{"id":37949,"date":"2025-02-24T18:59:49","date_gmt":"2025-02-24T13:29:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=37949"},"modified":"2025-03-24T12:38:45","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T07:08:45","slug":"news-in-short-24-february-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/24-02-2025\/news-in-short-24-february-2025","title":{"rendered":"News In Short-24-02-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Ali AI Ligang Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/ Art &amp; Culture<\/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> Mising tribe<\/strong>, Assam\u2019s largest tribal community, recently celebrated <strong>Ali Ai Ligang<\/strong> festival.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Ali AI Ligang Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Celebrated on the <strong>first Wednesday of Fagun<\/strong> (February-March), the festival is deeply rooted in agriculture, tradition, and cultural heritage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ali Ai Ligang<\/strong> has been celebrated for centuries in <strong>rural Mising villages. <\/strong>The Mising people have transitioned to settled wet paddy farming and <strong>practicing Jhum Cultivation.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The festival begins with the hoisting of the<strong> Laitom Tomchar (festival flag)<\/strong>. Offerings are made to <strong>Donyi Polo (Sun and Moon gods)<\/strong> for agricultural prosperity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Men and women perform<strong> Gumrag Dance<\/strong>, symbolizing joy and prosperity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: ANI&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/ History and Culture<\/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>A high-level delegation led by Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister is in Paris to seek <strong>UNESCO World Heritage status for 12 forts<\/strong> associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The forts of <strong>Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohagad, Salher, Sindhudurg, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Khanderi and Jinji<\/strong> have been included in the proposal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Major Forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Raigad Fort:<\/strong> It was the capital of the Maratha Empire from <strong>1674 to 1818.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is located on a hilltop in the <strong>Sahyadri Mountains.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rajgad Fort:<\/strong> First capital of Shivaji Maharaj before shifting to Raigad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pratapgad Fort:<\/strong> It is the site of the famous battle between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan in<strong> 1659.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sindhudurg Fort:<\/strong> It is located on an island off the <strong>Konkan coast.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vijaydurg Fort: <\/strong>It is known as the <strong>&#8216;Gibraltar of the East&#8217;<\/strong> due to its strong coastal defense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/maharashtra\/shelar-led-delegation-off-to-paris-to-obtain-unesco-heritage-status-for-12-forts-of-shivaji\/article69255530.ece#:~:text=M\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Lepakshi Temple<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus : GS 1\/Culture&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>Historians urged the government to take steps to get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/19-01-2024\/daily-current-affairs-19-01-2024\">Lepakshi temple<\/a> included in <strong>UNESCO heritage list.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lepakshi temple<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is located in <strong>Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh<\/strong>, is a remarkable 16th-century architectural and historical site.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is famous for its<strong> Dravidian-style architecture<\/strong>, intricate stone carvings, and monolithic structures.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is dedicated to<strong> Lord Veerabhadra<\/strong>, a form of Lord Shiva.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In March , 2023, UNESCO included the Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple complex in its provisional list of Heritage Sites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Present Status&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The State and Central governments are now tasked with conducting a detailed study of the temple&#8217;s architecture, sculptures, mural paintings, and the world&#8217;s largest monolithic bull (Nandi) statue, and submitting a report to the Central government.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: TH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Honduras<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/Places in News<\/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 dispatched humanitarian assistance of 26 tons to Honduras in the wake of the <strong>recent Tropical storm SARA.<\/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>Honduras is a country of <strong>Central America<\/strong> situated between G<strong>uatemala and El Salvador to the west and Nicaragua to the south and east.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the north, the country shares a vast stretch of coast with the <strong>Caribbean Sea. <\/strong>On the south, it shares a small stretch with the <strong>Pacific Ocean.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Honduras is the second largest country in Central America, following Nicaragua.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Official Language: <\/strong>Spanish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Rivers:<\/strong> Patuca, Ul\u00faa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major Mountain Ranges:<\/strong> Volcanic Highlands, Central American Cordillera.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"d7ebf2\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"980\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Honduras-1-1024x980.webp\" alt=\"Honduras\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-37956\" style=\"--dominant-color: #d7ebf2; width:406px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Honduras-1-1024x980.webp 1024w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Honduras-1-300x287.webp 300w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Honduras-1-768x735.webp 768w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Honduras-1-1536x1471.webp 1536w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Honduras-1.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: AIR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Gulf of Tonkin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS 1\/Places in News<\/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>Vietnam\u2019s foreign ministry has published a map defining its baseline claim in the <strong>Gulf of Tonkin.