• 11 Mar 2025

Parade of 55th CRPF Trainee Officers

Why in News? 

Haryana Chief Minister officiated at the passing-out parade of the 55th batch of trainee Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers at their training academy in Kadarpur, Gurugram. 

 Key Points 

• Call to Serve the People: 
  • The Chief Minister urged newly passed-out CRPF officers to serve the people and make decisions that prioritize public well-being. 
  • Addressing the officers, he described their commissioning as a new chapter in life and wished them a successful, exciting, and challenging career. 
• Emphasis on Duty and Responsibility: 
  • He reminded them that holding the national flag symbolizes their duty to serve the people and make impactful decisions. 
  • He urged them to not only apprehend criminals but also work towards maintaining harmony in society. 
• Graduation of Officers: 
  • A total of 39 trainee officers, including two women, graduated from the academy on 6th March 2025. 
  • These officers, now appointed as Assistant Commandants, have undergone 52 weeks of training in battle craft, combat, firing, and other critical areas. 
  • They will be deployed across various internal security theatres in the country. 

Spiritual Education for Holistic Well-Being

Why in News? 

The President of India Droupadi Murmu launched a state-level campaign, ‘spiritual education for holistic well-being’ of Brahma Kumaris in Hisar, Haryana on its golden jubilee. 

 Key Points 

• Spirituality as a Unifying Force: 
  • The president stated that spirituality transcends man-made boundaries and unites humanity. 
  • She emphasized that systems built on spirituality whether social, economic, scientific, cultural, or political, remain ethical and sustainable. 
• Impact on Personal Well-being: 
  • A person who maintains spiritual consciousness experiences better mental and physical health along with inner peace. 
  • Spiritual peace not only benefits the individual but also enriches the lives of others by spreading positive energy. 
  • She also stressed that spiritual peace should not lead to isolation but should be used to build a strong, healthy, and prosperous society and nation. 
• Brahma Kumaris’ Contributions: 
  • She appreciated the Brahma Kumaris for utilizing spiritual energy for societal and national welfare. 
  • The organization actively contributes to key initiatives such as the fight against drug abuse, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation. 
  • Expressing confidence in their efforts, she stated that the Brahma Kumari family would continue to enhance holistic well-being and support the country’s overall development through spirituality. 

Fashion Show Controversy During Ramzan

Why in News? 

A fashion show held during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan at Gulmarg, a tourist spot in north Kashmir sparked controversy. J&K Chief Minister sought a report to take appropriate action. 

 Key Points 

• Event Details: 
  • A fashion show featuring male and female models was organized to mark the 15th anniversary of the designer label, Shivan & Narresh. 
  • The event took place against the backdrop of snow-laden slopes in Gulmarg, and models showcased the label’s skiwear collection. 
• Public Outrage and Online Backlash: 
  • In the past two days, videos of the event went viral online, triggering objections from many netizens in Kashmir. 
  • Critics condemned the event for being inappropriate during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan. 

 Ramzan 

• About: 
  • Ramadan is considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs.  
• Fasting: 
  • Fasting during Ramadan is seen as a way to purify the soul and gain a deeper understanding of God's blessings.  
  • Besides fasting, Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of charity, prayer, and good deeds during Ramadan.  
• Quran: 
  • Muslims believe that the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan, specifically on Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, which is believed to fall within the last ten nights of the month.  
• Eid al-Fitr: 
  • The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a major festival in the Islamic calendar. 

Memorial for Maratha Warriors

Why in News? 

On 10th March 2025, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister announced that the state government will build a memorial in Haryana and Agra to honor the Maratha warriors who fought and were martyred in the third battle of Panipat.  

 Key Points 

• Memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji: 
  • The Maharashtra government will build a memorial in Agra to commemorate Chhatrapati Shivaji’s escape from Mughal custody. 
  • The state will coordinate with the Uttar Pradesh government to establish the memorial. 
• Memorial and Statue at Panipat: 
  • In January, the state Chief Minister announced plans to erect a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji at Panipat. 
  • A grand memorial will also be built at the historic battlefield where the third battle of Panipat took place. 
• Historic Significance of the Battle of Panipat: 
  • The battle, fought on January 14, 1761, saw Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces defeat the Marathas. 
  • Thousands of soldiers died on both sides, and the Afghans secured victory with the support of Mughal forces. 

 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 

• About: 
  • Born on 19th February 1630, at Shivneri Fort, Pune was a visionary leader from the Bhonsle clan and the founder of the Maratha Empire, known for resisting the Mughal Empire and striving for self-rule.  
• Major Battles:  
  • Battle of Pratapgad, Battle of Pavan Khind, Sacking of Surat, Battle of Purandar, Battle of Sinhagad, and Battle of Sangamner.  
  • The Wagh nakh, was used by Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan in the 1659 Battle of Pratapgad.  
• Titles:  
  • Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas, and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak.  
• Administration:  
  • Centralized administration with the Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), abolished the Jagirdari System, implemented the Ryotwari System, and built a strong naval force for coastal defense.  
  • Shivaji is renowned for his innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, which influenced subsequent rulers and shaped the Maratha Military Landscapes. 

