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Yearly Archives: 2025

News In Short 30-August-2025

Context

  • In Jammu and Kashmir, the annual three-day Mela Patt, commenced at the ancient Khakhal Mohalla in Doda district. 

    • Mela Patt

  • It is dedicated to Lord Vasuki Nag, the presiding deity of Bhaderwah Valley.
  • The festival is rooted in the Nag culture,which  marks the historic meeting between Mughal Emperor Akbar and King Nag Pal of Bhaderwah. 
  • The festival has been celebrated since the 16th century.
  • It was first celebrated by King Nag Pal when Bhaderwah was known as Bhadarkashi.

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    India’s attempt to Harness its Marine Fisheries Potential

    Context

  • The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying recently released draft rules and guidelines to enable “sustainable” fishing in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas.

    • Potential of India’s Fisheries Sector

  • India has a coastline of approximately 11,098.81 km, with 1,457 landing centres and 3,461 fishing villages, providing a strong base for fisheries development.
  • India is the third largest fish-producing country in the world accounting for 8% of global production in 2022-2023.
  • The country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans nearly 2 million sq km, with an estimated annual potential of 5.31 million metric tonnes (MMT) of capture fisheries.
  • India’s marine fish catch was recorded at 44.95 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 and 44.32 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.

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    Funding Concerns in DBT Biocare Programme

    Context

  • Almost five months after being selected for the DBT Biocare programme, none of the 75 chosen candidates has received the funds promised or salaries.

    • About

  • The DBT, which is under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), has been running the Biocare programme since 2011. 
  • It is mainly meant for the career development of unemployed female scientists, for whom it will be the first extramural research funding sanctioned by the government.
  • A doctoral woman researcher selected under the programme is eligible for a ₹60 lakh grant for three years. This includes a salary component of ₹75,000 a month.
  • From 2020 to 2024, on average annually, nearly 50 women scientists have been beneficiaries of the programme.

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    Road Accidents in India 2023 Report

    Context

  • Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) released its ‘Road Accidents in India 2023’ report following a Supreme Court’s direction after several delays.

    • Key Causes of Road Accidents

  • Overspeeding (68%): The leading cause of fatalities. Driving beyond speed limits reduces reaction time and increases impact severity.
  • Driving on the Wrong Side (5.5%): Includes wrong-way driving on one-ways or overtaking from the left. Often leads to head-on collisions.
  • Distracted Driving: Use of mobile phones, eating, or adjusting controls while driving contributes significantly to crashes.
  • Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs judgment, reflexes, and coordination, making it a persistent risk factor.

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    India–Saudi Arabia Defence Cooperation (2025)

    In News

  • The 7th meeting of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) was held recently. 

    • Key Outcomes of the Meeting

  • Expansion of Defence Cooperation: Training, industrial partnerships, maritime security, and joint military exercises.
  • India offered training slots for Saudi personnel in Indian institutions.
  • New Areas of Collaboration: Cybersecurity, Tactical communication, Information technology, Disaster management etc.
  • Military Engagements: India showcased ‘Make in India’ defence equipment.

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    UNDP Report on FRA Implementation (2025)

    In News

  • The UNDP report “Securing Rights, Enabling Futures – Policy Lessons from FRA and Future Pathways” reviewed nearly 20 years of Forest Rights Act (FRA) implementation.

    • About Forest Rights Act

  • The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act) is landmark legislation recognizing and vesting rights over forest land and resources for forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFDs).
  • Under this, Tribe and traditional dwellers get rights to manage, access, and use forest land and produce, including intellectual property and traditional knowledge.
  • The Gram Sabha (village assembly) initiates, verifies, and decides claims for rights, supported by sub-divisional and district-level committees
  • FRA prevents eviction of forest dwellers without rehabilitation and settlement.

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    15th India–Japan Annual Summit (2025)

    In News

  • At the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit (2025), both nations adopted a “Joint Vision for the Next Decade” along with multiple agreements covering economic, security, technological, and cultural cooperation.

    • Key Outcomes of the Summit

  • Joint Vision for the Next Decade: Framework across eight pillars: economic partnership, economic security, mobility, innovation, defence, environment, multilateral cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
  • Security & Defence Cooperation: Adoption of a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, intensifying strategic ties.
  • Launch of economic security initiatives to safeguard supply chains, technology, and minerals.
  • Expanded defence exercises: Dharma Guardian (Army), Shinyuu Maitri (Air Force), JIMEX (Navy).

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