News In Short-17-05-2025

58th Jnanpith Award

Syllabus: Syllabus: GS1/ Culture

Context

• President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 58th Jnanpith Award on Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar.

About Jnanpith Award (also spelled Gyanpeeth Award)

• It is India’s highest literary honor, instituted in 1961 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith.
  • Bharatiya Jnanpith is a literary and research organization founded by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Smt. Rama Jain.
• It is awarded for the work in 22 languages recognized by the Constitution of India and, from 2013, in the English language.
  • Once a language receives the award, it becomes ineligible for the next 3 years.
• It is awarded annually to an Indian author for their outstanding contribution to literature.
• The prize carries a cash award, a citation, and a bronze replica of Vagdevi (Saraswati), the goddess of learning.
• The first recipient of the award was the Malayalam writer G. Sankara Kurup who received the award in 1965 for his collection of poems, Odakkuzhal (The Bamboo Flute).

Source: PIB

Rajon ki Baoli

Syllabus: Syllabus: GS1/Culture

Context

• The Archaeological Survey of India restored the 16th- century stepwell, Rajon ki Baoli.

About the Rajon ki Baoli

• Built around 1506 by the Daulat Khan during the Lodi dynasty (at the reign of the Ibrahim Lodi), Rajon ki Baoli stands as a testament to Lodhi-era architecture and traditional water engineering. 
  • The name ‘Rajon Ki Baoli’ comes from the masons (Raj Mistri) who were living at the Baoli and using its water.
• This four-tiered stepwell was thoughtfully designed not only to store water but also to offer shade and rest to travellers. 
• Its elegant arched colonnades, ornate stucco medallions with floral and geometric patterns, and finely carved stone elements reflect the artistic sophistication of the time.

About Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)

• Ruled: Delhi Sultanate (1451–1526)
• Dynasty Origin: Founded by Bahlul Lodi, the first Afghan ruler of Delhi.
• Significance: The last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate before the rise of the Mughals.
• Territorial Reach: Dominated Punjab, Jaunpur, Gwalior, and the Upper Ganga Valley.

Source: PIB

PM E-Drive

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

In News

• The Karnataka government has formally requested the allocation of electric buses under the PM E-Drive initiative.

About PM E-Drive

• Launch: 2024
• Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries.
• Aim: To accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India by providing demand incentives, supporting the establishment of charging infrastructure, and fostering the growth of the EV manufacturing ecosystem.
• Duration: 2 years (2024 to 2026).
• Components:
  • Subsidies (Demand Incentives): Financial support for buyers of e-2Ws (electric two-wheelers), e-3Ws (electric three-wheelers including e-rickshaws and e-carts), e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging EV categories. These incentives are provided to reduce the upfront purchase price.
  • Grants for creation of capital assets: Financial assistance for the deployment of e-buses, the establishment of a network of public EV charging stations for various vehicle categories, and the upgradation of vehicle testing agencies under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
• The PM E-DRIVE scheme subsumes the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024.

Source: TH

Shingles Vaccine

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Context

• A recent study highlighted that shingles vaccination can lower the development of cardiovascular conditions by 23%. 

About Shingles

• It is a viral infection that causes painful rashes and is caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. 
• Once a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in their body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause shingles.
• Though, the people who never had chickenpox or didn’t get chickenpox vaccine can get infected with VZV from someone who has shingles. 
• These people can get the virus through:
  • Direct contact with the fluid from shingles rash blisters.
  • Breathing in virus particles that come from the blisters.
• Vaccination: The shingles vaccine, which prevents the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, is recommended primarily to individuals over the age of 50 years. 

Source: IE

RBI Surplus Transfer to the Government

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• The central board of directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reviewed the Economic Capital Framework (ECF), to assess risk provisioning and surplus distribution.
  • It is estimated that in FY 2024–25, the RBI may transfer ₹2.5–₹3 lakh crore to the central government, up from ₹2.11 lakh crore in FY 2023–24.

How Does RBI Make Profits?

• Returns on foreign assets: Investments in sovereign bonds, treasury bills, and deposits with foreign central banks.
• Interest income: From holdings of rupee-denominated government securities, and lending to banks (like repo operations).
• Commission: For managing public debt (central and state governments).

Policy on Surplus Distribution

• The “surplus” is the net of income over expenditure, and it is transferred to the Central Government under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934, after provisioning for: Bad debts, Depreciation, Staff benefits and Contingency reserves.
• While there is no explicit policy on surplus, recommendations have been made over the years:
  • Malegam Committee, 2013: Advocated higher transfer of surplus to the government.
  • Jalan Committee, 2019: Recommended maintaining a Contingency Risk Buffer (CRB) at 5.5–6.5% of RBI’s balance sheet, with excess transferred as surplus.

