{"id":37431,"date":"2025-02-15T18:54:35","date_gmt":"2025-02-15T13:24:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=37431"},"modified":"2025-08-22T14:42:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T09:12:32","slug":"news-in-short-15-february-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/15-02-2025\/news-in-short-15-february-2025","title":{"rendered":"News In Short-15-02-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Dokra Artwork<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :GS 1\/Art and Culture&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp; gifted French President Emmanuel Macron a traditional<strong> Dokra artwork <\/strong>depicting musicians playing Indian instruments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dokra art<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"887643\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"220\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Dokra-Artwork.png\" alt=\"Dokra-Artwork\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-37432\" style=\"--dominant-color: #887643; width:388px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Dokra-Artwork.png 350w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Dokra-Artwork-300x189.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dokra art from Chhattisgarh is a traditional metal-casting craft using the ancient lost-wax technique.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is also&nbsp; practiced in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The artwork, depicting musicians in dynamic poses, emphasizes the cultural significance of music in Indian heritage.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Made from brass and copper, it features fine detailing and is enhanced with lapis lazuli and coral.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The labor-intensive process showcases the artisans&#8217; skill and dedication, making the piece a celebration of India\u2019s tribal traditions and artistic excellence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Lost-wax technique<\/strong><br>&#8211; It involves patterning a clay core intricately with wax ribbons and then coating it carefully with a mix of clay and hay. The wax is subsequently melted off, and the cavity formed is filled with molten metal.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source :IE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Saroijini Naidu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS 1\/History&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India celebrates <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/sarojini-naidu\/\">Sarojini Naidu&#8217;s <\/a>birth anniversary on February 13 as National Women&#8217;s Day, marking her 146th birth anniversary in 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Sarijini Naidu<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/sarojini-naidu\/\">Sarojini Naidu,<\/a> born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, was an inspiring poet and political activist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>She is famously known as the <strong>Nightingale of India.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>She became the <strong>first female governor of independent India<\/strong> when she was appointed as the <strong>Governor of Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> in 1947.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Contributions :&nbsp; <\/strong>She played a key role in India&#8217;s struggle for independence and was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As a member of the Constituent Assembly, she helped in drafting&nbsp; the Indian Constitution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>She participated in the 1930 Round Table Conference with Mahatma Gandhi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poetry and Recognition<\/strong>: Naidu began writing poetry at a young age, penning her first long poem, The Lady of the Lake.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>She was elected as fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1914 after publishing her first poetry collection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Naidu&#8217;s poetry collection Golden Threshold (1905) earned her the title <strong>&#8220;Bul Bul e Hind&#8221;<\/strong> and recognition worldwide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multilingual Abilities: <\/strong>She<strong> <\/strong>spoke multiple languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, and English. Her eloquence in English captivated audiences both in India and abroad, making her a powerful voice in the Indian freedom movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legacy<\/strong>: Sarojini Naidu passed away in 1949, leaving a lasting legacy as a woman of substance and dignity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: PIB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>NAMASTE Scheme<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/ Welfare Scheme<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The distribution of PPE kits and Ayushman health cards under the <strong>NAMASTE scheme<\/strong> is a crucial step towards ensuring dignity, safety, and social empowerment of <strong>Safai Mitras.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About NAMASTE Scheme<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Objectives:<\/strong> Eradicate manual scavenging by promoting mechanized sanitation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhance the safety and dignity of sewer &amp; septic tank workers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Formalize the workforce and provide skill development opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Implemented By: <\/strong>Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) &amp; Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Implementation Timeline:<\/strong> FY 2023-24 to 2025-26 (3 years).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Target Group: <\/strong>Initially focused on sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wastepickers were added in 2024 to further expand coverage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: PIB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>U.S.-India TRUST Initiative<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :GS 2\/IR&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India and the US have launched the <strong>&#8220;Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology&#8221; (TRUST) initiative.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About TRUST Initiative<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It&nbsp; builds on national programs like the US<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/editorial-analysis\/21-04-2023\/critical-minerals-supply-chain-challenges#:~:text=Critical%20minerals%20are%20elements%20that%20are%20the%20building,and%20are%20at%20risk%20of%20supply%20chain%20disruptions.\"> Critical Minerals<\/a> and Materials (CMM) program and India\u2019s National Critical Minerals Mission to boost exploration, recycling, and R&amp;D in critical minerals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It focuses on cooperation in the recovery and processing of critical minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements (REEs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It aims to reduce barriers to technology transfer, address export controls, and enhance high-tech commerce between the two countries, particularly in critical minerals and advanced materials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Importance: <\/strong>It<strong> <\/strong>&nbsp;will promote collaboration among governments, academia, and the private sector to drive innovation in sectors like defense, AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, and space.