Integrated Solar Manufacturing Unit

Why in News?  

On 8th March 2025, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh laid the foundation stone of Avaada Group's 5 gigawatt (GW) integrated solar manufacturing unit in Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida), and inaugurated a 1.5 GW solar module manufacturing unit 

• Avaada Group is a leading Indian green energy company, headquartered in Mumbai, engaged in renewable energy generation through solar, wind, pumped hydro and green fuels. 

Key Points 

• According to the Chief Minister, this initiative not only strengthens our state's contribution to renewable energy but also boosts employment and supports our vision of a USD 1 trillion economy . 
• This effort contributes to Uttar Pradesh's goal of reaching 22,000 MW of solar power generation by the year 2026-2027 .  
• The Chief Minister described it as an important step towards realising the vision of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. 

Renewable Energy  

• About: 
  • Renewable energy is energy derived from  natural, replenishable sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal and tidal . 
  • These sources are sustainable and environmentally friendly, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. 
• Type: 
  • Solar energy: obtained from the sun's radiation using  solar panels or solar thermal systems . 
  • Wind energy : Produced by converting  the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity using wind turbines . 
  • Hydroelectricity: Produced using the energy of flowing water (rivers, dams, waterfalls). 
  • Biomass energy: Made from organic materials such as plant residues and animal waste for heating, electricity and biofuels . 
  • Geothermal energy: Obtained from the Earth's internal heat (hot water, steam) for electricity production and direct heating . 
  • Tidal and wave energy : uses the motion of sea water (gravitational pull or surface waves) to generate electricity . 
    • Coastal areas like the Gulf of Kutch and the Sundarbans offer potential for tidal energy. 

New Schemes on Eminent Figures

Why in News?  

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh announced the launch of 10 ambitious new schemes named after eminent figures to immortalize their contributions. 

Key Points 

• These schemes will drive progress in agriculture, industry, education, and social welfare while also fostering employment generation, women’s empowerment, and intellectual growth. 
• Important Schemes: 
  • Mata Shabri Canteens and Rest Houses in Krishi Mandis: 
    • The government will establish canteens and rest houses in Krishi Mandis under the name of Mata Shabri, offering farmers and workers affordable food and rest facilities. 
    • In a similar initiative, a Shabri Restaurant has also been set up in Ayodhya to honor her legacy. 
  • Sardar Patel District Economic Zone: Boosting Employment and Development 
    • The District Economic Zone, named after Sardar Patel, will be developed as an employment hub to ensure job opportunities for at least one person from every family. 
    • Designed according to the unique strengths and potential of each district, the zone will be established on 100 acres of land under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. 
    • This initiative honors Sardar Patel, India's first Home Minister, and aims to drive economic growth and job creation at the district level. 
  •  Mata Ahilyabai Holkar Working Women’s Hostels: 
    • The government will establish working women’s hostels in Varanasi, Meerut, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Kanpur Nagar, Jhansi, and Agra to provide safe and comfortable accommodation for employed women. 
    • These hostels will be named after Mata Ahilyabai Holkar, a trailblazer of cultural renaissance, in honor of her 300th birth anniversary. 
  • Maharani Laxmibai Meritorious Girl Student Scooty Scheme: 
    • The government has launched a scheme to provide scooties to meritorious girl students, honoring Rani Laxmibai, the valiant heroine of India’s freedom struggle. 
  •  Sant Kabirdas CM Mitra Park Scheme: 
    • The government will establish 10 textile parks across the state in honor of Sant Kabirdas, who championed the values of humanity and labor. 
    • Additionally, the PM Mitra Park, currently under construction in the Lucknow-Hardoi region, is also dedicated to Sant Kabir. 
  • Sant Ravidas Leather Industry Park: 
    • The government will develop two leather industry parks in the state, honoring Sant Ravidas, who advocated for equality and the dignity of labor. 
    • One of these parks will be established in Agra, serving as a major hub for the leather industry. 
    • This initiative will revitalize the leather sector while creating employment opportunities for thousands of artisans and workers. 
  • Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh Seed Park in Lucknow: 
    • The government will establish a Seed Park in Lucknow, dedicated to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh. 
    • This initiative aims to provide farmers with high-quality seeds and essential agricultural resources, enhancing productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector. 
  • Atal Bihari Vajpayee Urban Libraries: 
    • In honor of the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the government has allocated a budget to establish libraries in urban areas across the state. 
    • This initiative aims to promote education, knowledge, and intellectual development while commemorating the legacy of the former Prime Minister. 
  • Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hostel Scheme: 
    • The government has dedicated the reconstruction and development of social welfare hostels to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. 
    • This initiative aims to support students from Dalit, backward, and economically weaker sections, ensuring better access to education and accommodation. 
  • Birsa Munda Tribal Museums in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra: 
    • In commemoration of Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary, celebrated as Tribal Pride Year, the government will establish two tribal museums in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra. 
    • The budget has allocated the necessary funds for this initiative, aiming to preserve and showcase tribal heritage and culture.

