{"id":39487,"date":"2025-03-20T19:10:01","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T13:40:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=39487"},"modified":"2025-03-21T14:08:52","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T08:38:52","slug":"news-in-short-20-march-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/20-03-2025\/news-in-short-20-march-2025","title":{"rendered":"News In Short-20-03-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>World Puppetry Day<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/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>India Habitat Centre (IHC) has organized special performances to commemorate World Puppetry Day.<\/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>Every year on <strong>March 21st<\/strong>, World Puppetry Day seeks to <strong>recognize puppetry as a global art form.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It\u2019s also a day <strong>to honor puppeteers around the world.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The art of puppetry <\/strong>includes the making and manipulation of puppets for use in some kind of theatrical performance, for stage, television, or film.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A puppet<\/strong> is a figure\u2014human, animal, or abstract in form\u2014that is moved by human effort, not mechanical aid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Puppetry in India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Puppetry is an ancient performing art, used for storytelling, entertainment, and social commentary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"7b6559\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"875\" height=\"582\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/World-Puppetry-Day.png\" alt=\"World Puppetry Day\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-39488\" style=\"--dominant-color: #7b6559; width:474px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/World-Puppetry-Day.png 875w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/World-Puppetry-Day-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/World-Puppetry-Day-768x511.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 875px) 100vw, 875px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Major Types:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>String Puppets (Kathputli):<\/strong> Popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat, controlled by strings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shadow Puppetry: <\/strong>Leather puppets used to cast shadows, popular in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rod Puppetry: <\/strong>Puppets controlled with rods, found in West Bengal and Assam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Glove Puppets:<\/strong> Worn on the puppeteer&#8217;s hand, notably in Kerala (Pavakathakali).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/ihc-organises-special-performances-to-commemorate-world-puppetry-day\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>AIR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>\u2018Squad\u2019 Alliance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/IR\/Regional Groupings<\/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 has been invited to join the <strong>multilateral alliance Squad<\/strong> to prevent China&#8217;s influence in the South China Sea.&nbsp;<\/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>The Squad is an<strong> informal alliance <\/strong>formed in <strong>2024 <\/strong>with countries such as <strong>Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The group now plans<strong> to invite India and South Korea to join it.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The defence forces of this alliance have <strong>conducted joint maritime activities<\/strong> in the <strong>exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the South China Sea.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aim: <\/strong>The Squad\u2019s joint maritime activities are aimed at providing <strong>strategic responses to tensions in the Philippines\u2019 waters <\/strong>in the South China Sea.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Currently, India is a part of<strong> Quad,<\/strong> an alliance of the US, Japan, and Australia, which informally tries to keep a check on China&#8217;s dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Quad is a tactical grouping that operates at a higher, more strategic level, across the Indo-Pacific.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livemint.com\/news\/will-india-join-squad-to-boost-security-in-south-china-sea-11742434821023.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>LM<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>APAAR ID<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/ Education<\/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>Activists and parents have raised concerns over the rapid push by schools to create APAAR IDs, despite it being voluntary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the APAAR ID?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID is a unique <strong>12-digit code<\/strong> that will help students to digitally store, manage, and access all their academic credits, including Score card, marksheets, gradesheet, degrees, diplomas, certificates &amp; co-curricular accomplishments.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This initiative is part of the <strong>&#8216;One Nation, One Student ID&#8217; program<\/strong> launched by the Ministry of Education, aligning with the new <strong>National Education Policy of 2020<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ID is generated through the Unified District Information System For Education Plus <strong>(UDISE+) portal<\/strong>, which contains regional academic statistics and data on schools, teachers and students.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/124626\/OPS\/GP6E4SJ3B.1+G9PE4VDIV.1.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TH<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Revised National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS 3\/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>The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Revised National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD) to strengthen the dairy sector.