UPSC Daily Current Affairs| One Liners 12-04-2025

One Liners 11-04-2025

History, Art and Culture

Chittorgarh Fort

Recently, the Rajasthan government informed the Supreme Court that it is “actively considering” a complete ban on mining activities up to 10 kilometres from the outer boundary of the historic Chittorgarh Fort.

• It stands as the largest fort complex in India.  
• Location – On the Banks of river Gambhiri and Berach, Rajasthan.
• Construction – Initially constructed by Chitrangad of the Mori (Mourya) dynasty during the 7^th century AD.
• Key structures – It houses 65 historic structures, including 20 large temples, 6 palaces, memorials, and victory towers.
• Rani Padmini’s Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace Museum, and the Tower of Victory.
• Recognition – It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Polity & Governance

Revamped Microdata Portal

Recently, a revamped Microdata Portal was launched Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) during a conference of State Government Ministers.

• Developed by – Data Informatics & Innovation Division of MOSPI.
• In collaboration with World Bank Technology Team, it has adopted a modern scalable technology stack.
• Purpose – A centralized repository for extensive statistical data collected from national surveys and economic census.
• It enhances data accessibility, user experience and the integration of advanced technologies in the Official Statistical System.
• It ensures compliance with the latest security standards but also supports a responsive design and data access mechanism.

National Statistical System Training Academy

The web site of National Statistical System Training Academy was recently launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI).

• Developed by – Data Informatics & Innovation Division of MOSPI.
• Mandate – It includes imparting training in the field of Official Statistics to the statistical personnel.
• It covers government personnel of the Central, State and UT’s of India as well as for the developing countries in the Asia Pacific region.

International Relations and Issues

India-US Extradition Treaty, 1997

Recently, Tahawwur Rana, a co-conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks was extradited to India from the U.S. through Inia-US  Extradition Treaty 1997.

• Treaty – It enables extradition for crimes punishable by over a year's imprisonment in both nations.
• Conditions for India – The extradited person cannot be detained, tried, or punished in India for an offence other than the one for which extradition was granted.
• Exceptions include offences based on the same facts as the extraditable offence, offences committed after extradition, or if a waiver is granted by the US authorities.
• India cannot extradite the person to a third country for offences committed before the extradition without US consent.
• India must comply with its own legal procedures for handling extradited individuals, including those outlined in the Extradition Act, 1962.

India-Japan Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting

Recently, the 4^th JWG Meeting on Tourism Cooperation between India and Japan was held in New Delhi.

• It focused on finding new ways to work together and enhance tourism ties between the two nations.
• It concluded with mutual assurances of ongoing dialogue, further collaborations and a reinforced commitment to leveraging tourism as a bridge for enhancing bilateral relations and mutual prosperity.
• Key discussion points – Promoting Buddhist sites in India to Japanese tourists, improving air connectivity and encouraging Japanese student visits to the country.
• It also explored increased private sector involvement and strategies to harness media and influencer engagements for boosting tourist flow.

Economy

Registrar General of India (RGI)

Recently, the RGI warns hospitals on reporting delays of birth & death.

• RGI holds the office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (ORGI & CCI).
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Role – To ensure a systematic collection of statistics related to India’s population size, growth, and distribution.
• Key responsibilities – To conduct the Housing & Population Census under the Census Act, 1948.
• To manage the Civil Registration System (CRS) as per the Registration of Births & Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969.
• To oversee the National Population Register (NPR) under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Environment

Future Conservationist Award

Recently, a team of researchers from Kerala has been awarded the Future Conservationist Award for the project of conservation of Malabar Grey Hornbill.

• Awarded by – Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP).
• Partnership by – Fauna & Flora International, BirdLife International and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
• Role – It supports promising young conservationists with less than 5 years of professional experience, offering funding and tailored mentoring to lead impactful projects.

Malabar Grey Hornbill

• Scientific name – Ocyceros griseus.
• It has large, curved bill and striking grey plumage.
• Endemic to – Western Ghats.
• Distribution – Starts at low elevations, around 50 meters above sea level near the coast.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN – Vulnerable.

Indian Giant Flying Squirrel

A rare sighting of the Indian giant flying squirrel has been reported recently in Ranikhet in Uttarakhand.

• Scientific name – Petaurista philippensis.
• It is one of the largest flying squirrels which is similar in size.
• Characteristics – It glides between trees but does not fly and reproduces only once a year, giving birth to 1-3 young ones at a time.
• Diet – Feeds on fruits, seeds, flowers, tender leaves, and small insects, while becoming prey for owls, snakes, and wild cats.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN – Least concern.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule II.

Security

Digital Flight Data Recorder & Cockpit Voice Recorder
(DFDR & CVR) Laboratory

Recently, a state-of-the-art Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was inaugurated.

• It is widely called as Black Box Lab.
• Located at - Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in New Delhi.
• Nodal Agency – Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Role – It will enable AAIB to repair damaged black boxes, retrieve data, and conduct thorough analyses of accidents and incidents.
• With the ability to correlate data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder, Radar, and Flight Data Recorder, the lab will enhance the accuracy of investigative findings.