• 15 Feb 2025

Vice-President to Visit Jammu

Why in News? 

The Vice-President of India is going to visit Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir) on 15^th February 2025. 

 Key Points 

• During his one-day tour, he will preside as the Chief Guest at the 10^th convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University at Matrika Auditorium, SMVDU Campus. 
• He will also visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and Bhairon Ji Temple. 

24th Divya Kala Mela

Why in News? 

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is organizing the 24^th Divya Kala Mela in collaboration with the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC). 

• The event will take place at Gulshan Ground, Jammu, from 14^th to 24^th February 2025. 

 

Key Points 

• Promoting 'Vocal for Local': 
  • The Divya Kala Mela reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting local artisans and entrepreneurs. 
  • The event highlights handmade products, skills, and craftsmanship of Divyang (PwD) entrepreneurs from across India. 
  • Visitors can explore a diverse range of products, including handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery, packaged food, eco-friendly goods, jewelry, and more. 
• Aim: 
  • The Mela aims to empower Divyang artisans by providing them with marketing opportunities and a platform to showcase their talent. 
  • Previous editions have been successfully held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Patna, Nagpur, Pune, and other cities. 
  • The Jammu edition will feature around 100 Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs from 20 states and Union Territories. 
• An Inclusive Experience for All: 
  • The event will include interactive experience zones tailored for different disabilities. 
  • Special attractions include Divyangjan sports activities and exhibitions of new assistive aids and appliances. 
  • The Mela is more than just a marketplace—it is a celebration of ability, inclusion, and empowerment. 

National Games 2025

Why in News? 

Uttarakhand hosted the 38th edition of the National Games, with participation from 28 states, eight union territories, and the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB). 

 Key Points 

• Current Medal Standings: 
  • The SSCB holds the top position with 120 medals, including: 
    • 67 Gold 
    • 26 Silver 
    • 27 Bronze 
  • Maharashtra in Second Place, secured a total of 195 medals. 
    • 53 Gold 
    • 70 Silver 
    • 72 Bronze 
  • Haryana in Third Position earned 150 medals, consisting of: 
    • 46 Gold 
    • 46 Silver 
    • 58 Bronze 
• National Games 2025 
  • About:  
    • The National Games of India is an Olympic-style multi-sport event where athletes from states and Union Territories compete for medals.  
    • The 38^th edition of the National Games will take place from 28^th January to 14^th February 2025 in Uttarakhand.  
  • Competition Structure:  
    • The National Games will feature 32 sporting disciplines for competitive events.  
    • In addition, four demonstration sports will be included i.e., Kalaripayattu, Yogasana, Mallakhambh, and Rafting.  
  • Theme and Tagline:  
    • The mascot of the games is Mouli, inspired by Uttarakhand's state bird, the Monal, reflecting the region's natural beauty and cultural diversity.  
    • The tagline for the games is "Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak" (from resolution to zenith). 

NSDC International Academy

Why in News? 

The State Minister of  Education inaugurated the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) International Academy in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. 

  Key Points 

• About the Academy: 
  • The Academy is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, designed to provide world-class skill development and training programmes. 
  • It is a flagship initiative of NSDC under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), dedicated to transforming India's workforce by providing globally recognized training and certification. 
  • The institute will offer specialized courses in various fields including foreign languages, health care, employability skills and aviation.  
• Objective: 
  • Bridging the gap between Indian youth and global employment opportunities. 
  • To act as a centre of excellence, providing tailored training programmes tailored to the skill demands of countries like Germany, Japan and Israel.  
  • Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.  

 Prime Minister's Skill Development Scheme 

• About: 
  • This scheme was launched in the year 2015 with the aim of training the youth. 
  • It is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and is being implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). 
  • This scheme replaced the previous Standard Training Assessment and Reward (STAR) scheme. 
• Objective: 
  • To provide skill training to a large number of Indian youth, enable them to earn a livelihood by making them employable and motivate them for the same. 
  • To promote standardisation in the certification process and introduce skills registration process. 
  • To expand the existing workforce and train people as required. 

12th Darbhanga International Film Festival

Why in News? 

The 12th Darbhanga International Film Festival 2025 ( DIFF) was organised in Darbhanga district of Bihar from 7^th to 9^th February, 2025.   

Key Points 

• About the Film Festival: 
  • The festival was organised in the premises of Delhi World Public School, Darbhanga.  
  • 45 films from India and abroad were screened in this festival , providing a global platform to cinema lovers and filmmakers. 
  • Youth cultural presentations and cinema quiz competitions were also organized in which students from various schools of Darbhanga participated. 
  • 65 awards were presented in various categories at the closing ceremony of the festival . 
  • The closing film of this three-day prestigious film festival was the film " Dada Lakhmi" directed by Bollywood actor Yashpal Sharma. 

Darbhanga district 

• It is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the Mithila region of Bihar. 
• Madhubani is to the north of Darbhanga, Samastipur to the south, Saharsa to the east and Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi district to the west.  
• The word Darbhanga is the result of the localization of the Sanskrit word 'Dwar-Bang' or the Persian word 'Dar-e-Bang' meaning the gate of Bengal into the Maithili language over many years.  
• It is said that the city was founded by Darbhangi Khan during the Mughal period. 
• The total area of Darbhanga district is 2,279 square km.