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One Liners 29-03-2025
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History, Art and Culture
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Bajirao Ballal
Baji Rao I, also known as Bajirao Ballal, was a significant figure in the Maratha Empire passed away on 28th April 1740 at Raverkhedi, near the banks of the Narmada River in present-day Madhya Pradesh.
- Birth- Born as Visaji on August 18, 1700, in Sinnar, near Nashik.
- His parents - Were Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, the Peshwa of Chhatrapati Shahu, and Radhabai Barve.
- About Baji Rao I - Baji Rao I served as the 7th Peshwa of the Maratha Empire and is renowned for his military prowess, strategic thinking, and significant expansion of the Maratha influence.
- He is credited with transforming the Maratha kingdom into a vast empire through a series of successful military campaigns.
- He never lost a battle in his 20-year military career.
- His campaigns extended the Maratha influence significantly into North India, including Gujarat, Malwa, Rajputana, and Bundelkhand.
- Political Influence - He played a key role in establishing Maratha supremacy in the Indian subcontinent, effectively displacing Mughal dominance.
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Geography
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Netravathi river
Recently, Kallapu-Sajipa Riverfront Road project along Netravathi river in Mangaluru receives a ₹40 crore boost from the state government.
- This vital road will link - Mangaluru to key areas including Harekala, Pavoor, Innoli, and Ranipura along Netravathi River.
About Netravathi River - A significant west-flowing river in Karnataka, India, also known as the Nethravathi Nadi.
- Geographical Significance - Flows westward and drains into the Arabian Sea south of Mangalore.
- Origin Point - Begins in the Western Ghats, specifically the Bangrabalike Valley of Yelaneeru Ghat.
- Kudremukh Range Connection - Its source lies within the Kudremukh range of the Chikkamagaluru district.
- Alternative Origin Mention - Some sources also cite Gangamoola, a hill in the same district, as a potential origin.
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International Relations and Issues
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World Day for Safety and Health at Work
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on April 28th.
- Organized by - International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Established in - 2003.
- Themes - Revolutionizing health and safety: The role of AI and digitalization at work."
- Objective – Promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
- Raise awareness about the importance of creating and maintaining safe and healthy work environments for all workers.
- Commemorate workers who have been injured or lost their lives due to work-related incidents or illnesses (as the date also coincides with the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers).
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Economy
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National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)
Recently, NICDC was honoured with the Udyog Vikas Award during the Udyog Vikas event organised by Janmabhumi Daily, a leading news daily in the state of Kerala.
- NICDC began with - launch of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) in 2007.
- Objective to Create Industrial Cities -Focuses on creating new "Smart City" industrial hubs.
- Technology Integration - It integrates next-generation technologies across infrastructure sectors for efficient urban development.
- Investment Catalyst - NICDP aims to attract significant investments from large industries and MSMEs.
- Export Growth Driver - It serves as a key catalyst in achieving India's $2 trillion export target by 2030.
- Under the NICDP, new industrial areas have been sanctioned in - Uttarakhand (Khurpia), Punjab (Rajpura-Patiala), Maharashtra (Dighi), Kerala (Palakkad), Uttar Pradesh (Agra, Prayagraj), Bihar (Gaya), Telangana (Zaheerabad), Andhra Pradesh (Orvakal, Kopparthy), and Rajasthan (Jodhpur-Pali).
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Environment
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Tree Shrews of South Asia
Recent research by the Zoological Survey of India has transformed the understanding of South Asian tree shrews.
- Published in – The journal Ecology & Evolution, which marks the need for targeted conservation efforts.
- Research – Uncovered morphological distinctions among these small mammals, which have often been misidentified due to their resemblance to other species.
- Order Scandentia – Tree shrews belong to the order Scandentia, distinct from true shrews or squirrels. They are characterized by elongated snouts and moist nasal pads.
- Dietary Habits – Their primary diet consists of insects and fruits, making them omnivores playing a role in controlling insect populations and seed dispersal.