Source: TH

NASA’s Grail Mission

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• NASA’s Grail (Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory) Mission has unveiled significant differences between the moon’s nearside and farside.

Major Findings

• Asymmetrical Lunar Interior: GRAIL data revealed that the Moon’s interior structure is not uniform.
  • The nearside, which always faces Earth, has a warmer, more geologically active mantle compared to the farside.
• Tidal Deformation: The Moon undergoes tidal deformation due to Earth’s gravity.
  • The nearside flexes more, indicating a softer, hotter mantle, which supports the idea of thermal asymmetry.
• Volcanic Origins of Surface Differences: Ancient intense volcanism on the nearside led to accumulation of radioactive, heat-generating elements (like thorium and titanium).
  • This volcanism formed vast mare plains on the nearside, contrasting with the rugged highlands of the farside.
• Enhanced Gravitational Map: The GRAIL mission provided the most detailed gravitational map of the Moon to date.
  • Supports future development for the upcoming lunar missions.

GRAIL Mission Overview

• Agency: NASA
• Launch Date: September 10, 2011
• Orbit Start: December 31, 2011
• End of Mission: December 17, 2012 (controlled crash into the Moon)
• Spacecraft: Two identical satellites named Ebb and Flow.
• Goal: Map the Moon’s gravitational field with unprecedented precision to better understand its internal structure and geological evolution.

Significance

• Better gravity maps enhance navigation, landing precision, and safety for rovers and astronauts.
• Techniques used can be applied to other moons like Enceladus (Saturn) and Ganymede (Jupiter), aiding the search for extraterrestrial life.
• Reinforces the Moon’s role in stabilizing Earth’s rotation and driving ocean tides, which are vital for life and climate.

Source: TOI

125 Years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Syllabus: GS3/ S&T

In News

• The department of posts released a commemorative stamp marking the 125th anniversary of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.

About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

• It was established in 1899 by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and is located at the southern tip of the Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu.
• It was set up to study the Sun and its influence on Earth’s climate, especially the Indian monsoons.
• The observatory was established in response to the devastating Great Drought of 1875–1877, which, along with a global famine, killed nearly 50 million people.
• The Famine Commission of the time recommended setting up a solar observatory to understand the potential link between solar activity and rainfall patterns.
• Charles Michie Smith, a physicist, was tasked with identifying a suitable location. Kodaikanal was selected due to its clear skies, low humidity, and minimal fog, ideal for solar observations.
• A landmark scientific discovery made at KoSO was the Evershed Effect in January 1909. This phenomenon is the apparent radial flow of gases observed in the penumbra (outer region) of sunspots on the Sun.

Other Major Indian Space Observatories

• Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) (Hanle, Ladakh): It is one of India’s premier facilities for optical and infrared astronomy. It is also managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
• Mt. Abu Infrared Observatory (MIO) (Aravalli Range): It is operated by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL). It specializes in infrared observations of celestial bodies.
• Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) (Pune): It is one of the world’s largest low-frequency radio telescopes. Operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), it consists of 30 steerable parabolic dishes and uses the SMART (Stretch Mesh Attached to Rope Trusses) design concept.

Source: IE

Akashteer

Syllabus: GS3/ Defence

Context

• Akashteer played a pivotal role in the recent conflict following Operation Sindoor, wherein India targeted 9 terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

About the Akashteer

• Fully indigenous automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Designed to intercept and neutralize incoming enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles with high precision.
• Integrates multiple radar systems such as: Tactical Control Radar (REPORTER), 3D Tactical Control Radars, Low-Level Lightweight Radar and Akash Weapon System radar.

Key Features

• Enables real-time coordination between control rooms, radars, and ground defence guns.
• Automates detection, tracking, and engagement — reducing manual error and minimizing friendly fire.
• Functions as part of India’s C4ISR framework: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.
• Interoperable with ISRO satellites and NavIC GPS, enhancing situational awareness and precision.
• Vehicle-based and mobile, enabling rapid deployment and adaptability in high-threat zones.

Strategic Significance

• Represents a seismic shift in India’s warfare strategy — from passive defence to proactive retaliation.
• Offers autonomous, low-level airspace monitoring and effective control of ground-based air defence weapons.
• Enhances tri-services synergy (Army, Navy, Air Force) through seamless digital integration.

Source: PIB

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Context

• National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India with support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, hosted the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Intelligence & Investigations (I&I) Workshop in New Delhi.

About

• This workshop was part of the Capability and Capacity Building Project, a key initiative focused on strengthening WADA’s Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (GAIIN).
• It brought together intelligence and investigations experts from across the globe to share knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and enhance the global anti-doping system.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

• WADA is a Swiss private law, not-for-profit Foundation. WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport.
• It was created as a result of a joint initiative by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and various governments.
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
• Seat: Lausanne, Switzerland

Source: PIB