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It aims to counter China&#8217;s dominance in critical minerals supply chains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source :IE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>India-US 123 Agreement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/IR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India-US 123 Agreement of 2007 could finally achieve its full potential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India and the United States affirmed their commitment to furthering a bilateral Energy Security Partnership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The announcement signals their commitment to \u201cfully realise\u201d the US-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement, alongside a pledge to move forward on plans to work together to build American-designed nuclear reactors in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>123 Agreement of 2007<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Also known as the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, it aims to facilitate <strong>civilian nuclear cooperation between the two countries.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Features:&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nuclear Trade: <\/strong>It allows the U.S. to supply India with nuclear fuel, technology, and reactors for civilian energy purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-Proliferation Commitment:<\/strong> India, in exchange, agrees to separate its civilian and military nuclear programs and place its civilian reactors under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No Restrictions on Military Programs: <\/strong>Unlike the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the agreement does not require India to forgo nuclear weapons development, as India is not a signatory to the NPT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Energy and Economic Cooperation: <\/strong>The agreement aims to enhance energy security, support India&#8217;s growing energy demands, and promote economic cooperation between the two nations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-economics\/why-the-india-us-123-agreement-of-2007-could-finally-achieve-its-full-potential-9835932\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sylla<\/strong><strong>bus: GS2\/ Welfare Scheme, GS3\/Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Finance Minister while presenting the Union Budget announced the launch of the <strong>Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PMDKY will cover 100 districts based on three broad parameters: low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit parameters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cropping intensity<\/strong> is a measure of how efficiently land is used, and it is defined as the percentage of the gross cropped area to the net area sown.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aim:&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhance agricultural productivity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adopt crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Augment post-harvest storage at panchayat and block level;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve irrigation facilities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilitate availability of long- and short-term credit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under this scheme, 1.7 crore farmers will receive support. The scheme will be implemented <strong>in partnership with state governments.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Benefits: <\/strong>Provides quality seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals to boost crop production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/everyday-explainers\/prime-minister-dhan-dhaanya-krishi-yojana-pmdky-9836373\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Ongole Breed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Viatina-19, a cow of the Ongole breed<\/strong>, has made history in Brazil by being auctioned for a staggering \u20b941 crore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Ongole Breed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Ongole breed, also known as the <strong>Nellore breed<\/strong>, originates from Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh, India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Characteristics of the Ongole Breed:<\/strong> Broad forehead, elliptical-shaped eyes, highly adaptable to extreme climatic conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Other Important Indigenous Cattle Breeds in India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gir (Gujarat)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hallikar (Karnataka)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Khillari (Maharashtra)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tharparkar (Rajasthan)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Deoni (Andhra Pradesh)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: TOI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Launches J. C. Bose Grant (JBG)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: <\/strong><strong>GS3\/ Achievements of India<\/strong><strong>ns in S&amp;T<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) <\/strong>has announced the launch of the <strong>J. C. Bose Grant (JBG<\/strong>)\u2014a prestigious new scheme aimed at recognizing the outstanding contributions of senior Indian scientists and engineers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About ANRF<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The ANRF serves as <strong>India\u2019s apex body for scientific research, providing strategic direction<\/strong> as per the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP). It aims to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seed, grow, and promote R&amp;D across disciplines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foster a culture of research and innovation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support capacity-building at all levels to strengthen India&#8217;s research ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About the J. C. Bose Grant (JBG)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Objective: <\/strong>To support senior-level researchers with exceptional achievements in science, technology, agriculture, medicine, humanities, and social sciences at the interfaces of S&amp;T.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eligibility: <\/strong>Active senior Indian scientists or researchers.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Holding at least a Professor-level position or equivalent at a recognized Indian institution\/university.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proven track record of excellence in research through publications, patents, technology transfers, awards, and grants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The grant can be availed until the age of 68.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Features:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Funding Amount:<\/strong> \u20b925 lakh per year for five years to support research activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Institutional Support:<\/strong> \u20b91 lakh per year for the implementing institution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multi-Disciplinary Scope<\/strong>: Supports research across science, technology, agriculture, medicine, humanities, and social sciences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/dst.gov.in\/anrf-launches-call-proposals-under-j-c-bose-grant-jbg\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DST<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi\u00a0 gifted French President Emmanuel Macron a traditional Dokra artwork depicting musicians playing Indian instruments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37431","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37431"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51897,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37431\/revisions\/51897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}