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This move aims to protect <strong>Vietnam\u2019s sovereignty, rights, and jurisdiction <\/strong>in the region.&nbsp; In March 2023, China unilaterally published a new maritime baseline, leading to diplomatic protests from Vietnam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Gulf of Tonkin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It&nbsp; is a<strong> northwest arm of the South China Sea<\/strong>, bordered by China, Hainan Island, and northern Vietnam.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>gulf receives the Red River<\/strong>, with key ports in Vietnam (Ben Thuy and Haiphong) and China (Beihai).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)<\/strong> played a crucial role in escalating the Vietnam War, as alleged attacks on U.S. naval vessels led to direct American military intervention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In 2000, Vietnam and China signed the Gulf of Tonkin Agreement, establishing exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundaries in accordance with <strong>UNCLOS 1982.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: TH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>BOBP-IGO<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Regional Grouping<\/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><strong>India Assumes Chairmanship of Bay of Bengal (BOB) Inter-Governmental Organisation <\/strong>at the 13th Governing Council in Mal\u00e9, Maldives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Established: <\/strong>2003 to support sustainable coastal fisheries development in the Bay of Bengal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purpose<\/strong>: Provides technical and management advice to member countries (<strong>Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka)<\/strong> on fisheries management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area of Competence:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of member states.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contiguous areas beyond national jurisdiction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mandate:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhance cooperation among member states, third countries, and organizations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on small-scale and artisanal fisheries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2105308\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Shaktikanta Das Appointed New Principal Secretary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Polity and Governance<\/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>Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das was appointed the <strong>Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.<\/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>He is only the<strong> second RBI Governor to have a six-year tenure<\/strong>, apart from Bimal Jalan (1997-2003).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Principal Secretary<\/strong> is the<strong> administrative head<\/strong> of the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO) and is considered the<strong> most important aide to the PM.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He is tasked with<strong> preparing notes on matters to be discussed between the PM and foreign dignitaries,<\/strong> ensuring coordination among various ministries and departments, sharing important orders before the PM, and so on.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The PMO also includes the National Security Advisor, Advisor to PM, Additional Secretaries, Joint Secretaries and other senior bureaucrats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/shaktikanta-das-rbi-new-principal-secretary-post-9851945\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Traumatic Asphyxia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/ Health<\/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>Recently Five of the 18 victims of the stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station died due to traumatic asphyxia.<\/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><strong>Traumatic asphyxia<\/strong> is a rare and serious condition that occurs when the upper chest or abdomen is subjected to severe compressive force, restricting respiratory function and blood flow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Causes: <\/strong>Commonly seen in stampedes, vehicular accidents, building collapses, and industrial accidents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Symptoms: <\/strong>It is characterized by symptoms such as <strong>cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), edema (swelling), and hemorrhages <\/strong>in the face, neck, upper extremities, and upper parts of the thorax.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Treatment:<\/strong> Supportive care, such as oxygen and fluid supplementation and treatment of associated injuries, such as fractures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/india-news\/5-of-18-delhi-stampede-victims-died-from-traumatic-asphyxia-lnjp-hospital-125021600451_1.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>BS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Stagflation<\/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>President Donald Trump&#8217;s hard-line trade policies have revived concerns about stagflation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Stagflation?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stagflation is an economic condition where high inflation, slow economic growth, and high unemployment occur simultaneously.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Causes of Stagflation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Supply Shocks:<\/strong> Events like oil price spikes (e.g., 1970s oil crisis) increase production costs, leading to inflation and slow growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Poor Economic Policies: <\/strong>Excessive money supply, high government spending, or trade restrictions can fuel inflation without boosting productivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structural Issues:<\/strong> Declining industrial output, labor market inefficiencies, and low investment contribute to economic stagnation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Combat Stagflation?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Supply-Side Policies:<\/strong> Boosting production efficiency and reducing bottlenecks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monetary &amp; Fiscal Balancing:<\/strong> Managing interest rates and government spending to control inflation without stalling growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Energy &amp; Trade Policies:<\/strong> Ensuring stable energy supplies and reducing trade barriers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: LM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>V.O.Chidambaranar Port<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Infrastructure<\/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 VOC Port Authority is exploring the possibility of setting up a shipbuilding facility in Thoothukudi.