwide.
- Role - Seafarers are crucial to the shipping industry, handling approximately 90% of world trade. They transport food, fuel, raw materials, and manufactured goods across oceans.
- Global Fleet Statistics - Consider these facts: 50,000 merchant ships carry diverse cargo, registered in over 150 nations, and manned by over a million seafarers of nearly every nationality.
- Challenges of the Profession - Their job is arduous, involving long periods away from home, missing significant family events, and navigating perilous weather conditions.
- Significant Dangers Faced - Seafarers face numerous dangers, including traversing war zones, encountering pirates, and exposure to various health conditions.
- Rights and Welfare Concerns - Alarmingly, some countries deny seafarers basic rights, such as proper insurance and fair compensation for medical treatment, highlighting ongoing welfare concerns.
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World Vitiligo Day
June 25, is World Vitiligo Day, dedicated to raising global awareness about vitiligo and celebrating individuals living with the condition.
- Vitiligo is - A skin disease causing the loss of melanocytes, the pigment cells.
- It affects up to - 1% of the world's population, impacting all genders and ethnic groups, though it's more noticeable on darker skin. Onset typically occurs between ages 20 and 30.
- Identifying Symptoms - Early indicators include premature graying of hair (scalp/eyebrows), loss of color inside the mouth, and changes in eye retina color.
- Affected Body Areas - Depigmentation often starts on sun-exposed areas like hands, arms, and face. It can affect just a few areas, one side of the body, or be widespread.
- Causes and Health - Vitiligo is not physically sickening but is linked to autoimmune disorders, genetics, and environmental factors.
- Observing the Day - Activities include free skin screenings, educational events, and support group gatherings. Sharing #WorldVitiligoDay on social media also helps raise awareness.
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Science
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Favipiravir Shows Good result Against Chandipura Virus
Recent preclinical trials by the National Institute of Virology in Pune suggest Favipiravir may treat Chandipura virus (CHPV), reducing viral load and improving survival in animals.
- About CHPV - A sandfly-transmitted Rhabdoviridae virus, first identified in 1965, causing encephalitis, severe fever, and seizures.
- Transmission - Primarily spread by sandflies, particularly during early monsoon; Aedes aegypti also shows potential in labs.
- Clinical Impact - Mostly affects children under 15, with rapid onset of neurological symptoms and high fatality rates, as seen in the 2003 Andhra Pradesh outbreak.
- Current Treatment - No specific antiviral exists; treatment focuses on symptomatic management. Favipiravir is under evaluation.
- Prevention - Vector control and personal protection are key. Research continues on a vaccine and further Favipiravir evaluation.
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Dangeti Jahnavi: Indian Space Pioneer
Dangeti Jahnavi from Andhra Pradesh is the first Indian to complete NASA's International Air and Space Program, marking a significant milestone for India in international space exploration and women in STEM.
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