UPSC Daily Current Affairs| One Liners 27-03-2025

One Liners 27-03-2025

History, Art and Culture

Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum

Recently, A new national museum, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, is being developed in New Delhi to display India's rich cultural heritage.

• Central Vista Redevelopment- This museum will be housed in the iconic North and South Blocks as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
• Objective - To showcase India's extensive civilizational and cultural history, spanning thousands of years.
• International Collaboration - With France Museums Development has been signed for technical cooperation in the museum's development.
• Immersive Experience - Highlighting India's past, present, and future aspirations.

International Relations and Issues

International Unborn Child Day

Celebrated annually on March 25th, this day globally acknowledges the unborn child as a precious gift, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

• Origins and Establishment – By Pope John Paul II in 1999
• Symbolic Date Selection - March 25th was chosen as it falls nine months before Christmas, marking Jesus Christ’s birth, reinforcing the day's significance.
• Religious Confluence - The date also aligns with the Feast of the Annunciation, commemorating Jesus's conception, highlighting the value of unborn life.
• Goal of Awareness and Protection - The observance aims to raise global awareness about the rights and protection of unborn children, urging societal recognition and upholding these rights.

Agriculture

National Pest Surveillance System

Recently, The Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), Jammu,  organized a one-day National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) Training Program .

• Launched on -  August 15, 2024,
• Aims - To enhance pest and disease management nationwide.
• Nodal Ministry -  Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare 
• It utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) to provide real-time crop protection advisories.
• Digital Tools - NPSS offers a user-friendly mobile app and portal for pest and disease identification and mitigation.
• Crop Coverage- It covers 61 crops for identification and 15 major crops for detailed advisories.
• NPSS - Currently, it's available in 4 Language English, Hindi, Marathi & Punjabi.
• Government Strategy & Support - The government's six-point strategy focuses on increasing farmer incomes via improved productivity, reduced costs, diversification, climate adaptation, and loss compensation, with various schemes for grassroots agricultural development.

Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) -20

The 20^th (CGRFA) has begun in Rome, focusing on plant and forest genetic resource conservation.

• Established in – 1983 under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the CGRFA is an intergovernmental body dedicated to conserving biodiversity crucial for food security and agriculture.
• Global Policy & Coordination - The Commission develops international policies, monitors conservation efforts, and coordinates actions among member nations.
• Key Treaties & Data Management - It guided the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources and supports global databases for efficient resource management.
• Aim for Sustainable Use - CGRFA promotes the sustainable use of biodiversity, global cooperation, and fair benefit-sharing, holding biennial meetings to advance these goals.

Environment

Rushikonda's Blue Flag Reinstated

Recently, Rushikonda Beach regained its Blue Flag status after addressing maintenance issues that led to its temporary withdrawal by Foundation for Environment Education (FEE).

• Initiated in - France in 1985,
• Aim - To recognize environmentally responsible beaches.
• Blue Flag Certification Body - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) & International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• Blue Flag Certification awarded to – Beaches, Marinas & Sustainable boat tourism operators.
• Requires adherence to prescribed standards.
• Recent Additions (October 2022) - Minicoy Thundi Beach (Lakshadweep) & Kadmat Beach (Lakshadweep)
• Current Status - India now has 12 Blue Flag certified beaches.

Climate Resilience for Coastal Fishermen

The Indian government, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is addressing climate change impacts on coastal fishing communities. 100 villages are designated as Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV).

• Infrastructure Support - like fish processing centers and emergency facilities.
• Promotion of climate resilient livelihoods - Such as mariculture and provides support during lean periods.
• Research and Capacity Building - ICAR-Fisheries Research Institutes contribute through research, technology, and capacity building.
• International Collaboration on Marine Pollution - India participates in Glolitter and Reglitter projects (IMO/FAO) to combat marine plastic pollution, focusing on abandoned fishing gear

Sundarbans Groundwater Crisis

The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces severe groundwater depletion, threatening its unique ecosystem.

• Geographical Significance - Spanning 140,000 hectares, the Sundarbans features intricate waterways, mudflats, and islands, crucial for diverse species.
• Ecological Importance - Home to 260 bird species and endangered animals like the Bengal tiger, the mangroves provide vital habitats.
• Groundwater Depletion Rates - Studies reveal a 1-2 meter annual decline in groundwater levels, particularly in areas like Basanti.
• Causes of Depletion – Illegal groundwater extraction for agriculture, especially during dry seasons, is the primary cause of this rapid depletion.
• On World Water Day, over 500 residents protested against illegal groundwater extraction

Science

Partnership for Space Sustainability

Recently, Bellatrix Aerospace and Astroscale Japan have signed an MoU to collaborate on active debris removal, satellite servicing, and sustainable in-orbit mobility.

• Bellatrix Aerospace's Role - Bengaluru-based company brings its innovative propulsion technologies and space mobility solutions to the partnership.
• Astroscale Japan's - A leader in space debris mitigation, offers scalable services for life extension, situational awareness, and end-of-life disposal.
• Technological Validation - Astroscale's missions, including (End-of-Life Services by Astroscale – demonstration) ELSA-d & (Active Debris Removal by Astroscale - Japan) ADRAS-J, demonstrate its proven capabilities and collaborations with global space agencies.

Miscellaneous

Global Energy Review 2025 report

Recently, International Energy Agency published its Global Energy Review 2025 report.

• Global Energy Review - Refers to reports that provide comprehensive analyses of the latest trends in the global energy sector
• They examine various energy sources like fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal), renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.), and nuclear power.
• Key Highlights
• Global Energy Demand  - Grew by 2.2% in 2024, exceeding the decade's average. Electricity demand, driven by record temperatures and digitalization, rose sharply by 4.3%.
• Fuel Source Shifts - Renewables dominated supply growth (38%), followed by natural gas (28%). Oil's share declined below 30%, while coal demand increased, particularly in China and India, due to heatwaves.
• Electricity Consumption Boom - By industrial expansion, and EV adoption. Renewables and nuclear power supplied 80% of new generation, reaching 40% of total output.
• Emissions - CO2 emissions grew, though slower than economic growth, influenced by extreme temperatures.
• Energy intensity - Improvements slowed to 1%, impacted by post-Covid industrial growth and weather.
• Regional Dynamics - Emerging economies, led by China and India, accounted for over 80% of global energy demand growth.

          North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC's) Eri Silk Achievement

Recently, NEHHDC, under the Ministry of Ministry of Development of North-East Region (DoNER), has secured Oeko-Tex certification from Germany for its eri silk, marking a major milestone.

• Eri silk, or "peace silk - Is made from the domesticated silkworm Philosamia ricini. The moth naturally escapes its cocoon before harvesting, providing a cruelty-free option for silk.
• Oeko-Tex Certification Significance - Guarantees that Eri silk is free from harmful substances, ensuring safety and quality for consumers.
• Enhanced Marketability & Global Reach - Certification significantly boosts Eri silk's marketability, enabling Indian exporters to penetrate high-end international textile markets.
• Consumer Confidence & Eco-Friendly Practices - Oeko-Tex certification strengthens consumer trust by verifying eco-friendly production, aligning with growing sustainability trends.
• Supporting Ethical & Sustainable Trade - This achievement promotes ethical and environmentally conscious trade, bolstering the global acceptance of Indian Eri silk in premium markets.