IIFA Awards 2025

Why in News? 

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2025 was held in Jaipur from 8th to 9th March 2025 . 

Key Points 

• About the event:  
  • This grand event celebrated its 25th anniversary by honoring the best artists of Indian cinema.   
    • Kiran Rao's social drama film Missing Ladies won the most awards, including Best Film and Best Director .  
    • Kartik Aaryan won the Best Lead Role (Male) award for the film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 while Raghav Juyal won the Best Negative Role award for the film Kill. 

IIFA Awards 

• The International Indian Film Academy Awards , commonly known as  IIFA , is an annual awards ceremony for Hindi cinema. 
• The winners of the awards are decided by fans, who vote online for their favourite actors from the Indian Hindi film industry . 
• However, IIFA reserves the right to disqualify any submission or achievement. 
• The first IIFA ceremony was held in London , United Kingdom in the year 2000. Since then, the awards have been held in various locations around the world, reflecting the international success of Hindi cinema. 

Madhav National Park

Why in News? 

 On 9th March 2025, the Union Environment Minister declared Madhya Pradesh's Madhav National Park as the country's 58th tiger reserve . It is also the 9th national park in the state to get the recognition. 

Key Points  

• Madhav National Park:  
  • Located in Shivpuri district, this national park is part of the upper Vindhya Hills and has historically been a hunting ground for the Mughal emperors and the Maharajas of Gwalior . 
  • It was declared a national park in 1959 . 
  • The park has a rich ecosystem including lakes, dry deciduous and thorn forests , where tiger, leopard, nilgai, chinkara, four-horned antelope and various kinds of deer are found. 
  • It is one of the 32 major tiger corridors in India , managed through the Tiger Conservation Plan under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 . 
• Importance: 
  • This decision will further strengthen tiger conservation efforts under Project Tiger and help India play a leading role in biodiversity conservation efforts. 
  • This will help in ensuring an increase in the number of tigers and protecting their natural habitat. 
• In December last year, Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was declared the country's 57th tiger reserve after receiving in-principle approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change . 

 Project Tiger 

• Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative in India that was launched in the year 1973. 
• The primary objective of Project Tiger is to ensure the survival and maintenance of tiger populations in their natural habitats by creating dedicated tiger reserves . 
• Increase in the number of tigers:  
  • The first tiger census in 1972 used the unreliable pug-mark method to count 1,827 tigers. 
  • As of 2022 , the tiger population is estimated at 3,167–3,925 , representing a growth rate of 6.1% per year . 
  • India is now home to three-quarters of the world's tigers . 

National Awards for Thermal Power Plants

Why in News? 

Three thermal power plants in Madhya Pradesh have been honored with the National Award for their efficient and effective management of fly ash. 

Key Points  

• About the Award:  
  • This award was given to Shri Singaji Thermal Power Station Dongalia, Satpura Thermal Power Station Sarni and Amarkantak Thermal Power Station Chachai of Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company (MPPGCL) . 
  • This honour was given during the 14th International Housing Conference held in Goa on the theme of Fly Ash Utilisation-2025. 
    • The conference was organised by Mission Energy Foundation , a non-profit organisation . 
• Award Category: 
  • Satpura Thermal Power Station and Amarkantak Thermal Power Station were given this award in the category of less than 500 MW installed capacity . 
  • Whereas this award was given  to Shri Sinhaji Thermal Power Station in the category of more than 500 MW installed capacity . 
  • Shri Singaji Thermal Power Station has made sustainable and effective use of more than 100 percent fly ash. 

Fly Ash 

• About: 
  • Fly ash is a pollutant typically produced by coal-fired power plants , carried by gases expelled from the combustion chamber. 
  • It is collected from the expelled gases by electrostatic precipitators or bag filters. 
  • Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) is defined as a filter device used to remove fine particles such as smoke and dust from a flowing gas. 
  • This device is often used for air pollution control activities. 
• Combination: 
  • Fly ash contains significant amounts of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and calcium oxide (CaO) . 
• Application:  
  • It is used in concrete and cement products, road base, metal recovery and mineral filler etc. 
• Harmful effects:  
  • Fly ash particles are toxic air pollutants . They can cause heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and stroke .