<\/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><strong>Location:<\/strong> V.O. Chidambaranar Port, formerly known as <strong>Tuticorin Port,<\/strong> is located on the southeastern coast of India in the<strong> Gulf of Mannar,<\/strong> at latitude<strong> 8\u00b0 45&#8217;N <\/strong>and longitude <strong>78\u00b0 13&#8217;E.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategic Significance:<\/strong> It lies close to the East-West International sea routes, making it a crucial hub for maritime trade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Natural Advantages:<\/strong> It is well-sheltered from storms and cyclonic winds, ensuring minimal disruptions in port operations.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Deep-water,<\/strong> <strong>all-weather port,<\/strong> operational round the clock, 365 days a year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"9eacca\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"691\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/V.O.Chidambaranar-Port-1.png\" alt=\"V.O.Chidambaranar-Port\" class=\"has-transparency wp-image-37957\" style=\"--dominant-color: #9eacca; width:439px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/V.O.Chidambaranar-Port-1.png 691w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/02\/V.O.Chidambaranar-Port-1-300x182.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 691px) 100vw, 691px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindubusinessline.com\/economy\/logistics\/why-voc-port-needs-an-outer-harbour\/article69255102.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>BL<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Perovskite-Based LEDs (PeLEDs)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ 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>Indian scientists at CeNS, Bengaluru, have developed an innovative method to enhance the stability of perovskite nanocrystals, addressing key challenges such as color degradation and heat sensitivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are PeLEDs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Perovskite is a <strong>class of compounds<\/strong> with a crystal structure similar to <strong>Calcium Titanate (CaTiO\u2083).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perovskite-based LEDs (PeLEDs) are <strong>light-emitting diodes<\/strong> that use <strong>perovskite nanocrystals<\/strong> as the light-emitting material.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They exhibit <strong>high luminescence, emitting bright<\/strong>, tunable light with superior color purity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They combine the <strong>advantages of OLEDs (Organic LEDs) and QLEDs<\/strong> (Quantum Dot LEDs) for high brightness, energy efficiency, and color tunability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: BS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/S&amp;T<\/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 Ministry of Mines has shifted minerals Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz from the list of minor minerals to the category of major minerals.<\/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><strong>Quartz, Felspar, and Mica<\/strong> occur in<strong> pegmatite rocks<\/strong> and are used in electronics, energy storage, aerospace, and healthcare industries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Barytes<\/strong> is widely used in industrial applications such as oil and gas drilling, electronics, TV screens, rubber, glass, ceramics, paints, and medical applications.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is also used in high-density concrete to <strong>shield against X-ray <\/strong>emissions in hospitals, power plants, and laboratories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The lease terms<\/strong> for mining these minerals have been <strong>extended to 50 years <\/strong>from the date of grant or until the completion of the renewal period, ensuring long-term stability for mining operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105215\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>False Killer Whales<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Species In News<\/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>Australia has begun euthanising the <strong>false killer whales<\/strong> stranded on a remote beach in <strong>Tasmania.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>False killer whales are large, social marine mammals from the dolphin family, found in <strong>tropical and subtropical oceans<\/strong> worldwide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They prefer d<strong>eep offshore waters<\/strong> but sometimes venture near coasts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They <strong>use echolocation and complex vocalizations<\/strong> for communication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pollution, overfishing, hunting, and bycatch threaten the population of them.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: BBC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Prime Minister\u2019s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus : GS 2\/Governance&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>The Prime Minister\u2019s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, 2024, received more than 1,500 nominations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Prime Minister\u2019s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It was <strong>&nbsp;instituted in 2006<\/strong> and it recognizes extraordinary work by Districts\/Organizations of the Central and State Governments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scheme was<strong> restructured in 2014, 2020, and revamped in 2021<\/strong> to focus on good governance, qualitative achievements, and last-mile connectivity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For 2024<\/strong>, the awards will recognize contributions in three categories:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Holistic Development of Districts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aspirational Blocks Programme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Innovation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: PIB<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Mising tribe, Assam\u2019s largest tribal community, recently celebrated Ali Ai Ligang festival.<\/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-37949","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\/37949","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=37949"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37949\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39669,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37949\/revisions\/39669"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}