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The revised NPDD allocates an additional \u20b91000 crore, bringing the total outlay to \u20b92790 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is a <strong>Central Sector Scheme<\/strong> launched in <strong>2014 (revised in 2021)<\/strong> aims to modernize and expand dairy infrastructure, ensure sustained growth and productivity, and enhance farmers&#8217; income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Component A: Dairy Infrastructure Enhancement:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Focus: <\/strong>Strengthening core dairy infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Methods: <\/strong>Supporting the creation of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs) and Milk Producer Companies (MPCs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Examples: <\/strong>Funding milk chilling plants, milk testing labs, and quality certification systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Component B: Dairying Through Cooperatives (DTC):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> Sustainable development of dairy cooperatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaboration: <\/strong>Implemented with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scope: <\/strong>Enhancing production, processing, and marketing infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Area: <\/strong>Implemented in 9 states.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Achievements&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The NPDD has benefited over 18.74 lakh farmers, created over 30,000 jobs, and increased milk procurement capacity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the revised programme, 10,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies and two Milk Producer Companies will be formed, generating 3.2 lakh new jobs and advancing technology use in the sector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: PIB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Implementation of Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :GS 3\/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>The Union Cabinet approved the <strong>Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)<\/strong> with an additional allocation of \u20b91,000 crore, bringing the total budget to \u20b93,400 crore for the 2021-2026 period under the 15th Finance Commission.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rashtriya Gokul Mission<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It was launched in December 2014&nbsp; with a view to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing the<strong> Rashtriya Gokul Mission.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It focuses on the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of the bovine population, and enhancing milk production and productivity, thereby making dairy farming more profitable for farmers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Major Components&nbsp;<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Nationwide Artificial Insemination Program: <\/strong>It aims to boost the milk production and productivity of bovines, including indigenous breeds.&nbsp;<br>&#8211; <strong>Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection<\/strong>: It aims to produce high genetic merit bulls, including bulls of indigenous breeds.&nbsp;<br>&#8211; <strong>Implementation of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Technology:<\/strong> The technology has an important role in genetic upgradation of bovine population in single generation.&nbsp;<br>&#8211; <strong>Sex-Sorted Semen Production: <\/strong>The Department has established sex sorted semen production facilities at 5 government semen stations located in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;<br>&#8211; <strong>Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs):<\/strong> Under the scheme MAITRIs are trained and equipped to deliver quality Artificial Insemination services at farmers\u2019 doorstep.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Latest Revisions&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The revised mission will be implemented as a<strong> Central Sector component <\/strong>of the Development Programmes scheme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It introduces two new initiatives and here first will&nbsp; <strong>provide 35% capital assistance for establishing Heifer Rearing Centres .<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Second will offer a<strong> 3% interest subvention<\/strong> on loans for purchasing High Genetic Merit (HGM) IVF heifers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Core activities, including strengthening artificial insemination networks, supporting breed improvement programs, and establishing Centres of Excellence, will continue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Achievements&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The mission has led to a 63.55% increase in milk production over the past decade and a rise in per capita milk availability from 307 grams\/day in 2013-14 to 471 grams\/day in 2023-24.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAI<\/strong><strong>P)<\/strong> has covered over 8.39 crore animals, benefiting 5.21 crore farmers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RGM has introduced advanced breeding technologies, including 22 IVF labs, resulting in 2,541 high-genetic-merit calves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The development of <strong>Gau Chip and Mahish Chip <\/strong>for indigenous bovines and Gau Sort technology highlights India\u2019s progress in self-reliance for dairy technology.<\/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>Ashwini Radar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Defence<\/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 Ministry of Defence has signed a capital acquisition contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of the<strong> Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) \u2018Ashwini\u2019 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Ashwini Radar<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Designed and developed by Electronics &amp; Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), DRDO.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uses state-of-the-art solid-state technology for superior performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Capable of detecting and tracking targets up to 200 km.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can track high-speed fighter jets as well as slow-moving aerial threats like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: TH<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India Habitat Centre (IHC) has organized special performances to commemorate World Puppetry Day.<\/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-39487","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\/39487","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=39487"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39487\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39516,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39487\/revisions\/39516"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39487"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39487"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39487"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}