Tree shrews
Also known as banxrings, are small mammals native to the tropical forests of South and Southeast Asia.
Classification of Tree shrews.
They belong to the order Scandentia, which is divided into 2 families:
- Tupaiidae: This family contains 19 species of "ordinary" tree shrews in four genera: Anathana, Dendrogale, Tupaia, and Urogale.
- Ptilocercidae: This family contains only one species, the pen-tailed tree shrew (Ptilocercus lowii).
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Ecological Importance - As seed dispersers and insect predators, tree shrews contribute significantly to the health and balance of forest ecosystems.
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Security
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Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR
Recently, IOS SAGAR reached Port Louis Harbour, Mauritius after finishing Phase I of joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance with the National Coast Guard (NCG) Mauritius. This surveillance was part of its deployment to the South Western Indian Ocean.
- Participating Nations - Involves India and 9 African partner nations: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
- Regional Engagements - The deployment included port calls at Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), Nacala (Mozambique), Port Louis (Mauritius), Port Victoria (Seychelles), and Male (Maldives), fostering regional maritime cooperation.
- EEZ Surveillance – Joint surveillance exercises were conducted within the EEZs of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles, enhancing maritime security and domain awareness.
- Capacity Building – Furthermore, African personnel received training at Indian naval institutions in Kochi, focusing on essential naval operations, watch keeping procedures, and security protocols.
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Science
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Dr. K. Kasturirangan: A Legacy of Space and Education
Recently, former ISRO Chairman Dr. Kasturirangan's passing on April 25, 2025, at 84, marks the loss of a visionary who profoundly impacted India's space program and education system, inspiring generations.
- Early Life and Education – Born in Ernakulam, Kerala, in 1940, Dr. Kasturirangan earned degrees in Physics from Bombay University and a doctorate in High Energy Astronomy in 1971.
- Leadership at ISRO – As ISRO Chairman (1994-2003), he spearheaded the operationalization of PSLV and successful GSLV testing, marking a period of significant technological progress.
- Chandrayaan-1 Mission – Dr. Kasturirangan conceptualized India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1 (launched 2008), which famously discovered water molecules on the moon.
- Contributions Beyond ISRO – Post-ISRO, he served in the Rajya Sabha and Planning Commission, notably chairing the committee for the transformative New Education Policy 2020.
- Awards and Recognition – His immense contributions were recognized with India's highest civilian honors: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
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Miscellaneous
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National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT)
Recently, NIELIT signs MoUs with 8 Visionary Organizations to Propel Digital India Initiatives.
- NIELIT Status - Operates as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- Mission – To Provide Advance education, specialized training, and foster research and development in the fields of Electronics, Information Technology, and cutting-edge technological domains.
- Also recognized – As a National Examination Body for accrediting institutions and organizations conducting non-formal sector courses in IT and Electronics.
- Organisations with whom NIELIT has signed MoU – Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), ERNET India, National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, SKYROOT Aerospace, Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) and Kyndryl India.
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World Veterinary Day 2025
Recently, World Veterinary Day 2025, was observed on April 26th.
- The 2025 theme, "Animal Health Takes a Team," underscores the collaborative spirit within veterinary medicine.
- First initiated by- World Veterinary Association (WVA) in year 2000.
- In India initiated by - Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Aims to - Honor the dedication of veterinary professionals but also emphasizes their crucial contributions to animal well-being, human health, and environmental protection.
- Livestock Statistics - India is home to over 536 million livestock, the largest in the world and nearly 70% of rural households depend on animals for income, food, and security.
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Prestigious French Award
Recently, Mumbai filmmaker Payal Kapadia received the ‘Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ from the French Government for her cinematic contributions.
- Joining Illustrious Company – This honor places Payal Kapadia alongside prominent Indian artists like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Lata Mangeshkar.
- About ‘Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’
- French Recognition – Prestigious French award for significant contributions to arts and literature.
- Order of Merit – One of France's four ministerial orders, ranking below the Ordre National du Mérite and Légion d’Honneur.
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