PM pays tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of his Martyr’s Day.
Munda Rebellion
A tribal movement led by Munda against the British Raj.
Also referred to as 'Ulgulan' or the 'Great Tumult,' to establish Munda raj.
The rebellion aimed at challenging the colonial land revenue system, Zamindari system, and forced labor imposed on the tribals.
The movement's primary grievances were the introduction of the Zamindari system, which displaced tribals from their land, and the exploitation by outsiders or Dikus who took control of tribal lands and resources.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) released its first ever ‘Asset Monetization Strategy for the Road Sector’.
What is Asset Monetization?
Asset monetization, also commonly referred to as asset or capital recycling, is a widely used business practice globally.
It entails a limited period license / lease of a public sector asset to a private sector entity for an upfront or periodic consideration through a well-defined concession/ contractual framework.
Hence, it is a virtuous cycle where existing assets are converted into sources of funds, which are then invested in creating new assets.
The first State and Union Territory Engagement Workshop under National One Health Mission (NOHM) was conducted, charting a collaborative path forward for strengthening India's integrated One Health approach.
What is the One Health Approach?
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.
It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.
Rajya Sabha may form a panel to probe hate speech charges against HC judge.
What is ‘hate speech’?
Hate speech lacks a specific legal definition but generally refers to speech, writings, or actions that incite violence or spread hatred and disharmony between communities.
According to the Law Commission of India, hate speech targets groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc., intending to cause fear, alarm, or incite violence.
It is viewed as a restriction on free speech to protect individuals or groups from hate, violence, or humiliation.
The Law Commission has proposed adding two new IPC sections—153C and 505A—to specifically criminalize hate speech.
Recently, India and Norway reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in marine planning, Arctic research, and the Blue Economy at the Monaco Marine Conference (MCC).
Key Points
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): India aims to scale Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) across its coastline reinforcing its leadership in sustainable ocean management.
MSP is a science-based framework for optimizing ocean resources, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring coastal livelihoods, under the Indo-Norwegian Integrated Ocean and Research Initiative.
It has already yielded visible outcomes, particularly through pilot projects in Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
India-Norway Marine Pact: Both nations emphasized the importance of joint research in polar sciences and ocean sustainability.
The Union government notified key amendments to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Rules, 2006, to ease the establishment of semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing units.
About Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
Definition: They are designated areas within a country that operate under different economic regulations compared to the rest of the nation.
Purpose: The primary goal of establishing SEZs is to promote rapid economic growth by attracting domestic and foreign investment, boosting exports, and generating employment opportunities.
Legalisation: India was one of the first countries in Asia to adopt the EPZ model in 1965 with the Kandla EPZ. The Special Economic Zones Act was passed in India in 2005 to provide a legal framework.
Baba Kalyani Committee (2018): Formed to review the SEZ policy and make recommendations for its revitalization, including making it WTO-compatible, maximizing land utilization, and integrating it with other government schemes.
Sri Lanka is celebrating the sacred Poson Poya festival, marking the historic arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago.
About the festival
Observed on the June full moon, the festival commemorates the first sermon preached by Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, to King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale.
Thousands of devotees gather at the Mihintale Hill and other sacred sites such as Anuradhapura, which are central to the celebrations.
One of the significant qualities that ought to be emphasized among the values celebrated on Poson Poya is non-violence. In a world where violence continues to afflict humanity on many fronts, this festival reminds us that ‘Ahimsa’ is a timeless value that safeguards both one’s own and others’ right to life and freedom.
